Detailed Itinerary: 10-Day Vietnam Package Tours from New Zealand
Day 1: Departure from New Zealand
- Morning/Afternoon: Start an international flight from New Zealand to Hanoi, Vietnam. Onboard meals and entertainment of high quality are available to make your journey comfortable.
- Evening: Sleep during the flight and then get ready to begin the exciting journey.
Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi – Vietnam’s Cultural Capital
- Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Here you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Check-in and relaxation time after the flight.
- Afternoon: Take a walking tour of the Old Quarter, which includes a feel of narrow streets, vibrant shops, and local life in Hanoi. Stop by Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
- Evening: Having dinner at Bun Cha, including grilled pork and vermicelli at a local restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Hanoi. Evening: An evening traditional Water Puppet Show, one of the few cultural heritages of Vietnam. Back to the hotel.
Day 3: Discover Hanoi’s History and Culture
- Morning:
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and get an insight into the life of the founding father of Vietnam.
- Pay a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, typical of Buddhism.
- Pay a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, dedicated to Confucianism.
- Afternoon:
- Discover the diversity of cultures in Vietnam by visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Stroll along the bookshops on dynamic Dinh Le Street or visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market.
- Evening: Dinner at one of the luxurious restaurants in Vietnamese traditional flavors incorporated with modernistic culinary art, and then back to the hotel.
Temple of Literature 9Sours: www.canva)
Day 4: Journey to Halong Bay – Cruise Adventure
- Morning: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It takes about 2.5 hours. Check in on a luxury cruise, and have a welcome drink.
- Afternoon:
- Sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
- Pay a visit to the wonderful natural wonder that is Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave.
- Paddle through the serene lagoons with breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts.
- Evening:
- Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board.
- Join evening activities such as squid fishing or star gazing on deck. Overnight in a private cabin.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Fly to Hue
- Morning:
- Begin your day with a tai chi session on the sundeck.
- Explore another hidden cave or take a bamboo boat ride through the bay.
- Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Hue.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Hue City – the imperial city. Check-in hotel, free.
- Evening: Enjoy your royal-style dinner at a garden restaurant. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Imperial Heritage
- Morning:
- The Imperial Citadel itself was home to the Nguyen Dynasty, which houses ancient gates, palaces, and pavilions.
- The Thien Mu Pagoda is another popular one; it is a spiritual symbol of Hue and is situated on the bank of the Perfume River.
- Afternoon:
- Go on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River.
- Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, which is an architectural creation of a combination of tastes between Vietnam and Europe.
- Evening: Take a traditional Hue herbal tea or a bowl of Bun Bo Hue-“Spicy Beef Noodle Soup"-at one of the numerous local restaurants. Overnight in Hue.
Khai Dinh Tomb (Sours: alotrip)
Day 7: Scenic Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
- Morning:
- Depart for Hoi An, driving along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, a mountain road right on the coast with breathtaking views.
- Stop at Lang Co Beach for pictures and a break under the cool wind.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive in Hoi An and check into the hotel.
- Take a walk around the Ancient Town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Hoi Quan Phuc Kien-Fujian Assembly Hall.
- Evening:
- Take part in the lantern lighting activity along the Thu Bon River.
- Dinner at a restaurant by the river with special dishes of cao lau, including noodles, pork, and herbs. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: A short flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, check-in to your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Spend your day visiting the War Remnants Museum to understand something of modern history.
- Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office look out at their French-colonial architectures.
- Visit Ben Thanh Market, a busy shopping center for souvenirs and local snacks.
- Evening: Dinner on the rooftop of one of the trendy restaurants facing the amazing city skyline. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Mekong Delta Adventure
- Morning:
- Depart for the Mekong Delta. Cruise along emerald waterways, and see local workshops where coconut candy is made.
- Discover lively fruit orchards and taste different exotic tropical fruits.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a riverside village.
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City and rest at your hotel.
- Evening: At leisure enjoy the vibrant nightlife that the city offers or an evening of quietness in the hotel.
Mekong Delta (Sours: www.canva)
Day 10: Departure to New Zealand
- Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or just relaxing before flying out.
- Afternoon: Our staff will transfer you to the airport for your flight onward back to New Zealand.
- Evening: A reflection of unforgettable memories of your Vietnam package tours from New Zealand on your way back home.
