10-Day Vietnam Express: Saigon to Hanoi [2026 Updated]

  • Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre - Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue - Ha Noi - Halong Bay
  • 0 booked
  • 10 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS
  • Duration: 10 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS
  • Language: English

Overview

Vietnam in 2026 is an invitation to slow down, even on an express route. This 10-day journey is engineered for the traveler who demands a profound connection with the land, moving beyond the “checklist” to inhabit the culture. We’ve curated a route that captures the country’s rapid evolution—from the high-tech urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the carbon-neutral initiatives of Halong Bay and the “Ha Long on Land” landscapes of Ninh Binh.

As we enter 2026, the focus has shifted toward Experience-Centered Tourism. We leverage the latest infrastructure upgrades, including premium domestic air links and eco-certified stays, to ensure your journey is as seamless as it is deep. This isn’t a rushed transit; it is a 10-day conversation with the Vietnamese spirit, led by experts who live and breathe this land. Whether you are navigating the hand-rowed canals of Ben Tre or witnessing the spiritual mist of the Hai Van Pass, we prioritize authentic “nhiệt huyết” (passion) over generic sightseeing. See Vietnam through local eyes, from the “Smart City” innovations of the North to the timeless, slow-paced rhythm of the Mekong Delta.

Highlights

  • Master the art of rice paper making at a local household near My Son, supporting village-led vocational preservation.
  • Private, expert-led tours of the newly restored Kien Trung Palace within the Hue Citadel-a masterpiece of Indochine fusion architecture
  • Navigate the Delta’s secluded canals of Ben Tre by hand-rowed sampan, avoiding the heavy wakes of the mass-market tour boats.
  • Overnight on a luxury vessel with zero-single-use-plastic policies, sailing deep into Ha Long Bay – the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
  • Expert-led evening street food tours through the 36 Streets of the Old Quarter to find the city’s best Bun Cha and Egg Coffee.
  • A traditional rowboat journey through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where 10th-century history meets towering karst peaks.

 


 

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • The tour start on time but the pickup times will be earlier round 30 minutes
  • May be operated, under request by a multi-lingual guide (English & Vietnamese speaking)
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved among attractions.
  • Surcharges for peak season, Tet Lunar New Year holidays, and mandatory dinners at certain hotels and resorts on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
  • Required tipping for guide and driver

 


 

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation fees are calculated based on the rules of each local supplier, since different cruise lines and partners have their own policies.
  • For cruises, the detailed cancellation and refund policy appears on each cruise page under the Rate and Availability tab.
  • There is no refund or exchange if the customer opts out while the tour is in progress.
  • We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance sufficient coverage.
  • If you do not use any confirmed service, no compensation will be given for the unused portion.
  • This applies to FIT bookings. For GIT bookings we will confirm separate conditions during quotation and contracting.
  • Some hotels and cruises have special conditions during promotions and peak seasons. We will confirm these by email and those terms will apply. All cancellations must be sent to us by email.

Multi day tours from 3 days and above

  • More than 60 days before arrival date: free of charge

  • From 30 to 59 days before arrival date: 30 percent of total rate

  • From 15 to 29 days before arrival date: 50 percent of total rate

  • From 7 to 14 days before arrival date: 70 percent of total rate

  • Less than 7 days before arrival date or no show: 100 percent of total rate

Halong Bay cruise

  • More than 30 days before check in: free of charge

  • From 11 to 30 days before check in: 30 percent of total rate

  • From 7 to 10 days before check in: 50 percent of total rate

  • Less than 7 days before check in or no show: 100 percent of total rate

Mekong River cruise

  • More than 90 days before check in: 30 percent of the cruise price

  • From 60 to 89 days before check in: 50 percent of the cruise price

  • From 30 to 59 days before check in: 75 percent of the cruise price

  • Less than 30 days before check in: 100 percent of the cruise price

Short tours from 1 to 3 days

  • More than 7 days prior: 10 percent of total rate

  • From 4 to 7 days prior: 50 percent of total rate

  • Less than 3 days prior or no show: 100 percent of total rate

What To Expect

1

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Touch down at the 2026-expanded Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Terminal. Your private driver whisks you to the city center. After a quick refresh, walk the heritage circuit from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Central Post Office, where old-world French aesthetics meet the neon shadows of the Bitexco Tower. Saigon in 2026 is a study in contrast—incense-filled pagodas standing firm against a backdrop of cutting-edge innovation.

  • Accommodation: Selected City Hotel, HCMC.

  • Meals: N/A.

2

Day 2: Mekong Delta | Ben Tre’s Regenerative Waterways (B, L)

Experience agricultural tourism in the “Coconut Kingdom” of Ben Tre. We bypass high-traffic routes for a low-impact sampan cruise through palm-fringed canals. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a unique fusion of Asian and European architectural styles, before engaging with local artisanal communities to see traditional coconut candy processing. Enjoy a “Farm-to-Table” lunch featuring the iconic “Elephant Ear Fish.”

