Discover Vietnam’s Icons, Culture and Natural Beauty

Experience the very best of Vietnam on this immersive journey from the vibrant South to the historic North. Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, this carefully curated itinerary showcases Vietnam’s cities, heritage towns, imperial history and breathtaking natural landscapes, including the unforgettable Ha Long Bay.

Trip Highlights

Halong Bay    Hanoi    Ho Chi Minh    Hoi An    Hue

Itinerary

Day 1 Take Off

Depart Australia on an  international flight. Travellers departing from other locations can be accommodated on request. Please contact us for personalised arrangements.

 Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

 Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing

Ho Chi Minh guided city tour including key historical and cultural landmarks. Optional experiences include the Cu Chi Tunnels or Stree Food Tour. 

Early this morning, set off with your guide on a half-day excursion to discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel. Stroll along Dong Khoi Street, browsing its charming shops, and round off your tour at the bustling Ben Thanh Market. After this, feel free to continue exploring the city at your own pace, or take part in one of our optional activities, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels experience* or a street food tour on a motorbike**. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city.

 Day 4 Mekong Delta 

Mekong DeltaEmbark on a scenic two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the lush province of Ben Tre, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Cruise along narrow canals by traditional boat, gaining insight into local river life. Visit a traditional brick kiln and a coconut processing workshop to learn about regional crafts. Enjoy a locally inspired lunch before continuing by motorised cart or bicycle through peaceful rice fields and village paths. Conclude the experience with a relaxing rowboat ride through tranquil waterways, offering a memorable glimpse of rural Vietnam.

 Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City to Hue

Fly to Hue, once the seat of Vietnam’s emperors and a city steeped in history and culture. Spend time at leisure exploring the Imperial Citadel, serene pagodas and the atmospheric riverside.

Half-Day sightseeing tour of Hue: Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its stunning architecture and gardens while learning about the royal court’s history. Despite extensive damage during the Vietnam War, much of the citadel remains well-preserved. Next, visit the Royal Tu Duc Tomb, a tranquil resting place surrounded by pine woods and a lakeside pavilion. This was once a retreat for the emperor, who enjoyed fishing, music, and poetry here. On the way back to downtown Hue, stop at a family-run workshop to see how incense sticks are made.

 Day 6 Hue to Hoi An

Travel via the scenic Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal routes, offering sweeping views of mountains and sea. On arrival in Hoi An, enjoy a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, celebrated for its preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets and rich culinary heritage. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the ornate Chaozhou Chinese Assembly Hall. Wander through atmospheric back streets where traditional tailoring workshops and humming sewing machines reflect Hoi An’s enduring craft traditions. The remainder of the time is yours to soak up the town’s unique charm.

 Day 7 Hoi An – Golden Bridge

Visit to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.

Travel approximately 1.5 hours from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills, a former French hill station set high in the Truong Son Mountains and known for its cool climate year-round. Ascend by cable car, enjoying panoramic views over lush forests and cascading waterfalls along the way. Stroll across the iconic Golden Bridge, dramatically held aloft by giant stone hands. Explore landscaped gardens, historic villas and peaceful pagodas, blending natural beauty with European-inspired architecture. This memorable experience offers a striking contrast to Vietnam’s coastal towns and lowland cities.

 Day 8 Hoi An to Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi. Afternoon at leisure to explore the Old Quarter or relax.

 Day 9 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Travel from Hanoi to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. On arrival, board a traditional cruise vessel and settle in as you begin your journey through this iconic seascape. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard while gliding past towering rock formations and hidden coves. Spend the afternoon exploring the bay, with opportunities to admire floating villages, secluded islands and tranquil inlets, all while soaking in the serene beauty of one of Vietnam’s most celebrated natural wonders.  Cruise. Lunch will be served as the boat, a traditional junk, cruises past numerous stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village and unwind on the sundeck. Dinner will be served as the boat anchors in a tranquil, designated overnight area. Night on board.

 Day 10 Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

This morning, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay with a cup of tea or coffee in hand on the sundeck. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle Tai Chi session. Savour brunch in the fresh air of the bay while the boat cruises through some of the most serene and scenic areas. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the stunning views as the boat makes its way back to the wharf. The vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to Hanoi as soon as you disembark. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

 Day 11 Farewell Vietnam

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

What’s Included

  Return international economy airfare from Australia or your country of choice to Vietnam with trusted airlines.

  Internal flights so you can maximise sightseeing time and travel efficiently across the country.

  Stay in well-located, quality hotels selected for comfort, service and convenience. Optional upgrades are available for travellers wanting a higher category stay.

  Enjoy daily breakfast at your hotel plus selected lunches or dinners.

  Explore highlights with guided tours covering major attractions, cultural landmarks and local experiences led by professional  English speaking guides.

  All airport transfers and ground transportation are included.

Optional experiences are available throughout the journey and can be added to personalise your trip.

Why Choose This Tour

This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors to Vietnam who want to see the country’s highlights without rushing. It balances guided experiences with free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace while enjoying the comfort of organised travel.

From bustling cities to peaceful waterways and ancient towns, this journey offers a complete introduction to Vietnam.

Ready to Explore Vietnam?

Join this unforgettable south-to-north journey and experience Vietnam’s culture, history and natural beauty in comfort and style. Enquire now to secure your place or to customise your travel experience