Embark on a thrilling adventure through Vietnam’s bustling cities and breathtaking natural landscapes with this tour from Ho Chi Minh City all the way north to Hanoi. Explore the country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine as you journey through its most iconic destinations. 

To make your journey even more special, you have the freedom to personalise your itinerary according to your preferences. You can extend your adventure with a relaxing beach stay in Hoi An, where golden sands meet the charm of the ancient town, or enjoy a peaceful retreat in Ninh Binh, known as "Ha Long Bay on land" for its stunning landscapes of rice fields and limestone peaks. For those who wish to experience both, it’s also possible to combine the beach escape and the Ninh Binh stay for a perfectly balanced mix of relaxation and discovery.

Choose the length of your stay:

11-night tour

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh 

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta/Vinh Long

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An

Day 4 & 5: Leisure days in Hoi An 

Day 6: Hoi An - Hue

Day 7: Hue 

Day 8: Hue – Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Day 10: Ha Long Bay 

Day 11: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi 

Day 12: Hanoi - Departure

14-night tour

Day 1: ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis at the heart of southern Vietnam. Dive into the city's rich history, discover its captivating blend of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, and savour the exquisite cuisine while exploring the dynamic energy of Saigon.

• Private transfer to your hotel.
• Free time in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Night at Mai House Hotel 5*.

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Vinh Long, a charming riverside city known for its lush landscapes and authentic Mekong Delta atmosphere.
• Explore a bustling local market, the perfect opportunity to capture vivid scenes of daily life, stalls overflowing with fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, tropical fruits, and vibrant vegetables.
• Set off on a cruise along the Mekong River, gliding past floating fish farms and witnessing the unique way of life along the riverbanks.
• Travel through the Hoa Tinh and My An canals, lined with traditional brick kilns that have stood for generations, giving the area a rustic and picturesque feel.
• Stroll through a tranquil village, where you’ll observe local crafts including brickmaking, bamboo tray and basket weaving and handcrafting of conical hats.
• Enjoy a delicious local lunch, prepared with fresh regional ingredients.
• Resume the cruise towards Cai Be, followed by a rowing boat ride along the Ba Nam canal on Tan Phong Island.
• Return to Ho Chi Min in the afternoon.
• Overnight stay at Mai House Hotel 5*.

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH - DA NANG – HOI AN

• Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and then visit the Central Post Office, a remarkable remnant of the French colonial era and one of the largest post offices in Southeast Asia.
• Located right next to Saigon’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, these two landmarks offer a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance of Vietnam during the Indochinese period.
• Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the South Vietnamese president until the fall of Saigon in 1975.
• Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• In the afternoon, explore a local food and flower market, then walk through a residential area to observe daily life.
• Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, rich with incense, ornate carvings, and statues, a lively temple built by the Cantonese community in the early 1900s.
• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, then travel onward to your hotel in Hoi An.
• Overnight stay at Little Oasis 5*.

Step into the charming world of Hoi An, a historic Vietnamese town that exudes timeless elegance with its lantern-lit streets and centuries-old architecture. Immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, from traditional markets to riverside temples, making Hoi An an unforgettable blend of past and present.

• Breakfast included
• Spend two days at leisure in Hoi An, exploring the city at your own pace. 
• Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute foot massage at your hotel.
• Optional 'Rural Village Life’ excursion
• Night at Little Oasis 5*

DAY 6: HOI AN - HUE

• Breakfast at your hotel, followed by a meeting with your guide in the lobby.
• Depart for Hue, travelling along the scenic Hai Van Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the central coastline and Lang Co Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
• Arrive in Hue after approximately three hours on the road.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, and the Thai Hoa Palace.
• Continue to the An Hien Garden House, once the residence of Emperor Duc Duc’s 18th daughter.
• Facing the Perfume River, this elegant home reflects Hue’s traditional garden architecture, designed according to Feng Shui principles, with its harmonious layout of three main rooms and two annexes
• Night at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 5*

DAY 7: HUE 

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking your transfer without a guide to the airport.
• Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver, who will take you to your hotel.
• On the way, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (replaced by the Museum of History on Mondays), an invaluable centre dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
• Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, built in the 11th century and a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. 
• Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, where your local driver will pedal behind your guide through its maze of narrow streets.
• Night at Melia Hotel 5*.

DAY 9: HANOI - HALONG BAY

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Vietnam's enchanting natural masterpiece. Navigate through its emerald waters, surrounded by the mystical limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea, for an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most mesmerising seascapes.

