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Vietnam Highlights : Hanoi- Ninh Binh- Halong Bay-Da Nang-Hoi An-Bana Hills-Ho Chi Minh City
8 Nights 9 Days
Overview
Discover the best of Vietnam in this immersive 9-day journey from north to south. Explore the charm of Hanoi, cruise through stunning Halong Bay, and experience the beauty of Ninh Binh. Fly to Da Nang for beaches, the magical town of Hoi An, and the iconic Golden Bridge at Bana Hills. End your trip in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, with visits to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the scenic Mekong Delta.
Perfect for first-time travelers seeking culture, nature, and history — all in one trip.
DAY WISE ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi & Half-Day City Tour
Meals: None
Overnight: Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, where ancient history and modern life coexist harmoniously. Upon your arrival at the airport, settle into your hotel and prepare for an exciting half-day city tour.
Afternoon Tour Highlights:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Start your journey at the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark in Hanoi. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, marveling at the Turtle Tower and admiring the local life, especially the beautiful scenery at sunset.
- Old Quarter: Wander through the bustling streets characterized by narrow lanes and traditional shophouses. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, sample local street food such as pho and banh mi, or shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Visit the solemn mausoleum preserving the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Explore the surrounding complex including the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilts House, offering insights into Vietnam's revolutionary history.
- Temple of Literature: Conclude your tour at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. This ancient temple dedicated to Confucius is a serene oasis, filled with beautiful courtyards, ponds, and stunning architecture.
Evening: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 2 – Day Trip to Ninh Binh with Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hanoi
After breakfast, embark on a day trip to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” due to its stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies.
Day Highlights:
- Hoa Lu: Visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, exploring temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
- Tam Coc: Enjoy a serene boat ride through breathtaking scenery, gliding underneath natural limestone arches alongside picturesque rice fields.
Return to Hanoi in the evening for a restful night.
Day 3 – Halong Bay Day Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
- Prepare for an unforgettable journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
- After breakfast, take a scenic shuttle bus to Halong Bay.
Schedule:
- 8:45-9:15 AM: Pick up from Hanoi hotel to depart for Halong Bay.
- Approximately 2.5-hour drive via Hanoi – Haiphong – Tuan Chau Highway.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor; board boat to start the excursion.
- 12:30 PM: Set menu lunch on the boat, enjoying views of iconic limestone formations such as Fighting Chicken and Incense Burner Islets.
- 2:00 PM: Visit Bo Hon Island and explore Sung Sot Cave, renowned for its spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
- 2:45 PM: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave to discover the beautiful lagoon.
- 3:15 PM: Visit Ti Top Island, with options to swim or trek to the top for panoramic views of Halong Bay.
- 4:00 PM: Sunset party on the boat with wine, fruits, and biscuits as you cruise back to the harbor.
- 5:45 PM: Arrive back at harbor and transfer by bus to Hanoi.
- 8:30 PM: Drop off at hotel.
Return to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Day 4 – Fly to Da Nang
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Da Nang
- After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
- Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring Da Nang’s beautiful beaches, such as My Khe Beach.
Day 5 – Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest & Hoi An City
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hoi An
Start your day with breakfast, then head to Cam Thanh Coconut Forest.
Day Highlights:
- Boat Ride: Experience a traditional basket boat ride through serene coconut groves, learning about local fishermen’s livelihoods and enjoying the scenic surroundings.
- Hoi An Ancient Town: In the afternoon, explore the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, and lively markets.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6 – Bana Hills
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Bana Hills Resort
- After breakfast, visit Bana Hills, a mountainous resort famous for stunning views and the iconic Golden Bridge, supported by giant stone hands.
- Take the cable car ride—the longest in the world—offering panoramic views of Da Nang and countryside.
- Explore the French Village, gardens, and pagodas.
Note: Roller coaster, wax museum, wine tasting, and reward games are not included.
Day 7 – Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport (no guide escort) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the day relaxing or exploring the vibrant city streets.
Day 8 – Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Explore two contrasting highlights of southern Vietnam:
Day Highlights:
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Visit the vast underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, learning about the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.
- Mekong Delta: Take a boat ride through lush waterways, visit local markets, and taste tropical fruits in the vibrant delta region.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight stay.
Day 9 – Leisure until Departure
Meals: Breakfast
- Enjoy your final day at leisure for relaxation or last-minute shopping and sightseeing before transferring to the airport (no guide escort) for your departure flight.
Inclusions
-
8 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
-
All airport and tour transfers
-
Guided tours in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh
-
Halong Bay day cruise with lunch
-
Bana Hills tour with cable car & Golden Bridge
-
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta day trip
-
Entrance fees to all listed attractions
-
English-speaking guide during tours
Exclusions
- GST 5%
- TCS As Applicable
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa arrangement fee & Visa stamp at international gate
- Early check in or late check out
- Travel insurance
- Optional tours
- Drink & Beverage in meals
- Transaction fee
- Tipping
