Explore the essence of Vietnam with an itinerary that blends vibrant cities, traditions and spectacular scenery. From the energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful countryside of Vung Liem, floating markets in Can Tho and idyllic beaches in Phu Quoc, each step reveals a new side to the country.
End your trip in Hanoi, the historic capital, and be amazed by the majestic Halong Bay, an iconic natural jewel. A unique adventure in the heart of a country rich in contrasts and emotions.
Your private tour is offered in 11 days.
Day by day route:
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Liem
Day 3: Vung Liem - Can Tho
Day 4: Can Tho - Phu Quoc
Day 5: Snorkeling in Phu Quoc
Day 6: Free day in Phu Quoc
Day 7: Free day in Phu Quoc
Day 8: Phu Quoc - Hanoi
Day 9: Halong Bay
Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 11: Last day - departure from Hanoi
Deal negotiated for you
- 11-day / 10-night private tour with accommodation in the hotels as mentioned or similar
- Breakfast as well as 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 1 brunch as mentioned in the programme
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Domestic flight Phu Quoc - Hanoi (day 8)
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh airport to Ho Chi Minh city centre by private vehicle (day 1)
- Private car transfer service (except to Phu Quoc and Halong)
- Rach Gia - Phu Quoc transfer by non-private speedboat (day 4)
- Transfer from hotel to Phu Quoc airport by hotel shuttle (day 8)
- Round-trip transfer Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi on the ship's company bus (days 9 and 10)
- Return transfer to Hanoi airport (day 11) by private vehicle
- Welcome and assistance at the airport of arrival
- Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the programme
- Services of a local English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 4 and on day 8
- The services of a shared English-speaking guide for day 5 in Phu Quoc
- Cruise and overnight stay on Halong Bay (day 9)
Your stay starts here
Southern Vietnam and paradise islands with exploration of Halong Bay
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! You will be met by your driver at the airport of Tan Son Nhat, then driven to the city center.
The rest of your free time to relax after a long flight or exploring the city on your own.
Our suggestions for you:
- The former post office, built during the time of French Indochina
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- The Chinatown of Cholon
- The Ben Thanh market where you will find shoes, accessories, handicrafts, flowers, spices, various foods, and restaurant.
Free meals. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2 | Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Liem
This morning, you depart from Ho Chi Minh City for a three-hour journey to Vung Liem, a village in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your host and settled into a traditional private bungalow.
After a typical meal, you explore the area by bicycle, visiting a duck farm, a dragon fruit orchard, a coconut product factory, and rice fields. You also discover how puffed rice is made.
The afternoon concludes with a walk with locals and a dinner prepared together. The evening ends with a traditional musical performance.
Overnight in the bungalow.
Day 3 | Vung Liem - Can Tho
After a breakfast prepared by the host, you set off for a leisurely private boat cruise on a canal. You visit a local market to observe the exchanges of the Mekong inhabitants. Then, you discover Caodaism at a Cao Dai temple, a religion blending Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam.
You continue your journey to a coconut workshop, where you see how every part of the nut is used in crafts.
After that, you head to Can Tho, visiting the city museum and the ancient Binh Thuy house, which combines elements of Eastern and Western architecture.
Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.
Day 4 | Can Tho - Phu Quoc
In the morning, you depart early by boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, a lively place where you can observe traditional trade exchanges with "offering poles". This market offers superb photo opportunities. You continue your cruise to a peaceful village where you take a break at a local's home for tea and a discussion about the simple, nature-close local life.
Then, you head to Rach Gia (2 to 2.5 hours by road) to catch a fast boat to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, a car will take you to the resort.
Phu Quoc, nicknamed the Pearl Island, is a tranquil place rich in nature, with pristine beaches and forests, ideal for trekking, diving, and snorkeling.
Meals are at your own expense. Overnight on Phu Quoc Island.
Day 5 | Snorkelling in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, surrounded by virgin forests and white sandy beaches, is renowned for its natural landscapes and beach activities. This morning, head to An Thoi pier for a boat trip to the southern islands of Phu Quoc. You will visit Mong Tay Island and Gam Ghi Islet, known for snorkelling with their crystal-clear waters, colourful corals, and diverse marine life.
After lunch on board, you will stop at May Rut Islet to continue exploring marine life before returning to the mainland at the end of the day.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 6 | Free day in Phu Quoc
Free time to relax, sunbathe, and unwind…
Meals at your leisure and overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 7 | Free day in Phu Quoc
Free time to relax, sunbathe, and unwind…
Meals on your own and overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 8 | Phu Quoc - Hanoi
Today, you take a shuttle from the resort to Phu Quoc airport for a flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases fascinating collections on the country's 54 ethnic groups. Then, discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and an outstanding example of traditional architecture.
Stroll through Hanoi's picturesque district, visiting the Opera House, Ly Thai To Park, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple, then explore the old quarter. Enjoy an egg coffee, a local specialty, before ending the day with a water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9 | Day in Halong Bay
After breakfast, you take a bus from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.
Upon arrival, you board a luxurious cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, settle into your cabin, and have lunch on board. The boat then slowly sails through Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha, offering spectacular views of the rock formations.
Dinner is served on board, and in the evening a night fishing service is available upon request.
Overnight on board the boat.
Day 10 | Halong Bay - Hanoi
In the morning, watch the sunrise and practice Tai Chi on the terrace. You will sail through the bay while having breakfast. You will pass by several rocks and islets, caves, and fishing villages. Disembarkation around 10:30 – 11:00.
Return transfer to Hanoi where you will arrive in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11 | Final day - departure from Hanoi
After breakfast, the driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.
Accommodations
During your 11-day private tour, you will stay for 10 nights in the accommodations listed below (or similar):
Ho Chi Minh: 2 nights at Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel 4* in Deluxe Room
Vung Liem: 1 night at Coco Riverside Lodge in Standard Double Room
Can Tho: 1 night at Can Tho Ecolodge 4* in Deluxe Room
Phu Quoc: 4 nights at Sol by Melia Phu Quoc 4* in Standard Room
Hanoi: 2 nights at Acoustic Hotel & SPA 4* in a Deluxe Room
Ha Long: 1 night on board the Amanda Luxury Cruise 4* in Standard Cabin
To note:
Institutions are rated 4* by local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to 4* European standards.
Hotels are subject to change, depending on availability. However, we always strive to relocate you to hotels of similar category.
Your accommodation
During your tour, you will enjoy breakfasts from day 2 to day 11 inclusive, as well as 3 lunches (days 2, 5, and 9), 2 dinners (days 2 and 9), and a brunch.
ENTRY / RESIDENCE FORMALITIES
Since August 15, 2023, French nationals have been exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 45 days (including days of entry and exit), regardless of passport type and purpose of stay.
To benefit from this visa exemption, the expiry date of the French passport must not be less than six months before the end of the stay in Vietnam.
Tourist visa exemption (maximum 45 days, including entry and exit days), e-visa (maximum 90 days, including multiple entry and exit days), and tourist visas in general cannot be extended or renewed on the spot. Neither the French Embassy in Hanoi nor the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can intervene in these matters, which are the responsibility of the Vietnamese authorities.