Classic Adventure Vietnam 12 Days
4.4 8

Itinerary

This Vietnam 12-day tour takes you to the most highlight places but also you can experience local life. For more than 10 days in Vietnam, you will travel from the south to the north to see highlights with lovely towns, enjoy stunning natural landscapes, and experience exquisite local cultures.

We’ve selected activities that showcase Vietnam’s diverse heritage: historic city walks, river cruises, ancient town exploration, and overnight bay experiences – all adjustable to your mobility level. Looking for customizable itinerary with best value accommodations and experiences? Contact us via this form or email [email protected] to tailor your trip.

Highlights 

  • Ho Chi Minh City – Visit war museums, bustling markets, and explore Cu Chi Tunnels with accessible pathways
  • Mekong Delta –  Cruise through waterways to floating markets, visit fruit orchards, and experience local life
  • Hoi An – Stroll the ancient trading port town, take cooking classes, and relax on nearby beaches
  • My Son Sanctuary – Morning visit to Champa temple ruins with electric cart transport available
  • Hue – Explore the Imperial Citadel, cycle to royal tombs, and discover centuries-old pagodas
  • Hanoi – Navigate the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets, sample street food, and enjoy water puppet shows
  • Halong Bay – Overnight premium cruise with spacious cabins, kayaking opportunities, and fresh seafood

If you are unsure about your travel plans or want to find more trip ideas, take a look at our recommended Vietnam holiday packages all inclusive.

DAY 01: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Check in and take some time to relax after your journey, or venture out to explore the vibrant neighborhood around your hotel at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

DAY 02: CU CHI TUNNEL - HO CHI MINH HALF DAY CITY TOUR

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable Viet Cong base during the Vietnam War. Witness the tremendous work done by guerrilla fighters and explore this massive network of underground tunnels that remains to these days. You’ll have the opportunity to venture into the tunnels yourself to gain deeper insight into Vietnamese history and the resilience of its people.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, dive into the city’s compelling past and present with visits to the War Remnants Museum, featuring extensive exhibitions related to the American war. Continue to the Reunification Palace, which served as the workplace of South Vietnam’s president during the war. Admire the stunning architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the adjacent historic Central Post Office. End your day browsing for souvenirs at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of local commerce.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Cu Chi Tunnels tour
Cu Chi Tunnels tour

DAY 03: HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA

Our driver and private tour guide will pick you up at 7:30 am at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to embark on a scenic transfer to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta region.

The program begins with an enchanting visit to Cai Be, where you can stroll through lush orchards and savor fresh tropical fruits while enjoying traditional music performances at a local garden. Then, board a rowing boat to glide deeper into the countryside along smaller canals, immersing yourself in the peaceful rhythm of delta life.

Continue your journey across the mighty Mekong River, one of the world’s longest waterways, to reach An Binh Island. Navigate through handmade canals to reach Ut Trinh’s home, where a delicious lunch awaits. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the local village to visit traditional workshops and observe artisans creating rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice. Enjoy these sweet treats with a cup of hot tea.

For those seeking adventure, an optional cycling tour offers a wonderful way to explore the village paths, passing by orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. You can also visit the brick kilns where skilled locals craft beautiful pottery from clay. The cruise will conclude at Vinh Long city.

After a day full of activities in the Mekong region, we’ll transfer you back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll have a free evening to explore the dynamic city by night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Mekong delta sightseeing

DAY 04: HO CHI MINH – DA NANG – HOI AN

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An. Check in and prepare for an enchanting walking adventure.

In the afternoon, embark on a captivating walking tour through the picturesque streets of this 16th-century trading port, where architectural influences from Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese cultures blend harmoniously. Explore the wonders of the Chinese Embassy Halls, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, and the beautifully preserved Tan Ky House. As the day draws to a close, you can indulge in some much-deserved free time for shopping or relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Come-to-Hoi-An

DAY 05: HOI AN – MY SON

After breakfast, you embark on a half-day private tour to My Son – the sacred sanctuary of Cham culture. You will walk into the ruins of ancient My Son holy land to recall the Champa people’s glory days dating from the 4th to the 13th century, exploring these remarkable temple complexes set amidst lush jungle scenery.

Afternoon, balance your leisure time between lounging at the pristine beach or happily emptying your wallet while browsing the world of handicrafts and souvenirs that Hoi An has to offer, or simply stroll along the riverside to get a feel for the olden days of the busy Faifo merchant port.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

My Son Sanctuary

DAY 06: HOI AN - DA NANG - HUE

Spend the morning savoring your last moments in Hoi An with some final shopping or beach relaxation before transferring to Hue.

On the way, make a stop to visit Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), where you’ll climb Thuy Son (Water Mountain) via stone stairs and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the mystical Huyen Khong Cave before entering the serene Tam Thai and Linh Ung Pagodas. At the foot of the mountain, visit Non Nuoc stone village, where skilled local sculptors create exquisite marble products that are exported to countries worldwide.

Arrive in Hue in the afternoon, check in to your hotel and relax after your scenic journey.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Marble mountain in Hue

DAY 07: HUE CITY TOUR

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey of discovery with our local guide to explore the charms of The Citadel in this former Imperial City, home to many well-preserved royal monuments. Experience the stunning beauty of Hue as you cruise along the Perfume River on a traditional dragon boat and make a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to observe local religious practices at the oldest Buddhist symbol in Hue.

