Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Mekong Delta Tour 12 Days 11 Nights
Do you dream of a comprehensive journey to fully explore the vibrant and diverse beauty of Vietnam? Do you long to immerse yourself in a thousand years of history, experience diverse cultures, savor exquisite cuisine, and admire majestic natural landscapes from North to South? The Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Mekong Delta 12-day 11-night tour is the key to unlocking an authentic Vietnam, where each destination is a story, and every experience is an unforgettable memory.
This meticulously designed itinerary will take you from the ancient capital of Hanoi, a center of culture and history, through the heritage-rich Central region with the serene Hue and the vibrant Hoi An, then land in the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, and finally delve into the charming, fertile beauty of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta. We are committed to providing a trip that goes beyond mere sightseeing, offering a deep connection with the people, culture, and nature of Vietnam. Let us accompany you on the path to discovering this beautiful S-shaped country, where you will find a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, peace and vibrancy.
Detailed Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Mekong Delta Tour 12 Days 11 Nights – A Journey Through Time and Space
Every day of our 12-day 11-night Vietnam tour is meticulously planned to ensure you have a comfortable, safe, and enriching journey filled with memorable experiences, helping you gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s unique regional characteristics.
Day 1: Hanoi – The Mark of a Thousand Years of Civilization
- Welcome to Hanoi – The perfect start. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), our friendly tour guide and driver will greet you with a warm smile. After assisting with immigration procedures and luggage collection, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in the heart of Hanoi. En route, your guide will provide basic information about the city, its climate, and some useful tips to help you acclimatize.
- Hotel check-in and free time for exploration/relaxation. After checking in, you will have free time to rest, relax, or begin exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter at your own pace. You can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, admire the Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple, or wander through the bustling ancient guild streets with their classic architecture. This is a wonderful opportunity to feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of the capital’s life.
- Dinner and cultural experience. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at a renowned local restaurant, where you can sample characteristic Hanoi dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, or Cha Ca La Vong. After dinner, we will take you to watch a Water Puppet Show – a unique traditional Vietnamese folk art form, deeply connected with the country’s wet rice civilization. Folk tales and legends re-told through wooden puppets on the water will offer an interesting and profound cultural experience.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Discovering Heroic Heritage and History
- Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy. After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a day exploring Hanoi’s most important heritage sites.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square: The final resting place of the great President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. You will have the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum (subject to regulations and opening hours), explore Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, his Fish Pond, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which showcases his life and revolutionary career. The historic Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945, is a sacred and spacious area.
- One Pillar Pagoda: A unique architectural symbol, built in the 11th century, resembling a lotus flower rising from the water, symbolizing purity and Buddhist wisdom.
- Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam): Vietnam’s first national university, established in 1070 under the Ly Dynasty, symbolizing the nation’s tradition of valuing learning and respecting teachers. You will admire the Khue Van Cac pavilion, Thien Quang well, and the stone steles inscribed with the names of successful scholars, learning about the Confucian education system of feudal times.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Museum of Ethnology and West Lake.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: One of the best museums in Vietnam, showcasing the life, culture, customs, costumes, and tools of 54 ethnic groups across the country. You will gain a comprehensive insight into Vietnam’s rich cultural diversity.
- West Lake (Ho Tay) and Tran Quoc Pagoda: West Lake is Hanoi’s largest natural lake, offering poetic beauty and home to Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century. The pagoda stands out with its multi-tiered stupa, ancient Bodhi tree, and unique architecture, a sacred place attracting many Buddhists and tourists.
- Free for dinner.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – World Natural Wonder
- Morning: Depart for Ha Long. After breakfast, you will board our vehicle and depart for Ha Long, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours on the new expressway, passing through lush green rice paddies and small villages. Your guide will share interesting stories about the region.
- Noon: Board the cruise and explore Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival in Ha Long, you will complete check-in procedures for one of our luxurious and well-appointed cruises. The cruise will begin its journey, taking you to explore the magical beauty of Ha Long Bay with its thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald green waters.
- Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while admiring the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration.
- Kayaking: This is one of the most anticipated activities. You will have the opportunity to paddle your own kayak through small limestone caves, exploring peaceful, secluded corners and getting up close with nature.
- Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Ha Long Bay (weather permitting).
- Cave visit: Explore one of the bay’s famous and beautiful caves, such as Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
- Evening: Cooking class, night squid fishing.
- Cooking Class: Learn to prepare some traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of the onboard chef.
- Night Squid Fishing: Enjoy the exciting experience of night squid fishing, a relaxing activity on the bay.
- Overnight on Ha Long Bay cruise.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Return to Hanoi – Fly to Hue – The Serene Ancient Capital
- Early morning: Sunrise over the bay and Tai Chi practice. Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Ha Long Bay – an unforgettable scene. Join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to start your day with positive energy. Afterwards, you will enjoy a light breakfast on the cruise.
- Continue exploration and check-out. The cruise will continue to take you past various limestone islands and other beautiful spots in the bay. Afterwards, you will check out and have an early lunch on board before the boat docks.
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue. Your vehicle will pick you up at Ha Long and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) for your domestic flight to Hue.
- Welcome to Hue and hotel check-in. Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport (Hue), our tour guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its serene beauty, ancient architecture, and rich history.
- Free evening and overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue – Exploring the Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs
- Morning: Hue Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda. After breakfast, we will begin exploring the ancient capital of Hue.
- Hue Imperial City (The Citadel): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was the last imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty (1802-1945). You will visit the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, the Forbidden Purple City, and other imperial architectural structures, learning about the lavish royal life and historical events under the Nguyen Dynasty.
- Thien Mu Pagoda (Linh Mu Pagoda): Hue’s oldest and most famous pagoda, situated on Ha Khe hill overlooking the poetic Perfume River. The pagoda is a symbol of Hue with its seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower and houses many historical stories and legends.
- Noon: Lunch with Hue imperial cuisine. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes infused with the distinct flavors and preparation styles of Hue imperial cuisine.
- Afternoon: Khai Dinh Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb – Architectural masterpieces.
- Khai Dinh Tomb: One of the most unique imperial tombs of the Nguyen emperors, built from 1920 to 1931, blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with Western styles (Gothic, Roman). The tomb stands out with its elaborate ceramic and glass mosaics, creating a magnificent and mysterious beauty.
- Tu Duc Tomb: The tomb of the most romantic and poetic emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is built within a vast complex, harmoniously integrated with nature, featuring lakes, green trees, and pavilions. It was not only a resting place but also where Emperor Tu Duc lived and worked.
- Evening: Enjoy Hue Folk Songs on the Perfume River. In the evening, you will have a unique experience cruising on the romantic Perfume River, listening to traditional Hue Folk Songs – an intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam. In the romantic atmosphere illuminated by lanterns, you will feel the ancient and poetic beauty of Hue at night.
- Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Hoi An – The Sparkling Ancient Town
- Morning: Depart for Hoi An via Hai Van Pass. After breakfast, we will depart for Hoi An. The journey will take you through Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, famous for its winding curves and panoramic views of the sea and majestic mountains. We will stop at the pass summit for scenic views and photos.
- Lang Co fishing village: Stop at Lang Co fishing village, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, where you can admire the stunning landscape and learn about the lives of local fishermen.
- Noon: Arrive in Hoi An and hotel check-in. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will check into your hotel. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its centuries-old Old Town, moss-covered tiled roofs, and dazzling lanterns.
- Afternoon: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Walking tour of the Ancient Town: Your guide will lead you on a walk through the charming, narrow cobbled streets, exploring prominent attractions:
- Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): The symbol of Hoi An, a unique wooden bridge with a tiled roof, featuring a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: One of the largest Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An, with splendid architecture and elaborately decorated altars.
- Tan Ky Old House/Phung Hung Old House: Typical ancient houses of Hoi An, where you can learn about traditional architecture and the lives of ancient merchant families.
- Handicraft workshops and ancestral houses: Visit workshops producing lanterns, pottery, silk, and ancient ancestral houses.
- Walking tour of the Ancient Town: Your guide will lead you on a walk through the charming, narrow cobbled streets, exploring prominent attractions:
- Evening: Hoi An lanterns and street food.
- Enjoy the magical beauty of Hoi An at night: As dusk falls, Hoi An becomes enchanting with thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Hoai River. This is a perfect time for photography and leisurely strolls.
