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Highlights of Vietnam from North to South 12 days
Highlights of Vietnam from North to South 12 days

VIETNAM · TAILOR-MADE JOURNEY · 12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS

Vietnam from North to South in

A 12-day journey from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay through Hoi An and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

Duration12 days / 11 nights
DestinationNorthern Vietnam

Route

HanoiHalongDa NangHoi AnHue

Trip at a glance

What you need to know first

Duration, route rhythm, lodging and group style — what guests need before a private consult.

Duration

12 days / 11 nights

Route

Hanoi → Halong → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong

Meals

NA; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Breakfast, Brunch; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast

Journey overview

Journey overview

Route

Hanoi → Halong → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong

It offers a balanced introduction for guests who want to understand several sides of Vietnam in one trip.

Leg 01

Hanoi

Journey stop

Leg 02

Halong

Journey stop

Leg 03

Da Nang

Journey stop

Leg 04

Hoi An

Journey stop

Leg 05

Hue

Journey stop

Leg 06

Ho Chi Minh City

Journey stop

Leg 07

Cu Chi

Journey stop

Leg 08

Mekong

Journey stop

Destination

Hanoi→Halong→Da Nang→Hoi An→Hue→Ho Chi Minh City→Cu Chi→Mekong

Day-by-day itinerary

Day-by-day itinerary

Day

01

Hanoi Arrival - Welcome to Vietnam!

Morning Once you arrive in Hanoi, our tour guide will pick you up at Pole No.10 outside the Terminal and transfer you to your hotel for c…

Hanoi Arrival - Welcome to Vietnam!

Morning Once you arrive in Hanoi, our tour guide will pick you up at Pole No.10 outside the Terminal and transfer you to your hotel for check-in procedures. Normally, 14:00 is the check-in time at your hotel. Since the rest of this day is free for leisure, it’s highly recommended to book an optional city tour to explore this ‘Paris of the East’: Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour From US $29 /pax Hanoi Foodie Tour by Motorbike at Night From US $78 /pax NOTE : There will be a surcharge if you want to check in early.

Meals

No meals

Day

02

Explore Hanoi’s Highlights Half-day (SIC)

Morning 08:00 - 08:30 : Our guide will meet your group at the hotel, and we will begin our exciting half-day tour in Hanoi, which include…

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Explore Hanoi’s Highlights Half-day (SIC)

Morning 08:00 - 08:30 : Our guide will meet your group at the hotel, and we will begin our exciting half-day tour in Hanoi, which includes various remarkable well-known attractions: Firstly, we visit the Temple of Literature , which is the first national university of Vietnam. The place is where culture seekers can explore the diverse buildings and gardens that make up the temple complex. One Pillar Pagoda is the second attraction you will head to - a cultural and spiritual attraction processing unique architecture like a beautiful lotus emerging from the water. An essential destination where the Vietnamese pay their respects and express their gratitude to their leader is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum . It is a must-visit for those interested in Vietnam’s history. Our friendly guide will lead you to the oldest religious temple in the city, Tran Quoc Pagoda . Situated by Hanoi West Lake, the temple strikes a perfect balance of majesty, heritage, and elegance in its architecture. At the end of the venture, your group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Our guide will drop you off at the hotel after that. NOTE : Departure in the morning at 08:00 or afternoon at 13:00 , depending on availability. The mausoleum is closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug. You can only take photographs from the outside. Afternoon If you're looking for a night's adventure, booking an extra tour will be a great option. Hanoi Sunset Biking & Food Tour Half day From US $54 /pax Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Night Tour From US $38 /pax For anyone who just wants to relax, consider booking an optional massage retreat with our consultants in advance, at only from US $32.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Day

03

Halong Bay - Stay Overnight On An Elegant Cruise

Morning After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at 08:00 and head to the cruise port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, the cruise staff w…

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Halong Bay - Stay Overnight On An Elegant Cruise

Morning After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at 08:00 and head to the cruise port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, the cruise staff will help you with the check-in procedure. At noon, nature goers will be warmly welcomed with a welcome drink, then listen to the cruise introduction and safety guidelines briefly. A delectable lunch will be served on board while the cruise is sailing further to secluded parts of the bay. Afternoon Let’s start our expedition by participating in different exciting activities such as swimming and submerging yourself in the emerald cool water, exploring mysterious caves by kayaking, etc. After returning to the cruise, a Vietnamese cooking class to make local spring rolls will await you. Passengers can also sip a cocktail on sundeck during the afternoon program Happy Hour - Buy 1 Get 1. Evening A tasty dinner is ready to be served at the cruise’s restaurant. After that, you can freely enjoy amusing activities onboard, such as board games, squid fishing, night movies, bar & karaoke. NOTE : Our tour guide won't escort you on the cruise, crew members who are fluent in English will take care of you. You may be transferred to a smaller boat (tender), which is easily accessible to secluded parts. The precise itinerary will depend on each Halong Bay cruise.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day

