Vietnam Insight 11 Days from Hanoi sample itinerary

Trip outline

Day 1 Arrival Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi to Halong
Day 4 Halong to Danang-Hoi An
Day 5 Hoi An
Day 6 Hoi An to Hue
Day 7 Hue
Day 8 Hue to Saigon
Day 9 Saigon
Day 10 Mekong
Day 11: Depart Saigon

Highlights:

• Discover Hanoi’s historic landmarks and Old Quarter with a local guide.
• Cruise through the limestone islands of Halong Bay with an overnight stay on the water.
• Experience rural life in Tra Que village and cycle through the countryside of Hoi An.
• Travel over the Hai Van Pass and explore Hue’s imperial heritage and royal tombs.
• Enjoy a Vespa street food journey through Ho Chi Minh City by night.
• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels for insight into Vietnam’s recent history.
• Cruise the Mekong Delta, visiting orchards, canals, and local homes.

Overview:

This 11-day journey offers a well-paced introduction to Vietnam, connecting the country’s cultural centres, coastal landscapes, and everyday life. From the historic streets of Hanoi and the limestone seascape of Halong Bay to the heritage towns of central Vietnam and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the itinerary moves naturally from north to south. Along the way, meaningful local encounters—from farming villages to street food experiences—bring a deeper understanding of place beyond the highlights.

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival Transfer

Upon arrival, meet our representative at the airport for a transfer to your hotel.
Meals included: None
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi (B,L)

Your Travelmates guide will meet you at 8am to begin your city tour with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Square (Ba Dinh), dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam – Uncle Ho, to see his Mausoleum (see notes below), view the Presidential Palace, his house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. After stopping for a local lunch (either "Pho" rice noodles served with beef or " Bun Cha" rice noodles served with barbecued pork), you will visit the Ethnology museum. This will give you a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture and customs of Vietnam's various minority groups. You then visit the “Hanoi Hilton” - the nickname given to a prison built by the French where U.S pilots were imprisoned during the Vietnam War - part of the site is now converted into a museum. Continue to explore the soul of the city with a brief walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where locals continue to trade as they have done for centuries. Ending your busy day with a stop at a local coffee shop for Hanoi's famous drinks - egg coffee.

Important message:
Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is accessible only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 7:30am and 10:30am. The Mausoleum is closed for annual maintenance in September for 2-3 months and can only be viewed from the outside. All other sites in the Ho Chi Minh complex are still accessible during this period. Entry to the Presidential Palace is not permitted.

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay. (B,L,D)

The local guide will pick you up at your hotel and depart for Ha Long Bay. This journey can take approximately 3 hours going through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town, embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Ha Long Bay. This exciting cruise will provide a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formation are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight in Halong Bay.

Day 4 Ha Long Bay – Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An. (B)

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi class and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay while enjoying tea or coffee. Later, take a short trek to the summit of one of the islands for a panoramic view of the bay and enjoy a swim, or sunbathing. After heading back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay and a buffet brunch while cruising back to the dock. Brunch included.
Your driver and guide will pick you up from the pier and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.

Meals included: Brunch
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5 Explore Hoi An (B)

Starting from your hotel in Hoi An, cycle a short distance through picturesque countryside to the quaint village of Tra Que. Join a local family for the morning and get 'hands-on' to learn about some of the unique farming methods unique to Vietnam. You will have a chance to interact closely with the people of this region, experiencing a side to Vietnam few tourists get to see. You will also enjoy a herbal foot massage after the activities. After a local lunch (or dinner) return to Hoi An by bicycle. Lunch (or dinner) included.

In the afternoon, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an exploration of the streets and sites of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An was once Vietnam’s most active trading centre and over many centuries the Old Town has been largely preserved. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. You will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. You will also have the opportunity to try some food with a real local taste e.g. White Rose Dumplings, Cao Lau (not included). The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure or go back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 Drive Hoi An – Hue with Touring (B)

This morning you will be met at 8am by your Travelmates travel mate at your hotel and transferred to Marble Mountains, which are an important religious site with a number of impressive caves, temples and viewpoints. After visiting the area, you will drive the short distance to beautiful Danang beach, formerly known as the old US R&R site.

