Saigon to Hanoi Tour, 11 Days | Ideal Travel Asia

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at TAN SON NHAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Have lunch and enjoy time to relax after your flight. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and discover its rich history. Visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, followed by the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which offers insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 70 km northwest of the city. Upon arrival, watch a brief introductory video and learn about the tunnel network used during the war. Explore the underground passages, living quarters, storage areas, field hospitals, and command centers. Conclude your visit with traditional tea and cassava, once a staple food of the guerrilla fighters. Guests may also have the opportunity to try shooting activities at the firing range (optional, at own expense).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a boat cruise along the Tien River, passing the famous Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise Islets. Visit Thoi Son Islet and a local honey bee farm, where you can enjoy honey tea and tropical fruits while listening to traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music. Continue with a sampan ride through the narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Visit a coconut candy workshop to learn about the traditional production process and local handicrafts. Enjoy lunch featuring regional Mekong Delta specialties at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, renowned for its unique blend of Asian and European architectural styles. Afterwards, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

There is free time for your own exploration of the town before you board a flight to Da Nang. The tour of central Vietnam begins with sightseeing of Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the charming Ancient Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved architecture, narrow lantern-lined streets, and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the historic quarter and immerse yourself in the town’s unique atmosphere.

After lunch at a local restaurant, depart for Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Upon arrival in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

 Overnight in Hue.

This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore its historic palaces, temples, and courtyards while learning about the history of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. Continue to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, beautifully situated on the banks of the Perfume River and regarded as the symbol of Hue.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Perfume River before visiting the magnificent Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, renowned for its elegant architecture and tranquil setting. Continue to the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, one of the most impressive royal tombs in Hue, surrounded by peaceful gardens, lakes, and pine-covered hills. These remarkable monuments offer a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s imperial heritage and architectural traditions.Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, visit the remarkable Khai Dinh Tomb, renowned for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles and its intricately decorated interiors. Continue to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, a traditional craft village famous for its colorful incense-making heritage and vibrant photo opportunities. After lunch, transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hanoi.

Optional experience: Enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. Surcharge: VND 200,000 per ticket (approx. USD 8 / EUR 7).

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Begin the day with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on West Lake. Continue to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. After lunch at a local restaurant, take(xich lo - a traditional vehicle), to visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, passing highlights such as some famous sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Finally, you will join our guide to try a famous Vietnamese drink called egg coffee. There, you will also experience Vietnamese coffee culture.

Optional experience: Join an Egg Coffee Brewing Class and learn how to make Hanoi’s famous specialty coffee. Surcharge: VND 300,000 per person (approx. USD 12 / EUR 10), including coffee tasting. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

As a highlight of the trip, we spend today visiting Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital with two remaining sanctuaries of the Dinh and Le dynasties and enjoying a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc.Overnight in Ha Noi. 

OVERNIGHT CRUISE ADVENTURE

Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter (for guests using shuttle service) and transfer to Halong Bay. Arrive at Tuan Chau Port and board on a luxury cruise by tender. Enjoy a welcome drink and briefing before lunch onboard while cruising through Lan Ha Bay, passing iconic limestone formations. In the afternoon, explore Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat. Return to the cruise for a sunset party, cooking class, and “Happy Hour” on the sundeck. Enjoy dinner onboard followed by optional evening activities such as squid fishing, massage (extra charge), or relaxing at the bar.

Overnight on the cruise.

Start the day with a Taichi session on the sundeck followed by a light breakfast. Visit Tra Bau area for kayaking or swimming before returning to the cruise for check-out. Enjoy an early lunch onboard and disembark at Tuan Chau Port. Transfer back to Hanoi. Your private tour guide will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe and pleasant flight home, and we hope to welcome you back soon