Vietnam's Ultimate 9-Day Journey: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Mekong Delta

At 9:00 AM, immerse yourself in the intellectual soul of Vietnam. Our first stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university dating back to the 11th century. Wander through its serene courtyards, admire the intricate Khue Van Cac pavilion, and reflect on the legacy etched into the precious stone steles.

We then explore one of Hanoi’s essential museums (choose from the National History Museum, Museum of Ethnology, or the profound Hoa Lo Prison, based on your interest), gaining deeper insight into the nation’s identity. After lunch (on your own), the afternoon is dedicated to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. We visit the Presidential Palace, walk through the beautiful botanical gardens, and see the simple House on Stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. We also stop at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of the city. Later, take a leisurely drive along the picturesque West Lake, stopping at the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda (6th century), feeling a moment of profound tranquility.

The day culminates with the uniquely Vietnamese Water Puppet Show. This 11th-century art form is a cultural delight, where puppets dance on the water, narrating the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people—a perfect, enchanting artistic end to your day.

• Experience: Walking through Vietnam's first university, discovering historical resilience, witnessing the unique art of water puppetry.

• Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water Puppet Show Ticket, Water.

Today, embark on a journey to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO gem often called "Halong Bay on land." Leaving Hanoi at 8:00 AM, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the verdant Red River Delta, readying your camera for the dramatic landscapes ahead.

Our first encounter with history is at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's 10th-century capital. Visit the 17th-century temples dedicated to Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, whose crucial efforts secured the nation’s independence after a thousand years of Chinese rule. Next, we journey to Bich Dong Pagoda. Cross a stone bridge, climb over 100 steps through lush scenery, and ascend to Chua Thuong, the upper pagoda. Here, you'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views that give you a sense of quiet conquest over the stunning countryside.

After a delicious local lunch, the highlight of the day awaits at Tam Coc. Board a private traditional sampan boat for a mesmerizing ninety-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. You will glide silently through three caves, passing stunning rice fields and towering limestone karsts. It’s a moment of profound serenity and closeness to nature that truly feels like stepping into a cinematic landscape. We return to Hanoi around 6:00 PM, with your mind refreshed and filled with images of natural wonder.

• Experience: Connecting with 10th-century royalty, conquering views at Bich Dong, achieving silent serenity on the Tam Coc river cruise.

• Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast, Lunch), Boat (Tam Coc), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water.

Prepare for the pinnacle of natural wonder. At 8:00 AM, your driver will begin the scenic transfer to Tuan Chau Marina. The 2.5 to 3-hour journey through the Red River Delta is a beautiful prelude to the majesty ahead.

By noon, you will board your luxury cruise ship, where you are welcomed with refreshing drinks and a briefing. Settle into your Deluxe Cabin and head to the restaurant for a deluxe Vietnamese and international lunch. As you dine, the ship begins its majestic sail into Halong Bay, passing iconic formations like the Incense Burner and the Fighting Cock Islet—a sight of awe and wonder from the very first moment.

The afternoon is dedicated to intimate exploration. We visit a Pearl Farm, followed by the unforgettable opportunity to kayak through hidden lagoons and up close to the towering limestone karsts. Later, explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), marveling at the stunning stalactites formed over millions of years. Return to the sundeck for a complimentary Happy Hour, watching the sunset paint the karsts in fiery hues. Conclude the day with a delicious deluxe dinner and evening activities, including squid fishing or simply unwinding under the stars.

• Experience: Sailing into a UNESCO dreamscape, intimate kayaking, exploring the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, sunset gazing over emerald waters.

• Stay: Mila Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin) *or similar.

• Included: Shuttle Bus, On-Board Guide, Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Entrance fees, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Water.

Awake to the sublime tranquility of Halong Bay. Your day begins with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck at 6:15 AM—a perfect way to greet the morning over the still waters. After breakfast, we make our final, exhilarating stop at Titov Island. Hike to the summit for a stunning, unrivaled panoramic view of the entire bay, a perfect reward for your effort.

Return to the cruise ship for check-out and enjoy a leisurely brunch as the boat sails back to Tuan Chau Marina. Upon disembarkation at 11:30 AM, your driver will meet you for the return journey to Hanoi.

