Realistic Vietnam – Halong Bay/ Phu Quoc Island 11 Days

From: ₹767 4-star hotels

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Duration

11 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Phu Quoc Island

Begin your journey in Hanoi and conclude it in Ho Chi Minh City! Explore the depths of Vietnam with the Realistic Vietnam – Halong Bay/ Phu Quoc Island tour, an 11-day package that guides you through Hanoi, Vietnam, and four other captivating destinations. This immersive experience provides accommodations in hotels, flights, the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and much more.

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
* All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
* Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
* Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of VTP Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
* Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
* Surcharge for the festive seasons
* Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
* The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
* Porterage Facility

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> WELCOME TO VIETNAM - HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon your arrival, our chauffeur will be present, displaying a sign bearing your name, to greet you at Noi Bai International Airport. Subsequently, you will be transferred to Hanoi Old Quarter and assisted with the check-in process at your hotel. For the remainder of the day, you may choose to leisurely explore the Old Town, acclimating yourself to the surroundings, or opt for a restful period to overcome any jet lag. Your night will be spent in Hanoi.

<span> Day 2</span> EXPERIENCE VIETNAMESE LIFESTYLE IN COUNTRYSIDE

08:00 – Commence your journey to Ri village in Ba Vi. Following a 1.5-hour drive, you will reach Mr. Duoc's residence, where a welcome drink awaits you.

10:00 – Embark on a visit to the 30-year-old tea plantation in Ri Village. This serene and verdant location offers picturesque views of the village. The Tea Plantation holds significant importance in supplying tea products to the entire northern region of Vietnam. Participate in harvesting tea leaves with a local family, learning the art of selecting the finest portions of the tea tree to craft the exquisite beverage that is traditional Vietnamese tea.

Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and the proprietor of a vast tea farm, possesses expertise in handling raw tea leaves. He will guide you through the process of creating excellent green tea before it reaches the market.

Immerse yourself in the host's tales of life during the Vietnam War while savoring exceptional tea paired with green lentils or lotus seeds prepared by his family.

11:15 – Travel approximately 10 minutes to visit another hospitable family in Moc Village, where Mrs. Chin will conduct a cooking class. Learn the art of crafting Vietnamese dishes and relish the lunch you've prepared.

12:30: Return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

<span> Day 3</span> CRUISING TO EMERALD WATER

The Cruise team will collect you. Embark on the most picturesque route leading to Halong Bay, traversing the Red River Delta adorned with expansive emerald green rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can behold. Upon arrival in Halong, immerse yourself in a cruise through the Bay, exploring limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

After your bay exploration, indulge in a delectable seafood lunch. Following this, venture to the renowned limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. Spend time kayaking or swimming, allowing you to approach the floating villages and shops. As evening approaches, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can opt to participate in onboard activities or simply unwind.

Overnight on the cruise.

<span> Day 4</span> MORNING IN VIETNAM'S MOST STUNNING BAY

Awaken early for a Tai Chi session or simply savor a wholesome breakfast. The boat will commence its return journey to the port, making a stop at the Limestone Cave, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Following this exploration, enjoy a smooth voyage back to the main harbor and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

<span> Day 5</span> TRAVEL FROM TRANQUIL HANOI TO VIBRANT HO CHI MINH CITY

Our chauffeur will rendezvous with you in the hotel lobby and transport you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our guide and shuttle bus will be readily available, displaying a sign with your name to extend a warm welcome. You'll be transferred directly to your hotel in HCMC. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours for leisure and exploring local markets.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

<span> Day 6</span> EXPLORE THE FASCINATING UNDERGROUND SYSTEMS

Commence your journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels between 8:00 and 8:30 am, with an estimated travel time of approximately one and a half hours by bus. Upon arrival, before delving into the tunnels, receive a brief introduction, followed by a video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of the people during the challenging wartime conditions. Explore the surrounding areas and tunnel systems, including specially constructed living quarters with kitchens, bedrooms situated alongside other military facilities such as storage spaces, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Additionally, discover hidden trap doors and intricate traps within the maze-like tunnels, strategically placed for security during the war. Conclude the visit with a serving of local Cu Chi tapioca.

Take a break for relaxation or for those interested, experience the thrill of firing real guns.

Between 13:00 and 13:30, return to your respective hotels, marking the conclusion of the trip.

<span> Day 7</span> DISCOVER THE "RICE BASKETOF VIETNAM"

The Mekong Delta, known in Vietnamese as the "Nine Dragon River Delta," constitutes the region in the southwestern part of Vietnam where the Mekong River converges and flows into the sea through a network of distributaries.

Between 07:30 and 08:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel, initiating an unforgettable journey along provincial roads leading to the southern region of Vietnam. Traverse through picturesque landscapes featuring paddy rice fields, pineapple plantations, orchards, and quaint hamlets during the two-hour drive.

