Vietnam in 12 Days: From the North to the South

The first destination on your 12-day North-to-South journey in Vietnam is Hanoi, the capital. Upon your arrival in this ancient city, which boasts a thousand years of history, an English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour will warmly welcome you at the airport. They will assist with your transfer to a centrally located hotel, and your day's itinerary will be tailored according to your arrival time. Begin your exploration of this historic city by visiting its key landmarks:

• King Ly Thai To Square: Plunge into the thousand-year history of the Vietnamese capital at this iconic square.

The first ruler of the Ly dynasty (1009–1225) of Vietnam, chose the site of Hanoi—then called Thang Long (“Soaring Dragon”)—for his capital.

• Lake of the Restored Sword: Discover the enchanting Lake of the Restored Sword, home to the Temple of Mount Jade and the Turtle Islet nestled in the heart of Hanoi.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Take a leisurely stroll among the Hanoi Old Quarter, prominent for its 36 corporation streets. Let’s meander through streets dedicated to various crafts, each named after the goods produced and sold there. And don't miss Ma May Street, where you can explore an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic example of traditional Hanoi architecture.

Afterward, enjoy some free time for relaxation.

Your overnight stay awaits at the hotel.

Your journey will commence with our tour guide personally collecting you from your hotel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a luxurious limousine or an adventurous motorbike for your city exploration.
Today's itinerary features visits to several illustrious attractions:

• Temple of Literature: This significant cultural and historical monument in Vietnam serves as a place of worship for students seeking blessings before exams.
• One Pillar Pagoda: An architectural and spiritual gem, widely recognized for its unique design, not only in Vietnam but also across Asia.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A mandatory stop where people come to pay their respects, express gratitude, and engross themselves in cultural and historical relics.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Located by Hanoi's West Lake, this ancient religious structure seamlessly blends majesty, heritage, and elegance in its architectural prowess.

After concluding the sightseeing, you will be served an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Subsequently, our guide will accompany you back to your hotel, ensuring an enriching experience.

Depart for Ninh Binh, known as the land of limestone karsts, stunning karst formations, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Afterward, arriving in Ninh Xuan, visit Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, offering a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Mua Cave in Ninh Binh is a tourist area in the core of Trang An scenic complex that you can try. Located at the foot of Mua Mountain with the shape of a large bell face upside down, it's about 800m2 wide. This tourist site belongs to Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. 

Next, transfer to Tam Coc, for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of the region.

Tam Cốc – Bích Động is a popular tourist destination in north Vietnam and part of the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in Ninh Binh province, near the village of Tam Cốc. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc, winding through rice paddies, and sugarloaf formations, and passing under the three caves at the base of the limestone peaks.
To call it a day, return to Hanoi and spend the night at your hotel while reminiscing about the scenic wonders you’ve experienced.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

An ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi.

In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.

Spend the night in Hue.

Set forth to enjoy a city tour of Hue, the esteemed last imperial capital of Vietnam (1802-1945). The Imperial City, serving as the residence and workplace of 13 generations of Nguyen Kings for 143 years, awaits your discovery.
Highlights of the day include:

• Visit the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the Emperor prominent for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• A journey to Phu Mong village, famous for its garden houses, integral to Hue's imperial heritage.
• Discover of the Thien Mu Pagoda, celebrated as the most beautiful and frequently visited pagoda in Hue, or experience the serenity of Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty are located. Depending on timing, you might witness a monks' prayer session.
• Explore of Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, where you have the chance to acquire local specialties like conical hats and tunic dresses.

Night at the hotel.

Venture off a scenic road journey to Hoi An, an enthralling ancient town situated 150km south of Hue. Along the way, several stops worth your attention are planned to enhance your travel experience: 

• Take in the serene, unfrequented stretches of coastline at Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, where extensive lagoons host various fish farms supporting the local community.
• Ascend the Hai Van Pass,  the highest pass in central Vietnam, situated strategically between Hue and Da Nang.

The Hải Vân Pass, is an approximately 21-kilometre long mountain pass on National Route 1 in Vietnam. It traverses a spur of the larger Annamite Range that juts into the 'East Sea', on the border of Đà Nẵng and Thừa Thiên–Huế Province, near Bạch Mã National Park.