- Free time to explore street food: Indulge in Hoi An’s culinary specialties like Cao Lau, My Quang, Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings), fried wontons, Mot drink…
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An – Free time for exploration or optional activities
- Full day: Free time for exploration or optional activities. Today, you will have the entire day to relax, shop, or participate in optional activities to enrich your trip:
- Join a Hoi An cooking class: Learn to prepare characteristic Hoi An dishes at a local cooking school.
- Cycle to explore the countryside: Cycle to the outskirts of the ancient town, discovering lush green rice fields, Tra Que vegetable village, Thanh Ha pottery village, and learning about simple rural life.
- Visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Coconut Forest): Experience riding a basket boat or a sampan boat through the coconut forest, watching basket boat dancing performances, and fishing. This is a unique and fun experience.
- Relax at An Bang Beach/Cua Dai Beach: Enjoy the golden sun, white sand, and clear blue sea.
- Tailored clothing shopping: Hoi An is famous for its quick and high-quality tailor shops.
- Free for dinner.
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – The Dynamic Metropolis
- Morning: Transfer to Da Nang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. After breakfast, your vehicle will pick you up from Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City and hotel check-in. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), our tour guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest economic hub, a convergence of modernity, dynamism, and historical landmarks.
- Afternoon: Explore modern Ho Chi Minh City and street food.
- Visit iconic landmarks: If time permits and you wish, you can visit landmarks like the Bitexco Financial Tower (with an option to go up to the Skydeck for panoramic city views), or stroll around the bustling shopping districts.
- Explore street food: The evening is an ideal time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon’s street food scene. Your guide can suggest famous eating areas or unique dishes.
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Exploring the Waterways Region
- Morning: Depart for My Tho – Ben Tre. After breakfast at the hotel, you will board the vehicle and depart for My Tho, Tien Giang province, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Discover the Mekong waterways – Ben Tre.
- Boat trip on the Tien River: Upon arrival in My Tho, you will board a large boat to cruise on the poetic Tien River, admiring the four islets of Long, Lan, Quy, Phung. The boat will take you to visit:
- Thoi Son Islet (Lan Islet): A large island in the middle of the Tien River. Here, you will enjoy fresh seasonal fruits from the orchards, listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu Nam Bo – an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO), and savor aromatic honey tea.
- Visit a coconut candy workshop and rice paper making facility: Learn about the traditional hand-made process of making Ben Tre’s famous coconut candy and taste warm candy.
- Horse cart ride and rowing boat through coconut canals: Experience a leisurely horse cart ride through shady village roads lined with coconut trees, admiring the peaceful scenery. Afterwards, you will transfer to a small sampan boat, navigating through the shaded water coconut canals, feeling close to the riverside nature.
- Boat trip on the Tien River: Upon arrival in My Tho, you will board a large boat to cruise on the poetic Tien River, admiring the four islets of Long, Lan, Quy, Phung. The boat will take you to visit:
- Lunch with local specialties. Enjoy lunch with Mekong Delta specialties like deep-fried elephant ear fish, coconut heart salad, fermented fish hotpot…
- Afternoon: Boat back to My Tho and transfer to Can Tho. The boat will take you back to My Tho, then the vehicle will pick up the group and transfer to Can Tho, the largest city and economic and cultural hub of the Mekong Delta. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours. Upon arrival in Can Tho, you will check into your hotel.
- Evening: Free time to explore Ninh Kieu Wharf and Can Tho cuisine. In the evening, you are free to stroll around Ninh Kieu Wharf, a symbol of Can Tho with its picturesque riverside scenery, pedestrian bridge, and Ho Chi Minh statue. This is a great place to feel the vibrant nightlife of the city. Enjoy dinner with Can Tho specialties such as fermented fish hotpot, Cai Rang grilled pork sausage, Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake)…
- Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 10: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Discover Authentic Riverine Culture
- Early morning: Cai Rang Floating Market – A unique cultural feature.
