Best of Vietnam: North, Central & South Vietnam Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration12 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the best of Vietnam on an unforgettable 12-day journey from north to south. Explore the vibrant capital of Hanoi, the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, and the cultural treasures of Central Vietnam, including Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, and Hue. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City to uncover the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels and experience the peaceful waterways and local life of the Mekong Delta. With domestic flights, comfortable hotel stays, guided tours, and a luxury overnight cruise, this journey offers the perfect combination of culture, nature, history, and authentic Vietnamese experiences.

What's included

  • All entrance fees
  • Domestic flights: Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh
  • Joining tours in share basis
  • Lunch
  • English - speaking tour guide
  • Dinner
  • Overnight at 3-star hotel double/twin/tripple basis
  • Breakfast
  • Private airport transfer with meet and greet at the airports
  • Tips for tour guides, drivers
  • Others which are not mentioned in the inclusion
  • International flights to enter, exit Vietnam, visa depending on nationality.
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

Day 1: Day 01: Hanoi arrival
  1. Hanoi
    Pass by
    Welcome to Vietnam. After landing at Noi Bai International Airport, you finish immigration and get your bags. Our driver will be waiting for you at outside exit gate with welcome sign and take you to hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
    Have your first day free time.
Day 2: Day 02: Hanoi full day city tour (B, L)
  1. Hanoi
    30m
    Have breakfast at your hotel.
    Tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and start the city tour (joining tour).
  2. Chua Tran Quoc
    30m
    Tran Quoc Pagoda is considered as the most ancient pagoda in Thang Long - Ha Noi with its historical progression in 1500 years. It has a harmonious combination between the majesty, hoariness architecture and peaceful landscape of the West Lake. From the period in the Ly and Tran dynasties, it had become the Buddhist center of Thang Long.
  3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    40m · Admission ticket included
    Next, we visit the Complex of President Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt house), this is place where our great leader lived and worked until the last years of his life. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about Uncle Ho's simple life. In addition, stop by One Pillar Pagoda to admire one of the 4 symbols of Hanoi. On Mondays and Fridays Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are closed, we just visit outside the Mausoleum.

    Special note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed for maintenance under yearly plan, from 04 September 2026 till 02 November 2026, we just visit outside.
  4. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
    1h · Admission ticket included
    The following destination of the tour is Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is the most recent yet probably the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting Museums in Ha Noi and Viet Nam. There are both indoors and outdoors section, while the in – housed exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoors display and activities make the museum stand out from the rest. There are a number of houses modeling after the traditional architecture of ethnic minorities, especially those who live in Northern and Central highlands. The Museum closes on Mondays and New Year Holidays - we will visit Ho Chi Minh Museum OR Vietnamese Women Museum instead.
  5. Temple of Literature & National University
    1h · Admission ticket included
    We will have lunch at a local restaurant with traditional dishes that you will never forget.

    After lunch break, we will continue our tour. We come to the Literature Temple - Imperial Academy - the first university in Vietnam. Literature lake, Khue Van Pavilion, stele house are valuable highlight objects that you cannot ignore. The tour guide will tell you about of 82 doctor stele stones with names of 1306 people standing until nowadays.
  6. Hoa Lo Prison
    50m · Admission ticket included
    After that, we visit Hoa Lo Prison: a former prison located in Hanoi Vietnam, also called Central House or ironically Hanoi Hilton. It was built when Indochina was an integral part of the French Empire. Partly destroyed in 1990, it is now a museum.

    16:00: End of Hanoi City tour, the bus will take you back to the hotel
Day 3: Day 03: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave - Hanoi (B, L)
  1. Hanoi Old Quarter Vietnam
    30m
    07:00 AM – 07:45 AM: Our tour guide will meet you at hotel lobby or nearby pick up point. Leave Hanoi behind and journey through the peaceful countryside to Ninh Binh, where dramatic limestone mountains, lush rice fields, and centuries of history await.
  2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Begin your adventure at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam's first royal capital dating back to the 10th century. Wander through historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties while learning about the fascinating history of Dai Co Viet, the country's earliest independent kingdom.

    Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a variety of regional specialties with vegetarian options available.
  3. Trang An Landscape Complex
    3h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, continue to the magnificent Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular scenery. Step aboard a traditional sampan boat and drift through a maze of winding rivers, towering limestone mountains, hidden caves, and tranquil valleys. Along the journey, you'll also visit ancient temples tucked away among the dramatic karst landscape, offering a unique glimpse into Vietnam's cultural and spiritual heritage.

    Back on land, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through quiet villages and picturesque countryside, where you'll experience the peaceful rhythm of rural life and admire the surrounding rice fields.
  4. Mua Caves
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Your final stop is the iconic Mua Cave, where an exhilarating climb of nearly 500 stone steps rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Northern Vietnam. From the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain, take in sweeping vistas of Tam Coc's winding river, dramatic limestone peaks, and endless emerald rice paddies stretching across the landscape.

    After a memorable day exploring the highlights of Ninh Binh, relax on the drive back to Hanoi.

    19:30 Return to your hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Day 04: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)
  1. Hanoi Old Quarter Vietnam
    30m
    08:00 - 08:30 Our tour bus pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi old quarter and departure to Halong for 2.5 hours. There is stop on the way.
  2. Halong Bay
    4h · Admission ticket included
    11:30 - 12:00 Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor, check in cruise and transferred by speedboat to Cruise. Welcome to Cruise and enjoy Welcome drink, meet the captain, crew to get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in your cabin.
    13:00 Enjoy Vietnamese seafood buffet or set menu lunch, while cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay. Continuing cruising through Con Vit islet (Duck Islet), Thumb islet and Gia Luan Harbor belonged to Cat Ba area.
    15:00 Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets as we sail through the calm emerald waters heading to Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang & Toi). Customers will participate in outdoor activities and choose options between Kayaking Or sitting on a bamboo boat for about 1 hour.
  3. Lan Ha Bay
    6h · Admission ticket included
    16:00 The Ship moves to Tra Bau Beach and reaches there.
    17:30 Enjoy Afternoon Tea Party with free freshly prepared snacks, fruit and your ordered favorite drinks while waiting for sunset on Lan Ha Bay. Take advantage of the Happy hours “Buy 2 get 1 free” drink program at the Cafe Lounge and the Sky bar on 5th floor.
    18:30 Join cooking class guided directly by Chef Cruise. You have a chance to practice Vietnamese traditional dishes such as spring roll or famous cuisine of Vietnam.
    19:10 Dinner will be served at the restaurant.
    After dinner, you have free time to participate in nightlife activities such as Squid Fishing on the 1st floor, listen to music, enjoy drinks or Singing Karaoke in our special room on 5th floor, please contact us to register.
Day 5: Day 05: Lan Ha Bay - Frog pond - Noi Bai fly to Hue (B, L)
  1. Lan Ha Bay
    4h · Admission ticket included
    06:30 - 07:00 Tai-chi exercise at 5th floor Sundeck to welcome a new day (Optional).
    07:00 - 07:45 Morning view of the bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee then having breakfast at our restaurant.
    08:00 The Ship Passed by the Frog Pond area for sightseeing where the Hollywood blockbuster movie King Kong was filmed.
    09:30 Back to your cabin, relax and carefully check all the luggage before leaving your cabin. Check-out from the private cabin and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check-out procedure.
    10:00 Have buffet lunch at the cruise while cruising towards the port
    11:00 - 11:20 Back to Tuan Chau pier by tender boat. Farewell
    12:00 Get on private car going straight to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.
  2. Hue
    Pass by
    After landing at Phu Bai (Hue) airport, you will be welcome and transfered to Hue City hotel. Have your free time at night in Hue.
Day 6: Day 06: Hue full day City tour - Da Nang (B, L)
  1. Perfume River
    1h · Admission ticket included
    8:00-8:30 Our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city center. Then transfer to the Perfume River for boat trip. We take Dragon boat trip in an hour to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in Hue and has a view to Perfume river. Spend your time to enjoy peaceful atmosphere on the river and the city.
  2. Thien Mu Pagoda
    1h
    Coming to this prestigious sightseeing, you can enjoy both the scenery landscape and the typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas. Thanks to its high position upward a charming curve of Perfume River, the pagoda offers a mind-boggling view of both the flow and the surrounding areas. Covered with pine trees, bonsai and delicate manmade pond, this religious site brings about a peaceful feeling which is hard to find anywhere else.
  3. Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
    1h · Admission ticket included
    We then move to Imperial Citadel – the palace of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – Nguyen Dynasty. You may be interested in visiting An Hien Garden House. It’s the most typical house retaining its original and standards of a garden house in Hue.
  4. Dong Ba Market
    40m
    We then move to Dong Ba market, which is the biggest and oldest trading center in Hue city. This place is also considered an excellent place for tourists to buy delicious specialties as gifts. The stalls in the market are opened and traded every day of the year.

