- Overview
- Tour plan
- Hotel list
- FAQ
General Information
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong Delta
Travel Style: Culture, Nature & Local Experiences
Ideal For: First-time visitors to Vietnam, couples, friends and travellers with limited time who want to experience the essential highlights of northern and southern Vietnam
Start: Hanoi
Finish: Ho Chi Minh City
This journey combines the freedom of independent travel with the convenience of pre-arranged services.
Private transfers and a private guided experience are included at key stages of the journey, while selected excursions operate on a small-group or shared basis to provide excellent value without compromising the essential experience.
Private where it matters. Small-group where it makes sense.
Introduction
Discover the essential highlights of Vietnam on an 8-day journey connecting the heritage and landscapes of the north with the history and river life of the south.
Begin in Hanoi, exploring the capital’s most important cultural landmarks before travelling into the limestone countryside of Ninh Binh. Continue to spectacular Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among its dramatic karst islands.
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City and uncover an important chapter of Vietnam’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels before finishing your journey among the tropical waterways, orchards and communities of the Mekong Delta.
Designed for first-time visitors with limited time, this journey combines private airport transfers with selected small-group excursions and a shared overnight cruise, making it easy to experience Vietnam’s key highlights within one well-planned trip.
Day 1 — Welcome to Vietnam
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to recover from your journey or begin exploring the city independently.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to walk through Hanoi’s lively streets, enjoy your first Vietnamese coffee or simply relax at your hotel.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: None
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2 — Discover Vietnam’s Capital
Hanoi Heritage & Cultural Highlights
After breakfast, join a small-group guided tour to discover some of Hanoi’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.
Begin at Tran Quoc Pagoda, set beside West Lake and regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi.
Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will learn about the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh and explore selected sites within this historic area. Visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most recognisable religious landmarks.
Continue to either the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, depending on the operating schedule, for an introduction to Vietnam’s people, traditions and cultural diversity.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Literature. Founded in the 11th century, this peaceful complex is closely associated with Vietnam’s traditions of education and scholarship.
Finish the afternoon at Hoa Lo Prison, where exhibitions provide insight into different periods of Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3 — Ancient Capital & Limestone Landscapes
Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Countryside Cycling
After breakfast, join a small-group excursion to Ninh Binh, approximately two hours south of Hanoi.
Travel through the countryside of the Red River Delta before arriving at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties.
Explore the historic temple complex and learn about an important period in the country’s early history.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Tam Coc.
Board a traditional sampan for a scenic journey along the Ngo Dong River, passing limestone formations, rice fields and natural caves.
Later, explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle, riding along rural lanes and through local villages.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 4 — Journey into Ha Long Bay
Overnight Cruise Among the Limestone Islands
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and join the cruise operator’s shared limousine transfer to Ha Long Bay.
Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, complete boarding procedures and settle into your cabin.
Enjoy lunch on board as the vessel begins cruising through the spectacular limestone islands and karst formations of the bay.
During the afternoon, participate in activities according to the selected cruise programme. Depending on the cruise and local conditions, these may include kayaking, swimming, cave exploration or excursions by tender.
Return to the vessel later in the day and enjoy time at leisure before dinner is served on board.
Spend the evening relaxing amid the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Service: Shared limousine transfer & shared overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 5 — Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning Cruise & Flight South
Wake to the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Depending on the cruise programme, the morning may include a light activity or final excursion before breakfast or brunch is served on board.
Enjoy the final views of the bay as the vessel gradually returns to the harbour.
After disembarkation, transfer toward Hanoi or Noi Bai International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the evening is free to relax or begin exploring the city independently.
Service: Shared cruise services, transfer, domestic flight & private arrival transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch depending on cruise programme
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6 — Into Vietnam’s Wartime History
Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, join a small-group excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel through the outskirts of the city into the southern countryside before arriving at this important historical site.
Learn about the development and strategic role of the extensive underground tunnel system and discover how the tunnels were used for communication, shelter, storage and daily life during the conflict.
Explore concealed entrances, underground chambers and examples of the facilities and equipment used at the site.
Travellers who feel comfortable may enter a widened section of the tunnels for a closer understanding of the conditions underground.
Before leaving, you may also have the opportunity to taste cassava, a simple food associated with wartime life in the area.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the city independently.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7 — Life Along the Mekong
Mekong Delta Discovery
After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City and join a small-group excursion into the Mekong Delta.
Travel toward My Tho as the urban landscape gradually gives way to waterways, tropical vegetation, orchards and agricultural communities.
Board a boat to explore the Mekong River and discover different aspects of everyday life in the delta.
During the journey, visits may include tropical fruit gardens, family-run workshops and local village communities.
Enjoy seasonal fruits and traditional music before boarding a hand-rowed sampan for a peaceful journey through a narrow canal surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Visit selected local workshops and learn about regional products such as coconut candy and honey.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Depending on the programme, there may also be an opportunity for a short bicycle ride through the countryside.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8 — Departure from Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time until your scheduled departure.
Depending on your flight time, you may have an opportunity for a final coffee, a short walk through the city or some last-minute shopping.
At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Your journey with Oriva comes to an end.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Suggested Accommodation
Accommodation is available in three categories. Final hotels and cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be replaced by properties of a similar standard.
