10-Day Picturesque Highlights Tour of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City boasts a wealth of picturesque sightseeing opportunities and cultural landmarks. Many of these essential locations can be found alongside the gentle waves of the Mekong Delta. To discover these fascinating finds, you will traverse the winding waters of the Delta in the comfort of a luxurious speed boat. You will board the boat early in the morning and will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide. Set off in search of key riverside highlights while your guide shares local insight on Vietnamese tradition and local river lifestyle. All the while, you can snack on a light breakfast to keep your hunger bug at bay. Your travels will take you to deeply spiritual sites such as Tuong Van Pagoda and Cao Dai Temple. You can explore the colorful, age-old buildings and capture magical memories in these meticulously-crafted sites. Your tour will sweep you through a vibrant riverside market that is bursting with life, where you can peruse odds and ends that are sprawled across the endearing stall displays. Before returning to the shore for an exquisite Vietnamese dinner, you can encounter the immense expanse that is known as the Delta of Nine Dragons. This is where the nine tributaries diverge from the river’s body.

Southeast Asian countries are known for their delightful delicacies, and Vietnam is no exception. The country is home to a collection of unique, mouthwatering meals that you will rarely find anywhere else. You will spend your third day discovering the enticing flavors of Vietnamese food. From street food to high-end cuisine, indulge in Ho Chi Minh’s cuisine with your private tour guide in search of the city’s most coveted treats. You will begin your journey at an iconic morning market. The location will exude an authentic spirit with locals and foreigners queuing at bustling stalls. The wafts of simmering Pho, which is a traditional Vietnamese noodle broth, will be spread in all directions. The clinks and clanks of cooking pots, and the hum of people as they call their orders will create a lively atmosphere. You will feel a rush of excitement as your guide directs you to the most beloved stalls. You will continue to an esteemed culinary school where you will learn the art of the country’s flavorful cuisine. With the help of expert cooks, you will prepare intricate meals and tuck into your marvelous creations for lunch. Your expedition will culminate at an award-winning restaurant that is famous for its sophisticated take on traditional cuisine. At the helm of this upper-class restaurant is a revered, celebrity chef who will allow you to samples some of the top-rated dishes before providing you with a delicious meal of your own.

You will retreat from the buzzing city to a peaceful lakeside resort in Phong Nha on your fourth day. In the thick of the wilderness, you will be completely immersed in secluded luxury during your stay. Your resort will boast world-class amenities with private suites that are set alongside sweeping views of Dong Suon Lake. With calm waters and the sounds of nature to welcome you, you will feel worlds away from civilization. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool upon your arrival and let the day slowly drift past in sheer style. Later this morning, you will transfer to the Botanic Gardens for an impressive display of the indigenous wildlife. This trip will give you a taste of the tropical beauty that awaits, however, it will not fail to provide a riveting experience amid the luscious forests. More of an immersive jungle paradise than a simple botanic garden, this destination shares picturesque vistas of pounding waterfalls and up-close encounters with colorful creatures. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras because it will be possible for you to spot an array of local animals. You will return to your resort later in the afternoon for sunset vistas over a gourmet meal. Delight in delicate Vietnamese cuisine and sip on elegant cocktails as the sky turns a fiery orange and the night releases the stars.

Phong Nha National Park, which is only a short distance from your resort, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a major set piece for the latest installment of the Kong franchise. It is an immensely popular destination because of its unspoiled natural beauty. The holy grail of this wilderness wonderland is the impressive cave complexes that are accessible via the tropical jungle. Today, you will encounter the unique wildlife and environment as you traverse the jungle and brave the rugged caves. Your expert guide who will be well-versed in the area will collect you in the morning and transfer you to the park. You will trek along the sprawling landscape and witness stretching fields, mighty buffaloes, and the flowing Rao Nan River. Your expedition will continue up rugged mountain passes and down to Hung Ton Cave, and your nature hike will culminate at the Tu Lan campsite. All the while, you will have captured images of the serene karst mountains, evergreen jungle, and jagged cave systems. You will conclude your adventurous day with a delicious dinner before settling into your accommodation under the distinct tree line.

