Journey south through Vietnam, beginning with Hanoi’s vibrant street-food culture and the calm beauty of Ha Long Bay. Continue to Hue, where imperial heritage still shapes the city’s character, before slowing down among the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Conclude in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring its iconic landmarks and dynamic urban rhythm.
Designed by Hanh Nhi
Travel crafter
La Passion Traveller Highlight
Vietnam changes rhythm for you, day by day.
Vietnam changes rhythm for you, day by day.
Journey south through Vietnam, from the north’s karst-studded bays to vibrant cities and bicycle-powered food carts along the way.
10 days, scene by scene
Each day opens a different Vietnam.
Each day opens a different Vietnam.
Discover Vietnam through limestone bays, vibrant city rhythms, and the quiet charm of street food served from bicycle carts.
Day 01 - ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, where heritage façades, hidden cafés and the rhythm of modern Vietnam meet.
Settle into your hotel before joining your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. The evening is yours to ease into the journey, perhaps over a shared dinner and your first taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight:
Hanoi
Hanoi
Meal:
Dinner
Dinner
Day 02 - THE GENTLE RHYTHMS OF THE MEKONG DELTA
Leave the city behind for the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, a fertile landscape shaped by rivers, orchards and generations of local life.
Cruise by private boat to Ben Tre, wander through coconut gardens and visit a local home for tropical fruit and handmade coconut treats. Continue by sampan along narrow canals before exploring the surrounding villages by tuk-tuk.
Lunch is served in the heart of the delta, featuring regional flavours such as elephant ear fish. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Overnight:
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh
Meal:
Breakfast, Lunch.
Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 03 - FROM SAIGON TO LANTERN-LIT HOI AN
Fly north to Da Nang, then travel towards Hoi An with the Marble Mountains rising in the distance.
Discover the old town on foot, where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences have shaped a beautifully layered architectural story. Visit a historic merchant’s house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a local museum.
As evening falls, take time to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace, when lanterns glow above the streets and riverside restaurants come to life.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 04 - HOI AN, AT YOUR OWN PACE
Today is left open for a more personal encounter with Hoi An.
Browse the Central Market and artisan stalls filled with ceramics, woodwork and silk lanterns, or visit one of the town’s celebrated tailors for something made especially for you. For a glimpse of rural Vietnam, cycle beyond the old town through rice fields and quiet villages.
You may also choose to visit My Son Sanctuary, where ancient Cham temples rest among a green mountain valley.
Overnight:
Hoi An
Hoi An
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 05 - OVER THE HAI VAN PASS TO IMPERIAL HUE
Journey north across the Hai Van Pass, pausing to take in sweeping views towards Lang Co Beach before continuing to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Visit a community recycling hub responding creatively to local environmental challenges, accompanied by a taste of Hue’s distinctive salt coffee.
Later, step inside the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, courtyards and weathered walls that carries both the splendour and scars of Vietnam’s royal past. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps among the flavours and colours of Dong Ba Market.
Overnight:
Hue
Hue
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 06 - HUE’S SACRED SITES AND HIDDEN STREETS
See Hue from a more intimate perspective as you travel by motorbike with an experienced local driver.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a graceful riverside landmark and active Buddhist monastery dating from the early seventeenth century. Continue through Hue’s quieter streets to a Buddhist monastery, where a vegetarian lunch is served in peaceful surroundings.
The journey concludes at the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set beside a lake among pine trees and fragrant frangipani. In the evening, board the overnight sleeper train to Hanoi — a simple yet memorable way to travel north alongside local passengers.
Overnight:
Overnight sleeper train
Overnight sleeper train
Meal:
Breakfast and vegetarian lunch included
Breakfast and vegetarian lunch included
Day 07 - THE TIMELESS SOUL OF HANOI
Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and take time to refresh before discovering the capital’s cultural heart.
Walk through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where narrow streets, traditional shopfronts and everyday rituals reveal the city’s enduring character. Visit the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s traditional stilt house.
Later, linger beside Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the city’s museums or settle into a pavement café and watch Hanoi move around you.
Overnight:
Ha Noi
Ha Noi
Meal:
Freedom
Freedom
Day 08 - AN EVENING AMONG HA LONG BAY’S LIMESTONE ISLANDS
Travel to Ha Long Bay, where emerald waters weave between thousands of limestone karsts and forested islands.
Board a traditional-style boat for an overnight cruise through this UNESCO-listed landscape. Explore caves and secluded stretches of the bay, or choose to kayak between the dramatic rock formations for a closer perspective.
Fresh seafood is served on board as the daylight softens over the water. Spend the evening beneath the stars, surrounded by the stillness of the bay.
Overnight:
Overnight boat
Overnight boat
Meal:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 09 - SUNRISE ON THE BAY, FAREWELL IN HANOI
Wake to the quiet beauty of Ha Long Bay. From the deck, watch the morning light unfold across the limestone peaks as fishing boats begin to move through the water.
Return to Hanoi, with the afternoon free for one last wander through the Old Quarter, a slow coffee or a glass of freshly brewed bia hoi.
In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise helping disadvantaged young people build careers in hospitality.
Overnight:
Ha Noi
Ha Noi
Meal:
Breakfast and farewell dinner included
Breakfast and farewell dinner included
Day 10 - DEPARTURE FROM HANOI
Enjoy breakfast before your northbound journey comes to a close.
