Classic Vietnam: Culture, History & Scenic Wonders
Explore Vietnam in 12 days with a classic tour from North to South. Discover heritage sites, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and unique local culture.
From $1155 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
Explore Vietnam in 12 days with a classic tour from North to South. Discover heritage sites, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and unique local culture. Fully private and customizable, with your own guide and driver, honest online pricing, and cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Click any day to expand. “Stay” shows the accommodation on this route. Prefer to upgrade a hotel or cruise cabin? We’ll tailor it — and the price — in your free quote.
Day 1 — Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You'll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi , passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city's unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
35km – 0.75h
Day 2 — Hanoi
Visiting the city's highlights, travelling to French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake. 9:00 AM: We begin our discovery of Hanoi with Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city's symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "s tone steles " which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
Day 3 — Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Bich Dong. 8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 4 — Hanoi – Halong Bay
Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Titov Island, offering a great panoramic views. 8:00 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we'll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.
Cruise: Milalux Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 5 — Halong Bay – Hoi An
Exploring Sung Sot Cave then leisurely sailing before transfering back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang, Hoi An.. 06:15 : Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by breakfast in the restaurant. 06:30 : Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries. 07:30 : Visit Titov Island , known for sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet) . 09:30 : Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle the bill at the reception. 10:00 : Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant. 11:30 : Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 6 — Hoi An
Full day to visit Hoi An city tour. 9:00 AM: Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 7 — Hoi An – Hue
Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel. 8:00 AM: travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
125km – 3h
Day 8 — Hue – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village, flying to Ho Chi Minh city.. We continue exploring Hue with a visit to tomb of Emperor Minh Mang , an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang's reign (1820-1840) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
Day 9 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Saigon City full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market. 9:00 AM: We begin our discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with the Independence Palace , once used as the home – office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.
Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
Day 10 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Cai Be – Can Tho
From Saigon to the Mekong Delta: Visiting Cai Be, Boat Trip, and Biking. Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be . Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards. Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees. Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.
Stay: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Superior City view) *or similar hotel
175km – 4h
Day 11 — Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Visiting famous Cai Rang market, fruit garden tour, Binh Thuy ancient house, back to Saigon. Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the pier for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market , the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning. Leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden . Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables. Stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which contains the orchid garden where "The Lover" was filmed.
Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
175km – 4h
Day 12 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
10km – 0.5h
What’s Included
Included
- Accommodation as listed, with daily breakfast
- Halong Bay cruise: Milalux Cruise – 2D1N
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
- Meals: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 07, Dinner: 01
- 02 bottles of water per person per day on tour
- 24/7 WhatsApp · cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour
Not Included
- International flights
- Vietnam e-visa (~$25)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Meals not specified
Pricing
Private tour, price per person — it drops as your group grows (your own guide & car are shared). Pick your group and room type for an indicative from-price; your exact price for specific dates (seasonal, only ~7% either way) is confirmed within 1 hour on WhatsApp.
| Group size | Sharing twin/double | Private single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller (solo) | — | $2,760 |
| 2 travellers | $1,611 | $2,046 |
| 3 travellers | $1,429 | $1,864 |
| 4 travellers | $1,304 | $1,740 |
| 5 travellers | $1,235 | $1,671 |
| 6 travellers | $1,186 | $1,621 |
| 7 travellers | $1,155 | $1,590 |
| 8 travellers | $1,193 | $1,629 |
Indicative from-prices (season varies ~7%). Single traveller = private single room. Child (2–11, sharing): reduced rate · Infant (<2): free — confirmed in your quote.
Good to Know
Is 12 days enough to enjoy this route?
Yes — this 12-day private itinerary is paced so you see Hanoi and more without rushing. We can shorten or extend any part to fit your dates.
Best time to travel?
March–April and October–November are the most reliable nationwide. Northern Vietnam is cool and dry December–February. We’ll advise the best dates for your route.
Can I customize it?
Fully — change hotels, upgrade your cruise cabin, add or remove stops. It’s a private tour built around you.
How do I pay?
After we agree your itinerary we send a secure online payment link. Cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour, honest local pricing.
Get your free, no-obligation quote
Tell us your dates and what you’d like — Ava replies within 1 hour with a tailored itinerary and honest pricing. No payment now; you only pay online once you’re happy.
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