• Visit small-scale melaleuca oil factories
• And encounter poetic roadside cemeteries known as 'Ghost Towns.' These cemeteries boast tombs resembling castles, adorned with diverse Asian architectural styles, creating a truly luxurious cityscape visible from a distance.

In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An, complete the check-in process at the hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Take a captivating walking tour through the Old Quarter to explore the must-see attractions of Hoi An, preeminent as 'Vietnam's most enchanting city':

• The Fujian Shrine, dedicated to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors.
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda, Hoi An's oldest pagoda, founded in 1454.
• The Japanese Bridge, a historic landmark built in 1593 that connects the Chinese and Japanese districts.
• Stroll through ancient streets, visit museums and explore centuries-old wooden houses. Take advantage of the opportunity to browse silk and lantern shops and workshops.
• Continue your adventure with a scenic bike ride into the Hoi An countryside, where idyllic rice fields, quaint hamlets, shrimp farms, and lush vegetable gardens await. Make a delightful stop at Cam Chau village, where you can visit a lantern factory and gain an understanding of the intricate lantern-making process, including bamboo basketry, dyeing, and paper crafting.

After your adventure, come back to Hoi An in the late afternoon then be at ease for the night at your hotel.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure for independent exploration of Hoi An's charming old town. You have various options:

• Explore the historic Old Quarter, wander through its narrow streets, and discover its unique charm. You can also indulge in shopping for local products like lacquerware, handicrafts, and more.

• Consider getting tailor-made clothing at one of the renowned silk shops in town. Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, and you can have custom garments created to your liking.

• Embark on a delightful bike ride into the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional villages specializing in various crafts such as vegetable farming, pottery, and carpentry.

• Weather permitting, unwind on the exquisite Eastern Sea beaches, including Cua Dai and An Bang, renowned as Vietnam's most beautiful. Bask in the sun and embrace the refreshing sea breeze for a truly revitalizing experience.

After a day of exploration and relaxation, return to your hotel for the night. 

After a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of the south (formerly Saigon), you'll begin your exploration of the city's center, often referred to as "colonial Saigon." Here are the details:

• Visit Ben Thanh Market, an iconic symbol of the city.

• Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both architectural gems designed according to the plans of Gustave Eiffel.

• Discover the Headquarters of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, which was once the Central Town Hall and stands as one of the city's most beautiful colonial buildings.

• The Museum of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam, discovery of traditional Vietnamese medicine, more than 3000 years old.

Return to the surface and head back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Spend the night at your hotel.

Make your way to the Mekong Delta, a half-land, half-aquatic territory in the far south of the country.
Landing at Bentre, the large town located in the heart of the northern arms of the river. Then sweep along the rivers to reach Mo Cay, a small rural region with little tourism, well known for its coconut trade and the manufacturing of coconut products: coconut, coconut thread, activated coconut carbon, etc. 

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route, away from mass tourism, takes you along small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stop at farms to observe the manufacture of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continue with a trip in a small rowing boat through the arroyos surrounded by water palm trees, to saturate yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit Mr. Van's traditional house, tasting local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, tea with honey and pollen... and great encounters with the local population.

As the afternoon sun bathes the scenery, transfer to Vinh Long and arrive at the island of An Binh (“peace”) located in the middle of the Mekong. Settle at Mme Thuy’s, a peaceful guest house with a timeless beautiful garden. Free time to relax in a very calm and halcyon ambiance.

In the evening, engage in the preparation of the meal then have dinner with your creations.
Spend the night cocooned in the serenade at Madame Thuy’s.

Wake up early, greet the guests, and then transfer to Can Tho, known as the capital of the delta, situated on the right bank of the southern arm of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, embark on a boat journey along the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, which presents a vibrant spectacle with numerous boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and various other goods. Experience the unique 'river trade' practiced by the inhabitants of the Mekong region.

Afterward, disembark for a visit to the An Binh land market, located opposite Cai Rang, providing an intriguing comparison between the floating and land markets. Continue to Phong Dien, visit an orchard, and then enjoy a bicycle ride through small hamlets along the So Dua River. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City to conclude the "12 Days from North to South in Vietnam" tour.

Our tour guide from Kampá Tour will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.