Vietnam Budget Tour 10 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, your private driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel located near the Old Quarter, the cultural heart of the city.

After check-in, you can take time to relax and recover from your flight, or begin exploring the surrounding area at your own pace. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is right at your doorstep, offering a lively introduction to the city with its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and local daily life.

Overnight in Hanoi.

• Join a group tour exploring Hanoi’s key cultural and historical landmarks
• Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, located on West Lake’s Golden Fish Island
• Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the mausoleum and former residences
• Stop at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique symbol of Hanoi
• Enjoy lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with vegetarian options available
• Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (or the Vietnam Women’s Museum on Mondays) to learn about the country’s diverse cultures
• Explore the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070
• End the day at Hoa Lo Prison Museum, offering insight into Vietnam’s wartime history
• Return to your hotel in the evening

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (local Vietnamese cuisine, vegetarian options available)

• Depart from Hanoi at 7:30 AM for Ninh Binh province (approx. 120 km)
• Stop for a short break along the way before visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, home to well-preserved temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le from the 10th century

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties, with vegetarian options available
• Experience a 1.5-hour bamboo boat trip in Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land,” surrounded by rice fields, rivers, and limestone caves
• Continue with a 45-minute cycling tour through local villages to observe rural life
• Return to Hanoi, arriving around 6:30 PM

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (buffet at a local restaurant with regional dishes such as goat meat and fried rice, vegetarian options available)

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Halong Bay
• Meet your cruise team at the hotel between 8:00 – 9:00 AM (exact time confirmed the day before)
• Arrive at the pier around midday and board the cruise
• Enjoy a welcome drink and check-in on board
• Have lunch while cruising through hundreds of limestone islets
• Afternoon activities may include swimming, kayaking, or cave visits, depending on the cruise itinerary, or simply relaxing on deck
• In the evening, anchor at a peaceful spot, enjoy the sunset view, and have dinner on board

Overnight on the cruise.

Note: In case of adverse weather conditions preventing the cruise from departing, the tour may be cancelled without prior notice. Alternative arrangements or a refund will be considered depending on the situation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Enjoy a peaceful start to the day by watching the sunrise over Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. Savor breakfast on board as the cruise gently makes its way back to the harbor.

Late Morning: Have an early lunch before disembarking from the cruise. Transfer back to Hanoi and head to the airport for your domestic flight to Central Vietnam.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, travel to Hoi An Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved trading port known for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Evening: Free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace, whether strolling along the riverside, visiting local cafes, or discovering its charming night ambiance.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture and charming riverside setting. You may rent a bicycle from your hotel and ride through quiet streets toward the countryside or coast.

Afternoon: Head to An Bang Beach, a serene stretch of coastline प्रसिद्ध for its soft sand, laid-back vibe, and clear waters. Relax at a beachside café with fresh tropical drinks or take a swim in the calm sea. You can also visit local tailor shops in Hoi An, renowned for their craftsmanship, to have custom clothing, bags, or shoes made within a short time.

Evening: Stroll through Hoi An Old Town, where glowing lanterns light up the streets, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Enjoy vibrant street performances, offering a glimpse into local culture and entertainment.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

• Enjoy your final moments in Hoi An before departure
• Transfer by private car to Da Nang Airport
• Take a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City
• Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your city center hotel
• The rest of the day is free for relaxation or independent exploration of the city

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

• Begin the morning with visits to key historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City:
  • Explore the Independence Palace, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu on the former Norodom Palace site
  • Walk past iconic French colonial buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Indochina wars through powerful exhibitions

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
• In the afternoon, travel approximately 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Watch an introductory video about the tunnel system and wartime life
• Explore the extensive underground network, including living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, weapons storage, and command centers
• See hidden trapdoors and defensive structures used during the war
• Try traditional wartime food such as tea and cassava
• Optional experience: visit the shooting range
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and travel to My Tho, located along the Mekong River
• Visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century
• Board a traditional sampan boat and cruise around the four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise
• Stop at Unicorn Island to:
  • Walk along rural paths
  • Visit local orchards and taste tropical fruits
  • Enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music
• Continue exploring a fruit plantation and take a hand-rowed sampan ride through Thoi Son Canal, surrounded by peaceful countryside scenery
• Visit a honeybee farm, taste honey tea, and see how coconut candy is made
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes
• In the afternoon, cycle through Tan Thach Village to experience daily rural life, or relax in hammocks by the riverside
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
• Complete check-out procedures
• Free time to visit local markets and shop for souvenirs
• Meet your driver for transfer to the airport
• Departure for your flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Ends.