9-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

9 days Free CancellationMeet on location or pickupInstant confirmationGuided Operated by Up Travel Vietnam

Why we love it?

The 9 Day Journey Vietnam Highlights offers travelers an immersive experience through the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Vietnam. Beginning in Hanoi, participants will explore the historic Old Quarter, enjoy local cuisine, and visit significant landmarks. The itinerary includes a scenic cruise in Ha Long Bay, known for its breathtaking limestone islands and emerald waters. This tour is well-suited for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Vietnam, combining cultural exploration with natural beauty, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and transportation.

Inclusions

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Entrance fee
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Tissues and water on coach
  • Service charges and government tax
  • 7 nights in hotel and 1 night on cruise

Exclusions

  • Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price
  • Vietnam visa fee
  • International flights (to/from Vietnam)
  • Domestic flights: Hanoi - Hue; Danang - Ho Chi Minh
  • Additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses (shopping, phone calls, extra beverages, etc.)
  • Christmas, other holidays or New Year's Eve Gala Dinner (if applicable)
  • Others not mentioned in the itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival - Airport Pickup

  • Welcome to Hanoi City, Vietnam’s bustling largest city! When you arrive, our friendly driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel for check-in. Your room will be ready for you from 2:00 PM onwards, so you can relax and settle in comfortably.

    Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

    Meals: None

    Tour Guide: None

    Transfer: Private car

Day 2

Hanoi City Tour: An Exclusive 1-Day Experience (Join-in)

  • 08:00 – 08

    08:00 – 08:30: Our friendly tour guide and comfortable bus will pick you up from your hotel to start your Hanoi city discovery.

    08:45: First stop is Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. 09:30: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex – the final resting place of Uncle Ho, a beloved leader of Vietnam. You’ll have the chance to see his embalmed body and stroll through the peaceful gardens to explore the stilt house and the Presidential Palace grounds where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

    Then, visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam.Note: Please dress modestly (cover shoulders to knees) when visiting temples, pagodas, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and is also closed for annual maintenance from June 15 to August 15. Even if closed, visitors can still take photos and explore the surrounding area.

    11:15: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the culture and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

    Special Note: On Mondays, we’ll visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead, as the Ethnology Museum is closed.

    12:45: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Vegetarian options are available.

    14:00 – 14:15: Head to the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university. Founded in 1070, it's a peaceful and beautiful spot full of history and culture.

    15:15: Visit Hoa Lo Prison, known to many as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built by the French in the late 19th century, the prison tells powerful stories about Vietnam’s fight for independence.

    16:30: Return to your hotel by bus. Tour ends!

    ­Special Notes: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and for maintenance from June 15 to August 15.

    On Mondays, the tour will include the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of the Museum of Ethnology.

    Please wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious and cultural sites.

    Essentials to bring: cash, phone/camera, sunblock, umbrella or raincoat depending on the weather.

    Itinerary order may change depending on actual conditions.Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.

    Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Tour Guide: English-speaking guide

    Transfer: Group transfer

Day 3

Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi (Sharing Cruise & Bus)

  • 08:00 – Our friendly tour guide and shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

    08:45 – Begin the journey to the stunning Halong Bay. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic 2.5-hour drive.

    10:30 – Make a quick stop in Hai Duong province for a 20-minute break—grab a drink, stretch your legs, and get ready for the adventure ahead.

    ­11:30 – 12:00 – Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, where your cruise experience begins.

    ­12:00 – 12:30 – Step aboard and enjoy a welcome drink. Meet the captain and crew, then get a short safety briefing and check-in for the cruise.

    ­13:00 – Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian dishes as we cruise through the spectacular Halong – Lan Ha Bay. Take in the breathtaking views of fascinating limestone formations like Con Vit Islet (Duck Islet), Thumb Islet, and the peaceful Gia Luan Harbor near Cat Ba Island.

    ­After lunch, we continue exploring the beautiful lagoons of Lan Ha Bay. We’ll drop anchor so you can enjoy a swim or simply relax and soak up the fresh sea air on the sundeck.

    ­15:45 – Get ready for a kayaking adventure! Paddle through some of the bay’s most beautiful hidden spots with guidance from our tour guide. Afterwards, enjoy more swimming or just chill out on the cruise.

    ­Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin making our way toward the overnight anchoring area.

    ­18:00 – Join us for a relaxing sunset party on the sundeck. It’s the perfect time for photos and enjoying the golden light over the bay.

