Overview
Experience the best of Southern and Northern Vietnam in just five days, combining vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, authentic life in the Mekong Delta, the cultural charm of Ha Noi, and the spectacular limestone scenery of Ha Long Bay. With private city tours and a convenient domestic flight connecting the two regions, this journey is ideal for travelers who want to see Vietnam’s iconic highlights within a short holiday.
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights Departure: Private tour, flexible start date Language: Professional English-speaking guide Group size: 2–10 adults
Vietnam discovery tour highlights
- Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks on a private city tour
- Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about Vietnam’s wartime history
- Cruise through the Mekong Delta — My Tho and Ben Tre — experiencing local river life and tropical landscapes
- Travel conveniently between Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi by domestic flight
- Explore Ha Noi’s cultural and historical highlights on a private full-day city tour
- Enjoy a 5-star Ha Long Bay day cruise among spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters
- Experience the contrasting culture, landscapes, and lifestyles of Northern and Southern Vietnam in one compact journey
Vietnam discovery tour description
North and South in one trip. This is TNK Travel’s most complete short-format itinerary, linking Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi by domestic flight so travelers can experience both regions without weeks of travel time.
Fully private touring. Every city tour, transfer, and boat trip on this itinerary is private, giving you a flexible pace and a guide dedicated to your group throughout.
Wartime history and river life. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum in the South, then cruise the Mekong Delta’s canals by sampan, cycle through Ben Tre’s villages, and sample local honey tea and coconut candy.
Ha Noi and a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise. In the North, walk through Ha Noi’s Old Quarter and Train Street before a full-day cruise on a premium vessel through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, including a cave visit and optional kayaking.
Important notes
- Pickup service: Private airport transfers included at both Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai International Airports.
- Domestic flight: One Ho Chi Minh City–Ha Noi flight is required for this itinerary (not included in the tour price — see flight suggestions below).
- Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel in each city included, based on your selected option.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light rain gear, sun protection for the Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay days, and swimwear if you plan to swim during the cruise.
- Best time to visit: This route works well most of the year; note that the South’s wet season (May–November) and the North’s cooler winter months (December–February) may affect specific activities.
- Cruise variability: Since several operators run Ha Long Bay day cruises, the described itinerary is for reference — the final activity schedule is confirmed once your specific boat is booked.
Itinerary
Private Mekong Delta day tour (My Tho – Ben Tre)
Breakfast at the hotel.
- Tien River boat trip: Cruise past Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands, the four islands central to Mekong Delta folklore.
- Local orchards & folk music: Stop to sample seasonal tropical fruit and enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk performances.
- Sampan canal cruise & cycling: Paddle through narrow canals by hand-rowed sampan, then take a short cycling ride through Ben Tre's coconut-lined villages to see rural daily life up close.
- Coconut candy workshop: Watch coconut candy being made by hand and enjoy honey tea before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Ho Chi Minh City – fly to Ha Noi – private city tour
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ha Noi.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum grounds: Learn about Ho Chi Minh's life at the mausoleum complex (outside visit).
- Temple of Literature: Visit Vietnam's first university, a well-preserved showcase of traditional architecture.
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Walk the lakeside and cross the red Huc Bridge to this temple honoring General Tran Hung Dao, one of Vietnam's most celebrated historical generals.
- Hanoi Train Street: See this famous residential railway corridor where trains pass just feet from cafes and houses, then browse Dong Xuan Market before checking into your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Ha Noi – 5-star Ha Long Bay day cruise
Breakfast at the hotel.
- Early departure: Your driver picks you up around 6:00–7:00 AM for the drive to Ha Long Bay, with a rest stop en route.
- Cruise through the karsts: Board your 5-star day cruise and sail among thousands of limestone islands rising from the bay's emerald waters.
- Summit trek or beach time: After lunch on board, choose a short trek to a viewpoint for panoramic bay views, or relax with a swim or sunbathe on deck.
- Luon Cave: Visit this scenic cave, with optional kayaking or bamboo boat rides to explore its interior, followed by afternoon tea on board.
- Return to Ha Noi: Disembark at Ha Long International Cruise Port and take the shuttle bus back to the capital, arriving around 3:00–3:30 PM.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Ha Noi – fly to Ho Chi Minh City – departure
Breakfast at the hotel, then check out and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat, your driver transfers you from the domestic to the international terminal for your onward international flight, concluding the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price & Bookings
Private tour pricing (per person, double sharing, in US$)
| Grade tour | Price per person in US$ | Single supplement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pax | 3 - 4 pax | 5 - 6 pax | 7 - 8 pax | 9 - 10 pax | ||
| 3-star | $390 | $375 | $355 | $345 | $340 | $180 |
| 4-star | $530 | $520 | $498 | $488 | $480 | $320 |
(Seasonal prices apply and will be confirmed when booking! All rates are quoted in US$)
Recommended hotels
| Grade | City | Hotel | Room type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-star | Ha Noi | Hanoi Au Coeur Hotel | Luxury City View |
| 3-star | Ha Long | Hera Cruise | Day cruise cabin |
| 3-star | Ho Chi Minh City | Liberty Greenview Hotel | Executive Deluxe |
| 4-star | Ha Noi | Aurora Premium Hotel | Executive Double |
| 4-star | Ha Long | Ambassador Cruise | Day cruise cabin |
| 4-star | Ho Chi Minh City | Northern Charm Saigon Hotel | Grand Double City View |
Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM. If your selected hotel is unavailable, a similar property will be suggested.
Tour inclusions
- English-speaking tour guide throughout
- 3-star or 4-star accommodation (double sharing) with daily breakfast
- Airport pickup and transfer by private car (7-seat) or van (16-seat) with air-conditioning
- Boat trip in the Mekong Delta
- Ha Long Bay day cruise with shuttle bus transfer
- All entrance and admission fees listed in the itinerary
- Daily bottled water and towel
Tour exclusions
- SGN–HAN domestic flight and all international airfare
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam e-visa fee
- Tips for tour guide and driver (US$3 per person, per day — compulsory)
Why choose our tour
North and South, no compromise. This is the fastest practical way to experience both Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi’s highlights, including a bay cruise, in a single short trip.
Fully private. Every tour and transfer is private to your group, so timing and pace stay flexible throughout.
Premium Ha Long Bay experience. A 5-star day cruise means comfortable service and a more curated experience than a standard shared cruise.
Professional support. English-speaking guides, private transport in every city, and a dedicated team to help coordinate your domestic flight timing.
Book your Vietnam discovery tour today and experience the country’s Southern energy and Northern heritage — plus a Ha Long Bay cruise — in one seamless five-day journey.
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