Nice experience, very customer-oriented company fast and easy booking, very fast reaction. Mr. Bien a well-prepared guide and enthusiastic. You should try this experience.
16-Day Tour: Northbound Vietnam Adventure
Private Tour
Experienced Guides
Must-See Locations
Highlights
Experience the Lovely Chaos of Ho Chi Minh City
Witness the Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta
Indulge In Sunbathing Bliss on Nha Trang Idyllic Coastline
Marvel at Historical Hoi An & Hue Citadel
Cruise Ha Long Bay's Tranquil Waters
Admire the Timeless Beauty of Ha Noi
Click the Tabs to See More
Tour Details
Price
- 1 person $3,111
- 2 people $1,959 per person
- 3-5 people $1,624 per person
- 6-9 people $1,227 per person
- 10-15 people $1,148 per person
- 16-20 people $1,048 per person
Season
We operate all year round except for Vietnamese New Year. Contact us for more information.
Trip Specifications
This tour only operates as a private tour meaning it is fully customisable. All group sizes and ages can be accommodated.
Included
• All entrance fees & taxes
• Fully air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• English-speaking guide
• Accommodation
• All breakfasts + 6 lunches + 2 dinners
Not included
• Visa fees
• Gratuities
• Booking fees
What to bring
• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Hat (and helmet if possible)
• Insect repellent
• Light jacket
• Raincoat or poncho
• More packing ideas can be provided on request
What to wear
Please be sensitive to the local customs and ensure you dress respectfully.
Itinerary
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!
Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, was famously dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and the ‘Paris of Asia.’ Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by a local guide, and then transferred to the city centre.
Head for your hotel for check-in. Take some rest and recover from the jet lag. Make the most of your free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to get the pulse of the city and its dynamic atmosphere.
√ Meals included: N/A
√ Accommodation: Hotel
* Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate jet lag. We can customise daily activities based on your energy levels.
| Options | Per person from |
| 60-minute soothing massage | 25 USD |
| Breakfast with Pho noodles and egg coffee | 15 USD |
| Lunch at a restaurant | 15 USD |
| Dinner with Banh Xeo | 15 USD |
This morning, you will transfer to Cu Chi, an area renowned for its extensive tunnel network. These tunnels served as bases and living quarters for fighters of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (NLF) during the war. With your guide, explore the intricacies of this underground world, including tunnel models, hiding places, kitchens, and an underground hospital.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will return to the city centre to visit the War Remnants Museum and the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument. On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc made the ultimate sacrifice, self-immolating in a powerful protest against the oppressive local authorities of the time.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
Set Sail Along the Waterway
Depart southward to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Your first stop will be a Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism, a religion founded in the 1920s by a Vietnamese official, blends elements of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Next, embark on a boat trip along the Tien River. Explore workshops dedicated to coconut processing and the artisanal production of puffed rice cakes. Later, attend a performance of “Don Ca Tai Tu Nam Bo,” a traditional Southern Vietnamese music genre that has been recognised as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage since December 2013.
Continue to An Binh Islet. Experience a charming rowing sampan ride through the tranquil arroyos, shaded by lush greenery. You will arrive at Ut Trinh Homestay, a sustainable oasis crafted from wood, bamboo, and terracotta tiles. Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, including the famous “elephant ear” fish, a true Mekong Delta delicacy. Following lunch, enjoy a bike ride through the serene village, surrounded by lush orchards. As twilight descends, join a hands-on workshop and discover the timeless art of traditional puffed rice cake making.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
√ Accommodation: Homestay
Head out for a Coastal Escape
Start your day with a serene boat ride along the majestic Mekong River. You will visit a local brick factory before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market to explore a colourful array of goods.
After exploring of the local life in the Mekong Delta, return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. At the appointed time, your guide will escort you to Saigon Railway Station for your overnight train journey to Nha Trang.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: On board
» Private compartment on the night train:
- Single Occupancy (1 person per compartment): + 166 USD/PAX
- Double Occupancy (2 people per compartment): + 62 USD/PAX
- Triple Occupancy (3 people per compartment): + 27 USD/PAX
» Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang by airplane: + 85 USD/PAX (Air tickets issued by MAIKA TOURS): Direct transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle into your room. Dinner is available at an extra charge.
Discover the Coastal City of Nha Trang
Upon arrival at Nha Trang Train Station, meet your local guide and transfer to the city centre for a delightful local breakfast to kick-start your day.
Head to Cau Da Port, embark on a shared boat for an exciting diving adventure around Hon Tam Island in Nha Trang Bay. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the vibrant coral reefs and the dazzling array of tropical fish.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel
* Please note: If you travel to Nha Trang by plane, breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Unveil the Rich Uniqueness of Cham Culture
In the morning, set off for a city orientation tour, with a visit to the iconic Po Nagar Cham Towers, a sacred site dating back to before 781 AD.
Next, dive into the fascinating world of marine life at the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography. Wander through an impressive collection of aquariums and tanks, home to a vibrant array of sea creatures from Vietnam and beyond. Stand in awe of majestic sharks and gaze upon the remarkable whale skeletons, including one discovered locally in 2003.
At the end of the day, you will be taken to Nha Trang Train Station to board your overnight train to Da Nang.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: On board
» Thap Ba Mud Bath Experience: + 35 USD/PAX
» Private compartment on the night train:
- Single Occupancy (1 person per compartment): + 166 USD/PAX
- Double Occupancy (2 people per compartment): + 62 USD/PAX
- Triple Occupancy (3 people per compartment): + 27 USD/PAX
» Nha Trang – Da Nang by airplane: + 85 USD/PAX (Air tickets issued by MAIKA TOURS): Direct transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle into your room.
From Coastal Splendour to Ancient Charm
Upon arrival at Da Nang, meet your local guide and transfer to the city centre. Next, depart south to the charming town of Hoi An.
Let’s start a captivating guided walking tour through the enchanting old quarters of Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc. Discover the rich history and culture of Hoi An as you visit the serene Fujian Assembly Hall and the spiritual Chuc Thanh Pagoda. Admire the charm of traditional wooden houses before culminating your tour at the historic Japanese Bridge.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
* Please note: If you travel to Da Nang by plane, breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Select from Two Options
Option 1:
Set off on a peaceful bike ride through the idyllic countryside, meandering past verdant orchards on your way to Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Immerse yourself in the local artistry as you explore the time-honoured craft of pottery making. Continue your journey through scenic rice fields (season permitting) to the vibrant Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you will engage in hands-on activities like digging, planting, watering, and harvesting.
Next, arrive at a local’s home and unwind with a soothing 10-minute foot massage with warm water and medicinal leaves. Later, join a private cooking class with your host, where you will learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese recipes, and then enjoy lunch with dishes you have prepared.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel
Option 2:
Board a private boat for a 1.5-hour scenic cruise along the Thu Bon River to reach Cam Thanh Coconut Village, located at the seaport of Cua Dai at the river’s mouth.
You will be welcomed by your host who will offer you a refreshing tasting of local green tea. After this, experience the traditional “thung chai” – a unique round bamboo basket boat that is surprisingly stable despite its appearance. Here, local fishermen will guide you through the fascinating art of long-established fishing.
Try your hand at casting a large fishing net from the basket boat before heading deeper into the lush forest to a crab fishing spot. You will also have the opportunity to steer your basket boat through the waterways, or, if you prefer, take a peaceful stroll along the village’s shady paths.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» Dinner of Hoi An specialties with “Banh Vac” white rose dumplings and “Cao Lau” noodles + 22 USD/PAX*
(*) Including tour guide and private transfer
See Things at Your Own Pace
This day is for you to discover the ancient town at your own pace. There are several options to complete your experiences of the day.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» 6 HRS Discovery of the My Son archaeological site including lunch + 85 USD/PAX *
» 8 HRS Discovery of Mount Ba Na including lunch + 115 USD/PAX *
» 2 HRS Lantern Making Experience + 25 USD/PAX *
» TEH DAR SHOW show evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. First class + 55 USD/PAX *
(*) Including tour guide and private transfer
Delve Into Hue’s Rich History & Culture
Embark on a scenic journey to Hue, crossing the Hai Van Pass (Hai Van means ‘Ocean Cloud’), the natural boundary between Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue, and the highest pass in Vietnam.
Visit the magnificent Imperial Citadel, an architectural masterpiece built between 1805 and 1832, inspired by Chinese imperial palaces. Before returning to your hotel, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Ba Market, a bustling hub of local life.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» Dinner with street food by bike or pedicab while tasting the specialties of Hue such as rice pancakes with shrimp and ground pork (banh beo, banh nam, banh bot loc, banh khoai…) and dessert with sweet soups + 55 USD/PAX*
» An alternative meal vegetarian menu, Hue delight + 20 USD/PAX*
» Imperial dinner in royal costumes (For group of 10) – Join us around 6:00 p.m. at the restaurant in a sumptuous setting with gilding and splendor representing the historic Hue. Dress in royal costumes and savor dishes that once graced the tables of kings and queens, meticulously adorned with dragons and symbolic birds, and refined to the finest details + 25 USD/PAX*
(*) Including tour guide and private transfer RT
Enjoy the Thrilling Motorbike Adventure
Kick off an exhilarating motorbike ride through the heart of Hue, accompanied by a skilled driver. Discover the city’s hidden gems as you explore charming old villages once home to the imperial court’s mandarins.
