BEST OF VIETNAM 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Travel Dates: 19–29 January 2027
- Tour Type: Private Tour / Tailor-made Journey
- Destinations: Northern, Central & Southern Vietnam
- Operated by: Smile Travel – Your Trusted Vietnam Inbound DMC
1. TOUR OVERVIEW
Discover the essential highlights of Vietnam on this curated 10-day journey through the country’s most iconic destinations. Starting in the historic capital of Hanoi, you will cruise overnight among the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, walk through the well-preserved ancient town of Hoi An, explore the Cham ruins at My Son Sanctuary, and experience the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Your journey concludes with an authentic exploration of the local life, waterways, and fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta.
Designed with a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and personal leisure time, this itinerary ensures a seamless travel experience with private transfers, handpicked accommodations, and convenient domestic flights.
2. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Hanoi: Immerse yourself in the charming Old Quarter and visit centuries-old cultural landmarks.
- Ha Long Bay: Enjoy a luxury overnight cruise with boutique cabins, fine dining, and onboard activities.
- Hoi An & My Son: Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient town and delve into ancient Champa history.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Discover dynamic urban life alongside historic wartime landmarks like the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Mekong Delta: Cruise through tranquil canals, visit cottage industries, and experience southern river culture.
3. DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI 19 January 2027 | Overnight in Hanoi
- Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), meet your private driver and tour guide for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the city center.
- After checking in, enjoy free time to rest after your flight.
- Optional: In the evening, take a gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to enjoy your first taste of local street food and coffee.
- Meals: Not included.
- Overnight in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI – HA LONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE 20 January 2027 | Overnight on board
- 08:00: Depart Hanoi via the expressway for a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay.
- 12:00: Arrive at the harbor and board your luxury cruise vessel. Welcome drink and safety briefing followed by cabin check-in.
- Afternoon: Savor a fresh seafood lunch as the boat sails deep into the bay. Depending on the cruise routing, you will visit a magnificent limestone cave, go kayaking in quiet lagoons, or relax on the sundeck.
- Evening: Enjoy a cooking demonstration on deck at sunset, followed by a multi-course dinner. Try squid fishing or relax under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Overnight on Victorius Cruise Halong Bay
DAY 3: HA LONG BAY – HANOI 21 January 2027 | Overnight in Hanoi
- Morning: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or catch the sunrise over the emerald waters. Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting a local fishing village or bamboo boat rowing.
- 10:00: Return to the boat for checkout and a brunch/lunch as the cruise sails back to the pier.
- Afternoon: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for shopping or independent exploration.
- Meals: Breakfast, Brunch.
- Overnight in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
DAY 4: HANOI CITY TOUR – FLIGHT TO DA NANG – HOI AN 22 January 2027 | Overnight in Hoi An
- Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university) and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (exterior view, Ba Dinh Square).
- Afternoon: Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon landing, your private driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An.
- Evening: Take a stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town along the peaceful Hoai River.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Flight: Hanoi (HAN) – Da Nang (DAD).
- Overnight in InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
DAY 5: HOI AN – MY SON SANCTUARY – WALKING TOUR 23 January 2027 | Overnight in Hoi An
- Morning: Drive through the countryside to My Son Sanctuary, the religious and political capital of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Explore the historic brick temple ruins nestled in a lush valley.
- Afternoon: Return to Hoi An for a guided walking tour. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient merchant houses, and Chinese Assembly Halls.
- Evening: Free time for dining or getting tailored clothes at Hoi An’s famous boutique tailor shops.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Overnight in Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
DAY 6: HOI AN AT LEISURE 24 January 2027 | Overnight in Hoi An
- Enjoy a full day to explore Central Vietnam at your own pace.
- Recommended activities: Relax on the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, rent a bicycle to ride through the nearby rice paddies, or join a local cooking class and basket boat tour in the Cam Thanh coconut forest.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Overnight in Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
DAY 7: HOI AN – DA NANG – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY 25 January 2027 | Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Check out and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Saigon, transfer to your hotel, and take some time to unwind. You can begin exploring the vibrant neighborhood cafes and shopping centers.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Flight: Da Nang (DAD) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
- Overnight in Le Méridien Saigon
DAY 8: CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR 26 January 2027 | Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Travel northwest to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Learn about the incredible underground network used during the war, walk through real tunnel sections, and see historical artifacts.
- Afternoon: Return to the city center for a landmarks tour: visit the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Overnight in Le Méridien Saigon
DAY 9: MEKONG DELTA DAY TRIP (MY THO – BEN TRE) 27 January 2027 | Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
- 08:00: Depart for My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Board a private motorized boat to cruise past stilt houses and fishing villages along the river.
- Afternoon: Change to a hand-rowed sampan to glide through narrow canals shaded by water coconuts. Visit a local family business to taste honey tea and homemade coconut candy, accompanied by traditional folk music. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties.
- 16:00: Return to Saigon for your final evening in Vietnam.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
- Overnight in Le Méridien Saigon
DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE 28 January 2027
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and complete checkout procedures.
- Depending on your departure flight schedule, spend your remaining time picking up last-minute souvenirs.
- Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your onward flight.
- Meals: Breakfast.
4. TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation for 9 nights based on the selected hotel and cruise category.
- Daily breakfast at hotels and meals specifically indicated in the itinerary.
- One-night overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.
- Private airport transfers and ground transportation as specified.
- Domestic economy-class flights from Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, subject to the selected fare and baggage conditions.
- English-speaking local guides during scheduled sightseeing tours.
- Entrance fees to the included sightseeing attractions.
- Boat activities and local experiences included in the selected cruise and Mekong Delta packages.
- Bottled drinking water during scheduled tours, subject to the confirmed service arrangement.
5. TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to and from Vietnam.
- Vietnam visa fees, if applicable.
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out and additional nights.
- Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Optional activities and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, drivers and cruise staff.
- Domestic flight baggage charges or fare differences not included in the confirmed ticket.
- Any service not expressly listed under Tour Inclusions.
6. IMPORTANT NOTES
- This itinerary is a preliminary proposal and can be adjusted according to flight schedules, hotel availability and travelers’ preferences.
- The Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise route, excursions and onboard activities depend on the selected vessel, weather and port authority regulations.
- The Hanoi city tour on Day 4 depends on the domestic flight departure time. If the flight is early, the sightseeing program should be shortened or rearranged.
- My Son Sanctuary and other attractions operate subject to local opening hours and access conditions.
- Travelers requiring Halal meals or Muslim-friendly services should advise Smile Travel in advance so that suitable restaurants, meal arrangements and prayer breaks can be coordinated.
- Hotel names, cruise category, final pricing and service conditions will be confirmed in the official quotation.
SMILE TRAVEL – YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL PARTNER IN VIETNAM
From tailor-made private journeys to group tours and destination management services, Smile Travel provides coordinated travel arrangements across Vietnam, combining local expertise, personalized service and reliable on-the-ground support.
