- Overview
- Tour plan
- Hotel list
- FAQ
General Information
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Sapa → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi → Mekong Delta
Travel Style: Culture, Nature, Trekking & Local Experiences
Ideal For: First-time visitors who want a more comprehensive journey through Vietnam, combining iconic highlights with mountain landscapes, local culture and regional diversity
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
Experience Vietnam in greater depth on a 14-day journey connecting the mountains and cultural landscapes of the north with the historic towns of central Vietnam and the vibrant waterways of the south.
Begin in Hanoi, discovering northern Vietnamese cuisine and the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh before travelling into the mountains around Sapa. Trek through terraced valleys and ethnic minority villages, including an overnight homestay that offers a closer look at everyday life in the region.
Return to the lowlands for an overnight cruise through spectacular Ha Long Bay, then continue south to the heritage towns of Hoi An and Hue. Cross the Hai Van Pass, explore imperial architecture and experience the contrasting character of central Vietnam before flying to Ho Chi Minh City.
Finish your journey by discovering the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels and the tropical landscapes, villages and waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1 — Welcome to Vietnam
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 capital independently.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a 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 — 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.
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 3 — A Taste of Hanoi
Old Quarter Street Food Experience
Enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting your local English-speaking guide for a walking food experience through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Explore the maze of narrow streets and neighbourhood lanes while learning how geography, history and family traditions have shaped northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Rather than sitting down for one full meal, sample a variety of local favourites along the way. Depending on the selected route and seasonal availability, tastings may include dishes such as bun cha, banh cuon, Vietnamese bread, grilled snacks, seasonal fruits and other Hanoi specialities.
Between stops, discover traditional shophouses, street stalls and residential lanes while observing the everyday rhythms of life in one of the capital’s oldest neighbourhoods.
Finish with one of Hanoi’s signature drinks, such as traditional egg coffee or Vietnamese filter coffee.
The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring independently.
Service: Guided food walking tour
Meals: Breakfast, food tastings
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 4 — Hanoi to Sapa
Journey into the Northern Mountains
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel by shared limousine toward Sapa.
The journey takes you from the Red River Delta into the mountainous landscapes of northern Vietnam, with the scenery changing gradually along the way.
Upon arrival in Sapa, transfer to your accommodation and check in.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the mountain town independently, browse the local market or simply relax and enjoy the cooler climate.
Prepare for the trekking experience beginning the following morning.
Service: Shared limousine transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Sapa
Day 5 — Trekking Through the Muong Hoa Valley
Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai & Ta Van
After breakfast, meet your local trekking guide and begin a full-day walk through the landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley.
Descend toward Y Linh Ho and continue through areas inhabited by Hmong communities, surrounded by mountain scenery and terraced rice fields.
Continue toward Lao Chai, where you will stop for lunch before walking deeper into the valley toward Ta Van village, home to members of the Giay ethnic community.
Along the way, your guide will introduce aspects of local farming, village life and the traditions of the communities living throughout the valley.
Arrive at Ta Van in the afternoon and settle into a local homestay.
Dinner is served with your hosts, offering an opportunity to experience a simpler and more personal side of life in northern Vietnam.
Approximate trekking distance: 10–12 km
Service: Guided trekking experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Local homestay in Ta Van
Day 6 — Cat Cat & Sin Chai Villages
Waterfalls, Mountain Villages & Return to Hanoi
After breakfast, join your shared local trekking group for a second day of walking around Sapa.
Begin by descending southwest toward Cat Cat Village, associated with the Black Hmong community.
Follow the trail into the valley and stop near the waterfall area.
See remnants of the hydroelectric infrastructure constructed during the French colonial period and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Continue walking through the valley before stopping for a picnic or local lunch.
After lunch, continue toward Sin Chai Village, located near the foot of the Fansipan mountain area.
Compared with the previous day, today’s route is shorter and generally less demanding.
Enjoy views across the surrounding mountains and valleys before completing the trek.
A shared local vehicle transfers you back to Sapa.
After time to freshen up, board the shared limousine for the return journey to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi in the evening and check in to your hotel.
Approximate Trekking Distance: 7 km
Service: Shared / Join-in guided trekking tour + shared local transfer + shared limousine to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 7 — 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 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 and enjoy time at leisure before dinner is served on board.
Spend the evening surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Service: Shared limousine transfer & shared overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 8 — 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.
