Vietnam for Beginners 7 Day Intro Tour

Welcome to Hanoi! We’re so excited to have you here. When you arrive at Hanoi Airport, one of our friendly local drivers will be waiting to greet you with a warm smile. From there, you’ll be taken straight to your hotel so you can check in and settle into your room, which will be ready for you from 2:00 PM onwards. After check-in, the rest of the day is completely up to you! You might want to relax after your flight, take a walk to explore the neighborhood, or simply enjoy some downtime at the hotel. Meals today are at your own arrangement, so feel free to ask us for recommendations if you're looking for something delicious nearby. Have a restful evening and enjoy your first night in Hanoi!

8:00 – 8:30 - Our friendly tour guide and comfortable bus will pick you up right at your hotel. Get ready for an exciting day exploring the highlights of Hanoi! 08:45 - We’ll begin with a peaceful visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully situated on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Dating back to the 6th century, it’s a serene place full of history and spiritual charm.

09:30 - Next, we head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, affectionately known as "Uncle Ho." If open, you’ll have the rare chance to view his embalmed body, then take a peaceful stroll through the gardens and visit the two houses where he lived and worked between 1954 and 1969. - Afterward, we’ll explore the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, famous for its unique lotus-inspired design and dedication to the Goddess of Mercy. - Important Note: When visiting spiritual and memorial sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pagodas, please dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees is required.

11:15 - We’ll stop at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll gain insight into the fascinating cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups. - On Mondays, when the museum is closed, we’ll instead visit the inspiring Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which celebrates the incredible contributions of women throughout Vietnamese history.

12:45 - Time to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll get to try traditional dishes—and don’t worry, vegetarian options are available too! 14:00 – 14:15 - After lunch, we continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Originally built in 1070, it’s a beautiful and peaceful complex, and one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.

15:15 - We then visit Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built by the French during colonial times, this site offers a powerful look into Vietnam’s struggle for independence and resilience through wartime.

16:30 - After an enriching day of exploring, our bus will take you back to your hotel to relax and unwind. End of the city tour!

7:00 - Our tour guide will pick you up right from your hotel. We'll head south to Ninh Binh Province, located about 120 km from Hanoi. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside. 9:00 - We’ll take a short 20-minute break so you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or use the restroom before we continue our journey.

10:30 - Our first destination is the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the very first capital of Vietnam. As you walk through the ancient grounds, you’ll learn why the capital was later moved to Hanoi and admire the unique architecture of the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century. Let yourself be transported back in time as you soak in the atmosphere of this important cultural site. 11:30 - Next, enjoy a peaceful bike ride around the local village for about 45 minutes. This is a great chance to see rural life up close and connect with the rhythm of the countryside.

12:30 - Time for lunch! We’ll stop at a local restaurant for a buffet meal featuring a variety of regional specialties, including goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are always available, so there’s something for everyone. 13:30 – 14:00 - After lunch, we’ll head to Tam Coc for a scenic 1.5-hour boat trip on a traditional bamboo sampan. Drift along the river surrounded by stunning limestone mountains, rice paddies, and caves. This area is often called “Halong Bay on land” for its breathtaking natural beauty.

16:00 - We’ll then visit Mua Cave, also known as Dancing Cave. Prepare for a bit of a climb—nearly 500 steps—but the reward is worth it! From the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, you’ll have a panoramic view of Tam Coc that’s absolutely unforgettable.

17:30 - Time to head back. We’ll hop on the bus and return to Hanoi, taking in the last glimpses of Ninh Binh's peaceful countryside. 19:30 - Arrive back in Hanoi and get dropped off at your hotel. What a day! Tour ends here.

08:00 - Our friendly tour guide and shuttle bus will pick you up right at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Get ready for a beautiful day ahead! 08:45 - We begin our scenic drive to Halong Bay. The journey takes around 2.5 hours—perfect for relaxing and watching the countryside go by. 10:30 - We’ll stop in Hai Duong Province for a short 20-minute break. A great time to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or use the restroom. 11:30 – 12:00 - Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and get ready to board your cruise adventure!

12:00 – 12:30 - Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you meet the captain and crew. You’ll receive a quick introduction to the cruise itinerary and important safety guidelines. Then, we complete check-in and get settled on board 13:00 - Time to enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian dishes - Watch as we pass stunning rock formations like Con Vit Islet (Duck Islet), Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor, part of the Cat Ba area. - Next, we cruise toward a beautiful, peaceful lagoon in Lan Ha Bay. You can take a dip in the emerald waters or simply relax and soak up the sun on the deck. 15:45 - Let the adventure continue! Follow our guide’s lead for a fun kayaking session in one of the bay’s most beautiful spots. Afterwards, feel free to swim or sunbathe—this is your time to enjoy nature at its finest. - After the water activities, we’ll cruise gently back toward the anchoring area for the night.

18:00 - Join us for a relaxing Sunset Party on board. Snap some beautiful photos, unwind with a drink in hand, and enjoy the golden hour views over the bay. 19:00 - Dinner is served! Savor a selection of fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes, all while surrounded by the calming waters of Lan Ha Bay. 21:00 - Evening fun begins! You can join games like card or chess, try your luck with squid fishing, or pamper yourself with a massage service. Then, settle in for a peaceful night onboard Dragon Bay Cruise.

7:00–7:45 - Enjoy a peaceful breakfast on board as you sip a warm cup of tea or coffee and take in the morning beauty of the bay’s landscape. It’s a lovely way to start the day. 08:00 - Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the bay, with its towering limestone islets. Today’s highlight is a visit to the famous Frog Pond, where you can paddle a kayak through calm waters or take a refreshing swim in this serene, picture-perfect spot. 09:15 - Return to your cabin for a bit of rest and make sure all your belongings are packed before check-out. 09:30 - Check out from your private cabin. Then, enjoy one last scenic cruise through the bay while room service is handled. A farewell brunch will be served on board before we reach the harbor.

11:30 - Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Say goodbye to the crew and conclude your unforgettable cruise journey. 12:00–12:30 - Hop on the shuttle bus for your return trip to Hanoi. 15:00–15:30 Arrive in Hanoi's meeting point

At Hanoi's meeting point, our private car will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Welcome to the south of Vietnam!

Pick-Up: 07:30 – 08:00 Return: 17:30 - Upon arrival, visit the peaceful Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple dating back to the late 19th century. Then, board a traditional sampan and cruise along the Mekong River, passing by the four legendary islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. - Stop at Unicorn Island for a leisurely walk along country paths. - Continue your journey with a hand-rowed sampan ride through the serene Thoi Son canal, where you can soak in the beauty of the Mekong countryside. Visit a local family-run business, taste fresh honey at a bee farm, sip on honey tea, and watch how coconut candy is made. - Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant - In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle for a ride around Tan Thach village, where you’ll meet friendly locals and get a glimpse into daily life in the Mekong Delta. - After a full day of adventure, return to Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends.

You are free to enjoy your time at leisure until our driver picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. (No tour guide included.) Meals are on your own. End of services.