This evening marks a dramatic transition from the peaceful North to the vibrant South. Your driver will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City (VN265 / 20:30 - 22:30). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your Southern guide and driver will provide a final, warm welcome, seamlessly transferring you to the centrally located Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room or similar) in District 1. You instantly feel the electric, dynamic energy of Saigon.

• Experience: Sunrise Tai Chi, panoramic reward from Titov Island, seamless flight transition, feeling the electric pulse of Saigon.

• Stay: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast, Lunch), Transportation, Entrance fees, Flight, Water.

At 9:00 AM, begin a deep dive into the historical soul of Saigon. We start at the Independence Palace, the former home and office of the South Vietnamese Presidents. Your visit includes the historic bunker and the grounds where the Vietnam War effectively ended—a visceral encounter with modern history.

Next, enjoy a leisurely walking tour to admire the elegant French colonial influences, including the picturesque Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the stunning, operational Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel). After a break for lunch (on your own), the afternoon brings a powerful, sobering visit to the War Remnants Museum, offering a crucial and often surprising perspective on the conflict.

We conclude the day with a sensory explosion at the Ben Thanh Market. . Open since 1870, this is the city’s most famous market, providing the perfect place to hunt for unique, inexpensive souvenirs and indulge in the city’s vibrant, tempting local street food scene.

• Experience: Absorbing powerful historical narratives, admiring elegant French architecture, sensory immersion in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

• Stay: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water.

Prepare for an intensely insightful day. Leaving at 8:00 AM, we travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a striking testament to Vietnamese ingenuity and resilience. This is not a passive museum visit; it’s a journey into a real underground city—a 250km network of tunnels used during the war. Your tour includes the chance to crawl through safe sections of the tunnels, giving you a powerful, firsthand appreciation of the incredible effort and strategic genius involved.

In the afternoon, the mood shifts dramatically as we visit the highly sacred and truly unique Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a faith that harmoniously blends Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism. You will witness the unforgettable, colorful midday mass, a spectacle of unified spiritual devotion that offers an exclusive and vibrant glimpse into Vietnam’s religious diversity. After a satisfying local lunch, we return to Saigon in the afternoon, filled with images of both intense history and profound faith.

• Experience: Crawling through a historical marvel, gaining a sense of human ingenuity, witnessing the unique spiritual awe of the Cao Dai ceremony.

• Stay: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast, Lunch), Transportation, Entrance fees, Water.

• Optional Thrill: Test your aim with real firearms at the Cu Chi shooting range (paid locally).

Today, escape the city for the tranquil, lush embrace of the Mekong Delta. After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Cai Be. Upon arrival, you'll immediately feel the slower, simpler rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River.

Your day is dedicated to authentic connection and sensory pleasure. You’ll visit local craft workshops, where you can witness and taste the creation of regional delights like rice popcorn, coconut caramel, and rice cakes. We then take a bike ride or walk along peaceful village paths, discovering the ancient, beautiful Phu Chau Pagoda, a haven of serenity. Lunch is a true culinary highlight: taste the famed local specialty, Elephant Ear Fish, served at a charming open-air restaurant. The afternoon culminates in a moment of pure bliss: rowing a small, traditional sampan in the narrow, fruit-shaded canals, tasting delicious seasonal fruits harvested right from the orchards. We return to Saigon late afternoon, refreshed and culturally enriched.

• Experience: Biking through rural serenity, tasting authentic local cuisine, achieving genuine closeness to nature while rowing in shaded canals.

• Stay: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room or similar).

• Included: Guide, Meal (Breakfast, Lunch), Boat (Cai Be), Transportation, Bike (Cai Be), Water.

Enjoy your final delicious breakfast in Saigon. Spend your morning at leisure, perhaps reflecting on the incredible diversity you have witnessed—from Hanoi’s ancient temples to the Mekong’s tranquil waters. At the designated time, your driver will ensure a seamless, comfortable private transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your flight home or to your next destination.

• Experience: Relaxed morning, smooth, comfortable departure.

• Included: Meal (Breakfast), Transportation, Water.