10-Day Tour: Panorama of Vietnam from North to South

Private Tour

Experienced Guides

Must-See Locations

Embark on a 10-day mesmerising journey through Viet Nam, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. This itinerary unveils the country’s diverse beauty, showcasing its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Each destination tells a unique story, highlighting Viet Nam’s breathtaking wonders and vibrant traditions.

 

Highlights

Vibrant streets in Ha Noi

Historic grandeur of Hoa Lu

Scenic boat trip to Ha Long Bay

Nostalgic charm of Hue

Quaint districts of Hoi An Ancient Town

Lush beauty of the Mekong Delta

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Tour Details

Price

Adults:

  • Solo adult travellers pay the standard adult rate.
  • Groups of 2 or more enjoy discounted rates per person.

Children:

  • Children under 3 years old travel for free.
  • Children ages 3-11 pay 75% of the adult rate.

* Please see our FAQs page for further pricing details. 


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

• Fully air-conditioned vehicle

• All taxes

• Bottled water

• English-speaking guide

• 8 nights in hotel + 1 night on cruise + 1 night on train  

• All breakfasts 


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
a street vendor in ha noi

Welcome to Hanoi!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by a local guide, then depart for the city (approximately a 45 minute-drive) for an orientation tour including the must-sees: Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Hanoi Opera House… 

Next, embark on an unforgettable rickshaw ride through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter. You will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and rich history of this iconic neighbourhood.  

Transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax and recover from your flight. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Hanoi at your own pace.

√ 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.

» At the end of the day (around 7:00 p.m.), meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to the restaurant by private car. Enjoy Hanoi specialties featuring Bun Cha (a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine with grilled fish, fresh noodles, dill and aromatic plants) + 17 USD/PAX  

a woman kayaking in a bay

Experience the Wonders of Ha Long Bay

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 savour the freshly cooked squid.
  • Relax on the deck – Totally unwind while admiring the glamour 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 mesmerising 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

a scenic view along the banks

Embark on a Day of Tranquility and Discovery

After breakfast on board, you might then join a Tai Chi session at dawn. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that increases strength and muscle tone while reducing stress. Continue the cruise and enjoy your brunch on board.

Depart for Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land”. On the way, you will see the road meandering through majestic mountains and lush rice fields, unveiling one of northern Vietnam’s most idyllic landscapes.

Stop for Hoa Lu to see Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Built in 968 by Emperor Dinh Bo Linh, Hoa Lu served as the capital until 1010, when Emperor Ly Thai To decided to relocate to Thang Long, now known as Ha Noi. Visit Dinh and Le Temples: one is dedicated to Dinh Bo Linh and the other one is dedicated to the successor Le Hoan and Duong Van Nga, the wife of two successive emperors.

√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch

√ Accommodation: Hotel

* Please note: The itinerary and visits in the bay may be adjusted according to the schedule of each confirmed junk, tide, and weather conditions. 

» Dinner of local specialties based on goat meat + 15 USD/PAX

» Dinner at Thai Vi Temple in Tam Coc Village, where you can savor a meal while admiring the spectacle of traditional music and dances – a blend of sacred and secular elements (for groups from 20 people) + 37 USD/PAX

outside a temple

Immerse in Nature’s Beauty and Culture

This morning, embark on a picturesque boat trip through stunning karst formations and rice fields (depending on the season). Enjoy approximately two hours on the shimmering waters, surrounded by tranquil limestone cliffs that rise like islets and birds fluttering from trees to cliffs.

Next, bike through the countryside to reach Bich Dong Pagoda, a shrine nestled within the rock, with three ancient pagodas built in the early 18th century on different levels.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Ha Noi Train Station at the time scheduled by your guide to catch the night train to Hue.    

√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch

√ Accommodation: On board

» Dinner of Hanoi specialties such as Bun Cha made from grilled pork balls served with fresh rice vermicelli, aromatic plants and “nuoc mam” fish sauce + 12 USD/PAX (including tour guide and private transfer RT)

» Hanoi – Hue by airplane + 85 USD/PAX (Air tickets issued by MAIKA TOURS): Direct transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be welcomed by your local guide from the Central Vietnam and transferred to your hotel to settle into your room. Dinner is available at an extra charge.

a temple in hue

Welcome to the Land of Elegance!

Upon early arrival at Hue Train Station, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to the city center. Savor local breakfast – the famous Bun Bo Hue, soup made from rice vermicelli garnished with beef, vegetables, and spices.   

Next, visit the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue your journey to the bustling market of Dong Ba, which is renowned for its beautiful conical hats, as well as basketwork, fabrics, tropical fruits and sweets.  

Enjoy free time for lunch before checking into your room. Unwind and recharge after the morning’s extensive tour.

