Essential Vietnam 10 Days 9 Nights

The spirit of the trip:

Aimed at travelers who don’t have much time, this tour is crafted to introduce you to Essential Vietnam! The capital of Hanoi with its historical and cultural relics, beautiful temples and pagodas. The majestic Ha Long Bay, Ha Long Bay on land with breathtaking landscapes. Hoi An - the ancient port city and the Imperial City of Hue with its finest remains. Bustling Ho Chi Minh City and with an immense network of Cu Chi tunnels.

Highlights:

Private trip and 100% tailor-made
Discover the most beautiful sites in Vietnam
Discovery of the historical, cultural and spiritual remains of the country
Beauty of nature and landscapes
Warm encounter with local populations
Discovery of Vietnamese tradition, culture and way of life
Complimentary Vietnam visa service

Brief Itinerary:

Giorno 01: Hanoi - Arrival

Giorno 02: Hanoi - City discovery

Giorno 03: Hanoi - Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay - Cruise

Giorno 04: Bai Tu Long Bay - Ha Long - Hanoi ✈ Hue

Giorno 05: Hue - Discovery of the city

Giorno 06: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Giorno 07: Hoi An - Da Nang ✈ Saigon

Giorno 08: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon

Giorno 09: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Mekong Delta - Saigon

Giorno 10: Saigon - Return Flight

Giorno 01: Hanoi - Arrival (L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
From Noi Bai Airport – Hotel: 30km~45’ drive

Music at Horizon Vietnam Travel office

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), you will be warmly welcomed by our English-speaking guide and driver, who will transfer you to the city center. Along the way, you will catch your first glimpse of Vietnam’s lively and fascinating traffic scenes.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may either relax at your hotel (official check-in time is from 2:00 PM) or enjoy an orientation tour of the city.

A Special Welcome by HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL:

Upon arrival at our office, you will be greeted by the enchanting melodies of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Their gentle sounds will transport you into the rich and captivating world of Vietnamese culture, creating a memorable and emotional first impression.

You will then take part in our traditional tea ceremony. More than simply tasting tea, this experience reflects the Vietnamese art of sharing and cultural refinement. Every gesture, from selecting the tea leaves to serving the tea, carries a deeper meaning. It is a moment to celebrate friendship, social harmony, and a close connection with nature, inspired by Buddhist and Confucian traditions that value balance and serenity.

Next, you will have the opportunity to join a singing bowl meditation session. Focus on your breathing and inner self while leaving behind worries and tensions. In the silence, the soothing sound and vibrations of the singing bowl create a deeply relaxing atmosphere, bringing peace and mindfulness.

To complete your welcome experience, enjoy an exceptional massage session, either a full-body massage or a foot massage. The gentle and professional techniques help stimulate blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and ease muscle tension accumulated during your journey. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight.

Welcome lunch at a typical Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon, begin your discovery of Hanoi with a walking tour through the city’s historic districts. Stroll through the former French colonial quarter, known for its elegant architecture, and explore the bustling Old Quarter of 36 Guild Streets, where a vibrant mix of vehicles, local shops, traditions, and daily life creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Dinner at your leisure.

Overnight at your hotel in the heart of the Vietnamese capital.

Giorno 02: Hanoi - City discovery (B)

English-speaking guide & Private driver

Today, we start our exploration of Hanoi, seeing the most notable landmark of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri). This imposing marble and granite monument was built towards Ba Dinh Square. We follow the footpath to the One Pillar Pagoda rising from the center of a square lotus pond, ascending on a single pillar and resembling a blossoming lotus flower.

The next place will be the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Hoa Lo Prison which was once known as “Hanoi Hilton”

We continue the trip to the Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university, constructed in the 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Passing by Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’ before enjoying the Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Giorno 03: Hanoi - Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay - Cruise (B, L, D)

English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
English-speaking guide on board
Hanoi – Ha Long: 150km ~ 3h30’ drive

Breakfast at the hotel, around 8:00 a.m:

Welcome at your hotel, you take the car to depart for Bai Tu Long Bay which is wilder and less crowded.

