Essential Vietnam from North to South — 10 Days
10 days / 9 nights

Essential Vietnam from North to South — 10 Days

Essential Vietnam from North to South — 10 Days

A true concentrate of the country's wonders in ten days, this exceptional itinerary connects the three great historical regions of Vietnam in a harmonious balance of nature, culture, and lifestyle. From the millenary alleys of Hanoi and the maritime poetry of Halong Bay in the North to the imperial majesty of Hue and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An in the Center, each stop reveals an iconic facet of the Land of the Dragon.

The journey concludes in the South with the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and a serene immersion along the lush palm-shaded arroyos of the Mekong Delta. Seamlessly linked by two scheduled domestic flights, travel times are minimized to prioritize quality sightseeing and offer couples and families an unhurried, comfortable, and deeply enriching discovery guided by passionate private French-speaking local experts.

✦ You will love:

  • A complete and balanced 10-day crossing of Vietnam's three great regions: North, Center, and South.
  • Cultural immersion in the millenary capital of Hanoi: Temple of Literature, 36 Guilds Old Quarter, and water puppetry.
  • A poetic overnight cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk sailing among the limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
  • Discovery of Central Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage jewels: the Imperial Citadel of Hue, royal tombs, and lantern-lit Hoi An.
  • The striking contrasts of the South: the colonial architecture of Saigon and a bucolic boat escape in the Mekong Delta at Ben Tre.
Itinerary MapYou can add an itinerary map in Strapi

Highlights

  • •Personalized welcome at Noi Bai Airport and private transfer to hotel
  • •Relaxing check-in and leisure time in a central boutique hotel
  • •Twilight walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, your private French-speaking guide and chauffeur welcome you and transfer you to your boutique hotel in the city center. Settle in and enjoy time to rest.

In the late afternoon, embark on a peaceful twilight stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, crossing the scarlet bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a walk through the bustling trade guild streets of the Old Quarter.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. Meals at leisure.

Highlights

  • •In-depth guided tour of the prestigious Temple of Literature and courtyards
  • •Ba Dinh historical complex and traditional stilt house
  • •Cultural discovery at the Museum of Ethnology and evening water puppet show

Immerse yourself in Hanoi's cultural and spiritual heritage. Begin with a guided tour of the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's ancient royal university founded in 1070 with its peaceful courtyards and doctoral turtle steles.

Next, visit Ba Dinh Square and the historic Presidential Palace grounds. In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the dwellings of the country's 54 ethnic groups. Conclude the day with a traditional performance of water puppetry accompanied by live folk music.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. Breakfast included.

Highlights

  • •Boarding an elegant traditional wooden junk for an unforgettable cruise
  • •Contemplative sailing among thousands of limestone karsts
  • •Exploration of Thien Canh Son Cave, sea kayaking, and seafood dinner

Depart in the morning through the fertile delta plains toward the Gulf of Tonkin. At the pier, step aboard an elegant traditional wooden junk in Halong Bay, welcomed warmly by the crew with a refreshing beverage.

Sail among thousands of dramatic limestone karsts while savoring a gourmet seafood lunch. In the afternoon, explore Thien Canh Son Cave, paddle tandem kayaks in quiet lagoons, and watch the sunset from the upper sundeck before a candlelit dinner under the stars.

Overnight aboard the junk in Halong Bay. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Highlights

  • •Rejuvenating sunrise Tai Chi session on the junk sundeck
  • •Rowing boat visit to Vung Vieng floating fishing village
  • •Direct domestic flight to Hue and evening arrival in the imperial capital

Greet dawn with a gentle Tai Chi session on the open deck as the sun rises over the limestone pinnacles. Visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng on local bamboo rowboats before enjoying brunch on board while cruising back to port.

Disembark around midday and transfer directly to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport for your short domestic flight to Hue. Settle into your charming hotel and enjoy an evening in the imperial city.

Domestic flight: approx. 1h15. Overnight at hotel in Hue. Breakfast and brunch included.

Highlights

  • •Guided tour of the grand Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
  • •Harmonious royal tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Minh Mang
  • •Contemplating Thien Mu Pagoda perched over the Perfume River

A full day dedicated to the splendors of the Nguyen dynasty. Enter the monumental gates of the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, exploring palatial halls and courtyards.

