Highlights Of Vietnam Essence is perfect for you to explore many interesting aspects of Vietnam for 12 days. Vietnam is loved by travelers from all over the world for its natural riches, stunning architecture, and many historic sites. The Vietnam 12 day itinerary starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City with all the highlights destinations in Vietnam. Let us help you arrange the perfect Vietnam 12 day itinerary schedule for your wonderful trip in Vietnam.
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Red Bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake
Activities: Arrive and relax in Hanoi. Enjoy the Water Puppet Show before having a welcome dinner in the local restaurant.
Our Highlights of Vietnam 12 Days starts with your arrival in Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, our Incredible Asia Journeys friendly tour guide will pick you up at the Noi Bai Airport and head straight to your hotel in the center of Hanoi.
After check-in (14.00 is the check-in time), take a little time to explore the beautiful capital of Vietnam by yourself, at your leisure. Wander around and enjoy the fresh air around Sword Lake - a good idea for you after the long flight.
In the late afternoon, our guide will pick you up to enjoy the Water Puppet Show, an interesting art form only found in Vietnam.
After that, we will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a lovely restaurant.
After dinner, we'll go back to the hotel and again have free time to explore Hanoi at night, especially the Old Quarter with its 36 ancient streets. Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Dinner
Notes: If you arrive late the Water Puppet show will be seen in the next day
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Hoa Lo Prison
Activities: Visit the most interesting destinations in Hanoi including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, one of the museums in Hanoi (Vietnam Military History Museum, Museum of Art, Hoa Lo Prison or the Ethnology Museum) and Temple of Literature.
Hanoi will surprise all clients visiting Vietnam with its traffic, culture, food and so on.
The second day of your Vietnam 12 day itinerary, you will have a full day to explore Vietnam’s historical capital. After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up at the hotel to start our day tour. We will head straight to the Ho Chi Minh Complex - the most solemn place in Hanoi. The complex consists the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday and Friday), Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda - one of the longest standing cultural relics in Hanoi.
After that, we will visit one of the famous museums in Hanoi such as the Vietnam Military History Museum, Museum of Art, Hoa Lo Prison - also called "Hanoi Hilton” (a nickname given by US pilots during the Vietnam war), or the Ethnology Museum with its outstanding representation of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will have a chance to discover the thousand-year old Temple of Literature - the first University of Vietnam and also the symbol of Vietnamese education.
Then we will take a walk around the Old Quarter so you can explore its 36 interesting streets, each named for the merchandise or business located nearby. Our walk will enable you to observe all the aspects of Hanoi daily life - both personal and commercial. Day 2 of Highlights of Vietnam 12 days ends in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Notes: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is usually closed from September to November for annual maintenance. In that case, we will visit outside.
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Sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
Activities: Row boating along the Ngo Dong river and then visiting Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) - the ancient capital of Vietnam.
In the morning, our driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel for the tour of Tam Coc – Hoa Lu. It will take 2 hours to drive from Hanoi to Tam Coc (means Three Grottoes). We will enjoy the rowing boat trip along the Ngo Dong River leading to three grottoes. You will go through 3 famous tunnel caves and have the opportunity to view and photograph the unique mountains and rivers in this area.
After that, we will go back to the harbor for lunch in the local restaurant.
Continuing our day tour we will head to Hoa Lu - one of the ancient capitals of Vietnam. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a special cultural-historical complex where many important historical events occurred. You will learn more about the history of Vietnam through the legends and stories told by our guide.
We will come back to Hanoi for our overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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floating village in Halong Bay
Activities: Cruise among the islands on Halong Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit one of the most beautiful caves of the bay.
Today you will visit the most highlighted destinations in your Vietnam 12 day itinerary. No clients should miss that destination for their Northern Vietnam part.
8.00 am: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. On the way to Halong, you will have a chance to see some rural areas of Vietnam throughout the Red River Delta, a perfect opportunity to photograph Vietnamese farmers tilling the large green fields.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, Halong Bay will be a destination well worth your visit. Today we will enjoy the Halong Bay cruise for 2 nights.
Upon your arrival in Halong Bay, board your cruise, then have welcome lunch on board.
In the afternoon, you can participate in some onboard activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) like kayaking, swimming or visiting the caves, or you can simply relax and enjoy the magnificence of the stunning views in Halong Bay.
