Cheap Travel Vietnam: An 11 Days Adventure Guide

Hello,
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh, you will proceed to the immigration control where your passport will be stamped with the Vietnamese entry visa.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STAYS LESS THAN 45 DAYS:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

Afterward, our driver and guide will be waiting for you in the airport hall to transfer you to your hotel (room available from 2:00 PM).
*Everything will depend on the arrival time of your international flight; if you arrive early enough, we may organize a city tour.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

The car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta area takes about two hours. Therefore, we will leave the city early in the morning.
At 8:00 AM, our Spanish-speaking guide will be waiting for you to head to the Mekong Delta, also known as the region of the 9 dragons due to the division of the great Mekong River into nine branches before it reaches the East Sea of Vietnam after passing through several Southeast Asian countries.
By 10:00 AM, you will arrive in the Ben Tre area. We will start exploring this fertile land with a boat trip along the canals formed by the Mekong. This tour will give you the opportunity to observe the daily life of the locals along the riverbanks. Along the way, there will be stops to observe some of the small family industries that still play an important role in the local economy. You will see how and why they process coconuts in a small workshop and learn about the different uses of each part of the coconut. Among other stops, we will also visit a brick kiln where you can witness the traditional method of brick-making. We will visit the Cai Son and Nhon Thanh areas and continue observing life in the villages of the Mekong Delta. Those interested can take a pleasant bike ride. For those who prefer not to bike, we can organize a tour in a motorized rickshaw.
We will pass by rice paddies and fruit plantations typical of this region of Vietnam.
Around 12:30 PM, there will be time for lunch, and after a short rest, there will be another boat tour through the narrow canals of Cai Coi before heading back to Ho Chi Minh. We will depart for Ho Chi Minh around 2:30 PM and be back in the city by 4:30 PM.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Da Nang, located in the central part of the country. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit to transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An

The architecture of Hoi An is unique in Vietnam, with its low houses and wooden-painted facades. Points of interest in Hoi An include:
The Japanese Bridge, which according to local legend is indestructible. The Ceramics Museum, the amazing Tan Ky House (the first monument declared of historical interest), and the Cantonese Temple. Of course, you will want to explore all the small streets of Hoi An filled with lanterns and small shops selling souvenirs, clothes, and shoes.
Bathe in the Thu Bon River, Hoi An was a major fishing port from the 16th to the 18th century. The old town remains intact, partly because during the war most of the attacks were concentrated on the nearby city of Hue. Another reason this place is well-preserved is that current laws prohibit altering the buildings, and even cars are not allowed to circulate in the streets. We can say it is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam, with an ancient and traditional flavor. The multitude of details and Chinese, Japanese, and French influences have earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Free day in Hoi An to explore this wonderful place at your own pace. It is famous for its tailors and shoemakers, so you may want to do some shopping.
Bicycles are a common sight in Hoi An. Renting a bike to explore the surroundings in the morning is a good option, followed by some relaxation at the beach in the afternoon. A sunset or early morning walk along the Thu Bon River in a typical Sampan boat is also worthwhile. These small boats take travelers and locals along the river, and the tours usually last about an hour, costing between 100,000 and 150,000 VND. If the Sampan feels too small or unstable, resorts also offer this service in larger boats, and there are bigger, more stable boats at the dock.
For those interested in a custom-made suit, here are our recommendations:

• ANTS SILK: Our favorite place for tailored suits. If contacted in advance, we can ensure they will be ready for our arrival. antssilk@gmail.com or +84 938 750 243
• LANTANA: Good quality and beautiful designs. Located at 52 Tran Hung Dao Street.
• Yaly Couture: At 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (excellent value for money).
• Miss Forget-Me-Not: Cloth Market, Stall #20, Hoi An, Vietnam (More homemade but very detailed).
  Other recommendations in Hoi An:
• The Market Terrace / Bar $$
• Mango Mango Restaurant / Fusion Cuisine $$$$
• Cargo Club / International Cuisine $$$
• The Sound of Silence / Café Restaurant $$ (on the beach).
  Overnight in Hoi An

