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From Halong Bay to Phu Quoc – A 13-Day Relaxation Journey

Vietnam
13 days
Beach extension
Classic

Overview

Practical Info.

Photos

Itinerary

FAQ

Destinations

Overview

Here is an itinerary that will please everyone!

You will explore the must-see sites (Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta) as you travel down the country from North to South, and finish your journey with a relaxing stay on Phu Quoc Island. You will have time to discover this large island and try out various activities: swimming and sunbathing on one of its many beaches, scuba diving, or hiking in the Natural Park located in the north of the island.

An ideal trip for those who want to combine cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation.

Practical Information

Duration
13 days
Start / End
Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City
Guide Languge
English
Regions Visited
Northern – Central – Southern Vietnam
Best Time To Go
December to June
Ideal For
Couples / Friends / Families /Seniors
Difficulty Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Junk Boat

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi (L)

Arrival in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam. After completing visa formalities, you will be welcomed by your local French-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center (room available from 2:00 PM). The schedule will be adjusted according to your arrival time.

Start your first visits of the city center and soak in the charm of the millennial capital (1010–2010):

  • Ly Thai To Square, to discover the thousand-year history of Vietnam’s capital.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) with the Temple of the Jade Mountain, Turtle Islet – the heart of Hanoi.

  • The Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets: enjoy a walking tour and a cyclo ride through traditional craft streets named after the goods once produced and sold there: Silk Street, Cotton Street, Iron Street, Sugar Street, Herbal Medicine Street… Stop at Ma May Street to visit an ancient “Tube House”, a distinctive feature of Hanoi’s traditional architecture.

  • Relax with a massage session at a local spa.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car with driver, entrance fees, lunch, overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Hanoi - cultural tour (B, L)

A day dedicated to discovering Hanoi’s most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

  • The Temple of Literature, a symbol of education and one of Hanoi’s iconic landmarks.

  • Ba Dinh Square, home to the former Governor’s Palace of Indochina, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his stilt house.

  • Colonial heritage with French architecture, including the Grand Theater, the Metropole Hotel, the State Bank, the former Indochina University, and the historic Paul Doumer Bridge.

  • The Museum of Ethnology, featuring a collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary objects showcasing the history of local ethnic groups.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique feature of Vietnamese culture and recognized as part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car with driver, entrance fees, lunch, overnight at the hotel.

Day 3
Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Terrestrial Halong Bay) (B, L, D)

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone rocks, sugarloaf-shaped karsts, and rice paddies flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Visit Mount Mua, where a staircase of 486 stone steps leads to the top. This bell-shaped mountain offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Next, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and a relaxing exploration of this fabulous region. You will ride through villages and karst formations, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in this rural area.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This winding river flows between rice fields and karst peaks, passing under three caves at the foot of the limestone cliffs. Your boat will glide gently over the water, rowed by local women, taking you through magical landscapes.

Then, visit Hoa Lu – the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam (960–1009), and explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, nestled at the foot of a valley surrounded by rice fields and karst formations. Learn about Vietnam’s long history, particularly the centuries-old conflict with Chinese troops (Kings Dinh and Le being the first victors and unifiers of the country).

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Included for the day: Lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and driver rental, entrance tickets, lunch, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4
Ninh Binh - Cat Ba island - Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

You will leave by car with your guide at around 7:00 a.m., heading towards Cat Ba Island. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach the ferry terminal. The ferry will take you to the island. You will then cross the island by motorbike (our local partners will drive you) to reach Ben Beo pier at the southern tip of the island.

Lunch and cruise on our traditional junk boat (Quatre Saisons or Majonq). In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking and swimming. Dinner and overnight on board.

Included for the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and junk boat rental, entrance tickets to Lan Ha Bay, overnight on board.

Day 5
Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B, L)

We recommend waking up early to enjoy the sunrise from the boat’s upper deck! After breakfast, you will have two options: a bike ride to Viet Hai village or a boat trip with swimming in a sheltered cove in Lan Ha Bay. You will return to Cat Ba Island around noon, where your car will be waiting for you. Expected arrival back in Hanoi is around 4:30 p.m.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue: meet with our driver and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and boat rental, bike rental, Hanoi-Hue flight, reception and transfer to the hotel in Hue.

