Essence of Vietnam: 10-Day Cultural Journey

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you’ll embark on a full-day discovery of the capital’s cultural treasures, beginning at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, Ba Dinh Square marks the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. A short walk leads you to the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the humble stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked, before visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, where exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups bring the country’s cultural diversity vividly to life. In the afternoon, step into the historic Hoa Lo Prison—once nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”—a place that witnessed colonial oppression and the resilience of Vietnamese revolutionaries. During the war, it also served as a detention site for captured U.S. pilots. Then stroll across the century-old Long Bien Bridge, an enduring symbol of Hanoi stretching gracefully over the Red River, and explore Hom Market, a lively spot known for its fabrics and everyday goods. As the day winds down, enjoy a traditional water puppet performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.  

Overnight Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast 

Today is dedicated to traditional crafts. Following your morning meal, you’ll start your journey out of Hanoi to explore Chuong Village, known for its long-standing tradition of crafting conical hats or Nón Lá. As you wander through the village, you’ll see local artisans carefully shaping and stitching these iconic items, offering insight into a craft deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.    Next, you’ll visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, renowned for its vibrant, photogenic scenes and centuries-old incense-making tradition. You’ll witness bundles of incense sticks in vivid colors, freshly dyed and artfully arranged under the sun to dry—an eye-catching spectacle that’s become a favorite for photographers. During your visit, you’ll also learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of incense in Vietnamese daily life and religious rituals. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

This morning, leave Hanoi behind and head south to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Your first stop is Tam Coc, where you’ll board a small sampan and drift along the winding Ngo Dong River. Towering limestone cliffs rise on either side, while emerald rice fields stretch right to the water’s edge. With the gentle rhythm of the boat and the tranquil scenery surrounding you, it’s an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of Ninh Binh.

Afterward, visit Van Lam Embroidery Village to see how local artisans have preserved delicate hand-stitching techniques for generations. In the afternoon, cycle along peaceful village paths to Bich Dong Pagoda, a graceful complex of three small temples built into the mountainside. One of them is partly set within a limestone cave, creating an atmosphere that feels both serene and mystical. In the late afternoon, you’ll check in to your Ninh Binh hotel and have the remainder of the day free to yourself.

Overnight in Ninh Binh 

Meals: breakfast 

From Ninh Binh you will travel about 3 hours to visit Ha Long Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With more than 1,600 limestone islands and tiny islets rising from emerald waters, the scenery is nothing short of magical. Upon boarding, enjoy a welcome drink and a short cruise briefing before settling into your cabin. Lunch will be served in the restaurant as the ship begins its gentle sail through the bay. In the afternoon, explore a magnificent cave and take a refreshing swim at a quiet beach. Back on board, you can relax on deck or join a hands-on cooking class to learn a simple Vietnamese specialty. As the day winds down, sip a cocktail during happy hour while watching the sunset over the karst landscape. Dinner will be served in the restaurant, followed by the option to relax at the sky bar or try your hand at squid fishing under the night sky.

Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

As the sun rises over the bay, you might want to capture this magical moment or join a morning exercise session on the sun deck. After a leisurely breakfast, follow your guide to visit a local fishing village and learn about oyster farming. You’ll also have a chance to kayak or take a refreshing swim. Return to the cruise and check out, enjoying brunch at 10:00 as the boat sails back toward the harbor. Later, your driver will transfer you to Hanoi for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast, brunch 

Your tour guide will meet you in the hotel reception and take you to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km northwest of central Saigon. This remarkable historical site is considered one of the most fascinating underground networks in the world. During the war, this intricate maze of tunnels served as a hidden military base where Vietnamese soldiers lived, coordinated strategies, received medical treatment, and launched surprise attacks before disappearing underground. Visiting Cu Chi today, in a time of peace, provides a profound insight into the courage, ingenuity, and resilience of the Vietnamese people during wartime.

Return to the city center, have your lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, join a guided tour to visit the iconic sites of Saigon. The first stop is Reunification Palace, where the significant historic event took place on 30th April 1975, when Tank 390 of the Vietnamese army smashed the main gate of the presidential palace, leading to the collapse of the Saigon government, officially unifying the country. Continue your trip to the Old Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral for a touch of the prominent architecture of these landmarks. 

In the evening, experience the A O Show at the Saigon Opera House, a world-class performance that blends bamboo circus, acrobatics, and live music to vividly depict life in both rural and urban Vietnam.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

Departing from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, you'll head to Tien Giang Province to begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta. The first stop is Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, a well-known Buddhist site built in the early 19th century, noted for its blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

From the pier, board a boat for a short cruise on the Mekong River, passing by floating houses where fish are raised underneath. You’ll then arrive at Unicorn Island, where a short cart ride brings you to a shaded garden. Here, you can listen to traditional Southern folk music and taste a variety of fresh tropical fruits.

Continue with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan trip along narrow canals lined with water coconut trees, giving you a closer view of local life along the waterways.

In the afternoon, visit a small bee farm, where you can enjoy a cup of honey tea and learn a bit about local beekeeping practices. Before lunch, stop by a family-run coconut candy workshop, where the process of making this local treat is demonstrated, and samples are offered. After that, travel onward to Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho 

Meals: breakfast 

Wake up early this morning, around 5:30am, for a boat ride to Cai Rang, the most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. Hop on a boat and cruise along the river, where you'll see dozens of boats gathering to trade fresh fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of local specialties. One charming detail to look out for is the beo pole – a bamboo stick displayed on each boat to show what’s for sale and draw in passing customers. The river comes alive with the hum of boat engines, cheerful chatter, and the enticing aroma of ripe tropical fruits, morning dishes, and strong local coffee filling the air. It’s more than a market, it’s a joyful, authentic, and completely unique window into daily life in the Mekong.

After your visit, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route at Binh Thuy Ancient House—an elegant 19th-century residence of the Duong Family, reflecting the harmonized blending of Vietnamese, Chinese and French architecture. The evening in Ho Chi Minh City is yours to spend as you wish.

Overnight in  Ho Chi Minh 

Meals: breakfast

Your 10-day journey through the cultural tapestry of Vietnam concludes today. A private transfer will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. Thank you for choosing Hello Vietnam—we look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure.

Meals: breakfast