- Boat trip to explore Cai Rang Floating Market: This is the highlight of the Can Tho trip. You will wake up early to experience a boat trip on the Hau River to Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the largest and most bustling floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Witness the sight of hundreds of boats busily trading on the river, with unique “bẹo” poles displaying their goods. You will enjoy breakfast right on the boat with dishes like bun rieu (crab noodle soup), hu tieu (rice noodle soup), coffee… and buy fresh fruits from the merchant boats.
- Visit a traditional noodle factory: After the floating market, the boat will take you to visit a traditional hu tieu (rice noodle) factory, where you can learn about the handmade noodle-making process, taste dried noodles, crispy fried noodles, and other noodle products.
- Late morning: Lush fruit orchards.
- Visit a fruit orchard: After leaving the floating market, you will visit a lush fruit orchard (seasonal), where you can pick and enjoy fresh seasonal fruits directly from the trees, such as rambutan, longan, durian, grapefruit… (fruit cost at the orchard may be self-paid depending on type and season).
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Free time to explore Can Tho or relax. You will have free time to further explore Can Tho according to your interests:
- Can Tho Museum: Learn about the history, culture, and people of the Tay Do region.
- Binh Thuy Ancient House: An ancient house with classic French architecture, featured in many famous movies.
- Munirangsay Khmer Pagoda or Ong Pagoda: Discover the unique architecture and spiritual culture of the Khmer and Chinese communities in Can Tho.
- Shop for local specialties: Such as Cai Rang grilled pork sausage, Banh Pia (durian pastry), various fermented fish sauces, dried fruits…
- Free for dinner.
- Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 11: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City – Free time for exploration or shopping
- Morning: Depart from Can Tho for Ho Chi Minh City. After breakfast at the hotel, you will board the vehicle and depart back to Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes approximately 3.5-4 hours.
- Noon: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and hotel check-in. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City. You will have free time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, explore large shopping malls, or other bustling areas of Saigon. You might also visit Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon (Chinatown) to experience the vibrant atmosphere and find unique items.
- Free for dinner.
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Airport and Departure Flight
- Morning: Free time for shopping or relaxation. After breakfast, you will have free time until your transfer to the airport. You can use this time for last-minute souvenir shopping, enjoying a favorite lunch, or relaxing at the hotel.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Depending on your flight schedule, our vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure flight. Our guide will assist you with necessary procedures.
- End of the journey. End of a memorable journey across Vietnam. We hope you had a wonderful trip, gaining valuable experiences and deep insights into the country and people of Vietnam.
Useful Practical Information for Your 12-Day 11-Night Vietnam Tour
To ensure your trip is smooth, comfortable, and complete, we have compiled the following practical information, based on our experience organizing Vietnam tours:
Ideal Time to Take the Tour
Vietnam has diverse climates across its regions. For the best experience on a North-Central-South itinerary, you should consider:
- Dry Season in the South and Central (November to April of the following year): This is the most ideal time for most destinations.
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long): During this period, it’s winter and early spring. The weather can be cool (15-25°C), with potential for early morning fog in Ha Long, creating a mystical beauty. Late spring (March-April) offers warmer, more pleasant weather.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An): The weather is dry, with mild sunshine and pleasant temperatures (20-30°C), highly favorable for visiting historical sites and the ancient town.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Mekong Delta): The dry season brings beautiful sunshine and less rain, with warm temperatures (28-35°C), ideal for river activities and urban exploration.
- Summer (May to August):
- Northern Vietnam: Hot and humid with potential for storms. Ha Long Bay tours may be affected by typhoons/tropical depressions, leading to cancellations.
- Central Vietnam: Very hot and dry, with intense sunlight possible.
- Southern Vietnam: Hot with sudden afternoon showers.
- Autumn (September to November):
- Northern Vietnam: The most pleasant weather of the year (20-30°C), with clear skies.
- Central Vietnam: End of the rainy and typhoon season, with potential for heavy rain or flooding in September-October.
- Southern Vietnam: Still sunny, with afternoon showers.
Conclusion on timing: November to April of the following year is the optimal choice for this Vietnam cross-country tour to experience good weather in most regions.
Essential Packing List
Proper packing will help ensure a comfortable and convenient trip for all three distinct climatic regions:
- Clothing:
- For Northern Vietnam (Winter/Spring): Warm clothes, thick jackets, scarves, sweaters (especially from December to February).
