Vietnam in a Week: Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh

07 Days   View Prices  
    
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi - Hanoi Church
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Halong Bay Landscape
Halong Bay Landscape
Sena Cruise
Sena Cruise
Sena Cruise
Ninh Binh - Trang An
Tam Coc
Saigon - Independence Palace
Overview
sena-cruise-1.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
  • Route: Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau - Lan Ha Bay - Ninh Binh - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Ben Tre
  • Duration: 07 Days
  • Theme: Most popular, Culture and Heritage
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Italiano, Português
Highlight

Discover the best of Northern and Southern Vietnam on this 7-day private tour—perfect for travelers with just a week to explore. Experience the cultural charm of Hanoi, cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay, and soak in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Then, fly south to feel the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and unwind along the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta. With delicious cuisine, rich history, and stunning scenery, this journey offers a seamless and unforgettable taste of Vietnam.

Notes
Hotel check-in: From 2:00 PM. Hotel check-out: Before 12:00 PM. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, airport pickup, discover Hanoi's travel highlights.

    Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. 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.

    We begin our discovery with the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    Next, we visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    To end the day, enjoy a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, originally established in the 15th century as a bustling trading hub, features 36 streets—each historically dedicated to a specific craft or product. Despite the city’s evolution, the Old Quarter remains a vibrant living museum. Its iconic tube houses, narrow alleyways, centuries-old temples, open-air markets, and mouthwatering street food come together in a captivating blend of history and everyday life. Exploring this charming neighborhood on foot is the best way to awaken all your senses.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Cruise to Lan Ha Bay, explore Dark & Bright Cave, enjoy bamboo boat ride, swimming, and a cooking class.

    If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

    11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.

    12:00 – 12:30: Board a tender to transfer to the main vessel. Welcome aboard Sena Cruise! Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as our Cruise Manager gives a safety briefing and a short introduction to the cruise program. Afterward, check into your cabin and settle in.

    13:15 – 13:45: Lunch is served while Sena Cruise begins its journey into the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay—an extension of Ha Long Bay, known for its tranquility and fewer visitors. Along the way, admire iconic formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet, as well as countless limestone karsts and islands.

    15:00: Explore the serene Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and poetic landscape. Take stunning photos of this romantic area or enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride. You may also swim in the calm, emerald waters—a perfect way to experience the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay.

    17:00: Return to the cruise. Join a sunset party on the deck—an ideal moment for photographers to capture the golden hour over the bay. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
    Our captain will anchor the boat in a peaceful area for the night.

    19:00: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant. Afterward, unwind with your choice of activities: Chat at the bar or enjoy a movie in the restaurant; Treat yourself to a spa session (*); Sip cocktails at the panoramic bar (*); Try your hand at squid fishing with our prepared rods and lighting.

    Overnight onboard in Lan Ha Bay.

    (*) Additional charges apply for some services—please book with the cruise team directly.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Halong bamboo boat
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
    Sena Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
    3b Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba - Tuan Chau transfer to Hanoi

    06:00: Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity and join our Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind.

    07:00: The Sena Cruise sails through more majestic karst formations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast in the fresh morning air.

    08:15: Experience kayaking and swimming in the peaceful waters of Tra Bau, one of the filming locations for Kong: Skull Island (2018). Discover hidden corners and soak up the serene atmosphere.

    09:30: Return to the boat and check out of your cabin.

    10:00: While enjoying a set-menu early light lunch, Sena Cruise gently sails back toward the harbor, passing by a panorama of limestone cliffs.

    11:30 – 11:45: Arrive at the harbor, disembark, and farewell to the crew.

    Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Tuan Chau - Hanoi
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda and explore the World Natural Heritage site of Trang An by boat.

    8:00 AM: Start from your hotel for a 2-hour drive to Bai Dinh pagoda which is one of the most impressive of Buddhism centers in Vietnam. On arrival at pagoda, walk along a path with 500 stone arhats alongside it, lining the route to the main pagodas. Each of the large pagodas and huge statues is an example of artistic architecture.

    Take a lift to the viewpoint, a 13-storey tower that is believed to keep a part of Buddha’s ashes. Experience a panoramic view of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, surrounded by an exquisite river valley that is dotted with limestone karsts which will take your breath away.

    Have a break for lunch then visit Trang An, recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as the world’s first mixed heritage site, is a true marvel of nature and culture. Upon arrival at the pier, you’ll board a private traditional sampan, gently rowed by a local. Glide along a poetic river and pass through a series of caves, some stretching 300–400 meters in length. Each bend reveals a hidden world nestled in peaceful, isolated valleys.

    Step off the boat to wander through serene pagodas and temples dedicated to revered mandarins of the Tran Dynasty. Then, return to your sampan and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty as you head back to the pier.

    Finally transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Trang An
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Electric car: Bai Dinh
    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:
  • Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City and explore its highlights.

    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 guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city.

    Our visit to Ho Chi Minh city starts with the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

    To conclude the day, we'll take a stroll at the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Flight :Flight (HAN - SGN) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, interacting with local people, garden tour, Mekong Delta lifestyle experience

    8:00 AM: Tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.

    Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.

    Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Ben Tre
    Transportation
    Bike: Ben Tre
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a flight home.

    We depart for the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

    Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. 

    Option:

    At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

    Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Video:
Prices
Group size
Sharing Twin/Double Room
Private Single Room

Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.

Group Size 9+
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Sena Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Halong bamboo boat, Trang An, Ben Tre
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau, Tuan Chau - Hanoi
  • Flight Ticket: Flight HAN - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 06, Lunch: 06, Dinner: 01
  • Bike: Ben Tre
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Electric car: Bai Dinh
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
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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 French-speaking 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.

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,074
  • Adult in single room $1,345

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