Upon arrival in My Tho, embark on a local motor boat for a captivating tour of Dragon, Phoenix, and Turtle Islands, culminating at the renowned Unicorn Island. Here, explore a honey bee farm, savor honey wine, rice wine, and banana wine. Take a leisurely stroll around the village, and row a boat along the natural water coconut canals to observe the daily life of the locals in the Mekong Delta.

Continue the motor boat excursion to Ben Tre province, where you'll visit a handmade coconut candy workshop. Transition to a smaller motor boat to navigate the lush green canals, making a stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

Subsequently, proceed to another area on Unicorn Island to relish a variety of tropical fruits in the orchard garden while enjoying traditional Southern music.

A local boat will ferry you back to My Tho, and the bus will transport you back to Sai Gon.

Between 16:00 and 16:30, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding the excursion.

<span> Day 8</span> FLY FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHU QUOC

Proceeding to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc Island, renowned as Vietnam's enchanting gem.

<span> Day 9</span> CHERISH YOUR LEISURE TIME ON THE BEACH

Enjoy a day of relaxation.

Stay at the hotel.

<span> Day 10</span> GO SNOKELING & FISHING

Gather at the designated meeting point and relish the convenient shuttle journey to An Thoi harbor, where you will embark on our boat adventure to either MONG TAY ISLAND or GAM GHI ISLAND for an exhilarating session of snorkeling and swimming. Delight in a delectable lunch served on board before heading to MAY RUT ISLAND for additional snorkeling in the pristine, crystal-clear waters. As you return, unwind and absorb the breathtaking hilly landscapes.

Itinerary:

• 9:30 am: Pick up from your hotel lobby

• Arrive at the Harbor - Board our Boat

• Engage in boat cruise fishing at a scenic location

• Explore two islands for Snorkeling & swimming

MONG TAY ISLAND OR GAM GHI ISLAND - MAY RUT ISLAND

• Enjoy a satisfying lunch on board

• 16:30: Return to your hotel

Benefits:

Round-trip transportation by car & boat, English-speaking tour guide, 1 bottle of water, lunch

Provided equipment: life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins

<span> Day 11</span> TIME TO SAY GOODBYE PHU QUOC – HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

Return to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Quoc Island for your departure flight.

Please NOTE: Ensure that your international flight back home is scheduled for the afternoon.