Tour Includes:
- Accommodation: 9 nights in premium hotels and luxury Halong Bay Cruise in shared twin with daily breakfast.
- Transportation: Airport transfers, flights for domestic use – Hanoi to Hue, and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, air-conditioned vehicles.
- Meals Included: Breakfasts daily and selected lunches and dinners with local specialties.
- Guided Tours & Activities: This is inclusive of an English-speaking guide service, entrance fees, kayaking in Halong Bay, Imperial Citadel, Mekong Delta, and others.
- Cultural Experience: Water puppet show in Hanoi, lantern lighting in Hoi An, and rural villages.
- Other Services: Bottled water during the tours, government taxes, and service charges.
Tour Excludes:
- International Flights: Round-trip flights from New Zealand to Vietnam.
- Visa Fees: Vietnam e-visa ≈ $25.
- Travel Insurance: The service is highly recommended.
- Personal Expenses: Meals not included, laundry, tips, beverages, and optional activities.
- Gratuities: Optional tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Expanded Itinerary: 12-Day Vietnam Package Tours from New Zealand
Day 1: Departure from New Zealand
- Same as a 10-day tour: Board your international flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi – Vietnam’s Cultural Capital
- Same as a 10-day tour: Be warmly welcomed, guests will go to explore the Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Go see the water puppet show and enjoy dinner with Bun Cha.
Day 3: Hanoi’s History and Culture
- Same as a 10-day tour: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature, then the afternoon to the Ethnology Museum, and free time to Dong Xuan Market.
Day 4: Halong Bay Adventure Begins
- Same as a 10-day tour: Transfer to Halong Bay, embark on a luxury cruise, and enjoy kayaking, exploring caves, and seafood feasting.
Day 5: Explore Halong Bay, Travel to Ninh Binh
- Morning: Start the day on board with a refreshing tai chi exercise while the sun rises over the emerald water of Halong Bay. Breakfast then visit another stunning cave, or go a local rowing boat through a serene lagoon and catch the magic of Halong Bay for the last time.
- Afternoon: End the cruise and take a comfortable drive to Ninh Binh, more commonly known as “Halong Bay on land." Upon arrival, be greeted by a landscape of towering limestone karsts surrounded by lush greenery. Check into your hotel and take some time to unwind.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner with some of the regional specialties of Ninh Binh, including goat meat (de nui) and crispy rice (com chay). Take a rest at your hotel, ready for an exciting day tomorrow.
Halong Bay (Sours: www.canva)
Day 6: Ninh Binh – Tam Coc & Hoa Lu
- Morning: Start your day with a scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, a marvelous landscape where rivers snake through rice fields and karst limestone formations. It becomes all the more unforgettable as the local rowers use their feet to drive your boat forward, some marvelous and very special tradition of the region. Follow three natural caves featuring their huge stalactites and stalagmites.
- Afternoon: Have a nice lunch with local specialties, then visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Vietnam under the Dynasties of Dinh and Le. Visit temples devoted to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, two heroes in Vietnamese history. From here, the surroundings will amaze you with mountains rising on both sides. Photo and meditate amidst this fantastic natural beauty.
- Evening: In the evening, you are back to Hanoi and then catch a short flight to Hue. Arrive at your hotel and retire into your rooms having spent a whole day of discovery.
Day 7: Hue – The Imperial City
- Same as a 10-day tour: Visit Imperial Citadel, embark on a perfume river cruise, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, and then visit Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb. In the evening, savor royalty in your dinner.
Day 8: Scenic Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
- Same as 1a 0-day tour: Take the Hai Van breathtaking Pass, have some relaxation at Lang Co Beach, and explore Ancient Hoi An and the Lantern markets. And for the climax of it, be enlightened during the ceremony and end up enjoying a dinner in one of its restaurants overlooking the river.
Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Same as a 10-day tour: Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market, and have lunch at a rooftop restaurant.
Day 10: Mekong Delta Adventure
- Same as a 10-day tour: Cruise the Mekong Delta, visit workshops of coconut candy, taste local tropical fruits, and have lunch in a local village. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 Addition: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Morning: Start your day with a drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi area. Upon arrival, your knowledgeable guide will brief you on the historical importance of the tunnels, which were used by Vietnamese soldiers to communicate, seek shelter, and defend themselves.
