Ultimate Journey through North and South Vietnam

09 Days   View Departures  
  (01 Reviews)   
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi - Hoa Lo Prison
Ninh Binh - Trang An
Ninh Binh - Bai Dinh Pagoda
Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city
Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city
My Tho
Cu Chi Tunnels
Overview
halong-bay-4.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
  • Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - My Tho
  • Duration: 09 Days
  • Theme: Most popular, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Group tour ( Max 12 Adults)
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English
Highlight

Explore the best of both North and South Vietnam on this 8-day group tour, journeying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Start in the bustling capital of Hanoi, where you'll visit historic landmarks before heading to Ninh Binh to marvel at the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda and the picturesque landscapes of Trang An. Cruise through the stunning limestone islands of Halong Bay, then fly south to uncover the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the serene beauty and rich culture of the Mekong Delta, and finish your adventure with a fascinating visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This tour is ideal for travelers looking to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant traditions in just a few days.

Notes
This is not a group tour from start to finish; instead, you will join different group tours in various cities, which we co-organize with our local partners. Each day, you’ll be part of a new group. After receiving your inquiry, one of our travel consultants will promptly get in touch to confirm the availability of your trip.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, airport pick-up & transfer to hotel

    Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the exit of the arrival hall. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.

    Included:
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Hanoi city tour 1 day (group tour)

    8:00 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. From there, we will start our exploration of the city.

    08:45: Our first stop will be at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, Uncle Ho. You’ll have the chance to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll through the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Afterward, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

    10:15: Next, we’ll explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. (Please note: If the museum is closed on Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.)

    12:30 - 12:45: Enjoy a lunch break at our restaurant, where you can savor Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request (please inform us when booking).

    13:30: We’ll then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.

    14:30: Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. It’s one of Northern Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions.

    15:30: We’ll continue to Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French from 1886 to 1901 during their occupation of Vietnam. Known as “Maison Centrale” by the French, this site is now a museum, offering insights into Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule.

    16:30: Finally, our bus will take you back to your hotel, concluding our one-day city tour.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Day trip to Bai Dinh pagoda & Trang An (group tour)

    7:00 - 7:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. We will then set off for Ninh Binh. The province is located about 120 km from the center of Hanoi, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

    9:00 AM: We'll make a brief stop along the way for you to stretch and relax.

    10:30 AM: Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, our first stop will be Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest and most renowned pagoda in Southeast Asia, home to many record-setting features such as 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue.

    12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties like goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available at the buffet.

    1:30 - 2:00 PM: After lunch, we'll continue our adventure with a visit to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Trang An is famous for its stunning cave system, which was chosen as a filming location for the 2016 movie "Kong: Skull Island." Here, we'll take a boat trip through the caves, including Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Wine Brewing Cave), all while enjoying the serene green river and breathtaking natural scenery.

    4:00 PM: After the boat trip, we'll hop on bikes for a 45-minute ride through the village, giving you a chance to experience local life firsthand.

    4:45 PM: We’ll board the bus for our return trip to Hanoi.

    7:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi, with drop-off at your hotel in the Old Quarter, concluding our one-day excursion.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Trang An
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Day trip to Halong Bay (group tour)

    8:30 - 9:15 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (if you have booked transfers with us). Depart for Halong City.

    11:00 - 11:15: Have an optional break en route at a pearl workshop. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see how these precious gems are collected from the bay and refined into luxurious jewelry.

    12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Check-in and embark on our cruise. The cruise departs Tuan Chau Harbor for an incredible trip to explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay.

    12:30: Lunch is served with Vietnamese traditional specialties and seafood while cruising towards the Gia Luan Cat Ba area. Along the way, enjoy the extraordinary scenery of thousands of limestone islands and islets in Ha Long Bay, such as Dog Rock, Duck Rock, Fighting Cock Rock, and Lu Huong Islet.

    14:20: Arrive at the Hoa Cuong area, one of the most beautiful corners of Ha Long Bay. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, Hoa Cuong presents a mysterious world with wild and gracious beauty. In this area, you will see a beautiful limestone islet rising from the sea in the shape of a giant thumb, known as Thumb Rock.

    14:40: The cruise heads towards the Ba Hang area, formerly known as Ba Hang fishing village, where villagers have now moved to land. Explore the hidden charm of gorgeous Ba Hang for 45 minutes by kayaking or a bamboo boat to explore the tunnels.

    15:30: Return to Authentic Sail and continue the exciting trip to the next stop.

    16:00: Arrive at Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Together with our guide, you will explore this unique and magnificent museum of natural arts elaborately created by the magic hands of Mother Nature. On the way back to the harbor, if the weather is nice, you can see the sunset and capture beautiful pictures.

    16:40 - 17:30: The boat arrives back at the pier, concluding the cruise. Our bus driver will pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi.

    18:30 - 19:00: Upon arrival in Hanoi, our driver will drop you off at your hotel in the Old Quarter. Trip ends.  

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Authentic Sail Halong
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

    Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

    Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :Flight (HAN - SGN) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 04 tickets
    Calista Saigon Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    247 – 249 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Thanh Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Ho Chi Minh city tour 1d (group tour)

    Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). If you stay outside district 1, you will need to arrange on your own the transport to our meeting point. From there, we'll hop into a bus and begin our exploration of the city.

    Our first stop will be the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace is a famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu.

    Next, we'll admire the beautiful structures from the French Colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. We'll then visit the remarkable War Remnants Museum, which has a vast display covering both the Indochina wars.

