12 days Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

08:00 - 08:30: Our guide will meet you at the hotel, and we will begin our exciting half-day tour in Hanoi, which includes various remarkable well-known attractions:

Firstly, we visit the Temple of Literature, which is the first national university of Vietnam. The place is where culture seekers can explore the diverse buildings and gardens that make up the temple complex.

One Pillar Pagoda is the second attraction you will head to - a cultural and spiritual attraction processing unique architecture like a beautiful lotus emerging from the water. An essential destination where the Vietnamese pay their respects and express their gratitude to their leader is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is a must-visit for those interested in Vietnam’s history.

Our guide will lead you to the oldest religious temple in the city, Tran Quoc Pagoda. Situated by Hanoi West Lake, the temple strikes a perfect balance of majesty, heritage, and elegance in its architecture.

At the end of the venture, your group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Our guide will drop you off at the hotel after that.

NOTE: Departure in the morning at 08:00 or afternoon at 13:00, depending on availability.

The mausoleum is closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug. You can only take photographs from the outside.

If you're looking for a night's adventure, booking an extra tour will be a great option. We have got some suggested optional tours that you might be interested in:

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at 08:00 and head to the cruise port in Halong Bay.

Upon arrival, the cruise staff will help you with the check-in procedure. At noon, nature goers will be warmly welcomed with a welcome drink, then listen to the cruise introduction and safety guidelines briefly.

A delectable lunch will be served on board while the cruise is sailing further to secluded parts of the bay. Let’s start our expedition by participating in different exciting activities such as swimming and submerging yourself in the emerald cool water, exploring mysterious caves by kayaking, etc.

After returning to the cruise, a Vietnamese cooking class to make local spring rolls will await you. Passengers can also sip a cocktail on sundeck during the afternoon program Happy Hour - Buy 1 Get 1.

A tasty dinner is ready to be served at the cruise’s restaurant. After that, you can freely enjoy amusing activities onboard, such as board games, squid fishing, night movies, bar & karaoke. 

NOTE: You may be transferred to a smaller boat (tender), which is easily accessible to secluded parts.

The precise itinerary will depend on each Halong Bay cruise that available on your travel date.

You can spend your morning in the bay by joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, with deliberate movements and breathing exercises.

For anyone who can’t wake up soon, you can also sleep until breakfast time.

After having breakfast, the cruise will take you on a new excursion to discover another famous attraction of Halong Bay.

Around 10:00, you will return to the ship and pack your luggage for checkout. A scrumptious brunch is served onboard while the cruise sails back to the port.

Around noon, our driver will pick you up to back to Hanoi.

Reaching your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, you are free to discover Hanoi on your own. Let’s explore the city’s ancient streets, hidden valleys, and savor tasty street food at local vendors.

It’s the last day in Hanoi before heading to the next destination of this holiday package.

Depending on the flight time, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. 

Our local driver in Danang will be waiting for you at Da Nang Airport and drive you to your hotel in Hoi An. 

Welcome to the laidback town - Hoi An! You will have free time for the rest of the day to relax, or spend your leisure time exploring the most charming town in Vietnam, which features a slow pace of life and vintage architecture.

Morning /Afternoon Let’s get ready for the half-day walking tour today!

Our guide will take you to the highlight spots in Hoi An Ancient Town. Prepare to take part in lots of activities in this adventure to discover the town’s charm.

Begin your lovely day by paying a visit to ancient houses and famous sites in the area. Two notable spots that you won't want to miss are the Fujian Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge, both of which are known for their special architecture and historical significance.

As you explore the area, be sure to take some time to observe the daily local life and admire the adorable yellow-painted buildings that line the scenic river. It's a great way to get a sense of the community and immerse yourself in the local culture. You can also stop by some handicraft stores, where you can see how traditional handmade products are created, or buy unique souvenirs for friends and family.

After a long day of walking and sightseeing, you will try a cup of the famous herbal drink called “Mot”. It's known for its cooling and refreshing properties - the perfect way to end your day on a high note.

