10-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An & Mekong Delta

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, cafés, and colonial architecture at your own pace.

• Overnight: Hanoi

Depart Hanoi in the morning for Halong Bay, arriving at Tuan Chau Harbour around midday. Upon boarding your overnight cruise, settle into your cabin as lunch is served and the vessel begins sailing through the spectacular limestone seascape.

In the afternoon, enjoy shared and optional activities, including kayaking in a designated area and a visit to Titop Island, where a short walk leads to a panoramic viewpoint over the bay. As evening falls, dinner is served on board, followed by free time to relax on the sundeck.

• Overnight: On board in Halong Bay
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to early morning views of Halong Bay. After a light activity on the sundeck, enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise continues through the bay.

Visit Surprise Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most impressive limestone caverns. Return to the cruise for check-out while sailing back toward the harbor. A short Vietnamese cooking demonstration takes place before the final lunch on board. Disembark around midday and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Overnight: Hanoi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day discovering Hanoi’s historical heritage before your evening flight.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, followed by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse cultures (replaced by the Vietnam Women’s Museum on Mondays).

After lunch in the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Conclude at Hoa Lo Prison for insight into the French colonial period and wartime history. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Hue.

• Overnight: Hue
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the Imperial Citadel of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former political center of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.

Visit Dong Ba Market before enjoying a traditional Hue-style lunch. In the afternoon, explore the royal tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, showcasing contrasting architectural styles. Note: Stair climbing involved.

Depart Hue for Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, offering panoramic coastal views (if time permits).

• Overnight: Hoi An
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to My Son Sanctuary, the religious center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Explore the red-brick temple complex with your guide, learning about its history and construction techniques.

Return to Hoi An for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Overnight: Hoi An
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time in Hoi An for personal exploration or relaxation before transferring to Danang Airport for your flight south. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast

Travel to the Cu Chi District to explore the legendary tunnel network. Learn about camouflage techniques, trapdoors, and daily life underground during the war. Note: Tunnel crawling is optional.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Palace, view the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, and conclude at the War Remnants Museum.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho to explore the Mekong Delta.

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruise along the Tien River, and stop at Unicorn Island for a walk through fruit orchards and a short Vietnamese folk music performance. Continue by hand-rowed sampan through narrow canals, visit a honey bee farm, and observe coconut candy production in Ben Tre Province.

Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your final breakfast before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.

• Meals: Breakfast