You will wake to the scent of delicious breakfast as it is being prepared under the dense foliage of the jungle. Today, you will set off on a riveting tour through the magnificent Tu Lan Cave system. Swim along a river that flows through the caves and downstream toward the blue waters of a lagoon, and witness the towering rock formations as they arch overhead, creating momentous cave tunnels that guide you through the complex. You will feel a great sense of historical significance as you traverse these rugged cliff faces. Throughout the expedition, you will capture picturesque images of the gorgeous natural sightings before arriving at a flowing waterfall for lunch and delighting in a picnic among the untamed jungle caves. Complete isolation from the urban world will instill great admiration for the environment that you have had the luxury of exploring. You can wade in the waters of the naturally formed cave pools before you continue out of the cave complex and through the sweeping valley where you will enjoy refreshments and a quick shower before you bid your farewells to your guides and return to your resort in Phong Nha. Once you arrive at your accommodation, you will indulge in a fine dining experience at your hotel’s distinguished restaurant to conclude your enchanting cave exploration.

While Hanoi may not be at the top of the list when planning a luxurious Southeast Asian getaway, it continues to advance into remarkable territory with a wealth of stunning, luxury accommodations. Furthermore, there is a collection of captivating and authentic experiences within the city that make for an affluent stay. Hanoi’s historical connection with France and China has given rise to an impressive display of fusion architecture that is perfectly captured in your exceptional suite. Shortly after checking into your luxurious room, you will meet your private tour guide and comfortably transfer to pivotal destinations across the city. You will visit iconic relics and ornate pagodas as your guide shares valuable insight into the dynamic heritage of the region. Your tour will reveal picture-perfect images of the traditional settings amid the pristine natural environments. Evergreen fields and ancient trees circle the impressive spiritual monuments, sharing unforgettable memories with you at each stop. Your tour will culminate at a premier Vietnamese restaurant in the city, where you will dine on a selection of tantalizing and traditional dishes.

The following full day in Hanoi will be jam-packed with activities that are geared towards sharing the natural beauty of the surrounding areas and sacred spiritual grounds. Early in the morning, your knowledgeable tour guide will collect you in a comfortable coach early in the morning. You will transfer to the Ninh Binh Province and encounter the cascading, emerald countryside along the way. The hustle and bustle of the city will fade behind you as you enter the rural landscapes that encompass the province. The first destination on your tour will be the striking Bai Dinh Pagoda. Amid the pristine, jungle setting stands a towering spiritual complex that is surrounded by a number of sacred landmarks. You can enjoy a leisurely car ride to the entrance of the building and learn more about tradition as you walk its golden halls. You can capture images of relics from the past and intricately curated spiritual displays before the tour continues to the Trang An Grottoes, where you will board an authentic sampan boat. Cruise the calm canals for uninterrupted vistas of the riverside wilderness. You will journey through remarkable caves that cut through the rugged mountain ranges and voyage alongside immense mangroves. You will return to your Hanoi after a thorough exploration of the countryside for gourmet dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.

The final expedition on your best of Vietnam tour will take you out on the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay within the comfort of a regal cruise liner. You will arrive at the pier, which is only a short way from Hanoi, and board the luxurious ship. You will settle into your exclusive suite with a private terrace for unrivaled views during your trip. The utterly luxurious cruise liner will be complete with spacious rooms, professional staff, and a fine dining restaurant. You will delight in the luxury of your own private butler for the duration of your cruise. You will feel at home away from home as you unwind in style on the deck of this world-class cruise liner where you can marvel at the gorgeous islands that are scattered around the bay. From the comfort of the open-air deck, you can capture unforgettable images of the imposing limestone cliffs and cresting rainforests. Your knowledgeable crew will bring the expedition to life as they share fascinating information about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the fashionable amenities at your leisure and conclude the evening with an incredible Vietnamese meal that will be prepared by the head chefs. Remarkable sunset vistas will culminate your idyllic voyage.

Today, you will soak up the relaxing ambiance after waking up and tucking into a breakfast spread. Spend the last few hours of your leisurely cruise reminiscing about your incredible adventure in Vietnam before exploring more of the surreal, island views as you slowly make your way back to the pier. You can delight in creating lifelong memories together as you capture gorgeous shots of the sea. You will arrive on the pier shortly and make your way back to Hanoi. You can indulge in one last exceptional lunch at a leading restaurant before transferring to the airport. You will joyfully depart with the confidence that you have explored the best of Vietnam’s immaculate treasures.