This 12-day Vietnam tour from Saigon to Hanoi covers many of the country’s best-known destinations, from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the waterways of the Mekong Delta to the beaches of Nha Trang, the old town of Hoi An and the imperial heritage of Hue.
Start in Ho Chi Minh City with its historic landmarks, local markets and lively streets before heading into the Mekong Delta. Visit local villages, travel by boat along the canals and experience the early-morning Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho.
The journey continues to Nha Trang for a mix of Cham heritage, pagodas, beaches and island scenery. From there, travel to Hoi An and explore its well-preserved ancient town before continuing to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
In Hanoi, visit the city’s historic landmarks, the Old Quarter and Temple of Literature and enjoy a traditional water puppet show. The final part of the trip takes you to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among its limestone islands and calm waters.
With a mix of Vietnam’s history, culture, local life and natural scenery, this Saigon to Hanoi tour is a practical way to see the country’s major highlights in 12 days. The itinerary can also be customized according to your interests, travel style and travel dates.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is free. You can relax at the hotel after your flight or take a first walk around the city and explore the streets near your hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, start your Ho Chi Minh City tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese government.
Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, two well-known examples of French colonial architecture in the city. Then visit the War Remnants Museum before lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Xa Loi Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market. Continue to Chinatown (Cho Lon) to see a different side of the city and visit the local market and Thien Hau Temple.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon – Notre Dame Cathedral
Leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and drive to My Tho, one of the main gateways to the Mekong Delta.
Take a boat along the river and smaller canals to see the local way of life. Visit Turtle Island, taste fresh tropical fruit and have lunch at a local garden restaurant.
After lunch, continue by boat through the Tan Thach Canal and take a small sampan through the narrow waterways of Thoi Son Island. You can also visit a local family business making traditional products.
In the afternoon, continue by road to Can Tho and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Mekong River
Start early with a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market. The market is busiest in the morning when local boats come to sell fruit, vegetables and other products.
Continue through some of the smaller canals and visit a local workshop where rice noodles are made. Return to the hotel for breakfast before leaving Can Tho.
Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and take an afternoon flight to Nha Trang.
Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The evening is free to relax or take a walk along the beach.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Cai Rang Floating Market – Mekong River
After breakfast, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, one of the most important Cham sites in central Vietnam. Continue to Long Son Pagoda, known for its large white Buddha statue overlooking the city.
After lunch, take a boat trip around Nha Trang Bay. Depending on weather and the boat schedule, you can enjoy time on the water and stop for swimming or snorkeling.
Return to Nha Trang in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or spend some time on the beach.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Nha Trang beach
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Nha Trang to Da Nang.
On arrival, visit the Cham Museum, which houses one of Vietnam’s best collections of Cham sculptures and artifacts. Continue to the Marble Mountains, where you can visit caves, pagodas and viewpoints.
After lunch, continue to Hoi An and check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town on foot. Visit some of the old merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the local market. You will have time to walk through the narrow streets and see the town’s traditional architecture.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Colorful lanterns, flowers, and culture light up Hoi An streets.
In the afternoon, we take a walking tour of the ancient town center and visit historic merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese covered bridge and the colorful, bustling market.
Leave Hoi An in the morning and drive north to Hue. The route crosses the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic mountain roads in central Vietnam. Stop at Lang Co Beach before continuing to Hue.
After lunch, visit the Hue Royal Citadel, the former center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Continue to the Imperial Museum to see objects and information about Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.
Later, visit Khai Dinh Tomb, one of the best-known royal tombs in Hue. Its architecture combines Vietnamese and European influences.
Check in at your hotel in Hue and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Forbidden Purple City – Hue Citadel
Start the morning with a boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognizable landmarks.
Continue to Minh Mang Tomb, located in a peaceful setting outside the city. After the visit, stop at Dong Ba Market where you can see local food, handicrafts and everyday products.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight from Hue to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The evening is free to explore the area around the hotel or relax after the day’s travel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake at night
After breakfast, start your Hanoi city tour at Ba Dinh Square. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and traditionally regarded as Vietnam’s first university.
After lunch, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s different ethnic groups and their traditional houses, clothing and customs.
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and visit Dong Xuan Market. The Old Quarter is a good place to see the city’s older streets and everyday local life.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Beautiful One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
Leave Hanoi in the morning and drive to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
Arrive at the harbor around noon and board your overnight cruise. After lunch, the boat starts sailing through the bay, passing limestone islands and small islets.
During the afternoon, you may join activities offered by the cruise such as visiting a cave, kayaking, swimming or taking part in a short cooking class. The exact program depends on the cruise you choose and weather conditions.
In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and spend the night on the boat.
Overnight on a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Beautiful Ha Long Bay
If the weather is good, you can get up early to enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. Some cruises also offer a morning Tai Chi session.
After breakfast, continue cruising through the bay and join the activities included in your cruise program. You may have time to visit another cave or go kayaking depending on the cruise itinerary.
Return to the harbor around late morning and meet your driver for the journey back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.
A corner of Ha Long Bay, view from Surprising Cave
Enjoy your last morning in Hanoi. Depending on your flight time, you can take a short walk around the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake and do some last-minute shopping.
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Your 12-day Vietnam tour from Saigon to Hanoi ends here. We hope you take home good memories of your time in Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 1,704 | 1,470 | 1,310 | 1,218 | 1,166 | 375 |
| 4 Star | 2,094 | 1,859 | 1,697 | 1,602 | 1,547 | 690 |
| 5 Star | 2,723 | 2,484 | 2,318 | 2,219 | 2,159 | 1,215 |
Please note that some services such as flights, hotels and other bookings may have cancellation fees once they have been confirmed and paid. Any applicable supplier cancellation fees will be charged to the traveler.
The following are the maximum cancellation fees that may apply:
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your trip. We will always do our best to minimize any cancellation costs where possible.
Please note: The child rates apply when children share a room and services with a full-paying adult. Additional charges may apply for extra beds, private rooms, special meals or other services requested for children. Child rates may also vary depending on the specific tour, hotel policy and services included.
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
