AMAZING VIETNAM by Realistic Asia Independent and Partially Guided

Destination
Starts at

Hanoi Vietnam

Destination
Ends at

Ho Chi Minh City

Destination
Duration

11 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 10

Destination
Physical Rating

moderate Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

This tour offers a wonderful mix of experiences - from tropical beaches and post-colonial charm, to a string of world heritage sites, stunning scenery, enchanting cuisine, and a home-grown flair for hospitality. Start your trip in the North, where you'll be welcomed by the warm, friendly locals in the Hanoi countryside and Ninh Binh. Be amazed by the spectacular Halong Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Then head to Hoi An, an ancient lantern town that sits peacefully by the Thu Bon River. The essence of its tranquility will cherish your leisure time. Travel to the South and explore the mighty Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam', as well as the mysterious underground system of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This super save package packs in the very best of Vietnam, from the natural wonders to the cultural highlights. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that showcases the country's diverse beauty and rich heritage.

This partially guided itinerary offers a mix of independent exploration and expert-led experiences, with full support via WhatsApp for any assistance you may need. Enjoy shared group activities, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers while still having the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover one of the most exciting cities in Asia as you dive headfirst into Vietnam in its bustling capital, Hanoi.
  • Wonder through caves and float among towering mountains that rise from the ocean in the magnificent Halong Bay.
  • Immerse yourself in amazing countryside and fascinating local cultures on a trip down the Mekong Delta before finishing off your trip in the thrilling surroundings of Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Explore the ruins of ancient temples in Vietnam's first capital before sailing down the Tam Coc river on a bamboo boat, surrounded by some of the country's most spectacular natural scenery.
  • Have a relaxing stay in Hoi An, where you can enjoy its tranquil lantern-lit evenings, or get a suit or dress made by one of its many skilled tailors. 

Your Itinerary

  1. Day 1 WELCOME TO VIETNAM - HANOI ARRIVAL

    Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hanoi

  2. Day 2 HANOI CITY FULL DAY - JOIN IN A GROUP TOUR

    8:00 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide and bus will pick you up from your hotel and start to discover Hanoi City.8:45 AM: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's great leader, Uncle Ho. You'll have a chance to see his embalmed body, then walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy - it's one of the most unique pagodas in the world.10:15 AM: Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.12:30 - 12:45 PM: Have lunch at our restaurant, with vegetarian options available.1:30 PM: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on West Lake. It's the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, built in the 6th century.2:30 PM: Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070.3:30 PM: Visit Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, a former French prison that is now a war museum.4:30 PM: Return to the hotel.Note: Please dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting the Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and for maintenance from June 15 to August 15.If the Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays, we'll visit the Vietnamese Women's Museum instead.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hanoi

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Hanoi City Tour
  3. Day 3 HOA LU – TAM COC DAY TRIP – GROUP TOUR

    7:30 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Ninh Binh province, about 120 km from Hanoi.9:30 AM: Have a short 20-minute break to relax.10:30 AM: The first destination is Hoa Lu ancient capital, the first capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century. Feel the ancient atmosphere in Hoa Lu.11:45 AM: Have a buffet lunch with local foods like goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are always available.1:00 PM: Take a 1.5-hour bamboo boat trip in Tam Coc. Be amazed by the charming beauty of the paddy fields, river, water, clouds, sky and stunning cave system - a masterpiece Vietnamese people call Halong Bay on land.2:30 PM: Continue the tour with a 45-minute bicycle ride around the village to discover local life.3:30 - 4:00 PM: Return to the shuttle bus to Hanoi.6:30 PM: End your memorable Hoa Lu - Tam Coc day trip. Get dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hanoi

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Hao Lu Ancient Capital
    • Bamboo Boat Trip in Tam Coc
  4. Day 4 CRUISE IN THE MOST PICTURESQUE BAY OF VIETNAM - HA LONG BAY  - SHARED CRUISE, BUS

    Check out of your hotel in the morning and get picked up by the cruise. Take a scenic route across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival in Halong, enjoy a cruise on the bay to explore the limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After your bay exploration, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Then visit a famous limestone cave in Halong Bay, where you can spend time kayaking or swimming to get closer to the floating villages and shops. In the evening, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can attend activities on the boat or relax.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Ha Long Bay

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Halong Bay Cruise
  5. Day 5 MORNING IN THE NATURAL WONDER OF THE WORLD - TRAVEL TO HOI AN

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast. The boat will make its way back to the port, stopping at a limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. Later, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi for a short rest before heading to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hoi An

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Flight to Da Nang
  6. Day 6 HOI AN FISHING AND RIDING THE BASKET BOAT TOUR - GROUP TOUR

    Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 AM and take you on a cycling trip through the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. Enjoy the beautiful views and friendly greetings from local people along the way. Next, explore the Eco-Village of Cam Thanh, associated with the heroic history of the anti-French and anti-American wars, by taking a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat along the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. Meet and engage with local fishermen, try your hand at traditional net fishing and catching

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hoi An

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Cam Thanh Village visit
  7. Day 7 HOI AN LEISURE

    Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. Relax with a fresh fruit drink at one of the small cafes after a swim in the warm, calm sea. You can also visit a tailor shop to have new clothes, bags or shoes made overnight. In the evening, walk around the Old Town area when the shops light their lanterns - it's a charming, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Don't miss the colorful street performances.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Hoi An

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast
    • Free Day
  8. Day 8 FLIGHT FROM HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY

    Relish the remaining moments in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh. The rest of the time is free at leisure

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast
    • Flight to Ho Chi Minh
  9. Day 9 EXPLORE THE FASCINATING CU CHI TUNNELS - GROUP TOUR

    8:00 AM - 2:30 PM: Cu Chi Tunnels is a legendary underground system of over 220 km of tunnels, a must-see for those interested in the history of the Vietnam War. The tunnels are now a historical structure of Vietnam and were crucial in the resistance to US forces. The tunnels are located approximately 60km from Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the scenery along the way, passing lush rice fields and water buffaloes swimming in the rivers. It's hard to imagine the area was once almost completely destroyed by bombs and mines. Once we arrive, walk through some of the tunnels, discover hidden corners and imagine life for the resistance soldiers. You can try cooking with the smokeless stoves used by soldiers, and even sample the foods they lived on. For the brave, you can try shooting an AK-47, one of the guns used during the war. Head back to the city in the afternoon; the tour finishes at 2:30 PM.

    Accommodation

    Hotel In Ho Chi Minh

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast
    • Cu Chi Tunnels visit
  10. Day 10 DISCOVER THE LUSH MEKONG DELTA  - GROUP TOUR

    Leaving Ho Chi Minh City, depart for My Tho, a town on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Then board a sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands - Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people. Visit a fruit plantation. Take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and a honey-bee farm, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle around Tan Thach village and meet the local villagers to experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who don't want to cycle, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Accommodation

    Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Vinh Trang Pagoda visit
    • Sampan ride through Thoi Son canal
    • Cycle around Tan Thach village
  11. Day 11 TIME TO SAY GOODBYE - HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

    Relish a healthy breakfast on your final day. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, then you can visit local markets to buy souvenirs. Later, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

    Activities Included
    • Breakfast

What's included

  • Local Insider
  • Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services
  • All transportation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation in double/twin/triple shared room with breakfast (including 5% service fee and 10% VAT tax)
  • Experienced English-speaking local guides
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
  • All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary
  • Tissues and water during transfers
  • Service charges and government tax
  • Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service
  • 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
  • No extra charge after services confirmation
  • Domestic flights (Hanoi-Da Nang, Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh)

What's not included

  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
  • Public holiday surcharge (if any)
  • Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec
  • Early check-in and Late check-out (If not mentioned)
  • Evisa to Vietnam (can be applied online)
  • Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am
  • Other services not mentioned above
  • Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)
  • Flights to and from the destination

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating:
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4.5/5
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Independent Service Rating based on 128 verified reviews.
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Well organised and well executed intense experience. Truly enjoyable.
Every aspect of the trip was planned and executed in the finest of detail. It is a very high paced trip that covers fantastic cultural aspects. Fantastic tour guide in Juno.
Rene - Dec 20, 2024
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Great value with fun people
We loved this trip!! It included so much for the price- definitely a great deal compared to other companies. And our fellow travelers were lovely people who really enhanced the experience! However, the anticipated activity level listed in the description did not at all match the actual requirements.
Jessica - Dec 18, 2024
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Morocco Oct 2024
This trip and the company behind it were truly exceptional. From the outset, the office staff provided excellent support, addressing all my inquiries and facilitating a seamless booking process. The on-site team, including our guide Hamid and our driver, were remarkable; their service exceeded all expectations. Some of our most unforgettable moments were spent with local families who prepared extraordinary lunches for us. The picturesque landscapes, the warmth of the locals, and the delicious cuisine all contributed to a wonderful experience. As someone who had never participated in a group tour before, I initially had some reservations, but this journey turned out to be extraordinary.
Ann - Dec 14, 2024

Accommodation

Important Info

  • We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
  • The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
  • Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year, Songkran, and National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
  • Rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 on arrival day till 12:00 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
  • Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
  • If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or another similar service (s) in order to avoid changes to the program.
  • Customers are fully responsible for boarding the flights on time after they are dropped off at the airport. Customers are financially responsible for any eventual costs for trip continuation.
  • Please note that the max luggage allowance for all flights purchased/included with this trip is: hand luggage max> 7KG/15.43 LBS + checked in luggage max> 20 kg/44 lbs

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Realistic Asia must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would apply as follows:

+ 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge for the land cost. We Guarantee 100% of the land cost back. The airline cancellation fees are applied according to the airline's policy. 

+ 59 - 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + airfare cancellation fees.

+ 29 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% + airfare cancellation fees. 

+ 14 – 8 days prior to arrival date: 40% + airfare cancellation fees. 

+ 7 days prior to arrival date: 100 % 

+ No show: 100% 

Please note: that the domestic flight tickets in the package are non-refundable.

Terms & Conditions

For full details, see our booking Terms and Conditions