Xin Chao Vietnam 11 Days: Iconic Journey from Hanoi & Halong Bay to Hue, Hoi An & Saigon

• Afternoon: Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam
• Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by a professional driver at the arrival pickup area
• Enjoy a comfortable 45-minute transfer to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter)
• Check in at your hotel and relax after your flight
• Note: Standard hotel check-in time is from 14:00
• Evening (18:00): Hanoi Street Food Tour
• Join a 3-hour guided street food experience with a local expert
• Explore hidden alleys and bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter
• Taste iconic Vietnamese dishes such as local noodles, snacks, and traditional specialties while learning about the city’s culinary culture
• Return to your hotel after the tour

Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Morning (07:30): Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Hanoi for Ninh Binh
• Travel by comfortable limousine transfer, passing scenic countryside and vast green rice fields
• Short break en route to enjoy fresh air and capture beautiful rural landscapes
• Late Morning:

• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century
• Explore the historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings, learning about Vietnam’s early dynastic history
• Optional countryside cycling to experience authentic rural village life
• Afternoon:
• Enjoy a local buffet lunch featuring regional Ninh Binh specialties
• Choose one of the following scenic boat experiences:
  • Tam Coc: Known as “Halong Bay on land,” sailing through rice fields and limestone caves
  • Trang An: UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning cave and river ecosystem
• Visit Mua Cave, climbing approximately 500 stone steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Tam Coc and surrounding landscapes
• Evening:
• Check in at your resort and enjoy free time to relax, swim, or unwind
• Dinner and overnight stay at the resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Ninh Binh

• Morning (08:30): Meet your friendly local guide and depart by minivan to explore the cultural and natural highlights of Ninh Binh
• Visit Thai Vi Temple, a sacred site dedicated to the kings and generals of the Tran Dynasty, one of Vietnam’s most powerful feudal dynasties
• Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a stunning mountainside pagoda complex often referred to as one of the most beautiful spiritual sites in Northern Vietnam
  • The pagoda is built in a unique “three-level structure”, including Lower, Middle, and Upper pagodas
  • Climb gradually from the base to the top, enjoying peaceful mountain scenery along the way
• Afternoon:
• Enjoy a local specialty lunch featuring traditional Ninh Binh cuisine

• Explore Thung Nham Bird Valley, a peaceful ecological area surrounded by limestone mountains and tropical nature
  • Take a relaxing sampan boat ride through Hang But Cave
  • Experience bird watching, where thousands of birds gather in their natural habitat
• Evening (19:30 – 19:45): Return transfer to Hanoi Old Quarter and drop-off at your hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

• Morning (08:00 – 08:30): Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for a scenic journey to Halong Bay, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• Enjoy the drive through the countryside of Northern Vietnam before arriving at the pier
• Late Morning:

• Complete check-in procedures and board your overnight cruise
• Receive a warm welcome onboard with a refreshing welcome drink from the crew around 12:00
• Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while cruising through the stunning limestone seascape of Halong Bay
• Afternoon:
• Relax in your cabin or on the sundeck while the cruise sails deeper into the bay
• Participate in optional activities depending on the cruise itinerary:
  • Explore limestone caves
  • Go kayaking among karst formations
  • Swim in the emerald waters of the bay
• Evening:
• Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the bay
• Free time to relax, enjoy onboard activities, or simply admire the night scenery

Note: The tour guide does not accompany guests onboard; however, an English-speaking cruise staff will be available to assist throughout the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise

• Early Morning:
• Start your day with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay, a peaceful and unforgettable moment
• Enjoy a light breakfast onboard
• Morning:
• Join a final excursion to one of Halong Bay’s famous attractions, such as a limestone cave or scenic viewpoint
• Return to the cruise for check-out
• Late Morning (11:00 – 11:30):
• Enjoy a brunch onboard as the cruise heads back to the main dock
• Disembark and meet your driver for transfer back to Hanoi
• Afternoon:
• Transfer directly to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang
• Upon arrival, your driver will greet you and transfer you to Hoi An, a charming ancient town nearby
• Evening:
• Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