- For Central & Southern Vietnam: Light, breathable, and sweat-wicking clothes, preferably cotton or linen, as the weather in the South can be quite hot.
- Overall: Bring at least one modest outfit (long-sleeved shirt/blouse, long pants/knee-length skirt) for visiting spiritual sites (pagodas, temples) and historical relics, to show respect.
- Swimwear (if you plan to swim at Hoi An/Da Nang beaches or relax at the hotel pool).
- Footwear:
- Prioritize comfortable sports shoes or flat sandals for extensive walking and convenience when visiting various sites.
- A pair of flip-flops or lightweight sandals for easy movement within the hotel or for relaxation.
- Personal Items:
- Sunscreen, hat/cap, sunglasses: Essential for protection from the strong sun, especially in Central and Southern Vietnam.
- Insect repellent/mosquito spray: Useful, especially when in the Mekong Delta and areas with lush greenery.
- Personal medications: Including any specific prescription drugs (if applicable), cold medicine, stomach medicine, pain relievers, bandages, etc.
- Hand sanitizer, tissues, face mask (useful in large cities).
- Electronic Devices:
- Camera/Phone: To capture memorable moments.
- Power bank (portable charger): Essential to ensure your electronic devices are always ready for use throughout the long trip.
- Universal Adapter if needed.
- Cash:
- While major tourist attractions and restaurants may accept card/electronic payments, cash (VND) is still very useful for small expenses, shopping at traditional markets, buying souvenirs from street vendors, or for services without card machines.
Important Notes for Tour Participants
To ensure your Vietnam trip runs smoothly and safely, please keep the following in mind:
- Follow the guidance of your tour leader/guide: Our tour guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the local area. They will provide useful information, ensure safety, and coordinate the itinerary effectively for your long journey.
- Respect local culture and customs:
- When visiting spiritual sites (pagodas, temples, tombs), dress modestly and respectfully (do not wear excessively short clothes, expose shoulders or chest). Take off your shoes when entering main shrines.
- Maintain order and avoid making noise in sacred places.
- In markets and residential areas, respect local customs and do not arbitrarily photograph locals if they are uncomfortable.
- Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases (like hello, thank you) can help you connect better with locals.
- Maintain environmental hygiene: Responsible tourism is incredibly important. Please do not litter throughout the journey, especially at attractions, historical sites, and natural areas.
- Food and drink safety:
- Drink bottled water. Avoid ice made from tap water or water of unknown origin.
- When eating at street food stalls, choose busy, clean-looking stalls that appear popular with locals.
- If you have any food allergies or require special dietary arrangements (vegetarian, gluten-free…), please inform the company or your tour guide in advance.
- Safeguard personal belongings: Always be careful with your personal belongings, especially in crowded places and large cities. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying too much cash.
- Inter-city travel: The tour involves multiple domestic flights. Please ensure you arrive at the airport on time for check-in. Your guide will always be present to assist.
- Shopping and bargaining: In traditional markets, bargaining is quite common. Bargain politely and in good humor.
Cuisine & Must-Try Specialties on Your Vietnam Cross-Country Tour
A journey across Vietnam is an unending culinary adventure, where you will have the opportunity to savor the diversity and essence of regional cuisines, from North to South.
Hanoi and Northern Vietnamese Cuisine:
- Pho: The national dish. Hanoi Pho is famous for its clear, sweet broth simmered from beef bones, soft rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef/chicken.
- Bun Cha: A Hanoi specialty, consisting of fresh vermicelli, fragrant grilled pork patties, served with sweet and sour dipping sauce, green papaya, and fresh herbs.
- Cha Ca La Vong: Marinated fish (catfish/snakehead) grilled then pan-fried with dill and spring onions, served with vermicelli, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste.
- Banh Cuon: Thin steamed rice paper rolls filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots, served with Vietnamese pork sausage (cha lua) and dipping sauce.
- Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A creative Hanoi specialty, with a rich, creamy egg foam layered over strong, dark coffee.
Hue and Central Vietnamese Cuisine:
- Bun Bo Hue: Famous spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, with a rich, aromatic broth made from beef bones and fermented shrimp paste, served with beef shank, pork hock, congealed pig’s blood, and crab sausage.
