Compare Viet Nam Classic Tour 10 Days 9 Nights by Viland vs Essence of Vietnam by Odynovo

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Arriving at Tay Son Nhat airport, we will greet you at airport with ‘Welcome’ sign board, and then you will be transferred to hotel in Ho Chi Minh city. You will have the rest of the day to decompress after a long flight. We encourage you to get out and explore the city surrounding the hotel. There is lots of great food options nearby, and after a nice exotic meal you can find yourself a wonderful $10 massage, or grab a few cold beers from the roadside stalls and watch as people pass you by.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 2: Mekong Delta Fullday Trip

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Over 60 million people depend on the Mekong Delta as their primary source of income or sustenance, and it connect 6 different countries. We will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and then transfer to My Tho, on a 2.5 hour drive. 

On arrival at My Tho, after visiting Vinh Trang pagoda, take a motor boat to enter My Tho city, through Bao Dinh natural canal. Take a leisurely cruise on the Tien River to view the four beautiful islands known as  the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.Visit the coconut candy mill and take a boat trip along the small canal on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals.
Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by locals.
Meet at the bus and return to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 3: Halfday City Tour – Da Nang – Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and take the morning to visit the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. The Independence palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, the museum has a vast display of photos and stories from the horrific American War. The morning will finish with lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Transfer back to hotel. Take a short break until we transfer to you to your flight to Da Nang or night train.
Arrival in Da Nang, you will be transferred to Hoi An. Check in and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Like Locals!

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Cycle along a beautiful, narrow road to a local fishing village named Cam Thanh. In this village you will stop at a rice paddy field, as well as a fish and shrimp farm… You will also have the chance to traverse the most dangerous bamboo bridges in Vietnam the “monkey bridges”, and visit an ancient cemetery and holy temples.

Join in special farming work with the local farmers by ploughing the field, and even try your luck at riding water buffalo with the farmers. Watch the locals make palm-thatched houses. They will use completely naturally sourced water palm tree materials and bamboo forest materials. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on our planet, reaching growth of up to 1mm every 90 seconds, it’s a perfect renewable building material! Explore the water palm coconut paradise. Join local fishermen by catching fish and purple crabs, with unique fishing nets, and paddle the traditional Bamboo Basket boat. Learn how to make souvenirs with palm leaves.

Have lunch at the local home, learn how to make fresh rice milk and cook traditional Hoi An stuffed pancakes (Banh Xeo). Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An Shopping And Beach Day

Meals: Breakfast

You are free to explore Hoi An ancient town, get some tailored clothes and accessories handmade, or take a bicycle to explore the countryside and head down to  the beautiful white sand of An Bang beach. Don’t forget to eat as much as possible too, Hoi An is arguably the best place for food in the nation.
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An – Fly To Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

You are to do any last minute wandering before we are ready to take you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Our driver will hold a ‘welcome’ sign board with your name on, then transfer you to the hotel in Hanoi for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 7: Halong Bay - World Heritage Site - Overnight On Cruise

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

With over 1600 islets, countless towering limestone karsts and hidden jungle caves, Vietnam’s “Bay of Descending Dragons” is a must-see destination for every traveller to Southeast Asia. Stay for 1 night in the bay aboard a Halong Bay cruise to experience all that this magical landscape has to offer.
At 8am, we will fetch you from your hotel, to head to Halong Bay. We will arrive slightly before noon, at the Halong Bay Pier, where you will be transferred to the cruise ship. Once on board the ship, you will be provided a welcome drink, followed by cruise briefing and safety instructions, conducted by the host of the boat. After that, you will check in your cabin.
Lunch will be served on board while cruising and passing by Dog islet, Fighting Cock islet (symbol of Halong Bay), Hoa Cuong fishing village, and Swan islet. After lunch, the ship will continue exploring the wonders of Halong bay, passing by countless islands including Soi Sim beach, Coconut Tree Island.
We will anchor the vessel at Frog Pond area, where you can take time to explore this beautiful scenery by kayaking through the majestic scenery and swimming in emerald coloured water.
Relax on the sundeck with some cocktails, complimented by a variety of tropical fruits and best local wines. Then attend a cooking demonstration with our chef to learn one of the most popular cuisines in Vietnam: spring rolls. If you don’t want to cook, you can refresh yourself in the Jacuzzi.
For dinner, we specially prepare a 11-course meal to reward your taste buds and stomach. After that, you can engage in various evening activities, such as relaxing at leisure, doing squid fishing, going for spa services and dipping into the Jacuzzi.

