Overview
This 12-day Vietnam tour runs the length of the country at a relaxed pace. Start in Hanoi and Ninh Binh, then slow down with two nights on a Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise before flying south to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
The journey ends in Ho Chi Minh City with the Cu Chi Tunnels and a day on the Mekong Delta. Day tours run as small-group tours with English-speaking guides, and your hotels, cruise and transfers are all arranged.
- Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
- Departure: Daily from Hanoi, year-round
- Language: English-speaking guides
- Note: Domestic flights Hanoi – Da Nang and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City are not included and can be booked by us
Description
Two nights on the bay: A 3-day cruise gives you time for Halong Bay and the quieter Lan Ha Bay: beaches, hidden lagoons by bamboo boat, Sung Sot Cave and a sunrise tai chi session.
Northern highlights: Hanoi’s landmarks and water puppets, plus Hoa Lu, the Tam Coc boat ride and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh.
Central Vietnam’s best: Basket boats in the Bay Mau coconut forest, Hoi An Ancient Town and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
The south in two days: Saigon’s history and the Cu Chi Tunnels, then orchards, canals and coconut candy in the Mekong Delta.
Important notes
- Pickup service: Arrival transfer in Hanoi, departure transfer in Ho Chi Minh City, and airport transfers for both domestic flights are included.
- Domestic flights: Hanoi – Da Nang and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City are not included. We can book them for you at the best available fare.
- Departure: Daily, year-round, except Vietnamese national holidays.
- Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotels (twin/double sharing) and two nights in a Balcony Suite on La Pandora Cruise.
- What to bring: Light, breathable clothing, a rain jacket, swimwear, sunscreen and modest clothing for temples and palaces.
- Best time: February to April suits the whole route best. The centre is wettest from September to December, and Halong cruises can be rescheduled during summer storms.
- Visa: Australian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa before travel (single-entry from US$25). Apply online through the official Vietnam immigration portal and allow at least a week.
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and not included. Make sure it covers every activity on your itinerary.
- Payment: A 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. Bookings made within 30 days of arrival are paid in full.
- Cancellation: Cancellations more than 30 days before departure lose the deposit; 20–30 days before, 50% of the tour cost; less than 20 days before, 100% of the tour cost.
- Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are at your discretion.
Itinerary
Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Show
"A thousand years of Hanoi."
From 8:00 AM, explore the capital with your guide. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” lies, and the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, then visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After lunch at a local restaurant, discover the country's 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated in part to General Tran Hung Dao, hero of the wars against the Mongols. End the day with a water puppet show, an art form born in the villages of the Red River Delta around the 11th century. Return to your hotel at around 5:00 PM.
Accommodation: 3-star Au Coeur d'Hanoi Boutique Hotel or 4-star The Q Boutique Hotel (or similar) in central Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Opening Hours: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opens in the morning only and is closed on Mondays, Fridays and during its annual maintenance period (usually from September to early December). On those days we view it from outside. The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays, when we visit the Vietnam History Museum instead.
From 8:00 AM, explore the capital with your guide. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” lies, and the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, then visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After lunch at a local restaurant, discover the country's 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated in part to General Tran Hung Dao, hero of the wars against the Mongols. End the day with a water puppet show, an art form born in the villages of the Red River Delta around the 11th century. Return to your hotel at around 5:00 PM.
Accommodation: 3-star Au Coeur d'Hanoi Boutique Hotel or 4-star The Q Boutique Hotel (or similar) in central Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Opening Hours: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opens in the morning only and is closed on Mondays, Fridays and during its annual maintenance period (usually from September to early December). On those days we view it from outside. The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays, when we visit the Vietnam History Museum instead.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
"Exploring Vietnam's “Halong Bay on land”."
Your guide collects you at 8:00 AM for the drive south to Ninh Binh, with a short rest stop on the way. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's capital from 968 to 1010, and learn about the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties. After a lunch of local dishes, glide along the river at Tam Coc on a 1.5-hour bamboo rowing boat through rice fields, limestone karsts and caves. Then cycle for about 45 minutes through the surrounding villages. Late in the afternoon, climb almost 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint for a panoramic view over Tam Coc, before checking in to your hotel at around 4:30 PM.
