Vietnam Highlights
12 days · North, Central and South · Moderate pace
The whole country in one unhurried journey, from Hanoi's lakes to the Mekong's rivers.
Overview
A private journey for two, shaped around you. Start here; every day can change.
Twelve days from north to south: Hanoi and its old streets, a night on Lan Ha Bay, the limestone valleys of Ninh Binh, imperial Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Two short domestic flights do the long distances, so the days are spent in places, not on roads.
- Length
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Regions
- North, Central and South
- Pace
- Moderate
- Best months
- Feb–Apr
- Places
- Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
Day by day
12 days, 11 nights
Times are approximate, and every day can change: slower, shorter or in a different order.
1Day 1
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Your driver meets you at Noi Bai airport for the 45-minute drive into the city. The rest of the day is for settling in, with a quiet dinner close to your hotel if you would like one.
Overnight: Hanoi
2Day 2
Day 2: Hanoi, slowly
An early walk around Hoan Kiem Lake while the city does its morning exercise, then the Temple of Literature and the old streets of the Old Quarter. The afternoon is free; your guide suggests a café, a gallery or simply a rest.
Overnight: Hanoi
3Day 3
Day 3: Into the limestone valleys of Ninh Binh
A two-hour drive south to Ninh Binh, where a rowing boat takes you through the caves and rice fields of Trang An. The evening is quiet, among the karst hills.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
4Day 4
Day 4: Ninh Binh to Lan Ha Bay
About four hours by road and a short ferry to the pier, where you board a small cruise ship on Lan Ha Bay, the calmer neighbour of Ha Long Bay. The afternoon is spent among the islands, by kayak, small boat or simply from the deck.
Overnight: Overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay
5Day 5
Day 5: Morning on the bay, evening in Hue
Sunrise on deck, a late breakfast and a gentle return to shore. This is the longest travel day: about two and a half hours by road to Hanoi airport and a flight of just over an hour to Hue.
Overnight: Hue
6Day 6
Day 6: Imperial Hue
The walled Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City in the cool of the morning, then lunch in a family garden house. The afternoon is free by the Perfume River.
Overnight: Hue
7Day 7
Day 7: Over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
One of the royal tombs on the way out of Hue, then the coast road over the Hai Van Pass, with stops for the view. About three hours of driving in all, arriving in Hoi An for the evening.
Overnight: Hoi An
8Day 8
Day 8: Hoi An's old town
The old merchant houses, assembly halls and the Japanese Bridge, seen early before the day visitors arrive. Lanterns are lit along the river at dusk.
Overnight: Hoi An
9Day 9
Day 9: The countryside and its makers
A morning with the craftspeople around Hoi An: a pottery village, a lantern maker or a vegetable garden, depending on the day. The afternoon is free, by the pool or on the beach.
Overnight: Hoi An
10Day 10
Day 10: Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City
About 45 minutes to Da Nang airport and a flight of an hour and a half to Ho Chi Minh City. An evening walk through the colonial centre, from the Opera House to the old Post Office.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
11Day 11
Day 11: A day on the Mekong
About two hours by road to Ben Tre, where small boats take you along the coconut-lined canals of the Mekong Delta to family workshops and orchards. Back in the city for the evening.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
12Day 12
Day 12: Depart
A slow breakfast and time to pack. Your driver takes you to Tan Son Nhat airport, about 30 to 45 minutes away, for your onward flight.
Overnight: none (departure day)
Pace and walking
Moderate pace
- Two to four hours of easy walking on most days, mostly on flat streets and paths.
- Some uneven ground and steps at temples, tombs and the Hue Citadel; we can shorten any visit.
- Small boats on three days: getting in and out needs a steady step, with a hand always offered.
- Two domestic flights of about an hour each, and one long travel day (day 5).
Tell us about any mobility needs: we shorten visits, add rest and plan the days around them.
Best months
Feb–Apr
- February to April is the one window that suits all three regions: mild in the North, dry in the Centre, warm and dry in the South.
- For travellers from the UK, Ireland, the US and Canada that is late winter into spring; from Australia and New Zealand, late summer into autumn.
- October and November also work for the North and South, but the Central coast is in its rainy season then.
Where you'll stay
Nights, place by place
The hotels depend on the tier you choose, and we check them with you for your dates before you book. Swapping a hotel for another of the same tier is part of the free planning.
Below are hotels we often use in each tier; our coordinator team suggests the ones that suit you.
- Signature
- Five-star hotels and the finest small hotels in each place, and a small luxury cruise ship with a balcony cabin on the bay.
