UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam

11 Days | 7 Citys

As of 2022, UNESCO lists eight World Heritage sites in Vietnam. Your tour will take you to a total of seven of these sites within 11 days. Your visits will also include Vietnam’s magnificent natural scenery, other historical sites, and everyday life in Hanoi and Saigon.

Itinerary

Day 1 > Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your German-speaking guide and transferred to the city center. A city tour will include a visit to the Jade Mountain Temple on the Lake of the Returned Sword and a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of the old town.

This afternoon, you’ll visit the first UNESCO World Heritage site, the Thang Long Citadel. Explore this massive complex of buildings constructed during the reigns of several Vietnamese emperors. You’ll visit the Doan Mon Gate, the ruins of Kinh Thien Palace, and Hau Lau House, among others. After visiting a bunker that served as the headquarters of the North Vietnamese army during the war, you’ll drive to the Hoang Dieu complex before concluding your tour with a short walk to the Cua Bac Gate, from which you can overlook the entire citadel.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 2 >Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Trang An Complex (B)

Today you travel to Ninh Binh and reach Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties between 968 and 1009.

In the enchanting “Dry Halong Bay,” you’ll discover some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery, with conical karst mountains nestled amidst rice paddies. You’ll take a boat trip through the Trang An complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Overnight stay in Ninh Binh

Day 3 > Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Today, your journey once again takes you to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. Along the way, you can enjoy the passing landscape of small villages and rice fields. Upon arrival in Halong Bay, you will board a traditional local junk and begin your impressive boat trip through the bizarre limestone cliffs of Halong Bay. You will also visit one of the numerous caves in the karst hills.

Lunch and dinner with various seafood on board.

Overnight stay on the junk

Day 4 > Halong - Hanoi – Quang Binh (B/Brunch)

Light breakfast on board (bread, butter, cake, tea, coffee, etc.).

Today, you’ll take a short rowboat ride through a beautiful grotto and see some smaller islands and limestone cliffs. Brunch is included.

Return to Halong Harbor and bus ride to Hanoi. The afternoon is free in Hanoi. Transfer to the train station in the evening for the overnight train ride to Quang Binh in a comfortable sleeper (4-bed compartments).

Day 5 > Quang Binh – Phong Nha – Paradise Cave (F)

Breakfast in a hotel or a local restaurant.

Today you will take a trip to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you’ll visit Paradise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam. It was only discovered in 2005 and is known as the “Royal Palace Under the Earth.” Afterwards, you’ll visit Phong Nha Cave.

This fantastic cave is the largest cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam, 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi in Quang Binh Province. Of all the caves in the area, Phong Nha Cave has the most beautiful underground river, which is also the longest, and the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The main cave is eight kilometers long, and there are 14 other caves in the surrounding area.

Overnight stay in Quang Binh

Day 6 > Quang Binh – Hue (F)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Hue and visit the Imperial Citadel, also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda on the beautiful Perfume River.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Day 7> Hue – Danang – Hoian (F)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with a roughly four-hour bus ride via Danang to Hoi An. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful scenery, including Lang Co Beach and the Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass).

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoian, a flourishing trading town in Vietnam for centuries. Stroll through narrow streets to see the Tan Ky House, one of the most beautiful classical buildings in Hoian, the Quang Dong Temple, the Japanese Bridge, the Handicraft Center, and the Phuoc Kien Pagoda.

Overnight stay in Hoian

Day 8>Hoian – My Son Temple Complex - Hoian (F)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, travel to My Son (about 40 km from Hoi An), to the most important Khmer archaeological ruins on Vietnamese soil. This site, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and formed the center of Khmer rule in the 10th century. The temple complex is idyllically situated in a valley. Return to Hoi An in the afternoon.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 9> Hoian – Danang- Saigon (F)

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to Danang and flight to Saigon, the country’s commercial and economic center.

Ho Chi Minh City, more commonly known as Saigon in the West, is the country’s most important tourist center, attracting 70% of all foreign tourists to Vietnam annually. Visitors are attracted by its lively pace of life, its famous, beautiful buildings from the French colonial era, such as the cathedral, the main post office, the city hall, the city opera house, the Palace of Unity, and countless leisure centers. These important sights are, of course, also on your day’s itinerary. You will also visit the famous Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight stay in Saigon.

Day 10> Saigon – Mekong Delta Excursion – Saigon (F)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Journey to the Mekong Delta and enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River. You’ll visit an island and have the opportunity to sample fresh fruit. A rowboat ride through the narrow side canals of the river will also be included. A visit to a coconut candy factory and a crafts village is also on the itinerary. Afterwards, return to Saigon.

Overnight stay in Saigon.

Day 11> Saigon – Return or onward journey (F)

Depending on your departure time, you’ll have free time. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Return or onward journey.

Optional excursion: Visit to the Silver House

If you have time in the morning, visit the Silver House, where you’ll learn more about the history and development of the silver industry in Vietnam. You’ll travel to the heart of villages traditionally known for the production of silver handicrafts, such as jewelry, decorative items, and household items. Visitors can observe all the steps of production, such as grinding, filing, polishing, and welding, with experienced artisans and even get creative and make their own jewelry under expert guidance. Depending on your interests, the tour lasts 2-3 hours.

Hotel list

Location	Hotel	Ratings
Hanoi	Sunway Hotel	4⭐
Ninh Binh	Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort	4⭐
Ha Long	Victory Junk	4⭐
Quang Binh	Muong Thanh Holiday Quang Binh Hotel	4⭐
Hoian	Belle Maison Hadana Hoian Hotel	4⭐
Hue	Emm Hotel Hue	4⭐
Saigon	Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa	4⭐

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