• Morning (10:00): Your driver will meet you at the hotel and begin a scenic journey north to Hue
• Travel along the legendary Hai Van Pass, known as the “Sea Cloud Pass,” one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam

• Enjoy a 3-hour drive with 3–4 photo stops at breathtaking viewpoints, capturing panoramic views of mountains, coastline, and the East Sea
• Along the way:
• Pass by iconic landscapes where lush mountains meet the ocean, offering some of the most scenic moments of your journey
• Afternoon:
• Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, rich in history and cultural heritage
• Check in at your hotel and take time to relax
• Evening:
• Free time to explore Hue at your own pace
• Optional activities:
  • Walk along the peaceful Perfume River
  • Discover Hue’s famous royal cuisine, known for its refined flavors and presentation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue City

• Morning:
• After breakfast, begin your exploration of Hue’s rich history with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty
• Discover the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved exclusively for the royal family
  • Walk through ancient gates, courtyards, and restored pavilions
  • Learn about royal ceremonies and daily life within Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty
  • Despite wartime damage, the site still preserves a unique and atmospheric glimpse into the past
• Afternoon:
• Continue your journey with a visit to two iconic royal tombs, offering a fascinating contrast in architectural styles
  • Tu Duc Tomb
    • A serene and poetic complex built between 1864 and 1867
    • Surrounded by a large lake, pine forests, and traditional wooden structures, reflecting the emperor’s romantic and scholarly personality
  • Khai Dinh Tomb
    • A striking blend of Eastern and Western architecture
    • Decorated with intricate glass and ceramic mosaics, showcasing a more modern, luxurious, and European-influenced design
• Evening:
• Return to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore Hue at your leisure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue City

• Morning:
• Enjoy your final breakfast in Hue, the former imperial capital
• Your driver will pick you up and transfer you comfortably to the airport for your domestic flight
• Midday / Afternoon:
• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s most dynamic and modern metropolis
• Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in
• Afternoon & Evening:
• Free time to explore the city at your own pace
• Suggested experiences:
  • Visit Ben Thanh Market, a lively hub for local goods, street food, and souvenirs
  • Admire French colonial architecture, including historic buildings and boulevards
  • Relax at a local café and experience the city’s vibrant lifestyle

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning (08:00):
• Your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and depart for the Mekong Delta, the “rice bowl of Vietnam”

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the National Highway, passing endless green rice fields and rural landscapes
• Late Morning:
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple known for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture
• Board a private boat for a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River
  • Observe traditional stilt houses, floating activities, and riverside life
  • Pass by lush fruit orchards and local fishing villages
• Afternoon:
• Enjoy a delicious local lunch at Tortoise Islet, set in a peaceful orchard garden
• Continue to An Khanh (Ben Tre), a quieter and more authentic area of the Mekong Delta
  • Experience a hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees
  • Taste seasonal tropical fruits and honey tea while listening to traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music
  • Visit a coconut candy workshop to see how this famous local specialty is made and learn about rural craftsmanship
• Late Afternoon / Evening:
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City after a full day of cultural exploration and countryside experiences

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning (08:00):
• Your guide will meet you at the hotel and depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City

• Discover one of Vietnam’s most significant historical sites, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of local fighters during wartime
• Late Morning:
• Explore the vast underground tunnel network, stretching over 250 kilometers
  • Learn how the tunnels functioned as living quarters, supply routes, hospitals, and command centers
  • See hidden trapdoors, ventilation systems, and wartime tools
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history through immersive storytelling
• Afternoon:
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Free time to explore at your own pace
  • Optional suggestions:
    • Visit the War Remnants Museum, offering powerful insights into the Vietnam War
    • Relax at a rooftop café or bar, enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning:
• Enjoy your final breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, marking the end of your memorable journey across Vietnam
• Before Departure:
• Free time at leisure depending on your flight schedule
  • You may relax at the hotel, do some last-minute shopping, or explore nearby attractions
• Transfer:
• Your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight
• Please ensure you arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours prior to your scheduled flight
• End of Services:
• Your journey comes to an end. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s culture, landscapes, and people

Meals: Breakfast