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A yellow corner shophouse hung with lanterns in the ancient town of Hội An.

Vietnam

Vietnam, North to South

Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City in nine days

Steffen Schmitz (more photos) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Eight nights through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Da Nang. Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City in nine days. The price is per person and depends on the hotel and the size of your group — choose both below and download the quotation.

Suits

  • A first visit
  • Couples, families and small groups

Day by day

Day 01

Hanoi Arrival - City Tour · Private

Welcome to Hanoi - Vietnam!

Upon arrival, you will be collected by our Driver (No Guide) at Noi Bai Airport and transfer to the hotel, then check-in as per hotel's standard check-in time.

Afternoon, start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only since it's closed on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoon), Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, head to Hanoi’s Train Street to experience the unique sight of a train passing through the narrow street. Enjoy a coffee at a local café here if you wish (at your own expense).

Following that, a walking tour in the Old Quarter will allow you to explore the bustling streets, traditional shops, and colonial architecture.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 02

Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu - Cycling - Trang An) - Hanoi (shared group tours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Pick-up time: ~ 7:00 / Drop-off time: ~ 18:30.

Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Ninh Binh province, located about 120 km from the city.

After a short break along the way, the first stop is at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you'll learn about the history behind the capital's move to Hanoi and explore the impressive architecture of the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam. The temples, built in the 17th century, offer a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture.

Next, enjoy a 45-minute cycling tour around the village, giving you a chance to discover the daily life of the local people.

A buffet lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, offering a variety of local dishes.

After lunch, visit Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Known for its stunning tunnel cave system, Trang An was a filming location for the 2016 movie "Kong: Skull Island." Embark on a boat trip to explore the area, taking in the breathtaking scenery, caves such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, and the tranquil green river.

The tour concludes with a return trip to Hanoi, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 03

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Transferred by Shuttle Bus - Overnight on Cruise (Shared Boat)

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, transfer to Ha Long Bay by the cruise's shuttle bus.

Upon arrival, board the cruise and begin your journey through the stunning Ha Long Bay while enjoying a lunch of local cuisine on board. Ha Long Bay, meaning "Descending Dragon Bay" in Vietnamese, is steeped in legend as the place where a sacred dragon descended from the sky. The bay, recognized as one of the world's wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts around 2,000 karst islands and islets spread over 1,553 km², with a geological history dating back 500 million years.

After lunch, participate in a guided tour of a grotto, where you'll marvel at the fascinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Continue with a visit to a nearby island, where you can relax on the beach or take a short hike to a viewpoint for a panoramic view of the bay.

As the day winds down, return to the cruise to unwind and take in the breathtaking bay view at sunset. Then, join a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes and later enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties on board.

In the evening, join in on optional activities such as squid fishing.

Overnight on the cruise.

Note: The cruise itinerary may vary based on your chosen cruise. A stationed English-speaking guide will be available on board.

Day 04

Halong - Hanoi - Transferred by Shuttle Bus – Flight After 17:30 to Danang

In the morning, start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck at dawn, taking in the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy tea and coffee on board as you continue exploring the bay’s stunning 2,000 islets and some of its major highlights.

Later, you have the option to go kayaking or take a bamboo boat ride to explore hidden lagoons and get up close to the towering limestone cliffs.

Around 9:00, check out of your cabin and savor a brunch (local food) while cruising back toward the shore.

As you approach the mainland, enjoy some final moments on the deck, taking in the last views of the magnificent bay. Disembark at around 11:00 AM and transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus.

Head to the airport with driver (no guide) for your flight to Danang (air tickets excluded).

Upon arrival, you will be collected by our local guide at Danang Airport and transfer to the hotel to check in.

Overnight at hotel in Danang.

Day 05

Danang – Coconut Forest by Basket Boat - Hoi An City with a Lantern Boat Ride (shared group tours)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure.

Breakfast at hotel.

12.00–12.15 pm: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel (Da Nang area).

Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut. As a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe, interesting and suitable for everybody.

About 2.30 pm: Visit the next destination, Hoi An Old Town.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.

6.00 pm: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on the Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.

6.30 pm – Return to your hotel. End of our services!

Day 06

Danang – Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge (shared group tours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Pick-up time: ~ 7:30 / Drop-off time: ~17:30.

Our car and guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your trip to Ba Na Hills.

Upon arrival at Ba Na Hills, board the cable car for a breathtaking ride on the world’s longest non-stop cable car (11,587 meters) and the heaviest cable roll (141.24 tons).

At the top station, visit Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden and marvel at the stunning Golden Bridge. Enjoy the opportunity to take photos of this iconic landmark.

Next, explore Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest Buddhist statue in Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a brief rest.

After lunch, continue your adventure by discovering the French Square and having fun at Fantasy Park, where you can play a variety of games and enjoy the amusement park attractions.