- Com Hen: Cold rice mixed with stir-fried baby clams, pork cracklings, fresh herbs, banana blossom, chili, roasted peanuts, fermented shrimp paste, and clam broth. Rustic yet incredibly appealing.
- Hue Cakes (Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc, Banh Khoai): Small, delicate cakes, diverse in ingredients and preparation, often served with distinctive dipping sauces.
- Nem Lui: Minced pork molded around lemongrass sticks or bamboo, grilled over charcoal, served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a savory peanut dipping sauce.
Hoi An Cuisine:
- Cao Lau: Hoi An’s characteristic noodle dish, with chewy, yellow noodles, served with char siu pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, pork cracklings, and a thick sauce.
- My Quang: Rice noodle dish with a rich broth made from pork, shrimp, quail eggs, roasted peanuts, and rice crackers.
- Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings): Delicate rice flour dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, steamed, shaped like white roses, served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Fried Wontons/Wonton Soup: Crispy fried wontons or wontons in soup with pork and shrimp filling.
Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnamese Cuisine:
- Com Tam Saigon: Broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, fried egg, cucumber, tomato, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Banh Mi Saigon: A more diverse version of the baguette sandwich compared to the North, often including pate, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.
- Hu Tieu: Various types of rice noodle soup (Hu Tieu Nam Vang, Hu Tieu Go, Hu Tieu My), with clear broth, chewy noodles, served with minced pork, shrimp, liver, heart…
- Bo Ne: Sizzling beefsteak served with sunny-side-up eggs, pate, and sausage on a hot cast iron pan.
- Che (Sweet Soups/Desserts): A wide variety of sweet soups, from bean desserts, banana che, “Ba Ba” che to Thai che and “Khuc Bach” jelly dessert.
- Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (Ca Phe Sua Da): Saigon’s signature coffee, strong filtered coffee mixed with condensed milk and ice, offering a sweet, rich, and refreshing taste.
Can Tho and Mekong Delta Cuisine:
- Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hotpot): A characteristic hotpot of the Mekong Delta, with a rich broth made from fermented fish (linh fish/sac fish), served with a variety of local vegetables, pork belly, shrimp, squid, fish…
- Banh Xeo Mien Tay (Southern Sizzling Pancake): Crispy savory pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts filling, served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Nem Nuong Cai Rang (Cai Rang Grilled Pork Sausage): A famous specialty of Can Tho, fragrant grilled pork sausage, served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a special dipping sauce.
- Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu (Deep-fried Elephant Ear Fish): Elephant ear fish deep-fried until puffy and golden, served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Ca Loc Nuong Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish): Fresh snakehead fish grilled directly over straw charcoal, unseasoned, retaining the fish’s natural sweetness, served with fresh herbs and tamarind fish sauce.
- Mekong Delta Fruits: The Mekong Delta is famous for its fresh and delicious seasonal fruits such as durian, rambutan, longan, star apple, mango, pomelo…
Conclusion: A Miniature Vietnam in a 12-Day Journey
The Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Mekong Delta 12-day 11-night tour is not merely a sightseeing trip; it is a meaningful cross-country journey, offering you a comprehensive and profound insight into the country and people of Vietnam. From the ancient, contemplative capital with a thousand years of civilization, the romantic charm of Hue, the graceful beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town, to the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City, and the serene, fertile beauty of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta.
You will experience firsthand the diversity of landscapes, culture, history, and cuisine. Each day is a new discovery, a new story to be told. You will not just observe; you will live, feel, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of each region, meet friendly, hospitable people, and bring home invaluable memories.
With our company’s professional and dedicated arrangements, from comfortable transportation (including domestic flights), quality hotels, delicious local meals, to thoughtfully designed exploration activities and experienced tour guides, you will have a wonderful vacation, escaping from daily life and accumulating deep insights into this beautiful S-shaped country.
Let us accompany you on the path to discovering authentic Vietnam, where every journey is an experience, and every memory is an imprint. The Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Mekong Delta 12-day 11-night tour awaits you to write the next chapter of your adventure in Vietnam’s endless beauty !
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