Package overview
Most north–south Vietnam itineraries build in an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, which typically pushes the trip to seven or eight days; this routing skips the bay altogether to fit both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into five. In its place, a Ninh Binh day trip gives the north leg a countryside contrast to the capital's streets, before a same-day flight connects to Ho Chi Minh City.
In the south, the Cu Chi Tunnels and a half-day colonial city tour round out the trip before departure. It's a useful option for agents whose clients specifically asked for 'Hanoi and Saigon' without mentioning the bay, or for business travellers combining a short leisure add-on with meetings in both cities. It runs comfortably most of the year.
Trip highlights
- Rowing-boat excursion through Tam Coc's limestone karsts near Hoa Lu
- Half-day Hanoi city tour before a same-day flight south
- Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground network used during the independence struggle
- Half-day tour of colonial Ho Chi Minh City, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (about a 45-minute, 25 km transfer from the airport)
Hanoi's French colonial streets, lakeside pagodas and dense Old Quarter give clients a first taste of the north before the trip moves quickly south. Arrival afternoons are typically kept easy, with an optional walk through the Old Quarter.
Day 2: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc excursion
The day travels to Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le dynasties from 968 until the early 11th century, with a short walk to the remaining dynastic temples. At Tam Coc, a small rowing boat carries guests through three limestone grottoes, Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, before the drive back to Hanoi.
Day 3: Half-day Hanoi city tour, fly to Ho Chi Minh City
The morning covers Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and Quan Thanh Temple beside West Lake, before an afternoon transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight south. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a representative meets the group for the transfer into Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion (about 1½ hours / 70 km one way)
The day is spent at the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Guides walk the group through accessible sections of the tunnel system and the surrounding exhibits explaining its construction and use.
Day 5: Half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour, departure
After checkout, a half-day walking tour covers the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, the Opera House and City Hall, before transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for the onward or homeward flight.
What's included
- INCLUSIONS
- EXCLUSIONS
- ACCOMMODATION
- VISA
- PAYMENT TERMS
- CANCELLATION POLICY
- DO'S IN VIETNAM
- DON'TS IN VIETNAM
- Accommodation with twin/ double/ triple sharing room basis with daily breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability).
- Meals as mentioned in the Tour Itinerary.
- Sightseeing & Transfers according to the above Tour Itinerary Details only.
- Transportation by vehicle with A/C
- Local English-speaking guide’s assistance.
- All Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
- All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
- Government taxes & service charge
- Air Fare / Train fare.
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage, water sports.
- Early check-in, late check-out
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Room Up gradation Charges.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
- Travel Insurance.
- Bank Charges
- Tip to Driver & Guide (Compulsory)
- Airport Taxes
- Visa and Visa arrangement
- Anything which is not included in the inclusion.
Not included
- Air Fare / Train fare.
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage, water sports.
- Early check-in, late check-out
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Room Up gradation Charges.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
- Travel Insurance.
- Bank Charges
- Tip to Driver & Guide (Compulsory)
- Airport Taxes
- Visa and Visa arrangement
- Anything which is not included in the inclusion.
Book this package
Visa requirements, payment terms and cancellation rules for this destination are set out on our [Vietnam travel information page](vietnam/travel-information).
Rates are quoted on request for your dates, party size and hotel category. Send us the itinerary reference and we will come back with a net B2B quotation.