12 Days of Authentic Vietnam: North to South
Duration
9 Days Through the Heart of Vietnam
Overview
- Duration:9 days 8 nights
- Tour Type:Adventure & Nature
- Language:English, French, German, Italian
- Start from:$415 / Person
Discover Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture on this 9-day journey from north to south. Explore Hanoi’s historic streets, uncover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through the breathtaking waterways of Trang An, and admire the panoramic views from Hang Mua. Experience an overnight cruise among Ha Long Bay’s spectacular limestone karsts before heading to central Vietnam to explore Hoi An Ancient Town and the lush Coconut Jungle. Visit the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, then travel south to Ho Chi Minh City to discover its vibrant streets and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. This journey combines natural wonders, cultural experiences, and fascinating history for an unforgettable introduction to Vietnam.
Highlights
- Discover Hanoi: Explore the capital’s historic landmarks and lively local atmosphere on a half-day city tour.
- Explore Ninh Binh: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through the scenic waterways of Trang An, and enjoy panoramic views from Hang Mua.
- Cruise Ha Long Bay: Spend a night aboard a cruise surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
- Experience Hoi An: Discover the charming Ancient Town and enjoy a traditional basket boat ride through the Coconut Jungle.
- Visit Ba Na Hills: Walk across the world-famous Golden Bridge and admire breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Discover the city’s vibrant atmosphere and uncover Vietnam’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Itinerary
Expand allDay 01: Hanoi Arrival - Halfday city tour (L), (Joint in tour)
Welcome to your holiday with Vietnam Travelettel.
You can apply Vietnam e-visa by yourself via this link https://evisa.gov.vn/
Morning: arrive in Ha Noi. You will be picked up at Noi Bai Airport and then transfer to the hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter
- 12:30: You will be picked up at your hotel to have a Vietnamese Cuisine Lunch.
- Then, visit:
+ The Temple of Literature
+ Tran Quoc Pagoda
+ Hoa Lo Prison
- Evening: free time
Overnight in Hanoi Old Quarter.
*** Meals included: Lunch with local food
*** Breakfast and Dinner on your own.
Day 02: Hanoi (B) - Ninh Binh Day Tour (Hoa Lu - Trang An - Hang Mua), (L), (Joint In Tour) - Back To Hanoi
- 7h00: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is far from Hanoi city about 120 km.
- 9h00: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax
- 10h30: The first destination on this trip is to visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed by the outstanding architecture when entering the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century. Try to feel the ancient atmosphere in Hoa Lu ancient capital.
- 11h30: Continue the tour with 45 minutes cycling around the village to discover the life of local people.
- 12h30: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods: goat meat, fried rice… Vegetarian food is always available at the buffet lunch.
- 13h30 – 14h00: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as The World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong's Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016 – “ Skull Island “. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as : Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dack cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine), green river and natural view.
- 16h00: Get on the bus to go to Mua Cave ( Dancing Cave ). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.
- 17h30: Return to your hotel
- 19h30: Arrive in Hanoi and get a drop off at the Hotel. The trip ends!
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- 7h00: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is far from Hanoi city about 120 km.
- 9h00: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax
- 10h30: The first destination on this trip is to visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed by the outstanding architecture when entering the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century. Try to feel the ancient atmosphere in Hoa Lu ancient capital.
- 11h30: Continue the tour with 45 minutes cycling around the village to discover the life of local people.
- 12h30: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods: goat meat, fried rice… Vegetarian food is always available at the buffet lunch.
- 13h30 – 14h00: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as The World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong's Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016 – “ Skull Island “. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as : Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dack cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine), green river and natural view.
- 16h00: Get on the bus to go to Mua Cave ( Dancing Cave ). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.
- 17h30: Return to your hotel
- 19h30: Arrive in Hanoi and get a drop off at the Hotel. The trip ends!
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi and Lunch with local food
*** Dinner on your own.
Day 03: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B/L/D), (Joint in tour)
Have breakfast at the hotel and check out.
The journey begins with a transfer from Hanoi to either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, where guests board the cruise around midday. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, lunch is served while the boat sails through stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
In the afternoon, travelers take part in signature activities such as visiting a cave, exploring hidden lagoons by kayak or bamboo boat, and possibly swimming in calm, scenic areas. Depending on the route, the cruise may also pass floating villages or quieter, less crowded spots. As the boat anchors for the night, guests can relax on the sundeck and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
In the evening, a sunset party sets a relaxing tone, followed by a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and dinner onboard. Guests can then unwind with optional activities like squid fishing, socializing at the bar, or simply enjoying the tranquil night views over the bay.
Overnight at the cruise.
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi. Lunch and Dinner on the cruise
Day 04: Halong Bay (B, L) - Back To Hanoi - Fly To Da Nang - Da Nang Arrival (Joint In Tour)
- 06:00: Watch the sunrise from the sundeck.
- 07:00: Breakfast on board.
- 07:45: Kayaking – one of the most exciting activities on Ha Long Bay.
- 08:45: Visit a Pearl Farm – learn about pearl cultivation and view the floating farm model. Optional pearl purchase.
- 09:30: Return to Cozy Bay Cruise, check out, and settle any extra bills.