Accommodation: Tam Coc Rice Field Bungalow (3-star option) or Lalita Tam Coc Resort & Spa (4-star option), or similar, in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Photo Tip: The Mua Cave climb is steep. Wear good shoes, bring water and save some battery for the late-afternoon light over the valley.
Your guide collects you at 8:00 AM for the drive south to Ninh Binh, with a short rest stop on the way. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's capital from 968 to 1010, and learn about the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties. After a lunch of local dishes, glide along the river at Tam Coc on a 1.5-hour bamboo rowing boat through rice fields, limestone karsts and caves. Then cycle for about 45 minutes through the surrounding villages. Late in the afternoon, climb almost 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint for a panoramic view over Tam Coc, before checking in to your hotel at around 4:30 PM.
Accommodation: Tam Coc Rice Field Bungalow (3-star option) or Lalita Tam Coc Resort & Spa (4-star option), or similar, in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Photo Tip: The Mua Cave climb is steep. Wear good shoes, bring water and save some battery for the late-afternoon light over the valley.
Ninh Binh to Halong Bay - 3-Day Cruise Begins
"A night among the limestone islands."
After breakfast, leave Ninh Binh at 7:30 AM for the drive to Halong Bay (about 3 hours) and board your cruise. This is the first of two nights on board. Lunch is served as the boat sails between thousands of limestone islands. In the afternoon, hike to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swim from a quiet beach or relax on the sundeck. Later, visit a floating fishing village where families have lived on the water for generations, then board a bamboo rowing boat to pass through a water tunnel into a hidden lagoon. Watch the sunset from the deck before dinner on board.
Accommodation: Balcony Suite on the 4-star La Pandora Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Note: Activities vary slightly between cruise operators and are confirmed once your cabin is booked. Cruises may be rescheduled by the authorities in bad weather, most often from June to October.
After breakfast, leave Ninh Binh at 7:30 AM for the drive to Halong Bay (about 3 hours) and board your cruise. This is the first of two nights on board. Lunch is served as the boat sails between thousands of limestone islands. In the afternoon, hike to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swim from a quiet beach or relax on the sundeck. Later, visit a floating fishing village where families have lived on the water for generations, then board a bamboo rowing boat to pass through a water tunnel into a hidden lagoon. Watch the sunset from the deck before dinner on board.
Accommodation: Balcony Suite on the 4-star La Pandora Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Note: Activities vary slightly between cruise operators and are confirmed once your cabin is booked. Cruises may be rescheduled by the authorities in bad weather, most often from June to October.
Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruising
"A full day on the water."
With a second night on board, today is all about the bay. Start with a swim at the anchorage if the weather allows, followed by a buffet breakfast (7:30–9:30 AM). The cruise continues past some of the bay's best-known sights: Ti Top Beach for swimming and sunbathing, peaceful Soi Sim Beach with its clear water, and the distinctive islets of Ngon Tay (Finger), Thien Nga (Swan) and Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks). Afternoon and evening activities follow the cruise programme and are confirmed when your cabin is booked.
Accommodation: Balcony Suite on the 4-star La Pandora Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Note: Activities vary slightly between cruise operators and are confirmed once your cabin is booked. Cruises may be rescheduled by the authorities in bad weather, most often from June to October.
With a second night on board, today is all about the bay. Start with a swim at the anchorage if the weather allows, followed by a buffet breakfast (7:30–9:30 AM). The cruise continues past some of the bay's best-known sights: Ti Top Beach for swimming and sunbathing, peaceful Soi Sim Beach with its clear water, and the distinctive islets of Ngon Tay (Finger), Thien Nga (Swan) and Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks). Afternoon and evening activities follow the cruise programme and are confirmed when your cabin is booked.
Accommodation: Balcony Suite on the 4-star La Pandora Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Note: Activities vary slightly between cruise operators and are confirmed once your cabin is booked. Cruises may be rescheduled by the authorities in bad weather, most often from June to October.
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Da Nang - Hoi An
"From the bay to the ancient town."
