10 Days Vietnam Highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

🇻🇳 VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS: FROM HERITAGE TO METROPOLIS

Classic Grand Journey Across 3 Regions | 10 Days 9 Nights

Tour Code: ST10D9N.1

• Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
• Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ba Na Hills – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Cu Chi Tunnels
• Style: Heritage, Nature, Culture, Classic Inbound & Leisure

🗺️ ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – City Highlights & Iconic Train Street (L/D)

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh Ancient Realm: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc Cave Boat Tour (B/L/D)

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Wonder: 5-Star Cruise & Overnight on the Bay (B/L/D)

Day 4: Halong Bay (Sung Sot Cave) – Return to Hanoi (B/L/D)

Day 5: Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang – Marble Mountains & Hoi An Ancient Town (B/L/D)

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

Day 7: Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Historic Landmark City Tour (B/L/D)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Full-Day Mekong Delta Cultural Discovery (B/L/D)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Underground Tunnels – Shopping & Leisure (B/L/D)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

📑 DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – CITY DISCOVERY & TRAIN STREET (Meals: L / D)

XIN CHÀO! Welcome to Vietnam! Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport (Terminal 2, Meeting Column 10), your private tour guide and driver will greet you warmly with personalized welcome signage.

Transfer directly to downtown Hanoi. Savor your welcome lunch at a charming local restaurant.

Afternoon: Embark on an introductory heritage tour of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital:

Ho Chi Minh Complex: Visit the sacred Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior photo stop), the Presidential Palace (exterior photo stop), and the symbolic One Pillar Pagoda.

Historic Center: Stroll around the tranquil waters of Hoan Kiem Lake and wander the vibrant alleyways of the Hanoi Old Quarter (36 Guild Streets). and Hanoi Opera House.

Iconic Train Street Experience: Stop by Hanoi’s famous railway track nestled between charming residential houses. 

Late Afternoon: Check in at your hotel. Time to relax and refresh.

18:30: Welcome dinner at a celebrated authentic restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI – NINH BINH “HALONG BAY ON LAND” (Meals: B / L / D)

07:30: Breakfast at your hotel.

08:00: Depart for Ninh Binh Province (approx. 2 hours), enjoying the scenic countryside landscape of the Red River Delta.

10:00: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient royal capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Explore the historic Dinh and Le Dynastic Temples, nestled serenely amid limestone karsts.

12:00: Savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant featuring Ninh Binh specialties.

13:30: Board a traditional hand-rowed sampan boat along the scenic Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. Glide peacefully through three limestone grottoes (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba), surrounded by towering karst peaks and emerald waterways.

15:30: Visit the mystical Bich Dong Pagoda (“Pagoda of the Emerald Grotto”), an ancient tiered temple built into the mountain cliffs—once featured in the iconic French classic film Indochine.

16:30: Journey back to Hanoi.

19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY WONDER – OVERNIGHT CRUISE (Meals: B / L / D)

07:00: Breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out.

08:00 – 08:30: Pick-up by comfortable modern limousine/coach, transferring via the expressway to Tuan Chau / Halong International Harbor.

11:45 – 12:15: Board your luxury cruise vessel. Receive a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a comprehensive cruise and safety briefing. Check-in to your private oceanview cabin.

13:00: Indulge in a gourmet seafood lunch as the ship sails deep into the World Natural Heritage site of Halong Bay, cruising past thousands of majestic limestone karsts.

14:30 – 16:30:

Hike to the summit of Titop Island for a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire bay, or swim at its pristine white-sand crescent beach.

Participate in kayaking or bamboo boating through hidden lagoons.

17:30: Return to the sundeck for a breathtaking Sunset Party with drinks, seasonal fruits, and a live Vietnamese Culinary Cooking Demonstration by the onboard Chef.

19:00: Deluxe dinner served on board.

Evening: Engage in night activities: try your hand at squid fishing with the crew, enjoy music at the sky lounge, or simply unwind under the stars.

Overnight onboard Halong Bay Cruise.

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – SUNG SOT CAVE – RETURN TO HANOI (Meals: B / L / D)

06:30: Greet the morning with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the dawn mist hovers over the emerald waters. Enjoy morning coffee, tea, and pastries.

