Discover the most important cultural landmarks of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam on an unforgettable journey.
Sail overnight aboard a traditional wooden junk through the pristine waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts.
Experience authentic Vietnamese traditions during a tranquil boat ride in the Mekong Delta, where daily life unfolds along the river.
This private, tailor-made 12-day Vietnam heritage tour blends cultural discovery, comfort, and meaningful local encounters for a truly immersive travel experience.
This 12-day Vietnam heritage tour offers an in-depth journey through Vietnam’s heritage, from north to south, highlighting historic landmarks, iconic landscapes, and the enduring richness of Vietnamese culture.
In Northern Vietnam, explore Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, where ancient history, breathtaking nature, and traditional ways of life reflect the spiritual and rural roots of the region. Central Vietnam then reveals its imperial past in Hue and the mercantile charm of Hoi An—both UNESCO World Heritage sites and outstanding examples of Vietnam’s architectural and cultural legacy.
In the south, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta showcase a different facet of Vietnam’s heritage, where river-based lifestyles, vibrant floating markets, and local craftsmanship preserve age-old Vietnamese traditions.
Each stage of this journey combines cultural heritage, spectacular scenery, and authentic human connections, offering a deep and meaningful immersion into the heart of Vietnam.
Carefully designed to showcase the richness of Vietnam’s heritage, this Vietnam heritage tour highlights the country’s historical depth through living Vietnamese traditions, distinctive architecture, and thousands of years of cultural evolution.
Each region unveils a unique aspect of Vietnam’s heritage:
The rural landscapes and spiritual traditions of Northern Vietnam
The imperial legacy and architectural treasures of Central Vietnam
The river life, traditional music, and artisan crafts of Southern Vietnam
This Vietnam heritage tour combines cultural visits with gentle walking tours, scenic cycling routes, and relaxing river cruises, allowing travelers to discover both tangible and intangible heritage. From monumental landmarks to everyday traditions, the journey offers a comprehensive exploration of UNESCO-recognized sites and local culture.
Created for travelers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences, this itinerary brings you closer to living traditions, local craftsmanship, and the genuine way of life of the Vietnamese people – delivering a profound immersion into Vietnamese culture and Vietnam’s heritage from north to south.
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival – First Visit (L, D)
Day 2: Hanoi – City Tour (B, L)
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land) (B, L)
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B, L)
Day 6: Hue – City tour (B, L, D)
Day 7: Hue – Hoi An (B, L, D)
Day 8: Hoi An – Free day (Meals at leisure)
Day 9: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh city – City tour (B, L, D)
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Vinh Long (B, L, D)
Day 11: Vinh Long – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh city (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh city – Departure (B)
Transfer: ~30 km | ~45 minutes
Welcome to Vietnam and the beginning of your Vietnam heritage tour. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you are met by your guide and driver and transferred to the heart of Hanoi. Once known as Thang Long, the “Rising Dragon,” Hanoi is a capital shaped by more than a thousand years of history, where modern rhythms coexist with remarkably preserved layers of Vietnam’s heritage.
Check in at your hotel (rooms available from 2:00 PM).
After your long journey, enjoy a relaxing massage at Huong Sen Spa, choosing between a full-body or foot treatment. Rooted in traditional wellness practices, this experience offers gentle restoration and balance.
The remainder of the day is free for your first independent exploration of Hanoi’s lakes, tree-lined boulevards, and lively streets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide—your first introduction to authentic Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
After breakfast, continue your Vietnam heritage tour with an exploration of Hanoi’s most iconic cultural sites, offering deep insight into the city’s history and living Vietnamese traditions.
Stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter, wander past traditional tube houses, visit Dong Xuan Market, and stop at a local communal house or temple reflecting neighborhood spiritual life. Walk across the historic Long Bien Bridge, enjoy a cup of famous egg coffee, and observe daily life along the residential railway.
Continue to West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and an important symbol of Buddhist Vietnamese culture.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a lasting emblem of Confucian learning, before enjoying a peaceful walk to Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet show—an art form deeply rooted in rural folklore and Vietnamese traditions.
Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Transfer: ~100 km | ~1h40–2h
Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, a region famed for limestone karsts, tranquil waterways, and rice fields—often called “Halong Bay on Land” and considered one of the most striking natural expressions of Vietnam’s heritage.
Arrive in Ninh Xuan and climb Mua Mountain, historically linked to royal performances of the Tran Dynasty. From the summit, admire sweeping views of Tam Coc’s rivers and countryside, then explore Mua Cave below.
Continue with a leisurely cycling tour through rural villages, offering close interaction with local residents and insight into enduring Vietnamese traditions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding beneath natural caves and through landscapes shaped by centuries of agriculture.
Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Tam Coc
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Transfer: ~180 km | ~4 hours
Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic seascapes—an essential highlight of any Vietnam heritage tour.
Around midday, board a traditional wooden junk and begin cruising through the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Lunch is served on board as limestone islands rise from emerald waters.
In the afternoon, explore Cap La Island by kayak, followed by time to swim or relax on the beach. As the sun sets, return to the boat and unwind on the sundeck.
In the evening, join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare fresh spring rolls, an important element of Vietnamese culture and culinary heritage. Dinner features local seafood and regional specialties.
Overnight: On board (private cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Start the day early to experience Halong Bay at dawn. Join a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast, a peaceful moment connected to traditional wellness practices.
Later, visit Thien Canh Son Cave, showcasing the bay’s remarkable geological heritage.
After lunch on board, disembark and return to Hanoi for your evening flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Overnight: Hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Today focuses on Hue, a refined city that embodies the imperial soul of Vietnam’s heritage.
