Northern & Southern Vietnam

North to south, the essentials

North to south, the essentials A ready-built creator-led group trip across Vietnam, 6–7 days. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Vietnam · 6–7 days · Best season: October to April, the dry season across most of the country · Group size: 10–20 guests

Route

Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Halong Bay > Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights

  • Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc sampan ride
  • Drive to Halong, overnight cruise, kayaking
  • Sunrise cruise, return to Hanoi, fly to Saigon
  • Cu Chi Tunnels, Reunification Palace, old Saigon
  • Mekong Delta day trip to My Tho

Day by day

Day 1: Hanoi arrival & Old Quarter

On arrival at Hanoi airport, your private driver transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon your guide leads you to the train street and Hoan Kiem Lake, finishing in the Old Quarter's '36 streets'.

Day 2: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

Drive about 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land'. Visit Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam's first feudal dynasties, then board a sampan for a 1.5-hour row through the Tam Coc caves. Enjoy lunch before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Halong Bay, overnight cruise

Travel roughly three hours east to Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Enjoy lunch on deck, then visit grottoes, kayak or swim, and pass floating villages, with a cooking demonstration before dinner.

Day 4: Halong sunrise, return to Hanoi & fly to Saigon

Wake for sunrise over the bay and cruise past the named islets before an early brunch. Transfer back to Hanoi and take a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where your driver meets you for the transfer to your hotel.

Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon landmarks

In the morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the vast underground network used during the long struggle for independence. In the afternoon, tour the Reunification Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, with time at Ben Thanh Market if the schedule allows.

Day 6: Mekong Delta, My Tho

Drive about 1.5 hours to My Tho. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruise the Tien River past the four islands, visit an orchard for fruit and folk music, and ride a hand-rowed sampan along a coconut-shaded canal before returning to the city.

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • Private door-to-door pick-up and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • 5 nights hotel accommodation in your chosen tier, with breakfast
  • 1 night on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
  • Sampan ride at Tam Coc and Mekong Delta river cruise
  • All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 brunch, 1 dinner
  • Bottled water in the vehicle (2 per person per day)
  • Service charges and government tax
  • 24/7 support throughout the trip

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the programme
  • Peak-season or public-holiday surcharges, if any
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone and laundry
  • Vietnam visa fees
  • Tips for your guide and driver