07:45: Explore the grandeur of Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, the largest and most astonishing cavern in Halong Bay, adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

09:30: Return to the ship, complete check-out, and settle your cabin bill.

10:00: Enjoy a sumptuous brunch/early lunch as the cruise navigates its return route toward the harbor.

11:30 – 12:00: Disembark and board your vehicle back to Hanoi.

15:30: Arrive in Hanoi. Check in hotel and enjoy free time for leisure or independent exploring.

18:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HANOI – FLIGHT TO DA NANG – MARBLE MOUNTAINS – HOI AN (Meals: B / L / D)

Morning: Breakfast at hotel, followed by airport transfer for your domestic flight to Da Nang.

Flight details: Hanoi (HAN) – Da Nang (DAD) – approx. 1h20m flight.

Midday: Welcome to Central Vietnam! Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to a restaurant for lunch.

14:30: Depart toward the heritage town of Hoi An with iconic en-route sightseeing:

Non Nuoc 300-Year-Old Stone Carving Village: Marvel at master stone sculptors creating intricate masterpieces at the foot of the mountain.

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son): Climb stone steps or take the glass elevator to discover sacred grottoes, the heavenly Huyen Khong Cave, and the historic Linh Ung & Tam Thai Pagodas.

16:30: Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage). Check in to your hotel.

FREE TIME for walking through the lantern-lit streets: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient Tan Ky Ancestral House, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

19:00: Enjoy Hoi An signature specialties for dinner (Cao Lau noodles, White Rose dumplings, etc.).

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 6: HOI AN – BA NA HILLS & GOLDEN BRIDGE – DA NANG (Meals: B / L / D)

07:30: Breakfast at hotel.

08:15: Depart on a scenic drive along the coastal bay towards Ba Na Hills.

09:15: Board the world-record-holding cable car system, gliding over lush mountain peaks and misty valleys.

09:45 – 12:00:

Walk along the globally renowned Golden Bridge, held aloft by colossal stone hands emerging from the cliffside.

Stroll through the romantic Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Gardens, visit Linh Ung Pagoda, and view the 27-meter-tall Sakyamuni Buddha statue.

Ascend to the second station to explore the magnificent French Village and enjoy indoor attractions at Fantasy Park.

12:30: Feast on a lavish International Buffet lunch at Ba Na Hills.

15:00: Board the return cable car down the mountain.

16:00: Drive back to Da Nang coastal city. Check in hotel and relax on My Khe Beach.

18:30: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Da Nang.

Overnight in Da Nang.

DAY 7: DA NANG – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY – LANDMARK TOUR (Meals: B / L / D)

Morning: Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Flight details: Da Nang (DAD) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – approx. 1h25m flight.

Midday: Arrive in Saigon. Tour guide and private car welcome you and transfer to downtown for lunch.

14:00: Discover the iconic colonial and historical landmarks of Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis:

Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): A historic symbol marking the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, renowned for its classic modernist architecture.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica & Saigon Central Post Office: Admire stunning French-colonial architecture engineered by Gustave Eiffel.

17:00: Check-in hotel. Time to relax.

18:30: Dinner at an authentic southern Vietnamese restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 8: FULL-DAY MEKONG DELTA DISCOVERY (MY THO – BEN TRE) (Meals: B / L / D)

07:30: Breakfast at hotel.

08:00: Escape the vibrant metropolis and head south to My Tho, the gateway to the fertile Mekong Delta (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours).

09:30: Visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, a premier Buddhist sanctuary blending Asian and European architecture.

10:30: Board a motorized riverboat to cruise along the mighty Tien River, admiring the four mythical islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Dock at Unicorn Island: Walk along village trails, explore tropical orchards, and sample fresh seasonal fruits while enjoying live traditional southern folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu).

Board small hand-rowed wooden sampans, drifting along tranquil, nipa-palm-shaded canals.

Visit local cottage industries: Bee farms (taste warm honey tea) and artisanal coconut candy workshops.

13:00: Savor a traditional Mekong Delta lunch with local culinary highlights (Elephant Ear Fish).