Visit the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city, before continuing your journey by motorbike to the north to the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang.
After lunch, transfer to Hue Train Station to take a night train to Ha Noi.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» Private compartment on the night train:
- Single Occupancy (1 person per compartment): + 166 USD/PAX
- Double Occupancy (2 people per compartment): + 62 USD/PAX
- Triple Occupancy (3 people per compartment): + 27 USD/PAX
» Hue – Ha Noi by airplane: + 85 USD/PAX (Air tickets issued by MAIKA TOURS): Direct transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle into your room.
Arrive in the Thriving Capital City
You will be welcomed by a local guide at Ha Noi Train Station. Transfer to the city centre and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese breakfast experience at a streetside eatery.
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (the Restored Sword Lake) with your guide and soak in the lively local atmosphere as you see locals engaging in their daily exercise routines. Your next stop will be the Temple of Literature, followed by a cyclo-rickshaw journey through the vibrant labyrinth of the Old Quarter.
After lunch, continue the city exploration with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex. You will see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the unpretentious stilt house where the President once resided. Not far away, the One Pillar Pagoda is another must-see of the day. Conclude your day with some shopping at the bustling Dong Xuan Market.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
Journey through Ninh Binh’s Landscapes
Depart for Ninh Binh, also known as “Ha Long Bay on Land” for its stunning landscape of mountains and rice fields. You will see Hoa Lu, the former capital of Viet Nam between 968 and 1010. Next, stop by the Dinh and Le Temples.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat trip between karst rocks and rice fields (depending on the season). During this 2-hour journey, you will take in poetic landscapes where limestone cliffs emerge from the waters and birds glide between trees and cliffs. Following this, leave for a bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda.
√ Meals included: Breakfast
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» Dinner of local specialities with goat meat + 15 USD/PAX
» Gala dinner with traditional music and dances at Thai Vi Temple (available for groups from 20 people) + 37 USD/PAX
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site
This morning, depart with your local guide and private vehicle for Ha Long Bay. Its landscape is marked by the 1,969 karst islands which have earned the site its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Board around midday on your junk and settle into your cabin. Enjoy your welcome drink followed by lunch on board. Next, venture into a natural cave to discover intricate rock formations. Take in a stunning panorama of the bay at sunset.
Activities available on board:
- Squid fishing – Become a real fisherman! You can try your hand at fishing squid with some useful tips from the crew and then savor the freshly cooked squid.
- Relax on the deck – Totally unwind while admiring the glamor of Ha Long Bay or watching the sunrise and sunset over the bay. These moments are magical!
- Kayaking (2 people per kayak) – Balance yourself and navigate through mesmerizing landscape. The warm waters, even in winter, make kayaking a delightful experience throughout the year. This activity is, however, subject to change based on weather conditions.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
√ Accommodation: On board
Make the Most of Your Last Stops
After breakfast on board, you might then join a Tai Chi session at dawn. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that increases strength, muscle tone, and reduces stress. Continue the cruise and enjoy your brunch on board.
Disembark and return to Ha Noi. On the returning trip, stop for a visit to But Thap Pagoda (The Pagoda of Pen Tower) in Bac Ninh Province. This pagoda is famous for its collection of precious wooden statues, including the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin.
√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel
» Dinner of Ha Noi specialties with “Cha Ca” grilled fish served with rice noodles and fresh herbs + 17 USD/PAX
Bid Farewell to Viet Nam
√ Meals included: Breakfast
See What Our Guests are Saying
I now refer my friends, family and colleagues, as well as book all of my tours, accommodation and flights with Maika because I feel very lucky to have finally found an organisation in Asia that gives me the confidence to do so.
The tour was very well organized, and the guide spoke very good English. We got to see and experience so many things: Besides visiting a pagoda and Buddha statue, we also went on a boat ride (with a stop to enjoy a coconut drink) and visited local businesses producing rice paper, conical hats and mats. We had fresh fruit and tea for a snack and Pho soup for lunch which was delicious! We had such a good day and would highly recommend this tour!
We went on this tour, two families of four, with children aged 9-12 years old. We were really happy with it and highly recommend. Lin was our guide and she was fantastic, would really do a trip with her again. It was nice to do this privately and easy to adjust with Lin if needed. Maika helped us book the accommodation in Can Tho which we really appreciated. Would highly recommend and for sure do again.
You did a great job looking after all of our family of 7. The kids enjoyed all the tours and especially the Mekong cruise …as did we……because the kids were so happy we got to enjoy some time to ourselves too. I would recommend Maika Tours if your thinking of visiting Vietnam!