Durations

9 - 12 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Phu Quoc Island

The Legend of Hanoi’s West Lake - 🐉 The Legend of Hanoi’s West Lake – Between Myth, History, and Timeless Beauty📍 Location: Northwest Hanoi | Free Entry | Open 24/7 🌅 Introduction: Where Myth Meets Modern Hanoi Few places in Hanoi capture the city’s poetic soul quite like West Lake (Hồ Tây). The vast, shimmering expanse of water — stretching over 500 hectares — has been a silent witness to Hanoi’s long and layered history. It’s a place where ancient legends blend effortlessly with modern life, where monks, kings, and mythical creatures once roamed, and where today’s travelers can enjoy lakeside cafés, sunsets, and the calm rhythm of local life. But before the luxury hotels, the trendy restaurants, and the scenic cycling routes, there was a story — a legend that explains how this lake came to be. And it’s one of Vietnam’s most enchanting folktales: The Legend of the Golden Buffalo and the Birth of West Lake. 🛕 The Ancient Tale: How the Golden Buffalo Created West Lake Long ago, when the world was still wrapped in mist and myth, a virtuous monk journeyed to China to heal the emperor’s mysterious illness. Out of gratitude, the emperor rewarded him with a generous gift of bronze. The monk, humble and devoted, donated most of the bronze to the state upon returning to Vietnam. Yet with the small portion he kept, he crafted a magnificent bronze bell — a bell so pure and resonant that its sound rolled across mountains and rivers, echoing far beyond human lands. 🐮 Far away in the imperial treasury of China, there lived a golden buffalo calf. Hearing the divine sound of the bell, the calf mistook it for its mother’s call and began charging south toward the origin of the sound. It ran tirelessly across valleys and plains until it reached Hanoi. But when the bell stopped ringing, the confused calf spun in circles, digging deep into the earth in its frantic search. The ground caved in, forming a massive hollow — which soon filled with water and became West Lake (Hồ Tây). According to legend, the golden buffalo still lies deep beneath the lake’s waters. It’s said that only a man aided by his ten natural sons can one day retrieve it — a symbol of purity, family unity, and divine destiny. 🌊 Between Myth and Reality: The Geographical Story While the legend paints a magical picture, geologists and historians offer a more down-to-earth explanation. West Lake was likely formed thousands of years ago as a lagoon left behind by the shifting Red River (Sông Hồng). Over time, the river’s course changed, creating a narrow land strip between the lake and the river, reinforced later by human-made embankments. But even the scientific truth doesn’t erase the poetry of the place. The lake’s still waters continue to hold the whisper of myth — and perhaps, the quiet pulse of that golden buffalo deep beneath. 👑 A Royal Playground Through the Centuries In Vietnam’s feudal era, West Lake wasn’t just a natural wonder — it was a royal retreat. Monarchs from the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties built summer palaces and spiritual sanctuaries along its banks, seeking tranquility and inspiration. One of the most notable constructions was Trấn Quốc Pagoda, originally founded in the 6th century and known as Vietnam’s oldest pagoda. Sitting gracefully on a small islet connected by a red bridge, it became a sacred center for meditation and royal ceremonies. Even today, monks in saffron robes can be seen tending to the pagoda’s gardens, and visitors come from around the world to light incense, admire the intricate statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake at sunset. 🌅 West Lake Today (2025): The Beating Heart of Modern Hanoi Fast-forward to 2025, and West Lake has transformed into Hanoi’s most desirable neighborhood — a mix of traditional charm and cosmopolitan sophistication. Expats, artists, and young professionals call this area home. You’ll find luxury hotels, rooftop bars, craft cafés, yoga studios, and peaceful walking paths circling the water. Despite the modern vibe, the air of legend still lingers — especially at dawn, when mist hangs low and the sound of temple bells drifts across the lake. ✨ What to Experience Around West Lake (2025): 🚴‍♀️ Cycle or walk the 17km perimeter for incredible sunrise and sunset views. 🛕 Visit Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the city’s oldest religious site. 🍵 Enjoy lakeside dining at chic spots like Maison de Tet Décor, El Gaucho Steakhouse, or The Sunset Bar at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. 🚤 Take a paddle boat ride on the nearby Trúc Bạch Lake, especially at sunset. 📸 Capture iconic Hanoi views from Thanh Niên Street — the narrow causeway separating West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake. 💬 The Legend Lives On: West Lake in Local Culture The legend of the golden buffalo isn’t just an old folktale — it continues to live in Hanoi’s identity. Local artists, poets, and musicians still reference the mythical creature as a symbol of power, endurance, and prosperity. During the Lunar New Year (Tết), families visit West Lake to release carp into the water — a symbolic act of letting go of misfortune and inviting blessings. Lovers stroll under the flame trees, while elders practice tai chi by the lakeshore, connecting spiritual calm with physical harmony. In every season, the lake changes character:🌸 Spring brings soft blossoms around the temples.☀️ Summer fills the air with lotus fragrance.🍂 Autumn paints the waters gold.❄️ Winter wraps the lake in silver mist. Each phase reflects the rhythm of Hanoi’s heart — gentle, reflective, and eternal. 🌿 Practical Tips for Visiting West Lake in 2025 ✅ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (5–7 am) for sunrise tranquility, or late afternoon (4–6 pm) for magical golden light.✅ Getting There: Only a 10-minute drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter by motorbike or taxi.✅ Local Eats: Try Bánh tôm Hồ Tây (crispy shrimp pancakes) — a Hanoi specialty born right here by the lakeside.