14:30: Enjoy a leisure bicycle ride along peaceful village paths or relax in hammocks under the tropical breeze.

15:30: Return to the pier and drive back to Saigon.

19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY – HISTORIC CU CHI TUNNELS – BEN THANH SHOPPING (Meals: B / L / D)

07:30: Breakfast at hotel.

08:15: Journey northwest to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels (approx. 70 km).

09:45: Watch an introductory documentary before exploring the vast 220 km underground network created during the resistance war: 

Crawl through secure tunnel sections to experience subterranean life.

Discover hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens (Hoang Cam stoves), living quarters, and hospitals.

Taste boiled cassava with sesame salt—the authentic wartime sustenance.

12:30: Return to Saigon for lunch at a local restaurant.

14:30: Afternoon dedicated to retail therapy and cultural immersion at the historic Ben Thanh Market and modern shopping centers.

18:30: Farewell dinner at a premier restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (Meals: B)

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxing at a sidewalk café.

Hotel standard check-out is at 12:00.

Private car and driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your scheduled flight home.

End of unforgettable 10-day Vietnam journey with Smile Travel. We look forward to welcoming you back!

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Accommodation: 08 Nights at selected 3–5 Star hotels (Twin/Double sharing with daily breakfast) + 01 Night on 5-Star Halong Bay Cruise.
• Private Ground Transportation: Modern air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing tours.
• Halong Bay Shuttle/Limousine: Roundtrip Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi.
• Sightseeing & Activities:
• All entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary.
• 2-way Cable Car ticket at Ba Na Hills + Golden Bridge access.
• Tam Coc private rowing boat in Ninh Binh.
• Halong Bay cruise excursions (Kayaking / Bamboo boat, Squid fishing, Tai Chi, Cooking Class).
• Private motorized boat & hand-rowed sampan in the Mekong Delta.
• Professional Tour Guides: English-speaking licensed local guides stationed in each region (North, Central, South).
• Meals: Comprehensive meal plan as specified in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) at certified local restaurants and on cruise.
• Complimentary: 01 bottles of mineral water per guest per day.

WHAT IS EXCLUDED:

• International flights & airport departure taxes.
• Domestic Flight Tickets:
• Day 5: Hanoi (HAN) – Da Nang (DAD)
• Day 7: Da Nang (DAD) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• Vietnam Visa processing fees (if required).
• Early check-in (before 14:00) & Late check-out (after 12:00).
• Tipping for tour guides and drivers.
• Personal expenses: Mini-bar, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages during meals.
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory requirement for international travelers).

📌 POLICY & NOTES

• Children Policy:

• Under 4 years old: Free of Charge (FOC) (sharing existing bed with parents).
• From 5 to 8 years old: 85% of adult rate (sharing room/bed with parents).
• From 9 years old and above: 100% adult rate.
  • Notes:
• Passport Requirement: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date in Vietnam.
• Surcharges: Peak season surcharges apply for Christmas Eve (Dec 24), New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), and Vietnam National Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday).
• VISA to Vietnam (Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity. We can help for visa on arrival if request)
• Please note that if a certain accommodation is not available at the time of booking, then we will gladly make alternative suggestions in the same category.
• No early check in or late checkout is included except those indicated in the program. Generally, the check in time is 14:00 and check out time is 12:00.

ACCOMMODATION:

RATE CONTRACT

Land Tour Cost / person in USD | 16 Pax + 01 FOC (FOC based on half twin sharing room)

Tip Policy Mandatory for driver and tour guide with Inbound clients:

From 1-4 clients: 5 usd/day/pax

From 5-10 clients: 4 usd/day/pax

From 10 clients: 3 usd/day/pax

Special note: 

• Muslim Group request Halal food and will pay an extra 5 USD/PAX/MEAL

• Indian tourists request Indian food and will pay an extra 5 USD/PAX/MEAL.

• SERI TOUR will get a special price (cheaper price) contact us!

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

GRATUITIES & TIPPING: THE LOWDOWN

Just a heads up that tips for your tour guide and driver aren’t included in the trip price. If you reckon they’ve done a cracking job and you’re happy with the service, a tip of $10 USD per person, per day is the way to go. You can pay this in the local currency, and it’ll be collected during the tour to cover both your guide and driver.

