Vietnam Essentials: From South to North
Vietnam in 10 Days, 9 Nights in Destination
Including Flights Departing 2025 Priced From $2899pp ex Sydney (Fares available from other Cities)
Uncover the essence of Vietnam! Explore the iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City and visit historic Hoi An. Savor the best street food in Hanoi. Marvel at the imperial city of Hue and cruise along the famous Ha Long Bay. Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s fascinating culture and history on this awe-inspiring journey! Begin your adventure by exploring Ho Chi Minh City, the historic southern capital. Discover the ancient pagodas and rice fields of Hoi An, along with the imperial treasures of Hue. Continue to the bustling city of Hanoi and experience the mystical waters of Ha Long Bay on an unforgettable cruise.
1St Day – Depart Australia – Ho Chi Minh – Arrival at your Australian departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport and after completing all customs and immigration procedures, please make your way to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city..
2nd Day – Ho Chi Minh City – Breakfast at the hotel. 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.
3rd Day – Ho Chi Minh City –Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day, giving you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can book our optional day tour to the Mekong Delta, where you can experience the region’s relaxed vibe and immerse yourself in the local culture. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city.
4th Day – Ho Chi Ming City – Hue – Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former Imperial capital. A charming and peaceful city, Hue is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, all built during the Nguyen dynasty along the picturesque Perfume River. Upon arrival at Hue Airport, proceed to the exit gate where your guide will be waiting for you, holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, you may join our Hue Insight Tour*, which includes visits to the Imperial Citadel, the Tu Duc Tombs, and an incense-making village. Overnight stay in Hue.
5th Day – Hue – Hoi An – Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out and head to Hoi An, enjoying a scenic drive along the coastline. Pass over the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, clear blue skies, and the beautiful Lang Co Beach. From the mountain top, Lang Co appears as a picturesque scene, framed by green trees, crystal-clear waters, and the misty mountains above. Once a thriving trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, the riverside town of Hoi An still retains many traces of its prosperous past, seen in its lively market, numerous souvenir shops, and tailor establishments. What makes Hoi An so remarkable is the preservation of its Old Quarter. The streets are lined with traditional tile-roofed shop houses, shaded pagodas, and colourful communal halls, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of Hoi An ancient town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and local cuisine. Stroll through the historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and places of worship, all reflecting influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Begin with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, over 400 years old, originally built by the Japanese community in the 1590s to connect with the Chinese quarter across the water. Then, head to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, where you can admire the intricate wood carvings on the beams, walls, and altar, while your guide shares untold stories of the Chinese community’s time in Hoi An. Continue exploring the town’s backstreets, where the gentle hum of sewing machines fills the air. Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and while the origins remain a mystery, you can stop at a tailor shop to have clothes made to order. Overnight stay in Hoi An.
6th Day – Hoi An – Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day at your leisure exploring the charming town of Hoi An, or consider visiting the scenic Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge. Overnight stay in Hoi An.
7th Day – Hoi An – Hanoi – Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, check out of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your guide will be waiting at the exit gate, holding a welcome sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The afternoon is free for you to explore Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, or join the optional tour to discover the Old Quarter and learn more about the fascinating architecture and rich history of Hanoi’s ancient streets. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
8th Day – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay –Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart by shuttle bus (an escorted guide from Hanoi is provided for groups of 10 or more) for the journey to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay, a part of Halong), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its thousands of breathtaking limestone islets and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink on board before checking in to the Halong Bay 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.
9th Day – Ha Long Bay – 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 breakfast 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.
10th Day – Hanoi – Australia – Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Australia. Arrive in Australia and end your extraordinary trip.
A non refundable booking fee of $100 per person applies.
Singles Supplement Rates available