Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi → Ninh Binh
Day 4: Ninh Binh → Ha Long
Day 5: Halong → Hue
Day 6: Hue
Day 7: Hue → Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9: Mekong Delta
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City → Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will meet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel in central Hanoi.
After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax after your flight.
If you arrive early enough, you may take a gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where narrow streets, colonial buildings, local cafés and traditional shops offer your first taste of Vietnam.
Optional: Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange an evening street-food experience or traditional water puppet show.
- Travel style: Easy start / Arrival day
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: No guide
- Meals: No meals included
- Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2: Discover Hanoi: History, Culture & Local Life
After breakfast, begin your private Hanoi city tour.
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace area and the traditional One Pillar Pagoda.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites.
After lunch, explore the atmospheric Old Quarter.
Walk through the maze of historic streets and discover traditional shops, local markets and small cafés.
Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple before returning to your hotel.
Suggested experience
In the evening, you can enjoy a guided Hanoi street-food tour, tasting local specialties such as: Pho, Bun cha, Banh mi, Vietnamese coffee, Local desserts.
- Travel style: Culture / Food / Walking
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi → Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua Cave
After breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel south to Ninh Binh, approximately 2–2.5 hours by private vehicle.
Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties.
Continue to a local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat journey through Trang An, often described as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
The traditional rowing boat takes you through limestone karsts, caves, rivers and peaceful valleys.
Later, visit Mua Cave and climb the steps to the viewpoint overlooking the dramatic landscape of Tam Coc.
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Travel style: Nature / Culture / Boat trip
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day 4: Ninh Binh → Halong Bay: Overnight Cruise
Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Ha Long Bay.
Arrive at the cruise port around midday and board your overnight cruise.
After lunch, the cruise begins sailing among Ha Long Bay’s spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters.
Depending on the cruise itinerary, activities may include:
- Kayaking or bamboo boat
- Cave exploration
- Swimming
- Sunset on the sundeck
- Vietnamese cooking demonstration
Enjoy dinner on board while surrounded by the scenery of the bay.
- Travel style: Nature / Relaxation / Cruise
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Cruise Cabin
Day 5: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Hue
Wake early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay.
Depending on your cruise program, you may join a Tai Chi session, explore another cave or simply relax on the sundeck.
After brunch, disembark and meet your private driver.
Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The evening is free to explore Hue at your own pace.
- Travel style: Cruise / Relaxation / Flight
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle / Flight
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide on the cruise, no guide during transfers
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hue
Day 6: Hue Imperial City & Royal Heritage
Today is dedicated to the imperial heritage of Hue.
Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former political and cultural centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Explore its historic gates, palaces, courtyards and royal architecture.
After lunch, continue to one of Hue’s impressive royal tombs, such as Khai Dinh Tomb or Tu Duc Tomb, depending on your preference.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s best-known religious landmarks overlooking the Perfume River.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Optional evening experience
Enjoy a traditional Hue royal-inspired dinner or an evening boat ride on the Perfume River.
- Travel style: History / Heritage / Culture
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hue
Day 7: Hue → Hoi An via Hai Van Pass & Ancient Town
After breakfast, leave Hue by private vehicle.
Travel south through the beautiful countryside toward Lang Co Beach.
Continue along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal mountain roads.
Stop at viewpoints for photographs before continuing to Da Nang.
Depending on your interests, visit the Marble Mountains before continuing to Hoi An.
Arrive in Hoi An. Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, including:
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Historic merchant houses and local streets
- Chinese assembly halls
- Local market
- Riverside streets
- Traditional craft shops
In the evening, walking through Hoi An Ancient Town, when lanterns illuminate the historic streets.
- Travel style: Scenic drive / Heritage / Cultural / Photography
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
In the afternoon, city tour with some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most important historical landmarks.
Visit:
- Reunification Palace
- War Remnants Museum
- Central Post Office
- Notre-Dame Cathedral area
- Ben Thanh Market
Your guide will provide historical context and explain the transformation of Saigon into modern Ho Chi Minh City.
Optional evening
Saigon by Night & Street Food Experience
Explore the city after dark and taste some of southern Vietnam’s popular dishes.
- Travel style: History / Culture / Food
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9: Mekong Delta: Rivers, Villages & Local Life
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and travel south to Ben Tre, a peaceful region in the Mekong Delta known for its coconut groves and traditional coconut products.
Upon arrival, board a local boat at Hung Vuong Pier and cruise along the Ben Tre River, discovering the waterways and everyday life of the local communities.
Visit a traditional brick kiln and learn how bricks are still made using traditional techniques. Continue to a local coconut workshop to see how coconuts are processed into products such as coconut candy.
Continue by boat along a smaller canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you can taste fresh tropical fruits and meet local residents.
Take a short bike ride or tuk-tuk ride along quiet village paths, passing coconut groves, rice fields and vegetable gardens. Enjoy lunch in the village, including a local specialty of elephant ear fish.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the village to gain a closer insight into local life before continuing by boat through a narrow canal shaded by water coconut palms.
In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Travel style: Local life / Rural landscapes / Boat / Cycling
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English-speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Farewell to Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for shopping or relaxing.
Your private driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Your Vietnam Highlights – 10 Days journey ends with your departure from Ho Chi Minh City.
The itinerary can also be arranged in reverse, beginning in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi.
- Travel style: Shopping / Relaxing
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: No guide
- Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Private airport transfers
- Private transportation throughout the itinerary
- Domestic flights Hanoi → Hue and Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- 1-night Ha Long Bay cruise
- English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Boat trips mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinking water during sightseeing
- Local taxes and service charges where applicable
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Vietnam visa and visa-related expenses, if applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and meals not specifically mentioned
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Personal services
- Any services not specifically listed under “What’s Included”
Claire Tremblay (Canada) –
Flawless Organization from South to North
We opted to take the route in reverse, starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi, which worked out perfectly for our flight schedule. Every detail from the Mekong Delta day trip to the overnight stay in Halong Bay was well organized. Traveling privately allowed us to set our own pace and enjoy hidden spots without feeling rushed by a big group. Truly a 5-star experience from start to finish!
Oliver Smith (UK) –
A Rich & Authentic Cultural Experience
If you want a deep dive into Vietnamese culture and history in a short time, this tour is hard to beat. The contrast between old-world charm in Hanoi and Hoi An versus the modern energy of Ho Chi Minh City was captivating. We also really appreciated the flexibility to customize our itinerary and choose our hotel class. Seamless transfers, delicious local food, and top-tier guides throughout the journey!
Liam O’Connor & Friends (Australia) –
Unforgettable Journey Across Vietnam!
Our group of four booked this private 10-day tour and it turned out to be the best decision for our holiday. The route from Hanoi down through Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon gave us a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning natural scenery. Starting at around $1,180 per person, the price was phenomenal for a completely private arrangement with tailored service. We loved every moment, especially the cruise in Halong Bay!
David J. (USA) –
The Absolute Best Highlights of Vietnam in 10 Days!
Traveling 10 days from Hanoi all the way to Ho Chi Minh City was an incredible experience. This itinerary seamlessly connects all the must-see destinations—from the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh to the charming streets of Hoi An and the vibrant Mekong Delta. Having a private tour just for our party made the entire trip feel exclusive and comfortable. The guides were knowledgeable and everything ran like clockwork. Highly recommended!