There are no scheduled activities today, leaving you free to depart at any time after check-out. Those wishing to stay a little longer may continue into Hanoi’s street-food culture or explore the landscapes of Ninh Binh and Sapa.
Meal:
Breakfast
Breakfast
Pace:
Gentle farewell.
Gentle farewell.
Note: Our tour's itinerary is carefully designed only for travelers from global by team of local travel experts with more than 5 years' experience.
This customizable tour can be arranged for couple. Final Prices vary according to hotel standard, when you travel, how many people you travel with, the level of private guiding required and the overall arrangements. We can easily customize the itinerary based on your budget, interests and schedule. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements
What’s included
The details are part of the comfort.
The details are part of the comfort.
Hotels, transfers, cruise, meals, guides and local support are shaped to keep the journey smooth.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
ACCOMODATION
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
NOTES
| DESTINATION | 3 Star | 4 Star | 5 Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| HA NOI | La Passion Classic | La Passion Premium | The Legend Hanoi Hotel |
| HA LONG BAY (CRUISE) | Hera Boutique Cruise | Amanda Cruise | La Regina Legend Cruise |
| HUE | Hue Serene Palace Hotel | ÊMM Hotel Hue | Indochine Palace Huế |
| Hoi An | ÊMM Hotel Hoi An | Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa | La Siesta Hoi An Hotel & Spa |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Queen Ann Hotel | Ho Chi Minh: La Passion Saigon | Rex Hotel Saigon |
- Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND 30,000
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND 40,000
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND 70,000
- Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD 30
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD 300
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD 390
- Ha Long Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND 150,000
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD 33
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD 65
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND 40,000
- Ho Chi Minh City - A O Show (from) - VND 800,000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD 25
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD 32
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation, for travel to Vietnam.
- Prices are valid for 30 days from the date of the offer. After this period, prices and conditions may be subject to adjustment.
- Airfares are subject to change by the airlines without prior notice.
- Reservations during peak periods (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year and national holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges and compulsory meals.
- Hotel accommodation is available from 14:00 on the arrival date until 12:00 on the departure date. Supplementary charges will apply if early check-in or late check-out is requested.
Plan this journey
Tell us your dream. We craft the journey.
Tell us your dream. We craft the journey.
Share a few details. We will help shape the right version of this 8-day Vietnam journey for two.
FAQ
Clear answers make the journey easier to choose.
Clear answers make the journey easier to choose.
A few practical notes help you understand the pace, comfort and flexibility before you speak with us.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
This is Vietnam in many layers: the quiet limestone landscape of Ha Long Bay, the royal heritage of Hue, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and the vivid energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, you’ll meet local communities, taste regional flavours and experience everyday life from motorbikes, boats, bicycles and village paths.
It’s a journey for travellers who want to see the country’s icons while discovering the stories, people and small moments that give each place its character.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
Please share any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances with us when you book. This gives our team the best opportunity to coordinate with the hotels, cruise, restaurants and local hosts along the journey.
The itinerary already includes a vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery in Hue. Other arrangements will depend on the destination and venue, so we recommend confirming any strict requirements with La Passion Travel in advance.
What should I pack for Vietnam?
Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a light rain layer. A scarf or an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees will be useful when visiting pagodas, monasteries and historical sites.
We also recommend sun protection and a smaller overnight bag for the Ha Long Bay cruise and night train to Hue. The journey includes city walks, a motorbike experience, boat trips and time in rural areas, so choose pieces that feel comfortable across different settings.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
The pace is lively and varied, with several destinations woven into ten days. You’ll travel by road, overnight train, domestic flight and boat, with guided sightseeing and local experiences along the way.
There are also gentler moments built in: an evening aboard the Ha Long Bay cruise, free time in Hanoi and a full day to explore Hoi An at your own rhythm. It’s best suited to travellers who enjoy seeing and experiencing plenty while still having space for a few unhurried discoveries.
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
Selected meals are included and shown day by day in the itinerary. You’ll need a separate allowance for meals not listed, drinks, laundry, personal purchases, tips and any optional experiences you choose.
Optional activities in the current proposal range from small museum entrance fees and a VND 150,000 kayaking experience to food tours, cultural shows and private day trips. Larger extensions to Ninh Binh or Sapa will require a separate budget.
For private touring, the proposal also lists compulsory tipping at USD 3 per person for a full-day tour and USD 1.50 per person for a half-day tour or airport transfer.
What are the accommodations like?
The journey combines city hotels in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City with one night aboard a Ha Long Bay cruise. You’ll also spend one night travelling by train from Hanoi to Hue, giving the itinerary a more immersive, overland rhythm.
Hotel options are available in three-, four- and five-star categories, based on twin or double occupancy. Standard check-in is approximately 2:00–3:00 pm, with check-out around 11:00 am–12:00 noon.
Hotel options are available in three-, four- and five-star categories, based on twin or double occupancy. Standard check-in is approximately 2:00–3:00 pm, with check-out around 11:00 am–12:00 noon.
Can we upgrade hotels or make it more private?
Cruise flow may adjust with weather, safety guidance or local operation, while the experience rhythm remains protected.