We will set anchor among the karst formations where we will stay overnight.
Enjoy dinner on board.
In the evening, you will have an opportunity to try squid fishing or enjoy a cocktail on the top deck and see thousands of amazing islands.
Stay overnight on your cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relaxation moment in Halong bay
Activities: Discovering the corners of Halong Bay.
Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights is a good option for the people like the local and remote area of Halong Bay in your trip in Vietnam. Today you will discover the different parts of the bay where are less tourists.
After breakfast, we will start our journey today on a day boat to explore a more remote area of the bay. We will look for the quietest corners of Halong Bay and then go swimming or sunbathe on an island. You will have a full day to experience kayaking and relaxing in the remote area less visited than other areas.
Lunch will be served on the day boat.
In the late afternoon, come back to the cruise boat to stay one more night on board of our Highlights of Vietnam 12 Days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking in Halong Bay
Activities: Continue cruising on Halong Bay, join some activities before going back to Hanoi for the flight to Da Nang.
In the morning, you will be served breakfast on board while contemplating the scenic views surrounding you. You can have a chance to try kayaking on the calm waters of Halong Bay and visit some sites like the caves or tunnels which cannot be reached by larger boats.
Have lunch on board before going back to the harbor. Say goodbye to wonderful Halong Bay. End of 3 day 2 night Halong Bay with a good memory of the King Kong film field.
At the harbor, our driver will pick you up for the transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Da Nang.
When you arrive Da Nang, our tour guide and driver will take you to Hoi An for hotel check-in for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Notes: The itinerary for Halong Bay trip may change slightly depending on the cruise we stay.
Tourists ride buffalo
Activities: Experiencing a water buffalo ride at the paddy farm, and enjoy a boat trip with local people.
Today we will have a nice time in our Vietnam 12 day itinerary.
At 9.00 am: Our tour guide and driver will pick you at the hotel or resort in Hoi An after breakfast. We will move to the countryside to experience more of the local lifestyle. Have you ever seen a buffalo before? In Vietnam, water buffalo are considered as the B.M.W and a friend of farmers. Our guide will help you learn about these animals including Buffalo language skills (Go, Stop, Left, Right, Back) and how to ride one! Don't be scared when riding on them, the buffalo man and our tour guide will help you during this exciting experience. Try riding a buffalo both in the fields and even in the water. This is very exciting.
After that, say goodbye to the Buffalo man and we will drive to a nearby fishing village. Here you can continue the tour by trying to ride around Basket Boat. Our guide will tell you how to use the basket boat and how to make it go, without going around in circles.
Before getting into your small basket boat, you will be supplied with a life jacket, and safety instructions (keep your hands inside the edge of your basket boat). Your camera, cell phone, wallet, sunglasses…etc. must be kept on the big boat. Be prepared to get wet when joining in on such a unique experience.
While on the boat, you can also enjoy a special performance of THUNG CHAI on the river performed by local crews. It will be one of the most interesting and special performances you have ever seen.
End the trip today and go back to our hotel. Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast
Hoian ancient city
Activities: A free day in Hoi An.
Today is your free day in Hoi An - a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take in around the colors and tastes of Hoi An Ancient town on foot or by bicycle, or take a trip to Cua Dai Beach to relax. Hoi An is a charming town and it is the best place for relaxation on the beach or town. Shopping in Hoi An is a must you should not miss. You will have a full free day to get back the energy in the middle of your Vietnam 12 day itinerary.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast
Night market food in Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: Transfer to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
We will transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, our driver will pick you up to head to the hotel in the center of the city for check-in.
After that, you will have free time in Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk around to explore some nearby places and get the feel or this bustling city. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some shopping.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and then explore some historical destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.
At 8.00 am: Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby after breakfast. We will head to the Cu Chi Tunnels - a man-made underground maze of tunnels fitted with many bamboo traps and used by the military as a place to hide from the pursuing enemy in the past. You will have a chance to enrich your knowledge by exploring this more than 200 kilometer long, web-like tunnel system. If you wish you may experience going through the tunnels yourself.
Have lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Ho Chi Minh City. During our city tour, we will visit the Reunification Hall - a special national relic know for its historical and architectural value. The Hall is known as the former Presidential Palace. In addition, we will also pay a visit to the War Remnants Museum, the Old Post Office, Chinatown and Ben Thanh Market - the most famous shopping destination in Ho Chi Minh City.
