From the South to the Center – 8 days
Overview
On schedule during this original 8-day program: the heartbeat of South Vietnam, Hochiminh City, Cu Chi Tunnels and their profound history, the “coconut capital” of Ben Tre, the scenic landscapes and rich floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Hoi An and its eternal beauty, and the imperial city of Hue. A perfect way for tourists who are looking forward to discovering all facets of Southern and Central Vietnam.
- Hochiminh City, the bustling city of the South
- The Mekong Delta, a land blessed with lush nature and animated by floating markets
- Hue and its royal landmarks
- Hoi An, a peaceful town with a unique atmosphere & Tra Que Vegetable Village
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Arrival In Hochiminh City, City Tour (L)
Morning: Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, our driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel for check-in.
You will discover some of the major landscapes of Ho Chi Minh City: Central Post Office built in 1886 by Eiffel, the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its neo-Romanesque style in red bricks, the City Hall, and the Municipal Theatre (Opera House).
Afternoon: We will visit the Reunification Palace, the Chinatown area, the Thien Hau Temple (of the Celestial Lady). Night at the hotel.
Day 2Hochiminh City – Ben Tre - Can Tho (B, L)
08:00: Depart for Ben Tre, the land of coconut trees. You embark on a boat for a cruise through authentic landscapes, discovering the daily life as well as the customs and traditions of the Delta inhabitants. Stop at Long Thanh Island to meet a family who raises bees, where you will taste honey and the fruit of water palms...
Your boat sails towards Mo Cay. Short walk in the village to visit coconut processing workshops. Then, an excursion by tuk-tuk (motorized cart) to Ba Van, where local families specialize in making mats.
Next, a peaceful rowboat excursion through small shaded creeks lined with water palms.
Return aboard the large boat, cruise to the restaurant.
After the meal, take your time to walk around for a deeper exploration of local life.
Transfer to Can Tho with a stop along the way to visit a Khmer pagoda, discovering its typical architecture and Theravada Buddhism.
Night in Can Tho.
Day 3Cai Rang Floating Market - Cai Lay - Hochiminh City (B, L)
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong Delta. Here, observe the unique tradition of boats signaling their wares by hanging samples from a pole.
Visit Tu Dung orchard and enjoy tasting fresh tropical fruits, followed by a tour of a vermicelli workshop.
On the way back to Saigon, stop in Cai Lay at a local farmer’s home to admire his bonsai and fruit trees. Learn how to prepare Banh Xeo, a signature dish of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a homemade lunch in a warm, rural atmosphere.
Back to Hochiminh-city.
Day 4Hochiminh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Flight To Da Nang – Hoi An (B, L)
Morning: Drive 60 km to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network built in 1948 to support the Viet Minh against the French, later expanded during the Vietnam War. This hidden city once sheltered around 10,000 people, with living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and even births taking place underground.
After the visit, transfer directly to the airport for your flight from Hochiminh to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 5Hoi An – Tra Que Vegetable Village – My Son (B, L)
In the morning: Visit the vegetable village of Tra Que, renowned for its aromatic herbs, specifically mint and basil. This morning will introduce you to the life of farmers and their techniques. You'll learn about hoeing and vegetable harvesting. Continue to Cam Thanh village, known for its Nipa palm mangrove. Here, you'll board a traditional round bamboo basket boat, peacefully cruising through picturesque small canals amidst mangroves, lagoons, and water coconut trees. Experience the serenity of the landscape, learn local crab fishing techniques, and enjoy making fun tools from coconut leaves.
Lunch at a local's house.
Afternoon: Depart for My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam's foremost Cham archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located 40 km from Hoi An. This was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century. Explore the impressive red-brick and stone tower-sanctuaries, perfectly illustrating Hinduism's spiritual influence. You may also catch a performance of traditional Champa dances before returning to Hoi An.
Day 6Hoi An – My Son - Da Nang – Hue (B, L)
Morning: Exploring Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage ancient port town that beautifully preserves its 15th to 18th-century charm. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, admiring the blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as:
- 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge
- Phuc Kien Temple, a former meeting hall for Chinese traders.
- Ancient wooden house of wealthy merchants (choose between Tan Ky, Phung Hung)
- A museum (either the Museum of Ceramics or the Cultural Museum of Sa Huynh).
Optional activity: Participate in a lantern-making workshop, where you can design and keep your own lantern as a unique souvenir.
Continue to peacefully stroll through Hoi An's streets, browse art galleries and tailor shops. Don't miss a visit to the "Precious Heritage" gallery-museum by French photographer Réhahn.
Then, we will drive to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. On the way, we will stop to visit Cham Museum in Da Nang, and take a break at the top of Hai Van pass to observe the splendid panorama. After taking a few pictures at the beautiful Lang Co beach, we will reach Hue.
Check-in at the hotel and free time in the evening.
Day 7Hue – City Tour (B, L)
At 8:00 AM, begin your exploration of Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital and a 1993 UNESCO World Heritage site.
Start with the Imperial City, the heart of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty. Explore its key areas: The Citadel, Imperial City, and Forbidden Purple City, including landmarks like the Flag Tower, Nine Dynastic Urns, South Gate, Palace of Supreme Harmony, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Temple of Nguyen Kings.
Next, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic Hue landmark, notable for its 21-meter-high octagonal tower representing Buddha's seven incarnations.
Embark on a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu village, known for its "Thanh Tra" pomelo trees. Lunch at restaurant.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through Thuy Bieu's orchards and garden houses, soaking in the serene, rustic atmosphere.
Continue to the Tomb of King Tu Duc, a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese art, offering insights into the Nguyen Dynasty and French colonial history.
Enjoy a photo stop at a craft workshop specializing in incense and conical hats in Thuy Xuan. On the way back to Hue, stop at Bellevue Hill for a panoramic view of the Perfume River.
Day 8Hue – Departure (B)
Enjoy free time at your own leisure until the bus picks you up and takes you to the airport for your flight. Please contact us for more information about this tour or to customize this itinerary.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- All transportation
- Accommodation (twin room or double room)
- All entrance fees
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Boat to visit the Mekong Delta
- Boat to visit Hue
- One small bottle of water on the bus everyday, Service fees
Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Visa to Vietnam if needed, Travelers' personal insurance
- Bank fees, Beverages, phone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "This price includes" section
- Surcharge during public holidays (if any)
- Tipping (based on your satisfaction, a suggested reference is $5 USD/day/traveler for guides and half that for drivers).