Vietnam Highlights & Local Life 10 Days
4.4 8

Itinerary

This 10 days private tour takes you from Hanoi’s ancient streets to the Mekong’s floating markets, combining Vietnam’s iconic destinations with emerging places like Ninh Binh that offer something beyond the usual tourist trail.

The itinerary works beautifully for families traveling across multiple generations or senior couples seeking a well-paced adventure. With private touring, everything adapts to your interests and energy levels. Some days are packed with experiences, others build in time to relax by the pool or beach. The flexibility means each person enjoys the journey their way – whether that’s climbing 500 steps to a panoramic viewpoint or relaxing with a book while others explore.

If you have limited time, still want to see bot highlights and authentic local experiences off the typical tourist path, here is the ideal suggestion.

Highlights:

  • Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by vintage jeep and cyclo, stopping at the best street food spots locals love
  • Glide through Tam Coc’s waterways by traditional sampan boat beneath towering limestone cliffs
  • Climb to Mua Cave’s summit for breathtaking views over Ninh Binh’s karst landscape
  • Sleep aboard a traditional junk boat cruising through Halong Bay‘s mystical islands
  • Cycle through rice paddies and villages around Hoi An, meeting artisans and farmers
  • Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes in a hands-on cooking class
  • Feel Saigon’s energy from the back of a vintage Vespa during an evening food tour
  • Navigate the Mekong Delta‘s narrow canals by wooden boat, visiting floating markets and local homes
  • Enjoy complete flexibility with private touring that adapts to your interests and pace

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Your guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore at your own pace.

Tour guide: English speaking guide
Meals: N/A

DAY 2: CITY TOUR & STREET FOOD ADVENTURE

Your half-day tour takes you through Hanoi’s most fascinating areas. Explore a bustling local market where Hanoi residents shop daily, see the historic O Quan Chuong Gate (The Old East Gate) that once protected the ancient city, and visit the beautiful Joseph Church. Continue to the magnificent Hanoi Opera House with its distinctive French colonial architecture, then stroll around the serene Sword Lake while hearing its legendary story.

The highlight for many travelers is exploring the off beat Hanoi without tourist by taking a vintage military jeep tour through the narrow streets, where you’ll witness daily life happening all around you among colonial buildings and bustling shops.

As evening arrives, your progressive street food tour takes you to local favorites for crispy banh xeo pancakes, grilled skewers, and sweet che desserts.

Tour guide: English speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sword Lake

DAY 3: HANOI - DRIVE TO NINH BINH - HOA LU - TAM COC BOAT TRIP - DANCING CAVE - OVERNIGHT NINH BINH

After breakfast, drive two hours south to Ninh Binh. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with its 10th-century temples dedicated to emperors Dinh and Le.

Next, board a traditional sampan at Tam Coc’s stunning landscape of limestone karsts, rowed by local women. Float along the Ngo Dong River past rice fields and through three natural caves.

After lunch, visit Hang Mua where nearly 500 steps lead to spectacular views over the Tam Coc landscape. Those preferring a local experience can enjoy a bicycle tour through rural villages. Ride through picturesque landscapes, interact with local farmers and observe traditional rural life up close.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tam coc boat trip

DAY 4: NINH BINH - DRIVE TO HALONG PORT - OVERNIGHT CRUISE

After early breakfast, drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Sunworld International Harbor, transfer to your cruise boat by tender. After embarking, enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into your cabin. While cruising through the emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy lunch and marvel at the stunning seascape around you.

Your afternoon includes kayaking through hidden lagoons, swimming in clear waters, and relaxing at Cap La Beach. As sunset colors the sky, enjoy a BBQ dinner onboard followed by evening activities like squid fishing, board games, or simply stargazing from the deck. This overnight cruise experience is consistently rated as a highlight by travelers to Vietnam.

Tour guide: English speaking guide on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

squid fishing

DAY 5: HALONG BAY - TRANSFER TO HANOI - FREE & EASY

Begin your day with optional Tai Chi on the sundeck as the morning light illuminates the bay. After a light breakfast, visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by bamboo boat, where you’ll witness a traditional way of life that has changed little over generations.

Return to the cruise for final views of this natural wonder while enjoying lunch as you cruise back to shore. After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi, arriving late afternoon.

The evening is yours to explore Hanoi at your leisure.

Tour guide: English Speaking guide on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Vung Vieng village

DAY 6: HANOI - FLY TO DA NANG - DRIVE TO HOI AN - HALF DAY ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR

Your morning is free before transferring to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, then driving to Hoi An.

After settling in, walk through the Ancient Town‘s preserved 15th-19th century architecture. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and historic merchant houses. As evening falls, silk lanterns illuminate the streets.

Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE - CYCLING, COOKING CLASS & BEACH TIME

Cycle through rice paddies and rural villages, passing water buffalo and farmers. Stop to meet locals practicing traditional crafts.

Join a cooking class where you’ll learn about Vietnamese ingredients and prepare dishes like spring rolls, papaya salad, and banh xeo crepes. Enjoy your creations for lunch.

The afternoon is yours at An Bang or Cua Dai Beach for swimming and relaxation.

Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

Tra Que village
An Bang beach in Hoi An

Day 8: HOI AN - FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY - HALF DAY CITY TOUR

Your morning is free before transferring to Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Experience Saigon from the back of a vintage Vespa as evening energy peaks. Navigate through different districts and stop for local food – banh mi, grilled seafood, and sweet desserts.

Tour-guide: English Speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9: MEKONG DELTA DAY TRIP

Drive south to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional wooden boat and navigate the waterways, watching daily life unfold on the river.

Visit a coconut candy workshop and honey farm. Transfer to smaller sampans for narrow canals under water palm canopies. Enjoy lunch featuring delta specialties. Return to Saigon by late afternoon.

Tour-guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast

mekong delta tour
mekong delta in coconut
Experience Mekong River local life

Day 10: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

Your morning is free depending on your flight time. Your driver transfers you to the airport at the appropriate time.

Tour guide: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

This private package tour starts at USD1,180 per person.

Note:

– The price above is for reference only and can be adjusted based on your custom itinerary.

– This tour features comfort-level accommodations. If you’d like to upgrade to premium hotels or customize your itinerary for your 2026 Vietnam visit or beyond, we’re happy to tailor an experience to suit your preferences.

– All prices are listed in US dollars. For quotes in EUR or other currencies, please contact us via this form or email [email protected].

Cities Hotel category
Ho Chi Minh

Roseland Corp Hotel
Deluxe Room

Hoi An

Lantana Boutique Hoi An Hotel
Superior Room

Hanoi

San Boutique Hotel Hanoi
Premium Room

Ninh Binh

Le Clos De Fil Hotel Ninh Binh
Superior Room

Halong Bay

Garden Bay Legend Cruise
Deluxe Seaview Cabin

Include & Exclude

TRIP INCLUSIVE

  • Private transportation (with AC) in pickup, drop off airport and during the tour
  • Accommodation at hotel with breakfast
  • 02 Domestic flights
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Meals as indicated in
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing

TRIP EXCLUSIVE

  • International flights
  • Meals not included in
  • Drinks during the meals
  • Tips & Personal expenses
  • Banking service fee

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