Recommendations: Book an additional tour to visit the Ba Na Hills theme park and see the famous Golden Hands Bridge or arrange a day of snorkeling on Cham Island. Check for prices and availability.
Overnight in Hoi An

You will be picked up at 8:00 AM from the hotel and head towards Hue. In about 30 minutes, you will arrive at the Marble Mountains.
The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone and marble hills located about 20km from Hoi An. The rugged and porous limestone of the mountains is dotted with caves and tunnels, housing Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Of the five mountains, only the Thuy mountain is accessible to tourists. It has the highest peak and offers an impressive panoramic view of the coast, Da Nang, and the other marble mountains.
After this visit, there will be a half-hour transfer to the Son Tra Peninsula, where we will tour the Linh Ung Pagoda that guards the Lady Buddha statue. The Son Tra Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas near Da Nang. The Lady Buddha statue is located at the Linh Ung Pagoda, the highest point of the peninsula.
We will continue towards Hue, and after an hour’s drive, we will reach the Hai Van Pass, offering some of the best views of central Vietnam. The Hai Van Pass was also a critical surveillance point during the Vietnam War. We will arrive in Hue by 3:00 PM.
*The departure time for this tour can be delayed to give you more time in Hoi An, though some stops may have to be skipped in this case.
Overnight in Hue

Hue’s picturesque landscape and rugged terrain have earned it a special place in Vietnam’s history. Chosen as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), Hue takes us back to ancient Vietnam. The city is home to hundreds of architectural works, including palaces and royal tombs from the Nguyen Dynasty. At 8:00 AM, our guide will pick you up from your hotel.
We will begin with a visit to the Tomb of Khai Dinh. Emperor Khai Dinh ascended the throne in 1916 and chose a hillside on Chau Chu Mountain, 10 kilometers from Hue, as the ideal location to build his tomb. Construction began on September 4, 1920, and lasted over 11 years. Compared to previous emperors, Khai Dinh’s tomb is much smaller in surface area (117 meters by 48.5 meters) but is far more elaborate. It represents a mixture of European and Asian architectural styles, blending old and modern elements.
Next, we will visit the Tomb of Minh Mang, located on the Cam Ke hill on the west bank of the Perfume River. Emperor Minh Mang (1820-1841) was the second son of Emperor Gia Long, who founded the last Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Minh Mang had planned to build a tomb for himself as early as 1826, but construction only began in September 1840 after 14 years of searching for a suitable site. During the construction, in January 1841, Minh Mang fell ill and died at the age of 52. His successor, Emperor Thieu Tri, continued the project according to his father’s plans. Minh Mang’s body was buried in Buu Thanh in August 1841, but the tomb was not completed until two years later, in 1843.
Minh Mang’s tomb is famous for its architecture, which harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Like other tombs of this period, the general elements of the tomb’s architecture include: outer walls, a triple gate (Tam Quan Gate), a court salutation area, steles, temples, lakes, pavilions, gardens, and the tomb itself. The structure is laid out along three main parallel axes, with the central axis being the Than Dao path. Dai Hong Mon Gate is the main entrance to the tomb, and it was only opened once to bring the emperor’s coffin inside, after which it has remained closed. Visitors can enter through Ta Hong Mon (on the left) or Huu Hong Mon (on the right).
Among the emperor’s tombs in Hue, Minh Mang’s Tomb is the most impressive and worth visiting. In 1993, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list along with other Hue monumental complexes.
We continue to learn about the origins of Vietnam’s history through Hue by visiting the Hue Citadel (Kinh thành Huế), a large fortress built in the 19th century (in 1805) by Emperor Gia Long in the city of Hue, central Vietnam. This enormous and magnificent monument was designed by combining the principles of Chinese geomancy (best exemplified by the Forbidden City in Beijing) and the military principles of French architect Sebastien de Vauban. The final complex includes beautiful palaces and temples, all enclosed by walls, bastions, and moats that coexist in total harmony.
Lunch break. Our guide will recommend the best dining spots in the city.
We continue the tour with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang. Emperor Tri Thien later ordered the addition of a tower in 1844. The octagonal tower, about 21 meters tall, was built in honor of Nhu Lai and contains a one-ton Buddha. The pagoda was badly damaged in 1943. Priest Thich Hau, who then cared for the pagoda, undertook extensive renovations that lasted nearly 30 years. The complex is divided into two areas: the towers at the front and the temples at the back.
You will end the day with a boat ride from the Thien Mu Pagoda area back to Hue along the Perfume River.
Overnight in Hue