A quick note on the local way: Tipping is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that for many locals, tips are a standard part of what they earn. You might find people approaching you for a tip—don’t let it rattle you, it’s just how things are done there. Whether you choose to tip or how much you give is always your call.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

Heading off on your next holiday is heaps of exciting, but even when you’re hoping for a smooth run, it pays to be prepared for the “what-ifs”. We reckon it’s a smart move to sort out your travel insurance the moment you book.

Whether it’s a medical mishap, a cancelled flight, or your luggage going walkabout, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered so you can enjoy your trip with total peace of mind.

VIETNAM VISA: HERE’S THE GO ON YOUR VISA

If you’re travelling on an Aussie passport, you can snag a single-entry e-visa online that’s good for up to 90 days. You’ll need to lodge your application (and pay a non-refundable fee) through the official Vietnamese National Web Portal of Immigration. They’ll give you a unique code so you can keep an eye on your application status. Once it’s sorted and granted, make sure you print a hard copy. You’ll need to show it at check-in and keep it on you at all times while you’re trekking around Vietnam.

Your Port of Entry

Your ‘Port of Entry’ is simply the first spot you touch down in Vietnam. For example, if you’re flying from home into Ho Chi Minh City and then catching a domestic flight to Hanoi on Day 1, your Port of Entry is Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport).

A Handy Tip for your Stay

When the form asks for your ‘Intended length of stay’, we reckon it’s best to put down 30 days, even if you’re planning a shorter trip. It doesn’t cost any extra and there’s no drama if you leave early. Doing this gives you a bit of a buffer in case of flight delays or if something unexpected pops up and you need to stay a few extra days.

Watch out for Scams

Be a bit wary—there are some dodgy private visa sites and agents out there that have scammed travellers or leaked personal info. To stay safe, stick to the official Vietnamese Government services. Visa rules, customs, and quarantine bits and pieces can change without much notice, so it’s always a good idea to check in with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam for the latest word.

Important Stuff:

Don’t leave it to the last minute: Start sorting your visa at least three weeks before you head off to account for any processing delays.

Post-Covid rules: Things have changed a bit lately. Some countries or airlines might need extra paperwork before you arrive. Double-check with the embassy or your airline so you’re not caught out.

Please note:

Not an Aussie citizen? You’ll need to have a yarn with your own consulate or a visa agency to find out exactly what you need.

Working in certain fields? If you work in journalism, for the government, or a charity, there might be extra hoops to jump through. This could change the type of visa you need, so make sure you’ve got the right one for your situation.

WEATHER & WHAT TO EXPECT

Vietnam: Weather & What to Pack

Vietnam’s weather is a bit of a mixed bag depending on where you are. Here’s the lowdown so you know what to pack:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa)

Winter (Dec to Feb): It gets surprisingly chilly and stays fairly dry. Expect temps around 10-20°C, so definitely pack a decent jacket or a few layers.

Spring (Mar to Apr): The weather starts warming up, but expect a few light showers here and there as the seasons shift.

Summer (May to Aug): It’s stinking hot and pretty humid. Temps sit between 25-38°C, and you’ll see plenty of heavy rain and the odd thunderstorm.

Autumn (Sep to Nov): Probably the best time to visit. It’s cooler, drier, and much more comfortable for trekking or walking around.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• The top half of Central Vietnam is similar to the North, but further down in Da Nang and Hoi An, it’s a classic tropical vibe:
• Dry Season (Feb to July): Beautiful and warm. Perfect beach weather with temps between 25-35°C.
• Wet Season (Aug to Jan): Expect plenty of rain and high humidity. It can get a bit wild with heavy downpours at times.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

• It’s pretty much warm all year round down south, split into two main seasons:
• Dry Season (Dec to Apr): Plenty of sunshine and quite dry. Temperatures hover around 25-35°C.
• Rainy Season (May to Nov): Humid and wet. You’ll get those classic tropical afternoon bursts, especially from June to September, but it stays nice and warm.
• A quick heads up: These are just the general patterns. Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes, so things can vary a bit from year to year!