3-Star
Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Acnos Hotel or similar
4-Star
Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon Saigon Hotel or similar
5-Star
Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Ha Long Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar
Standard check-in: From 14:00
Standard check-out: By 12:00 noon
Early check-in or late check-out is only included when specifically stated in the programme.
1. How is the tour priced?
2. What is included in the tour price?
What’s Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
- Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic economy-class flight:
- Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City
- Private airport transfers as specified
- Small-group Hanoi city tour
- Small-group Ninh Binh excursion
- Small-group Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- Small-group Mekong Delta excursion
- Shared limousine transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
- 2-day/1-night shared Ha Long Bay cruise with scheduled meals and activities
- Entrance fees for sightseeing included in the programme
- Tam Coc sampan boat trip
- Bicycle use during included cycling activities
- Boat and sampan experiences in the Mekong Delta
- Local English-speaking guides during guided excursions
- Drinking water where provided by the operating supplier
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
- 24/7 local assistance from Oriva Journeys during the trip
3. What is not included in the tour price?
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Vietnam
- Vietnam visa or e-visa fees, where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks during included meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, spa treatments, shopping and telephone charges
- Optional activities, excursions or upgrades
- Early check-in and late check-out unless confirmed
- Excess baggage charges, seat selection and other optional airline services
- Tips and gratuities
- Shooting range fees at the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Expenses arising from flight disruptions, adverse weather, natural disasters or other circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control
- Any services not specifically mentioned under What’s Included
4. Why is the price higher for solo travellers?
Travelling solo usually costs more per person because many parts of the journey are normally shared between two or more travellers.
When travelling alone, costs such as accommodation, private transfers, vehicle, driver and any private guide services are carried by one person rather than divided across a couple or small group.
Oriva does not normally pair solo travellers with other guests simply to reduce the price. Matching independent travellers would require the same departure date, itinerary, service level and travel preferences, which is difficult to guarantee consistently.
For travellers who want to keep the independence of travelling alone while managing the overall cost, Oriva also offers selected solo-friendly journeys. These itineraries use small-group excursions, shared transfers or shared activities where appropriate, while still allowing you to travel independently and keep your own accommodation.
5. What upgrades are available?
The journey can be personalised with a range of optional upgrades, subject to availability and additional charges.
Available options include:
- A private Hanoi city tour
- A private Ninh Binh excursion
- A private Hanoi–Ha Long Bay transfer
- A higher-category cabin on the Ha Long Bay cruise
- A private Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- A private Ben Tre Mekong experience
- Hotel category upgrades
- Additional nights in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- More flexible domestic airfare options
Speak with our team if you would like to make the journey more private, upgrade your accommodation or add extra time before or after the itinerary.
6. Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes, selected elements of the journey can be adjusted.
The standard itinerary combines private transfers with selected small-group and shared services, allowing a balance between comfort, flexibility and overall value.
Private excursions, private transfers, accommodation category, Ha Long Bay cabin category, additional nights and domestic airfare flexibility can all be considered, subject to availability and revised pricing.
If you have specific preferences, let us know and we can review which parts of the journey can be adapted.
7. Is a deposit required to confirm the booking?
Yes. A 20% deposit is normally required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is generally due 45–60 days before departure. Bookings made closer to departure may require full payment at the time of confirmation.
Some services, such as flights, cruises or hotels, may require earlier or full payment depending on supplier conditions.
8. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation charges depend on how close to departure the booking is cancelled:
| Cancellation received | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before departure | 20% |
| 45–60 days before departure | 30% |
| 30–44 days before departure | 50% |
| 15–29 days before departure | 75% |
| 14 days or less / No-show | 100% |
Domestic air tickets are non-refundable once issued. Other prepaid services, such as cruises, hotel deposits or attraction tickets, may also have supplier-specific cancellation conditions.
No refund is normally provided for no-shows or voluntarily unused services after the trip has started.
9. Can children join this tour?
Yes. Families with children are welcome, and special child rates are available when sharing a room or cabin with two adults:
- Infants aged 0–2: 10% of the adult rate
- Children aged 3–11: 85% of the adult rate
- Children aged 12 and above: Adult rate
Child fares for flights and other ticketed transport are subject to the relevant airline or operator’s policy and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
10. Are there any important travel notes I should be aware of?
Yes. A few practical points are worth keeping in mind before confirming your journey.
- Accommodation: Prices are based on twin/double sharing. A single supplement applies for solo occupancy.
- Domestic Flight: Flight schedule, airline, fare and baggage allowance are subject to availability until ticketing.
- Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cruise routes and activities may change due to weather, tidal conditions, safety requirements or local authority instructions.
- Hanoi Sightseeing: Access to the Ho Chi Minh Complex may vary according to official opening schedules, maintenance periods and local regulations.
- Small-Group Tours: Group size, pickup arrangements and activity sequence may vary by local operator and departure date.
- Meals: Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when advised in advance.
- Itinerary: Minor adjustments may be required due to weather, flight schedules or operational conditions while maintaining the overall experience.
- Travel Documents: Travellers are responsible for valid passports, visas and applicable entry requirements.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
