Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Xin Chao – Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi, over 1,000 years old, is the capital of Vietnam and the country’s political and cultural heart. The city is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, where tree-lined boulevards lead to centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Stroll through the lively streets of the Old Quarter, admire the tranquil beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, and soak in the captivating atmosphere of this dynamic city. Whether it’s discovering hidden cafés, sampling local street food, or delving into the city’s rich history, Hanoi offers an exciting introduction to Vietnam.

Included: Airport transfer & Accommodation

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour full day (B-L)

Early in the morning, the tour guide and the driver will pick you up at the hotel to join in the Hanoi City tour full day. Discover Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture on this full-day city tour. Start at Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, a national heritage site. Then, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, stilt house, and One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi since 1049.

Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao.

Enjoy a local lunch in the Old Quarter before visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, honoring Confucius and renowned scholars. Stop by the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and Long Bien Market to experience local life.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the historic Long Bien Bridge, designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower, offering a perfect spot for photos. The tour ends at 4:00 PM.

Included: Transfer, City Tour 8 hours, English Speaking Guide & Accommodation Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Bay (B-L-D) (Sample Itinerary, depending on cruise line)

08:00 – 08:30: Pick up from the hotel in Hanoi for Halong, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of Nature.

Sample Itinerary – Actual itinerary depends on the standard of the package booked

12:30 Welcome on board.

13:00 Lunch (During lunch, the boat is cruising pass the small fishing village)

14:30 – 15:30 Go to visit Sung Sot cave (you should bring hiking shoes, a camera, etc.).

15:30 – 16:30 Visit Titop Island, where you can go swimming and hiking. (When we go, you need to bring a swimming suit, sun cream, sunglasses, and a little money.)

18:00 Enjoy Cooking Class & Happy Hour for drinking, and the Sunset party on the sundeck on the 4th floor.

19:30 Dinner is served.

20:30 Relaxing time (Squid fishing , karaoke after dinner). Overnight on board.

Included: Transfer by sharing Limousine bus, English-speaking guide, Cruise, Accommodation on Cruise Ship

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B-L)

06:45 – 07:30 Breakfast is served.

07:30 – 08:30 Kayaking to Luon cave (please change your clothes because it will be wet, we don’t recommend you take your camera, cell phone together.)

09:45 Check out time (for a better arrangement, please put your luggage out of the door and return the room key at the reception). Our staff will help you transfer your luggage to the jetty in advance.

09:45 – 10:30 Early lunch is served.

10:30 Pay the bill at the bar counter on the second floor.

11:00 Say good bye to the crew and disembark in Alisa Harbor.

12:00 Get on the bus and come back to Hanoi.

Special Note: The itinerary can be changed without prior notice subject to the weather’s condition or authority’s policy.

14:00 – 14:30: Drop off in front of the hotel in Hanoi. Freetime to explore Hanoi more or go for a coffee shop.

20:00 Transfer to Hanoi railway station to take the night train to Hue.

Note: Above program is a sample program and can vary depending on the package chosen.

Included: Cruise, Transfers, Night Train Hanoi – Hue

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Full-Day Hue Immersion & Tam Giang Lagoon Survival (B-L-D)

Upon arrival at the station, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, join in the tour Full-Day Hue Immersion & Tam Giang Lagoon Survival (11 hours). Discover Hue’s culture with a cyclo ride through Kim Long, exploring lush gardens, Mandarin temples, and local crafts. Visit a Garden-House for a traditional meal and an herbal foot bath.

Continue by motorbike to Tam Giang Lagoon, visiting an ancient village and a fisherman’s home to learn about fishing tools. Join a boat ride, experience traditional fishing, and explore life on houseboats. End your journey at a vegetable farm with a “farm-to-table” seafood dinner featuring freshly caught fish. This immersive tour highlights Hue’s heritage, farming, and fishing practices amidst the serene beauty of its lagoon. After the tour, transfer to the hotel for an overnight.

Included: Station Transfers, English-speaking tour guide, Tours, Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Motorcycle from Hue to Hoi An Full-day Tour (B)

Starting at 8:30 AM, the tour guide will come to pick you up at the hotel to join in the Motorcycle tour from Hue to Hoi An (via Hai Van Pass). Start visiting a mushroom village and enjoy scenic rice fields. Continue to Tam Giang Lagoon to explore a local fishing village before relaxing at Mo Waterfall. After a lunch stop at Lang Co Beach, ride through the stunning Hai Van Pass, famous for its cloud-covered ocean views. Visit My Khe Beach, then explore Linh Ung Pagoda and Marble Mountains, home to caves, pagodas, and ancient legends. Conclude in Hoi An at 4:30 PM.

Included: Transfer, English-speaking tour guide, Tours, Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Hoi An Cooking Class with Boat Tour (B-L)

This morning is yours to enjoy freely in Hoi An. If you’re interested in custom clothing, it’s the perfect time to visit one of Hoi An’s many renowned tailor shops – whether you’re dreaming of a silk dress, a linen shirt, or a perfectly fitted suit. Should you need guidance, the Rustic Travel team is happy to recommend trusted tailors that offer excellent craftsmanship at fair prices, helping you take home a personalized, high-quality souvenir you’ll love.

At 12:30, head to Cam Thanh Village for a hands-on cooking class. Begin at a local market to select fresh ingredients, then ride a bamboo boat to the cooking school. Relax with a head, shoulder, and foot massage before learning to prepare four Vietnamese dishes: green mango salad, wet spring rolls, pancakes, and chicken curry with steamed rice. Afterward, enjoy your creations and experience the flavors of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore Hoi An Old Town.

Included: Transfer, English Speaking Guide, Tour, Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Master Coffee Class – Explore Ancient Town (B)

Begin the day with a Master Coffee Class (08:30–11:30) to discover the art of Vietnamese coffee-making, learn about Third Wave Coffee and the differences between Arabica and Robusta beans. Create Vietnamese coffee drinks, including cold brew and coconut egg coffee, with guidance from a coffee master. Enhance your skills in this hands-on experience.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel at 11:30. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can visit tailors, explore heritage houses, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this charming riverside town.

Included: Transfer, English Speaking Guide, Tour, Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (B)

In the morning, after breakfast and checking out from your hotel, you will be able to take a stroll around Hoi An and take in the beauty of this magnificent town.

You also can spend the day shopping and enjoying lunch at any of the wonderful restaurants. In the afternoon, we will leave Central Vietnam and head back to the more fast-paced and modernized city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as “Saigon”.

We will go through Da Nang to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be picked up and brought to check into your hotel.

Included: Accommodation, Airport Transfers

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B-L)

Start early with a speedboat ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels (07:25–14:00). Discover the underground network used during the Vietnam War and learn about the country’s resilient history.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a half-day city tour (15:00–19:00), visiting key landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, The Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

Included: Transfer, English Speaking Guide, Tours, Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Take the day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. Consider visiting Chinatown (Cho Lon), visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, or shop at the city’s modern malls. Enjoy delicious street food such as banh mi and pho. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Included: Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Departure Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, the driver will pick you up at the hotel to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home. Say goodbye to Vietnam with unforgettable memories from this grand adventure.

Included: Airport Transfer

Meals: Breakfast

Tour ends. Safe travels! See you again!