Wake early for sunrise over the bay and join a tai chi session on the sundeck. After coffee, visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), where stalactites hang from the high ceiling in countless shapes. Enjoy a late brunch on board as the boat cruises back to the harbour, arriving at around 11:00 AM, then transfer back to Hanoi (arriving around 3:00–3:30 PM). Our driver then takes you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Flight Note: The Hanoi – Da Nang flight is not included in the tour price. We can book it for you.
Wake early for sunrise over the bay and join a tai chi session on the sundeck. After coffee, visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), where stalactites hang from the high ceiling in countless shapes. Enjoy a late brunch on board as the boat cruises back to the harbour, arriving at around 11:00 AM, then transfer back to Hanoi (arriving around 3:00–3:30 PM). Our driver then takes you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Flight Note: The Hanoi – Da Nang flight is not included in the tour price. We can book it for you.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest & Hoi An Ancient Town
"Basket boats and lantern-lit streets."
At 9:30 AM, your guide picks you up for the short drive to the Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh. Climb into a round bamboo basket boat to glide through the water coconut palms, see how local fishermen work and watch the boatmen spin their baskets in the famous “swing” performance. After a local lunch, explore Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses and the riverside along the Hoai River, all hung with colourful lanterns. Return to your hotel at around 3:00–3:30 PM.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Evening Activity: Head back to the old town after dark, when the lanterns are lit, and release a paper lantern on the Hoai River.
At 9:30 AM, your guide picks you up for the short drive to the Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh. Climb into a round bamboo basket boat to glide through the water coconut palms, see how local fishermen work and watch the boatmen spin their baskets in the famous “swing” performance. After a local lunch, explore Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses and the riverside along the Hoai River, all hung with colourful lanterns. Return to your hotel at around 3:00–3:30 PM.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Evening Activity: Head back to the old town after dark, when the lanterns are lit, and release a paper lantern on the Hoai River.
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Day Trip
"Walking on the Golden Bridge."
At 8:00 AM, transfer to the Ba Na Hills cable car station and ride high above the forest for a bird's-eye view of the mountains. At the top, explore the French-style village and old villas, cross the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, and continue to Nui Chua peak (1,487 m). After lunch at Ba Na, visit the old wine cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda and the giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue before returning to Hoi An.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dress Code: It is noticeably cooler at the top of Ba Na Hills. Bring a light jacket.
At 8:00 AM, transfer to the Ba Na Hills cable car station and ride high above the forest for a bird's-eye view of the mountains. At the top, explore the French-style village and old villas, cross the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, and continue to Nui Chua peak (1,487 m). After lunch at Ba Na, visit the old wine cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda and the giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue before returning to Hoi An.
Accommodation: 3-star Golden Holiday Hoi An or 4-star Lantana Riverside Hoi An (or similar) in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dress Code: It is noticeably cooler at the top of Ba Na Hills. Bring a light jacket.
Hoi An - Da Nang - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
"South to Saigon."
Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An (check-out by 12:00 PM), perhaps for a last coffee by the river or a fitting at one of the town's tailors. Our driver then transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Note: The Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City flight is not included in the tour price. We can book it for you.
Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An (check-out by 12:00 PM), perhaps for a last coffee by the river or a fitting at one of the town's tailors. Our driver then transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Note: The Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City flight is not included in the tour price. We can book it for you.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels
"Two sides of Saigon's story."
At 8:00 AM, your guide picks you up to visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu on the site of the former Norodom Palace. Continue to the French colonial landmarks of Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) and the historic Central Post Office, then the War Remnants Museum, with its extensive displays on the Indochina wars. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of more than 200 km of underground passages that played a vital role during the war. Learn how the tunnels were built and how people lived in them, with kitchens, sleeping areas, field hospitals, command rooms and hidden trapdoors. You can venture into a tunnel section yourself and taste steamed cassava with tea, the simple food the fighters survived on. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Adventure Note: The tunnel sections are low, narrow and warm. Crawling through is optional, and you can explore the site above ground instead.
