Tour Vietnam Highlights: North to South Discovery

 

(15 Days / 14 Nights) – From 2000 USD pr person when 2 people sharing room

 

OVERVIEW

Experience the essence of Vietnam in this 15-day journey from North to South. Begin with the bustling streets and iconic flavors of Hanoi, cruise through the majestic limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, and unwind in the serene countryside of Ninh Binh. Continue to the historic imperial city of Hue and the charming ancient town of Hoi An, before heading south to the dynamic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. This carefully curated program blends cultural immersion, nature, and local experiences – ideal for travelers seeking a rich and authentic Vietnam adventure.

 

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi 3

Day 2: Hanoi Street Food Tour (B-L) 4

Day 3: Transfer to Ninh Binh & Sightseeing (B-L-D) 5

Day 4: Explore Ninh Binh (B-L-D) 6

Day 5: Transfer to HaLong Bay & Cruise Begins (B-L-D) 7

Day 6: Explore Ha Long Bay (B-L-D) 8

Day 7: Transfer to Hue (B-L) 9

Day 8: Full Day Hue Immersion Tour (B-L-D) 10

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass (B) 11

Day 10: Free Day in Hoi An (B) 12

Day 11: Cooking Class Experience (B-L) 13

Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B) 14

Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat (B-L) 15

Day 14: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City 16

Day 15: Departure (B) 17

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to the city center for check-in at your hotel. Your driver will be waiting at Column 10 – 1F, holding a personalized welcome board for easy recognition.

Accommodation: Tirant Hotel Hanoi (01 Executive Balcony Double and 01 Executive Balcony Double + extra bed).

Spend the rest of the day at leisure to rest after your flight or explore the surroundings of the Old Quarter on your own.

Day 2: Hanoi Street Food Tour (B-L)

At 11:00 AM, the tour guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel to indulge in the Hanoi Street Food Tour. Visit carefully selected, hygienic local spots to savor authentic Vietnamese dishes, enjoying 10 tastings at 8 stops. Wander through the Old Quarter’s lively alleys, sip traditional Vietnamese coffee, and gain deeper insights into the city’s food, culture, and history with your expert guide. The tour will end around 2 PM and transfer you back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or explore Hanoi’s museums and landmarks. Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Tirant Hotel Hanoi (01 Executive Balcony Double and 01 Executive Balcony Double + extra bed).

Day 3: Transfer to Ninh Binh & Sightseeing (B-L-D)

At 9:00 AM, your private driver will pick you up from Tirant Hotel Hanoi and begin the scenic journey to Ninh Binh, passing through lush countryside and rural villages. Stop for a delicious local lunch en route. Upon arrival, experience the magic of Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land,” as you glide through limestone caves and golden rice fields on a peaceful boat ride. In the late afternoon, enjoy a gentle bicycle ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled into a dramatic karst cliff. After a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, head to your accommodation to check in and relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Tam Coc – 01 Deluxe Double & 01 Deluxe Double + Extra Bed

Day 4: Explore Ninh Binh (B-L-D)

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the resort for a day immersed in Ninh Binh’s natural splendor. Start with a visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with caves, orchards, and thousands of birds nesting in wetlands and treetops.

Enjoy a tasty Vietnamese lunch before continuing to the dramatic Mua Cave (Hang Múa). Climb the 500 stone steps to the top of the mountain and be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc’s river valley. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a cozy dinner at a charming local restaurant. Afterward, return to your peaceful resort to rest and rejuvenate for the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Tam Coc – 01 Deluxe Double & 01 Deluxe Double + Extra Bed

Day 5: Transfer to HaLong Bay & Cruise Begins (B-L-D)

After breakfast, at 7:15 AM, leave Ninh Binh and drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board the luxury cruise Rita Cruise journey through the bay’s limestone islands.

Upon arrival at the cruise, you’ll check in and enjoy a delicious lunch before settling into your cabin. After lunch, cruise through Halong Bay’s islets and visit Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat. Swim at Tra Bau, followed by a sunset tea party and happy hour. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and enjoy dinner onboard. Evening activities include squid fishing and karaoke.

Accommodation: Rita Cruise –  Senior Balcony Suite Double and Senior Balcony Suite Triple

Day 6: Explore Ha Long Bay (B-L-D)

After breakfast, transfer to a small boat and head to Viet Hai village in Cat Ba National Park. Cycle or take an electric car to the rustic village.

After lunch, kayak around Tai Keo Cave and explore hidden beaches at Ba Trai Dao. Swim, then return to the Rita Cruise for a sunset tea break and another cooking class. Enjoy dinner and onboard activities like cocktails or squid fishing.

Day 7: Transfer to Hue (B-L)

Start the day with optional Tai Chi on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. After check-out, enjoy a buffet lunch while returning to Tuan Chau pier. The driver will pick you up from the cruise’s office at Tuan Chau to transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for the domestic flight to Hue.

