Vietnam: The Complete Tour

Day 1: Hanoi

Meet at assigned hotel, or if you purchased airfare from Head Out Adventures from Bangkok, then on arrival at Noibai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Tour of Hanoi begins. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some of Asia‘s most striking colonial architecture. There are many lakes and parks for a relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a short cycle excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale. 

Day 2: Hanoi city tour. To Halong (B)

This morning we enjoy a half-day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex is also comprised of One Pillar Pagoda whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university and the History Museum displaying an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay; truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. 

Day 3: Boat tour of Halong Bay (B, L)

This morning we embark on a boat exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery of some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. After a seafood lunch on board, we return to Hanoi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. We arrive in Hanoi in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. 

Day 4: Fly Hanoi to Hue. Tour Hue (B)

After breakfast we have some free time to explore Hanoi on our own until a transfer to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Hue – Vietnam's last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for its magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon visiting Hue with its massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. 

Day 5: Hue to Danang to Hoian. Marble Mountain, China Beach (B)

This morning we embark on a Dragon boat to visit the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda which has now become the symbol of Hue and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian, a city that has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road hugs the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. The view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe.

Day 6: Hoian (B)

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Pottery Museum, 200 years old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and vibrant market. Today we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls, which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Day 7: Hoian to Danang Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

An early morning transfer to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh. The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City begins with Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the Southern Vietnam President until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best Taoist temples in Vietnam before continuing to the War Remnant Museum which provides a very partial, but riveting perspective of the Vietnam war.

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh (B)

An early departure is required today in order to avoid the city heat to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong in the American war. Afterwards, we continue to the head quarter of Cao Dai sect which is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. 

Day 9: Mekong Delta boat tour (B, L)

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to My Tho province. Arriving My Tho, we embark a boat navigating around the small canals in the Mekong delta, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. We pass through the lush green vegetation to an orchard to visit various fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch followed with seasonal fruits, we return to Ho Chi Minh for overnight.

Day 10: Trip ends. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport (B)

The morning is free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh on your own. Trip ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat airport.