Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Mekong Delta

Table of contents

• Hanoi – Historic Capital of Vietnam
• Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on Land
• Halong Bay Cruise – Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Mekong Delta Tour – Life on the River

Hanoi – Historic Capital of Vietnam

Hanoi, the historic capital of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. In the heart of the city lies the bustling Old Quarter, where narrow streets are packed with lively markets and aromatic food stalls, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the soul of everyday life in Vietnam.

We knew our Vietnam holiday would be special from the very first airport pickup. In Hanoi—a city of six million people and five million scooters—the energy is unlike anywhere else. Staying in the Old Quarter near Hoàn Kiếm Lake put us within walking distance of incredible lakeside dining and local shops (we even tracked down some Australian wine!). For any traveler, the Old Quarter is a quintessential Vietnam highlight.

The very first skill you need to master in Vietnam isn’t using chopsticks — it’s crossing the street. There are no traffic lights, no pedestrian crossings, just a constant flow of scooters and cars. The only rule: step out and keep moving steadily. Whatever you do, don’t stop. Walk slowly and confidently and, like magic, the traffic parts around you — as if you were Moses and the Red Sea were made of motorbikes.

If you are exploring Vietnam, the Old Quarter near Hoàn Kiếm Lake is an absolute must-do. As the oldest and busiest commercial district in Hanoi, its energy is infectious. We had a fantastic time wandering through the historic streets and soaking up the vibrant, bustling atmosphere.”

Vietnamese women are clever, resourceful, and incredibly hard-working. One day, a friendly woman approached us with a warm smile. Without a word, she placed her conical hat on my wife’s head, slung her basket over her shoulder, and set us up for the perfect photo opportunity. Of course, we couldn’t resist buying some fruit—and gave her a generous tip. She walked away beaming. No doubt it was her best sale of the day. Smart woman!

Footpaths are meant for walking—but not in Hanoi.Here they transform into open-air kitchens, sidewalk cafés, , street stalls, barber shops, and parking lots for scooters.  Pedestrians don’t just walk, they weave through the traffic. They dodge, and sidestep through a maze of bikes, honking cars. It’s noisy, crowded, chaotic but still we enjoyed it very much. This are things to see in Vietnam.

One of the best things to see in Vietnam is the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just pick a stall, order something delicious, and squeeze onto one of those tiny plastic chairs to eat and chat with the locals; they’re always friendly. There’s just one small problem: if you’re old, getting down is easy but getting back up? Not so much!

We were fascinated by the little side streets in the heart of Hanoi’s Central Business District, which came alive at midday. Stylish locals pour in the restaurants for lunch. The tiny plastic stools were packed with people chatting over steaming bowls of pho and sizzling street food. It’s a chaotic, colorful, delicious scene and one of the best ways to experience Hanoi’s vibrant street culture.

One of the best things to see in Vietnam is the Temple of Literature. It was established in 1070 in honour of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This is Vietnam’s first university, and many students come to pray for luck in their upcoming exams and graduation. There are five amazing courtyards in different styles. This is a view of the third courtyard, which is also known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity.
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Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on Land

A highlight of our Vietnam trip was visiting Ninh Binh, often called ‘Halong Bay on Land.’ Located in the Red River Delta, this province is famous for its dramatic limestone landscapes. Beyond the popular boat tours and hiking trails, Ninh Binh is also home to several significant cultural sites that are well worth exploring

One off the things to see in Vietnam is Ninh Binh. We went on a private tour from Hanoi, which included a car, driver, and guide. The tour also took us to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s Ancient Royal Capital, and included a rowing tour as well as a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

While most tourists flock to the overcrowded Tam Cốc rowing excursion, we thought it is a better things to see in Vietnam is the more serene Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. It was a beautiful choice. Our guide—a cheerful and strong local woman—did all the rowing. In fact, it’s the women who do most of the heavy rowing here. Remarkable!

Gliding through the wetlands was an unforgettable experience. The gentle splash of the oars and the mirror-like surface of the water created a sense of peace and serenity that stayed with us long after.

During the cruise through the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, we glided past a small, beautifully decorated boat carrying a newlywed couple. The bride wore a flowing white dress, and the groom stood proudly beside her, both of them beaming with joy. It was a quiet, intimate moment that seemed to float in time, framed by the towering limestone cliffs and mirrored in the still water around them. This unexpected glimpse of love and celebration added a romantic charm to the already serene setting—one of those travel moments that stays with you long after the journey ends.