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake up to a refreshing morning with an organized Tai Chi class scheduled at 6.30am. Once, we have revived our bodies with smooth, deliberate, flowing movements, you may enjoy a light breakfast with our assorted homemade pastries, along with coffee, tea or fresh fruit juices.
We will move next on to Sung Sot Cave, where you will have the option to climb up and down 600 steps, to the magnificent limestone formations of the most beautiful and biggest cave in Halong bay. After the visit to the cave, you will check out of the cabin, and settle your bill, if you have incurred any additional expenses, like drinks or snacks in the bar.
A beautiful brunch buffet will be served as the ship cruises back to the Halong Bay harbour.
Our coach will pick you up and return back to Hanoi. ETA to be about 5pm, if the traffic is cooperative. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi - Explore The Old Quarter

Meals: Breakfast

You have a free day in Hanoi to explore, and get all your shopping done. There are all sorts of shops for clothing, souvenirs, and artwork, you won’t have trouble finding what you want. There’s even a local market in walking distance if you want to see how the locals buy their goods. Add in a plethora of Cafes and restaurants to try and you will fall in love with this eclectic city of the orient.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home.
End of services!

Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi

Overnight: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. You arrive in the country's charming capital city of Hanoi on an international flight and will be collected from the airport by your private guide. A private transfer afterwards will whisk you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.

Day 2: Hanoi, City Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hanoi

Get acquainted with the city on a morning excursion to some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison and Temple of Literature. This afternoon, browse informative exhibitions related to the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, before hopping aboard a cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) to explore the maze-like streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. End today's trip at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can walk leisurely to explore its surroundings like Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a brilliant performance of traditional water puppetry.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: On Board

Depart from Hanoi in the morning and drive southward across some 90 km to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province. You will be rewarded with excellent views of atmospheric ruins surrounded by unspoiled scenery. Move forward to the magnificent Bai Dinh, the largest Buddhist pagoda in South-East Asia. Arguably today's highlight is the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, which promises the chance to cruise through many amazing caves aboard a traditional bamboo boat.

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On Board

After breakfast, travel onward by driving to the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, where over 1,600 largely uninhabited limestone islands rise out of crystal-blue waters. After boarding the cruise boat, you will sail through the bay enjoying the sights and activities: visit the Vung Vieng floating fishing village by kayaking, partake in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and join the others for squid fishing. For total relaxation, other options for you are to unwind in a sauna or simply sun yourself on the deck.

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Dong Hoi

Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Wake up in paradise and kick off the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise on the deck. After a light breakfast, venture out to explore the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave strewn with limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Once back on the boat, check out and enjoy the brunch. As your cruise boat arrives at the pier around 10:45 am, disembark and take a private transfer back to Hanoi airport for a brief flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Dong Hoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Today, embark on an excursion to the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which protects a large number of karst caves and underground rivers. A scenic boat ride down the Son River will take you to first explore the mystical tunnels filled with mighty stalactites and stalagmites at Phong Nha Cave. You will then admire the magical beauty of sparkling Paradise Cave, dubbed as "Underground Royal Palace", which is believed to be the longest dry cave in Asia. After that, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 7: Dong Hoi - Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast, continue your onward journey to the Imperial City of Hue in Central Vietnam, pausing on route to visit several historical relics left over from Vietnam War, like Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River. Once reaching there, settle into your Hue hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.

Day 8: Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hue

Today, delve deep into Hue's royal past as you explore the splendid Tomb of King Minh Mang, sail along the attractive Perfume River to the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, and wander around the walled fortress and palace of Imperial Citadel. To close the day, take a relaxing stroll along the vibrant Dong Ba Market for a true insight into local life. After that, return to your hotel for a rest.

Day 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hoi An

After breakfast, set off on a 3.5-hour drive departing Hue for the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Along the way, you will pass by the Hai Van Pass, visit Cham Museum, and take a break at the Non Nuoc Beach. Check into your hotel on arrival, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 10: Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary & Ancient Town Exploration

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hoi An

After breakfast, set out to explore the ruined Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary in a lush valley, about 1-hour drive from Hoi An. At the spiritual center of the once-mighty Cham

Empire, admire the crumbling ruins, hear about the Cham culture, and imagine what My Son was like in its heyday. Once back to Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town center to fully absorb its old-world charms, from Vietnamese former merchant's house to the Japanese Covered Bridge, and wooden Chinese temples.

Day 11: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy this morning at leisure before taking a private transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight southward to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and taken to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, drive out of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground stronghold once served as a hidden location and supply line of the Viet Cong. Crawling through the subterranean causeway, you will get to know the hardship of life in the complex and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. After that, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and take in major sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat).

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City, Day Excursion to Mekong Delta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, head out on a day trip to explore Mekong Delta, a fertile agricultural area referred to as the country's rice bowl. A 1.5-hour scenic drive will take you through urbanized areas to My Tho, the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. You will first visit a local wholesale fruit market - Thanh Tri Market, before boarding a local ferry for a cruise on the Tien River dotted with lush islets and fishing villages. Disembark and take a short walk to Vuondau, with the chance to taste seasonal fruits and honey tea. Following this, a list of fun activities for you are drifting through the palm-shaded creek in a wooden canoe, visiting a coconut candy workshop and enjoying a horse-cart ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, hit the road for your return drive to Ho Chi Minh City, with an en-route visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda with an elegant blend of Asian and European styles.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

Meal: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Vietnam and board your departure flight, either home or to your next destination.