Best of Vietnam

From $/pax Best of Vietnam
Attraction:

Ha Noi - Ha Long - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon - Da Nang

Designed to capture the true essence of Vietnam within a limited holiday timeframe, this 9-day Vietnam Overview Tour is an ideal choice for travelers in 2026. The journey showcases the country’s most iconic highlights, blending over 4,000 years of history with diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offering a well-rounded introduction to Vietnam from north to south.

Duration: 9 days 8 nights

Country: 233

Code: VCT1

Theme:

Vietnam Timeless Highlights

Overview

The Vietnam Overview 9-Day Tour offers a well-rounded journey through the country’s most iconic destinations. From the cultural heart of Hanoi and the stunning limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the journey continues to the former imperial capital Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the highlights of Da Nang, including Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.

In the south, explore the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, experience the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, and visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. This tour is an ideal introduction to Vietnam, combining culture, history, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences in a compact itinerary.

Highlights

  • Discover the elegant and exotic capital of Hanoi, rich in thousand-year-old culture
  • Cruise through the spectacular limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Gain deeper insight into the Imperial City of Hue, famous for its temples, tombs, palaces, and pagodas
  • Enjoy exciting attractions at Ba Na Hills, accessed by a scenic cable car ride
  • Admire the unique design of the iconic Golden Bridge
  • Step into the historic homes and charming streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the vibrant streets and lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive underground network from the American War

Itinerary in brief

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Return to Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B, L)

Day 5: Full-Day Hue Imperial City Tour – Transfer to Hoi An (B)

Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge (B, L)

Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Return to Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Half-Day City Tour – Departure (B)

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred by a comfortable private vehicle to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure, allowing you to relax after your long flight or take your first independent stroll to experience the city’s atmosphere. Our tour guide will be available should you need any assistance.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Temple of Literature Hanoi

After breakfast, our guide will take you on a full-day city tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital. The journey begins at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and surrounding gardens, offering insight into the life and legacy of the nation’s founder.

Continue to visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique lotus-shaped structure symbolizing purity and compassion, followed by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a fine example of traditional architecture and Confucian heritage.

In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions, and lifestyles of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, with both indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located nearly 200 km from Hanoi, the bay features around 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters.

Upon arrival, board a luxury traditional wooden junk for an unforgettable cruise through Ha Long Bay. As the boat glides among towering limestone karsts, you will have time to admire the magnificent scenery of this World Heritage Site.

Lunch featuring fresh local seafood is served on board. In the afternoon, enjoy activities such as swimming and exploring limestone caves hidden within the bay. As the sun sets, the junk anchors near a peaceful, remote island.

Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on the cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Awaken to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy a magical early morning as the sun rises over the sea. You may take a refreshing morning swim, followed by breakfast on board while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.

This morning, the cruise continues to explore more secluded and less-visited areas of Ha Long Bay. The junk remains nearby at all times, serving as a support vessel whenever needed. Around midday, return to the main harbor and disembark.

Transfer by private vehicle for a 3-hour drive to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Hue.

Once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is renowned for its splendid architecture, including citadels, palaces, royal tombs, and pagodas. Beyond its monuments, the city’s ancient traditions and poetic atmosphere create a uniquely romantic and tranquil charm.

Upon arrival in Hue, meet our driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Perfume River Hue

In the morning, enjoy a short walk to the pier on the Perfume River, where we embark on a leisurely boat cruise to the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda — also known as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda.

Built in 1601, this iconic pagoda is one of the most important religious landmarks in Hue and a must-see attraction. Set amid harmonious landscapes and elegant architecture, the site offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

Disembark and continue to visit the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching gracefully along the Perfume River, Tu Duc Tomb is considered the most poetic and picturesque of Hue’s royal mausoleums. Designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself, it is the largest and most refined architectural complex among the Nguyen Dynasty’s tombs and palaces.

In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty, this vast complex is one of Vietnam’s most important historical and cultural monuments. The Citadel is enclosed by a 2-kilometer-long wall and comprises three distinct sections: the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City.

Later in the day, continue your journey south by road to Hoi An.
Arrive in Hoi An in the evening, transfer to your hotel for check-in, and enjoy free time to relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Ba Na Hills Da Nang

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang for a full-day excursion to Ba Na Hills.