You have free time to explore the town on your own rest of the day.

NOTE: The morning /afternoon departure depends on availability.

After breakfast, you will have spare time to pack your suitcase before transferring to Hue. It takes about 2 hours on the road to reach the ancient capital.

Upon arrival, the hotel staff will welcome you and help you check in. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the city by yourself.

If you need a guide to show you around, why not consider booking one of our fascinating optional tours in Hue:

You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00 - 08:30 to start your city exploration.

Today, your group can have the chance to see the best of Hue, from ancient royal architecture to hectic local life.

The first well-known attraction in Hue that you will visit is the Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhist attraction considered the unofficial symbol of the city located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River.

The next journey is to discover the Imperial Citadel, which is one of the remaining Hue Monuments Complex recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1993.

For those who want to get closer to the locals and experience bargaining skills like a local, Dong Ba Market is a great place to visit and buy souvenirs.

End of the expedition, the driver will bring you back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours.

For gourmets who are in love with Vietnamese cuisine, please take a look at our optional Hue Night Culinary Tour (From US $48/pax). Starting at 18:00, you can join an interesting itinerary to try Hue specialties and take a cyclo ride.

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will take a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Bai Airport.

Upon arrival, our driver will wait for you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, you might want to take some time to unwind and relax.

If you're feeling up for it, you could also explore the city and see what it has to offer. As for your night out with us, here are a few optional suggestions that you might love:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then let’s start your adventure by heading to Cu Chi Tunnels for 1.5 hours! You will have a chance to explore a part of the most complicated underground tunnel system constructed since the Vietnam-American War.

Upon arrival, travelers will be introduced to the tunnel constructions and previous usage by watching a documentary movie Next, you will try to go through the tunnel and find out how intricate the 136-mile underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers.

Then witness a display of living quarters, meeting room, weapons room, and different types of dangerous traps. After the exploration, active travelers can try shooting real bullets with a wide selection of guns at the range (additional fee)

At noon, you will have a light lunch at a local restaurant with your group before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon is the time you spend exploring the top must-visit sights of the ‘city that never sleeps’. The first stop is Independence Palace, where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army won the combat in 1975. Since that day, it has become a significant national monument that stores many historical displays and living residences of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.

After around 1.5 hours of exploring, you will move to the next stop at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office - two landmarks of the city that are excellent examples of French architecture.

Continue visiting the War Remnants Museum dating back to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. This place exhibits illustrations of the pointlessness and cruel impacts of the war.

End of the sightseeing trip, you will be dropped off at your hotel and be free to explore the city at night.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation until 2027. You can be taken to visit the surroundings such as the book street.

At 08:00, you will hit the road from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre Province and start the fascinating excursion at the Mekong Delta.

Firstly, adventure seekers will have an incredible experience by getting on a boat cruising along the Ham Luong River, where you get to take in the beautiful scenery and see the rustic life of the riverside landscapes.

You also have the opportunity to visit local workshops where I witnessed the process of creating coconut products and mat weaving.

After that, you take a leisurely stroll through the village - a great chance to see the local culture up close. The cherry on top is to try the unique motorized rickshaw called a ‘Xe Loi’, which was a fun and memorable way to get around the countryside.

A delicious lunch with local dishes will be served at noon. Food lovers can have an opportunity to taste the delicious deep-fried elephant earfish - a culinary highlight of the trip.

A sampan trip along the narrow canals would be a unique and memorable experience. The sights and sounds of the waterways, combined with the peaceful atmosphere of being on the water, would make for a relaxing and enjoyable Mekong Delta journey.

Then you will go back to Ho Chi Minh City and relax for the rest of the day.

This morning is the time for you to have breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, and enjoy your last moment in Ho Chi Minh City.

Depending on your flight time, our driver will transfer you to the airport.

NOTE: Hotel check-out time is 12:00 but you still can order a late check-out with a surcharge.  

Booking, information request, check availability, pricing or general questions about this tour. Please contact us at info@chapitours.com for up to date information!