Around 4.30 pm: We will come back to the hotel and the evening is open for you to do as you like.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
mekong boat trip
Activities: Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, to experience the local life style and ẹnoy the regional specialties.
Mekong Delta tour is the most highlighted tour in the Southern Vietnam Tours part. You will have the memorable trip today with the boat trip in the Mekong River.
You will have an interesting day far away from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You can explore orchards, farms, and fisheries in Ben Tre and use a bike or a boat to see the peaceful scenery there. Enjoy the fresh atmosphere and the quiet of the countryside during a relaxing and comfortable day.
First, we will embark on a long tail boat to explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms of the Mekong waterways. We will weave our way through the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands along the river and visit a brick kiln factory, a coconut processing workshop and a local mat-weaving house. Then you will have an opportunity to experience the real Delta village life in a quiet village nearby. We can enjoy some local fresh fruits there and try to ride Xe Loi (a kind of modern motorized rickshaw) or cycle around village under rows of coconut trees.
Have lunch at a riverside restaurant.
After that, we will take another boat trip along the water coconut canals and enjoy the beauty of the tropical scenery here.
Finish our day tour today and get back to Ho Chi Minh City. You will stay the last night in Ho Chi Minh City in your Highlights of Vietnam 12 days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Notre Dame Cathedral
Activities: Transfer to the airport for the flight going home or the next destinations.
The morning allows you leisure time to explore Ho Chi Minh City in your own way. After that, we will transfer to the Ho Chi Minh Airport for the flight home or to go on to your next destination. Say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City. The Highlights of Vietnam 12 Days ends. Hope to see you again!
You may like another 12-day tour: Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 Day
Meals: Breakfast
Notes: Normally we will pick you up 3 hours before your departure flight time for your international flight and 2 hours before your departure flight time for your domestic flight but we will be flexible depending on the traffic and other condition. The picking up time will be set up when we send you the detailed itinerary and check again 1 day before your departure date.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline
A mere 2-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and a 3-minute drive from Dong Xuan and the weekend night market lies the lavish Gondola Hotel. Along with the open-plan communal areas like the restaurant and the rooftop bar, The Gondola Hotel features rooms with windows affording either lake or city views. Every room features effective air conditioning and a safety deposit box for your comfort and security. For working or relaxing, the accompanying lounging area comes complete with a desk and a flat-screen TV, while the en suite bathrooms come with either a bathtub or shower option.The Gondola Hotel is your home base for travelling around Vietnam. We are located just 10 minutes from Hanoi’s central Train Station and about 35 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport via car. The tour desk at the Gondola Hotel provides you with reliable information as well as the convenience of ticket buying and tour booking services. Motorbikes and cars are also available to rent from the hotel. Return back to the Gondola Hotel after a day of activities to a soothing massage, or head upstairs to our rooftop bar to enjoy a drink and the panoramic views of the city at sunset. The Gondola Restaurant provides a great mix of Vietnamese and European food throughout the day.
The amenities at the Boss Legend Hotel make it one of the more unique hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Boss Legend Hotel is one of the hotels to feature an outdoor swimming pool and our many services include event banquets, a fully equipped gym and a relaxing sauna and spa, perfect for leisure and business travellers alike. Its central location puts you in close touch with some of Hanoi’s best attractions – Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, while just slightly further afar lies Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. The Boss Legend Hotel features 80 stately rooms, from comfortable City View suites to the palatial Presidential Suite.
The Apricot Hotel welcomes you to Hanoi!We are a proud group of Hanoian locals, passionate about Vietnamese culture, heritage and art, and are eager to share the wonders of our great country with you.Our 123 rooms are decorated with the finest examples of original art, sourced from local Vietnamese artists as a true expression of Hanoi. The delicate touches along the walls fit perfectly with the intricacy of our fine living aesthetic, which is evident throughout all rooms, lobby, restaurant, fitness centre, rooftop bar and swimming pool. Our unique Avanti Music Stage features classical piano music from 7pm to 10pm every night, providing you with the most relaxing means to end the day’s excursions. You will receive nothing buy 5-star service during your stay at the Apricot Hotel, as we want you to leave Hanoi with many positive memories forged both by the city and by us.To this end, the Apricot Hotel has the perfect location, just a few steps from the city’s centre of Hoan Kiem Lake and beautiful Ngoc Son Temple. From our gorgeous swimming pool, you can watch the interesting activity around the lake, and head out to find great local food right on our doorstep.Experience Hanoi in complete opulence at the Apricot Hotel, your luxurious home during your stay in Hanoi.