    12:00 Our guide and driver will lead you to a nearby restaurant to have lunch with local dishes.
  5. Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
    45m · Admission ticket included
    13:30 - 14:00 We will visit 2 royal tombs of Nguyen Dynasty: Khai Dinh King’s tomb and Minh Mang King’s tomb.
    Minh Mang Tomb, which is considered as the most majestic of all Royal Tombs in Hue. It is renowned for architecture that harmoniously blends into the natural surroundings.
  6. Tomb of Khai Dinh
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Khai Dinh Tomb - a blend of Western and Eastern architecture, and Nam Giao Esplanade – the place where Nguyen Emperors came to preside over sacrificial offering ceremonies to God.
  7. SALA - Thuy Xuan Incense Village
    30m
    Then we transfer to Xuan Huong village to learn more about making conical hat and incense stick.
    16:30 The tour ends. Drop you off at your hotel.
    There will be private car transfer you from Hue to Da Nang hotel. Check in and overnight at hotel in Da Nang.
Day 7: Day 07: Ba Na Hills (B, L)
  1. Da Nang
    Pass by
    Our tour guide meets you at your hotel lobby 07:30 - 08:00 and head to Ba Na Hills.
  2. Ba Na Hills SunWorld
    3h · Admission ticket included
    Upon arrival, you will admire Ba Na cable cars hold two Guinness World Records: the world’s longest single cable car system and the world highest gap between its departure and arrival station.
    Stop at Ba Na Station to visit Vong Nguyet Hill, Linh Ung Pagoda and The Old Villas of French, Old Wine Tunnel. Linh Ung Pagoda is revered as the masterpiece in terms of architecture, artistic and religious value. French Village in Ba Na Hills Resort is an unique architectural work of ancient French villages. Come and visit French Village to go back to the past and experience romantic, fine space of the ancient French architecture. Old Wine Tunnel is an unique work built by French architects and was dug deep in Ba Na Mountain. This Ancient Cellar is 100m long and always kept at ideal temperature from 16 degree to 20 degree Celsius.

    Continue moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range,visiting Nghinh Phong Peak, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden, etc.
  3. Golden Bridge
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Have lunch with buffet at restaurant with diversity choice of foods.
    Free for playing games in Fantasy Park – the third biggest indoor games zone in Vietnam . The complex is divided into 3 floors, with all kinds of games, game thrills and attractions, cinemas 3D, 4D, 5D, the most modern mega 360 degrees and only in Vietnam, 29m freefall tower, the highest in Vietnam and many other exciting games. The Fantasy Park Ba Na Hills offers different cuisines such as asian but also western cuisine.

    Join this tour, you also have the opportunity to visit Golden Bridge, a hot check-in place recently in Vietnam. This bridge seems a golden and sparkling scarf and embranced by giant hands with the height of 1414m from the sea level.

    After that we will return to Da Nang city and head back to your hotel around 16:30.

