Landscapes & Capitals Vietnam

Start/Finish

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Hanoi (Vietnam)

Duration

11 days - 10 nights

Price from

US$4,863/person/twin share

Places visited

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)

Your journey map

Trip overview

This 11-day/ 10-night journey features Vietnam’s most popular cities and small towns. The trip explores Vietnam’s cultural diversity and fascinating history through its varying geographical landscapes: from the modern, fast-paced South with its waterways via the ancient kingdom and past-imperial capital of the Centre, to the cultural capital of the North of Vietnam. From either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi you may want to extend your trip into Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.

Trip highlights

  • Experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Be mesmerised by the Mekong Delta countryside
  • Stroll around the Ancient Town of Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Discover the Imperial City of Hue (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Explore the Old Quarter in Ha Noi
  • Cruise the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay
  • and more…

Trip at a glance

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An
Day 5
Old Town Hoi An
Day 6
Hoi An/Hue
Day 7
Hue/Ha Noi
Day 8
Ha Noi/Ha Long Bay
Day 9
Ha Long Bay/Ha Noi
Day 10
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo
Day 11
Ha Noi Departure
Depart for Home

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. Upon arrive you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you’ll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City

This morning your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It’s an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, we set out on an excursion toward Vinh Long province (2 hour drive). We head for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, the country’s ‘rice-basket’. The landscapes reveal a diversity of life and scenery from the sprawling Saigon city to the peaceful delta. On arrival in Cai Be, board a private wooden motorized boat to explore the river life and agriculture along her banks and waterways. We pass the bustling Cai Be floating market, where hundreds of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products anchor alongside the riverbank for miles. Local traders live on the river and have done so for generations, living and trading out of their boat homes. Continue the cruise across large tributaries of the Mekong River then boat through narrow cannels (depending on water level) offering snapshots of local life. We disembark to walk through villages, past fruit gardens and typical homes. Stop at a local restaurant in a garden setting for lunch serving typical Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, you might want to rest with a short power nap on a hammock, stroll around the orchards or try rowing a small sampan… Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An

We transfer back to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city for an introduction to the Classical Era of South East Asian art and history. The time span roughly corresponds to the medieval period in Europe. The Champa Kingdom was a maritime powerhouse, trading in spices and ivory. The culture was highly developed, leaving a legacy of refined artworks and architecture. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. After the Classical interlude, we continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show (China Beach) and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors, so if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Vietnamese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Day 5
Old Town Hoi An

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th to 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets visiting temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together. After your market visit in the morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

Day 6
Hoi An/Hue

Say good-bye to Hoi An as we drive northward to Hue. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was Vietnam’s Imperial City and thus the seat of 13 Nguyen Emperors. Today, the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Imperial city of Hue, originally modeled after the Forbidden City of Beijing. Followed by a visit of the Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda – the most beautiful pagoda located atop a hill with magnificent views across the river. Then sit back for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue
Day 7
Hue/Ha Noi

Our explorations of the Imperial capital continue as we tour around Hue through shady, scenic landscapes to arrive at the majestic, serene tomb of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst fragrant frangipani trees. We also pass by the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh before heading to the airport for the flight to the modern-day capital of Ha Noi. Upon arrival, transfer with your guide to your hotel downtown.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 8
Ha Noi/Ha Long Bay

This morning we have a 2.5-hour drive to reach one of the newly declared 7 New Wonders of the World – Ha Long Bay. Journey through the impressive countryside of the North, by now you’ll have a sense of how distinctly different each region of Vietnam is. Arrive at the pier by noon; board your luxury junk (flat-bottomed sailing vessel), this will be your accommodation for the night. Cruise through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the water. Lunch is served on board. Drop anchor in a bay, disembark to visit spectacular limestone caves or trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the evocative bay. Choose to swim near a secluded beach, or simply lounge on deck soaking up the atmosphere. Visit a floating fishing village and meet third-generation fishermen to learn about their traditional way of life at sea. The day rounds off at sunset with sundowners before feasting on fresh seafood for dinner.

Overnight on board
Day 9
Ha Long Bay/Ha Noi

Catch an early sunrise this morning from the deck with a traditional Vietnamese coffee in hand. Breakfast will be served on board. Continue cruising through the Bay with its limestone formations and small islands. Small, uninhabited beaches and grottoes carved out by wind and water action provide an ever-changing backdrop for photography. Not to mention the images of distant junks, or round basket boats floating on shimmering waters. Drop off at the pier at around mid-day and transfer back to your hotel in Ha Noi. In the late afternoon, you may wish to attend a performance of water puppetry, an art form that developed in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 10
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo

(All museums in Ha Noi are closed on Monday & Friday) This morning, we travel by rickshaw cyclo and by foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1,000-year-old “Old Quarter”. Other stops on your visit include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda, the hallowed “Temple of Literature”- Van Mieu as it is known in Vietnamese – the country’s most renowned temple complex. A Confucian sanctuary and academy, the center once housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. Take time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with your local guide. After lunch, at another of our favorite local spots, we leave you to enjoy the afternoon as you see fit. Depending on your interests, your tour guide will be happy to lead you to some of the city’s more interesting art galleries or take you on a shopping tour for silks and linens (this is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to pick up gifts for people back home). There are numerous historic sites to recommend or even a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 11
Ha Noi Departure

A private transfer with your guide to the airport for your departure flight home takes us to the end of your stay with us. Safe onward travels.

