Vietnam Vibrant Streets to Emerald Bay 10 Days: Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi & Halong Adventure

The Promise: Escape the urban sprawl and find peaceful harmony floating along the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta.

An early start brings you to the tranquil world of Ben Tre, the coconut capital of the Mekong Delta. We begin with a boat trip on the Ben Tre River, observing the daily river life unfolding before your eyes. You’ll navigate small canals to Nhon Thanh Village, where you’ll taste fresh seasonal fruits and feel the immediate genuine warmth of the locals.

For an authentic, immersive experience, choose a bike ride (or Tuk Tuk) along narrow paths, winding through coconut groves, rice fields, and vegetable gardens. Lunch is a true regional feast, featuring the famous Elephant Ear Fish, served right in the village. Conclude your visit with a silent sampan ride through small, wild palm-shaded canals—a moment of pure closeness to nature before transferring back to the energetic pulse of Saigon.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Boat Trip, Bike Rental (or Tuk Tuk), Private Transportation.

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

The Promise: Descend beneath the surface for a powerful, eye-opening exploration of history and human resilience.

Today, you journey to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most striking symbols of the Vietnam War. This vast, over 250km network of narrow tunnels was dug entirely by hand, creating an underground city that housed entire armies and allowed for incredible acts of resilience and ingenuity.

Your expert guide will lead you through the jungle terrain, showing you the camouflaged entrances and explaining the historical context. The highlight is the chance to crawl through a section of the actual tunnels—a physical and historical conquest that offers deep insight into the challenging lives of the Viet Cong soldiers. You'll leave with a profound appreciation for this pivotal site.

• Optional Thrill: Enhance your experience at the Cu Chi shooting range by trying real gun firing (paid on the spot).

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel (Premium Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

The Promise: Experience a seamless transition from the high-octane South to the romantic, lantern-lit heart of Central Vietnam.

After breakfast, we ensure a smooth, private transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your morning flight north. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your new local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Da Nang, perfectly positioned between the city and the coast.

The afternoon belongs to Hoi An Ancient Town. Your guided walking tour plunges you into this UNESCO World Heritage site, instantly transporting you to a bygone era. Cross the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, explore the rich trading history at the Fujian Assembly Hall, and admire the preserved architecture of the Museum of Trade Ceramics. Conclude your exploration with a walk through the vibrant Hoi An Market, taking in the colorful array of silks, spices, and local delicacies. As evening falls and the lanterns glow, you will feel a true sense of romantic escape.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Domestic Flight.

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

The Promise: Ascend above the clouds to an architectural wonderland and walk the legendary Golden Bridge for breathtaking views.

Today is an adventure of awe and conquest! You will take one of the world’s most impressive cable cars up to Ba Na Hills, soaring 1,478m above sea level. The 20-minute ride itself is a spectacular scenic journey.

At the summit, step onto the unforgettable Golden Bridge—an architectural marvel held up by giant stone hands. Standing there, overlooking the endless mountains, forests, and the distant ocean, is a moment of pure triumph and wonder. Explore the beautifully maintained French Colonial gardens, visit the giant Buddha statue at the pagoda, and enjoy the Fantasy Park’s entertaining attractions. This is a day defined by magnificence and panoramic beauty.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Cable Car Tickets (Ba Na Hills).

• Accommodation: Parosand Da Nang Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

The Promise: Journey to the historic capital of Hanoi, where tradition and bustling modern life collide to awaken all your senses.

After a relaxing morning, we transfer you smoothly to Da Nang Airport for your flight to the northern capital, Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your Hanoi driver and guide will ensure a quick, private transfer to the heart of the Old Quarter.

Your afternoon immersion begins at the Temple of Literature, the city’s profound symbol of scholarship and the site of Vietnam’s First National University. You will stroll through the serene courtyards and admire the World Heritage "stone steles." We then explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace grounds and the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda. Conclude your day with a magical walking tour through the Hanoi Old Quarter. This maze of 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a trade, is a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and unforgettable street life—the perfect introduction to the North.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Domestic Flight.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

The Promise: Trade the city chaos for the tranquil escape of Ninh Binh, exploring submerged cave systems and one of Asia’s largest pagodas.

Today, you venture to Ninh Binh, home to Trang An, a UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will board a private traditional sampan, gently rowed by a local. Glide silently along a poetic river, passing through a series of submerged caves—some stretching hundreds of meters long—and discovering peaceful, isolated valleys. It feels like stepping into a hidden world of limestone karsts.

After lunch, we visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the most impressive Buddhist centers in Southeast Asia. Walk along the path lined with 500 stone arhats before ascending to the 13-storey viewpoint tower. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the expansive pagoda complex and the surrounding karst valley—a moment of true spiritual awe.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L), Boat Trip (Trang An), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Electric Car (Bai Dinh).

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

The Promise: Embark on a luxury cruise, sailing into the majestic, world-renowned Halong Bay for two days of natural conquest.

Your final grand adventure begins! Our comfortable shuttle will transport you from Hanoi through the picturesque Red River Delta to Tuan Chau Marina.

You will be warmly welcomed aboard your luxury cruise ship and settled into your Deluxe Cabin. Indulge in a Vietnamese and international gourmet lunch as you sail into the iconic bay, passing dramatic landmarks. The afternoon is dedicated to active discovery: explore the Pearl Farm and then take a kayak to silently paddle through hidden lagoons, achieving a personal conquest over the emerald waters. Later, explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), marveling at its immense scale and stunning stalactite formations.

As the sun sets, join the Happy Hour and then enjoy a deluxe dinner prepared by the talented onboard chefs. The evening concludes with optional squid fishing under the stars.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Tuan Chau), English Speaking Guide (On Board), Meal (B, L, D), Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cruise Accommodation.

• Accommodation: Mila Cruise (Deluxe Cabin) or similar.

The Promise: Witness the zenith of the bay's beauty and capture the ultimate view before a smooth return to the capital.

Greet the day with a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone karsts—a moment of pure rejuvenation. After a light breakfast, we visit Titov Island. This is your chance for a final conquest: climb to the top for the ultimate panoramic view of Halong Bay, cementing this memory forever.

Return to the ship for a final leisurely brunch as the cruise gently navigates back to the marina. After a heartfelt farewell to the crew, our driver will meet you for the comfortable private transfer back to your Hanoi hotel. Spend your final evening enjoying a quiet dinner or exploring the lively Old Quarter one last time.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Tuan Chau - Hanoi), English Speaking Guide (On Board), Meal (B, L), Entrance Fees, Tai Chi.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

The Promise: Depart with a lifetime of vivid memories, historical insights, and an intimate connection to Vietnam's contrasting beauty.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hanoi. Your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and ensure a comfortable, quick transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight. You leave Vietnam not just as a tourist, but as a traveler who has experienced the vibrant pulse of its streets and the serene awe of its emerald bays.

• Included: Meal (B), Private Transportation.

This itinerary is designed to create a strong emotional narrative, highlighting the dramatic shifts in scenery and culture from South to North.

Would you like me to refine any specific day, or perhaps suggest a unique local experience to add to this tour?