We slipped quietly into the cave,  inside, it was cool and dark, the cave ceiling low and mysterious.  The reflections on the water were like paintings—still, perfect, and utterly mesmerizing.
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Halong Bay Cruise – Vietnam’s Natural Wonder

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular places to see in Vietnam. Just a 3–4 hour drive from Hanoi, the bay is famous for its jade-green waters and thousands of dramatic limestone islands and inlets rising from the sea. Hidden among these karst formations are beautiful caves and quiet lagoons, making Halong Bay one of Vietnam’s most unforgettable landscapes.

On our Vietnam Holiday, we went on a three-day cruise on Halong Bay with Signature Cruise. There were only 20 passengers on board—matched by an equal number of crew members. The cabins were luxurious and while the cuisine was nothing short of exceptional. Onboard activities ranged from serene Tai Chi at sunrise to fun, hands-on Vietnamese cooking classes. Excursions took us to a pearl farm and a traditional floating fishing village. In addition, we did a fantastic kayak tour and a visit to a stunning cave. The great thing was. that everything was included in the price of the cruise.

The peak tourist season in Halong Bay runs from October to April. We cruised in early November. The weather was pleasant and  the bay never felt overcrowded. There were several cruise ships on the waters but they did not diminish the bay’s sense of tranquility.

During exploring Vietnam, on a Ha Long Bay cruise, we stopped at a tiny, idyllic island. It was a perfect place for a refreshing swim in the calm, green waters. Afterward, we hiked up a small hill where we had a spectacular panoramic view of the bay. A view of the maze of limestone karsts rising from the water, is definitely a things to see in Vietnam.

On our Vietnam Holiday, we went kayaking through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. After a short instruction on how to handle the kayak, we went off. Our excellent guide took us along the limestone cliffs to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. This was an unforgettable experience.

We went on another excursion from our cruise ship in small, traditional rowboats to a pearl farm. Were we learned about the pearl cultivation process, from oyster farming to harvesting, and purchased pearl jewelry. Guess who did the rowing? Vietnam’s women!!

The dining room on our Halong Bay cruise was elegant and beautifully decorated, offering a refined atmosphere. But we much preferred sitting outside on the deck, where we were surrounded by the stunning views of the limestone karsts and could enjoy the warm, balmy night air. Dining under the stars, with the gentle lapping of water around us, was a magical and unforgettable experience.

One of the most unforgettable things to see in Vietnam is the stunning sunset over Ha Long Bay. As the sun slowly sinks behind the limestone karsts, the sky ignites with vibrant colours—deep orange, fiery red, and glowing magenta—reflected across the calm, emerald waters. The towering limestone islands turn into dark silhouettes, creating a dramatic and peaceful scene. Watching the day end over this UNESCO World Heritage landscape is a truly magical experience and a perfect highlight of any visit to Ha Long Bay.

During our Ha Long Bay cruise, we passed many small fishing boats scattered across the calm waters. Local fishermen often spend days on these tiny vessels, casting their nets to catch fish. Many families even live in floating villages anchored among the limestone islands. Watching their daily routines on the water offered a fascinating glimpse into the traditional life that still exists in this unique part of Vietnam.

A highlight of our time in Ha Long Bay was seeing the floating life up close. Watching a mother and child sell fresh fish from their wooden boat felt like stepping into a living history—a glimpse of the families who have called this bay home for centuries.
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Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the economic powerhouse of the country. The vibrant metropolis is full of energy, fascinating history, and many attractions for visitors. Some of the highlights include the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and the impressive War Remnants Museum. Another thing to see in Vietnam is the city’s elegant French colonial architecture, which still shapes parts of the historic centre.

Originally, we had planned to travel north to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An—other famous places to visit in Vietnam—before exploring Ho Chi Minh City. However, a typhoon warning over the East Sea forced us to change our itinerary. Instead, we took a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City and ended up with more time to discover this amazing and vibrant city.

Ho Chi Minh City still wears its history on its sleeve, with French colonial landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House dotting the skyline. While many were tucked behind scaffolding for restoration during our stay, the Saigon Central Post Office remained a stunning standout.