It's then on to Danang City to visit the Cham Museum. The Cham people occupied this area of Vietnam from the 2nd to the 17th century and in the museum, you will find the best examples of Cham sculpture anywhere in the world.

This afternoon drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass to arrive in Hue mid- afternoon where your tour ends.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Hue Exploration Full Day

Depart at 08:30 for the UNESCO-heritage listed Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, hearing stories of the majestic buildings, including Kien Trung Palace, once the residence of Vietnam’s last emperors, which has been superbly renovated by the local conservation department in recent years.

Continue by cyclo to a tranquil lake, where king’s once rested during the hot summer months, before arriving at a private museum featuring a magnificent collection of royal possessions.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, perhaps Hue’s most iconic landmark located along the beautifully named Perfume River. Apart from the spiritual aspect and sweeping view, the vintage vehicle on display offers an interesting story.

Rest those feet over a local Hue inspired lunch.

In the afternoon, leave the city behind and travel through Hue’s outskirts to the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a Nguyen Dynasty ruler known for his opposition to French occupation and his decadent lifestyle. Explore his remarkable tomb, admiring the imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting while learning more on this historic figure.

Continue to Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb, which is equally impressive, yet a completely different complex. See the blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European influence, making it unique from other royal tombs in Hue.

You will return to your hotel around 5pm.

Meals included: None
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8 Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Today take a morning flight from Hue to Ho Chi Mnih City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night with a street food tour on the back of a Vespa. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top ranking stylish venue of Saigon in the central city location where we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset Saigon. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets and alleys of Saigon to see the local life and check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake, and other southern dishes . We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.

Meals included: None
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9 Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City Landmark Tour (B)

Your Travelmates guide will meet you at 8am for a journey west to see Cu Chi tunnel network which stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war.

Upon arrival, you will spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the country’s recent wars. Crawl underground (optional) and have a look at the tiny chambers, imagining what life was like for those who lived there. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits.

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole. Following this insightful visit, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

After lunch, visit perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls.

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel or your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 Mekong Delta Discovery (My Tho) with Cao Dai Temple (B,L)

Your guide will meet you for a full day tour to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country, and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. On the way, you will stop to visit a local Cao Dai temple. The Cao Dai religion was established in Southern Vietnam in 1926 and is a religious centre of worship unique to Vietnam that incorporates aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. Upon arrival into My Tho, you board your boat and travel to one of the islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. On the island visit a fruit orchard and sample some of the local produce, before boarding a smaller sampan that winds along narrow canals. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a local family's house and enjoy their hospitality and share with them some tea or rice wine. After lunch in My Tho return to Saigon by mid to late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport (without guide) for departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast
End of service.

General Inclusions

• Group airport transfers with English speaking guide
• Accommodation (twin/double share), check-in time: 14:00, check-out time: 12:00
• Meals specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfasts, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Domestic air ticket (Ho Chi Minh City – Danang – Hanoi), 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg hand baggage
• Boat trip in Ha Long, Mekong delta
• All entrance fees for touring as itinerary
• Stationed English speaking tour guides for touring in each city.
• Bottle water (3 bottles x 500ml per bottle for a full day tour, 2 bottles for a half day tour and 1 bottle for arrival transfer).
• Child 0 – 5 years old: 10%, 6 – 10 years old: 50% (sharing bed with parents, maximum 2 children per couple), 100% of adult price if requiring a separate bed

General Exclusions

• Prices are for Twin and Double share per person.
• Single supplement. 
• Vietnam visa 
• Travel Insurance for medical and accidents within Vietnam 
• Compulsory dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec if applicable - surcharge will be advised separately
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses such as: laundry, shopping, beverage, etc.
• International arrival or departure flights
• All others services not mentioned in inclusions