10-day Package of Vietnam's highlights from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

As your plane touches down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will feel the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City welcoming you. This bustling metropolis, once known as Saigon, is today the beating heart of Vietnam, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.

In the morning or afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, you will be greeted by our representative and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. During the drive, the first glimpses of the city will unveil a fascinating contrast: scooters flowing like rivers through the streets, colonial buildings standing proudly beside glass skyscrapers, and the scent of street food that hints at the flavors awaiting you.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from the journey. Take this time to settle in, wander around the nearby streets, or simply breathe in the atmosphere of a city that never seems to sleep.

In the evening, you will rest in your hotel, the perfect retreat to recharge and prepare for the discoveries that await in the coming days.

Greca Tip: If you arrive with energy, take a short evening walk around your hotel—this city reveals its soul most vividly through its lively night markets.

This morning, after a nourishing breakfast, you will leave the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind to journey toward the enchanting Mekong Delta. Known as the “rice bowl of Vietnam,” this fertile region has sustained life for centuries with its endless waterways and lush landscapes.

By mid-morning, you will embark on a serene cruise along the Mekong River, gliding past stilt houses and coconut palms. On one of the islands near My Tho, the warm melodies of traditional southern music will welcome you as you sip fragrant tea sweetened with honey and taste fresh seasonal fruits. Later, aboard a small paddle boat, you will drift through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. It is here that you will discover a way of life where boats replace cars and canals become the streets of the community.

At noon, a delicious lunch awaits, where the famed “Elephant-Ear Fish” will be served alongside other regional specialties. In the afternoon, your exploration continues at Vinh Trang Pagoda, an architectural gem blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and European influences, home to serene Buddha statues that inspire peace.

In the evening, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City, where your hotel accommodation will provide comfort and rest after a day steeped in culture and natural beauty.

Greca Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen—under the Mekong sun, even the calmest boat ride becomes a golden memory.

After a hearty breakfast, you will check out and set off in the morning for a half-day journey to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Beneath the peaceful countryside lies a vast underground labyrinth stretching more than 250 kilometers, a place that tells one of the most poignant stories of resilience during the Vietnam War. Originally begun in 1948 against French colonial forces, these tunnels grew over decades into an underground city with kitchens, hospitals, living quarters, and command posts—where people married, raised children, and carried on daily life entirely beneath the earth.

As you walk through preserved sections, you will witness how cleverly engineered “moving parts” allowed entire communities to survive under siege. For those seeking an extra thrill, the nearby firing range offers the optional chance to fire authentic war-era rifles such as the M16 or AK47 (fees not included).

By noon, you will transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a comfortable transfer will take you to the charming town of Hoi An.

In the evening, settle into your hotel, where the serene atmosphere of Hoi An will greet you after this day filled with history and reflection.

Greca Tip: The tunnels are narrow—wear light clothing and comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the experience without discomfort.

After a delightful breakfast, the morning invites you to step back in time as we explore the enchanting Ancient Town of Hoi An on foot. This riverside gem, once a thriving trading port, preserves the harmony of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in every narrow street and lantern-lit corner.

Our stroll will lead us through the lively Hoi An Market, where merchants display fragrant spices and handmade crafts. We will then visit the Hoi An Museum, a window into the town’s storied past, before admiring the centuries-old Ancient Houses, each whispering tales of merchants and families who once thrived here. The Assembly Halls, richly decorated with Chinese motifs, reveal the cultural exchanges that shaped this city, while the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge—built in the 16th century—remains the town’s most beloved symbol.

As midday approaches, the tour concludes, leaving the afternoon free for you to wander at your own rhythm. Perhaps pause at a riverside café, watch the boats glide by, or simply lose yourself among the vibrant lantern shops.

In the evening, return to your hotel accommodation, where the peaceful charm of Hoi An completes a day steeped in history and beauty.

Greca Tip: Stay out after sunset—Hoi An glows under thousands of silk lanterns, creating one of the most magical nightscapes in Vietnam.

After a delightful breakfast, the morning begins with a bicycle ride through the emerald fields and peaceful countryside of Tra Que Village. Here, farmers have cultivated fragrant herbs for centuries, and their methods remain remarkably traditional. You will join a local family to learn the secrets of Hoi An’s kitchen: shaping the delicate “white rose” dumplings, crafting Cao Lau noodles once reserved only for the town’s elite, and savoring rustic delights like Banh Dap rice crackers and the sweet corn dessert known as Che Bap. This hands-on experience reveals the soul of Hoi An, where food is both history and heritage.

