Where Rivers Meet Cities: A Vietnam journey from Hanoi to the Mekong
An eight-day journey across Vietnam from north to south, linking Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City through road, water and air . Designed for travellers who value history and a balanced pace over lingering in one place.
Trip Overview
Description:
The Experience
Vietnam reveals itself gradually. Cities hum with layered histories, rivers move at their own pace, and landscapes shift quietly from limestone bays to fertile deltas. This journey is shaped around those transitions rather than around spectacle.
From Hanoi’s reflective lakes to nights on Ha Long Bay, from the lantern-lit calm of Hoi An to the intensity of Ho Chi Minh City, the route balances movement with pause. It allows time for contrast — north to south, water to land, past to present — without rushing the spaces in between.
Who This Trip Is For
This trip suits travellers who enjoy varied pacing and are comfortable with frequent transitions — road, boat, and short flights. It works well for those curious about Vietnam’s recent history, everyday life, and geography, rather than only its highlights.
It may not suit travellers looking for long stays in one place, beach-led itineraries, or minimal travel days.
Highlights
Day 1 | Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi, where your local guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is kept free to rest after the journey.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2 | Hanoi
The day explores Hanoi’s civic and historical core. Time is spent around Ba Dinh Square, where Vietnam’s modern identity was declared, followed by visits to the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the mausoleum (when open), Presidential Palace exterior, stilt house, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.
Later, the pace shifts in the Old Quarter — narrow streets shaped by centuries of trade — before pausing at Hoan Kiem Lake, a quiet counterpoint to the surrounding city. The evening closes with a traditional water puppetry performance, rooted in rural storytelling traditions.
Overnight: Hanoi
Note: On Mondays and Friday afternoons, some sites are viewed externally.
Day 3 | Hanoi → Ha Long Bay
After breakfast, depart Hanoi by shuttle bus toward Ha Long Bay, a seascape of limestone formations rising from calm water.
Board an overnight cruise and settle into the slower rhythm of the bay. Lunch is served on board, followed by optional afternoon activities such as a cooking demonstration, massage, or swimming. As evening falls, a set-menu dinner is enjoyed on board.
Overnight: Cruise, Ha Long Bay
Day 4 | Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An
The morning begins quietly with Tai Chi on deck, often accompanied by sunrise. The cruise continues past caves and karst formations, with time to explore Surprise Cave before brunch.
Disembark and return to Hanoi for a flight south to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer onward to Hoi An and check in.
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 5 | Ba Na Hills & Hoi An
A morning excursion leads into the hills above Da Nang via cable car to Ba Na Hills. At altitude, time is spent walking the Golden Bridge and exploring the surrounding parkland and built environments, before lunch and a relaxed return.
In the evening, walk through Hoi An’s historic streets, where former merchant houses now serve as cafés, galleries, and workshops. The Japanese Covered Bridge anchors the town’s layered architectural influences.
Overnight: Da Nang
Day 6 | Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
The morning is unstructured, allowing time at leisure. Later, transfer to Da Nang airport for a flight south to Ho Chi Minh City.
Arrival and hotel check-in are followed by a quiet evening.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7 | Mekong Delta
An early departure leads to My Tho in the Mekong Delta, where waterways replace roads as the main form of movement. Boat journeys pass through islands and canals, offering glimpses of daily river life.
Stops include local homes, coconut workshops, seasonal fruit tastings, and traditional music performances. A rowing boat ride through palm-lined creeks precedes lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the city.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8 | Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure
The morning visits the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the war. After an introductory film, time is spent exploring sections of the tunnels and surrounding landscape. Returning to the city, a short tour includes the Reunification Palace, Saigon Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Later, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward departure.
Inclusions
- One-night Ha Long Bay cruise with meals as specified
- All ground transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Domestic transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees to sites and attractions
- Boat trips as per programme
- Two bottles of water per person per day during sightseeing and transfers
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks
- Optional activities
Early check-in or late check-out
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Extend Your Stay
Add nights, add cities, slow the pace, linger longer.
Milestone Moments
Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, planned to your brief.
Private Experiences
Art, culture, cuisine, and special access, arranged for you.
Tailored Requests
Dietary needs, accessibility, preferences, and thoughtful touches.
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