• After breakfast, you'll depart at 9 am without a guide for the stunning Ha Long Bay.
• Travel through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta, passing lush rice fields and witnessing the daily life of rural Vietnamese villages along the way.
• Arrive at Ha Long Bay after approximately 2.5 hours of driving.
• Board a beautiful cruise boat and settle in for your journey.
• Lunch on board, while you begin to admire the breathtaking seascape dotted with countless limestone islands and rocky outcrops.
• During the cruise, stop to visit fascinating caves and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the bay.
• Dinner and overnight stay on board, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay.
• Night on Indochine Cruise 5*.

Please Note:

• This itinerary is subject to change due to boat availability or weather conditions without prior notice
• Sharing a local English-speaking guide on the boat.
  
  

DAY 10: HALONG BAY  

DAYS 1 - 10: IDENTICAL TO THE 11-NIGHT TOUR

DAY 11: HA LON BAY - NINH BINH

• Begin your day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck around 6:30 a.m., a refreshing morning ritual to connect with the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay.
• Board a day boat to continue your cruise through the bay, passing floating villages, islands, and limestone islets scattered across the emerald waters.
• Spend the morning exploring the natural wonders of the bay before the boat returns to the harbour.
• Enjoy a light brunch on board, marking the end of this unforgettable cruise, as the crew gathers to bid you farewell upon arrival at Ha Long Port around 11:00–11:30 a.m.
• After disembarking, meet your driver for your transfer to Ninh Binh. 
• Night at Aravinda Resort 5*

DAY 12: NINH BINH

Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land," welcomes you to a tranquil haven of natural beauty and cultural heritage in northern Vietnam. Explore its stunning limestone karst landscapes, winding rivers, and ancient temples as you embark on a journey that reveals the timeless charm and serene landscapes of this captivating region.

• Beginning with a breakfast at your hotel before visiting Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, to see the Dinh and Le dynasty temples set among rice fields and limestone peaks.
• Continue to Bich Dong, called the “second most beautiful cave in Vietnam,” featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Climb Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha Palm Mountain) for panoramic views of mountains, rivers, pagodas, and temples.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, explore Tam Coc, the “Ha Long Bay on land,” by boat along the Ngo Dong River, passing rice fields and dramatic limestone caves.
• Disembark and walk along a village path to Thai Vi Temple, surrounded by scenic countryside and a sacred cave.
• Night at Aravinda Resort 5*.

DAY 13: NINH BINH

• After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Hang Mua (Dancing Cave), located inside Ngoa Long Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the region.
• From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of the rural villages, winding rivers, and picturesque rice fields of Tam Coc.
• Take on the challenge of climbing 465 uneven stone steps to reach the summit, a rewarding experience offering breathtaking photo opportunities.
• Continue your adventure with a bicycle ride along peaceful village paths, surrounded by rice paddies and the dramatic limestone mountains that define the Ninh Binh landscape.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, travel to the Phat Diem Cathedral, an impressive complex that blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles.
• After your visit, drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon.
• Night at Melia Hotel 5*.

DAY 14: HANOI - DEPARTURE

• After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Hanoi to relax or explore at your own pace before your departure.
• Transfer without a guide to the airport for your return flight.

Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 p.m.

DAYS 1 - 5: IDENTICAL TO THE 11-NIGHT TOUR

DAYS 6 - 9: LEISURE TIME IN HOI AN 

• Breakfast included.
• Enjoy four days of indulgent leisure in Hoi An, unwinding on the pristine beach or by the luxurious hotel pool during your free time.

DAYS 10 - 16: CONTINUE THE SAME ITINERARY AS THE 11-NIGHT FROM DAY 6 

DAYS 1 - 5: IDENTICAL TO THE 11-NIGHT TOUR

DAYS 6 - 9: LEISURE TIME IN HOI AN 

• Breakfast included.
• Enjoy four days of indulgent leisure in Hoi An, unwinding on the pristine beach or by the luxurious hotel pool during your free time.

DAY 10: HOI AN - HUE

• Breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide in the lobby.
• Travel to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, offering stunning panoramic views of the central coastline and Lang Co Beach, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.
• Arrive in Hue after approximately 3 hours of driving.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, and Thai Hoa Palace.
• Continue to the An Hien Garden House, originally the residence of Emperor Duc Duc’s 18th daughter.
• Facing the Perfume River, the house is a classic example of Hue’s garden architecture, designed with Feng Shui principles, featuring three main rooms and two annexes.
• Night in Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 5*.

DAYS 11 - 14: IDENTICAL TO DAYS 7 - 10 OF THE 11-NIGHT TOUR

At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels.