Arrival in Ha Long around noon, immediate boarding a beautiful junk, converted into a floating hotel for a magnificent cruise to discover the UNESCO world heritage. Welcome drink and presentation of the cruise program. Then you settle into your cabin to freshen up. Lunch is served while your junk departs your cruise while sailing through the magnificent landscapes of the 7th wonder of the world with its thousands of islands and islets shaped like sugar loaves.

You then use the small boat to reach the island of Cap La where you perform a beautiful kayak trip through breathtaking landscapes among steep limestone peaks on the emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, then free time for swimming and relaxation at the preserved white sand beach. Return on board, then free time for a shower and relaxation on the upper deck or take photos while contemplating the sunset.

Then you enjoy the Sunset Party with fruits and snacks. You participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that Gordon Ramsay (a 2 Michelin star chef) used to guide – Nem Cuon or challenge yourself to cut up fruits and vegetables.

Lunch and dinner meals are served with excellent local dishes and fresh seafood specialties on the menu. Dinner and overnight aboard the junk.

Giorno 04: Bai Tu Long Bay - Ha Long - Hanoi ✈ Hue (B, Br)

English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
English-speaking guide on board
Ha Long – Hanoi: 150km ~ 3h30’ by road
Hanoi ✈ Hue: 1h15’ by plane

Thien Canh Son Cave

If time permits, we recommend waking up at dawn to practice Tai chi on the upper deck of the junk and for watch the sunrise which offers a picturesque view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

After a morning bath, you have breakfast on board before boarding the island of Hon Co where you visit Thien Canh Son Cave; one of the most beautiful and preserved that Bai Tu Long Bay hides.

Back on board, your junk then continues its cruise to bring you across spectacular scenery of the bay, continuation of the cruise to the most beautiful and calm corners of the bay.

Light lunch is served while the junk returns to the pier.

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, passing the grandiose landscapes of the extensive rice fields of the Red River Delta. Transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport to pick up domestic flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue, welcome by our driver, then he takes you to the city of Hue. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Giorno 05: Hue - Discovery of the city (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver

Hue was the capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 and this chapter was one of the most eventful in the country. The city’s preserved architectural and historical heritage deserves your full attention.

Breakfast at your hotel, today you visit the Majestic Imperial City where 13 Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty lived between 1802 and 1945.

It is the only existing Imperial city still visible today in Vietnam, time has passed, but it retains its beauty of original Vietnamese-Chinese architecture. You visit sumptuous monuments of the complex including: the Porte du Midi, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Eastern and Western pavilions, the Reading Pavilion, the Royal Theater, the private palaces of the Queen Mother, the Palace of Longevity, the Tea and Boat pavilions, the Pavilion of Benevolence, the Gate of Virtue…

Then you visit the pretty Heavenly Lady Pagoda perched at the top of the hill which dominates the Perfume River.

Lunch in a good local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you head towards the Imperial Mausoleum of Minh Mang – a sumptuous tomb surrounded by frangipani trees and pine trees built to plans drawn up by the emperor himself. Then you visit the Khai Dinh mausoleum.

At the end of the afternoon, you take a beautiful walk to visit the Dong Ba market where you will find products testifying to the skill of the women of Hue, such as their talent for making the famous conical hats!

Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in the heart of Hue city.

Giorno 06: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Hue – Hoi An: 120 km – approx. 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive

hoi an vietnam

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by private car for Da Nang, traveling through beautiful scenery along Vietnam’s central coastline. Several stops are planned along the way, including one at the Hai Van Pass, which offers a stunning view over Lang Co Beach – one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam.

Arrival in the ancient town of Hoi An around midday. You first enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll through narrow, charming lanes lined with lovely ancient houses – remnants of a prosperous period in the country’s foreign trade history. With its outstanding architectural and historical value, Hoi An, formerly known as “Faifo” was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. During this walk, you visit some of Hoi An’s most remarkable landmarks, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese temples, ancient houses, and the traditional handicraft quarter.

