Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta

Tour Code: GLT-VNHL-HLHA-SG-10D
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Route: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Style: Classic Vietnam Highlights | Heritage Journey | Culture & History | UNESCO Sites | Local Experience | Private Tailor-Made Tour

Recommended For

This tour is ideal for:

International first-time visitors to Vietnam.
Couples, families, senior travelers and small private groups.
Travelers who want a balanced north-to-south Vietnam itinerary.
Guests interested in culture, heritage, history, food, local life and soft adventure.
Inbound partners looking for a classic Vietnam program that is easy to sell and easy to operate.
Premium leisure guests who want comfort, meaning and a smooth travel pace.

Tour Concept

This 10-day journey is a classic and elegant introduction to Vietnam.

The itinerary begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic capital, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, lakes, street life and local food create the first emotional touchpoint of the journey. From Hanoi, guests travel to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, for an overnight cruise among limestone karsts and emerald waters.

The journey then continues to Hoi An, a lantern-lit heritage town where old merchant houses, riverside alleys, traditional crafts and gentle local life reveal the softer soul of Central Vietnam. From there, guests fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic metropolis, to explore Saigon’s historic landmarks, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta.

This is the right tour for travelers who want to see Vietnam’s most famous highlights in a comfortable, well-paced and culturally meaningful way.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital of culture, history and timeless charm.
• Visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
• Cruise overnight through the breathtaking limestone landscape of Ha Long Bay.
• Stay in Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage towns.
• Wander through lantern-lit streets, ancient merchant houses and riverside alleys.
• Enjoy flexible time in Hoi An with optional experiences such as My Son Sanctuary, cooking class, countryside cycling or lantern making.
• Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most dynamic southern metropolis.
• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and key historic landmarks of Saigon.
• Experience the lush waterways, local life and tropical gardens of the Mekong Delta.
• Travel with a balanced pace, curated experiences and comfortable accommodation.

Brief Itinerary – 10 Days / 9 Nights

Meal Plan Summary

Accommodation Summary

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI

Welcome to Vietnam’s Timeless Capital

Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi is the perfect place to begin your Vietnam journey. Elegant, historic and full of character, the capital offers a fascinating blend of ancient temples, French-colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, peaceful lakes and lively street culture.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Relax after your flight or begin exploring the city at your own pace. You may wish to take a gentle walk around the Old Quarter, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, or join an optional evening experience such as a street food tour or water puppet show.

Hanoi reveals itself slowly. It is not a city to rush through, but a city to feel — in the sound of motorbikes, the scent of street food, the quiet courtyards of old temples and the rhythm of everyday life.

Optional Experiences

• Hanoi street food tour
• Water puppet show
• Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter
• Vietnamese coffee tasting

Accommodation

Hotel in Hanoi

Meals

No meals included today

DAY 2: HANOI CITY DISCOVERY

History, Culture and the Soul of the Capital

After breakfast, begin a full-day discovery of Hanoi, a city where Vietnam’s past and present meet with remarkable grace.

Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, one of the most meaningful historic sites in Vietnam. Depending on the opening schedule, you may view Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from the outside and visit the surrounding area, including the Presidential Palace grounds, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the peaceful garden setting.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and one of Hanoi’s most beautiful cultural landmarks. Built in the 11th century, this site reflects Vietnam’s long tradition of learning, scholarship and respect for education.

Later, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the best places to understand the country’s cultural diversity. Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, costumes, architecture, music, rituals and way of life. This visit gives travellers a deeper perspective on Vietnam beyond its cities and famous landmarks.

In the afternoon, explore the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island connected by a charming red bridge. The lake area is a beloved gathering place for locals and offers a gentle introduction to daily life in the capital.

End the day with time in the Old Quarter, where narrow streets, traditional shop houses, local markets and street vendors create one of the most atmospheric urban scenes in Vietnam.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where your journey officially begins with the flavours of northern Vietnam.

Today’s Highlights

• Ho Chi Minh Complex
• Temple of Literature
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Ngoc Son Temple
• Hanoi Old Quarter
• Welcome dinner

Accommodation

Hotel in Hanoi

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3: HANOI – HA LONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Sail Through a UNESCO Natural Wonder

After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel east towards Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey takes you from the busy capital through the countryside of northern Vietnam before reaching the coast. Upon arrival at the cruise pier, board your overnight cruise and begin your journey through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

As the vessel sails away from the harbour, limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea, creating a dreamlike panorama of cliffs, islands and hidden coves. Lunch is served on board while the cruise glides deeper into the bay.

In the afternoon, depending on the cruise program and weather conditions, you may join activities such as kayaking, visiting a cave, swimming, relaxing on the sundeck or taking part in a short cooking demonstration. Guests who prefer a slower pace can simply enjoy the view from the deck with a drink in hand.

