12 Days, 11 Nights
CODE: VNH12D11N

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS IN 12D11N

This Vietnam Highlights tour takes you on a curated journey through Vietnam’s most treasured destinations. Stroll through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, marvel at Hue’s majestic Imperial City, and relax on a cruise through Halong Bay. Every moment reveals a piece of Vietnam’s rich tapestry of culture and history.

unique places to visit in vietnam
homestay sapa

Captivating Scenery

Architectural Wonders

Warm Hospitality

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Food Tour (Private Tour)

Your Vietnam Highlights adventure begins with a warm welcome at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where your guide and driver will take you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

At night, experience Ho Chi Minh City cuisine on a private food tour. Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street food at local eateries, and immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife.

DAY 2: Ben Thanh Market - War Remnants Museum - Cu Chi Tunnels

Start your day with the bustling energy of Ben Thanh Market, where the aromas of fresh produce and local spices fill the air. A visit to the War Remnants Museum offers a somber yet insightful look into Vietnam’s history, bringing stories of resilience to life.

In the afternoon, journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll be awed by the intricate underground network used during the war. Crawling through the narrow passages, you’ll feel a deep connection to the resourcefulness and courage of Vietnam’s past.

DAY 3: Morning Flight to from HCM city to Đà Nẵng - Pick up in Da Nang Airport and transfer to Hoi An - visit Hoi An Ancient Town - Night Market

Begin your day with a morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Hoi An.

Explore the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. As the sun sets, the Night Market glows with vibrant colors and the enticing smells of sizzling street food. It’s an enchanting evening of exploration and discovery.

DAY 4: Countryside Village Biking - My Son Sanctuary

In the morning, spend your free time exploring Hoi An’s countryside by bike, visiting villages like Cam Thanh and experiencing local crafts. You can also head to the Old Town for shopping or a tailoring experience.

For those seeking history, an optional trip to My Son Sanctuary reveals ancient Cham ruins nestled in verdant jungle, a quiet reminder of Vietnam’s rich cultural layers.

DAY 5: Hoi An - Hai Van Pass - Imperial City

Today, let’s explore the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, a scenic 21-kilometer mountain route known for its stunning ocean views and historical significance.

When we arrive in Hue city, visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover its rich cultural heritage and majestic architecture. This is the place where ornate gates, temples, and pavilions tell the story of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty.

DAY 6: Morning Flight from Hue to Hanoi - Hanoi Half Day Tour in the afternoon

Today, we will fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, continue your Vietnam Highlights tour in Hanoi. Begin your half-day tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a place of reverence for Vietnam’s leader. Hop onto a cyclo for a leisurely ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything from silk to street snacks.

Conclude your afternoon at the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple, offering a serene blend of history and culture amidst Hanoi’s bustling atmosphere.

DAY 7: Hanoi - Ha Long - Activities on Cruise

On Day 1 of your Halong-Lan Ha Bay adventure, arrive at Bhaya Cruise Center and board The Au Co. Enjoy lunch as the cruise passes stunning islets.

Explore Viet Hai village by bike or electric cart, learn about Bhaya’s community projects, and try making Banh Cuon or sipping mojitea. Swim in an emerald lagoon, savor dinner onboard, and join a Vietnamese rice-wine tasting session.

End the day with Happy Hour or squid fishing.

DAY 8: Activities on Cruise - Return to Hanoi

Start your day in Halong Bay with an invigorating Tai Chi session at sunrise over the UNESCO Heritage Site. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before kayaking through the stunning Trinh Nu area, surrounded by emerald waters and rugged mountains.

After returning to the boat, prepare for checkout, settle bills, and disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor.

DAY 9: Hanoi - Sapa - Walk around Sapa Town - Cat Cat village

In this day, start your Vietnam Highlights journey with a morning bus from Hanoi to Sapa, arriving around midday. Explore Sapa Town’s scenic artificial lake, Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral, and vibrant night market.

Take a leisurely walk to Cat Cat Village, home to the H’mong ethnic group. Here, terraced rice fields cascade down the hillsides, and the soothing sound of the Tien Sa Waterfall fills the air. Learn about the villagers’ traditional way of life and admire their beautiful handcrafted textiles.

DAY 10: Full Day Trekking: Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van

Embark on a full-day trekking adventure from Sapa through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. Explore Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages, home to Black H’mong and Giay ethnic groups.

Walk through golden rice terraces and bamboo groves, immersing yourself in the peaceful rhythm of rural life and gaining a deeper appreciation for these remote communities.

DAY 11: Fansipan Cable Car Visit in the morning - Return to Hanoi in the afternoon

Begin your day with a visit to Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina”, via the breathtaking cable car ride. Marvel at panoramic views of lush valleys and towering peaks. Return to Sapa for lunch before heading back to Hanoi in the afternoon, carrying memories of breathtaking heights.

DAY 12: Breakfast and transfer to the airport

After breakfast, your guide will see you off at Noi Bai International Airport. As your Vietnam Highlights journey in Vietnam comes to an end, you’ll leave with a heart full of stories, unforgettable landscapes, and a deeper connection to this extraordinary country.

The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.

  • Included: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above.
  • Excluded: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

READY TO EXPLORE VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS?

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    “We traveled with YESD to northern Vietnam for 6 days and 5 nights to Ha Giang Cao Bang regions. It was an amazing journey involving hiking in the mountains, exploring local villages, sailing on the Nho Que River, and visiting local waterfalls, among many more sites. Tung was an excellent tour guide — very knowledgeable, understanding, warm, charming, kind, and very flexible. We really appreciated being with her.

    And the driver, Mr Hop, was very experienced. We felt safe. We would highly recommend them and the tour to others. We already have very fond memories of our tour.” See more.

    Mark R / Trip Advisor