“V’Spirit” is short for “Vietnamese Spirit” – a national philosophy advocating warm hospitality to guests, which is what we can guarantee you on one of our Halong Bay Deluxe Cruises. The crew members that you will meet are professionally trained and experienced, committing themselves to show you the true meaning of V’Spirit.We have three wooden junk boats in our fleet designed in traditional Vietnamese style, yet loaded with contemporary amenities. Each of our deluxe cabins includes sea-view windows and a modern bathroom, with large, comfortable beds and plenty of extra space. Upstairs, you will find a classy restaurant where you will taste some of the best food available in Vietnam. The sundeck and the bar are fantastic places for meeting people and catching amazing views of the magnificent Halong Bay.As possibly the biggest highlight of any Vietnam Tour, Halong Bay is awaiting your discovery and V’Spirit is thrilled to be there with you. Our excellent customer service means that you can focus on the beauty all around you while we take care of everything else. As one of the top recommendations on Tripadvisor, we are proud to call ourselves one of the best Halong Bay Cruises and hope to have the fantastic time with your family, friends or have a great honeymoon time in otherworldly Halong Bay.
LaFairy Sails takes its name from one of the most magical areas of Halong Bay; Fairy Lake Cave, where colourful spotlights illuminate the walls and light reflected from the water dances on the ceiling. This is the kind of magic that we want to share with you.The limestone karsts, caves and beaches of Halong Bay are well-discovered now, but we take you to areas less accessible to other cruises. We endeavour to explore parts of the bay still largely untouched, like the Ngoc Trai Area, with its sunny beaches and tranquil waters.The flavours of Halong Bay come alive on a LaFairy Sails cruise. Our restaurant features the freshest, local ingredients for all of our dishes and you can see first-hand the processes necessary to prepare such sumptuous food with demonstrations from our chefs.A LaFairy Sails cruise is fully furnished with a comfortable and air-conditioned cabin, featuring all the amenities expected from a modern cruise ship. Halong Bay is an essential destination for any Vietnam tour and LaFairy Sails lets you see it in an unforgettably unique way.
The Signature Cruise Halong is gaining popularity by the day. It is one of the biggest cruise ships in Halong Bay and can boast large suites with plenty of room to go alongside its top-class facilities. The Signature Cruise features all the amenities for a truly comfortable time in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay: twelve luxury cabins, plush restaurant, fully-stocked bar, large movie room and gorgeous open sundeck with the charming grassy area. We care deeply about the safety of our passengers and are proud of our impressive safety record. The environment is another deep concern for us and, to this end, we support local community work for villagers and welcome the indigenous people of the area to work with us should they wish. This junk boat cruise is perfect for a family with kids vacation, honeymoon time or relaxed time with friends.Let Signature Cruise Halong show you the way to go with the best cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
The 3-star Kiman Hoi An Hotel & Spa specialises in the highest levels of Vietnamese hospitality to help you relax into your time in Hoi An. Life in this picturesque port town is a placid and languid affair into which you can immerse yourself through the fantastic facilities of the Kiman Hotel. Along with free cooking classes and free cycling tours, our relaxing spa services, romantic restaurant and leisurely swimming pool are all players in the symphony of tranquility that is the Kiman Hotel.Just 800m away lies the Thu Bon River, the historical entry point for ships to the magnificent port town of Hoi An. Further north lies the culinary wonderland of Tra Que village, while 3km northeast, you can find Cua Dai and An Bang beaches – two of the most pristine places to relax in Hoi An. The four types of rooms that feature in the Kiman Hotel are uncluttered designs, offering you a relaxing space from which you can base your explorations of Hoi An. All rooms are fitted with the most comfortable bedding amongst minimalistic yet stylish decoration.
