Explore the Waterways of Vietnam in 10 Days

Highlights of the Trip

Hanoi

• Temple of Literature: Established in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, this is dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: One of the most visited and revered locations in the country.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: With a history dating back over 1,500 years, it holds great cultural and spiritual significance.
• Old Quarter: This bustling maze of streets offers an abundance of shops and local experiences.

Ha Long Bay

• Bai Tu Long Bay: Visit this quieter spot of the bay for relaxation.
• Pearl Farm: Here, you can discover the interesting process required to create high-quality pearls.

Can Tho

• Local Villages: During your cruise here, you will visit a local village to interact with the friendly locals.
• Brick Factory: Learn about the traditional methods of brick-making.

Vung Liem

• Cao Dai Temple: The Cao Dai Temple is a visual representation of the religion’s syncretic nature.

Mo Cay 

• Coconut Processing Factory: Visit this factory to learn more about the importance of coconuts.

Ho Chi Minh City

• History Museum: This museum offers a fascinating exploration of Vietnam’s rich history, from prehistoric times through the modern era.
• Museum of War Remnants: Dedicated to documenting the atrocities and consequences of the Vietnam War
• Jade Emperor Temple: Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist god, this temple is a hub for spiritual activity.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Water Puppet Show: In Hanoi, enjoy this traditional show. Water puppetry is an important aspect of Vietnamese cultural heritage and has been recognised as a symbol of the country’s agrarian traditions and folklore.

Local Fishing Villages: During your Ha Long Bay cruise, visit traditional fishing villages to soak up the local culture.

Mr. Sau Tuong: Speak with a Vietcong soldier and enjoy rice paper.

Phong Nam Village: Enjoy a motorised rickshaw ride through the village.

Rice Noodle Factory: Visit this factory that is known for producing hu tieu noodles.

Ben Thanh Market: One of the most iconic landmarks and bustling marketplaces in Ho Chi Minh City.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your holiday to Vietnam, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a fragrant noodle soup consisting of flat rice noodles, a flavourful broth (usually beef or chicken), and herbs. It is typically garnished with lime, chili, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. You can also try Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls). These are fresh, rice-paper-wrapped rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, rice vermicelli, and lettuce. They are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Ha Long Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: Sail through this striking UNESCO site on one of the finest wooden boats on the Bay.

Mango Cruise: Enjoy a cruise along the Mekong. You can also enjoy a cooking demonstration on board.

Rowing Sampan: Enjoy a relaxed tour through the Ba Sau Canals.

Accommodation of this Tour

• Hanoi: Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, stylish furnishings and decoration art – Lotus Deluxe room.
• Ha Long Bay: L’Amour Junk Traditional Junk [Unique] (Deluxe quality wooden junks modelled on Imperial Court vessels – Chartered Junk).
• Mekong Delta: Mango Cruise [Unique] (Deluxe quality wooden boat, modelled a combination of the traditional Mekong ‘ghe dau’ barge, and the smaller sampan– Chartered Junk).
• Ho Chi Minh City: Sanouva Hotel, with a central location, short walk to Ben Thanh market – Deluxe room.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in and relaxing from your journey, enjoy a welcome dinner at a charming restaurant housed in a colonial-era building. In the evening, you will attend a traditional Water Puppetry performance—a unique art form originating from northern Vietnam, offering a delightful and light-hearted glimpse into the region’s rural culture.

✓ Dinner

Day 2: Discover Hanoi

 You’ll have a full day to explore the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university established in the 11th century and a must-see attraction. You will then visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where you can see his modest stilt house where he lived and worked, as well as the museum dedicated to his legacy.

After lunch, you’ll visit the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, beautifully located on the banks of Ho Tay (West Lake). The bustling Old Quarter, with its maze of shopping streets and diverse architecture—from traditional tube houses and religious buildings to colonial homes and modern structures—is also a lively and essential stop.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3: Sail Through Ha Long Bay

After breakfast, you will depart for Ha Long Bay with your private driver, heading to one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world’s largest marine limestone karst landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll board a private wooden junk boat to explore the Bai Tu Long Bay area. Your cruise will take you to some of the bay’s most secluded spots, offering opportunities to swim at peaceful sandy beaches (weather permitting), or to explore one of the lesser-visited caves. The route is thoughtfully planned to avoid crowded areas and includes a tranquil location for your overnight stay on the bay.

For your excursion, you’ll board one of the L’Amour Junks, renowned as some of the finest wooden boats on the Bay. These are modelled after traditional Chinese court vessels, with each boat featuring three barge sails, a wide transom, and a rectangular superstructure. With only one cabin on board, you’ll enjoy an exclusive and intimate experience.

The air-conditioned cabin, approximately 10 m², offers large windows with views of the bay and is furnished with either two twin beds or a double queen-size bed. The interior is elegantly panelled in hardwood, and the cabin includes a wardrobe, pillows, white cotton sheets, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and high-quality toiletries. All meals are included and typically feature fresh seafood. Kayaking is also available and included in the price, allowing you to explore the bay up close.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Savour a BBQ Lunch

After breakfast, your cruise will continue with a visit to a fishing village, where you’ll have the chance to explore the village and discover hidden lagoons by kayak. Following a BBQ lunch on a secluded sandy beach, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or further explore the bay at your leisure by kayak. Your overnight stay will be in a peaceful and quiet spot within the bay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Visit a Pearl Farm

Wake up to the fresh air of the bay, with the option to take a morning swim or relax on the sundeck. After breakfast, your cruise will continue with a visit to a fishing village, where you can explore the village and hidden lagoon by rustic rowing boat. The journey will then take you to a Pearl Farm, where you’ll learn about the entire process of cultivating high-quality pearls.