Later, take the cable car back down the mountain. Return your hotel in Da Nang.

Overnight at hotel in Danang.

Day 07

Danang - Morning Flight to Ho Chi Minh - City Tour · Private

Breakfast at hotel and check out.

Free at leisure until transfer with driver (no guide) to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh (air tickets excluded).

Upon arrival, picked up and transferred to your hotel. Check-in as per hotel's standard check-in time.

Afternoon, start with a visit to the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, it stands as a prominent landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu.

Next, see some beautiful examples of French Colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside due to ongoing construction) and the historic Central Post Office.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which offers a comprehensive display of both the Indochina wars, providing deep insights into the wartime history and its impact.

Conclude the tour with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub where you can explore local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. Enjoy some free time to shop and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 08

Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta Tour (My Tho - Ben Tre) - Ho Chi Minh (shared group tours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Pick-up time: ~ 07:30 / Drop-off time: ~ 17:30.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind and embark on a trip to My Tho, a town located on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historic site dating back to the late 19th century.

Board a sampan and cruise along the Mekong River, passing by the four beautiful islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Stop at Unicorn Island and take a leisurely walk along country lanes, exploring local orchards and sampling tropical fruits. Enjoy a performance of traditional folk songs by local artists.

Continue with a ride on a hand-rowed sampan through the Thoi Son Canal, immersing yourself in the picturesque countryside. Visit a family-run business, see a honey bee farm, and experience a workshop on making coconut candy. Enjoy a taste of honey tea and other local treats.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and take a break to relax.

In the afternoon, choose between cycling around Tan Thach Village to meet local villagers and experience daily life in the Mekong Delta, or relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze for those who prefer not to cycle.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 09

Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels (shared group tours) - Departure Flight After 18:00

Breakfast at hotel and check out.

Pick-up time: ~ 07:30 / Drop-off time: ~ 14:30.

Depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, a journey of approximately one and a half hours by bus. Upon arrival, receive a brief introduction and watch an introductory video about the construction of the tunnels and how people survived under wartime conditions. Explore the extensive tunnel systems, including specially constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms, and other facilities like storage rooms, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Discover hidden trap doors and dangerous traps that were used for security during the war.

After your exploration, enjoy special tea and cassava, a staple food of the guerrillas during the war. There will also be time for relaxation or an optional opportunity to try shooting real guns (at your own expense).

Return to your hotel.

Head to the airport with driver (no guide) for your departure flight.

What's included

  • Accommodations based on twin/double occupancy (Standard check-in time: ~14:00 – 15:00, standard check-out time: ~11:00 – 12:00 noon)
  • Cruise based on twin/double occupancy on a shared boat (Check-in/check-out time: as per cruise’s standard)
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary: B=Breakfast, Br=Brunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
  • Tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Transfers by vehicles with A/C.
  • Private airport transfers.
  • Private vehicle(s) for private tour(s)
  • Shared bus for shared group tours.
  • Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tour guide(s) escort as per the itinerary (English-speaking guides – different guides in different cities and shared group tours)
  • Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers: 2 bottles per person per full day; 1 bottle per person per half day or airport transfer.

Not included

  • E-Visa to Vietnam (Single entry)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out charges. Room upgrades.
  • Flights tickets (International and Domestic) and airport taxes.
  • Bank transfer fees for payment and taxes (GST, TCS…)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, and tips for shared group tours’ staff, hotels’ staff, restaurants’ staff, boatmen…)
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Compulsory tipping for tour guides and drivers if having private tours: USD 3 per person per full-day tour; USD 1.5 per person per half-day tour or airport transfer.

Price per person

Per person, sharing a twin or double room; the rate for one traveller includes a single room. In US dollars; rates valid 1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027. Groups outside these sizes, single rooms and children are priced on request.

Hotel1 travellers2–3 travellers4–5 travellers6 travellers
3-star hotels ★★★1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027US$1,181US$821US$789US$767
4-star hotels ★★★★1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027US$1,290US$875US$844US$822
5-star hotels ★★★★★1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027US$1,778US$1,119US$1,080US$1,053
3-star hotels
First Eden Hotel (Hanoi), Le Journey Cruise (Ha Long Bay), Anfada Hotel Da Nang (Da Nang), Prague Hotel (Ho Chi Minh), or similar
4-star hotels
La Passion Classic (Hanoi), Le Journey Cruise (Ha Long Bay), Grand Gold Hotel (Da Nang), Sky Gem Hotel Sora (Ho Chi Minh), or similar
5-star hotels
Grand Vista Hotel (Hanoi), Dragon Bay Premium Cruise (Ha Long Bay), DLG Hotel (Da Nang), Hotel Grand Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), or similar

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