- 10:30: Lunch on board while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina.
- 11:30: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
- 15:30: Arrive in Hanoi. End of tour.
- Free time until our car picks you up to transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. It will take you 1,5 hours to transfer to Da Nang.
*** Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch on the cruise.
*** Dinner on your own.
Day 05: Da Nang (B) - Coconut Jungle - Hoi An Ancient Town (D), (Joint In Tour)
- 12:00 – 12:15 pm: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel
- 1:00 pm: Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut for being a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village. You will experience learning traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past war. 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 which are fun, safe, and interesting and suitable for everybody.
- About 2.30 pm: Visit to the next destination to Hoi An Old Town.
+ Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.
+ You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. You will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
+ 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.
+ Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.
- 6:00 pm: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for good luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.
- 6:30 pm: You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel. End of services! Overnight in Danang
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel and Dinner with local food
*** Lunch on your own.
Day 06: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Hand Bridge (B/L), (Joint in tour)
njoy breakfast at the hotel.
Our car and guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby to visit Ba Na Hills.
Our first amazing views will start right away, to reach Ba Na Hills we will take a ride via Cable Cars. With the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit the Dream Stream Cable Car Station and see the panoramic views of Da Nang City from high above.
After finishing the first cable car, you will visit the Golden Bridge that has recently gone viral, Le Jardin D’amour (consists of 9 gardens) and Linh Ung pagoda.
Continue the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop. Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome ...
Have lunch at the buffet restaurant.
You can join in the game at Fantasy Park before taking the Cable Car to leave Ba Na Hills.
Meet our guide at the meeting point, and get on the car transfer back to Da Nang.
Have dinner by yourself and stay overnight in Da Nang
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in Da Nang. Lunch in the local restaurant
*** Dinner on your own.
Day 07: Da Nang (B) – Fly Ho Chi Minh City - HCMC Arrival
- Free time until our car picks you up to transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- On arrival, our car driver will wait for you at the gate way with your name board then transfer to the hotel for checking in. Your room will be available when you arrive.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in Da Nang
*** Lunch and Dinner on your own.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnel (B/L), (Joint in tour)
After breakfast, begin a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Independence Palace, followed by the French colonial landmarks of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.
After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Watch a short introductory video before exploring the underground network of tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, field hospitals, and command centers used during the war. You will also have the opportunity to sample cassava and tea, once the staple food of the guerrilla fighters.
Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in HCMC. Lunch with local food.
*** Dinner on your own.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Free until our driver picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. Service ends.
Tour ends!
*** Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel in HCMC
Tour maps
Includes/Excludes
- All transfers and quality air-conditioned vehicles.
- Accommodation at selected hotels and cruise with daily breakfast.
- Local English-speaking guide (other languages available on request).
- Meals as mentioned in program (B/L/D by itinerary).
- Basket boat experience in Hoi An.
- Ba Na Hills cable car.
- Entrance fees for destinations listed in itinerary.
- Bottled water on coach (2 bottles per person per day).
- Domestic and international airfares.
- Drinks and meals not indicated in the program.
- Vietnam visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (telephone, shopping, etc.).
- Tipping/gratuities.
- Single supplement.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Room upgrade charges.
- Additional expenses from events beyond operator control.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
- Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, citizens of some countries can enjoy visa exemptions for short stays. You can apply for an e-Visa online, which is valid for up to 90 days for single or multiple entries. For more information, please visit https://evisa.gov.vn/
- To avoid last-minute issues, we strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods or public holidays.
- For urgent cases, we can assist with urgent visa processing and fast-track airport services upon request.
- To avoid last-minute issues, we strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods or public holidays.
- For urgent cases, we can assist with urgent visa processing and fast-track airport services upon request.
What are food options?
- We cater to diverse dietary needs, such as Halal, Indian, Western, vegan, and gluten-free, provided we are notified in advance.
- Special meal requests at select restaurants may involve additional fees based on local availability. Any extra costs will be communicated to you clearly for your approval.
- Special meal requests at select restaurants may involve additional fees based on local availability. Any extra costs will be communicated to you clearly for your approval.
What should I know before travelling? (Clothing, Power Outlets, Transport, Safety, Tips)
- Bring light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen for warm climates, and pack extra layers if visiting cooler or rainy regions. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat or umbrella are recommended.
- Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V. It is advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure the safe charging of your electronic devices.
- Vietnam is safe for tourists, including solo women, but watch out for pickpockets in crowds. Use taxi apps like Grab for affordable and safer city transport.
- The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). We recommend you carry some cash for small purchases such as street food or souvenirs.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you do Private Tour, tipping fee should be 3 USD/pax/day.
- Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V. It is advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure the safe charging of your electronic devices.
- Vietnam is safe for tourists, including solo women, but watch out for pickpockets in crowds. Use taxi apps like Grab for affordable and safer city transport.
- The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). We recommend you carry some cash for small purchases such as street food or souvenirs.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you do Private Tour, tipping fee should be 3 USD/pax/day.
Why booking with us?
- Trusted by 6K+ travelers
- Get the lowest prices
- 24-hour support
- Cancellation Policy
Make this trip truly yours.
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