Vietnam Tour 11 Days: Hidden Gems of Vietnam

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel in the city center (standard check-in time is after 14:00; early check-in surcharge is not included). Take some time to rest and recover after your flight before starting your exciting Vietnam Tour 11 Days.

You are free to explore Hanoi at your own pace or relax at the hotel. The tour guide is available upon request.

Stay overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide for a full-day journey through Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant and historic capital.

Start at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square. This solemn site is the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader. (Note: The mausoleum is open from 08:00 to 11:00 on Tuesdays to Thursdays and weekends.)

Next, visit the Presidential Palace and the humble stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived. This simple wooden structure, gifted to him in 1958, reflects his modest lifestyle and strong bond with the people of Vietnam.

A short walk leads you to the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong after a divine vision of the Goddess of Mercy, the original pagoda was destroyed in 1954 but was carefully rebuilt in 1955.

Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. This tranquil site honors Confucius and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich scholarly traditions.

In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you'll discover a fascinating collection of exhibits that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum also features an outdoor area with traditional houses representing various ethnic communities. (Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.)

As evening falls, enjoy a performance at the Water Puppet Theatre. This captivating show brings Vietnamese myths, legends, and rural life to the stage through a traditional art form performed over water — a truly enchanting cultural experience.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, continue your Vietnam Tour 11 Days with a scenic 3-hour drive through the lush, rural landscapes of the Red River Delta en route to Ha Long City. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is famed for its breathtaking beauty, with over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets rising majestically from emerald waters.

Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden cruise boat and set sail through this spectacular natural wonder. As you glide past towering cliffs, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch served on board.

In the afternoon, take time to swim in the clear waters or explore a limestone cave with unique rock formations shaped by nature over thousands of years.

As the day winds down, the boat anchors near a peaceful island - an ideal spot for relaxation. Savor a delicious dinner on board, then spend your evening stargazing from the deck or trying night squid fishing.

Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay, a highlight of your unforgettable Vietnam Tour 11 Days.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy the tranquil moments of sunrise over the water, a truly unforgettable start to your day. After a leisurely breakfast on board, continue cruising through the bay, venturing into quieter, less-visited areas.

Take this opportunity for a refreshing morning swim, or simply relax on the sundeck and absorb the breathtaking scenery of limestone islets and calm waters one last time.

Around midday, return to the harbor, where your private driver will be waiting for the comfortable transfer back to Hanoi for a domestic flight to Hue. 

Hue, once the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is renowned for its magnificent architecture, including citadels, palaces, royal tombs, and pagodas. Beyond its stunning historical sites, the city is also celebrated for its ancient traditions, which give it a unique, romantic charm.

Upon arrival in Hue, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this historical city.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a fascinating journey to discover Hue’s famous landmarks. We begin with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda), one of the most iconic religious sites in Hue. Built in 1601, this serene pagoda is a must-see, offering both stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

After disembarking, continue your exploration with a visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Stretching along the Perfume River, this mausoleum is one of the most picturesque sites in Hue. Designed by the emperor himself, it is the largest architectural work among the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs, showcasing remarkable elegance and tranquility.

Next, return to Hue city center for lunch at a local restaurant (on your own charge), where you can savor traditional Hue specialties. 

In the afternoon, visit the Hue Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, two of the most significant historical and cultural monuments in Vietnam. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen Dynasty, the Citadel is a vast complex, with a 2 km wall encompassing three walled enclosures: the Citadel itself, the Yellow Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City - the former home to the royal family.

If time allows, conclude your day with a stroll through Dong Ba Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we continue our scenic southward journey by road to Hoi An, a charming town in Central Vietnam. Once a bustling international commercial port in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An is now celebrated for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, with its iconic tailors and cozy cafes.

As we drive, enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way. We’ll make a stop at Lang Co Beach for a refreshing coffee break and some time to enjoy the beach. From there, we’ll drive up the spectacular Hai Van Pass, where you can admire breathtaking views of Lang Co Beach to the north and Danang City to the south.

Continuing on, we’ll stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, known for its extensive collection of ancient Cham art, as well as China Beach and the Marble Mountains, famous for their impressive caves, pagodas, and scenic views.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, you’ll be greeted by your first glimpse of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. The town’s tranquility and charm shine through its low tiled houses with Chinese influence, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside market, making it one of Vietnam’s most delightful destinations.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ba Na Hills, located 40 km from Da Nang City. Known for its unique climate, which features four seasons in a single day, Ba Na Hills offers a stunning mix of lush forests and panoramic views of Da Nang City. This destination is especially great for family holidays, with villas, restaurants, and an exciting game complex.