    ­19:00 – Dinner is served! Delight in a special meal featuring more Vietnamese seafood and traditional flavors, all prepared fresh on board.

    ­21:00 – Enjoy your evening with some fun activities: card games, chess, squid fishing, or treat yourself to a massage. Or simply wind down and enjoy the peaceful night onboard.

    ­Our Services: Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Tour Guide: English-speaking guide on board

    Transfer: Shuttle bus

Day 4

Halong Bay – Transfer back to Hanoi by Bus – Fly To Hue

  • 7:00-7:45

    7:00-7:45: Have breakfast. Morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

    ­08:00: Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets

    Tourists visit the famous Frog Pond. Here you can freely kayak and explore the landscape, or swim...

    ­09:15: Back to your cabin, take relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin.

    ­9:30: Check-out from the private cabin and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check-out procedure and enjoy your last lunch at cruise.

    ­11:30: Cruise are landing Tuan Chau Harbor, tourist say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise.

    ­12:00 – 12:30: Return to Hanoi by the Bus

    15:00 – 15:30: Arrive in Hanoi and then our private car will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for a short flight to Hue Imperial City

    Step into the vibrant city of Hue as our friendly local driver warmly welcomes you at Hue International Airport and ensures a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in.

    Rest and relax in the comfort of your room, which will be available for your enjoyment whenever you come.

    ­Overnight at hotel in Hue. Dinner on your own

    ­Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

    Tour Guide: None

    Transfer: Shuttle bus & Private car for airport drop-off in Hanoi and pickup in Hue

Day 5

Full-Day Hue Imperial City Tour with Complimentary Pickup (Join-in)

  • 08.00 – 08

    08.00 – 08.30 am: Picking up at your hotel in Hue city

    ­10:45 am: You will visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, the tomb had elements of Eastern art mixed with Western designs.

    ­12:00 pm: Having a nice lunch with Hue cuisine and rest at beautiful restaurant

    ­1:00 pm: You will continue visiting Hue imperial city – the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings with Ngo Mon Gate, Library, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, etc.

    ­3:00 pm: Visiting Thien Mu pagoda associated with culture and history of Hue.

    ­6:00 pm: We will drop you off in

    ­Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Tour Guide: English speaking guide

    Transfer: Group transfer

Day 6

Hue – Transfer to Hoi An by Private Car

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before preparing for your private car transfer from Hue to Hoi An. Once you arrive in Hoi An, check into your hotel and take some free time to explore the local area.

    ­Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

    Meals: Breakfast

    Tour Guide: None

    Transfer: Private car

Day 7

Hoi An Free Day - Travel from Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh

  • Enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to Da Nang International airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, our guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Your room will be ready from 2 p.m. onward.

    ­Our Services:Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

    Meals: Breakfast

    Tour Guide: None

    Transfer: Private car

Day 8

Escape to the Verdant Mekong Delta – An Adventure Through Vietnam’s Rural Landscape (Join-in)

  • PICK UP: 07:30 – 08:00 (exact pick-up time depends on your hotel or accommodation location)

    RETURN: 17:30 Leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind as you begin your journey to My Tho, a charming town on the left bank of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, explore the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Then, board a traditional sampan and cruise along the river, passing the four scenic islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

    Stop at Unicorn Island to stroll through peaceful countryside lanes, admire lush orchards, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy local folk music performed by villagers. Visit a nearby fruit plantation for a closer look at regional produce.

    Next, take a hand-rowed sampan ride through the tranquil Thoi Son canal, soaking in the beauty of the countryside. Visit a family-run honey farm and participate in a honey tea and coconut candy workshop.Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle through Tan Thach village and meet local residents to experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer, relax in a hammock and enjoy the gentle breeze instead of cycling

    Return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding your memorable day trip.Our Services: Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Tour Guide: English speaking guide

    Transfer: Group transfer

Day 9

Ho Chi Minh Departure - Farewell Vietnam – Until We Meet Again!

  • Enjoy some free time at your leisure before your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. Please note that no tour guide will accompany you for this transfer.

    Meals are at your own arrangement.­

    ­Our Services: Accommodation: None

    Meals: Breakfast

    Tour Guide: None

    Transfer: Private car

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets 1. We will provide you the instructions through e-mail or WhatsApp the day prior the tour. 2. Once reaching our meeting point, kindly look for our tour guide holding a red flag with company logo

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 2 days before start

Non-refundable after 2 days before start