Vietnam At Glance In 8 Days

From: $766 4-star hotels

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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About this tour

Experience the essence of Vietnam in just 8 days with our captivating Vietnam At Glance tour. Discover the charm of Hanoi, cruise through the enchanting Halong Bay, master the art of Vietnamese cuisine in Hoi An, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, and explore the tranquil Mekong Delta countryside. This adventure promises thrilling experiences, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

Highlights

* Ha Long Bay: A stunning bay with thousands of limestone cliffs and islets rising from the water. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
* Hoi An: A charming ancient town with traditional architecture, lantern-lined streets, and a rich history. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Ho Chi Minh City: The largest city in Vietnam, with a vibrant street life, French colonial architecture, and a bustling atmosphere.
* Mekong Delta: A vast network of waterways and fertile land, known for its floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
* Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam, with a mix of old and new architecture, street food, and cultural sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

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
* All sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
* Airfares if specified in the program. ( E-Economy class, B-Business calss)
* Visa Approval Letter if specified in the program

• Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Any flights (Domestic and International) and airport tax
• 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

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Itinerary

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will be waiting in the lobby, holding a signboard with your name. In case you cannot find your driver, please proceed to the Airport information counter located in the middle of the Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and contact the emergency numbers provided by your travel advisor for assistance. Your driver will then escort you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

<span> Day 2 </span>Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) (shared cruise)

Prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonder of the world. Brace yourself for captivating views and a relaxing cruise experience with a plethora of exciting activities. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (exact time will be confirmed the day before the tour). Arrive at the jetty around noon and board the cruise ship. Enjoy a warm welcome and complete the check-in process, followed by a delectable lunch as the cruise navigates through the breathtaking cluster of islets. In the afternoon, indulge in various activities such as swimming, kayaking, or cave exploration (depending on the boat's itinerary), or simply unwind and soak in the serene ambiance onboard. As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors in a picturesque location, offering a splendid setting to witness the enchanting sunset before savoring a delicious dinner. Overnight on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: In the event of inclement weather, the itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations if boat departures are restricted. Rest assured, your travel consultant will make alternative arrangements to ensure your continued enjoyment.

<span> Day 3 </span> Halong Bay - Back to Hanoi (B/L)

Witness the majestic sunrise over Halong Bay as you savor a delightful breakfast while the vessel gracefully sails back towards the port. Indulge in an early lunch before reaching the port and disembarking. From there, you will be transported back to Hanoi. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight in Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

<span> Day 4 </span>Hanoi - Travel to Hoi An (B)

Prepare for a seamless transfer as our team picks you up from your hotel lobby and escorts you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. Take this opportunity to relax and enjoy your free time. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast

<span> Day 5 </span>Hoi An Fishing, Boating, and Cooking (B/L) (Join group tour)

Embark on an enchanting journey through Hoi An's countryside, immersing yourself in the authentic lifestyle of the locals and discovering the serene beauty of the idyllic villages. Meet your knowledgeable guide at approximately 8:30 am (the exact time will be confirmed the day before the tour). Begin by venturing to the local food market, where you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of shopping like a true local and select fresh ingredients for your upcoming lunch. Continue your adventure as you make your way to the Cam Thanh eco-village, basking in the captivating beauty of nature that surrounds you. Step aboard a traditional Vietnamese basket boat and gracefully glide along the river, meandering through the picturesque palm forest until you reach your next destination for an exciting fishing experience. Afterwards, return to the village and delve into the art of Vietnamese cooking as you learn to prepare traditional dishes, which will be savored during a delectable lunch. Take a moment to relax and reflect after your meal, before concluding the tour and returning to your hotel around 1:00 pm. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

<span> Day 6 </span>Hoi An - Travel to Ho Chi Minh (B)

Depart from your hotel in Hoi An and be escorted to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in and leisure time. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast

<span> Day 7 </span>Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L) - join a group tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mekong Delta, an essential region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the intricate network of riverways, witness local workshops, and marvel at the countryside charm of southern Vietnam. After breakfast, prepare for pickup between 7:30-8:00 am (exact time to be confirmed). Board the shuttle bus to My Tho, where you'll visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, dating back to the late 19th century. Embark on a sampan boat to cruise along picturesque river islands. Take a leisurely stroll through one of the islands, exploring rustic villages and visiting orchards where you can indulge in tropical fruits while enjoying traditional folk music performances. Continue the sampan journey through the scenic Thoi Son canal, taking in the tranquil countryside scenery. Make a stop at a local workshop to observe the production of coconut candies and visit a honeybee farm. Delight in tasting honey tea and candies, savoring the serene ambiance. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling excursion around Tan Thanh village to experience the local way of life. If cycling isn't your preference, you can relax in a hammock or leisurely explore the village on foot. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, with an approximate arrival time of 17:30. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

<span> Day 8 </span>Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Take advantage of the morning to savor some leisure time before we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight back home. Meals: Breakfast

Durations

5 - 8 days

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, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta

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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Vietnam At Glance In 8 Days

About this tour

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1Hanoi Arrival

Day 2 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) (shared cruise)

Day 3 Halong Bay - Back to Hanoi (B/L)

Day 4 Hanoi - Travel to Hoi An (B)

Day 5 Hoi An Fishing, Boating, and Cooking (B/L) (Join group tour)

Day 6 Hoi An - Travel to Ho Chi Minh (B)

Day 7 Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L) - join a group tour

Day 8 Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Durations

Regional Tours

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