Vietnam · Boating

8-Day Vietnam Journey from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi with Ha Long Bay

8 Days Round trip from Ho Chi Minh City Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn how guerrillas lived and survived during wartime
  • 02 Cruise the Tien River past Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands in the Mekong Delta
  • 03 Admire the Marble Mountains, 19th-century pagodas, and the caves of Huyền Không or Tàng Chơn
  • 04 Ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills and walk across the iconic Golden Bridge
  • 05 Visit Hoa Lư Ancient Capital and take a boat trip through Tràng An's UNESCO-listed cave landscape
  • 06 Cruise through Ha Long Bay's limestone islets, visit Surprising Cave, and enjoy views from Titop Island

Explore Vietnam's highlights on this 8-day journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, Da Nang, Ba Na Hills, Ninh Bình, and Ha Long Bay. Discover wartime history, cruise along the Tien River by boat and sampan, and admire the Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain, and the Golden Bridge. In northern Vietnam, visit Hoa Lư Ancient Capital and Tràng An before enjoying a scenic cruise through Ha Long Bay's limestone islets and caves.

Embark on a boat trip through the magnificent cave system, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, while enjoying the natural beauty of the green river and scenic landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Halong, My Tho, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Danang, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Meet our local driver at Ho Chi Minh Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
  • Relax for the rest of the day at your hotel.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Transfer: Private car

2
Day 02

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Excursion

  • 06:45 - 07:00 AM: Pick-up from hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your hotel location in District 1.
  • Begin your journey towards Cu Chi District, approximately 1.5 hours away.
  • Upon arrival, watch an introductory video about the construction of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the survival techniques used during wartime. Explore the tunnel system, including living areas, kitchens, and military facilities such as weapons factories and hospitals. Discover hidden trap doors and wartime traps designed for security.
  • Enjoy a break with special tea and cassava, the traditional foods of the guerrillas during the war.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Transfer to My Tho City for the next part of the tour.
  • Cruise along the Tien River, passing Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. Enjoy the natural beauty and gentle breeze of the river.
  • Navigate the small canals by sampan, a traditional Vietnamese rowboat.
  • Take a short cycling tour around the village to immerse yourself in local life.
  • Visit a coconut candy workshop and taste seasonal fruits and honey tea. Enjoy Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local people.
  • 7:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner on your own.
  • Overnight stay at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Guide: English-speaking guide

Transfer: Group transfer

3
Day 03

Flight to Da Nang, Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain

  • After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Da Nang.
  • Our car in Da Nang will pick you up at Da Nang International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Your room will be available from 2:00 p.m. onwards.
  • Before joining the afternoon tour, please leave your luggage at the reception desk.
  • 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. - Pick-up from your hotel in Da Nang city.
  • 2:30 p.m. - Explore the Marble Mountains and visit local stone sculpture factories. Climb to the top to see 19th-century pagodas built by the Vietnamese monarchy. Visit Huyền Không or Tàng Chơn caves and marvel at their beauty.
  • 4:30 p.m. - Transfer to Monkey Mountain. Admire the giant Lady Buddha statue and the serene bonsai garden amid beautiful mountain scenery.
  • 6:00 p.m. - Return to your hotel.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Guide: English-speaking guide for the afternoon tour

Transfer: Private car and group transfer

4
Day 04

Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

  • 7:30 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. - Pick-up from your hotel lobby in Da Nang.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 08:30 a.m. - Enjoy a scenic ride to Ba Na Hills via the modern cable car, with breathtaking views over Da Nang's coastal cityscape.
  • Visit Dream Stream Cable Car Station and admire the panoramic views. Explore the iconic Golden Bridge, Le Jardin D'amourn, and Linh Ung Pagoda.
  • Take the second cable car to the French Village. Enjoy street music, art statues, and attractions such as Campanile and the Nine Floor Goddess Shrine. Watch the Carnival Performance Show.
  • Lunch at a restaurant with a buffet.
  • Explore Sun World by Lava Train. Visit Helios Waterfall, Time Gate, and Moon Kingdom. Experience Fantasy Park with attractions such as Fairy Forest, Dinosaur Park, and 4D rides.
  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Return to the cable car and depart from Ba Na Hills.
  • 5:00 p.m. - Transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Guide: English-speaking guide

