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.
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.
Get pick up by tour guide to 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.
In the afternoon, you 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.
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
8:00 – 8:30 AM: 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. Transfer to the main boat by tender. Embark on Sena Cruise. Warmly welcome to Sena Cruise! While enjoying a welcome drink, our cruise manager will deliver a cruise briefing and safety introduction. After that, you will check in to your cabin.
13:00 – 13:30: A fabulous lunch is served as Sena Cruise starts her sail into magnificent Lan Ha Bay – an extension of Halong Wonder, much quieter with fewer tourists. She will pass thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.
15:00: Visit the Dark and Bright Cave – famous for its pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Take photos of the romantic, lyrical local sights. This is the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming, revealing the true beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay. Afterward, immerse in the emerald green water of Lan Ha Bay with exciting swimming activities.
17:00: Return to Sena Cruise and relax on the cruise. Enjoy our sunset time and the “Happy Hour Deal” in all bars on the cruise. You will also have a chance to join our cooking class to challenge your skills in preparing the famous Vietnamese spring rolls. Before dinner, our experienced captain will choose the most tranquil area to anchor for overnight.
19:00: Savor a deluxe dinner. After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at a panoramic bar or partake in onboard activities: squid fishing, karaoke. Stay overnight on the cruise.
06:00: Be an early bird for a photo hunt and join our Tai-chi session on the sundeck to refresh your body and mind.
07:00: Have a light breakfast. Sena Cruises continues her sail, passing amazing karst towers. Tea, coffee, and a light breakfast are served with fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
08:15: Explore Tra Bau Area. Join kayaking & swimming to explore the Tra Bau area – the famous filming location for Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.
09:30: Return to the boat for check-out.
10:00: Lunchtime. During the time, a well-prepared Set menu lunch is served. Sena Cruise slowly navigates emerald water and thousands of Karst Mountains towards the Harbor.
11:30 – 12:00: Return to Tuan Chau Port and disembark.
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).
8:00 AM: Start from your hotel for 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, the world's first mixed heritage zone, recognized by UNESCO in 2014. On arrival at the pier, you will board a private traditional sampan boat which is gently rowed by a local. Cruise across a poetic river through a series of caves, some of them being 300-400m long. Every section offers you a new hidden world inside isolated valleys of tranquility.
Step off the boat for a walk through peaceful pagodas and temples worshipping the most famous Tran Dynasty’s mandarins. Get back on the sampan boat, immersing yourselves in the beauty of the nature while heading back to the pier.
Finally transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We'll discover 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.