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 Da Nang.
Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, 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, domestic flight & private arrival transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch depending on cruise programme
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 9 — 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, once an important international trading port.
Visit selected landmarks such as traditional merchant residences, Chinese assembly halls, local temples and the Japanese Covered Bridge while learning how Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences shaped Hoi An.
Continue into the surrounding 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 at leisure.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 10 — Hoi An to Hue
Across the Hai Van Pass
Enjoy breakfast before checking out from your hotel.
Meet your private driver and begin the overland journey from Hoi An to Hue.
Travel north along the central Vietnamese coast and cross the Hai Van Pass, one of the country’s most scenic mountain roads. Weather permitting, stop along the route to enjoy panoramic views across the mountains and coastline.
Continue toward Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
You may wish to walk along the Perfume River, explore the city independently or sample some of Hue’s distinctive regional cuisine.
Service: Private transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hue
Day 11 — Imperial Hue
Imperial Heritage & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, join a guided small-group exploration of Hue’s imperial heritage.
Visit the elaborate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, known for its distinctive combination of Vietnamese and European architectural influences.
Enjoy lunch featuring local Hue cuisine before continuing to the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Explore selected areas within the historic complex and learn about Vietnam’s final imperial dynasty.
Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable religious landmarks overlooking the Perfume River.
After the tour, transfer privately to Phu Bai International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
Service: Small-group sightseeing + private airport transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 — Into Vietnam’s Wartime History
Cu Chi Tunnels
Enjoy a free morning before joining a small-group excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Travel northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to this significant historical site and learn about the development and strategic role of the extensive underground tunnel system.
Explore concealed entrances, underground chambers and examples of facilities used for communication, shelter, storage and daily life during the conflict.
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 region.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City later in the day.
Service: Small-group tour
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 — 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, orchards and agricultural communities.
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before boarding a boat to explore part of the Mekong River and its smaller waterways.
During the day, discover different aspects of local life through visits that may include tropical fruit gardens, family-run workshops and local villages.
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 14 — 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, cruise and homestay arrangements are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be replaced with properties of a similar standard.
3-Star
Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar
Sapa: Selected 3-star hotel or similar
Ta Van: Local homestay
Ha Long Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hoi An or similar
Hue: Selected 3-star hotel or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Acnos Hotel or similar
4-Star
Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Sapa: Selected 4-star hotel or similar
Ta Van: Local homestay
Ha Long Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An or similar
Hue: Selected 4-star hotel or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon Saigon Hotel or similar
5-Star
Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Sapa: Selected 5-star hotel or similar
Ta Van: Local homestay
Ha Long Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar
Hue: Selected 5-star hotel 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
- 13 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing, including:
- hotel accommodation
- 1 night aboard a Ha Long Bay cruise
- Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic economy-class flights:
- Hanoi → Da Nang
- Hue → Ho Chi Minh City
- Private airport transfers as specified
- Shared limousine transportation:
- Hanoi → Sapa
- Sapa → Hanoi
- 2-day shared / join-in Sapa trekking programme
- Shared local transportation during the Sapa trekking programme
- Small-group Ninh Binh excursion
- Guided Hanoi food walking experience
- Small-group Hoi An heritage and countryside experience
- Private Hoi An → Hue transfer via Hai Van Pass
- Small-group Hue sightseeing
- 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 specifically included in the programme
- Tam Coc sampan boat trip
- Bicycle use during included cycling activities
- Basket boat experience in Cam Thanh
- 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
- Personal trekking equipment and specialist outdoor gear
- 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 Ninh Binh excursion
- A private Hanoi–Sapa transfer
- A private room or upgraded accommodation for the Ta Van overnight, where available
- A private Hanoi–Ha Long Bay transfer
- A higher-category cabin on the Ha Long Bay cruise
- A private Hoi An experience
- Private Hue sightseeing
- A private Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- A private Ben Tre Mekong experience
- Hotel category upgrades
- Additional nights in Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, Hue 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 combines private transfers, guided experiences, shared transportation and carefully selected small-group excursions. Private excursions, accommodation upgrades, private transfers, additional nights and more flexible domestic airfare 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, except where different arrangements apply at the local homestay.
- Sapa Trekking: Trekking routes and difficulty may vary according to weather and trail conditions. Comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing are recommended.
- 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.
