Vietnam Budget Tour: Experience The Culture and History of Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Today you begin your Vietnam journey by boarding your international flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you are met with your private guide at the airport and taken to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi Exploration

Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where tourists can find well-preserved colonial buildings, unique museums, and ancient pagodas within the city center. An amazing place to explore on foot, this French-colonial city is also known for its mouth-watering cuisine, lively nightlife, silks, and handicrafts, and also a multi-cultural community that’s made up of French, Chinese and Russian influences.

Boasting ancient citadels, ornate Buddhist temples, authentic markets, unique theatres, and French colonial architecture, as well as traditional villages and peaceful parks set just outside the city, there is something for almost everyone in Hanoi.

Today, you’ll embark on a private city tour accompanied by your private guide. Make your way to Ho Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature and possibly the Fine Arts Museum which has an outstanding collection of art and sculpture. The tour ends in Hanoi's busy Old Quarter before you return back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3: One Day Tour of Haiphong

The chief port of northern Vietnam, Hai Phong is a commercial as well as industrial center and is the 3rd most populous metropolis in the country. Hai Phong is a pretty city that retains a colonial look. The city is also referred to as ‘The City of Flame Flowers’ because the majority of its streets are dotted with flame flower trees. Hai Phong also serves as a charming base when visiting other north-eastern spots such as Halong Bay and Cat Ba.

Today morning, you’ll be transferred to Haiphong, where you board your classical Vietnamese junk. In the afternoon, cruise around Lan Ha Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves and witness the sun setting over the tranquil waters before enjoying a superb dinner under the stars.

Day 4: Traversing to Hue

You’ll wake up witnessing sunrise over the bay this morning. Continue cruising before you return back to Hanoi airport in the afternoon for your flight to Hue. In Hanoi, you will have some time to have lunch and do some further exploring before heading to the airport. Later this evening, fly to Hue and check into your city hotel. 

Day 5: Exploring Hue

Famous for its historic values, Hue had been acknowledged as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. If you are a history buff, or simply someone who love discovering extravagant cultures, Vietnam’s former Royal Capital should definitely be on the top list of your travel plan. The city represents the marvelous demonstration of the power of the disappeared Vietnamese feudal empire, including a complex of tombs, monuments, and pagodas that draw tourists coming from all over the globe.

Today, head out for a tour around some of Hue's significant historical sights including the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the citadel accompanied by your guide. Later try your hand at crafting bamboo paper art known as Trucchi. 

Day 6: Cycling Tour of Hue

This morning, make your way for a cycling tour through some of Hue's more rural areas with some stops organized at local houses en route. Spend the night in a typical garden house and enjoy a home-cooked meal that is prepared using ingredients straight from the garden. 

Day 7: Heading to Hoi An

Today, you’ll be driven from Hue to Hoi An. The journey takes about 3 and a half hours. En route, you’ll pass superabundant rice paddy fields and traverse over the Hai Van Pass, which has splendid views on a clear day out to the South China Sea and the Lang Co peninsula. In the afternoon, spend some time relaxing, or you might like to take a walk around the quaint riverside town of Hoi An.

Day 8: Private Tour of Hoi An

Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An today with your private guide offering his expert knowledge. The city's historic district is lined with 16th-century buildings, once a significant trading post for international tourists. Afterward, get ready for a drive out to the medieval Cham ruins at My Son, which is a series of Hindu temples that have now been claimed by the enormous jungle surrounding them. The afternoon is free for you to relax and explore at your own leisure. You can try out the hotel's pool for some cooling off after the day's exploration.

Day 9: Venturing to Saigon

Today morning, you’ll be driven to Danang airport for a brief flight to Saigon in southern Vietnam accompanied by your private guide. Upon arrival, you're met by your private guide. On your way to Saigon, stop at the Cu Chi tunnels and get to learn a little more about the Vietnam war as well as the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. If you are comfortable with narrow spaces, it's possible to enter a few of the tunnels and see their exhibitions and videos when these tunnels were in use. Later in the evening, embark on an interesting discovery of Saigon on the back of a Vespa as part of a group tour. You will try out some mouth-watering street food, enjoy local music and experience the city from a distinctive viewpoint of your experienced local guide.

Day 10: Full Day Tour of Saigon

Embark on a full day tour today to a quaint area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. You will get to travel using various means of transport, learn about local farming practices and relish a freshly prepared lunch in a local home. This is going to be an interesting way to witness an unperturbed side of the country.

Day 11: Departure Back Home

After breakfast, you are collected from your hotel and transferred to the international airport for your onward flight.

If you have any queries regarding traveling in Vietnam or planning a visit to the country, you can fill out the inquiry form or contact us at Priyanka.sharma@Leisure.com and we’ll try to answer them for you as soon as possible. For more travel inspiration, read all our articles for some amazing trips around the world.