Upon arrival, take a scenic cable car ride to the summit. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding forest, trees, and underground waterfalls. At the summit, visit the Old French Villas at an altitude of 1,138 meters to explore the architecture of the area.

Next, take a mountain climbing train to the Flower Garden, home to a variety of beautiful flowers. Continue your journey with visits to the Old Tree, stream, Great Buddha Statue, Suspension Bridge, and the Wine Tunnel, which stores a selection of wines.

One of the highlights of the day is visiting the Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural masterpiece held up by giant hands, which has become one of the most photographed attractions in the region.

After lunch at a restaurant, enjoy more sightseeing and free time to relax or visit the Fantasy Theme Amusement Park, where you can try exciting 3D movie experiences and games (at your own expense).

Later, take the cable car back to the base and return to your hotel in Hoi An. You’ll have the evening free for your own activities and dinner.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met by your guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the city for check-in.

In the afternoon, depart from your hotel for a visit to the Reunification Palace.

The Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, is a unique architectural gem. Visitors can admire its historical significance and enjoy the refreshing ambiance created by the lush trees and greenery surrounding the site.

Next, continue your exploration with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the Vietnam War, particularly the American involvement. The museum features numerous exhibits and military equipment displayed within several themed rooms and outdoor spaces.

Make a stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, two of Saigon’s most iconic colonial-era landmarks. These structures offer fantastic photo opportunities to capture the essence of the city’s history and architecture.

Then, venture into Chinatown and visit Binh Tay Market, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Saigon. This area offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Southern Vietnamese people, where you can experience the lively hustle and bustle of local commerce.

Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Tay Ninh, located near the Cambodia border. Here, we will visit the Cao Dai Temple, an iconic and vibrant center of Cao Dai religion, which blends elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Roman Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple, a strikingly colorful structure, is not only a religious landmark but also a place where you can learn more about this uniquely Vietnamese faith.

In the main building, you can witness the four daily prayers, or even participate in the ceremonies if you wish. The surrounding complex features beautiful murals, along with residences, administrative buildings, and even a hospital.

Tay Ninh is also home to Ba Den Mountain, which attracts pilgrims and tourists alike during the Ba Den Mountain Festival, where visitors can pray, enjoy the entertainment, and take in the scenic views.

After exploring the temple, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 40 km northwest of Saigon. This extensive underground network was used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels housed everything from living quarters to schools and medical stations, and served as a military base for the fighters. Today, the tunnels are a fascinating tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese during the war.

You can walk through the tunnels, explore the underground facilities, and even see some of the traps used during the war.

Return to your hotel in Saigon in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast, begin your journey with a drive to Cai Be Town for a scenic boat ride. Visit the ancient church and enjoy the picturesque surroundings from the water. From there, head to Tan Phong Island, where you'll experience the serene countryside. Hop onto a rowing boat to navigate the smaller canals, winding deeper into the lush mangrove forests.

Stop at a local garden for a delightful break with fresh fruits and hot tea while enjoying traditional folk music performed by the locals. This peaceful moment offers a wonderful opportunity to absorb the authentic atmosphere of rural Vietnam.

Continue your exploration with a biking trip along the village paths. Cycle through orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses, providing an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of the local people. Along the way, you can stop to see how locals craft various items from dried water-hyacinth, such as baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes. (Alternatively, you may prefer to walk, though biking gives you a broader view of the countryside.)

After your biking adventure, return to the boat and cross the Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world, to reach An Binh Island. Upon arrival, take a handmade canal to visit Ut Trinh's home, where you'll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the village and visit a local workshop to see how traditional products like rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice are made. Sample these local treats while sipping hot tea.

Next, head to the brick kilns, where you can observe the process of making beautiful pottery from clay. This is a fantastic chance to witness the local craftsmanship firsthand.

As the day winds down, your cruise will conclude at the Vinh Long Boat Station, where you'll disembark. 

Transfer back to Saigon for overnight.

Breakfast is served at the hotel. After that, enjoy some free time until your scheduled pick-up and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your memorable Vietnam Tour 11 Days, filled with culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences from north to south.

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