12 Days Essential Vietnam from North to South tour
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Overview
This 12-day Vietnam itinerary takes travelers on a journey from the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the highlands of Sapa, the cultural charm of Hoi An, and the dynamic cities of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. The trip includes scenic cruises, cultural experiences, adventure activities, and historical explorations, offering a well-rounded experience of Vietnam.
Highlights:
- Hanoi Exploration: Arrival in the capital with leisure time in the Old Quarter.
- Ha Long Bay Cruise: Overnight stay on a cruise, surrounded by breathtaking limestone karsts.
- Sapa Trekking: Exploring Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages, experiencing local ethnic cultures.
- Fansipan Peak: Taking the cable car to the "Roof of Indochina."
- Hoi An Experience: Visiting Coconut Jungle, enjoying a boat ride, and releasing lanterns on the river.
- Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels: Delving into Vietnam’s war history with a half-day tour.
- Balanced Itinerary: Free and easy days in Hanoi and Da Nang allow for relaxation and personal exploration.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
- Private airport transfer
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Flight ticket from Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang- Ho Chi Minh with 20kg check-in and 7kg carried
- Night train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa and sleeping bus ticket from Sapa to Hanoi
- Group local based English-speaking guide and transfer on tours
- Train ticket to Muong Hoa, and Cable car ticket to Fansipang
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Service charges and government VAT tax
- 1 bottle of water per day (at hotel or on tour)
- Visa stamp fee
- Other meals than mentioned in the itinerary
- International flight into and out of Vietnam
- Laundry, telephone calls
- Expenditure of personal expenses
- Gratuities for tour guides/drivers
- Travel insurance
Tour Plan
Day 1: Hanoi arrival - Private airport transfer - Check in hotel in Old town (No meal)
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly driver and transferred to your hotel in the charming Old Quarter. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.
You will have our driver ready waiting for your outside the terminal whenever you arrive, please free to choose any time that fits your schedule.
Please do call S Vietnam Adventures if you can not find our driver at 0084 84 579 4384 in which we are always available on WhatsApp.
Please note:
– Standard check-in time is from 2:00 PM.
– Early check-in can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
Meals: No meal
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: Having Breakfast at the hotel, check out and be ready for the tour pick up.
The pick up time depending on hotel location, which will be reconfirmed on Day 1.
8h00- 8h45: Tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter.
10h15: Have a short break on half way for 20 minutes to relax.
12h00: Arrive to Tuan Chau Harbor.
12h30: Welcome to Cruise and Enjoy welcome to drink and get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check- in your room with Air-Conditioning.
13h00: Enjoy a special lunch with Vietnamese traditional dishes, while cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay.
Afternoon Itinerary:
15h00: Visiting Sung Sot Cave (Surprising cave).
16h00: Our cruise will take you to the Titop/Soi Sim Island. It is noted for having a viewpoint at its peak which affords splendid views all around Halong Bay or you can enjoy your swimming on romance sandy beach.
17h30: Come back to Cruise then take a shower, Relax on sundeck, sunset watching in comfortable lounge chairs while drinking a cocktail or reading a book in the most magical moment.
18h00: Enjoy welcome Sunset Party and Cooking Class. How to make fresh noodle roll, you can enjoy product which you make it.
Evening Relaxing:
19h00: Enjoy your dinner when sitting by overlooking sea view window in the night romantic Bay
20h30: Playing some sports games like: Squid Fishing, Singing karaoke, or Relax on sundeck
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on boat: Clean air – conditioning room
Day 3: Ha Long Bay - Back to Hanoi - 21:00 Train to Sapa - Overnight on train (Breakfast, Lunch)
6h00: Wake up in the early morning to see the sunrise on sundeck.
7h00: Morning view of bay with a cup of tea of coffee. Have Buffet Breakfast!
8:00: Luon Cave is one of the most places in Ha Long Bay for Kayaking. If you have a great passion for kayaking, you should not miss Luon Cave. If you don’t want to do kayak that you can seat on a bamboo boat. If you’re lucky, you can catch beautiful pictures with mischievous monkeys running around the cliffs.
9:30 – 10:00: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay.
10h45: Enjoy the lunch while Cruising back to Tuan Chau Harbour.
12h00: Cruise is landing Ha Long Bay harbor, tourist say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise.
12h30: Get on the Bus to return Hanoi by Expressway.
14h30: Stop on half way for short break.
16h00: Arrive at the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
You can leave your luggage at the hotel receptionist, since there is no hotel book today.
You will take the night train to Hanoi, train departs at 22:00, we will have driver pick you up at 21:00. Stay overnight on train, arrive Lao Cai Station in the next morning.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on train
Day 4: Lao Cai arrival - Train station pick up - Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van Village trekking (Breakfast, Lunch)
Pick up at the train station when you arrive and transfer to Sapa.
Early check in is possible when you arrive if the room available otherwise, we will provide you a basic room where you can have shower.
Start the trip at 9:30 as below.
First start of 6km of walking down to the south east of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho village of the Black H’mong. Continue a 2km-trekking down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. Lunch at a local family, it gives you a worth chance for you to learn about the local house architecture which is full of their daily life styles and exclusive custom. Enjoy the landscapes…on the way. Last trek is about 2Km to the bus stop in Tavan then get back to Sapa by jeep or minivan..
• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are all included.
• Overnight at the hotel in Sapa. (Hotel Vista hay Panorama, Deluxe View núi)
• Trekking level: 6/10
• 10Km trekking, 8Km driving from Tavan village back to Sapa
Note: In case you do not want to do the trek, you can request for a car transfer – on your own account.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 5: Fansipang Cable Car - Sharing Sleeping bus back to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Morning
- Go to Fansipan Cable Car Station and take the cable car for 20 minutes to appreciate the stunning view beneath your feet when sitting in the cabin
- Behold the scenery, take photos, and visit pagodas once you have ascended to an altitude of 2,800 meters
- Walk up 600 stairs to Fansipan's peak, also referred to as the Roof of Indochina (You may spend around 1.5 hours hiking and shooting pictures)
Afternoon
- Return to Fansipan Cable Car Station and continue to go back to Sapa town
At 16:00, take taxi to the sleeping bus, doing sleeping bus back to Hanoi, Arrive at around 21:30 pm. Our driver will wait for you at the bus station and transfer you back to hotel in Hanoi.
• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are all included.
• Trekking level: 4/10
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi free and easy (Breakfast)
Today is your free and easy day in Hanoi, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you want to immerse yourself in history, enjoy local cuisine, or simply relax, here are some recommendations to make the most of your day
Recommended Activities:
1. Explore the Old Quarter – Wander through the bustling streets, shop for souvenirs, and experience Hanoi’s unique charm.
2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – A peaceful spot in the heart of the city, ideal for a morning walk or coffee break.
3. Try Local Food – Don’t miss famous dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and egg coffee.
4. Temple of Literature – A must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
5. Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton) – Learn about Vietnam’s colonial and war history.
6. West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda – A beautiful lake area with Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple.
7. Enjoy a Water Puppet Show – A traditional Vietnamese art form, perfect for an evening activity.
If you need any assistance to book tours, transfer, please free to contact us.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang - Private airport transfer - Check in hotel in Da Nang (Breakfast)
After breakfast, free time till our driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore. Let us know if you need any recommendations. Have a great day
Note: Check in time at 14:00 pm, early check in is available with additional cost
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang
Day 8: Check out - Coconut Jungle – Hoi An City – Boat Ride & Release Flower Lantern local dinner - Drop Hoi An (Breakfast, Dinner)
Morning free to discover Da Nang with Con Market or Han Market.
Check out at 12:00 then ready with all your luggage. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at hotel in Hoi An.
12.00–12.15 pm: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel (Da Nang area).
Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut. As a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past. On this tour, we provide
authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe, interesting and suitable for everybody.
About 2.30 pm: Visit the next destination, Hoi An Old Town.
• Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Shopping at Hoi An Central Market. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees make offerings.
• You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses, such as Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. Visit Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional
Performing Arts House.
• Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
6.00 pm: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on the Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An. 6.30 pm – Return to your hotel. End of our services!
TRIP INCLUDES
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel
- English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees.
- Basket Boat and boat ride – flower lantern
- Dinner with Hoi An local food (set menu)
- Mineral water: 500ml/pax
TRIP EXCLUDES
- Personal expenses and Services not mentioned above.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
• Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
• Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An Free and easy (Breakfast)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then take the day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Whether you stroll through the ancient town, relax at An Bang Beach, or shop for souvenirs, the day is yours. Let us know if you need any suggestions. Have a great time
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10: Da Nang - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city - Private airport transfer - Check in hotel (Breakfast)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, enjoy some free time until our driver picks you up for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore the vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure.
Note: Standard check-in time is from 14:00. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 11: Half day Cu Chi Tunnel tour (Breakfast)
PICK UP: 07:30 am – 08:00am (the time of pick up depends on customer’s hotel/ accommodation’s exact position).
RETURN: 14:30pm
ROUTE: HCMC – Cu Chi district – HCMC
Highlights:
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a remarkable destination located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the “Steel Area” during wartime, this underground network spans over 200 km and was an unbreakable stronghold during the Vietnam-American War.
Renowned for its intricate tunnel system, Cu Chi serves as a testament to resilience and ingenuity, making it a legendary site. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for both Vietnamese and international visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's history.
Itinerary:
Pick up at your hotel and depart to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving.
Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
Return to Saigon. End trip.
● Tour price includes: A/c van/bus sightseeing as per program, pick up and transfer (centrally located hotel in Dist1 , HCMC), English speaking guide, all entrance fees.
● Tour price excludes: Other meals not mentioned in the program; Personal expenses; Travel insurance; Tax.
NOTE:
● Pick up and transfer just for the centrally located hotel/accommodation in Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
● We are not responsible for your lateness.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh departure - Private airport drop off - Trip ends (Breakfast)
Today, you’ll be heading home, and we hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience. Based on your flight schedule, please kindly provide us with your departure time from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This will allow us to arrange a comfortable car transfer to the airport for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No
5 Comments
5
Lovely time spent touring Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon. Very well organised. I would recommend to travel with them.
5
Amazing and beautiful nature
Taking the boat through the waterways and enjoy the scenery. Friendly guid and well planned trip.
5
Emily helped us with tours, including site-seeing, cooking classes, and cultural experiences as well as arranging drivers for airport transfers and flights within Vietnam. Everything was seamless, the tours were interesting, informative and very FUN! We recommend S Vietnam Adventures to everyone!
5
We got the most amazing service from Emily. The shuttles and guides aware always on time and Emily was always available
5
Anna is an excellent organizer and very responsive to all our queries and requests for changes . She took care of all the small details also. All arrangements like vehicle, tour guides /drivers, vegetarian food, accommodation handled very professionally.