Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime in Vietnam? Look no further than our 8-day tour, specially designed for Australian – US – UK – Canadian tourists who want to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this fascinating country.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, from the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary to the imperial splendor of Hue, from the underground tunnels of Cu Chi to the fertile lands of the Mekong Delta, this tour will take you on a memorable adventure through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and vibrant communities.
Led by experienced local guides and accompanied by fellow travelers, you’ll have the chance to discover hidden gems, taste exotic cuisine, and connect with the friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone. So why wait? Check out our detailed itinerary and book your spot today to experience the best of Vietnam!
These are just some of the highlights of our tour, and there’s so much more to discover and experience in Vietnam. Join us on this journey and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Hanoi – finished in HCM City
For each day of the itinerary, we provide a brief summary of the top activities, as well as more detailed information for those who want to learn more. This approach allows you to quickly get a sense of what each day will involve, while also providing the option to explore the details in greater depth if desired.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you can start exploring the city by heading to the Old Quarter. This is a charming area of narrow streets and alleys lined with traditional shops, street vendors, and cafes. One of the must-see places here is Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city. This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and is surrounded by peaceful gardens and pagodas. In the center of the lake is Ngoc Son Temple, which you can reach by crossing a beautiful red bridge. The temple is dedicated to the legendary hero Tran Hung Dao and is a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets outside.
After visiting Ngoc Son Temple, you can wander around the Old Quarter and check out the many markets selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. The Dong Xuan Market is the largest and most famous of the markets in Hanoi, with over three floors of stalls selling a huge variety of goods. This is a great place to experience the lively atmosphere of the city and to pick up some unique souvenirs.
In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a popular art form in Vietnam that has been around for centuries. The show takes place in a pool of water, with the puppeteers standing behind a screen and manipulating the puppets with long poles. The stories told in the show are usually about rural life, and are accompanied by music and singing.
Today, you can explore more of Hanoi’s history and culture with a city tour. Start by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the country’s history. The mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam, and the museum showcases his life and accomplishments.
Next, visit the Presidential Palace, a grand French-style building that was once the residence of the French governor and later the Vietnamese president. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and features a striking yellow facade.
After the palace, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple that sits on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. The pagoda was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong in the 11th century and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks of Hanoi.
In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Literature, a complex of buildings and gardens that was once the country’s first university. The temple was built in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of knowledge. It’s a peaceful and picturesque place to explore, with its beautiful courtyards and pavilions.
Finally, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, from traditional costumes to handicrafts and musical instruments, providing an in-depth look at the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Today, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. After breakfast, you’ll take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, where you’ll board a traditional wooden junk boat for a full-day cruise. You’ll sail through the emerald waters of the bay, surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and islets that rise dramatically from the sea.
During the cruise, you’ll visit some of the bay’s most stunning caves, such as the Thien Cung Cave or the Dau Go Cave. You’ll also stop at a fishing village to learn about the daily life of the local fishermen and visit a floating market where you can buy fresh seafood and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, you can try your hand at kayaking or swimming in the calm waters of the bay. As the sun sets over the bay, you’ll head back to the junk boat to enjoy a delicious dinner of fresh seafood and local specialties while taking in the breathtaking views of the limestone formations.
After breakfast, you’ll fly from Hanoi to Danang, a coastal city in central Vietnam. From there, it’s a 45-minute drive to Hoi An, a charming and historic town that’s known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival in Hoi An, you’ll take a walking tour of the old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll visit some of the town’s most famous landmarks, such as the Japanese Bridge, a covered bridge that dates back to the 16th century, and the Chinese Assembly Halls, which were built by the Chinese community in Hoi An to worship their ancestors and gods.
You’ll also visit the Hoi An Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town’s rich history and cultural diversity. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building that was once the residence of a wealthy Vietnamese merchant.
In the evening, you can explore the town’s lively night markets, where you can find a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, which are made by local artisans and come in a variety of colors and designs. You can also sample some of the town’s famous street food, such as banh mi sandwiches, cao lau noodles, and fresh spring rolls.