In the afternoon, you are taken to a lantern – making workshop in Hoi An’s old quarter, where you can create your own lantern. The rest of the day is free for your personal exploration of this former port town. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

Giorno 07: Hoi An - Da Nang ✈ Saigon (B)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Da Nang ✈ Saigon: 1 hour 15 minutes by flight.

Breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Saigon (now renamed Ho Chi Minh City), a bustling, vibrant, rebellious, commercial, and carefree city that remains the economic heart of the country.

Arrival in Saigon, where you will be welcomed by our guide and driver, who will take you to the city center.

Your city tour begins with a visit to the Chinatown district of Cho Lon, including the Binh Tay Market and the Thien Hau Pagoda, which is dedicated to the worship of the Sea Goddess.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Stroll through the colonial remnants that stand as a testament to nearly a century of French presence in this part of the world. Discover Saigon’s charming colonial buildings, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside), the Ho Chi Minh Post Office, and the Municipal Theater (viewed from the outside). Then, visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in the city center.

Giorno 08: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Cu Chi – Saigon: 50 km ~ 1h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, you leave by private car to explore the Cu Chi tunnels, it is an immense network of 200 km of underground galleries and narrow tubes dug by hand by the Viet-Cong to take refuge and defend themselves against the “American war machine”. The visit to this tunnel system explains how the Vietnamese with their rudimentary weapons were able to fight against the modern weapons of the Americans.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Saigon via a very pleasant country road. The rest of the day is completely free for your personal discovery.

Free dinner and overnight at your hotel in Saigon.

Giorno 09: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre - Mekong Delta - Saigon (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Saigon – My Tho: 80 km ~ 2 hours drive

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by car to My Tho in the Mekong Delta (the rice granary of Vietnam).

You stop on the road to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda – the national historical relic. The specific character of this pagoda is the combination of architecture from Western civilization and Asia.

Arrival at My Tho, boarding the boat for a beautiful stroll on the Tien River crossing four famous islets, each named after a sacred animal in Vietnamese culture: Long (the Dragon) – Lan (the Unicorn) – Quy (the Turtle) – Phung (the Phoenix). Along the river, you cross the fish cages to arrive on Unicorn Island where you visit the bee garden to discover the taste of honey directly from the honey boxes raised by locals. You also visit the orchid garden and taste chocolate made from cocoa beans. You also taste fruits and listen to folk music “Don Ca Tai Tu” – intangible cultural heritage of the world in the garden of Mr. Nam Chanh.

Back to the boat, you cross the canal and visit the artisanal coconut making workshop : you will see how people use all parts of the coconut and you will taste these sweets (specialty of Ben tre). Pursuit, you do a Lambro ride “motorized vehicle”, winding under the cool shade of coconut trees on the village road to the garden restaurant where you have a good lunch with local dishes.

Then you perform the rowing boat ride between two rows of coconut trees which will take you through preserved and romantic landscapes.

Return to Saigon at the end of the afternoon. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Saigon city.

Giorno 10: Saigon - Return Flight (B)

Private driver

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace, including some last-minute shopping, until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international return flight.

1. Climate in Vietnam

The climate of Vietnam is very different and characteristic from one end of the country to the other due to the differences in latitude. The geographical particularities of the country make it possible to have a nice trip to Vietnam in any season. In fact, when one region is humid or suffocating, another has a sunny and very temperate climate.

+ From December to February:
The north and center of the country are in winter. The average temperature varies between 15°C and 23°C. The climate is rather cool and humid with irregular rainfall, especially in the mountains where the temperature often drops below 10 °C. This period is characterized by frequent light rains which the Vietnamese call “rain dust”. The sun therefore shines very little.

The south of the country is considered the ideal period, as it is the dry season with 1 or 2 days of rain per month. It is also the time when the temperature is pleasant, with values between 22°C and 33°C. The vegetation is lush and offers excellent opportunities for taking beautiful photos.

+ From March to May:
This period is known as the most beautiful season of the year for an ideal stay in Vietnam. In this period the climate is very pleasant. It is the dry season in all three regions of the country, but also the period when the vegetation is lush and the rice fields are green, offering you splendid opportunities to take magnificent souvenir photos.

