Vietnam Heritage & Nature 12 Days
4.4 8

Itinerary

The Vietnam cultural tour 12 days invites you to explore the country beyond famous landmarks. The journey moves smoothly from north to south at a relaxed and balanced pace.

You discover Vietnam’s heritage through guided walks in Hanoi and visits to ancient temples in Ninh Binh. A peaceful overnight cruise in Halong Bay reveals dramatic limestone scenery. In Hue, imperial sites and the Perfume River reflect the country’s royal past.

Hoi An offers gentle walking tours, free time, and a full day by the beach. The journey ends in Ho Chi Minh City, where modern energy blends with layered history. With private transport and flexible scheduling, this tour suits Italian and Spanish travelers who value culture, comfort, and meaningful experiences.

Tour Highlights:

  • Travel from north to south Vietnam while discovering changing cultures, landscapes, and daily life.

  • Explore Hanoi’s heritage through guided visits and a street-food walk in the Old Quarter.

  • Enjoy Ninh Binh’s peaceful rivers, limestone scenery, and ancient temples in the countryside.

  • Experience Halong Bay beyond day trips with an overnight cruise among limestone islands.

  • Discover Hue’s imperial history through royal monuments and a boat trip on the Perfume River.

  • Cross the scenic Hai Van Pass along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads.

  • Walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, then enjoy free time and a full beach relaxation day.

  • End the journey in Ho Chi Minh City with flexible time or optional cultural excursions.

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you are warmly welcomed by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Today is intentionally light, allowing you to recover from your flight and ease into Vietnam’s gentle rhythm.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short walk around the neighborhood, observe local life unfolding on the streets, or simply relax at your hotel. Hanoi reveals itself quietly at first, through sounds, scents, and small daily scenes rather than grand attractions.

Meals: N/A


DAY 2: HANOI – CITY DISCOVERY & STREET FOOD WALK

Today offers a deeper introduction to Hanoi’s culture, history, and everyday life. With your English-speaking guide, you explore the city’s most important landmarks, including historic temples, leafy boulevards, and areas shaped by centuries of tradition and colonial influence. The pace remains comfortable, with time to appreciate architecture, stories, and local customs rather than rushing between sites.

In the afternoon, the experience becomes more intimate with a guided street-food walking tour through the Old Quarter. You taste a variety of local specialties while learning how food reflects Hanoi’s lifestyle and character. This is not only about eating, but about understanding the city through its flavors, something Italian and Spanish travelers often find especially rewarding.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

Street food restaurant

DAY 3: HANOI – NINH BINH

Leaving Hanoi behind, you travel south to Ninh Binh, a region often called “Halong Bay on land.” The landscape gradually changes into limestone mountains rising above rice fields and rivers, creating one of northern Vietnam’s most peaceful settings.

During the day, you enjoy a combination of cultural and natural highlights, including ancient temples and a scenic boat trip through dramatic karst formations. The boat ride is slow and quiet, allowing you to fully absorb the surroundings and enjoy moments of stillness. This day mirrors the well-balanced Ninh Binh full-day experience featured on your website, combining nature, heritage, and gentle exploration.

By late afternoon, you return to your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy a calm evening in the countryside.

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


DAY 4: NINH BINH – HALONG BAY

This morning, you depart Ninh Binh and head toward the coast, arriving at Halong Bay by midday. After boarding your cruise, you settle into your private cabin as the boat begins gliding through limestone islands and emerald waters.

The afternoon is designed for relaxation and gentle activities, such as visiting a cave, kayaking, or simply enjoying the scenery from the sundeck. Everything unfolds at an unhurried pace, with attentive service and refined comfort on board. As the sun sets, dinner is served on the cruise, creating a memorable evening surrounded by nature.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide on the cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


DAY 5: HALONG BAY – FLY TO HUE

You wake early to the calm atmosphere of Halong Bay, often accompanied by soft morning light and still waters. After breakfast, the cruise continues through quieter areas before returning to the pier late in the morning.

From there, your driver transfers you back to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax or enjoy a gentle walk along the Perfume River.