✅ Don’t Miss: Watching the sunset from The Summit Bar at Pan Pacific...Gunners’ Memorial Hanoi - 🇻🇳 Gunners’ Memorial Hanoi – A Silent Witness of Courage and History📍 Location: North of Quan Thanh Temple, along Thanh Nien Street, Hanoi🕒 Open 24/7 • Free Entry 💫 Introduction: Where History Meets the Lakeside Peace of Hanoi As you stroll along Thanh Nien Street, the tree-lined causeway separating West Lake (Ho Tay) and Truc Bach Lake, you’ll come across a modest yet profoundly symbolic monument — the Gunners’ Memorial. Though small in size, this landmark holds immense historical and emotional weight. It honors the Vietnamese anti-aircraft units who defended Hanoi during the American War (Vietnam War), and it marks the very site where U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander John McCain’s plane was shot down in October 1967. Today, the Gunners’ Memorial is more than just a war relic — it’s a poignant reminder of resilience, reconciliation, and how far Vietnam has come since those turbulent years. In 2025, with Hanoi’s lakeside neighborhoods thriving with life and culture, this quiet memorial stands as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance. ⚔️ A Glimpse Back in Time: The Story Behind the Memorial During the intense bombing campaigns of the late 1960s, anti-aircraft defense teams were stationed around Hanoi to protect key government buildings and cultural landmarks. The Gunners’ Memorial pays tribute to those brave soldiers who operated anti-aircraft cannons in the area — a crucial part of Hanoi’s defense network. On October 26, 1967, during an airstrike over Hanoi, Lieutenant Commander John McCain’s A-4 Skyhawk was struck by a missile launched from this very position. His plane crashed into Truc Bach Lake, just a few meters away from where the memorial now stands. Locals rushed to rescue McCain from the lake before he was taken prisoner — an event that would shape his life for years to come. McCain spent over five years as a prisoner of war in Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”) before being released in 1973. 🕊️ From Conflict to Connection: The Story’s Human Side What makes this site truly remarkable is not just its wartime legacy, but the spirit of reconciliation it embodies today. When John McCain returned to Hanoi decades later as a U.S. Senator, he stood beside the very lake where he had fallen — not as an enemy, but as a guest and a symbol of friendship between two former foes. Vietnam and the United States have since developed strong diplomatic and economic ties, and sites like the Gunners’ Memorial remind visitors how history, though painful, can evolve into mutual respect and understanding. Standing at the memorial in 2025, you’ll see local couples taking photos, children riding bicycles, and vendors selling coconut ice cream by the lake — everyday life flowing peacefully where once war raged. 🏛️ What to See at the Gunners’ Memorial The memorial itself is small but evocative — a stone monument engraved in Vietnamese, surrounded by flowering shrubs and shaded by tamarind and flame trees. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but the simplicity adds to its charm and solemnity. 🔹 Inscription: The plaque honors the anti-aircraft gunners who “bravely fought and shot down enemy planes over Truc Bach Lake.”🔹 Scenic Backdrop: The site offers a serene view of Truc Bach Lake, with reflections of surrounding trees and small cafés — perfect for quiet contemplation.🔹 Nearby Attractions: Within walking distance are Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and several lakeside coffee shops where you can sit and soak in Hanoi’s tranquil beauty. 📷 Travel Tips for 2025 Visitors ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or just before sunset, when the light over Truc Bach Lake is golden and soft — ideal for photography. 🚶 Getting There: It’s about a 10-minute taxi or motorbike ride from Hanoi Old Quarter. You can also walk along Thanh Nien Street if you’re exploring nearby West Lake. ☕ Where to Rest: After visiting, grab a seat at one of Truc Bach’s cozy lakeside cafés such as Maison de Tet Décor or The Coffee House. Both offer great views and relaxing vibes. 🎧 Combine It With: Visiting Quan Thanh Temple (Guardian of the North) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi — both just a short stroll away. 🧭 Why You Should Visit For travelers interested in Vietnam’s layered history, the Gunners’ Memorial is a must-visit stop. It’s not a grand or heavily visited landmark, but its quiet dignity captures something deeply human — the endurance of memory, the cost of peace, and the beauty of moving forward. Here, history doesn’t shout; it whispers across the calm waters of Truc Bach Lake. You’ll feel the stillness, the reflection — both literal and emotional — that makes Hanoi so captivating. ❤️ Final Thoughts: A Small Monument with a Big Message In a city where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and modern cafés coexist harmoniously, the Gunners’ Memorial serves as a gentle yet powerful bridge between Hanoi’s past and present. It reminds visitors that while the city continues to grow and modernize — with electric scooters, tech startups, and vibrant nightlife — the soul of Hanoi remains grounded in remembrance, gratitude, and humanity. If you ever find yourself wandering between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, pause here for a few quiet minutes. Listen to the breeze rustling through the trees, watch the ripples on the lake’s surface, and reflect on how far the world has come since 1967. ✨ Travel Tip Recap✅ Location: Thanh Nien Street, between West Lake & Truc Bach Lake✅ Entry: Free, open 24 hours✅ Nearby: Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Truc Bach cafés✅ Best time: Sunrise or sunset for the most peaceful atmosphere 🌿 Hanoi’s Gunners’ Memorial isn’t just about history — it’s about hope.A story of courage, survival, and the quiet strength that defines Vietnam’s capital.

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From: ₹767

4-star hotels

5 (122 Reviews)

Realistic Vietnam – Halong Bay/ Phu Quoc Island 11 Days

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 WELCOME TO VIETNAM - HANOI ARRIVAL

Day 2 EXPERIENCE VIETNAMESE LIFESTYLE IN COUNTRYSIDE

Day 3 CRUISING TO EMERALD WATER

Day 4 MORNING IN VIETNAM'S MOST STUNNING BAY

Day 5 TRAVEL FROM TRANQUIL HANOI TO VIBRANT HO CHI MINH CITY

Day 6 EXPLORE THE FASCINATING UNDERGROUND SYSTEMS

Day 7 DISCOVER THE "RICE BASKETOF VIETNAM"

Day 8 FLY FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHU QUOC

Day 9 CHERISH YOUR LEISURE TIME ON THE BEACH

Day 10 GO SNOKELING & FISHING

Day 11 TIME TO SAY GOODBYE PHU QUOC – HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

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Tour's Location

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