  • Accommodation: Selected City Hotel, HCMC.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

3

Day 3: HCMC City Tour & Flight to Da Nang (B)

Analyze Vietnam’s complex history at the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace. This morning is a deep dive into geopolitical history before your domestic flight to the coastal hub of Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer via private vehicle to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, the gateway to Central Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage corridor.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Heritage Villa, Hoi An.

  • Meals: Breakfast.

4

Day 4: My Son Sanctuary | Champa Kingdom Antiquity (B, L)

Explore the Hindu-temple ruins of My Son, a testament to the Champa civilization’s architectural mastery. Participate in a hands-on rice paper workshop in a local home, preserving an intangible cultural heritage skill. After lunch, take a peaceful boat trip along the Thu Bon River, a vital waterway for local trade, as you return to Hoi An.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Heritage Villa, Hoi An.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

5

Day 5: Hoi An to Hue visitting the Hai Van Pass Eco-Route (B, L)

Traverse the Hai Van Pass, a stunning example of coastal biodiversity where the mountains meet the East Sea. Stop at the summit for panoramic views of Lap An Lagoon. Arrive in Hue to visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty fusion architecture. End the day at the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO-protected palace complex that served as the home of the last emperors.

  • Accommodation: Imperial Boutique Hotel, Hue.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

6

Day 6: Flight to Hanoi | Street Food & Intangible Flavors (B, D)

Fly to the millennial capital. After checking into the Old Quarter, join our local food expert for a “deep dive” into Hanoi’s soul. Sample the city’s legendary Pho, Bun Cha, and spring rolls, finishing with a creamy Egg Coffee in a hidden 19th-century alley. This is gastronomy tourism at its most authentic.

  • Accommodation: Heritage Hotel, Hanoi.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Street Food Tour).

7

Day 7: Ha Long Bay | Sustainable Marine Exploration (B, L, D)

Board an eco-friendly luxury cruise in the Gulf of Tonkin. We sail past thousands of limestone peaks, exploring the vast chambers of Sửng Sốt (Amazing) Cave and hiking to the summit of Titop Island for a 360-degree view. Engage in a sunset cooking demonstration on the sundeck before a traditional dinner under the stars.

  • Accommodation: Luxury Cruise Vessel, Halong Bay.

  • Meals: All meals included on the boat.

8

Day 8: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi | Sunrise Tai Chi (B, L)

Wake up for a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the mist clears. Explore Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak through the glass-still waters to protect the marine limestone ecosystem. After an early lunch on board, disembark and return to Hanoi for your final two nights in the North.

  • Accommodation: Heritage Hotel, Hanoi.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

9

Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, dating back to the 10th century. After lunch, a traditional rowboat takes you through the Ninh Binh karst landscape of Tam Coc, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Experience rural tranquility with a bike ride around the village, weaving through rice paddies and limestone cliffs.

  • Accommodation: Heritage Hotel, Hanoi.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

10

Day 10: Departure from Hanoi capital(B)

Enjoy your final Hanoian coffee and a last stroll through the Old Quarter for souvenirs before your private transfer to Noi Bai (HAN) for your flight home. Safe travels!

  • Meals: Breakfast.

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Price from 669$/adults

Planning a private trip for your family, partner, or friends? Message us for a custom quote.
WhatsApp: +84945119894 Email: info@amietravel.com.

 


 

What’s Included

  • Private transportation provided for the entire journey
  • Double/Twin room accommodation with daily breakfast included
  • Meals provided as per the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
  • A bottle of mineral water provided daily per person
  • Admission to all attractions specified in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide as described in the itinerary
  • No surprise charges after service confirmation
  • 24/7 hotline support available

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions
  • The official standard is 3 working days, but during the peak season (January-April), the Vietnam Immigration Department often handles high volumes. We recommend applying at least 10–20 days in advance. If you are from one of the 13 visa-exempt countries, you enjoy a 45-day waiver-simply show your passport upon arrival.

  • In 2026, sustainable travel is the standard. While classic Ha Long is iconic, Lan Ha Bay offers quieter waterways, fewer boats, and cleaner lagoons. It provides the same karst landscape but with a more immersive, "private" feeling that aligns with modern luxury expectations.

  • Vietnam is a 2026 leader in 5G infrastructure. Major providers like Viettel offer flexible eSIM packages (7-day to 30-day) starting around 60,000 VND ($2.50 USD). You can activate these instantly via QR code at the airport or in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for seamless navigation and cloud syncing.

  • Yes. Reopened in 2024 after extensive restoration, the Kien Trung Palace is now a highlight of the Hue Imperial City. It is unique for its blend of Vietnamese, French, and Italian architectural styles and is included in your standard Imperial City entrance ticket.

  • Expect to average 6,000-9,000 steps on city tour days. We utilize private, air-conditioned transport for all long distances, but the historical sites (Citadel, My Son, Hanoi Old Quarter) are best experienced on foot to appreciate the intricate details.

From $669.00






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    Total = $1,338.00

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