Around noon, you’ll cruise back to the dock, where you’ll be met for your return trip to Hanoi. Upon arrival at your hotel in the mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 6: Transfer to Can Tho

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your morning flight to Can Tho, the vibrant ‘capital’ of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to Ninh Kieu Pier to board the Mango Cruise, setting sail downriver towards Tra On. As you enjoy a welcome drink, soak in the tranquil scenery while the crew takes care of your luggage. Relax on the comfortable sofa in the sitting room and take in the river views and refreshing breeze.

Lunch will be served on board as you cruise along the Mang Thit River, a smaller branch of the Mekong where you can observe the rich riverine culture and local activities along the way. You’ll stop to stroll through a small village, exploring the local lifestyle, lush gardens, and interacting with the friendly locals. You’ll also visit a brick factory, where you can see the traditional, centuries-old methods of brickmaking in action.

In the late afternoon, your boat will enter Vung Liem, where you can unwind while watching the sunset. After freshening up, enjoy an onboard cooking demonstration followed by dinner. Your boat will anchor overnight in Vung Liem.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Explore Vung Liem by Bicycle

After waking to the refreshing river breeze, enjoy breakfast aboard the boat before setting out to explore the town of Vung Liem by bicycle. Here, you’ll visit a Cao Dai Temple, a fascinating blend of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Continue your exploration with a trip to the local wet market before returning to the boat for lunch as you cruise towards Mo Cay.

Post-lunch, relax and prepare for a stroll through Mo Cay, a district in Ben Tre Province known for its coconut products. You’ll visit a coconut processing factory that has provided local employment for decades. After the walk, return to the boat and continue your journey to the Giong Trom River, passing by Ben Tre City, the provincial capital.

In My Long village, visit Mr. Sau Tuong – a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife make rice paper – a renowned local specialty. Engage in conversation and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and observe the traditional production process.

Return to the boat to freshen up before savouring dinner onboard. The boat will anchor overnight on the An Hoa River near Chet Say Bridge.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Explore Phong Nam Village

Breakfast will be served aboard in the early morning as you cruise along the An Hoa River towards My Tho. During the journey, you’ll stop at Phong Nam Village for a xe loi (motorised rickshaw) ride, visiting local businesses. You will also visit a rice noodle factory known for producing hu tieu noodles, a popular regional breakfast dish.

Next, you’ll embark on a rowing sampan for a leisurely tour through the Ba Sau Canals, hidden among lush green water coconut plants, offering picturesque tropical scenery.

Returning to the boat, you’ll continue your cruise to My Tho, where your local guide and driver will meet you to transfer you to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have free time to explore District 1.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour of Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll start with a visit to the History Museum, which features a special exhibition on the 5th-century Oc Eo civilisation. Alternatively, you may visit the Fito Museum, Vietnam’s first museum dedicated to traditional medicine, showcasing an extensive collection of medicinal relics and the history of Vietnamese medical practices dating back to 2000 BC.

Next, explore the Museum of War Remnants, which offers a powerful perspective on the ‘American War’. In Chinatown, you’ll visit Binh Tay Market, the largest in Ho Chi Minh City. After, head to the Jade Emperor Temple, one of the finest Taoist temples in Vietnam, known for its impressive effigies, intricately carved panels depicting the descent to Hell, and its somewhat unusual terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries.

Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up or take a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, packed with a wide variety of goods

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy free time before your departure flight.

✓ Breakfast

Price

£2837

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this tour is an example of our many exciting offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect holiday or to tailor or upgrade elements of any holiday. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Hanoi  Arrival

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and relax at your hotel before an evening welcome dinner. After, enjoy a Water Puppetry experience.

Overnight at Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel 3*.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda. Later, explore the bustling Old Quarter.

Overnight at Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel 3*.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Be transferred to Ha Long Bay where you will board a Wooden Junk Boat through Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore the quieter areas, with opportunities to swim and explore caves.

Overnight on L’Amour Junk – Traditional Junk.

Day 4: Visit a Traditional Fishing Village

Explore a local fishing village and discover secret lagoons on a kayak. Enjoy a BBQ lunch before some free time.

Overnight on L’Amour Junk – Traditional Junk.

Day 5: Visit a Pearl Farm

Visit another traditional fishing village in a rustic rowing boat. You will then reach Pearl Farm where you can observe the production of pearls. After, return to Hanoi for some free time.

Overnight at Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel 3*.

Day 6: Transfer to Can Tho

Take a flight to Can Tho and embark on a Mango Cruise. Here you can observe the riverine culture, before visiting a small, traditional village. You will also visit a brick factory, before enjoying a sunset at Vung Liem and an onboard cooking demonstration.

Overnight on Mango Cruise Boat.

Day 7: Explore Traditional Vietnamese Villages

Explore Vung Liem on a bicycle, stopping at Cao Dai Temple, a local wet market. Then visit Mo Cay village to explore a coconut processing factory. You will then visit Mr Sau Tuong in My Long village, to learn about his experience as a former Vietcong soldier and learn about rice paper.

Overnight on Mango Cruise Boat.

Day 8: Ride a Motorised Rickshaw

Stop at Phong Nam Village for a rickshaw ride, visiting local businesses and a rice noodle factory. Then tour Ba Sau Canals, before driving to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at Sanouva Hotel 3*.

Day 9: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the History Museum,  the Museum of War Remnants, the Binh Tay Market, the Jade Emperor Temple, and the Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight at  Sanouva Hotel 3*.

Day 10: Departure

Free time, until your departure from Tan Son Nhat Airport.