Day 6
Hue - city tour (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will set out with your guide to explore the city. On the program:

  • The Imperial City, the residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen emperors for 143 years.

  • The mausoleum of Minh Mang – the Emperor famous for having fathered 142 children with 43 concubines.

  • Phu Mong village with its garden houses – an integral part of Hue’s imperial identity.

  • Thien Mu Pagoda, the most beautiful and most visited pagoda in Hue, or the very tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty’s eunuchs can be found. Depending on the time, you may have the opportunity to witness the monks’ prayer session.

In the evening, enjoy a royal dinner on board a dragon boat on the Perfume River. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car rental, entrance tickets, dinner, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7
Hoi An (B)

Day entirely free for an independent exploration of the old town of Hoi An.

You will have the opportunity to shop in the old quarter (lacquerware, handicrafts, etc.) and even have custom-made clothes at silk tailor shops.
You can also enjoy a bike ride to the surrounding countryside, where you will find several traditional villages (vegetable farming, pottery, carpentry, etc.).
For relaxation, you may head to the beautiful beaches of the East Sea (Cua Dai, An Bang, etc.) located near Hoi An (weather permitting).

Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8
Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the southern capital (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour in the city center, “Colonial Saigon”:

  • Ben Thanh Market – the symbol of the city.

  • Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (built from designs by Gustave Eiffel).

  • The People’s Committee Hall of Ho Chi Minh City – the former Central Town Hall, the most beautiful colonial building in the city.

Lunch featuring local specialties. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car rental, entrance tickets, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9
Visit to the Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

Departure by road to the Mekong Delta – a semi-terrestrial, semi-aquatic world at the extreme south of the country. Arrival in Cai Be, a small town located on the northern branch of the Mekong. Board a private sampan for a magnificent cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Visit the Cai Be floating market, which remains authentic and less touristy. Discover the very original “river trade” of the inhabitants of the Mekong region. Continue the boat trip upstream on the Mekong, an opportunity to observe life along both banks: brick making, rice drying, fishing…

Arrive in Sa Dec, a little-known town in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where the famous French writer Marguerite Duras spent much of her childhood. Visit the “Chinese House” described in Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover, the Caodai temple, pagodas, etc. Lunch and overnight on board.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car rental, entrance tickets, dinner, overnight on board.

Day 10
Can Tho - Phu Quoc by boat (B, L)

Early morning arrival in Can Tho, visit the Cai Rang floating market, a colorful spectacle with numerous boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of goods for trade. Lunch, then transfer to Phu Quoc Island by speedboat from the city of Rach Gia (departure at 1:45 PM, arrival on the island at 4:00 PM). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the driver on Phu Quoc Island and transferred to your hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, car rental, entrance tickets, ferry to Phu Quoc Island, reception and transfer to the hotel, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11
Phu Quoc – Free time (B)

Free day on Phu Quoc Island

Included in the day: Breakfast, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12
Phu Quoc - Free time (B)

Free day on Phu Quoc Island

Included in the day: Breakfast, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13
Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh city - Departure (B)

You will take a flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the airport. End of our services.

Included in the day: Breakfast, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City flight, greeting and transfer.

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FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

Destinations Visited on this Tour

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Customer Reviews

Christelle – Vietnam tour
“An effective agency and more … We discovered Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min through Hue and Hoi An thanks to the excellent services. To choose the tour I had excellent exchanges with the agency throughout the preparation of the trip so that it fits what we wanted. We had three different guides. All friendly and speaking English very well. The drivers were professional (and you have to be to get around Vietnam),very attentive and punctual.”
Arthur – Four Season Cruise Tour
“The agency took great care of us, answering all our questions and showing real flexibility. We went on a cruise in Lan Ha Bay aboard the Quatre Saisons junk. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the scenery absolutely stunning. We didn’t come across many other boats along our route, which made the experience even more special. The activities were well organized and done in small groups, which we really appreciated.”
Gregorio – cruise tour
“Such a great experience! They organised a transfer from our homestay in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, directly to Cat Ba. We did the Lan Ha Bay cruise, spending 2 days and 1 night around. This bay is beautiful and quiet, indeed we didn’t meet too many boats so we appreciated the panorama 100%. Our boat was beautiful and we shared the cruise with another couple, so it is the best choice if you are looking for a peaceful experience”

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