A haven of peace on the banks of the Thu Bon River; Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and Spa is the location for your gorgeous island retreat. This 4-star resort on the southern stretches of An Hoi Island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An, one where guests are charmed and enchanted by the beautiful mix of tiled roof architecture, lush tropical gardens and the sauntering river that encloses it all.89 beautiful rooms spanning three accommodation options make up the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, all decked with white walls, comfortable bedding and views onto the garden or river. Our more lavish options include a private terrace and extended living room, giving you more than one way to enjoy Hoi An. Along with these, our beautiful restaurant, various bars, gym, pool, children’s playground and unique Countryside Market add up to the ultimate Hoi An experience.It is impossible to overlook the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town, which lies just 500m away over the gorgeous Bridge of Lights. On An Hoi Island, you will find the weekend night market, surrounded by several bars and restaurants to complete you wonderful stay in Hoi An.
Experience the slow progression of life on the shores of Cua Dai Beach, sandwiched between the sparkling East Vietnam Sea and the beautiful port town of Hoi An. The Palm Garden Resort and Spa is set amongst the most incredible nature, with serene gardens rolling out to the white sand beach, and lily ponds crossed by charming wooden bridges. Tropical trees hang from above, creating an idyllic scene in some of the most picturesque Hoi An scenery.Step inside, and you will find a luxury resort with traditional Hoi An style and hospitality and its core. The 216 beautifully appointed rooms of the Palm Garden Resort possess a simple, yet carefully crafted design; uncluttered with unnecessary extras but fully fitted with modern conveniences and accented with Vietnamese nuance. With just a 10-minute drive to central Hoi An, the Palm Garden Resort is wonderfully located out of the hustle and bustle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a secluded spot overlooking the magnificent Cham Islands and the wooden fishing vessels than trawl the shore. 30km from the Da Nang International Airport means that you are never far from paradise from the moment you step off the plane.
The location of the Ruby River Hotel Saigon in District 1 places it perfectly for your explorations of Ho Chi Minh City. With a 5-minute walk to Ben Thanh Market, 8-minute walk to the Saigon Skydeck and 5-minute drive to Notre-Dame Basilica and the War Remnants Museum, you can be assured of minimal effort when discovering the sites of Vietnam’s second city. The rooms of the Ruby River Hotel Saigon are all tastefully appointed and practical in their design. Comfortable beds are the main showpieces of each room, providing great comfort in order to start your day right, while around them lie amenities of the highest quality, carefully selected to heighten your relaxation. Each room comes with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, air conditioning, safety box and street view window, ensuring that your stay in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the utmost comfort.
Twelve floors of The Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel rise high into the skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, delivering outstanding 4-star accommodation and service in the heart of Vietnam’s second city. Modern décor with inviting tones are the themes of our gorgeously appointed rooms, which come in five options and accommodate for leisure and business travellers in any number. With a restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa and executive lounge, the Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel is your one-stop shop in Ho Chi Minh City, supplying comfortable accommodation and the means for a tranquil and productive stay in Saigon.The location of the Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel adjacent to Ben Thanh Market makes it one of the best-placed hotels for explorations of Ho Chi Minh City. Around and inside the market are a wealth of vendors selling typical Vietnamese food and drink, with big attractions like the Independence Palace (650m) and the War Remnants Museum (1.2km) within close vicinity to this hugely convenient and well-appointed hotel.
Steeped in modern history through its vital role played during the Vietnam War, the Rex Hotel Saigon carries a certain class and prestige unparalleled by other hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The fine blend of ancient Vietnamese elegance set among modern Western convenience is a philosophy that provides you with a highly comfortable stay, but one that also keeps us in touch with our ancestral roots. This is most evident in our rooms, where you will find a highly compatible décor amidst ostentatious furnishings, all amounting to a piece of Saigon accommodation draped in fine style.Outside the rooms, the numerous facilities of the Rex Hotel Saigon keep you entertained and provide excellent refreshment for your time with us. Our Rooftop Bar Garden crowns the entire hotel with sweeping views over glittering Ho Chi Minh City, while two restaurants, two swimming pools, a gym, tennis court, spa, and a unique vertical garden space complete the hotel with a decadent flourish.Our location right next to the central City Hall puts the Rex Hotel Saigon squarely in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Exiting the hotel, you will find yourself on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, while Ben Thanh Market lies just about 500m away. Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum can be reached in under 1km, and the nightlife centre of the city, Bui Vien street, in under 2km.
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Vietnam Tour Operator - Incredible Asia Journeys