The north is in spring, where the climate is mild. This region enjoys the freshness of the wind with an average temperature between 15°C and 25°C. During this period, this region enjoys beautiful sunshine but rarely rains.

It is also the best time to visit the center of the country. The climate is rather favorable and tropical. The weather becomes sunnier with a nice increase in temperature between 25 °C and 32 °C.

The south is considered an acceptable period. The climate is dry and very sunny. However, the heat can be uncomfortable, as the average temperature is between 28°C and 34°C and can rise up to 41°C. However, frequent short rains bring a little of freshness.

+ From June to September:
It is the third tourist season in the country. Overall, the climate is pleasant from north to south for traveling in Vietnam.

The north of the country is in summer. The climate is warm, with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. The rains this season are intense (mostly downpours) but short-lived, about 30 minutes-1 hour. Even in the mountainous region it is hot, the rains are frequent but intense and rapid. The sky is blue and sunny and the weather is the clearest of the year, while the terraced rice fields are a beautiful intense green. It is the ideal period for small excursions to ethnic villages.

The center is the right time to visit this region which is not affected by the summer monsoon. The weather is therefore fine, often with heat haze, and the temperature can rise up to 40°C. However, the frequency of rainfall in this region is lower than in the north. However, if you find yourself in the central seaside resorts, the beach will be your best ally for cooling off.

The south has a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. It is the rainy season, but the precipitation is often in the form of very rapid heavy downpours (about 15-30 minutes), after the rain there is immediately generous sunshine under a clear sky and the vegetation is very green.

+ From October to November:
Overall, the months of October to November are considered a great time to travel to Vietnam.

The north has a very pleasant, cool and dry climate in autumn with an average temperature between 15 °C and 23 °C.

The center enjoys rather pleasant temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. This period also corresponds to the storm season with heavy rainfall which can cause more or less serious flooding on the coastal strip. This region is also subject to abundant rainfall, which, however, despite being very intense, does not last long.

The south has a tropical climate, with average temperatures varying between 24°C and 32°C. The sun and heat are always present. During this period, heavy rains (in the form of short but almost daily torrential downpours) refresh the atmosphere. However, it is good to know that heavy rains generally occur at the end of the day and should leave you free time to explore the region.

Our latest weather advice

Vietnam is in the path of typhoons and tropical storms and is particularly affected between mid-July and mid-November. GThanks to the modernization of infrastructure and meteorological warning systems, there are no particular dangers.
The rainy season is not synonymous with all-day rainfall, so the term “monsoon season” seems to be more appropriate and, contrary to popular belief, these rains are nourishing and synonymous with life in Vietnam, the land of water!

2. Accommodation

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are carefully selected and classified from 2 to 5 stars, to guarantee comfort and services suitable for every type of traveller. Based on your budget, your preferences and travel style, we offer you properties that offer the best balance between quality and price.

It is important to know that the price of a hotel can vary considerably: a 5-star hotel can cost up to ten times more than a 2 hotel stars. Furthermore, two hotels of the same category may have different rates, since the quality of services, location and level of comfort may vary.

All hotels included in our proposals are personally verified by our team. Our selection criteria are based on cleanliness, quality of hospitality, location, charm and tranquility. Whenever possible, we favor more intimate and authentic structures, avoiding large international hotel chains as much as possible.

In addition to hotels, we also promote responsible and authentic tourism, offering the possibility of staying with local families. This experience allows you to come into direct contact with the population, share moments of daily life and discover the local culture in a more authentic way. The accommodations we offer always respect adequate standards of quality and comfort.

Useful information: During the high tourist season (October to April) hotel availability can quickly decrease. To ensure you get the best accommodation options, we recommend book your trip in advance.

3. View

To travel to Vietnam, you must be in possession of a valid passport, with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of return.

The Government of Vietnam has introduced a tourist visa exemption for citizens of five European countries: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption allows you to stay in Vietnam up to 45 days without a visa, regardless of your passport type or reason for travel. The measure is in force from 15 August 2023.

The visa exemption is also valid for multiple entries, provided that each stay does not exceed 45 days.

For stays of over 45 days, you must request a Vietnam visa before departure or via the official procedures available online.