√ Meals included: Breakfast

√ Accommodation: Hotel

* Please note: For those who opt to travel to Hue by plane, breakfast will be served at the 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    

a beautiful coastal view

From Coastal Splendour to Ancient Charm

Depart for Hoi An via the national road, crossing Hai Van Pass (Hai Van means ‘Ocean Cloud’). This pass forms the natural boundary between Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City. As the highest pass in Vietnam, it offers breathtaking views of the Eastern Sea. En route, stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, which boasts one of the world’s most exquisite collections of sculptures from the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, transfer to the hotel and check into your room. In the afternoon, stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town(opens in a new tab) and visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, Chuc Thanh Pagoda, the old wooden houses and the famous Japanese Bridge.  

At the end of the day, you will enjoy free time at your leisure in the bustling neighborhoods on both banks of Thu Bon River where the fun begins when the sun sets.

√ Meals included: Breakfast

√ Accommodation: Hotel

» Lunch and dinner are available at an extra charge.

» Dinner with Hoi An specialties featuring Banh Vac “white rose” (white rice paste stuffed with shrimp), a unique local delicacy and Cao Lau, a typical dish made with fresh noodles, marinated pork and aromatic herbs + 22 USD/PAX.

» Hotel upgrades (extra charge):

  • 2 nights in a 4-star beach resort in Hoi An
  • 2 nights in a 5-star beach resort in Hoi An  
a lively house decorated with lanterns

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 *

» 6 HRS Discovery of Mount Ba Na including lunch + 115 USD/PAX *

» 5 HRS Eco-tour to Cam Thanh village including lunch + 55 USD/PAX *

» 3 HRS Introductory local cooking class and lunch + 45 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 

vehicle in a busy city

Soak up Saigon’s Vibrant Energy

With your guide, transfer to Da Nang Airport to take your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Journey into the heart of the city for an immersive exploration of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant Chinatown. 

Discover the architectural splendour of Thien Hau Temple, a sacred site steeped in history and tradition. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Binh Tay Market(opens in a new tab), a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas as you explore its diverse range of goods.   

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can savour a distinctive twist on one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes – the famous Pho in a stone bowl with freshly prepared noodles.

In the afternoon, make a walking tour in the city centre to see the main emblematic monuments of Saigon: Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market…

Enjoy free time for an evening stroll along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to experience the city’s vibrant energy.

√ Meals included: Breakfast

√ Accommodation: Hotel

» Dinner of local specialties based on grilled meats and hot pot in a popular typical restaurant, called Quan Nhau” by the people of Saigon, where students, workers and families gather after a long day + 35 USD/PAX 

» Around 6:00 p.m., board a junk at Bach Dang quay for a dinner cruise. Your meal will be served as the boat sails along the Saigon River where you can enjoy a pleasant panoramic view of the city at dusk. Dinner is accompanied by a live music show/concert + 35 USD/PAX    

rice paddies

Get Lost in the Coconut Paradise

Embark on a journey southward to the enchanting province of Ben Tre, nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta(opens in a new tab)—a region known as the rice bowl of the nation. Ben Tre is often referred to as the “Land of Coconuts,” where the province is gently cradled between two mighty arms of the Mekong River: the Tien River and the Hau River.

Your adventure begins with a serene boat trip along Ben Tre River. As you glide through the water, you will visit a traditional brick factory. Continue your journey through the winding arroyos, leading you to a workshop where locals craft various coconut products, from shelling to milk extraction.  

Next, meet a local war veteran and enjoy a sampling of seasonal fruits and a refreshing cup of tea. Then embark on a bike ride or motor cart journey to reach a local restaurant for lunch.

Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, including the famous “elephant ear” fish, a true Mekong Delta delicacy.

Afterward, board a small, rowed sampan for a peaceful navigation through the narrower channels of the delta. Return to the dock and get ready to journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

√ Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch

√ Accommodation: Hotel

» A O SHOW + 55 USD/PAX  

A O Show is an acrobatic circus show performed in the company of a traditional orchestra. It takes place at the Saigon Opera House. The name A O derives from the word “Làng Phố”, which means “village and town”. For an hour, the artists use a variety of bamboo props to perform around ten stage acts that depict local lifestyles.  

 

tourists in front of a square

Savour Your Last Moments in Viet Nam

After breakfast, check out at the hotel no later than 12:00 p.m. Take advantage of your last moments in Viet Nam to explore a bit more on your own, pick up some souvenirs, or simply relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

When it is time for your departure, your private driver will be ready to transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

√ Meals included: Breakfast

» Late check-out, room available until 6 p.m. (extra charge) 

» A 60-minute soothing massage session in a city spa centre + 25 USD/PAX

» Lunch AND/OR dinner in a restaurant + 15 USD/PAX 

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women in market with conical hats
Ha Long Bay with cruises