Your hotels during the tour:

Ho Chi Minh: Mai House Hotel 5* (Premier Room)

Hoi An: Little Oasis 5* (Standard Room)

Hue: Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 5* (Deluxe Room)

Hanoi: Melia Hotel 5* (Deluxe Room)

Ha Long Bay: Indochine Cruise 5* (Junior Suite)

During the extensions:

Ninh Binh: Aravinda Resort 5* (Countryside Deluxe Room)

Hanoi: Melia Hotel 5* (Deluxe Room)

Added benefits in certain hotels: 

An experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour, bringing each destination’s history and culture to life.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Explore the hidden treasures of the Hoi An countryside in a vintage jeep, between rice fields, traditional villages and authentic encounters with local craftsmen.

Discover life in the countryside on the outskirts of Hoi An with a morning in the rice fields where you'll catch a glimpse of the daily activities of local farmers. 

Take a day out to visit the My Son sanctuary, the holy land of the Champa kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site, then head to Hoian for a tour of this charming, unspoilt town.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling economic and cultural epicentre. A dynamic metropolis, it fuses modernity with a rich historical legacy. From towering skyscrapers to historic French colonial architecture, the city is a melting pot of influences. Its vibrant energy permeates the streets, offering an exciting destination for travellers seeking a mix of tradition and innovation.

Must-sees:

• The War Remnants Museum, a powerful historical site, offers an insightful look at Vietnam’s turbulent past.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an iconic French colonial landmark, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur.
• The Ben Thanh Market is perfect for exploring local crafts, food, and souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.

Culinary culture:

Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is as diverse as its history. With its street food culture thriving, visitors can sample everything from sizzling pho and banh mi to lesser-known delights like com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and hu tieu (noodle soup). The city also offers a range of fusion dishes, where Vietnamese flavours meet international influences. Whether dining at a high-end restaurant or a roadside stall, food in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential experience.

Dive deeper:

For a more authentic exploration, venture into the city’s less touristy districts. Discover the Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown, where you can stroll through bustling markets and sample Chinese-Vietnamese delicacies. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautifully ornate temple steeped in local religious traditions. For a quiet retreat, explore the tranquil Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the world, offering a glimpse into the city's history and natural beauty.

Good to know:

The currency used in Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when temperatures are comfortable. While public transport is limited, taxis and motorbikes are popular and easy to use. The city is also home to numerous international airports, making it a well-connected gateway to Southeast Asia.

Hội An is a city on Vietnam’s central coast known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda.

Must-sees:

• The Ancient Town: Offering winding streets, traditional architecture, and iconic lanterns.
• The Hoi An Market: filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and street food.
• An Bang Beach: Perfect for unwinding, swimming, or enjoying fresh seafood by the shore.

Culinary culture:

Try the iconic cao lau, a unique noodle dish made with thick noodles, pork, and herbs. Hoi An is also famous for white rose dumplings, delicate steamed dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, and banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese ingredients. 

Dive deeper:

To dive deeper into the fascinating heritage, visit a local cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the market. 

Good to know:

• The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Hoi An has a tropical climate, with the best time to visit being between February and May, when the weather is dry and mild.

Nestled in the northern heart of Vietnam, Hanoi boasts a history that stretches over a millennium, making it a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern vitality. Its dynamic culture, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality invite exploration. Whether wandering through bustling streets or peaceful temples, Hanoi offers a remarkable journey into the soul of Vietnam.

Must-sees:

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the leader’s embalmed body rests, is a poignant tribute to Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
• The serene Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by temples and parks, offers a tranquil escape in the city's heart.
• The Temple of Literature, an ancient site of education, is a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and heritage.

Culinary culture:

Hanoi is renowned for its culinary offerings, with street food playing a central role in the city’s vibrant food culture. Indulge in pho, a fragrant noodle soup, or enjoy the iconic banh mi, a fusion of French and Vietnamese ingredients. For a more authentic experience, seek out lesser-known dishes such as bun thang, a delicate noodle soup, or cha ca, a local fish dish. Eating here is an exploration of flavours, from spicy to savoury, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Dive deeper:

For those seeking a richer cultural experience, venture beyond the main tourist sites. Explore the lesser-known Museum of Ethnology, where diverse tribal cultures of Vietnam are beautifully displayed. Take a walk through the Old Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, where centuries-old architecture mingles with local craft shops. A boat trip to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a scenic backdrop to Hanoi’s cultural and natural beauty.

Good to know:

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with the best times to visit being between September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Hanoi is well-connected by a comprehensive public transport system, but taxis and motorbike rentals are also convenient options for navigating the city.