In the afternoon, visit the harmonious forest-fringed Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the landscaped tomb of Minh Mang. Conclude with a visit to the iconic octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.

Full-day heritage tour. Overnight at hotel in Hue. Breakfast included.

Highlights

  • •Panoramic mountain pass crossing of Hai Van Pass over the sea
  • •Walking tour of Hoi An's centuries-old architectural heritage
  • •Magical evening atmosphere with silk lanterns illuminating the canals

Depart Hue in the morning heading south along the coastline via the celebrated Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds), looking down onto the sweeping arc of Da Nang Bay.

Arrive in the UNESCO-listed ancient port town of Hoi An. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the pedestrian streets, the 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, and Chinese assembly halls, followed by a magical evening under hundreds of silk lanterns.

Travel distance: approx. 130 km (3.5 hours). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An. Breakfast included.

Highlights

  • •Bucolic bicycle ride to the organic herb village of Tra Que
  • •Warm encounters with local farmers cultivating fragrant herbs
  • •Free afternoon to enjoy An Bang Beach or wander the ancient town

Take a delightful morning bicycle ride along shaded country lanes to the organic market gardening village of Tra Que. Meet local farmers, discover aromatic herbs, and enjoy a warm cultural exchange.

The afternoon is free to relax on the fine sands of An Bang Beach, lounge by the hotel swimming pool, or explore Hoi An's bespoke tailor workshops and art galleries.

Cycling excursion and afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An. Breakfast included.

Highlights

  • •Direct domestic flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
  • •Guided tour of iconic French colonial architectural landmarks
  • •Vibrant stroll through the bustling stalls of Ben Thanh Market

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your scheduled morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (historic Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your private southern guide and transfer to your downtown hotel.

In the afternoon, tour colonial architectural masterpieces: the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace. Conclude with a lively stroll through the colorful stalls of Ben Thanh Market.

Domestic flight: approx. 1h20. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Breakfast included.

Highlights

  • •Private boat cruise on the majestic branches of the Mekong in Ben Tre
  • •Discovery of coconut candy artisans and hand-rowed sampan in secret arroyos
  • •Final gourmet evening in the heart of the vibrant southern metropolis

Depart in the morning for the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Arrive in Ben Tre, the capital of coconut groves, and board a private wooden riverboat along broad river channels.

Visit family workshops making coconut candy, take an easy bike ride along village pathways, and glide silently down narrow arroyos on a hand-rowed wooden sampan. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon for a final celebratory dinner.

Travel distance: approx. 90 km each way (2 hours). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Breakfast and lunch included.

Highlights

  • •Free morning for final sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Saigon
  • •Comfortable private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • •Serene conclusion of an essential 10-day journey from North to South

Enjoy your final free morning to stroll along prestigious Dong Khoi Street, sample an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee on a shaded terrace, or make last-minute souvenir purchases.

At the appointed hour, your private driver transfers you comfortably to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight, concluding an extraordinary 10-day crossing of Vietnam from North to South.

Breakfast included. Private airport transfer.

Travel Log

Selected moments to experience the landscapes, encounters, and rhythm of this itinerary.

Hang BUI
Lotus Icon

Hang BUIco-fondatrice & créatrice de voyages

Originaire de Nam Dinh, berceau de traditions au cœur du delta du fleuve Rouge, j’ai grandi avec un amour viscéral pour le Vietnam : pour la poésie de ses paysages — des pitons karstiques du Nord aux méandres fertiles du Mékong —, mais surtout pour l’infinie bonté, le sourire et la résilience de son peuple.

Favorite picks:
  • Partager un thé aux fleurs de lotus au lever du jour à Hanoï
  • Naviguer en jonque traditionnelle dans les dédales secrets de Lan Hạ
  • Contempler les rizières en terrasses sculptées de Hoàng Su Phì
  • S'attarder au crépuscule sur les ponts illuminés de lanternes à Hội An

Du souffle majestueux des pitons calcaires du Tonkin à la douceur nonchalante des arroyos du Mékong, le Vietnam est une terre de contrastes poétiques. Mon bonheur est de vous ouvrir les portes de nos adresses confidentielles et de dessiner pour vous un itinéraire fluide, vivant et profondément humain.