For more information on entry requirements and visas for Vietnam, please do not hesitate to contact us or consult the updated information on our website.

4. Vaccine

According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, no vaccine is required for travel to Vietnam.

Vietnam has a tropical climate, so the presence of mosquitoes is normal. However, cases of malaria are mainly recorded in remote and mountainous areas, especially in forest areas far from the main tourist circuits. Based on our experience, any vaccinations or specific precautions may be recommended especially for trekking trips or multi-week expeditions in isolated regions.

For most cultural trips in Vietnam, which pass through cities, villages and well-traveled tourist regions, sanitary conditions are generally safe.

Usually our travelers simply use mosquito repellents, which are effective and practical during the trip. However, we recommend bringing these products from your home country, as it is not always easy to find good quality repellents in Vietnam.

It is also recommended to bring long, light trousers, particularly useful during walks in nature or in rice fields.

Today, most hotels in Vietnam use effective treatments against mosquitoes. Furthermore, during any stays with local families, mosquito nets are normally available and well prepared to ensure guests' comfort.

Note: If you are particularly sensitive to infectious diseases or have specific health conditions, we advise you to consult your doctor before departure.

5. International flight

International flights to Vietnam

Our travel offers do not include international flights between Italy and Vietnam for two main reasons.

First of all, international flights purchased directly in your country are often cheaper than those booked through a local agency in Vietnam. Additionally, payment terms for international airline tickets generally require full payment at the time of booking and incur high international bank fees.

For this reason, we advise our travelers to buy flights directly from Italy, using comparison sites or the official websites of the airlines.

Useful sites for comparing flights

flight search engines are the simplest and most effective tool for finding the best price. They allow you to compare different airlines based on dates, price and duration of the trip.

You can consult for example:

Airlines used by our travelers

Flights with one stopover (the most common options from Italy)

Vietnam Airlines – https://www.vietnamairlines.com
Qatar Airways – https://www.qatarairways.com
Emirates – https://www.emirates.com
Turkish Airlines – https://www.turkishairlines.com
Singapore Airlines – https://www.singaporeair.com
Thai Airways – https://www.thaiairways.com
Lufthansa – https://www.lufthansa.com
Air France – https://www.airfrance.it

These companies offer regular connections between Italy and Vietnam, generally with a stopover in cities such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Bangkok or Singapore.

Flexibility of travel dates

Our itineraries in Vietnam and Indochina are always adaptable to your arrival and departure dates. You can then purchase flights on the dates you prefer and we will organize the travel program accordingly.

If you wish, our team can also help you search for the best flight options for free based on your departure city and travel dates.

Inclusions:

Transport in spacious private vehicle with friendly, professional and competent driver.
Accommodation in the planned hotels or in a similar category depending on availability.
Meals mentioned in the program: (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included), served in local restaurants with typical Vietnamese cuisine.
English-speaking guide as described in the detailed program.
All entrance fees to tourist sites.
All entry permits to tourist areas.
All costs of all other services as clearly described in the above program.
Excursion boats as described in the program.
02 bottles of mineral water 0.5 (l)/person/day.
All flight tickets for domestic flights in economy class: (HANOI – HUE ; DA NANG – SAIGON)
Other services as mentioned in the program (water puppet show etc.).

Exclusions:

Drinks during meals
Personal insurance
Personal expenses
International flights
Personal tips

Further information:

The price of this trip varies depending on the chosen services (accommodation category, activities during the trip, etc.), the tourist season of the year (Christmas and New Year holidays, Lunar New Year festivities in Vietnam), the time of booking and especially the number of participants in your group.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private “tailor-made” trips for groups of at least 2 people. We generally offer a package that includes all on-site services from your arrival to your departure.

Please note that HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates prices as precisely as possible to guarantee you the best value for money.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the greater your chances of getting good rates, especially for flights, so think about it!

N.B: the price of international flights to/from your country is not included in this estimate.

This tour is only a first draft and can be personalized according to your wishes. We are at your disposal to help you organize the trip according to your expectations and your budget.

To get a detailed and personalized quote, contact us by clicking the quote request button.