Epic Vietnam: North to South with Train Experience
Discover Vietnam on a 14-day, 2-week itinerary from North to South. Explore vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
From $1339 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
Discover Vietnam on a 14-day, 2-week itinerary from North to South. Explore vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. 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
Arrival in Hanoi, pickup at airport, and transfer to hotel. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our driver waiting at Column 11 outside the arrival hall. 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. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter , the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
35km – 0.75h
Day 2 — Hanoi
Visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), the Museum of Ethnology, the Old Quarter, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.. 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: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 3 — Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Explore Ninh Binh, cycle to Thung La Temple, enjoy a sampan boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, and take part in an embroidery workshop.. 8:00 AM: Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, driving through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta, painted by rice and vegetable fields. 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. Meet Mr Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy an authentic conversation as well as a 20 minute drum show. Later, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.
Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 4 — Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay
Transfer to Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La island, breathtaking views, kayaking & swimming. 8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay . Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.
Cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 5 — Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue
Visit Thien Canh Son cave, enjoy cooking demonstration, return to Hanoi, and take the overnight train to Hue. 06:00 : Sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or catch a morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee. 06:30 : Breakfast is served in Western style to fulfill energy for another exploring day. 07:15 : Explore Thien Canh Son Cave . 08:30 : Upon return to the boat, have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. 09:30 : Check out. Please take all personal belongings out of the cabin, heavy luggage can be left outside the cabin door (staff will transfer it directly to the port). 09:45 : Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. 10:30 : Back to the harbor. 11:00 – 11:15 : Disembark at Ha Long cruise port .
Cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 6 — Hue
Discover Hue with a boat trip on the Perfume River, and enjoy an excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel of Hue.. Arrive at Hue railway station in the morning, where our tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you. Then, set off to explore the mystical city of Hue.
Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
25km – 1h
Day 7 — Hue – Hoi An
Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, then travel to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass. Stop at the Cham Sculpture Museum before exploring the charming ancient town of Hoi An.. 7:30 AM: We continue exploring Hue with a visit to Khai Dinh King's tomb , built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles . A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
125km – 3h
Day 8 — Hoi An
Excursion to Kim Bong, Tra Nhieu, and Cam Thanh villages with a boat trip, countryside biking, and interaction with local people.. Meet at your hotel, then cycle to Hoi An pier and board the ferry to cross the Thu Bon River towards Kim Bong village . On the boat, you will immerse yourselves into the comfortable fresh air and enjoy the idyllic landscapes on both sides of the river. This village has long been known for its wood carving . At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style. Bike around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products as souvenirs.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 9 — Hoi An – My Son – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Visit My Son Sanctuary to learn about Champa culture, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City.. 8:00 AM: Spend a half-day exploring the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son Sanctuary was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the ancient kingdom, and a revered burial place for Cham monarchs. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, this sanctuary preserves around 70 ruined brick and stone architectural works built between the 7th and 13th centuries. During the visit, the rich cultural, historical, and architectural values of each relic will be fully unveiled as you leisurely wander through the ancient complex . The experience is further enriched by attending a traditional Champa dance performance before leaving the sanctuary.
Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
Day 10 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Discover Saigon's top highlights, including the Independence Palace, Binh Tay Market, Quan Am Pagoda, and the War Remnants Museum.. 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 11 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Tay Ninh – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse into Vietnam's history.. 8:00 AM: We depart for the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. Option: At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It's a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.
Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2.5h
Day 12 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Cai Be – Can Tho
Exploring the Mekong Delta, enjoying a boat trip, biking, and visiting Phu Chau Pagoda.. 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: Holiday 2 Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room ) *or similar hotel
175km – 4h
Day 13 — Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, a local fruit garden, and the Binh Thuy Ancient House.. 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 14 — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flight.. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
What’s Included
Included
- Accommodation as listed, with daily breakfast
- Halong Bay cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
- Meals: Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 09, 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) | — | $3,163 |
| 2 travellers | $1,876 | $2,316 |
| 3 travellers | $1,663 | $2,103 |
| 4 travellers | $1,523 | $1,963 |
| 5 travellers | $1,435 | $1,875 |
| 6 travellers | $1,379 | $1,819 |
| 7 travellers | $1,339 | $1,779 |
| 8 travellers | $1,386 | $1,826 |
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 14 days enough to enjoy this route?
Yes — this 14-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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