Splendors of Vietnam at your own pace (Hanoi to Saigon)

12 Days   View Prices  
    
Overview
ninh-binh-28_2025-12-10_689.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh city
  • Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Lan Ha Bay - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre
  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Theme: Classic
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily Departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Italiano, Português
Highlight

This 12-day journey showcases Vietnam’s most iconic highlights, from Hanoi’s historic charm to the karst landscapes and rural calm of Ninh Binh. The itinerary continues with a tranquil cruise in Lan Ha Bay, followed by the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the imperial heritage of Hue. From the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the journey slows along the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta. Designed as a self-guided experience, the program lets you explore at your own pace while enjoying seamless arrangements including hotels, domestic flights, transfers, a Lan Ha Bay cruise, and a Mekong Delta excursion.

  • Hanoi at your own pace – independent exploration of culture, Old Quarter, and food
  • Ninh Binh countryside – sampan rides and limestone scenery
  • Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise – calm waters and karst landscapes
  • Hoi An & Hue at leisure – heritage towns and imperial sites explored freely
  • Mekong Delta in Ben Tre – guided river cruise and local encounters
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel

    Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Free day to explore Hanoi at your own pace

    Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hanoi.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Ninh Binh, enjoy a sampan boat ride in Van Long, watch traditional music performances, and take part in an embroidery workshop.

    Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century.

    Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Van Long
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Leisure: Thung La temple music
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room) *or similar hotel
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, enjoy a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, and join a cooking class.

    8:30: Continue exploring Ninh Binh with a visit to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

    On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

    Then, we make our way to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, we will visit the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

    Overnight in Ninh Binh.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Tam Coc
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Cooking class: Nep House (Applicable to guests staying here)
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room) *or similar hotel
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Ha Long City, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, explore Dark & Bright Cave, enjoy a bamboo boat ride, and swim in crystal-clear waters

    07:45 – 08:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (for private transfers) or at our Shuttle Bus stop (for shared transfers). We'll head to Halong City.

    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. Lan Ha

    Note: In cases where the group has more than four people, the transfer between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay (Lan Ha) is operated by a private minibus.
    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Ninh Binh - 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:
  • Begin the day with a Tai Chi session, explore the Tra Bau area, return to Hanoi, fly to Da Nang, and transfer to Hoi An

    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 meet you at the port and bring you back to Hanoi. You are expected to arrive in Hanoi at about 3 PM. Ninh Binh

    Take a short flight to Da Nang City.

    Dinner is at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :Flight (HAN - DAD) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace

    Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Hue and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace.

    Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hue.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
    36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Enjoy the morning at your own pace and take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

    The driver will welcome you at the pickup lobby of Tan Son Nhat Airport and then travel about 30 minutes from the airport to your hotel (in the Ho Chi Minh City center)

    Have an overview of city and come to the hotel, check in and rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :Flight (HUI - 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:
  • Enjoy a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

    Lunch and dinner are at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore the Mekong Delta, cruise through Ben Tre, visit a coconut-processing workshop, and connect with local people

    8:00: 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. For those who wish to ride a bike, you can go to Mr Sau Khanh’s house to admire his collection of ancient objects. Then, continue riding through the rice fields and meet the locals.

    Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.

    Dinner is on your own expense (not included). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

    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:
  • Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    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: Van Long, Tam Coc, Halong bamboo boat, Ben Tre
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Ninh Binh - Tuan Chau, Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Flight Tickets: Flight HAN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , Flight HUI - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 05, Dinner: 03
  • Bike: Ninh Binh, Ben Tre
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Thung La temple music, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Nep House (Applicable to guests staying here), 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?
  • tour
    No results were found
  • tour
    No results were found
  • tour
    No results were found
5.0
0 Reviews

Share:  

  • printerest
  • whatsapp
  • linkedin
  • redis
Good to know

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room
  • Adult in single room

Write your review

Captcha
Click on the verify code to change to another one. You must type the characters of the image in the text box

    Not the tour you had in mind?



    bg-footer
    Legal license Izitour