Designing together

Your tailor-made journey

A simple and transparent process to design your dream journey together, step by step.

1

Step 1:
Fill out the form

By clicking "Request a quote", you will access a detailed form. Provide us with all the necessary details to design a tailor-made itinerary.

2

Step 2:
Receive the itinerary

Upon receiving your request, your local expert will carefully study your wishes and suggest an itinerary tailored to your preferences.

3

Step 3:
Refine it together

Even with an established program, you can make adjustments. Your travel designer will always be on hand to offer relevant advice.

4

Step 4:
Travel with peace of mind

Your advisor accompanies you from preparation until the end of your trip on site. They will remain fully available to assist you whenever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most common questions

Find answers to common questions about this tour here.

It is the quintessential benchmark itinerary for first-time visitors. In ten days, it captures the essence of Vietnam's three historical regions (North, Center, South) with a smooth rhythm enabled by direct domestic flights and dedicated private French-speaking guides throughout.

Your project

Free customized quote

Request a quote by filling out this form and sharing your wishes. We will tailor this tour to your measurements.

Tour name: *Essential Vietnam from North to South — 10 Days
Adults *
2
Children ((-12 yrs))
0

Continue the inspiration

Similar Inspirations

Héritage de l'UNESCO : Merveilles du Vietnam
10 days / 9 nights
Vietnam 10-Day Tours

UNESCO World Heritage Wonders of Vietnam — 10 Days

Designed as a vibrant tribute to Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage treasures, this ten-day private journey brings together the most illustrious natural and architectural masterpieces of the North and Center. From the karst spectacles rising among the rice paddies of Trang An to the emerald-bathed limestone pillars of Halong Bay, the journey begins by celebrating the extraordinary symbiosis between geology and ancient history.

The voyage then opens the doors to the imperial and spiritual heart of Central Vietnam: the majestic Imperial City of Hue, the poetic lantern-lit merchant port of Hoi An, and the thousand-year-old red-brick temple sanctuaries of My Son, sacred remnants of the Champa Kingdom. With an unhurried pace, optimized domestic flight connections, and handpicked 4-star boutique hotels, this cultural odyssey is ideally suited for lovers of art, history, and legendary landscapes.

Du Nord au Centre : Patrimoine et Plages de Nha Trang
10 days / 9 nights
Vietnam 10-Day Tours

Heritage & Beaches of Nha Trang — 10 Days

A dream combination of major cultural discoveries and seaside bliss over ten days, this tailor-made journey invites you to explore the finest historical jewels of Northern and Central Vietnam before savoring a sun-drenched coastal retreat on the turquoise waters of Nha Trang. From the Confucian lore of Hanoi to the karst magic of Halong Bay, the journey begins amidst the thousand-year-old wonders of Tonkin.

After crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass to experience the imperial majesty of Hue and the romantic poetry of Hoi An, a short flight transports you to the golden sands of Nha Trang Bay, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful coastal bays. Between relaxing beside the East Sea, coral reef snorkeling cruises, and soothing thermal mud baths, this itinerary strikes a flawless balance for travelers seeking culture and rejuvenation.

Les Essentiels du Centre et Sud en famille - 12 Jours
12 days / 11 nights
Vietnam Family Tours

Essential Central & Southern Vietnam for Families — 12 Days

This 12-day journey was tailored for families eager to explore Vietnam's sunniest and warmest treasures, bridging the dynamic pulse of the South with the historic poetry and coastal charms of the Center. From the storied streets of Saigon to the emerald waterways of the Mekong Delta, travelers of all ages enter an enchanting aquatic world dotted with tropical orchards, artisan workshops, and bustling floating markets.

The journey then takes flight toward the imperial grace of Hue and its craft villages, before crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass to reach the lantern-lit ancient port of Hoi An. Between easy cycling beneath coconut palms, bamboo basket boat adventures, family cooking sessions, and pure seaside relaxation on the sands of An Bang, this private itinerary guarantees smooth pacing and thoughtful comfort designed for children.

Immersion authentique au Vietnam en famille
16 days / 15 nights
Vietnam Family Tours

Authentic Vietnam Family Immersion — 16 Days

This exceptional 16-day journey invites parents and children into a warm and authentic immersion across Vietnam's finest treasures. From the vibrant lanes of Hanoi to the awe-inspiring terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, and the traditional ethnic minority villages of Nghia Lo and Bac Ha, each stage opens a window onto living customs and breathtaking landscapes.

