Itinerary in Vietnam Tour 12 days

Do you want to go on a vacation to Vietnam and see amazing sights that are both popular and lesser-known? You can visit Halong Bay’s limestone islands, explore Cu Chi’s underground mazes, and admire Hoi An’s historic town. This 12-day tour package is perfect for small groups who want to enjoy delicious local food and experience fascinating cultures.

Itinerary: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

When you arrive in Hanoi, our guide will pick you up at Column 10 outside the Terminal and drop you off at your hotel.

Usually 14:00 is the hotel check-in time. If you want to check in early, there will be an additional fee.

Day 2: Half-day Hanoi City Tour

8:00 – 8:30: Our tour guide will come to your hotel to meet you. You can choose between a limousine or a motorbike for your city tour based on your preferences.

Today’s itinerary includes various famous attractions:

• Temple of Literature: A noteworthy cultural and historical structure in Vietnam now serves as a religious site where students come to seek blessings before their exams.
• One Pillar Pagoda: This temple, which is renowned for its unique architectural style, is considered to be a significant cultural and spiritual destination in Asia.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A place that people feel obligated to visit in order to pay their respects, express their gratitude, and also enjoy the cultural and historical artifacts.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: The ancient religious building located near Hanoi’s West Lake blends magnificence, legacy, and refinement flawlessly into its architectural design.

After finishing the tour, you will be taken to a genuine Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. Subsequently, our guide will transport you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Overnight on the Halong Bay Cruise

Morning

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at 8:00 and head to the cruise port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, the cruise staff will help you with the check-in procedure from 11:30 to 12:00.

Greetings and welcome aboard the 2-day-1-night cruise in Halong Bay! Upon arrival, you will be offered a complimentary beverage and given a brief introduction to the itinerary and safety procedures. As we continue on our journey through the bay, lunch will be provided and served while we explore some of the more secluded areas.

Afternoon

Begin your trip with thrilling experiences like touring, kayaking, or swimming (depending on the cruise’s plan). You will switch to a smaller boat called a tender, which can easily reach isolated areas.

Onboard, there is a Happy Hour offering Buy 1 Get 1 and a cooking class in the late afternoon. If you’re interested in learning how to make traditional Vietnamese cuisine, be sure to attend the lesson on creating spring rolls.

During sunset, there are various things to do such as having a cocktail at a bar on the deck, swimming near the anchor point (on certain cruises in Lan Ha Bay), and relaxing on a sun lounger to appreciate the stunning sunset over the bay.

Evening

The restaurant or sundeck is offering a pre-planned dinner including both Eastern and Western food. Following the meal, guests can participate in various fun activities on board such as playing board games, squid fishing, watching a movie at night, or enjoying drinks at the bar.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Morning

On your second day in Halong Bay, you will begin with a brief Tai Chi class. This morning session lasts only 20 minutes and involves intentional movements and breathing exercises that can energize your day.

NOTE: For anyone who can’t wake up soon, you can also sleep until breakfast time.

After having breakfast, the cruise will take you to explore another tourist spot. You need to return to the ship by 10:00 am to pack your luggage for checkout. During the journey back to the port, you will have brunch at around 11:30 am, and our driver will take you back to Hanoi.

Afternoon & Evening

You will arrive at the hotel sometime between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. After that, you can explore Hanoi on your own. We can go to the lesser-known areas of the old quarter and try some of the best street food available anywhere in the world.

Day 5: Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An

Morning

Before moving to the next location of your tour package, you have one final day in Hanoi. The driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang, depending on the flight schedule. When you arrive at Da Nang airport, our car will be ready to transport you to your hotel in Hoi An.

Afternoon

Greetings to the serene town! In contrast to the busy capital city, Hoi An showcases a leisurely lifestyle and historic buildings. Let’s take some time to unwind and savor your free time.

Day 6: Half-day Hoi An Ancient Town

Morning/ Afternoon

Prepare yourself for the walking tour today. Our guide will accompany you to the most important destinations in Hoi An Ancient Town. There are plenty of things to discover during the half-day trip.

• Visit ancient houses and famous sites with special architecture, such as Fujian Assembly Hall & Japanese Covered Bridge
• Observe the daily local life and adorable yellow-painted buildings by the scenic river
• Stop at a handicraft store where you can see how to create unique traditional handmade products and buy some as souvenirs
• Try a cup of the famous herbal drink called “Mot” to keep your body cool and fresh after the walk

End of the sightseeing tour, our guide will say goodbye to you and let you have free time to explore the town on you.

Day 7: Hoi An – Hue Road Transfer

You will have some free time after breakfast to pack your luggage before heading to Hue, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. When you arrive, the hotel staff will greet you and assist with check-in. The rest of the day is yours to independently explore the city.

Day 8: Half-day Hue City Tour

Morning

You will be collected from your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am to begin your city tour. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the highlights of Hue, ranging from historical royal structures to bustling local life.

