Highlights of Vietnam 9 Days

After breakfast, at about 8:30am, you’ll embark on a full-day discovery of the capital’s cultural treasures starting at Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence on Sep 2, 1945. A short walk brings you to the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the simple stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked, before visiting the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet striking structure built atop a stone pillar, often regarded as a symbol of Hanoi’s spiritual heritage. Next, step into the tranquil courtyards of the Temple of Literature, home to Vietnam’s first national university, established in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucian learning and scholarly traditions.

Its ancient courtyards, stone steles, and classic architecture create a serene atmosphere that evokes a sense of reverence and scholarly appreciation.

You’ll have time for lunch on your own arrangement. After lunch (about 13:30), we’ll visit one of these three museums: War Museum, Vietnamese Women’s Museum or Museum of Ethnology based on your choice. Later, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride around the charming Old Quarter before watching a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at 18:30, lasting about 50 minutes. The remaining time is on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: breakfast

Once you've finished breakfast, your guide and driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby to take you on a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed wonder known for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone islands.

On boarding, a fresh welcome drink will be served as you listen to a cruise briefing. Then unwind and settle into your cabin before savoring your lunch at the restaurant. After a short rest, you’ll visit an impressive cave and have time for swimming at a peaceful beach in the afternoon. Afterward, unwind on deck or join a relaxed cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a simple Vietnamese specialty. Happy hour is a perfect chance to sip a cocktail and watch the sun set. The cruise will treat you to dinner in the restaurant, after which you can spend some time on the Sky bar or a bit of squid fishing.

Enjoy a peaceful night onboard

Overnight on cruise in Ha Long

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of the bay and join a morning Tai Chi session on deck. After brunch on board, disembark and return to Hanoi.
From there, take a short flight to Da Nang, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the charming riverside town of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Start the morning with a visit to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you’ll ride in a traditional basket boat through the water palm groves and learn about local fishing techniques.
In the afternoon, explore the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the historical Phung Hung Ancient House, and the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Leaving Hoi An at around 7:30 AM, you’ll travel back to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Along the way, make a stop at the Marble Mountains-a cluster of five limestone hills named after the five elements. Take your time climbing the stone steps, exploring ancient pagodas, hidden caves, and enjoying panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline.

Continue to the scenic Son Tra Peninsula (also known as Monkey Mountain), where you’ll visit the striking Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the towering Lady Buddha statue—standing 67 meters tall and gazing out over the East Sea.

Next, visit the Cham Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, reflecting the spiritual and artistic heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Depending on the schedule, you may be transferred directly to Da Nang International Airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh city

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 kilometers northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. Hidden beneath dense jungle, this astonishing underground network once served as shelter, command centers, supply routes, and even field hospitals during the resistance against American forces.

As you explore a preserved section of the tunnels, you’ll gain a vivid sense of the harsh conditions and extraordinary resilience of those who lived and fought here. Whether crouching through narrow passageways or observing from above, it’s a powerful window into a remarkable chapter of Vietnam’s past.

Return to the city for a break and enjoy lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, visit some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks: the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and bustling Ben Thanh Market. The evening is yours to explore or relax as you wish.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

At around 7:30 AM, you'll set off on a drive to Cai Be, a peaceful riverside town in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, step onto a boat and start cruising along the gentle Mekong River, passing by stilt houses, floating markets, and lush riverbanks. You’ll stop by a riverside village to see how locals make traditional treats like coconut candy and rice paper, then meander through narrow waterways shaded by fruit-laden orchards. Pause to sample tropical fruits and enjoy a lively folk music performance. Later, switch to a rowboat and glide deeper into the quiet canals fringed with nipa palms—it’s a peaceful escape from the noise of the city.

Lunch will be served at a local riverside restaurant (your own arrangement), full of fresh Mekong flavors. In the afternoon, continue by road back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Thank you for traveling with Hello Vietnam! Wishing you a safe journey and we hope to welcome you back to Vietnam again soon!

Meals: Breakfast