The adventure continues with the limestone fairy tale of Ninh Binh and a magical overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk in Bai Tu Long Bay, before flying to the imperial grace of Hue and the gentle coastal charm of Hoi An. Designed with a thoughtful balance of gentle walks, engaging craft workshops, convivial homestays, and beachfront relaxation, this itinerary guarantees family comfort and total peace of mind.

Le Nord et le Centre en famille : de la baie d'Halong à Hoi An
14 days / 13 nights
Vietnam Family Tours

North & Central Vietnam for Families — 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary was crafted as an enchanting journey for families eager to explore Vietnam at a rhythm that suits both children and parents. From the warm vitality of Hanoi's ancient streets to the majestic karst towers of Halong Bay, through the invigorating mountains of the North and the golden beaches of Hoi An, every day weaves together cultural discovery, scenic nature, and joyful shared relaxation.

The stages alternate smoothly between gentle walks or bike rides, traditional rowing boat excursions through emerald waterways, an exciting overnight sleeper train adventure, an intimate wooden junk cruise, and a restful seaside stay. An exceptional trip where caring hospitality meets the legendary warmth of the Vietnamese people to create unforgettable family memories.

Le grand tour du Vietnam en famille : 18 jours de découvertes
18 days / 17 nights
Vietnam Family Tours

Grand Vietnam Family Tour — 18 Days

This grand 18-day family odyssey weaves a masterful tapestry of Vietnam, specially orchestrated to offer families a comprehensive, vibrant, and serene journey across the country's three iconic regions. From the historic alleys of Hanoi to the awe-inspiring terraced rice paddies of Bac Ha and Sapa, the dramatic karst karsts of Ninh Binh, and the maritime wonder of Halong Bay, every single day sparks wonder for both young and old.

The journey unfolds through imperial Hue, the magical lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, and the tropical waterways of the Mekong Delta, before concluding with three relaxing beach days along the golden shores and sculpted sand dunes of Mui Ne. Balancing warm village homestays, a traditional wooden junk cruise, easy bicycle rides, and seaside leisure, this journey seamlessly blends cultural adventures with rejuvenating family moments.

Du Sud au Nord : De l'Ancienne Saigon à Hanoï
12 days / 11 nights
Vietnam 10-Day Tours

From South to North: Historic Saigon to Hanoi — 12 Days

Offering a captivating northward journey through Vietnam in twelve days, this exclusive itinerary invites you on a gradual immersion from the vibrant energy of the southern metropolis to the millenary serenity of the northern capital. Your voyage begins along the tropical canals of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre and the colonial heritage of Ho Chi Minh City, before reaching the historical treasures of Central Vietnam in Hoi An and Hue.

The journey reaches its crowning glory within the breathtaking natural sanctuaries of the North: the sculpted terraced rice fields and ethnic stilt villages of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the limestone cathedrals of Ninh Binh, and a magical overnight cruise in Halong Bay. Enhanced by two scheduled domestic flights and hand-picked boutique accommodations, this grand crossing harmoniously blends sublime nature, heartwarming ethnic encounters, and landmark historic sites.

Panorama du Vietnam : Du Nord au Sud
12 days / 11 nights
Vietnam 10-Day Tours

Vietnam Panorama: North to South — 12 Days

A true panoramic masterpiece in twelve days, this exceptional journey embraces the entirety of Vietnam's grand landscapes and historical treasures, from the poetic mists of the Gulf of Tonkin to the aquatic maze of the Mekong Delta. The journey begins with the millenary elegance of Hanoi, the dramatic rock cathedrals of Ninh Binh, and an unforgettable night sailing the emerald waters of Halong Bay aboard a traditional carved wooden junk.

The route then travels through the imperial Center, exploring the majestic Forbidden Purple City of Hue and the lantern-lit evening charm of Hoi An, before arriving in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. The adventure concludes with an in-depth two-day river immersion in the Mekong Delta, navigating the shaded arroyos of Ben Tre and witnessing the bustling morning commerce of the grand Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. Two scheduled domestic flights ensure optimal comfort and pacing for an unforgettable, richly layered travel experience.

Price on request