10 Days in Vietnam: A Journey Through History and Culture

Welcome to Vietnam, a country full of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This 10-day tour package offers an incredible opportunity to explore the country's most iconic destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, and Hanoi. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, you'll experience the best of Vietnam's culture, history, and natural wonders. Let us take you on an unforgettable journey through this fascinating country.
 

1. Cu Chi Tunnels - On day 2, explore the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You'll learn about the tunnels' history and how they were used in the war effort.
2. Mekong Delta/River Boat Trip - On day 3, experience the beauty of the Mekong Delta on a river boat trip. You'll witness the daily life of locals who live along the river and get a taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
3. My Son Sanctuary - On day 4, visit the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll marvel at the impressive Hindu temple complex and learn about the Champa Kingdom that once ruled this area.
4. Hue Imperial Treasures - On day 6, discover the imperial treasures of Hue, Vietnam's former capital city. You'll visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
5. Halong Bay - On day 8 and 9, experience the majestic beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. You'll explore the limestone karsts, visit floating villages, and enjoy delicious seafood while taking in the stunning scenery.
6. Hanoi City Tour - On day 7, explore the vibrant city of Hanoi, known for its rich history and culture. You'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and taste local street food.
7. This 10-day tour package is the perfect way to explore Vietnam's highlights, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes. With our expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully planned itinerary, you'll have an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful country.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! On your first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. A friendly driver from Legend Travel Group will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions.

We understand that traveling to a new country can be stressful, so we have included airport transfers in the itinerary to make your trip hassle-free. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing that your transportation has been taken care of.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for an exciting adventure! With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your Vietnam trip. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate, and get ready for the amazing experiences that await you.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you will have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handicrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You will also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. To reach the pagoda, you will take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the river and the surrounding areas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoi An (via Da Nang Airport). Upon arrival at the airport in Da Nang our representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will spend the night in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will leave at 8:00 am to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people and is now home to red brick towers and sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, along with Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

During your visit, you will explore the lush valley and learn about the Cham civilization and their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temples and learn about their significance.

You will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own around 1:00 pm. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Embark on a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as "Faifo" to the earliest Western traders. This city was an important port for merchants from various parts of the world, including the Dutch, Portuguese, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, and other countries in the Far East.

Your tour will begin with a visit to a temple situated in the heart of Hoi An. This temple features partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with origins dating back to the 1700s.

Afterward, you will head to the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum showcases exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later on, you will take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. This is where you will have a chance to see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

After the excursion, you will leave Hoi An for Hue by car. Along the way, you will stop at Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. Please note that you will need to purchase tickets for these attractions on your own. Then, continue your trip with the driver to Hai Van Pass, where you can take in the stunning views of the Son Tra Peninsula from the top. Have a short break at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue City in the afternoon.

Upon arrival in Hue, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. There are also several great restaurants and shops in the city to explore. Overnight in Hue.

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Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

La Vela Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a delightful boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the oldest and most revered site in Hue. Admire the stunning views of the river and the lush surroundings, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the pagoda from your knowledgeable guide. Next, you will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Hue.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local dining culture.

In the afternoon, continue your Hue sightseeing tour by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur and sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the fascinating history and architecture of the Purple Forbidden City, which was once the exclusive domain of the emperors and their royal family. Next, visit Thuy Xuan incense-making village, where you can witness the traditional process of making incense and learn about its cultural significance in Vietnam. Finally, head to Dong Ba market, the largest and most vibrant market in Hue, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Hue. Get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow!

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Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

La Vela Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Hue, you will take an early flight to Hanoi to begin your full-day city tour. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up and taken directly to the first stop of the day, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you will learn about the remarkable life of Uncle Ho and pay your respects to him. Next, we'll visit the nearby Presidential Palace and his residential place to gain further insight into Ho Chi Minh's legacy.

Our next destination is the Temple of Literature, which was built in the twelfth century and was the site of Vietnam's first university. Here, you can learn about Confucianism and Vietnamese culture, and even enjoy a traditional music performance.

For lunch, we'll head to a local restaurant to sample authentic Hanoi Pho, a delicious noodle soup that is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the many museums or temples around Hanoi, such as the Museum of Ethnology, Women's Museum, History Museum, or Quan Thanh Temple, depending on your interests.

Later in the afternoon, we'll take a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque body of water in the heart of Hanoi, and explore the bustling Old Quarter. Here, you can enjoy some great shopping and try some street-side traditional food, like the famous "Hanoi bia," a refreshing local beer. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience typical Hanoian style and traditional Vietnamese culture.

To cap off the day, you can choose to attend the Water Puppet Show, a beloved experience for all visitors to Vietnam. Please inform your tour operator if you would like to book a ticket, as there is an additional cost of approximately US $6.00 per ticket.

After a fun and informative day, we'll check in to our hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi, ready for more adventures the following day.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

Glory Legend Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport for your international flight back home or to your next destination. We hope that you have had an incredible time exploring Vietnam with Legend Travel Group and have made unforgettable memories.

Thank you for choosing us as your travel companion and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future. Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary and our team will ensure that your departure from Hanoi is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.