Depart for Home

Accommodations

Pricing notes

Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.
At Ansova Travel, we carefully select all hotels to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.

Prices include the following:

  • All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  • Internal economy flights with airport taxes
  • All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  • Private services of local guides
  • All special events & private tours, guest experts
  • All entrance fees into historical sights & museums
  • Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  • 24/7 support from the Ansova Team

Notes:

  • Peak Season supplements may be applied at some hotels (typically over the Christmas and New Year period).
  • There are a number of factors which will influence the price; these include the standard of accommodation, the season, the class of flights, the airline used and the level of private guiding versus shared excursions.
  • A single supplement may apply.

This tour was carefully designed by our Trip-Planner. However, a designated Trip Planner can assist you with identifying your travel needs so as to match and hopefully exceed your expectations. Our Trip Planner will review your inquiry and respond via email within 24 business hours, with an itinerary proposal aligned to your requirements and budget.

Travel reviews

Hi Vic.

I just wanted to let you know we had an amazing holiday in Vietnam. Cam and Tuan were excellent guides, very helpful, considerate, informative, and prompt. We were treated like royalty the entire time and loved your country [so] much we will probably come back and visit again…

Natalie, Neil and family

Landscapes & Capitals Vietnam

Overview

This 11-day/ 10-night journey features Vietnam’s most popular cities and small towns. The trip explores Vietnam’s cultural diversity and fascinating history through its varying geographical landscapes: from the modern, fast-paced South with its waterways via the ancient kingdom and past-imperial capital of the Centre, to the cultural capital of the North of Vietnam. From either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi you may want to extend your trip into Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.

Trip highlights

  • Experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Be mesmerised by the Mekong Delta countryside
  • Stroll around the Ancient Town of Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Discover the Imperial City of Hue (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Explore the Old Quarter in Ha Noi
  • Cruise the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay
  • and more…

Trip at a glance

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An
Day 5
Old Town Hoi An
Day 6
Hoi An/Hue
Day 7
Hue/Ha Noi
Day 8
Ha Noi/Ha Long Bay
Day 9
Ha Long Bay/Ha Noi
Day 10
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo
Day 11
Ha Noi Departure
Depart for Home

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. Upon arrive you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you’ll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City

This morning your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It’s an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, we set out on an excursion toward Vinh Long province (2 hour drive). We head for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, the country’s ‘rice-basket’. The landscapes reveal a diversity of life and scenery from the sprawling Saigon city to the peaceful delta. On arrival in Cai Be, board a private wooden motorized boat to explore the river life and agriculture along her banks and waterways. We pass the bustling Cai Be floating market, where hundreds of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products anchor alongside the riverbank for miles. Local traders live on the river and have done so for generations, living and trading out of their boat homes. Continue the cruise across large tributaries of the Mekong River then boat through narrow cannels (depending on water level) offering snapshots of local life. We disembark to walk through villages, past fruit gardens and typical homes. Stop at a local restaurant in a garden setting for lunch serving typical Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, you might want to rest with a short power nap on a hammock, stroll around the orchards or try rowing a small sampan… Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An

We transfer back to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city for an introduction to the Classical Era of South East Asian art and history. The time span roughly corresponds to the medieval period in Europe. The Champa Kingdom was a maritime powerhouse, trading in spices and ivory. The culture was highly developed, leaving a legacy of refined artworks and architecture. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. After the Classical interlude, we continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show (China Beach) and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors, so if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Vietnamese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Day 5
Old Town Hoi An

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th to 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets visiting temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together. After your market visit in the morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

Day 6
Hoi An/Hue

Say good-bye to Hoi An as we drive northward to Hue. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was Vietnam’s Imperial City and thus the seat of 13 Nguyen Emperors. Today, the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Imperial city of Hue, originally modeled after the Forbidden City of Beijing. Followed by a visit of the Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda – the most beautiful pagoda located atop a hill with magnificent views across the river. Then sit back for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue
Day 7
Hue/Ha Noi

Our explorations of the Imperial capital continue as we tour around Hue through shady, scenic landscapes to arrive at the majestic, serene tomb of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst fragrant frangipani trees. We also pass by the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh before heading to the airport for the flight to the modern-day capital of Ha Noi. Upon arrival, transfer with your guide to your hotel downtown.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 8
Ha Noi/Ha Long Bay