- Heritage
- Boutique heritage hotels and well-run four-star hotels, and a well-regarded small cruise ship on the bay.
- Essential
- Comfortable, well-reviewed four-star hotels in central locations, and a comfortable cruise ship on the bay.
Hanoi
2 nights
Signature
Capella Hanoi
Art-filled luxury hotel in Hanoi's French Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake
or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Photo: Capella Hanoi · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Apricot Hotel
Art-themed boutique hotel steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, with an indoor pool
or La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Photo: Apricot Hotel · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Essential
Hotel du Parc Hanoi
Calm city hotel with a pool, a short drive from the Opera House
or Silk Path Hanoi Hotel
Photo: Hotel du Parc Hanoi · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Ninh Binh
1 night
Signature
Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
Low-rise village-style resort beside the Van Long nature reserve
Photo: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Tam Coc Garden Resort
Small garden resort with bungalows among the rice fields of Tam Coc
Photo: Tam Coc Garden Resort · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Essential
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel
Town hotel with a pool, a short drive from Trang An
Photo: Ninh Binh Legend Hotel · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay
1 night
Signature
Ambassador Signature Cruise Lan Ha Bay
Overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay; every cabin has a balcony or terrace
or Stellar Of The Seas
Photo: Ambassador Signature Cruise Lan Ha Bay · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Halong Capella Cruise (Lyra Cruise Collection)
Overnight cruise from Tuan Chau with a pool and a spa
or Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago
Photo: Halong Capella Cruise (Lyra Cruise Collection) · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Hue
2 nights
Signature
Azerai La Residence, Hue
1930s riverside residence on the Perfume River, with a pool
or Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel
Photo: Azerai La Residence, Hue · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Low-rise garden resort near Tu Hieu Pagoda, outside central Hue
or Saigon Morin Hotel
Photo: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Essential
Eldora Hotel
Four-star hotel near the Perfume River and the walking street
or Melia Vinpearl Hue
Photo: Eldora Hotel · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Hoi An
3 nights
Signature
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An
Beachfront villa resort, a short drive from Hoi An's old town
or Hotel Royal Hoi An, The Legacy by the River
Photo: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Low-rise riverside resort a few minutes' walk from the old town
or La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Photo: Anantara Hoi An Resort · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Essential
Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Small boutique hotel with a pool, a short walk from the old town
or Hoi An Historic Hotel
Photo: Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Ho Chi Minh City
2 nights
Signature
Park Hyatt Saigon
Luxury hotel opposite the Opera House in District 1
or The Reverie Saigon – The Leading Hotels of the World
Photo: Park Hyatt Saigon · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Heritage
Hotel des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection
Art-filled boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, near the cathedral
or Hotel Majestic Saigon
Photo: Hotel des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Essential
Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Central hotel near Ben Thanh Market, with a pool
or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Photo: Fusion Original Saigon Centre · the hotel's own photo, via Trip.com
Three ways to travel
One journey, three levels of comfort
Every tier is private, and the days are the same. What changes is the style of hotel, how you are guided and the touches along the way. You book each part with the provider that offers it.
The finest
Signature
The finest stays and the most private way to travel, with room in the days for the special touches.
Priced by each provider
For two travellers, for the whole journey. Ask us for your dates.
- Where you stay
- Five-star hotels and the finest small hotels in each place, and a small luxury cruise ship with a balcony cabin on the bay.
- Guiding
- A senior private guide for the whole journey, and a private driver.
- Getting around
- A private car or van with a driver for every transfer, timed around you.
- Also with Signature
- Every special touch listed for this journey, where it can be booked for your dates
- Early check-in or late check-out requested at each hotel
- Swapping a hotel for another of this tier, free in the planning
Most chosen
Heritage
Characterful stays and a private guide in each region: the balance most travellers choose.
Priced by each provider
For two travellers, for the whole journey. Ask us for your dates.
- Where you stay
- Boutique heritage hotels and well-run four-star hotels, and a well-regarded small cruise ship on the bay.
- Guiding
- A private English-speaking guide in each region, and a private driver.
- Getting around
- A private car with a driver for every transfer.
- Also with Heritage
- One or two special touches, chosen with you
- Swapping a hotel for another of this tier, free in the planning
The essentials, privately
Essential
Comfortable, central stays with private transfers and a guide on the sightseeing days.
Priced by each provider
For two travellers, for the whole journey. Ask us for your dates.