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport to take your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting at the airport exit to transfer you to your hotel.
Around 1:00 PM, we will meet you at your hotel and start the afternoon with a visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). The Van Mieu in Hanoi is the oldest Temple of Literature in Vietnam, dedicated to Confucius, despite Vietnam being a predominantly Buddhist country. The complex was built in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong and is considered Vietnam’s first university.
From here, we will walk along the beautiful Phan Dinh Phung Avenue leading to the Quan Thanh Temple. This small Taoist temple was built during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) as a sacred place to honor ‘Tran Vo,’ the ‘God of the North,’ beloved by local Taoists. He used the turtle and the snake as symbols of power, and the name Quan Thanh resembles the temple’s meaning, translating to “Place of the Gods.”
Soon, you will notice that we are very close to West Lake (Ho Tay), where we will take a stroll along the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi. This area is perfect for those seeking a break from the bustling city. The Tay Ho area has long attracted many expatriates living in Hanoi, and it also houses five-star hotels, elegant restaurants, cafes, and the best seafood street food. For dining options, the southern part of West Lake is the place to go for local seafood restaurants, while the northern side is more residential with beautiful houses and good hotels.
Among the historical and cultural attractions, we will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, built in the 6th century. Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on a small island and was constructed by King Ly Nam De as a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagoda becomes even more beautiful at sunset.
The last stop of the afternoon will be Chau Long, where we will visit one of Hanoi’s most popular markets. Here, you can also taste a variety of tropical fruits. They are delicious!
We will drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi.
For lunch, please refer to this link for guidance on choosing a restaurant for your meal in Hanoi. Favorite restaurants in Hanoi.
You can also take a look at our blog on different sights in Hanoi so we can plan your personalized itinerary together. What to see and do in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi

Note: For your convenience, we recommend leaving your large suitcases at the hotel reception, where they will be stored and ready for you to pick up when you return from Ha Long Bay.
Between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, the team from Mila Cruise will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you from Hanoi to the port in Ha Long Bay, where you will begin your cruise in this incredible paradise (the transfer is shared with other travelers). The expected arrival at Tuan Chau port is around 12:00 PM. You will be taken to the Mila Cruise waiting area until everything is ready, and in about half an hour, you will be able to board the ship to start your journey.
The Mila team will prepare a warm welcome, and soon after, they will provide explanations and a summary of what you will be doing over the next two days. You will be served a welcome drink to refresh yourself after the trip. Check-in at the cabins (always private) while the chefs prepare lunch.
You can enjoy lunch as the boat slowly departs from the port. The first stop will be the famous Surprise Cave. This magnificent limestone cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years is a rewarding sight after the steep climb on Bo Hon Island. ***It is recommended to wear proper footwear.
By 5:30 PM, you will be back on the boat, where you can relax and enjoy the cruise’s spa services and happy hour (services not included). Dinner will be ready by 7:30 PM. After dinner, if you are up for it and lucky, you might catch a squid or two.
Overnight on the cruise in Ha Long Bay

The day begins early on the Mila Cruise with a cup of coffee, tea, and pastries in the dining room to start the day right. Afterward, we will head to Titov Island. Titov is a small limestone island with one of the best sandy beaches in Ha Long Bay. You can swim in the emerald-colored water and hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the bay. By 10:00 AM, you will return to the boat for check-out and brunch while the boat makes its way back to port. Around 11:30 AM, you will be back at the port and on your way to Hanoi, with an expected arrival in the city at 2:00 PM.
The cruise itinerary may change depending on the weather and the cruise you have booked. Mila Cruises reserves the right to make any itinerary changes at their discretion.
Overnight in Hanoi

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight back home.
Room available until 12:00 PM.

End of Tour