Today, you’ll visit the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a valley surrounded by mountains. My Son was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom, a powerful civilization that ruled central Vietnam for over a thousand years.
You’ll explore the ancient ruins of temples and towers, which were built between the 4th and 14th centuries and are dedicated to Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the Champa people, who were skilled in architecture, sculpture, and dance, and had a unique artistic style that blended Indian and Southeast Asian influences.
In the afternoon, you’ll participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to prepare some of the country’s most famous dishes. You’ll visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients and spices, and then head to a cooking school where a professional chef will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll learn how to make dishes such as pho noodle soup, spring rolls, and banh xeo pancakes, and get to taste your creations at the end of the class.
After breakfast, you’ll take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty, and is often referred to as the “Pearl of Vietnam”.
Your first stop will be the Imperial Citadel, a massive complex that was once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam. You’ll explore the Forbidden Purple City, a walled enclosure that housed the emperor’s private quarters, and the Imperial City, which contains numerous palaces, temples, and gardens.
You’ll also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that sits on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. The temple was founded in the 17th century and is one of the most important religious sites in Hue. You’ll admire its elegant architecture, including its seven-story pagoda and its bronze bell that weighs over 2,000 kg.
Finally, you’ll explore some of the Royal Tombs, which were built for the Nguyen emperors and their families. These tombs are located in tranquil settings, surrounded by gardens and lakes, and are known for their intricate decorations and ornate architecture. You’ll visit tombs such as the Tu Duc Tomb, the Minh Mang Tomb, or the Khai Dinh Tomb, depending on your preference.
In the evening, you can relax and enjoy some of Hue’s famous cuisine, which includes dishes such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh khoai (stuffed pancake), and nem lui (lemongrass pork skewers).
Today, you’ll fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll take a 2-hour drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating and historic site that played a significant role in the Vietnam War.
The Cu Chi Tunnels were built by the Viet Cong guerrilla fighters to provide a hidden network of communication and supply routes, living quarters, hospitals, and weapons caches. You’ll get a chance to explore these underground tunnels, which stretch for over 200 km and were designed to withstand bombings and ground attacks. You’ll see the different sections of the tunnels, which include living areas, kitchens, meeting rooms, and weapon factories, and learn about the tactics and strategies used by the Viet Cong.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, which provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the Vietnamese people. The museum displays photographs, artifacts, and documents related to the war, including tanks, helicopters, and weapons. You’ll also get to hear stories from local people who were affected by the war and learn about their resilience and perseverance.
You’ll also visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam, which was famously stormed by North Vietnamese tanks in 1975, marking the end of the war. You’ll explore the different rooms and offices of the palace, which have been preserved as they were during the war, and see the underground bunker that was used by the South Vietnamese leaders.
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the Mekong Delta – visiting Ben Tre, a vast and fertile region in southern Vietnam that is known as the “rice bowl” of the country. The Mekong Delta is home to numerous rivers, canals, and swamps, and is a major agricultural hub, producing rice, fruit, vegetables, and seafood.
You’ll visit some of the local villages and markets, where you can observe the daily life of the people and learn about their customs and traditions. You’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River and its tributaries, passing by lush vegetation, stilt houses, and floating markets. You’ll also get to taste some of the fresh tropical fruits that are grown in the region, such as mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruits.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner, where you can share your experiences and memories of the trip with your fellow travelers. You’ll savor some of the delicious Vietnamese dishes, such as bun cha (grilled pork and noodle), goi cuon (spring rolls), and ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot). You’ll also get to say goodbye to your local guide and driver, who have helped you navigate through Vietnam and made your trip memorable.
This itinerary covers some of the major highlights of Vietnam, from the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, and offers a good mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Of course, you can customize this itinerary based on your own preferences and interests. And, please tell me if you want to customize any day! Thank you!
Looking for an exciting, hassle-free way to explore Vietnam’s top attractions in just 8 days? Look no further than “The Best of Vietnam in 8 Days” tour! From the stunning Halong Bay to the historic Hue city, this itinerary packs in a diverse array of experiences and sights, all while offering comfortable accommodations and expert local guides. Book now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!