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

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.
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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