13 Days Vietnam South to North Discovery Tour

Route: Ho Chi Minh City โ†’ Hoi An โ†’ Hue โ†’ Hanoi โ†’ Halong Bay โ†’ Sapa | Duration: 13 Days | From $1,350/person

Tour Overview

A complete Vietnam traverse from the Mekong Delta to the misty mountains of Sapa. This 13-day journey takes you from the bustling streets of Saigon through ancient Hoi An, imperial Hue, elegant Hanoi, the limestone wonder of Halong Bay, and finally the terraced rice fields of Sapa. Experience Vietnam\’s full diversity โ€” south to north.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City โ€” Airport pickup, hotel check-in. Evening cyclo ride to Ben Thanh Market & welcome dinner with Saigon street food tour.
Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City โ€” Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels half-day excursion. Afternoon: War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office.
Day 3 Mekong Delta โ€” Full-day excursion: Cai Be floating market, coconut candy workshop, sampan ride through canals, tropical fruit orchard visit with local lunch.
Day 4 HCMC โ†’ Hoi An โ€” Morning flight to Danang. Transfer to Hoi An. Afternoon: Ancient Town walking tour โ€” Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall.
Day 5 Hoi An โ€” Morning: Cam Thanh coconut village & basket boat ride. Afternoon: Vietnamese cooking class & tailor fitting. Evening: lantern-lit Thu Bon River boat ride.
Day 6 Hoi An โ†’ Hue โ€” Scenic drive over Hai Van Pass (Top Gear route). Afternoon: Imperial Citadel, Forbidden Purple City. Evening: Perfume River dragon boat cruise.
Day 7 Hue โ†’ Hanoi โ€” Morning: Thien Mu Pagoda, royal tomb of Tu Duc. Afternoon flight to Hanoi. Evening: Old Quarter walking tour & Train Street.
Day 8 Hanoi โ€” Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature. Afternoon: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, water puppet show.
Day 9 Hanoi โ†’ Halong Bay โ€” Drive to Halong Bay (2.5hrs). Board traditional junk boat. Lunch on deck through limestone karsts. Afternoon kayaking & swimming. Sunset from sundeck. Overnight on board.
Day 10 Halong Bay โ†’ Hanoi โ€” Sunrise tai chi on deck. Visit Sung Sot Cave. Brunch while cruising back. Return to Hanoi. Free evening in Old Quarter.
Day 11 Hanoi โ†’ Sapa โ€” Morning limousine van to Sapa (5-6hrs through mountain scenery). Check in. Afternoon: Cat Cat Village trek โ€” Hmong ethnic minority, waterfalls, rice terraces.
Day 12 Sapa โ€” Morning: Fansipan cable car โ€” highest peak in Indochina (3,143m). Afternoon: Lao Chai & Ta Van villages trek through Muong Hoa Valley. Evening: local herbal bath.
Day 13 Sapa โ†’ Hanoi Departure โ€” Morning return to Hanoi. Airport transfer. Tour ends with unforgettable memories of Vietnam.

Why This Tour

  • Complete Vietnam traverse โ€” from Mekong Delta to Fansipan peak, experience every climate zone and culture
  • Overnight Halong Bay cruise โ€” traditional junk boat with kayaking, cave exploration, and sunset on deck
  • Hoi An at its best โ€” lantern-lit streets, cooking class, tailor experience, basket boat adventure
  • Sapa trekking โ€” Muong Hoa Valley rice terraces, Hmong & Dao ethnic villages, Indochina\’s highest peak
  • Small group (max 14) with expert local guides who grew up in these regions

What\’s Included

  • All accommodation (boutique hotels, twin-sharing)
  • Overnight Halong Bay cruise (en-suite cabin)
  • English-speaking Vietnamese guide
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • 2 domestic flights (HCMCโ†’Danang, Hueโ†’Hanoi)
  • Sapa limousine van round-trip
  • All entrance fees per itinerary
  • Daily breakfast + select meals
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance

What\’s Excluded

  • International flights
  • Vietnam visa (e-visa available online, $25, 90 days)
  • Single room supplement
  • Meals not specified
  • Tips ($5/day suggested)
  • Personal expenses & optional activities

Important: Best time: Oct-Apr (dry season in south, cool in north). Sapa can be cold Dec-Feb (bring warm layers). Halong Bay cruises may alter route in bad weather Dec-Feb. North-South climate varies significantly โ€” pack accordingly.

Pricing

From $1,350 USD per person. Includes 2 domestic flights and overnight Halong Bay cruise. Seasonal pricing may vary.

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