As the sun sets over the bay, the landscape becomes softer and more magical. Dinner is served on board, followed by a peaceful night surrounded by one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary natural settings.

Today’s Highlights

• Scenic transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
• Overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay
• Limestone islands and emerald waters
• Sunset on the bay
• Onboard dining experience
• Cruise activities depending on weather and operator schedule

Accommodation

Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel Time

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: approximately 2.5–3 hours by road

DAY 4: HA LONG BAY – HANOI – DA NANG – HOI AN

Morning on the Bay, Evening in the Lantern Town

Wake early to enjoy the calm beauty of Ha Long Bay at sunrise. The morning light over the limestone islands is one of the most memorable moments of the cruise.

Depending on the cruise schedule, you may join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, enjoy tea or coffee, or take part in a final light excursion before the boat returns to the pier. Brunch or an early lunch is served on board.

After disembarkation, transfer back towards Hanoi and continue to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, the gateway to central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your local guide and transfer to Hoi An, a charming riverside town known for its beautifully preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets and rich merchant history.

After check-in, the evening is free at leisure. Take a gentle walk through the old town, enjoy dinner by the river or simply relax at your hotel after a day of travel.

Hoi An is a place that invites travellers to slow down. Its beauty is not loud; it glows softly through wooden houses, silk lanterns, ancient alleys and the quiet movement of life along the Thu Bon River.

Today’s Highlights

• Sunrise over Ha Long Bay
• Morning cruise experience
• Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang
• Transfer to Hoi An
• First evening in the ancient town

Accommodation

Hotel or resort in Hoi An

Meals

Breakfast or Brunch

Travel Time

• Ha Long Bay to Hanoi: approximately 2.5–3 hours by road
• Hanoi to Da Nang: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by flight
• Da Nang to Hoi An: approximately 45 minutes by road

DAY 5: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN DISCOVERY

Lanterns, Merchant Houses and Riverside Heritage

After breakfast, begin a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, one of Vietnam’s most beloved UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hoi An was once a thriving international trading port, where Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European merchants exchanged goods, culture and ideas. Today, the town remains beautifully preserved, with old wooden houses, tiled roofs, narrow lanes, assembly halls, temples and riverside cafés.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most recognizable landmarks, and continue to historic merchant houses and Chinese assembly halls that reveal the town’s multicultural past. Walk through the local market, where fresh herbs, vegetables, fish, spices and street food bring the town’s daily life into vivid focus.

The charm of Hoi An lies not only in its monuments but also in its atmosphere. Here, time seems to move more slowly. Every doorway, courtyard and lantern carries a sense of memory.

The afternoon is free for independent exploration. You may choose to have clothes tailor-made, enjoy a spa treatment, relax at a riverside café, visit local boutiques or continue photographing the beautiful old streets.

In the evening, Hoi An becomes especially enchanting as lanterns illuminate the town. Enjoy free time to dine at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere along the river.

Today’s Highlights

• Guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
• Japanese Covered Bridge
• Traditional merchant houses
• Chinese assembly halls
• Local market
• Free evening in the lantern-lit old town

Accommodation

Hotel or resort in Hoi An

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 6: HOI AN FREE DAY / OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Experience Hoi An Your Way

Today is free for you to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace or choose from a range of optional experiences.

For travellers interested in history and archaeology, an optional visit to My Son Sanctuary is highly recommended. Located in a lush valley, My Son was once an important religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. The remaining brick towers and temple ruins offer valuable insight into Vietnam’s ancient cultural connections with the wider world of Southeast Asia.

For those who prefer hands-on local experiences, join a Vietnamese cooking class beginning with a market visit, then learn how to prepare traditional dishes with local ingredients. Another excellent option is a countryside cycling tour through villages, vegetable gardens, rice fields and quiet rural lanes.

Guests who want a relaxed day may stay in town, enjoy a spa treatment, visit tailor shops, take photos, relax by the pool or return to favourite cafés and restaurants.

This flexible day allows each traveller to personalize the journey while still enjoying the comfort and charm of Hoi An.

Optional Experiences

• My Son Sanctuary half-day tour
• Hoi An cooking class with market visit
• Countryside cycling tour
• Lantern-making workshop
• Basket boat experience
• Street food tour
• Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge full-day tour

Accommodation

Hotel or resort in Hoi An

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 7: HOI AN – DA NANG – HO CHI MINH CITY

From the Ancient Town to the Energy of Saigon

After breakfast, enjoy a final leisurely morning in Hoi An. You may take one more walk through the old streets, shop for handmade souvenirs, sip coffee by the river or simply relax before your flight.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced, energetic and full of contrast. Modern towers stand beside colonial buildings. Stylish cafés sit near traditional markets. Historic landmarks share the city with a youthful, entrepreneurial spirit.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, you may explore the city independently, enjoy rooftop drinks, visit Ben Thanh Market, or join an optional night food experience.