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

boat tour to thien mu pagoda

DAY 6: HUE – IMPERIAL HERITAGE & PERFUME RIVER

Today is dedicated to Hue’s imperial past and poetic atmosphere. With your guide, you explore key historical sites that once belonged to Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, learning about court life, traditions, and architecture.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat trip along the Perfume River, offering a slower and more contemplative perspective of the city. The gentle movement of the boat, combined with views of pagodas and riverside life, creates a peaceful contrast to the morning’s historical discoveries.

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

hue citadel
The peaceful beauty of Hue in June

DAY 7: HUE – HAI VAN PASS – DANANG – HOI AN

Leaving Hue behind, you travel south toward Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass. The journey itself is a highlight, offering panoramic views of mountains, coastline, and the sea. Short stops along the way allow time for photos and fresh air.

After passing through Danang, you continue to Hoi An, where the atmosphere shifts to something warmer and more intimate. Upon arrival, you check in and enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming riverside town.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast

Couple in Hai Van pass

DAY 8: HOI AN – ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR & LEISURE

This morning, you explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town on foot with your guide. You visit well-preserved houses, Assembly halls, and temples, while learning about the town’s history as an international trading port. The walking pace is gentle, with time to enjoy architectural details and local stories.

The afternoon is free for your own enjoyment. You may relax at your hotel, browse tailor shops, enjoy a café by the river, or simply wander the lantern-lit streets at your own rhythm.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast


DAY 9: HOI AN – BEACH RELAXATION

Today is reserved entirely for relaxation. You spend the day at one of Hoi An’s nearby beaches, enjoying the sea, soft sand, and a slower pace of life. There are no fixed schedules, allowing you to rest, swim, or enjoy beachfront dining as you wish.

This day provides a perfect balance after several days of cultural exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach
2 Famous Beaches in Hoi An

Day 10: HOI AN – DANANG – HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast, you transfer to Danang Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your guide meets you and introduces Vietnam’s southern metropolis.

During the half-day city tour, you explore key landmarks that reflect the city’s colonial past, modern energy, and layered history. The contrast with northern Vietnam becomes clear, offering a fresh perspective on the country’s diversity.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast


DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY – FREE DAY WITH OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Today is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or simply relax. For those wishing to see more, optional excursions can be arranged, such as a full-day Mekong Delta experience or a half-day visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This flexibility allows you to shape the day according to your interests, whether cultural, historical, or leisurely.

Tour guide: English-speaking guide (optional tours)
Meals: Breakfast

Cu Chi Tunnel

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE

At the appropriate time, your driver transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. Your journey through Vietnam concludes with a smooth and comfortable departure, carrying memories of varied landscapes, rich culture, and unhurried moments.

Meals: Breakfast


Hop on a vintage Vespa for Saigon sightseeing

Pricing

This private package tour starts at USD1,380 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 EURtinhs  or other currencies, please contact us via this form or email [email protected].

ACCOMMODATION

Below are our suggested accommodations at a comfort level. As we offer private tours, your hotel can be selected to match your travel interests. Share with our travel expert your preferences to get the quote within 12 hours by filling out the form below.

Cities Hotel category
Hanoi

San Boutique Hotel Hanoi
Premium Room

Halong Bay

Garden Bay Legend Cruise
Deluxe Seaview Cabin

Ninh Binh

Le Clos De Fil Hotel Ninh Binh
Superior Room

Hue

Scarlett Hue Boutique Hotel
Passion Room

Hoi An

Garden Bay Legend Cruise
Deluxe Seaview Cabin

Ho Chi Minh City

Roseland Corp Hotel
Deluxe Room

 

Include & Exclude

TRIP INCLUSIVE

  • All private transfers and transportation.
  • Accommodation shared in a Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing tickets
  • Water and tissues on the coach
  • Private double/twin cabin in Halong
  • Domestic flights
  • Service charges and government tax

TRIP EXCLUSIVE

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

Book Now

    615++ Excellent TripAdvisor Reviews Can’t Be Wrong
    Each traveler enjoys exceptional personal experience with us. Ready to be one?

    Customize your tour now

    Tripadvisor Reviews

    Menu