Begin at the Imperial Citadel, the political and ceremonial center of the Nguyen Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Minh Mang Mausoleum, admired for its harmony between architecture and natural surroundings.
Visit Phu Mong Village, known for traditional garden houses, then explore Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River and the tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda, where monastic life continues according to long-standing Vietnamese traditions.
End the day at Dong Ba Market, Hue’s most vibrant marketplace, offering a glimpse into daily life and local culinary customs.
Overnight: Hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Transfer: ~150 km | ~3–4 hours
Depart Hue for Hoi An, traveling along one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes. Pass Thuan An Beach and Lang Co Lagoon before crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, where mountains meet the sea.
Along the way, observe coastal cemeteries—unique cultural landscapes reflecting spiritual beliefs and funerary Vietnamese traditions.
Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Today is free to explore Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. This exceptionally preserved trading port, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest showcases of Vietnamese culture.
Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, Phuc Thanh Pagoda (dating back to 1454), and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Wander lantern-lit streets lined with ancient houses and merchant residences reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.
Alternatively, relax on nearby beaches such as An Bang or Cua Dai, or explore surrounding craft villages specializing in pottery, vegetable farming, or woodworking—living expressions of Vietnam’s heritage.
Overnight: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: At leisure
Transfer: ~1-hour flight
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where southern Vietnam’s modern energy meets historical depth. After a short rest, begin an orientation tour of the historic center.
Visit Ben Thanh Market and the People’s Committee Building, one of Vietnam’s finest examples of French colonial architecture.
In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, illustrating over 3,000 years of healing practices, followed by a visit to Cho Lon (Chinatown) and Thien Hau Temple – important spiritual centers rooted in Vietnamese culture.
Overnight: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Transfer: ~2 hours to Ben Tre | ~2 hours to Vinh Long
Travel to the Mekong Delta, a region where rivers shape daily life and preserve strong Vietnamese traditions.
Arrive in Ben Tre and enjoy a boat ride through coconut-growing areas. Visit traditional brick kilns, sample fresh tropical fruits, and enjoy honey tea in a garden setting.
Continue by bicycle or xe loi through coconut groves, stopping at family workshops producing coconut candy and woven mats. Later, take a peaceful rowboat ride through palm-shaded canals.
Transfer to Vinh Long and cross to An Binh Island. In the evening, prepare dinner with your hosts – an authentic cultural exchange centered on local cuisine.
Overnight: Homestay in Vinh Long
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Transfer: ~1 hour to Can Tho | ~3 hours to Ho Chi Minh city
Enjoy a morning cycling tour through orchards and coconut groves to Oc Island, offering a genuine glimpse into rural southern life. Visit a local market and a coconut-processing workshop where traditional craftsmanship endures.
Continue to Con Son Island for an intimate Don Ca Tai Tu performance, a form of southern folk music recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage – an emotional highlight of your Vietnam heritage tour.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
After breakfast, enjoy free time for relaxation or last-minute shopping. At the appropriate time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your immersive Vietnam heritage tour through the heart of Vietnamese culture and traditions.
Meals: Breakfast included
This Vietnam heritage tour is designed at an easy and comfortable pace, suitable for travelers of all ages. The itinerary combines cultural sightseeing, short walks, gentle cycling, scenic cruises, and traditional boat rides, without any strenuous physical activity.
Days are well balanced, even though some road transfers are longer—particularly between regions in Northern, Central Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta. Overall, the program allows plenty of time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
To travel comfortably in Vietnam, we recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and light cycling
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Outfits covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
A small backpack for day excursions
A light jacket or windbreaker for Halong Bay and cooler evenings
Vietnam’s climate varies by region, but the best periods for this complete North-to-South itinerary are:
March to May: Pleasant temperatures throughout the country, lush green landscapes
September to November: Mild weather and stunning rice fields in Northern Vietnam
A light rain jacket is recommended, especially if traveling between June and September, when brief tropical showers are common.
The tour features a thoughtful selection of charming hotels, an overnight cruise on a traditional junk, and a homestay in the Mekong Delta. This combination ensures a comfortable journey while offering meaningful immersion into local life, always with a focus on safety and quality.
Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming, and a few simple gestures go a long way:
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
Ask for permission before photographing local people
Show respect when visiting villages and staying with local families
These small attentions help create genuine and positive cultural exchanges.
Carry some cash for local markets and small tips
Drink bottled water only
Adjust your pace during hot weather, especially in Southern Vietnam
This tour is an excellent choice for a first journey to Vietnam, combining cultural discovery, natural beauty, UNESCO heritage sites, and authentic local encounters—an enriching and memorable introduction to the country.
From USD 1,220 per person
(Price based on 4 travelers staying in standard hotels. The final cost may vary depending on travel dates, number of participants, and selected services.)
Accommodation throughout the itinerary, in carefully selected hotels and local homestays
All transfers and transportation as per the program in a private vehicle
Professional English-speaking guide for all visits mentioned in the itinerary
All activities listed in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
Domestic flights in economy class, including airport taxes
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Bottled water during guided tours (2 × 500 ml per person per day)
All currently applicable government taxes (VAT, etc.)
International flights to and from Vietnam
Visa or e-visa fees
Bank or payment transaction fees
Personal travel insurance
Personal drinks during meals (beer, soft drinks, fruit juice, etc.)
Meals not mentioned in the program
SIM card and mobile data packages
Tips, personal expenses, and any services not clearly listed under “Price includes”
This authentic Vietnam heritage tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s heritage, regional diversity, and the spirit of its people. Our team supports you at every step to design a meaningful journey focused on Vietnamese culture, living traditions, and local encounters, ensuring a well-balanced experience from North to South.
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📧 Email : voyagevietnam.qag@gmail.com
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