In the afternoon, we set out for the ancient My Son Sanctuary, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site. Between the 4th and 13th centuries, this valley was the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom. Walking among its red-brick towers and moss-covered temples, you will discover how Hindu gods once inspired the art and rituals of this lost civilization. Despite centuries of war and weather, My Son still radiates a mystical aura that connects past and present.

As evening falls, return to your hotel accommodation in Hoi An, where the day’s flavors and stories will linger like a treasured memory.

Greca Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water—the paths of My Son are best enjoyed slowly, letting each temple reveal its hidden charm.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to experience Hoi An at your own pace, allowing you to connect with the town’s unique rhythm and charm. This free day invites you to explore according to your interests, whether wandering through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, browsing local markets, or simply relaxing and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

You may choose to stroll along lantern-lined streets, visit traditional shops and artisan workshops, or enjoy a quiet moment at a café overlooking the river. For those seeking relaxation, Hoi An also offers beautiful nearby beaches and wellness experiences, perfect for unwinding amid Vietnam’s central coast serenity.

As the day unfolds, Hoi An reveals its magic gradually, blending history, culture, and everyday life in a setting that feels both intimate and timeless.

As evening settles in, we return to our hotel in Hoi An, where a restful night awaits, embracing the calm and elegance of this enchanting town.

Greca Tip: If you have time before departure, try the local “Mi Quang” noodles in Da Nang—an aromatic dish topped with shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanuts, offering the perfect farewell to central Vietnam’s flavors.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Da Nang Airport to board our flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, we will head out to enjoy lunch, marking the beginning of our discovery of Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

In the afternoon, we delve into Ha Noi’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Vietnam’s first imperial academy, founded in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty. This serene complex reflects the country’s deep respect for learning and tradition.

Our exploration continues around Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of the city, including Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple), But Tower (Pen-Shaped Tower), Dai Nghien (Inkstone Stand), and the iconic The Huc Bridge, painted in striking red and rich in local legend.

To complete the experience, we will enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the 36 winding streets of Ha Noi’s historic Old Quarter, where daily life unfolds amid colonial façades, street vendors, and bustling markets.

With more than a thousand years of history, Ha Noi captivates with its distinctive lifestyle, cuisine, and cultural identity. Experiencing the city as it comes alive offers a genuine glimpse into the soul of Vietnam, shaped by the warmth and hospitality of its people.

As evening approaches, we arrive at our hotel in Ha Noi, where a comfortable night’s rest awaits, allowing us to reflect on a day rich in history and local life.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss tasting “egg coffee,” a Ha Noi specialty where creamy egg yolk meets rich Vietnamese coffee—an unforgettable blend of flavors unique to the city.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling streets of Ha Noi behind and journey toward the serene coast of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

By late morning, we board a traditional wooden cruise and set sail across emerald waters dotted with nearly 3,000 limestone islands, each shrouded in mist and legend. The bay has long been woven into Vietnamese folklore—its name means “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” inspired by the myth that dragons once descended here to protect the land from invaders.

In the afternoon, we pause at a secluded cove for a refreshing swim and explore a hidden grotto beneath towering cliffs, where centuries of wind and water have sculpted the caves into magical shapes. On board, savor a freshly prepared lunch and dinner, featuring the flavors of the sea while the sun sets over the karsts in a palette of gold and crimson.

Tonight, fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waters in your cabin on the cruise, surrounded by the quiet majesty of Ha Long Bay.

Greca Tip: Bring a light jacket for the evening breeze on deck—it’s the perfect spot to stargaze over the still waters.

Wake up to the gentle rocking of the boat and enjoy a breakfast on board as the sunrise paints the mystical karsts of Ha Long Bay. The morning invites relaxation: take a final swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on deck, and soak in the serenity of this dreamlike landscape.

After exploring a hidden cove and savoring the peaceful surroundings, we will enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch on board, highlighting the local flavors of Vietnam’s sea. Following this final moment of indulgence, we begin our transfer back to Ha Noi, a perfect time to reflect on the journey and capture the most vivid memories of this natural wonder.

Upon arrival in Ha Noi, our transfer to the hotel ensures you can settle in comfortably and rest after two days filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of your free afternoon to stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Ha Noi’s historic center; the colors and scents of sunset provide the perfect ending to your journey.

Begin your final day in Vietnam with a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors of the city one last time. Take a quiet moment to reflect on the memories you have collected: from the bustling streets of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, and the cultural treasures scattered along your journey.

At the appointed time, your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to catch your departure flight, bringing this unforgettable adventure to a close.

Greca Tip: Before leaving, take a few minutes to organize your travel photos and notes; these small mementos will help keep the magic of Vietnam alive long after your return home.