    Afterward, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the bustling Big Market, known locally as Cho Lon, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and explore a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce to traditional Vietnamese crafts. Adjacent to the market is Thien Hau Pagoda, a stunning 19th-century Chinese temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Here, you can admire the intricate architecture, colorful murals, and beautiful incense coils hanging from the ceiling, creating a serene and mystical ambiance.

    Next, we will continue to Bach Dang Harbor. After checking in and getting your waterbus tickets, find your seat, and the boat will depart. During the trip, you'll enjoy unique views of the city's most iconic commercial buildings, including the Vinhomes Central Park urban area, the magnificent Landmark 81 tower, the Bitexco Financial Tower, and the green and peaceful District 2. Many stunning moments await you.

    Discover the soul of this land – the Saigon River by waterbus. You may find many wonders and gain a more accurate view of the land once called the Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.

    Afterward, we'll transfer you back to your hotel in District 1 or to the meeting point, concluding the trip around 18:00 PM.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Calista Saigon Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    247 – 249 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Thanh Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Day trip to My Tho - Mekong Delta (group tour)

    Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). From there, we'll head to My Tho, a town on the left side of the Mekong River.

    Upon arrival, we'll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century. Then, we'll board a sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

    We'll stop at Unicorn Island to walk along the country lanes, visit orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and listen to folk songs performed by local people. We'll also visit a fruit plantation.

    Next, we'll ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son Canal to experience the beauty of the countryside. We'll visit a family business, a honey-bee farm, and enjoy honey tea and a coconut candy workshop.

    We'll have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a break. In the afternoon, we'll cycle around Tan Thach Village, meeting local villagers to experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer not to cycle, there will be time to relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

    Finally, we'll return to Saigon, and you'll be dropped off at your hotel around 5:30 PM, concluding the trip.

     

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: My Tho
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Calista Saigon Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    247 – 249 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Thanh Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Half day trip to Cu Chi tunnels (group tour)

    Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). From there, we'll head to Cu Chi, which will take approximately one and a half hours by bus.

    Upon arrival in Cu Chi, you'll first watch a short introduction video about how the tunnels were constructed and how people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. After the video, you'll have time to explore the remaining areas and tunnel systems. These include specially constructed living areas with kitchens and bedrooms, alongside military facilities such as storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers that helped tunnel inhabitants meet their basic needs. Additionally, you'll see many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels that provided security during the war.

    Afterward, special tea and cassava (the guerrillas' food during the war) will be served. You'll then have some break time to relax or, for those interested, to try real shooting guns (for an additional charge).

    Finally, we will return to Saigon, and you will be dropped off at your hotel at around 2:00 - 2:30 PM, concluding the trip.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Calista Saigon Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    247 – 249 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Thanh Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

    Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Video:
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?

    Inclusions
    • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
    • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
    • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
    • Boat: Trang An, Authentic Sail Halong, My Tho
    • Transportation
    • Flight Ticket: Flight HAN - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
    • Meal: Breakfast: 08, Lunch: 05
    • Bike: Ninh Binh
    • Kayak: Halong
    • Service charges and Taxes
    Exclusions
    • International flight from/to your country
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses
    • Tipping and Gratuities
    • Other not mentioned in the program
    Departures
    Starting
    Ending
    Price
    Good to know
    • Passeport & Visa

      Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.

      French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.

    • International flights

      International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.

    • Travel insurance

      Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

      • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
      • Trip cancellations or interruptions
      • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

      Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

      • The name of your insurance company
      • Your policy number
      • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

      Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

    • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

      Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:

      • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
      • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
      • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

      Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

    • Time zone

      Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

    • Currency and Payments

      The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

      • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
      • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
      • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

      Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

    • Domestic flights

      If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.

      Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).

      Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.

      Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.

      Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.

    • Flight Connections

      If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

      • Collect your checked luggage.
      • Proceed through immigration and customs.
      • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

      Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

      Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
      This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.

      Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.

    • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

      No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

      However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

      • Hepatitis A and B
      • Typhoid fever
      • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
      • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

      If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
      Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.

    • Malaria & Mosquitoes

      The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.

      However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.

      Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites

      • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
      • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
      • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
      • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
      • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
    • Airport Pick-up

      Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.

      Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
      +84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).

      Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.

      Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.

    • Small Group Tour

      Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.

      To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.

    • Shared and private room

      For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
      You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:

      • You prefer to have a single room.
      • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

      In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
      Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.

    5.0
    01 Review
    • Lindiwe Mabuza
       

       | 

      Lindiwe Mabuza
      Unforgettable journey through Vietnam
      The Northern and Southern Vietnamese tour offered an unforgettable journey through beautiful Vietnam. We explored the vibrant streets of Hanoi City, Ho Chi Minh City, drifted along the tranquil Mekong Delta, and marveled at the breathtaking nature of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh's charm. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also ensured we fully experienced the local culture. Our tour operator Lien was always willing to share and address all of our questions and curiosity. With its well-crafted itinerary, we indulged in authentic Vietnamese cuisine and immersed ourselves in its beauty. Highly recommended for those seeking a deep dive into Vietnam's diverse regions in just 9 days!

      Oct 19, 2024

    These tours are no longer available.
    See other tours

    Write your review

    Captcha
    Click on the verify code to change to another one. You must type the characters of the image in the text box

      Not the tour you had in mind?



      bg-footer
      Legal license Izitour