Upon arrival, the driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel in Hue. It’s Saigon Morin Hotel, in the Premium City View connecting room (2 double beds and 1 single bed).

Day 8: Full Day Hue Immersion Tour (B-L-D)

At 8:30 AM, the tour guide will meet you at the hotel to start the tour. Discover Hue’s culture with a cyclo ride through Kim Long, exploring lush gardens, Mandarin temples, and local crafts. Visit a Garden-House for a traditional meal and an herbal foot bath.

Continue by motorbike to Tam Giang Lagoon, visiting an ancient village and a fisherman’s home to learn about fishing tools. Join a boat ride, experience traditional fishing, and explore life on houseboats. End your journey at a vegetable farm with a “farm-to-table” seafood dinner featuring freshly caught fish. This immersive tour highlights Hue’s heritage, farming, and fishing practices amidst the serene beauty of its lagoon.

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass (B)

At 10:00 AM, the driver will meet and transfer you to Hue and travel along the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Stop along the way for photos and scenic views of the coastline.

Arrive in Hoi An and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this charming lantern-lit town.

Overnight in Hoi An, at Aira Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villas in 01 Suite Balcony and 01 Suite Balcony + 01 Extra Bed.

Day 10: Free Day in Hoi An (B)

Today is yours to enjoy the enchanting town of Hoi An at your own pace. Begin with a slow breakfast at your hotel, then head into the lantern-lined streets of the Ancient Town, where preserved merchant houses, temples, and colorful shopfronts invite exploration. Browse local tailor shops offering custom-made clothing or visit artisan workshops crafting lanterns, pottery, and silks. Enjoy a peaceful cyclo ride along the Thu Bon River or rent a bicycle to ride through lush rice paddies to An Bang Beach for a refreshing swim. For lunch, try a local specialty like Cao Lau or White Rose Dumplings. In the evening, stroll the riverside as lanterns light up the night and traditional music fills the air. Optional activities include a sunset boat ride or a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11: Cooking Class Experience (B-L)

At 12:30, the driver will pick you up at the hotel. Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s countryside with a half-day cooking tour in Cam Thanh village. Begin at a local market to select fresh ingredients, then ride a bamboo boat to the cooking school. Relax with a head, shoulder, and foot massage before learning to prepare four Vietnamese dishes: green mango salad, wet spring rolls, pancakes, and chicken curry with steamed rice. Afterward, enjoy your creations and experience the flavors of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. After the tour, the driver will transfer you to your hotel overnight.

Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, the driver will pick you up from the hotel to transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, the driver will meet and transfer to your hotel in the bustling southern metropolis. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon or walk along the lively streets near Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, at Adora Art Hotel, in 01 Executive Double and 01 Triple Room.

Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat (B-L)

At 08:25 AM, the driver will pick you up from the hotel. Depart at 09:00 AM by luxury speedboat, enjoying the fresh air and riverbank views. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the American war for communication, storage, and shelter. Walk through the jungle to see traps, secret entrances, and bunkers, try shooting real guns, and watch rice-paper and rice-wine production. Experience crawling through tunnels and taste tapioca with green tea, the wartime staple. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by 3:00 PM for drop-off at your accommodation.

Day 14: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City

Take the day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. Consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Alternatively, explore Chinatown (Cho Lon), visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, or shop at the city’s modern malls. Enjoy delicious street food such as banh mi and pho. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 15: Departure (B)

After breakfast, the driver will pick you up and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.

 

Tour ends. Flight home. See you again!

 

 TOUR INCLUSION

  • Accommodation:

    • 2 nights at Tirant Hotel Hanoi

    • 2 nights at Emeralda Resort Tam Coc

    • 2 nights on Rita Cruise

    • 2 nights at Hotel Saigon Morin

    • 3 nights at AIRA Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villas

    • 3 nights at Adora Art Hotel

  • Meal: 14 Breakfasts/ 9 Lunches/ 5 Dinners

  • Tour:

    • Hanoi Street food tour for Lunch (11:00 – 14:00)

    • Ninh Binh 3D2N tour

    • Ha Long 3D2N tour

    • Hue Immersion full day tour (08:30 – 19:00)

    • Cooking class with boat tour in Hoi An (12:30 – 16:30)

    • Cu Chi tunnels by speedboat in Saigon (08:25 – 15:00)

  • Transfer: All transfers during the program

  • Domestic Flight:

    • Hanoi – Hue

    • Danang – Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)

  • Tax: VAT Taxes and services charge

 

TOUR EXCLUSION

  • Personal Expense

  • Tipping/ Gratuities

  • Non-mentioned services in the program

  • Flight tickets to/ from Vietnam