Located approximately 40 km from Da Nang City, Ba Na Hills is famous for its unique climate, where visitors can experience four seasons in a single day, along with lush forests and breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and coastline. With a wide range of attractions, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, Ba Na Hills is an ideal destination for families and travelers of all ages.

To reach the summit, enjoy an unforgettable ride on the world-renowned cable car, offering spectacular views of dense forests, waterfalls, and mountains below. Upon arrival, explore the charming Old French Villas at an altitude of 1,138 meters, showcasing classic European architecture. Continue by taking the mountain train to visit the colorful Flower Garden, home to a wide variety of beautifully landscaped flowers.

The journey continues with visits to the ancient trees, peaceful streams, the impressive Great Buddha Statue, Suspension Bridge, and the historic Wine Cellar, where fine wines are preserved.
Highlight of the day is a visit to the iconic Golden Bridge, one of the most famous and unique architectural landmarks of Sun World Ba Na Hills.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant on the hill. In the afternoon, enjoy additional time for sightseeing or relax and have fun at Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement complex featuring 3D movies and various games (optional activities, entrance fees at your own expense).

Later, take the cable car back down to the foot of the mountain, where your driver will transfer you back to Da Nang City.
Free time for dinner on your own.
Overnight at the hotel in Da Nang.

Today we have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The tranquil charm, with its low tiled Chinese-style houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside market, makes Hoi An one of Vietnam’s most delightful destinations.

The ancient town of Hoi An is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoi An is loved for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors, and charming cafés.

We also take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to visit Thach Ha, the traditional ceramic and pottery village, where you can learn how local artisans create beautiful jars and bowls.

Leaving Hoi An, we transfer to Da Nang Airport to take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

Mekong Delta Ben Tre

The Mekong Delta is a fertile region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River flows into the sea, often referred to as “the rice bowl of Vietnam” for producing nearly half of the country’s agricultural output.

At around 08:30, depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, a peaceful province famous for its coconut groves, fruit orchards, and waterways. Upon arrival at Ham Luong Pier, enjoy a boat cruise along the Ben Tre River, observing daily local activities such as fishing and river transport. Visit a traditional brick-making workshop and a coconut processing facility, showcasing local handicrafts.

The journey continues through narrow canals into the countryside, where you visit a family workshop making sleeping mats and enjoy fresh fruits and tea. Travel by motor cart or bicycle along shaded village paths, passing rice fields and gardens, and gain insight into the authentic rural lifestyle.
Lunch is served at a local house.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sampan ride before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cu Chi Tunnels

After breakfast, begin the day with an early visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Located about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, this remarkable underground network was constructed by Vietnamese soldiers during the American War. Today, the tunnels stand as one of Vietnam’s most fascinating historical sites, offering insight into wartime life and resilience.

In the afternoon, continue the city tour, passing by the former War Remnants Museum, before visiting the Reunification Palace.
The Reunification Palace, once the residence of the President of South Vietnam, is a unique architectural landmark closely linked to the country’s modern history. Visitors can admire both its distinctive design and the peaceful green surroundings.

Next, explore several iconic French colonial landmarks, including the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Notre Dame Cathedral, influenced by European architecture, is renowned for its striking red-brick façade, stained-glass windows, and elegant interior details.

The final stop of the city tour is Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most iconic symbols of Saigon. Originally formed by riverside vendors in the early 17th century, the market is now a vibrant place to shop for handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

After the tour, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight (recommended in the late afternoon or evening).
End of Vietnam Travel Lotus's services.

Trip includes:

  • All accommodation services at the hotels mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Round-trip airport pick-up and drop-off on arrival and departure dates.
  • Private French-speaking guide during all guided tours.
  • Private transportation and transfers throughout the journey.
  • Cruise on the bay aboard a cruise ship (if applicable).
  • Meals as specified in the program featuring Vietnamese cuisine (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner).
  • Entrance fees for all sightseeing sites as stated in the itinerary.
  • Government taxes and service charges.

Trip excludes:

  • Vietnam visa fees.
  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Early check-in and late check-out.
  • Beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Surcharges during Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for the guide and driver.
  • Any other services not specified.

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