04

Halong Bay - The Second Day To Venture

Morning You can spend your morning in the bay by joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, with deliberate movements and breathing exerci…

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Halong Bay - The Second Day To Venture

Morning You can spend your morning in the bay by joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, with deliberate movements and breathing exercises. For anyone who can’t wake up soon, you can also sleep until breakfast time. After having breakfast, the cruise will take you on a new excursion to discover another famous attraction of Halong Bay. Around 10:00 , you will return to the ship and pack your luggage for checkout. A scrumptious brunch is served onboard while the cruise sails back to the port. Around noon, our driver will pick you up to back to Hanoi. Afternoon Reaching your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, you are free to discover Hanoi on your own. Let’s explore the city’s ancient streets, hidden valleys, and savor tasty street food at local vendors.

Meals

Breakfast, Brunch

Day

05

Flight to Da Nang - Head To Alluring Hoi An

Morning It’s the last day in Hanoi before heading to the next destination of this holiday package. Depending on the flight time, our driv…

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Flight to Da Nang - Head To Alluring Hoi An

Morning It’s the last day in Hanoi before heading to the next destination of this holiday package. Depending on the flight time, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Our driver will be waiting for you at Da Nang Airport and drive you to your hotel in Hoi An. Afternoon Welcome to the laidback town - Hoi An! You will have free time for the rest of the day to relax, or spend your leisure time exploring the most charming town in Vietnam, which features a slow pace of life and vintage architecture.

Meals

Breakfast

Day

06

Discover Hoi An Ancient Town Half Day

Morning /Afternoon Let’s get ready for the half-day walking tour today! Start at the bustling Hoi An Market , a sensory feast of sights,…

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Discover Hoi An Ancient Town Half Day

Morning /Afternoon Let’s get ready for the half-day walking tour today! Start at the bustling Hoi An Market , a sensory feast of sights, colors, sounds, and aromas, perfect for a memorable shopping experience. Next, visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall , with its vibrant gates, intricate dragon statues, and ornate rooftops. Here, you can learn about ancestor worship by observing family altars and locals making offerings. Explore Hoi An’s remarkably preserved old houses, such as Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House , which have stood strong for over 200 years. Then, head to the Museum of Folk Culture , housed in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant home, to see artifacts depicting daily life in ancient Hoi An. Don’t miss the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House , where you can enjoy local art performances. Stop at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge , spanning a small canal and built more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities. Finally, stroll through Hoi An’s handicraft shops, art galleries, and charming laneways, discovering the local neighborhoods and fully appreciating the town’s timeless charm.

Meals

Breakfast

Day

07

Say Goodbye To Hoi An - Hue Road Transfer

Morning After breakfast, you will have spare time to pack your suitcase before transferring to Hue. It takes about 2 hours on the road to…

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Say Goodbye To Hoi An - Hue Road Transfer

Morning After breakfast, you will have spare time to pack your suitcase before transferring to Hue. It takes about 2 hours on the road to reach the ancient capital. Upon arrival, the hotel staff will welcome you and help you check in. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the city by yourself. If you need a guide to show you around, why not consider booking one of our fascinating optional tours in Hue: Hue Street Food Tour on Foot From US $28 /pax Taste of Hue by Night on Cyclo From US $49 /pax Hue Authentic Home Dining Experience From US $52 /pax

Meals

Breakfast

Day

08

Half-day Hue City Tour (SIC - Small Group)

Morning You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00 - 08:30 to start your city exploration. Today, your group can have the chance to s…

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Half-day Hue City Tour (SIC - Small Group)

Morning You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00 - 08:30 to start your city exploration. Today, your group can have the chance to see the best of Hue, from ancient royal architecture to hectic local life. The first well-known attraction in Hue that you will visit is the Thien Mu Pagoda , a famous Buddhist attraction considered the unofficial symbol of the city located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River. The next journey is to discover the Imperial Citadel , which is one of the remaining Hue Monuments Complex recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1993. For those who want to get closer to the locals and experience bargaining skills like a local, Dong Ba Market is a great place to visit and buy souvenirs. End of the expedition, the driver will bring you back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours. Afternoon For gourmets who are in love with Vietnamese cuisine, please take a look at our optional Hue Night Culinary Tour (From US $48/pax ). Starting at 18:00, you can join an interesting itinerary to try Hue specialties and take a cyclo ride.