Optional Experiences

• Saigon street food tour
• Saigon after dark by vintage Vespa
• Rooftop bar experience
• Ben Thanh Market evening visit

Accommodation

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

• Hoi An to Da Nang Airport: approximately 45 minutes by road
• Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by flight

DAY 8: CU CHI TUNNELS & SAIGON HIGHLIGHTS

Stories of Resilience and a City of Many Layers

After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most fascinating historical sites near Ho Chi Minh City. This vast underground network played an important role during the Vietnam War and offers insight into the resilience, resourcefulness and endurance of the people who lived and fought there.

Your guide will explain how the tunnels were used for shelter, communication, storage and movement during wartime. The visit provides a powerful understanding of Vietnam’s modern history and the extraordinary conditions people faced.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for a guided city tour. Visit the Reunification Palace, a landmark closely connected with the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Continue to the Central Post Office, an elegant colonial-era building still in use today.

View the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon from the outside, then continue past the Opera House and the City Hall, two of the city’s most photogenic colonial landmarks. If time allows, visit the War Remnants Museum, an important but emotionally powerful site that presents the human impact of war.

The day offers a meaningful look at both the resilience of Vietnam and the layered identity of Saigon — historic, modern, elegant, intense and always alive.

Today’s Highlights

• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Reunification Palace
• Central Post Office
• Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior
• Saigon Opera House exterior
• City Hall exterior
• War Remnants Museum, subject to timing

Accommodation

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi and return: approximately 2.5–3 hours total driving time, depending on traffic

DAY 9: MEKONG DELTA EXPERIENCE

Waterways, Tropical Gardens and Southern Local Life

After breakfast, leave the city behind and travel to the Mekong Delta, a lush and fertile region shaped by rivers, canals, orchards and floating life.

Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta offers a gentle contrast to the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Here, life follows the rhythm of the water. Boats carry fruit, vegetables and local goods through narrow canals; gardens overflow with tropical produce; and villages reveal a warm, generous side of southern Vietnamese culture.

Upon arrival, board a local boat and cruise along the waterways. Depending on the selected route, you may visit a fruit garden, a small family workshop, a coconut candy producer or a local home. Enjoy tropical fruits, tea or local snacks while learning about daily life in the delta.

A local lunch is included, featuring regional dishes and fresh ingredients. In the afternoon, continue exploring by boat or sampan through smaller canals before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner or spend your final night in Vietnam at leisure.

Today’s Highlights

• Full-day Mekong Delta excursion
• Boat trip through canals and waterways
• Tropical fruit tasting
• Local workshop or family visit
• Regional lunch
• Insight into southern Vietnamese life

Accommodation

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell dinner can be included in upgraded packages

Travel Time

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta and return: approximately 4–5 hours total driving time, depending on route and traffic

DAY 10: DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY

Farewell Vietnam

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

Your journey through Vietnam comes to an end, but the memories remain: Hanoi’s quiet elegance, Ha Long Bay’s majestic limestone islands, Hoi An’s glowing lanterns, Saigon’s restless energy and the gentle waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Thank you for travelling with us. We hope Vietnam stays with you not only as a destination, but as a collection of stories, flavours, faces and moments you will remember for years to come.

Meals

Breakfast

Service

Airport transfer included

Price

From USD 1,499 per person

The tour price is calculated based on twin/double sharing accommodation and may vary depending on travel date, group size, hotel category, cruise standard, domestic flight availability and requested service level.

Final quotation will be confirmed at the time of booking after checking real-time availability and personalising the itinerary according to the guest’s preferences.

Price Depends On

The final tour price may change depending on:

• Travel dates and seasonality
• Number of guests in the group
• Hotel category and room type
• Ha Long Bay cruise standard and cabin type
• Domestic flight fare at the time of booking
• Meal plan and restaurant selection
• Private or shared services
• Guide language and service level
• Optional experiences and customised activities
• Special requests, upgrades or peak-season surcharges

Package Levels

1/ Standard Package

From USD 1,499 per person
Comfortable 4-star hotels, standard overnight cruise, private transportation, English-speaking guide and essential sightseeing.

2/ Signature Package

From USD 1,799 per person
Selected boutique hotels, upgraded cruise cabin where available, welcome dinner, farewell dinner and enhanced local experiences.

3/ Premium Package

From USD 2,299 per person
Luxury accommodation, premium cruise, private guide, refined dining experiences and flexible pacing.