This morning we have a 2.5-hour drive to reach one of the newly declared 7 New Wonders of the World – Ha Long Bay. Journey through the impressive countryside of the North, by now you’ll have a sense of how distinctly different each region of Vietnam is. Arrive at the pier by noon; board your luxury junk (flat-bottomed sailing vessel), this will be your accommodation for the night. Cruise through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the water. Lunch is served on board. Drop anchor in a bay, disembark to visit spectacular limestone caves or trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the evocative bay. Choose to swim near a secluded beach, or simply lounge on deck soaking up the atmosphere. Visit a floating fishing village and meet third-generation fishermen to learn about their traditional way of life at sea. The day rounds off at sunset with sundowners before feasting on fresh seafood for dinner.

Overnight on board
Day 9
Ha Long Bay/Ha Noi

Catch an early sunrise this morning from the deck with a traditional Vietnamese coffee in hand. Breakfast will be served on board. Continue cruising through the Bay with its limestone formations and small islands. Small, uninhabited beaches and grottoes carved out by wind and water action provide an ever-changing backdrop for photography. Not to mention the images of distant junks, or round basket boats floating on shimmering waters. Drop off at the pier at around mid-day and transfer back to your hotel in Ha Noi. In the late afternoon, you may wish to attend a performance of water puppetry, an art form that developed in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 10
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo

(All museums in Ha Noi are closed on Monday & Friday) This morning, we travel by rickshaw cyclo and by foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1,000-year-old “Old Quarter”. Other stops on your visit include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda, the hallowed “Temple of Literature”- Van Mieu as it is known in Vietnamese – the country’s most renowned temple complex. A Confucian sanctuary and academy, the center once housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. Take time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with your local guide. After lunch, at another of our favorite local spots, we leave you to enjoy the afternoon as you see fit. Depending on your interests, your tour guide will be happy to lead you to some of the city’s more interesting art galleries or take you on a shopping tour for silks and linens (this is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to pick up gifts for people back home). There are numerous historic sites to recommend or even a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 11
Ha Noi Departure

A private transfer with your guide to the airport for your departure flight home takes us to the end of your stay with us. Safe onward travels.

Depart for Home

Pricing notes

Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.
At Ansova Travel, we carefully select all hotels to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.

Prices include the following:

  • All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  • Internal economy flights with airport taxes
  • All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  • Private services of local guides
  • All special events & private tours, guest experts
  • All entrance fees into historical sights & museums
  • Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  • 24/7 support from the Ansova Team

Notes:

  • Peak Season supplements may be applied at some hotels (typically over the Christmas and New Year period).
  • There are a number of factors which will influence the price; these include the standard of accommodation, the season, the class of flights, the airline used and the level of private guiding versus shared excursions.
  • A single supplement may apply.

This tour was carefully designed by our Trip-Planner. However, a designated Trip Planner can assist you with identifying your travel needs so as to match and hopefully exceed your expectations. Our Trip Planner will review your inquiry and respond via email within 24 business hours, with an itinerary proposal aligned to your requirements and budget.

Start/Finish

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Hanoi (Vietnam)

Duration

11 days - 10 nights

Price from

US$4,863/person/twin share

Places visited

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)

Travel reviews

Hi Vic.

I just wanted to let you know we had an amazing holiday in Vietnam. Cam and Tuan were excellent guides, very helpful, considerate, informative, and prompt. We were treated like royalty the entire time and loved your country [so] much we will probably come back and visit again…

Natalie, Neil and family

Your tour map

Accommodations

FAQs

We provide you with 24-hour on-the-ground support. Our regional managers are on call and may check in with you when you are in their hometown.

Upon your arrival or the morning after we will give you a call to ensure everything about your trip thus far has gone off without a hitch. We will keep in touch with your guides to ensure everything is going smoothly, always.

You can get in touch with our team at hello@ansovatravel.com

It is in our touch; we are all about fine-details and personalized touch. We don’t strive to be the biggest in luxury travel, we strive to offer you the absolute very best. We curate an authentic travel experience, unique to your travel wants and needs, through a thoughtful and personalized interaction with each guest.

None of our journeys conclude without you receiving an additional, unexpected “and” that makes your trip a truly unforgettable experience.

Our director, a veteran tour guide, personally selects regional experts and local guides. We select the best in their field of expertise who all share a common quality, passion for their job, craft or hobby.

Our local guides and tour directors bring you more than just fact-based journeys. Their extensive knowledge combined with vibrant story-telling skills, provide you with immersive and authentic cultural experience.

The Ansova Difference

We are local

We are driven by detail

We are always at your service

We provide the best tour guides

We give back

How it works

Tell us what your dream trip to Southeast Asia looks like

Let us take care of the details

Fine-tune your itinerary

Book with confidence

Enjoy your trip!

Let’s get started

Contact your dedicated travel consultant today