Take a guided tour through the site, including preserved sections of the tunnels. Find hidden entrances, underground kitchens, and places where weapons were kept. You will be allowed to crawl through a section of the tunnels- your choice if you want a real taste of adventure gain firsthand insight into the lives of those who lived and fought here.
- Afternoon: Visit a nearby exhibition showcasing artifacts and stories from the Vietnam War for further context and understanding of this critical period in history. Later, enjoy a locally prepared lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Evening: Drive to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a free evening. Think about the day’s experience during dinner and take your time to enjoy the last moments of this fantastic journey.
Cu Chi Tunnels (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Day 12: Departure to New Zealand
- Same as a 10-day tour: Free time in the morning to shop or relax on your own. Transfer to the airport and fly home.
Tour Includes:
- Accommodation: 11-night accommodation in superior class hotels, 1 night in a luxury junk in Halong Bay – sharing twin room, breakfast daily.
- Transportation: Airport transfers, domestic flights, air-conditioned vehicles, and all transfers.
- Meals: Breakfasts daily, selected lunches and dinners as specified, including a variety of local Vietnamese cuisine.
- Guided Tours & Activities: English-speaking tour guides, entrance fees, Tam Coc boat trip, Cu Chi Tunnels excursion, and tours to Imperial Citadel, Mekong Delta, and more.
- Cultural Experiences: Water puppet show, cooking classes, lantern lighting in Hoi An, and historical site tours.
- Other Services: Mineral water on touring, government taxes, and service charges.
Tour Excludes:
- International Flights: Round-trip airfare from New Zealand to Vietnam.
- Visa Fees: Vietnam e-visa (~$25).
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
- Personal Expenses: Meals not listed, laundry, tips, beverages, and optional activities.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff at your discretion.
Tips for a Memorable Trip on Your Vietnam Package Tours from New Zealand
Pack Smart for Your Vietnam Package Tour from New Zealand
Vietnamese weather is vastly different from region to region and even season to season, so you have to pack accordingly.
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh): From November to March, the weather is cooler, so pack in layers, including a lightweight jacket. Summer can be sweltering and humid, so pack breathable clothing.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Is always warm but a raincoat or umbrella should be prepared for these regions between September and November, which is the rainy season.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Tropical, humid climate, uniformly warm. Light, comfortable clothes are the best option.
Engage with Locals on Your Vietnam Package Tour from New Zealand
Equally rewarding, if not most, with any of the Vietnam Package Tours, (https://impresstravel.com/vietnam-package-tours/) is the association with the people. Vietnamese hospitality is legendary, and interaction with the locals brings one closer to their culture and traditions.
- Cooking classes: Learn how to prepare authentic dishes such as pho or banh xeo with the locals in Hoi An.
- Go on fact-finding tours in rural villages, especially in Ninh Binh or the Mekong Delta, to experience the traditional ways of life.
- Try your hand at local crafts: Most communities in Vietnam allow visitors to try their hand at skills like lantern-making in Hoi An or pottery in Bat Trang village.
- Basic Vietnamese phrases: A simple “Xin chao" or “Cam on" goes a long way in breaking barriers and creating meaningful connections.
The interaction with locals during your Vietnam package tours from New Zealand will leave you with heartwarming memories and unique experiences.
Try New Experiences on Your Vietnam Package Tour from New Zealand
Food lovers and adventurers, Vietnam is the place to be, and all you need to do is keep your mind open.
- Enjoy the local food: Do not be afraid of the street food! Try different types of banh mi, fresh spring rolls, or che-sweet dessert soups. Each region has its specialties-find them out!
- Adventure activities: Kayaking in Halong Bay, cycling through the rice paddies of Ninh Binh, or crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Cultural experiences: Watch the lamps being let go in Hoi An or the traditional Water Puppet Show in Hanoi.
Conclusion
Make this an experience of a lifetime with our Vietnam package tours from New Zealand to each destination, from the immense waters of Ha Long Bay to enchanting, lantern-lit streets in Hoi An. Impress Travel, combines expertise, local insights, and seamless service into one perfect delivery. Let your incredible adventure through Vietnam start by not waiting and contacting us today!
