Essential Vietnam 10-Day Private Tour Hanoi to Saigon

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Features

10d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

This journey leads you through the country’s most iconic highlights, from the timeless charm of Hanoi and the serene limestone landscapes of Lan Ha Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the imperial heritage of Hue, before immersing you in the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. Designed as a smooth, easy-paced programme suitable for most travellers, it blends cultural discovery, gentle outdoor activities, scenic drives, light boat rides, and authentic local encounters - offering a complete and memorable first introduction to Vietnam.

✅Hanoi highlights & Old Quarter – culture, history, and local street life
✅Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise – limestone scenery and calm waters
✅Hoi An Ancient Town – heritage streets and relaxed charm
✅Imperial Hue – citadel and royal legacy
✅Mekong Delta in Ben Tre – river life and local encounters

Activity location

Noi Bai International Airport
- Noi Bai, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Meeting/Redemption Point

Noi Bai International Airport
- Noi Bai, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Check availability

Essential Vietnam 10-Day Private Tour Hanoi to Saigon

10d
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

€2,556.52 x 1 Adult€2,556.52

Total

What's included, what's not

Leisure: Water puppet, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
Experienced local tour guide following itinerary (English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanis, French)
Bike: Ben Tre
Kayak: Halong
Cooking class: Halong (on board), cooking demonstration
Dinner
Service charges and Taxes
Leisure: Water puppet, Squid fishing, Swimming, Morning Tai Chi, Foot...
All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
International flight from/to your country
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Service charge
Other not mentioned in the programme

Know before you book

Public transport options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialised infant seats are available
Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi (Arrival in Hanoi, personal airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel)

2 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) 42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Noi Bai International Airport

45m
Admission ticket included

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Hanoi. Note: Hotel check-in time is from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

Old Quarter

4h
Admission ticket included

Continue the day with an walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience. End at your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi (Explore Hanoi highlights: the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh’s complex, Old Quarter)

5 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) 42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Temple of Literature & National University

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

8:30: Start your day at the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty to honour Confucius and educate royal scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards and gardens until you reach Khue Van Cac, the iconic pavilion that symbolises Hanoi. Continue to the UNESCO-recognized stone steles, which record the names of Vietnam’s most outstanding graduates, before exploring Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as the country’s first national university.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

2h
Admission ticket included

Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), an engaging institution that offers deep insight into the cultures of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. Its rich collection includes traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and life-size replicas of ethnic minority houses. A full visit typically takes about two hours. For lunch, enjoy one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes: cha ca, fragrant turmeric-marinated grilled fish served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce — a true staple of the capital’s culinary heritage.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

In the afternoon, continue with an exterior visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, then enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby botanical gardens to see the simple House on Stilts, where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked. Conclude this section of the tour at the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Old Quarter

2h
Admission ticket included

For a delightful gourmet pause, settle onto a small stool inside a traditional tube house and savour a cup of egg coffee - a creamy speciality born during the French colonial era. Made from whipped egg yolk and rich Vietnamese coffee, this iconic drink remains a local favourite. End your day with a stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter. Originating in the 15th century as a busy trading hub, its famed “36 streets” each once specialised in a particular craft or product. Today, the Old Quarter is a vibrant open-air museum of living history, with narrow alleyways, tube houses, small temples, bustling markets, and irresistible street food creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Lotus Water Puppet Theater

50m
Admission ticket included

In the evening, enjoy the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay (Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class)

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Sena Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin) 3b Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Lan Ha Bay

4h
Admission ticket included

8:00 - 8:30: The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, and from there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional stop along the way for a short break. 11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbour. 12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise programme. Afterwards, check into your cabin and settle in. 13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay—an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.

Dark and Bright Cave

2h
Admission ticket included

15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.

Lan Ha Bay

5h
Admission ticket included

17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls. Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night. 19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterwards, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a film in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting. Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay.

Day 4: Lan Ha Bay - Hoi An (Explore the Tra Bau area, return to Hanoi, fly to Da Nang, and transfer to Hoi An)

5 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room) 116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Lan Ha Bay

2h
Admission ticket included

06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind. 07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.

Lang chai Tra Bau

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere. 09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin. 10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back towards the harbour, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs. 11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbour, disembark, and farewell to the crew.

Old Quarter

5h
Admission ticket included

The cruise shuttle bus driver meets you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfers you back to Hanoi. You are dropped off in the Old Quarter where your private driver icks you up for the onward transfer to Noi Bai Airport.

Noi Bai International Airport

45m
Admission ticket included

Your private driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

Danang International Airport

2h
Admission ticket included

Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An (Enjoy a basket boat ride, explore Hoi An’s ancient town, and spend the afternoon at your leisure)

4 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room) 116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Cam Thanh

8:30: Our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An for a short transfer to Cam Thanh village. Known for its tranquil waterways and centuries-old nipa palm mangroves, Cam Thanh offers a peaceful glimpse into the daily life of Hoi An’s fishing communities. Upon arrival, you board a traditional bamboo basket boat for a gentle ride through the shaded nipa palm canals while trying your hand at local-style crab fishing - a simple yet enjoyable experience close to nature.

