Itinerary
- Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Your private guide meets you at Tan Son Nhat airport and takes you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. You can rest from your flight if needed, or head out to check out some local markets if you're feeling up to it. In the evening, join everyone for a welcome dinner with local specialties.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome Dinner with local specialities)
Included Activities
- Airport pickup with private guide and transport
- Optional local market exploration
Optional Activities
- Local market tour and surrounding area exploration
- Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Today you'll see Ho Chi Minh City's main sights with your private guide. Start at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, then move to Thien Hau Pagoda in Chinatown. A cyclo takes you through Cho Lon Markets before you see traditional stilt houses. After that, the War Remnants Museum comes next, and you'll grab pho for lunch. The afternoon includes Reunification Palace and French colonial buildings, finishing with cocktails at the Rex Hotel rooftop bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Vietnamese Pho - tasty and nourishing broth with noodles and fresh herbs)
Included Activities
- Ho Thi Ky Flower Market visit
- Thien Hau Pagoda visit
- Cyclo tour of Cho Lon Markets
- Stilt houses viewing
- War Remnants Museum entrance and guided visit
- Reunification Palace entrance and visit
- French colonial architecture tour including Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, City Hall
- Lunch - Vietnamese Pho
Optional Activities
- Cocktails at Rex Hotel rooftop bar
Landmarks/POIs Ho Thi Ky Flower Market Thien Hau Pagoda Cho Lon Markets War Remnants Museum Reunification Palace Notre Dame Cathedral Opera House Rex Hotel - Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you'll head to Cu Chi Tunnels, one of Vietnam's most visited attractions. Along the way, stop at a rubber tree plantation to learn how rubber tapping works and Vietnam's history as a top rubber producer. Underground in the tunnel networks, you'll see the hiding spots, communication routes, and living quarters the Viet Cong used during the war. Back in Ho Chi Minh City by evening, with an optional street food tour available if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Rubber plantation tour and rubber tapping demonstration
- Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and guided underground exploration
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Evening street food tour with local delicacies at traditional eateries
Landmarks/POIs Cu Chi Tunnels - Day 4
Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho
After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to Cai Be Pier on the Mekong River and board a traditional sampan boat for a calm canal cruise. You'll visit Tan Phong Island and explore by bicycle, meeting local families and seeing how they make rice paper and thatch roofs. Lunch comes with fresh Mekong specialties shared with the family. Continue through smaller canals by boat, visiting artisans who make coconut candy and pottery. Stop at Vinh Long Pier and market, then end in Can Tho with time to walk through the busy night market.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Mekong delicacies with local family - fresh spring rolls, fried pumpkin flower, braised pork soaked in coconut juice)
Included Activities
- 2-hour drive to Cai Be Pier
- Sampan boat cruise on Mekong canals
- Tan Phong Island visit
- Fruit orchard stop with traditional music performance
- Bicycle tour of Tan Phong Island
- Local family visits and demonstrations
- Lunch - Mekong delicacies including fresh spring rolls, fried pumpkin flower, braised pork in coconut juice
- Boat tour of smaller Mekong canals
- Artisan demonstrations - coconut candy, rice wine, pottery, brick making
- Vinh Long Pier and market visit
Landmarks/POIs Cai Be Pier Tan Phong Island Vinh Long Market Can Tho Night Market - Day 5
Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City
Wake early for a private boat ride to Cai Rang, Asia's largest floating market. Watch the sunrise and see locals selling produce boat-to-boat, with chances to buy items and have morning coffee at floating coffee shops. Return for breakfast at your hotel, then check out and drive to My Tho to see Vinh Trang Pagoda, a five-acre Buddhist temple with distinctive architecture and sculptures. Later, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and settle into your hotel. An optional craft beer and cocktails tour is available in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private boat to Cai Rang Floating Market at sunrise
- Floating market exploration and boat-to-boat trading observation
- Vinh Trang pagoda visit and guided tour
Optional Activities
- One Night in Saigon: Craft Beer and Cocktails Tour
Landmarks/POIs Cai Rang Floating Market Vinh Trang Pagoda - Day 6
Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Your guide picks you up for a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, where local guides meet you. Private transport takes you to Hoi An, about 40 minutes away, a UNESCO world heritage site. After checking in, you'll take a walking tour through the pedestrian Old Town with its ancient buildings and temples showing Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. See the Japanese Covered Bridge, an old merchant's house, and the famous lanterned streets and markets. Grab lunch at a local spot, and as the sun sets, thousands of colorful lamps light up throughout the streets, buildings, and river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang
- Private transport from Da Nang airport to Hoi An
- Walking tour of Hoi An Old Town
- Japanese Covered Bridge visit
- Old Merchant's House visit
- Lanterned streets and markets exploration
- Lunch
Landmarks/POIs Hoi An Old Town Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An Markets - Day 7
Hoi An
After breakfast, your guide brings quality bikes and you'll cycle about 3km to Tra Que Herbal Village, a flat and easy route from the Old Quarter. The village grows fragrant herbs like basil, peppermint, and cilantro by hand. Meet locals, join in daily tasks, take photos with a water buffalo, and try making lanterns. During a coffee and lunch break, you'll eat Cao Lau, a Hoi An specialty with pork, noodles, and fresh herbs. The ride back through countryside is about 17km over 4 hours total, and the tour adjusts to your group's speed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Cao Lau - Hoi An specialty with pork, noodles, and fresh herbs from local fields)
Included Activities
- Bicycle tour to Tra Que Herbal Village
- Herbal cultivation participation and demonstrations
- Local family interactions
- Water buffalo photo opportunity
- Lantern-making experience
- Coffee break
- Lunch - Cao Lau with fresh herbs from local fields
Landmarks/POIs Tra Que Herbal Village - Day 8
Hoi An
Your day is free to rest and explore on your own, or pick from optional activities. Join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class and market tour to make spring rolls, grilled sea bass in banana leaf, and bun cha pork patties. Alternatively, hike Marble Mountains, a group of limestone hills with pagodas, caves, and Buddhist temples where views from the top are worth the climb. Or explore the old My Son Cham ruins, centuries-old Hindu temples with detailed carvings still standing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Vietnamese cooking class and market tour - make spring rolls, grilled sea bass in banana leaf, bun cha pork patties
- Marble Mountains hiking with pagodas, caves, and Buddhist temples
- My Son Cham ruins tour - ancient Hindi temples with intricate carvings
- Souvenir shopping
Landmarks/POIs Marble Mountains My Son Cham Ruins - Day 9
Hoi An to Hue
After breakfast, private transport takes you to Hue by driving through Hai Van Pass, which means 'sea clouds,' offering majestic views of the sea and white sand beaches with multiple photo stops. Lunch with views is available along the way if you want it. Once in Hue, check in at your hotel and then explore by cyclo. Head to the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by an ancient moat and stone walls. Tour the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and Royal Theatre to take in the culture, history, and architecture. Return to your hotel to rest, with dinner recommendations provided.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transport from Hoi An to Hue
- Hai Van Pass scenic drive with multiple photo stops
- Cyclo tour of Hue Citadel
- Hue Citadel entrance and guided tour
- Imperial City exploration
- Forbidden Purple City visit
- Royal Theatre visit
Optional Activities
- Optional lunch with views at Hai Van Pass
Landmarks/POIs Hai Van Pass Hue Citadel Imperial City Forbidden Purple City Royal Theatre - Day 10
Hue
This full-day tour shows Hue's best attractions starting with Thanh Toan Bridge, a hidden gem with rare squared timber arch and old ceramics. Meet Ms Thuy, who makes Vietnam's famous conical hats. Visit King Tu Duc Tomb, the most impressive royal mausoleum with courtyards, pavilions, temples, and chambers. Tour Bunker Hill overlooking Perfume River for panoramic views and old military bunkers. Eat lunch at a peaceful nunnery pagoda. Explore Tiger Arena, an ancient colosseum where tigers and elephants fought. End at the iconic seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, then cruise down the Perfume River in a classic dragon boat back to the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Thanh Toan Bridge visit
- Local conical hat maker Ms Thuy visit and demonstration
- King Tu Duc Tomb entrance and guided tour
- Bunker Hill visit with panoramic views and military bunker exploration
- Tiger Arena visit and tour
- Thien Mu Pagoda visit
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Lunch at nunnery pagoda
Landmarks/POIs Thanh Toan Bridge King Tu Duc Tomb Bunker Hill Tiger Arena Thien Mu Pagoda Perfume River - Day 11
