Welcome to Vietnam! Start your trip in the capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and admire the red-painted Huc Bridge. For lunch, try the famous local dish, pho, at one of the street food stalls in the Old Quarter. Spend the afternoon exploring the Temple of Literature, a well-preserved Confucian temple and the country's first national university. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the bustling night market in the Old Quarter.
Embark on a breathtaking cruise to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most stunning natural wonders. Enjoy a morning of cruising through the emerald waters, surrounded by the towering limestone karsts. After a delicious seafood lunch on board, explore the mesmerizing caves and go kayaking or swimming in the bay. As the sun sets, relax on the deck and witness the magical beauty of the bay in the evening.
Fly from Hanoi to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An. Explore the narrow streets lined with colorful shop-houses and art galleries. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River to witness the beautiful countryside scenery. End your day with a lantern-lit evening walk along the river, where you can release your own floating lantern for good luck.
Take a day trip to the historic city of Hue. Start your morning by exploring the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces and temples that was once the capital of Vietnam. Visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the royal tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. Return to Hoi An in the evening.
Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant southern metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War officially ended. Explore the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into the country's tumultuous past. Enjoy a tasty lunch of banh mi, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich, at one of the local food stalls. Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling Ben Thanh Market and indulge in some souvenir shopping.
Embark on a full-day excursion to the vast Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets of Cai Be or Cai Rang, where you can witness the lively trading activities taking place on boats. Sail along the narrow canals and immerse yourself in the lush green scenery of fruit orchards and coconut groves. Enjoy a traditional lunch with local delicacies. Experience the unique atmosphere of the delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
While exploring Vietnam, don't miss the chance to visit the hidden gem of Ninh Binh. Just a few hours' drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is often referred to as "Halong Bay on land" due to its stunning karst landscape. Take a boat ride through the picturesque Tam Coc or Trang An, surrounded by limestone mountains and lush rice paddies. You can also visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you'll find ancient temples and pagodas nestled among the karsts.
For a taste of local life, head to the vibrant city of Da Lat, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Da Lat offers beautiful gardens, French colonial architecture, and a cool climate. Explore the colorful flower market, visit the stunning Valley of Love, and take a cable car ride to the panoramic views of Langbiang Mountain. Don't forget to try the local specialty, avocado ice cream, during your visit!
Before starting your journey, make sure to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com. Have a memorable trip!