Vietnam Highlights 9 Days: Hanoi – Danang – Saigon

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the harbor to board our day cruise for a 6-hour journey through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. This extended route allows us to explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), visit Titov Island for panoramic views or swimming, and kayak/bamboo boat through Luon Cave. A delicious lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, we disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Upon return, we enjoy a walking tour through the "Old Quarter" and experience a relaxing 1-hour cyclo ride to witness the bustling local life. We spend the night in Hanoi.

After breakfast, drive south to Ninh Binh Province. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries, where the temples of King Dinh and King Le stand amid limestone mountains and rice fields. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-listed site famed for its karst towers, hidden caves, and serene valleys. Depending on the water level, the boat may pass through three to six caves while you enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Return to Hanoi around 4 PM. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, begin your Hanoi exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from outside, followed by Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest temple located on the peaceful West Lake. In the evening, enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafés, and local markets. In the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Overnight in Danang.

In the morning, travel to Ba Na Hills and enjoy a scenic cable car ride up the mountains. Visit the beautiful Le Jardin D’Amour gardens, the historic Debay Wine Cellar, and the Linh Ung Pagoda. In the afternoon, walk across the Golden Bridge, the iconic landmark held up by giant stone hands, and admire panoramic views of the mountains. Continue to the French Village with its charming European-style architecture, lively street performances, and diverse dining options. Have fun at Fantasy Park with a variety of games and attractions. In the evening, return to Danang and spend the night at leisure. Overnight in Danang. Note: Tickets exclude wax museum, wine cellar, indoor climbing and alpine coaster.

Today, join us on an excursion to Cam Thanh village, being a fisherman at Cam Thanh water coconut village tour you will enjoy experiences from learning traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, fishing and catch the crabs, coconut mussel while exploring the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war. Discover Hoi An ancient town, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Chinese Assembly Hall & Temples, Old houses & Japanese Covered Pagoda Bridge, Old house of Tan Ki, Sa Huynh Culture Museum. We visit these sights on an exciting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town’s multi-cultural past. Overnight in Danang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. Upon arrival, continue the journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Explore the maze of tunnels—some of which have been widened for visitors—and learn how soldiers once lived and fought in these challenging conditions. Along the way, see the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters created by 500lb bombs dropped by B-52 bombers. After returning to the city, visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, two of the most important architectural landmarks from the French colonial era. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, depart from your hotel for the peaceful town of My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Begin with a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and European architectural styles. Continue with a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River, where you will stop to visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy workshop, and a honeybee farm. Enjoy a sampan ride through palm-shaded canals, taste tropical fruits and honey tea, and experience a traditional Southern folk music performance. In the late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend the morning exploring the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, once the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, before stopping at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, both iconic landmarks reflecting the city’s French colonial heritage. Afterward, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market or relax at leisure. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.