Hue to Hanoi
After breakfast, check out and head to Phu Bai airport for a 60-minute flight to Hanoi, where the northern team greets you. Private transport takes you to settle in at your accommodation with lunch suggestions given. In the afternoon, take a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter's narrow, winding streets where merchants once gathered, with great photo opportunities and glimpses of Hanoi's past. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful central spot where locals practice tai chi and meditate. Learn the ancient legend about an emperor, magic sword, and golden turtle. End the evening at Thang Long theatre for the famous water puppets show, an 11th-century art form with live music and traditional singing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Hue to Hanoi
- Private airport pickup and hotel drop-off in Hanoi
- Cyclo tour of Old Quarter
- Hoan Kiem Lake visit and exploration
- Water puppets show at Thang Long theatre
Landmarks/POIs Old Quarter Hoan Kiem Lake Thang Long Theatre - Day 12
Hanoi
After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary Ho Chi Minh. Tour the Mausoleum, Presidential Residence, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Next, visit Huu Tiep Lake where a B52 bomber was shot down and remains partially visible. Explore the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 as Vietnam's first university and dedicated to Confucius. Lunch happens at a local restaurant specializing in Hanoi cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally built by the French for political prisoners and later holding American POWs called the 'Hanoi Hilton'. Close the day at Museum of Ethnology with exhibits on Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hanoi regional cuisine)
Included Activities
- Ho Chi Minh Complex entrance and tour
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum visit
- Presidential Residence visit
- One Pillar Pagoda visit
- Huu Tiep Lake (B52 Lake) visit
- Temple of Literature entrance and guided tour
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum entrance and visit
- Museum of Ethnology entrance and visit
- Lunch - Hanoi regional cuisine restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Ho Chi Minh Complex Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Presidential Residence One Pillar Pagoda Huu Tiep Lake Temple of Literature Hoa Lo Prison Museum Museum of Ethnology - Day 13
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Morning pickup for a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Stop in the traditional town of Sao Do for refreshments. Arrive at the passenger port around midday for a safety briefing. Board your cruise, get a welcome drink, and set sail. Lunch is served on deck as you cruise toward limestone islands in emerald waters. In the afternoon, visit Tien Ong Cave with stalactites, caverns, and massive limestone formations. Swim in Halong Bay's waters. Join Sunset Happy Hour with drinks, socializing, and a Masterchef competition. Evening features a set menu dinner with optional night squid fishing or cabin rest.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch served on deck), Dinner (Set menu dinner carefully chosen and prepared to cater for all tastes)
Included Activities
- Scenic shuttle bus drive through Red River Delta
- Refreshment stop in Sao Do town
- Cruise boat boarding with welcome drink
- Lunch on deck
- Tien Ong Cave entrance and guided visit
- Swimming in Halong Bay
- Sunset Happy Hour with drinks and activities
- Set menu dinner
- Overnight stay on cruise boat
Optional Activities
- Night squid fishing activity
Landmarks/POIs Halong Bay Tien Ong Cave - Day 14
Halong Bay to Hanoi
The day starts with a sunrise tai chi lesson with complimentary tea and coffee. After light breakfast, the cruise sails to Cua Van Floating Village, featured in Huffington Post's 'Insanely Beautiful Small Towns.' Choose between kayaking or a traditional rowboat to explore local water life. A tasty brunch and rest time follow before disembarking at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. Return to Hanoi by comfortable shuttle bus with a refreshment stop at Dong Trieu Ceramics Village. Your hotel drops you off in Hanoi.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast on cruise), Brunch (Tasty brunch)
Included Activities
- Sunrise tai chi lesson with tea and coffee
- Light breakfast on cruise
- Cua Van Floating Village visit
- Kayaking or traditional rowboat excursion
- Brunch
- Cruise boat disembarkation
- Comfortable shuttle bus transport to Hanoi
- Dong Trieu Ceramics Village refreshment stop
- Hotel drop-off in Hanoi
Landmarks/POIs Cua Van Floating Village Dong Trieu Ceramics Village - Day 15
Hanoi Departure
On your departure day, after checking out, your guide helps with your bags and makes sure you get to the airport on time. Whether you're heading home or continuing elsewhere, you'll leave with great memories from your Maika Tour experience.
Included Activities
- Private airport transfer with guide assistance