Important Pricing Note

All prices are indicative and subject to availability at the time of booking. Golden Life Travel will prepare a personalised quotation based on the guest’s travel date, group size, preferred hotel standard and requested experiences.

Please contact us for the most accurate and updated price for your journey.

Meals Included

• Daily breakfast
• Lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
• Full-board meals on Ha Long Bay cruise
• Welcome dinner in Hanoi
• Local lunch in the Mekong Delta
• Farewell dinner available for Signature or Premium packages

Inclusions

• 9 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
• Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay
• Daily breakfast
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Airport transfers as per itinerary
• Domestic flights: Hanoi – Da Nang and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
• English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for included sightseeing visits
• Boat trip in Ha Long Bay
• Boat trip in the Mekong Delta
• Bottled water during touring days
• Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions

• International flights
• Vietnam visa or visa approval fees, if applicable
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional tours and activities
• Tips for guides, drivers and cruise staff
• Single room supplement
• Early check-in or late check-out
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Any costs caused by flight delays, weather conditions or circumstances beyond the operator’s control

Children Policy

Children are welcome on Golden Life Travel tours. Child pricing is based on the child’s age at the time of travel, room arrangement, bedding requirements and supplier conditions at the time of booking.

Infants under 2 years old

Infants under 2 years old are free of charge for basic land services when sharing existing bedding with parents and not requiring separate meals or services.

Parents are responsible for all actual costs and surcharges for the infant, including but not limited to domestic flights, cruise fees, baby cot, meals, entrance fees, insurance, visa fees and any supplier charges.

Children from 2 to under 11 years old

Children from 2 to under 11 years old are charged according to bedding arrangement:

• 75% of the adult tour price when sharing existing bedding with parents and not requiring an extra bed.
• 85% of the adult tour price when using an extra bed in the parents’ room.
• 95% to 100% of the adult tour price when requiring a separate bed, separate room, family room, or when suppliers charge close to the adult rate.

Domestic flights, cruise charges, meals, entrance fees, extra beds and supplier surcharges are subject to actual supplier policies at the time of booking.

If a child requires a separate bed, separate room, full cruise service, adult-rated flight ticket or other services charged at adult rate by suppliers, the final child price may be adjusted according to actual supplier costs.

Children 11 years old and above

Children aged 11 years old and above are charged 100% of the adult tour price and will be arranged with adult-standard services, including a separate bed or extra bed where applicable.

Important Notes

Final child pricing will be confirmed at the time of quotation and booking based on the child’s exact age, travel date, room arrangement, hotel policy, cruise policy, domestic flight fare and other supplier conditions.

Golden Life Travel may request the child’s date of birth for flight tickets, hotel check-in, cruise registration or entrance fee verification.

Optional Experiences

Hanoi

• Street food tour
• Water puppet show
• Cyclo ride
• Vietnamese coffee experience

Hoi An

• My Son Sanctuary
• Cooking class
• Countryside cycling
• Lantern-making workshop
• Basket boat experience
• Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

Ho Chi Minh City

• Saigon after dark by Vespa
• Street food tour
• Rooftop bar experience
• Vietnamese coffee culture walk
• Shopping and local market visit

Why Choose This Journey

A Complete First Look at Vietnam

This itinerary connects Vietnam’s most iconic regions in one smooth journey: the historic north, the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay, the heritage charm of central Vietnam and the dynamic south.

Balanced and Comfortable Pace

The tour is designed to avoid unnecessary rush. It includes guided touring, free time and optional experiences, giving guests both structure and flexibility.

Rich Cultural Variety

From Hanoi’s scholarly traditions to Hoi An’s merchant heritage, from wartime history in Cu Chi to river life in the Mekong Delta, the journey reveals Vietnam through many meaningful layers.

Ideal for First-Time Visitors

This is the perfect introduction for travellers who want to see Vietnam’s highlights with comfort, insight and local expertise.

Customisable for Different Travel Styles

The itinerary can be adapted for private groups, family travellers, senior travellers, corporate incentive groups or premium leisure guests.

Recommended For

• First-time visitors to Vietnam
• Couples
• Families with older children
• Small groups
• Cultural travellers
• Soft-adventure travellers
• Guests interested in history, heritage, food and local life
• Inbound partners looking for a classic Vietnam program

Best Time to Travel

This journey can operate year-round.

Recommended travel periods:

• March to May: Pleasant weather, good for north and central Vietnam
• September to November: Beautiful autumn atmosphere in the north, comfortable travel conditions
• December to April: Good period for southern Vietnam and international holiday travel

Weather may vary by region, and activities such as cruising or boating may be adjusted due to safety conditions.