- Overview
- Tour plan
- Hotel list
- FAQ
General Information
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong Delta
Travel Style: Culture & Local Experiences
Ideal For: First-time visitors to Vietnam, couples, friends and independent travellers seeking a balance of comfort, flexibility and value
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 Vietnam from north to south on a thoughtfully designed 10-day journey through the country’s essential highlights.
Begin in Hanoi, where historic landmarks, neighbourhood life and coffee culture offer an introduction to the capital. Continue to the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh before spending a night cruising among the dramatic karsts of Ha Long Bay.
Travel south to Hoi An for a blend of ancient-town heritage and countryside experiences, then continue to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and the waterways, villages and tropical landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
The journey combines private transfers and selected private experiences with carefully chosen small-group excursions, offering the convenience of an organised trip while maintaining flexibility and competitive value.
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 rest or begin exploring the city independently.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to walk through Hanoi’s lively streets, stop for a Vietnamese coffee or simply relax at your hotel.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: None
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2 — Hanoi Through Time
Heritage, Old Quarter & Vietnamese Coffee
After breakfast, meet your private English-speaking guide and begin exploring Vietnam’s capital.
Start in the historic Ba Dinh area with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, followed by the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century and closely associated with Vietnam’s long traditions of education, scholarship and Confucian culture.
Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot. Discover its narrow streets, traditional shophouses and long-established commercial neighbourhoods while learning about the famous “36 Streets”.
Beyond the main thoroughfares, step into smaller lanes and neighbourhood spaces for a glimpse of everyday Hanoi life.
Continue toward Hoan Kiem Lake before finishing the afternoon at a carefully selected local café. Learn about Vietnam’s distinctive coffee culture and enjoy either traditional filter coffee or Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Service: Private guided tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3 — Ancient Capital & Limestone Landscapes
Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Countryside Cycling
Join a small-group excursion to Ninh Binh, approximately two hours south of Hanoi.
Begin 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 cruise begins sailing through the limestone islands and karst formations of the bay.
During the afternoon, participate in activities according to the cruise programme. Depending on the selected cruise and local conditions, these may include kayaking, swimming, cave exploration or excursions by tender.
Return to the vessel and enjoy time at leisure before dinner is served on board.
Service: Shared limousine transfer & shared overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 5 — Ha Long Bay to Hoi An
Morning Cruise & Flight to Central Vietnam
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.
After disembarkation, transfer toward Hanoi or Noi Bai International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule.
Fly to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to Hoi An.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Service: Shared cruise services, transfer & private arrival transfer in Da Nang/Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch depending on cruise programme
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 6 — Hoi An Heritage & Countryside
Ancient Town, Rural Landscapes & Basket Boat Experience
After breakfast, join a small-group guided experience combining Hoi An Ancient Town with the surrounding countryside.
Begin with a walking tour through the historic centre, visiting selected cultural landmarks such as traditional residences, Chinese assembly halls, local temples and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Learn how Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences shaped Hoi An’s architecture, trade and culture.
Continue into the countryside, passing rice fields and local villages before reaching the Cam Thanh area.
Board a traditional bamboo basket boat and explore the nipa palm waterways with local boatmen. Depending on the programme, you may also learn about traditional fishing techniques and local river life.
Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 7 — Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
Leisure Morning & Flight South
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An.
At the scheduled time, your private driver will transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your flight 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 day is free to explore independently or relax.
Service: Private airport transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8 — Into Vietnam’s Wartime History
Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, join a small-group excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Travel northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to this important historical site and learn about the development and strategic role of the extensive underground tunnel system.
Explore concealed entrances, underground chambers and examples of the facilities used for communication, shelter, storage and daily life during the conflict.
Travellers who feel comfortable may enter a widened section of the tunnels.
Before leaving, you may also have the opportunity to taste cassava, a simple food associated with wartime life in the region.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon.
The remainder of the day is free.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9 — Life Along the Mekong
Mekong Delta Discovery
Leave Ho Chi Minh City and travel south on a small-group excursion into the Mekong Delta.
Journey toward My Tho as the urban landscape gradually gives way to waterways, orchards and agricultural communities.
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before boarding a boat to explore the Mekong River and its smaller waterways.
During the day, experience different aspects of local life through visits that may include tropical fruit gardens, family-run workshops and local villages.
Take a hand-rowed sampan through a narrow canal surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10 — Departure from Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time until your scheduled departure.
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
Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hoi An 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
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An 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
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An 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
- 9 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
- Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic economy-class flights:
- Hanoi → Da Nang
- Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
- Private airport transfers as specified
- Private English-speaking guide and transportation for the Hanoi tour on Day 2
- Small-group excursions in Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta
- 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
- Basket boat experience in Cam Thanh
- 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–Ha Long Bay transfer
- A higher-category cabin on the Ha Long Bay cruise
- A private Ninh Binh excursion
- A private Hoi An experience
- A private Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- A private Ben Tre Mekong experience
- Hotel category upgrades
- Additional nights in Hanoi, Hoi An 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 parts of the journey can be adjusted depending on availability.
The standard itinerary already combines private services with carefully selected shared and small-group experiences. Private excursions, accommodation category, Ha Long Bay cabin category, additional nights and domestic airfare flexibility can all be considered.
If you have specific preferences, Oriva can review which elements can be adapted while keeping the overall journey well balanced.
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 Flights: Flight schedules, airlines, fares and baggage allowances 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.
- 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.