Meals

Breakfast

Day

09

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City - The City That Never Sleeps

Morning Saying goodbye to Hue must be bittersweet, but we are sure the bustling city you're headed to next will be just as exciting. Afte…

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Flight to Ho Chi Minh City - The City That Never Sleeps

Morning Saying goodbye to Hue must be bittersweet, but we are sure the bustling city you're headed to next will be just as exciting. After having breakfast at the hotel, you will take a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Bai Airport. Upon arrival, our driver will wait for you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Afternoon Hope you're enjoying your stay! After checking in, you might want to take some time to unwind and relax. If you're feeling up for it, you could also explore the city and see what it has to offer. Saigon Night Life Tour by Motorbike From US $59/pax Dinner Cruise on Saigon River From US $34/pax Must See Cultural A O Show Saigon Ticket From US $32/pax

Meals

Breakfast

Day

10

Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City Exploration (Small Group)

Morning Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then let’s start your adventure by heading to Cu Chi Tunnels for 1.5 hours! You will have a chance…

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Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City Exploration (Small Group)

Morning Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then let’s start your adventure by heading to Cu Chi Tunnels for 1.5 hours! You will have a chance to explore a part of the most complicated underground tunnel system constructed since the Vietnam-American War. Upon arrival, travelers will be introduced to the tunnel constructions and previous usage by watching a documentary movie Next, you will try to go through the tunnel and find out how intricate the 136-mile underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers. Then witness a display of living quarters, meeting room, weapons room, and different types of dangerous traps. After the exploration, active travelers can try shooting real bullets with a wide selection of guns at the range ( additional fee ) At noon, you will have a light lunch at a local restaurant with your group before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon Afternoon is the time you spend exploring the top must-visit sights of the ‘city that never sleeps’. The first stop is Independence Palace , where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army won the combat in 1975. Since that day, it has become a significant national monument that stores many historical displays and living residences of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. After around 1.5 hours of exploring, you will move to the next stop at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office - two landmarks of the city that are excellent examples of French architecture. Continue visiting the War Remnants Museum dating back to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. This place exhibits illustrations of the pointlessness and cruel impacts of the war. End of the sightseeing trip, you will be dropped off at your hotel and be free to explore the city at night. NOTE : The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation until 2027. You can be taken to visit the surroundings such as the book street.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Day

11

Thrilling Venture To Mekong Delta Full day (SIC)

Morning At 08:00 , you will hit the road from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre Province and start the fascinating excursion at the Mekong Delt…

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Thrilling Venture To Mekong Delta Full day (SIC)

Morning At 08:00 , you will hit the road from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre Province and start the fascinating excursion at the Mekong Delta. Firstly, adventure seekers will have an incredible experience by getting on a boat cruising along the Ham Luong River , where you get to take in the beautiful scenery and see the rustic life of the riverside landscapes. You also have the opportunity to visit local workshops where I witnessed the process of creating coconut products and mat weaving. After that, you take a leisurely stroll through the village - a great chance to see the local culture up close. The cherry on top is to try the unique motorized rickshaw called a ‘ Xe Loi ’, which was a fun and memorable way to get around the countryside. A delicious lunch with local dishes will be served at noon. Food lovers can have an opportunity to taste the delicious deep-fried elephant earfish - a culinary highlight of the trip. Afternoon A sampan trip along the narrow canals would be a unique and memorable experience. The sights and sounds of the waterways, combined with the peaceful atmosphere of being on the water, would make for a relaxing and enjoyable Mekong Delta journey. Then you will go back to Ho Chi Minh City and relax for the rest of the day.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Day

12

Ho Chi Minh Departure

Morning This morning is the time for you to have breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, and enjoy your last moment in Ho Chi Minh Cit…

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Ho Chi Minh Departure

Morning This morning is the time for you to have breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, and enjoy your last moment in Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your flight time, our driver will transfer you to the airport. NOTE : Hotel check-out time is 12:00 but you still can order a late check-out with a surcharge.

Meals

Breakfast

Included & Not included

Included — Not included

Included

  • Overnight in shared Twin/ Double room with Air-condition (AC) at hotel.
  • All transport during tour on air - conditioned vehicle as per itinerary (including airport pick up & see off)
  • All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • 2 domestic flights Hanoi – Da Nang and Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Not included

  • Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out
  • International flight to or from Vietnam with taxes
  • Vietnam Visa (above 6 months passport Valid & 3 clear-page require)
  • Passport Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips, laundry and gratuities
  • Meals not marked on itinerary, and water during meals
  • Tips for guide /driver (recommended US $3-5 /pax /day)
  • Tipping is completely up to you and should be based on your perception of the service quality

Peak / surcharge note

Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner at the hotel (if any) A fuel surcharge will be applied if fuel prices rise above 15%

Transport & Meals

NA; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Breakfast, Brunch; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast

Dates & price

A private quote for your dates

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Price on request

On request · reply within 24h

We confirm your tailored quote before any deposit.

How booking works

  • Share dates, party size, and pace preference.
  • We reply within 24 hours with a tailored outline.
  • We confirm your tailored quote before any deposit.

Next step

Request consultation

Tell us your dates and group size. A local planner replies within 24 hours (GMT+7).

Journey context

Vietnam from North to South in 12 Days

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Vietnam from North to South in 12 Days

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