- Where you stay
- Comfortable, well-reviewed four-star hotels in central locations, and a comfortable cruise ship on the bay.
- Guiding
- A private English-speaking guide on sightseeing days; the other days are yours.
- Getting around
- A private car with a driver for every transfer.
- Also with Essential
- Our own suggestions for the free time, sent before you travel
- Swapping a hotel for another of this tier, free in the planning
Moments that may be part of it
- A private dinner in a family heritage house in Hue (may include, where it can be booked)
- An afternoon with a Hoi An lantern maker or potter in their own workshop (may include, where it can be booked)
- Early, private access to a temple or garden before it opens to visitors (may include, where it can be booked)
- A local photographer for an hour in Hoi An's old town (may include, where it can be booked)
Nothing is charged today
Asking is free. When your plan is ready, you book each part on the provider's own site and pay it directly, after reading its terms. Tripora never takes your payment.
Make it yours
Vietnam Highlights, your way
Most travellers change something. Change any day below, then send us your version.
Your version: 12 days, 11 nights · as planned
Request this journeyNothing is booked or charged. We plan your version and price it in our reply.
Bigger changes
Add a few days
Stay longer where you are happiest, or add a region: the North, the Centre or the South.
End by the sea
Finish with quiet days on the central coast, Phu Quoc or Con Dao, depending on the season.
Slow it down
Fewer places, two nights or more in each, and afternoons with nothing planned.
Start somewhere else
Begin in Ho Chi Minh City instead of Hanoi, or join the journey from a stay in Singapore or Bangkok.
In the plan
What the plan covers
In the plan
- A hotel for every night of the journey, at the level of your tier
- Private transfers between places, including the airport
- Private guided tours as described for your tier
- The boat trips, visits and meals named in the itinerary
- A booking link for each piece: you book and pay each partner directly
- Free planning help from Tripora, reachable by WhatsApp or email while you travel
- One night on a small cruise ship on Lan Ha Bay, with meals on board
Not in the plan
- Flights, international and within Vietnam: booked separately, and we suggest the flights that fit the journey
- Vietnam visa (most travellers apply online for an e-visa)
- Travel insurance (strongly suggested)
- Meals and drinks not named in the itinerary
- Tips and personal spending
Cancellation
Each booking follows the change and cancellation terms of the partner you book it with, shown on its site before you pay. Ask us if you need help finding them.
Travel insurance
Please take out a policy that covers cancellation and your health while abroad, once your journey is confirmed.
Add tours, or book the pieces yourself
Lay this route out on your dates, add well-reviewed tours to any day, and book hotels and tours on our partners' sites, or send it to us and a person fine-tunes it with you, free.
Plan it day by dayPractical answers
Heat, walking, food and safety
The questions travellers ask us most, answered plainly. More questions and answers
- How hot will it be?
- Vietnam is warm and often humid, and the heat is what most travellers find hardest, more than the walking. We plan sightseeing for the cooler mornings, keep the middle of the day for rest, and every transfer is in a private air-conditioned car. The months listed for each journey are the most comfortable ones.
- How much walking is there?
- Each journey says plainly how much walking there is, where there are steps, boats or uneven ground, and which days are long. Any visit can be shortened or swapped for a drive or a boat. Tell us about any mobility needs and we plan around them.
- What about the food?
- Vietnamese food is fresh and mostly gentle: chilli is usually served on the side. Your guide chooses restaurants they know well, every hotel serves Western dishes too, and you can tell us about any diet or allergy before you travel.
- Is Vietnam safe for visitors?
- Vietnam is generally a calm and welcoming country to travel in. The main things to watch are the traffic and pickpockets in busy places. With a private car door to door and a guide beside you in the old quarters, you rarely handle either.
- Do I need travel insurance?
- Yes, please. Choose a policy that covers cancellation and your health while abroad, and check its age limits and terms. We do not sell insurance, so we cannot advise on a policy, but we will gladly tell you what the journey includes.
Plan with people who know Vietnam
Plan with Tripora's coordinator team
An experienced team based in Vietnam
Our coordinators are an experienced team who know Vietnam well, from the far north to the islands, and the hotels, drivers and guides there.
They plan each journey with you, check the days before sending you the booking links, and stay reachable while you travel.
Speak to us
Plan Vietnam Highlights with us
A few questions, then a reply from a person. We design the days with you and send them back with a booking link for each part.
Nothing is charged today.
We reply within one business hour, 8:00–18:00 Vietnam time (UTC+7), Monday to Saturday.