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda – a famous Buddhism attraction located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River
• Discover one of the remaining Hue Monuments Complex – Imperial Citadel, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1993
• Visit Dong Ba Market to interact with the locals, purchase souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local bargaining culture.

End of the half day, the driver will bring you back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours.

Afternoon

If you’re fond of Vietnamese food, check out our Hue Night Culinary Tour (priced at $48 per person). The tour starts at 6 pm and includes a fascinating journey to sample Hue’s local dishes and ride a cyclo.

Day 9: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

We’re leaving Hue and heading to another busy city. The flight from Phu Bai Airport to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 1.5 hours. When we get there, our driver will be waiting for us at Pole No.10 to take us to our hotel in the city center.

Afternoon & Evening

Once you’ve completed the check-in process, you have the option to either rest or wander around the city. As a helpful suggestion for visitors, it’s recommended to avoid the afternoon heat and venture out after 5 PM when the weather is cooler and more pleasant to enjoy the breeze in Saigon.

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Morning 

We should eat breakfast and get ready for a 1.5-hour trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will have the opportunity to explore a portion of the most intricate underground tunnel system built during the Vietnam – American War. There are several activities available here for more extensive exploration.

• Get knowledge of the tunnel constructions and previous usage by watching a documentary movie
• Go through the tunnel and find out how intricate the 136-mile underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers
• Witness the display of living quarters, meeting room, weapons room, and different types of traps
• Try shooting real bullets with a wide selection of guns at the range (additional fee)

At noon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon 

Keep yourself energetic and join a half-day city tour to the top must-visit sights.

The initial destination is Independence Palace, which was the site of victory for the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army in 1975. Since then, it has been an important national landmark that houses numerous historical exhibits and the former living quarters of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.

After around 1.5 hours of exploring, you will move to the next stop at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office – two landmarks of the city that are excellent examples of French architecture.

Continue visiting the War Remnants Museum and dating back to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. This place exhibits illustrations of the pointlessness and cruel impacts of the war.

End of the sightseeing trip, you will be dropped off at your hotel and be free to explore the city at night.

Day 11: Mekong Delta Full day

Morning

You will begin these interesting activities at the Mekong Delta by leaving Ho Chi Minh City and traveling to Ben Tre Province at 8:00.

• Cruise along the Ham Luong River to enjoy an immense poetic scene and rustic life of the riverside landscapes
• Visit local workshops where you can view the process of creating coconut products and mat weaving, then take a stroll through the village
• Experience a unique type of motorized rickshaw – xe loi and taste special deep-fried elephant ear fish for lunch

Afternoon

We should take a pleasant ride on a small boat called a sampan through the tight canals. After that, you can return to Ho Chi Minh City and unwind for the remainder of the day.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Morning

This morning, you can have breakfast at the hotel, pack your belongings, and savor your remaining moments in Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will take you to the airport.

OTHER ITINERARY 12 DAYS IN VIETNAM

A 12-day Vietnam tour can be a great way to explore this beautiful country and experience its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Here is a suggested itinerary for a 12-day Vietnam tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
– Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam
– Explore the Old Quarter, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
– Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
– Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda
– Explore the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam
– Take a cyclo ride to the historic French Quarter and the famous Hanoi Opera House
– Enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise
– Take a scenic drive to Halong Bay
– Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the stunning limestone islands and emerald waters
– Explore the unique caves and grottos in Halong Bay
– Enjoy a seafood dinner on board and watch the sunset

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue
– Morning Tai Chi session on the boat and continue cruising through Halong Bay
– Return to Hanoi and take a flight to Hue
– Explore the Imperial City, including the Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Tombs
– Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner

Day 5: Hue – Hoi An
– Take a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing through the Hai Van Pass and stopping at Lang Co Beach
– Explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and the local market
– Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River during sunset

Day 6: Hoi An
– Take a bicycle ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village and experience farming activities with locals
– Learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes at a cooking class
– Visit the An Bang Beach and relax by the sea

Day 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
– Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon
– Explore the War Remnants Museum and learn about Vietnam’s history
– Visit the Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral
– Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta
– Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex underground network used during the Vietnam War
– Take a boat trip to the Mekong Delta and explore the floating markets and villages
– Enjoy a traditional folk music performance and taste local fruits

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc Island
– Take a flight to Phu Quoc Island, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters
– Relax and enjoy the beautiful beach at your leisure
– Optional activities include snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island’s natural beauty

Day 10: Phu Quoc Island
– Explore the Phu Quoc National Park and go hiking through the dense forest
– Visit the fish sauce factories and pepper plantations, famous local products of the island
– Enjoy the stunning sunset on Long Beach

Day 11: Phu Quoc Island – Ho Chi Minh City
– Morning at leisure on the beach
– Return to Ho Chi Minh City
– Explore the bustling Night Market and try local street food

Day 12: Departure
– Transfer to the airport for departure
– End of the 12-day Vietnam tour.

This itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, and there are many other attractions and activities to explore in Vietnam.