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Walking Tour
Just the word Vietnam conjures up powerful images. For those over 65, those images are dominated by what led the nightly news during the Vietnam War. Reinforcing those surreal TV memories are the dozens of Hollywood movies set in that place during that time.
Younger folks, especially those who have visited Southeast Asia, have equally powerful images, but these are positive and feature spectacular cultural and natural sights, as well as delicious Vietnamese food. Over the past 20 years, Vietnam has become one of the hottest attractions in southeast Asia.
Here's your chance to visit Vietnam with TravelMaven and reconcile those images yourself.
Vietnam is a long and skinny country, so most tours either go from the northern capital of Hanoi to the southern dynamo of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), or in the opposite direction. In between these two great cities are more things to see than possible in just a couple of weeks. However, we think our tour plan does a super job covering a variety of places and periods.
We start with five nights in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city and cultural centre of gravity. While there, we explore the city and make a day trip to Ninh Binh, home to inland lakes amongst bulging mountains. Our next stop in world-famous Halong Bay for a three day cruise.
After a week in the north, we fly from Hanoi to Danang in the central region. While there, we will spend 5 nights in Hoi An, probably the most popular destination in Vietnam for international tourists. In addition to exploring Hoi An, we also take a day trip to Hue, capital of Vietnam during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Finally, after flying south from Danang, we will spend five nights in Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh (aka Saigon). Highlights include the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum and a day on the water in the Mekong delta.
Vietnam is a magical place for many reasons, especially the kind and friendly people who live here. The food is great, the beer is cold and cheap, and the shopping is off-the-charts. Hope you will join us!
TOUR DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: C$5,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$2,160
PACE: Moderate (in heat & humidity)
LENGTH: 17 hotel nights
GROUP SIZE: 4-12 guests
DATES:
Departs Toronto: Wed Nov 12, 2025
Begins in Hanoi: Thu Nov 13, 2025
Ends in Ho Chi Minh: Sat Nov 29, 2025
DAILY AGENDA
Day 0 (Wed Nov 12, 2025) Depart Toronto
Since our land package does not include international flights, guests will need to arrange their own transportation to Hanoi. Barry is available to help guests plan their flights.
Day 1 (Thu Nov 13) Arrive in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Most flights land in the evening, and our local host, Frank, will be there to greet you and bring you to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore a bit of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi
Day 2 (Fri Nov 14) Walking tour of Old Hanoi; Welcome Dinner (B, D)
On this day we will walk through the most historic and significant parts of downtown Hanoi with a local guide. Stroll past colonial architecture, ancient temples, and bustling markets as our local guide shares fascinating stories and facts. After a break at the hotel in the afternoon, we’ll regroup and take a short walk to a nearby restaurant for a special Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 (Sat Nov 15) Bus Tour of City Sights; free evening (B, L)
We will take a bus tour of Hanoi beyond the Old Quarter, that includes lunch and multiple stops. Upon returning to the hotel in mid afternoon, guests will have a free evening
Hanoi
Day 4 (Sun Nov 16) Ninh Binh (B, L, D)
On this day we will drive an hour to nearby Ninh Binh for a boat tour at Tam Coc, lunch, and a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda before returning to our hotel in Hanoi.
Day 5 (Mon Nov 17) Free Day in Hanoi (B)
Guests will have a free day to further explore the city or shop for souvenirs.
Day 6 (Tue Nov 18) Day #1 Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
After checking out, we will drive to Halong Bay to catch our cruise ship at noon, just in time for lunch. In the afternoon and evening, guests will enjoy a variety of activities and sights.
Ninh Binh
Day 7 (Wed Nov 19) Day #2 Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
This is an exciting day in Halong Bay. It will bring a wide variety of activities, from swimming to caving to kayaking to sunbathing. All meals are buffet style on the boat.
Day 8 (Thu Nov 20) Day #3 Halong Bay Cruise; fly to Danang/Hoi An (B, L, D)
Our cruise will end just before noon, when we will transfer to the Hanoi airport to catch a flight to Danang, then on to Hoi An. Dinner will be at our hotel.
Halong Bay
Day 9 (Fri Nov 21) Walking tour of Hoi An (B, D)
This day begins with a walking tour of the historic district. Dinner is at a special local restaurant.
Day 10 (Sat Nov 22) Day trip to Hue (B, L)
We'll leave the hotel early to drive to the historic capital of Hue, where will will visit the Citadel and explore the coastline between Hue and Danang.
Hue
Day 11 (Sun Nov 23) Free Day in Hoi An (B, D)
On this day, guests can explore Hoi An on their own. It is a lovely small city to explore on foot, and possibly pick up any tailored clothing that has been ordered.
Day 12 (Mon Nov 24) My Son Sanctuary tour; free afternoon & evening (B, L)
Early in the morning we will drive to the nearby archeological site of My Son, which dates from the same period as the Siem Reap ruins in Cambodia. Afternoon and evening are free.
Hoi An
Day 13 (Tue Nov 25) Fly to Ho Chi Minh; free evening (B)
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Danang Airport to catch out flight to Ho Chi Minh. After check-in, guests will find dinner in the nearby market.
Day 14 (Wed Nov 26) Cu Chi Tunnels (B, D)
For anyone in our group interested in the Vietnam War, a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels is a must. Those who suffer claustrophobia may want to stay outside, but this place offers a fascinating look at how soldiers and their families lived during two decades of war. In the afternoon, several options will be presented.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 15 (Thu Nov 27) Mekong Delta (B, L)
This day features a tour into the Mekong Delta. While there, we will see plantations and the nature that dominates this massive river delta.
Day 16 (Fri Nov 28) War Remnants Museum; Farewell Dinner (B, D)
On our final day in Vietnam, we will visit the War Remnants Museum which includes many relics of the 'American War'. After some free time for last minute shopping, we will go to a special restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.
Day 17 (Sat Nov 29) End of tour; fly to Toronto (B)
After breakfast and check-out, we will head to the airport to catch our flights home.
Ho Chi Minh