At 8:00 AM, your guide picks you up to visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu on the site of the former Norodom Palace. Continue to the French colonial landmarks of Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) and the historic Central Post Office, then the War Remnants Museum, with its extensive displays on the Indochina wars. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of more than 200 km of underground passages that played a vital role during the war. Learn how the tunnels were built and how people lived in them, with kitchens, sleeping areas, field hospitals, command rooms and hidden trapdoors. You can venture into a tunnel section yourself and taste steamed cassava with tea, the simple food the fighters survived on. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Adventure Note: The tunnel sections are low, narrow and warm. Crawling through is optional, and you can explore the site above ground instead.
Mekong Delta: My Tho & Ben Tre
"Life on the Mekong."
Leave the city behind for My Tho on the Mekong River. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century, then board a boat to cruise past the four islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise. On Unicorn Island, walk the village lanes through orchards, taste tropical fruit and listen to southern folk music performed by local musicians. Glide along the narrow Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, visit a bee farm for honey tea and see how coconut candy is made in Ben Tre. After lunch at a local restaurant, cycle through Tan Thach village to see daily life in the delta, or relax in a hammock in the shade. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Local Experience: The sampan ride through the coconut-lined canals is a highlight. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Leave the city behind for My Tho on the Mekong River. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century, then board a boat to cruise past the four islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise. On Unicorn Island, walk the village lanes through orchards, taste tropical fruit and listen to southern folk music performed by local musicians. Glide along the narrow Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, visit a bee farm for honey tea and see how coconut candy is made in Ben Tre. After lunch at a local restaurant, cycle through Tan Thach village to see daily life in the delta, or relax in a hammock in the shade. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 3-star Prague Saigon Hotel or 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel (or similar) in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Local Experience: The sampan ride through the coconut-lined canals is a highlight. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
"Farewell, Vietnam."
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning (check-out by 12:00 PM). Our driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with TNK Travel. We hope to welcome you back to Vietnam soon.
Accommodation: Not required (departure day)
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Tip: If your flight leaves late in the day, ask us about late check-out or adding a half-day tour.
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning (check-out by 12:00 PM). Our driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with TNK Travel. We hope to welcome you back to Vietnam soon.
Accommodation: Not required (departure day)
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Tip: If your flight leaves late in the day, ask us about late check-out or adding a half-day tour.
Price & Bookings
2026 - 2027 (except National Holidays)
| Grade tour | Price per person in US$ | Single supplement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2- 3 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | 8 pax | 10 pax | ||
| 3-STAR HOTEL - PRICE PER PAX IN USD | $1177 | $1133 | $1085 | $1062 | $1047 | $657 |
| 4-STAR HOTEL - PRICE PER PAX IN USD | $1437 | $1295 | $1248 | $1224 | $1210 | $794 |
(Seasonal prices apply and will be confirmed when booking! All rates are quoted in US$)
Inclusions
- Airport transfers on arrival, departure and for both domestic flights
- Small-group day tours with English-speaking guides
- Private air-conditioned transport as per itinerary
- 11 nights’ accommodation: 9 hotel nights (3-star or 4-star, twin/double sharing) and 2 nights on a 4-star Halong Bay cruise
- Shared cruise transfers to and from Halong Bay
- Water puppet show in Hanoi
- Tam Coc bamboo boat, Bay Mau basket boat, Ba Na Hills cable car and Mekong Delta boats
- All meals listed: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches/brunches, 2 dinners
- Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- Daily drinking water and towels
- Government taxes and VAT
Exclusions
- International flights
- Domestic flights Hanoi – Da Nang and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam e-visa (from US$25 per person)
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Why choose our 12 Day Vietnam Tour Package
North to south without the rush: 12 days with two nights on the bay and three nights in Hoi An gives you time to enjoy each region.
A longer Halong Bay cruise: Most packages include one night on the bay. This one includes two, with time for Lan Ha Bay.
Great value small-group touring: Join-in day tours with English-speaking guides keep the price low without cutting the highlights.
Support from a Vietnam-based team: TNK Travel has organised tours in Vietnam since 2001, with a local team on hand throughout your trip.
Planning your Vietnam holiday? Send us your dates and group size, and we will confirm availability, flights and your final price within 24 hours.
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