Transfer: Group transfer

5
Day 05

Flight from Da Nang to Hanoi

  • Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
  • Once you arrive in Hanoi, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Your room will be available from 2:00 p.m. onwards.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer: Private car

6
Day 06

Hoa Lư and Tràng An in Ninh Bình

  • 7:00 a.m. - Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and head towards Ninh Bình Province, located approximately 120 km from the city.
  • 9:00 a.m. - Enjoy a short 20-minute break to relax and stretch your legs.
  • 10:30 a.m. - Begin your visit to Hoa Lư, the ancient capital and the first capital of Vietnam. Explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century, and learn about the history and architecture that shaped ancient Vietnam.
  • 12:30 p.m. - Have lunch at a local restaurant and taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
  • 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. - Visit Tràng An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Embark on a boat trip through the magnificent cave system, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, while enjoying the natural beauty of the green river and scenic landscapes.
  • 5:30 p.m. - Return to Hanoi.
  • 7:30 p.m. - Arrive back in Hanoi and get dropped off at your hotel.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Guide: English-speaking guide

Transfer: Group transfer

7
Day 07

Ha Long Bay Cruise Experience

  • 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.: Pick-up at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, then depart for Ha Long Bay.
  • 10:30 a.m.: Short 20-minute break to relax.
  • 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and board the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Begin a 5-6 hour journey through Ha Long Bay's stunning islets and outcrops. Enjoy lunch on board.
  • 2:00 p.m.: Visit Surprising Cave to admire its stalagmites and stalactites.
  • 3:00 p.m.: Explore Titop Island and climb Titop Peak for a panoramic view of the bay.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave to discover its lagoon.
  • 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor. Enjoy a sunset party on the upper deck with tea, cakes, and music.
  • 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Depart for Hanoi via the expressway. Short break en route for 20-30 minutes.
  • 9:00 - 9:30 p.m.: Return to your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Guide: English-speaking guide

Transfer: Group transfer

8
Day 08

Departure from Hanoi

  • Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for departure.

Our Services:

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer: Private car

Ha Long Bay limestone islets, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, Tràng An cave landscape, Cu Chi Tunnels

Where this trip takes you

Ha Long Bay limestone islets, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, Tràng An cave landscape, Cu Chi Tunnels

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ho Chi Minh City 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in twin, double, or triple-sharing rooms; check-in time: 14:00, check-out time: 12:00 - 7 nights in hotel
  • All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a private bathroom. Hotel breakfast is included. We will send you full hotel information after your booking is completed.
  • English-speaking local guide, as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Mineral water and meals as specified in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches)
  • Customers' special requests about food will be noted and shared with the tour operator after booking.
  • Transfers for arrival and departure
  • Transportation for the tour with air-conditioning, as mentioned

What's Not Included

  • Vietnam visa fee
  • International air ticket: Customer's country -> Vietnam and Vietnam -> Customer's country
  • Domestic flights: Ho Chi Minh -> Da Nang and Da Nang -> Hanoi
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Personal expenses, including shopping, telephone usage, beverage usage, etc.
  • Supplement for French-, Spanish-, Italian-, and German-speaking guides
  • Christmas or New Year's Eve gala dinner (if any)

Know before you go

  • Child from 10 years old up: 100% of adult fare.
  • Child under 10 years old sharing with 01 adult: 90% of adult fare.
  • Child under 10 years old sharing with 02 adults:
    • With extra bed: 75% of adult fare.
    • Without extra bed: 50% of adult fare.
  • Child under 2 years old sharing with 02 adults without bed: FOC.
  • If you want to change to the 4-star option, please contact us.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Noi Bai International Airport, hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, Da Nang International Airport, hotel in Da Nang Centre, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour start
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Starting from

USD 538 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $538.00 — $885.00
Double Sharing $538.00 — $600.00

When

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