While in Ho Chi Minh we went to the Opera House to see a performance of the famous Vietnamese Bamboo Circus. This show combined extraordinary acrobatics with unique live music. All actions are centered around the use of bamboo in any form. This show has toured the world, including  at the Sydney Opera House. This incredible show is another things to see in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is the vibrant heart of the city and a popular destination for shopping. Along its busy streets you will find numerous high-end boutiques, stylish fashion stores, and international luxury brands. One of the best-known shopping centres is the large Diamond Plaza department store, offering a wide range of fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and restaurants.

The district combines modern shopping malls with lively streets full of cafés, hotels, and historic buildings from the French colonial era. Whether browsing designer boutiques or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, District 1 is one of the most interesting places to explore in Ho Chi Minh City.

When exploring Vietnam, shopping in markets is a must. Shopping in a market like Ben Thanh, is far more fun and far more affordable than in a department store. With hundreds of bustling stalls, each one eager to make a sale, the atmosphere is lively and full of energy. Haggling is all part of the experience, and is a lot of fun.
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Mekong Delta Tour – Life on the River

The Mekong Delta is a sprawling network of rivers, swamps, and islands. The main part of the economy is farming. This rich land produces an abundant crop of rice, fruits, vegetables, and fish. Many of Vietnam day tours go into the Mekong Delta. Most tours include boat trips along the Mekong River and going to the floating markets. Other tours explore the traditional villages known for their local crafts and way of life.

From Saigon, we took a private Mekong Delta tour. The first stop was the colourful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a Vietnamese religion that combines teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Our visit to Di Ba village offered a vibrant look at rural life through its local market. From stalls overflowing with poultry, river fish and tropical fruits to baskets of fresh herbs and frogs, the air was thick with the energy of locals bargaining for their daily meals. It was a fascinating, unfiltered glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese food culture.

The Mekong Delta Tour did include a one-hour motorbike ride through the lush region that produces 60% of the country’s rice. Along the way, we came across curious concrete towers—specially built structures designed to attract swallows. Their nests, prized as a delicacy in bird’s nest soup, are harvested and sold for up to $1,200 per kilogram.

Looking back at our Vietnam Holiday, the  lunch at Tan Thanh Beach was unforgettable. We shared a delicious seaside meal with our warm and knowledgeable guide at. With the sea breeze in the air and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, it was a peaceful and memorable break from our journey   made even more special by the guide’s engaging stories and local insights.

Nestled about 80 km south of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Tan Thanh Beach in Go Cong Dong district offers a picturesque escape. This beautiful coastal stretch is a vibrant hub where you can see numerous houses on stilts and watch the colourful fishing boats on the waters. For those who relish the bounty of the sea, Tan Thanh Beach is an absolute paradise for seafood lovers, where fresh catches are cooked to perfection.

After lunch, our guide took us on an hour-long cruise along the wide, muddy waters of the Mekong Delta. As we glided past lush green riverbanks and stilted homes, we observed daily life unfolding on the water. The fishermen casting their nets, boats piled high with produce, and children waving from the shore. The warm air was thick with the scent of vegetation, and the steady hum of the boat added to the rhythm of this timeless river landscape.

During our cruise through at our the Mekong Delta Tour, we passed several floating fish farms wooden structures bobbing gently on the water. Each of them brimming with life fish just below the surface. Along the riverbanks, we saw clusters of riverside houses, many perched on tall stilts to withstand seasonal flooding. Some were simple wooden dwellings, others brightly painted. Nice to see the laundry fluttering in the breeze and boats moored just outside. It was a fascinating glimpse into the water-connected way of life in this unique region.

Later, we transferred to a smaller boat and glided quietly along a narrow canal lined with dense nipa palms. The overhanging fronds formed a green tunnel that filtered the sunlight, creating a cool, dappled pathway through the delta. The water was calm and muddy, reflecting the surrounding greenery as we drifted deeper into the peaceful heart of the Mekong. Eventually, we arrived at a small riverside settlement, where life moved at a slower pace, and the warm smiles of the locals welcomed us into their world.

That was the final stop on our fantastic Mekong Delta tour before we returned to Saigon. With our excellent guide, we celebrated it with a glass of delicious snake wine. Snake wine recipe: Soak snakes, cobras, and other venomous snakes in rice wine for months. It tastes better than whisky and is much healthier. It is also an aphrodisiac and a medicine for everything from rheumatism to hair loss. This was the last of the things to see in Vietnam. We had a fantastic Vietnam Holiday.
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