Japanese Covered Bridge

1h
Admission ticket included

After the boat trip, we return to Hoi An to explore its key highlights. We begin at the Museum of Antiquities, a compact yet rich collection of Cham artefacts and ceramics that reflects Hoi An’s layered cultural history. From here, we walk to the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the town’s iconic wooden structure symbolising centuries of cultural exchange

Quan Thang Ancient House

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

Our visit continues at Quan Thang ancient house, one of the best-preserved merchant residences, admired for its refined woodcarvings. The tour concludes at the lively local market, a colourful riverside hub that offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life and local flavours. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.

Hoi An

You have a free afternoon to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Optional activities include joining a local cooking class, cycling through rural villages, or enjoying a peaceful boat trip on the river. Hoi An is also an excellent place to have clothes tailor-made. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An - Hue (Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citade)

4 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hue Serene Palace Hotel(Junior Room) 21/42 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

2h
Admission ticket included

8:30: Depart for Hue, stopping in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Cham sculpture and cultural artefacts.

Hai Van Pass

1h
Admission ticket included

Continue your journey along the scenic coastline towards Hue, pausing at the top of the Hai Van Pass to take in sweeping ocean views and the dramatic landscapes that frame this historic mountain route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

2h
Admission ticket included

In the afternoon, we'll explore the Imperial Citadel, the last remaining symbol of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Inspired by Vauban-style fortifications, the complex is divided into three distinct sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Within these walls lie many of Hue’s most remarkable landmarks, including the Flag Tower, the imposing South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the temples dedicated to past dynasties, and the former royal residential quarters.

Dong Ba Market

3h
Admission ticket included

Before the day comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Ba Market. As you wander its lively aisles, you’ll encounter colourful produce stalls, aromatic spice vendors, traditional conical hats, and local snacks prepared fresh before your eyes. It’s an ideal place to meet friendly shopkeepers, observe the rhythm of everyday commerce, and gain an authentic insight into daily life in Hue. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.

Day 7: Hue - HCM City (Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang’s royal tomb, Thuy Bieu village, cooking class, and fly to Ho Chi Minh City)

4 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) 177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thien Mu Pagoda

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

8:30: We continue exploring Hue with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest spiritual landmarks, founded in 1601. Its iconic octagonal tower and sweeping views over the Perfume River make it an essential stop for understanding the soul of Hue.

Tomb of Minh Mang

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

Next, you discover the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece that blends imperial design with serene natural scenery. Planned during his reign (1820–1840) and completed by Emperor Thieu Tri, the complex was built through the collective craftsmanship of thousands of workers and artisans.

Thủy Biều - Hoa Màu

2h
Admission ticket included

You then head to Thuy Bieu village, a peaceful village along the Perfume River, famed for its fragrant pomelo orchards. Here, you may opt for a gentle bicycle ride through leafy lanes, stopping at ancestral temples, traditional garden houses over a century old, and small vegetable plots tended by local farmers. The experience continues at Mrs. Loan’s charming garden house, where you join a hands-on cooking class to learn several Hue specialities, from delicate vegetable carving to Nem, fig salad, and savoury stuffed pancakes. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

1h
Admission ticket included

After the meal, transfer to Hue Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)(Explore Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Quan Am Pagoda & Binh Tay Market)

4 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) 177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Independence Palace

2h
Admission ticket included

8:30: We begin the day with a visit to the Independence Palace, once the residence and workplace of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Here, you’ll see the North Vietnamese tank that famously crashed through the gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Inside, the five-storey palace has been carefully preserved in its late-1960s and 1970s style, including the basement bunker with its original communication rooms and command maps.

War Remnants Museum

2h
Admission ticket included

We then continue to the War Remnants Museum, one of the most visited and thought-provoking museums in Ho Chi Minh City. Its exhibitions present multiple perspectives on the Vietnam War through historical documents, photography, wartime relics, and personal testimonies. The museum’s powerful displays offer a deeper understanding of the conflict’s human impact and often leave visitors with a lasting emotional impression. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.

Quan Am Pagoda

1h
Admission ticket included

In the afternoon, we visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in the city, dedicated to Guan Yin and influenced by elements of Taoism and traditional folk worship of the “Queen of Heaven.” Its peaceful courtyards, incense-filled halls, and beautifully carved altars offer a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustle of the surrounding area.

Binh Tay Market

1h
Admission ticket included

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Binh Tay Market in Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown. With hundreds of stalls, this bustling wholesale market plays a central role in supplying the city with clothing, souvenirs, food products, and daily essentials. A small food court inside the market also invites visitors to sample local delicacies and classic street dishes. Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 9: HCM City - Tay Ninh - HCM City (Explore Mekong Delta, cruise Ben Tre & visit a coconut workshop with locals)

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) 177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ben Tre

8:00: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut sweets. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life

Nhon Thanh

Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits. Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.

Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon. Enjoy exploring the city at your own pace. Dinner is on your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight)

1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

45m
Admission ticket included

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Note: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

Location

Activity location

Noi Bai International Airport
- Noi Bai, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Meeting/Redemption Point

Noi Bai International Airport
- Noi Bai, Ha Noi, Vietnam

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