After lunch served at a local restaurant, continue your adventure by visiting the most famous and historically significant Tu Duc’s tomb, which showcases the sophistication of royal Vietnamese architecture. End your day at Hue’s bustling Dong Ba Market, which has a charming atmosphere and offers insight into local daily life.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

boat tour to thien mu pagoda

DAY 08: HUE - HANOI

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital city. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Check in and take some time to relax, or venture out to explore the vibrant neighborhood with its narrow streets, ancient temples, and bustling atmosphere.

Evening is free to discover Hanoi’s renowned street food scene or simply wander through the atmospheric Old Quarter on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: Driver only for airport transfer

DAY 09: HANOI CITY TOUR

The full day tour takes you around Hanoi’s highlights. The sites included in the day tour are the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. You also have a chance to visit the first national university – The Temple of Literature, which dates back to the 11th century and served as Vietnam’s premier center of learning for centuries. Continue to the Ethnology Museum, where you can learn about all 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home.

Back to the Old Quarter, walk or take an optional cyclo ride through the narrow streets that were famous for their specialized craft-making guilds. The streets are named for their products or locations and still bear such names nowadays.

Before settling in for an exciting water puppetry show, you can explore the local atmosphere and witness the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s daily life. Then join a traditional water puppet show that features Vietnamese folklore and culture, a unique art form that originated in the Red River Delta.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Hanoi city tour

DAY 10: HANOI – HALONG

After breakfast, we are ready to be picked up for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the magnificent Halong Bay, departing at 7:45 am. Around 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, you are welcomed on board and served a mouth-watering set lunch while cruising through the bay’s emerald waters.

Depending on which cruise you choose, the detailed itinerary will include a visit to an impressive karst cave, kayaking opportunities (an extra option on most boats, though some cruises have kayaking included), swimming in crystal-clear water, enjoying the breathtaking limestone landscapes, or simply relaxing on the sundeck. The day will end with a sumptuous dinner on board, and you will spend the night under the starry sky, gently rocked by the bay’s peaceful waters.

Dinner and overnight on the cruise.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

halong bay overnight cruise

DAY 11: HALONG - HANOI

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves, fresh air, and gentle breeze. A brand new day comes. Following breakfast, you can discover a breathtaking limestone grotto and explore its fascinating rock formations before returning to the boat for a scenic cruise back to the dock, taking in final glimpses of Halong Bay’s majestic beauty.

Your boat will arrive at the harbor by 11:30 am, and your driver is waiting to take you back to Hanoi. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Brunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Halong Bay cruise

DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE

After breakfast, enjoy free time at leisure until your driver arrives to transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you’ve had a memorable journey through Vietnam and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: None

Hanoi departure

Pricing

Category Price valid from Jan 1st – Dec 31st, 2026 (per person in US dollar)
2 people 3 – 4 people 5 – 6 people 7 – 8 people

Single

supplement

Superior $1,585 $1,407 $1,208 $1,122 $523
Deluxe $1,738 $1,560 $1,361 $1,275 $676
Luxury $2,207 $2,029 $1,829 $1,744 $1,145

Note: If you’re planning to visit Vietnam in 2025 or at another time, please fill out this form or email us at [email protected] to get a quote with a customizable itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION

Below is our suggested accommodations. As we offer private tour, your hotel can be selected to match your travel interests.

Cities Hotel Category
Superior Deluxe Luxury
Ho Chi Minh Northern Saigon Hotel
Deluxe window room
Liberty Central Sai Gon CityPoint
Deluxe room
The Myst Dong Khoi
Verdant Calm Room
Hoi An Lantana Boutique Hoi An
Superior room
Hoi An Central Boutique hotel & spa
Grand Deluxe balcony room
La Siesta Hoi An
Club Wing – Veranda Suite Pool View
Hue Scarlett Hue Boutique Hotel
Passion room
White Lotus Hue Hotel
Deluxe river view room
Pilgrimage Village Boutique & Spa
Deluxe room
Hanoi San Boutique Hotel
Premium room
Anatole Hanoi Hotel
Grand Deluxe room
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Grand Deluxe room
Halong Renea Cruise
Deluxe cabin
Peony Cruise
Deluxe Balcony cabin
Indochine Lan Ha Cruise
Junior Suite

Include & Exclude

TRIP INCLUSIVE

  • Accommodations based on double/ twin sharing room with daily breakfast
  • Private transfer with air-conditioned for the whole trip
  • Bottle of water and wet tissue on the car (1 bottle per guest per day)
  • Regional and experienced English-speaking guides
  • Meals as indicated (without beverage)
  • All entrance and sightseeing fees.
  • 2D1N trip in Ha Long Bay
  • Domestic flights from Saigon– Danang & Hue – Hanoi
  • Dragon Boat Trip on Perfume River
  • Services charges and government tax

TRIP EXCLUSIVE

  • International flights & departure taxes
  • Beverage
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
  • Vietnam visa stamping fee.
  • Others not mentioned above

Note:

* Check-in time: 02.00 pm – Check-out time: 12.00 pm
* Special offer in Low Season from May 1st – Sep 30th is applied. Please contact us for more details.
* Price is based on a minimum of 2 people sharing 1 double/ twin room. Single supplement is surcharged when one person occupies one room.

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