NORTH TO SOUTH VIETNAM ESSENCE
6 Days – 5 Nights
Hanoi – Ninh Binh — Hoa Lu — Halong Bay — Ho Chi Minh
With our Vietnam tours, you’ll experience the country’s immensely rich tangible and intangible heritage. Vietnam’s stunning natural landscapes, friendly people, and historical significance captivate visitors eager to explore its past. The country is renowned for its ancient towns, UNESCO heritage sites, serene beaches, delicious Pho, and diverse coffee varieties.
Discover Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty through its magical waterfalls, pristine beaches, and shimmering rice fields. Home to some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, Vietnam is celebrated for its astonishing and diverse landscapes
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival – Half Day City Tour (Private Tour)
Welcome to Hanoi! Our local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Your room will be available from 14:00 onwards.
Lunch will be on your own.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the body of the famous President Ho Chi Minh is housed. You’ll also see his traditional stilt house and the unique One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we’ll explore the Hanoi Old Quarters, where you can experience the daily life of locals in the oldest part of Hanoi. A short walking tour around famous streets, with historic stories and photo opportunities, will give you a feel of the Old Quarters. We’ll also admire Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower before returning to your hotel for some relaxation.
Dinner will be on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An (B, L) (SIC Tour)
7:00-7:30: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Ninh Binh province, about 120 km from Hanoi.
9:30: We will have a short 20-minute break to relax.
10:30: Our first destination is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you will learn about the history of the capital’s relocation to Hanoi and be impressed by the architecture of the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century.
11:45: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant with various local dishes, including goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available.
13:00: Visit Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Known for its tunnel cave system, Trang An was chosen as a filming location for the movie “Kong: Skull Island.” A boat trip will take you through the stunning landscape, visiting caves such as Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave).
15:30-16:00: Finish the boat trip and return to Trang An Wharf.
16:30: Board the bus to return to Hanoi.
19:00-19:30: Arrive back in Hanoi and drop off at your hotel or our office.
Dinner will be on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Hanoi – Halong Bay (Overnight on Cruise) (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out of your room.
8:00-8:15: You will be taken by the cruise’s shuttle bus (without a guide) to Halong Bay, a gem in northern Vietnam. The drive will take you through the beautiful paddy fields and mountains of the Red River Delta.
From the harbor, board our boat for a cruise among the limestone karsts rising from the emerald water. We will stop to visit a grotto with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Meals will be served on the cruise.
Overnight on the cruise. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (local food, with vegetarian options available upon request).
Note: Bring an overnight bag for necessary items, as there is limited space on the boat. Your remaining luggage will be safely stored at your Hanoi hotel.
Day 04: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Ho Chi Minh (B, BR) (Private Transfer)
After breakfast, enjoy your time to sunbathe and relax in the beautiful scenery of the bay. After brunch on board, you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Dinner will be on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnel – Mekong Delta (B, L) (SIC Tour)
Pick up: 06:45 – 07:00
Drop off: 19:00
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The trip to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours by bus. Upon arrival, you’ll watch an introductory video about the tunnels and how Vietnamese people survived during the wartime. You will then explore the remaining areas and tunnel system, which includes living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and other facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. You’ll also see hidden trap doors and traps used during the war.
Afterwards, you’ll be served special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war).
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Next, we’ll visit My Tho city and take a boat trip on the Tien River, where you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the islands along the riverside. A sampan ride through the small canals will show you the countryside’s charm, and a short cycling tour around the village will be an unforgettable experience. Visit a coconut candy workshop, enjoy seasonal fruits and honey tea, and listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Dinner will be on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B) (Private Transfer)
You will have free time at your leisure until you are picked up and transferred to the airport (without a guide) for your departure flight. Your room will be available until noon.