    Enjoy your free time in Da Nang city in the evening.
Day 8: Day 08: Monkey Mountain - Marble Mountains - Coconut Forest - Hoi An Ancient Town (B, L, D)
  1. Son Tra Peninsula
    1h
    07:30 – 08:00 Driver and tour guide will pick you up tour hotel and transfer to Danang.
    The first stop is Son Tra Peninsula, known as "Monkey Mountain", which offers stunning views from 693 meters above sea level. Here, you'll visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Southeast Asia, standing 67 meters tall on a lotus-shaped platform, surrounded by 21 miniature Buddha sculptures.
  2. The Marble Mountains
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Next, explore the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave, where you can admire beautiful caves and historic Buddhist pagodas, gaining insight into Buddhism and Hinduism. Finally, visit the Non-Nuoc Stone Carving Village to appreciate fine stone art and shop for souvenirs.
    12:00 Enjoy some local cuisine at a local restaurant before visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle and Hoi An Ancient Town.
  3. Bay Mau Coconut Forest
    45m · Admission ticket included
    14:00 Continue your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle and spend your time enjoying the peaceful, green space of Coconut Forest. Enjoying basket boat rowing.
  4. Hoi An Ancient Town
    4h · Admission ticket included
    15:30 Visit Hoi An Old Town and enjoy a traditional performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House for a glimpse of local folklore and culture. Continue your walking tour to key highlights, including the Museum of Trade Ceramics, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the historic Cantonese Assembly Hall, showcasing Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Stop by the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An's history.
    In the evening, free time to explore the Hoi An Night Market, soak in the lantern-lit atmosphere, shop for handicrafts, and capture memorable photos.
    Dinner with Hoi An specialty food
    19:00 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.
    20:30 Finally, you'll be dropped off at hotel in Hoi An.
Day 9: Day 09: Hoi An - Da Nang airport fly to Ho Chi Minh (B)
  1. Da Nang
    Pass by
    Our private car pick up at your hotel lobby in Hoi An then transfer to Da Nang airport. Take flight to Ho Chi Minh.
    Up on arrival, you will find name sign at outside exit gate at Tan Son Nhat airport, then drop off you at hotel in central Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 10: Day 10: Full day Ho Chi Minh city and Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
  1. Ho Chi Minh City
    30m
    Have breakfast at your hotel.
    07:30 - 08:00 Our tour guide and bus pick up at your hotel. The tour starts with most visited sites around Ho Chi Minh city.
  2. The Independence Palace
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu.
  3. War Remnants Museum
    1h 20m · Admission ticket included
    Then we continue visiting the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

    We will have lunch at a local restaurant. And then we will have short break before moving to Cu Chi.
  4. Cu Chi Tunnels
    4h · Admission ticket included
    13:00 We get on bus and depart to Cu Chi Tunnel.
    Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time.

    Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war.

    Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. There will be break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun (on your own expenses).
    19:00 We return to your hotel. Have free time.
Day 11: Day 11: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta full day (B, L)
  1. Vinh Trang Temple
    30m
    Have breakfast at hotel.
    07:30 – 08:00 Our tour guide and bus pick up at your hotel.
    Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and starting your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
  2. Mekong Delta
    4h
    We stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and folk song music which is performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
    Then, you have chance to take ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

    Have lunch at a local restaurant and break time to recharge your energy.

    After your lunch time, you are ready for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammocks relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those who can't join the cycling trip.
    17:30 Reach hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
    Have your free time in the evening.
Day 12: Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - fly home (B)
  1. Ho Chi Minh City
    30m
    Have breakfast at your hotel. Take your own free time shoping and local visit.
    Our private car then pick up from your hotel to airport.
    Thank you for choosing our services. Goodbye and see you again!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
End point

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please provide us all travelers information and arrival - return flights, along with food restriction before the trip.
  • Hotels are centrally located, in double/twin/tripple basis.
  • The itinerary can be changed due to weather, traffic and operating conditions;
  • The price is not applied in holidays.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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