Vietnam from North to South

Duration 15 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Floating fishing village near Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Explore the best of Vietnam on this active luxury adventure packed with plenty of history, culture, cuisine and incredible scenery on the way. Begin in the capital, Hanoi, where you’ll be driven around the highlights in a vintage Jeep, before heading south. Your journey includes highlights such as the iconic landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, the sublime cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Hoi An’s charming Old Town, before your final stop in Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon.

Trip highlights

  • Savour delicious street food and local delicacies in Hanoi
  • Soak up lush mountain and valley views in Mai Chau
  • Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang's impressive cave systems
  • Marvel at the grandeur of Hue's imperial past
  • Discover Hoi An's cultural melting pot
  • Immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh's history on a sidecar tour

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
  • Days 1–3 Hanoi
  • Days 3–4 Lan Ha Bay
  • Days 4–5 Hanoi
  • Days 5–7 Mai Chau
  • Days 7–9 Dong Hoi
  • Days 9–10 Hue
  • Days 10–12 Hoi An
  • Days 12–15 Ho Chi Minh
Vietnam from North to South
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Hanoi
  • Days 3–4 Lan Ha Bay
  • Days 4–5 Hanoi
  • Days 5–7 Mai Chau
  • Days 7–9 Dong Hoi
  • Days 9–10 Hue
  • Days 10–12 Hoi An
  • Days 12–15 Ho Chi Minh

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Two nights in Hanoi

Hanoi is a whirlwind of colours, smells and sounds and a wonderful place to get a real flavour of life in Vietnam.

Its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions are all enthralling. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners. The hustle and bustle of Hanoi is contagious, and it is also one of the best places to sample the mouth watering array of street food that Vietnam is famous for.

Make it mine

Jeep Tour

Cycling Tour

Hanoi city by vintage Jeep

Explore Hanoi’s yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes by vintage Jeep, taking in landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Finish the tour with a glimpse into eclectic Hanoi street life at the famed Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’.

Duong Lam village cycling tour

Head to Duong Lam in the northern Red River Delta, and the first village in Vietnam to be recognised by UNESCO for its efforts in preserving local heritage and culture. A 5km (3 mile) bicycle tour along Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways will show you rural life and ancient Vietnamese architecture dating back 400 years, before enjoying a home-hosted lunch. Further stops include the 15th century Mia Pagoda and other temples.

Days 3–4

A flying visit to Lan Ha Bay

A less touristed neighbour of the iconic Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay’s 300-odd karst islands and limestone outcrops are strikingly beautiful. The picturesque waters are home to hundreds of species of fish, as well as larger marine animals such as seals and dolphins.

Days 4–5

Head back to Hanoi

Spend another night in Hanoi for another chance to explore its eclectic streets and mouth watering street food scene.

Street food tour

Street food is an important part of Vietnamese culture and embraced by all. Your street food tour will begin with an introduction to local ingredients at a local food market with a chef. With some background knowledge it’s time to hit the streets and start your food adventure. Explore small alleys and bustling streets and savour some of Hanoi’s specialties which will be recommended and explained by your gastronome.

Days 5–7

Two nights in Mai Chau

Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is packed with glorious views of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscapes and authentic stilt houses. It’s the ideal place to experience authentic rural communities and cultures, either on walks or bike rides around the countryside. There’ll be chances to sample home cooked food, visit local markets, or simply explore the village on foot.

Cycle through Mai Chau

Explore Mai Chau’s beautiful landscapes by bike, cycling past impossibly green rice paddies and local villages, where you can discover local traditions and soak up the scenery.

Days 7–9

Two nights in Dong Hoi

Your next stop is Dong Hoi. While not yet a major tourist attraction, this coastal city’s white sand beaches, engaging markets and proximity to Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park and cave systems make it an enjoyable stop on your journey.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Tour

Drive from Dong Hoi to Paradise Cave. At 31km long, it’s the largest, and possibly the most beautiful cave in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang area, surrounded by forested karst peaks, and featuring cathedral-like spaces with colossal stalagmites and glimmering stalactites. You’ll also explore the uniquely blue waters of Mooc Spring by kayak, and navigate the Dark Cave.

Days 9–10

One day in Hue

Enjoy an evening at leisure in the imperial city of Hue. The river and the bridge light up at night and the old town has some charming streets to wander, as well as some great restaurants.

Make it mine

Tour of Hue

Hue to Hoi An

Afternoon tour of Hue

One serving as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, Hue retains its royal charm with splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the Imperial Citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your private guide will explain the events and intrigue of the former royal court, as well as the fierce battles which took place here, on a tour of the magnificent architecture and gardens.

Hue to Hoi An by motorbike

Meet up with your local driver and embark on an incredible ride from Hue to Hoi An, stopping enroute Sampan village, where villagers live on boats in the biggest lagoon of Southeast Asia. Amongst the incredible views of the Hai Van Pass, you’ll also stop at Elephant Springs for a relaxing swim, and Marble Mountain to see stone sculptures.

Days 10–12

Soak up the culture in Hoi An

Once an important port and trading town, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s greatest cultural relics and a melting pot of Chinese, Japanese and French influences. Visit the atmospheric Old Town to see the famed Japanese bridge, the Chinese temples, old tea warehouses and traditional pagodas. Motorised traffic is banned from the town centre which has cemented Hoi An’s status as one of Vietnam’s most prized and pleasant towns. It’s especially romantic in the evening when lanterns light up the paved streets.

Make it mine

Countryside cycling

Buffalo cart tour

Hoi An countryside cycling tour

After a short boat trip across the river from Hoi An, you’ll begin cycling along quiet inland trails. Along the way, learn how wooden river boats are made, as well as the art of weaving the colourful straw “Hoi An” sleeping mats. You’ll also have the option to stop at Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe traditional farming techniques in the organic fields, and even help out yourself if you wish.

Hoi An buffalo cart and fishing tour

Discover the Hoi An countryside with a fun buffalo cart ride, passing rice paddies and vegetable farms at Cam Thanh village along the way. Upon arrival at the wharf, board a local river boat and cruise down Hoi An River before trying your hand at casting the Vietnamese fishing nets. It takes practice, but the fisherman will offer their years of experience and advice.

Days 12–15

Three days exploring Ho Chi Minh City

A booming economy has given Ho Chi Minh city (often still referred to as Saigon) a new energy and lease of life. Socially the city is flourishing with a sophisticated café culture, an exciting dining scene and burgeoning interest in eclectic art.

Make it mine

Street food tour

Sidecar tour

Cu Chi cycling

Evening Vespa street food tour

Get ready for a fascinating ride, as a passenger to your drive guide, by vintage Vespa to discover busy Saigon after dark, together with delightful food tasting in the most authentic local restaurants. Experience Southern Vietnam specialities before continuing to zig-zag through the hustle and bustle of the streets, ending your night at a cosy speakeasy bar to taste some signature cocktails (or mocktails).

Ho Chi Minh City tour by sidecar

Enjoy a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks from the unique vantage point of a vintage sidecar motorbike with chauffeur. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed from materials imported from France, before heading to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive takes you to the former Presidential Palace, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum.

Cu Chi cycling

The Cu Chi landscape is famous for its clay-like soil, rubber plantations and rice paddies, as well as the production of rice paper, which forms the base of many Vietnamese dishes. Visit the ingenious Cu Chi tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots during combat, as well as living quarters, and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline