Essential Vietnam | 12 Days North to South | iFlyGo
Popular

Essential Vietnam

Vietnam · 12 Days / 11 Nights · From $893 AUD

Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Departure
Hanoi, Vietnam
Style
Group Tour (18-35s)
Accommodation
Hotels, Lodges, Overnight Trains

Overview

Journey through Vietnam from north to south, experiencing the country's heritage and culinary traditions. From old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Cruise Lan Ha Bay, cycle through ancient temples, cook with local chefs and ride overnight trains through the countryside.

Trip Highlights

Cruise & kayak Lan Ha Bay's limestone islands
Cycle through Ninh Binh's ancient citadel & temples
Home-cooked dinner with a local family in Hue
Walking tour of Hoi An's historic old town
Garden-to-table cooking in Tra Que village
Two overnight train journeys
Street food & coffee experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
Explore coastal Quy Nhon off the beaten track

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Welcome meeting at 6pm. Free time to explore Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel

Free day to explore Hanoi. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Accommodation: Hotel

Bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island (3.5hrs). Cruise Lan Ha Bay with seafood lunch on board. Kayaking through limestone karsts and sunset viewing.

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

Ferry to mainland. Guided cycling tour of ancient citadel. Visit 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le.

Accommodation: Lodge

Free day in Ninh Binh. Optional Mua Cave hike. Evening overnight train to Hue (13hrs).

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Morning arrival in Hue. Explore the former imperial capital — Citadel, Forbidden Purple Palace and Perfume River. Home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Bus to Hoi An (3hrs). Walking tour of historic old town — trader's house, Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly hall.

Accommodation: Hotel

Bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Garden-to-table cooking with a local chef. Free afternoon for markets and tailors.

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

Travel to coastal Quy Nhon (5.5hrs). Free afternoon and evening to explore.

Accommodation: Hotel

Free day in Quy Nhon. Evening overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City (12.5hrs).

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Morning arrival. Visit a local market, street food exploration. Local coffee experience (Saigon iced coffee).

Accommodation: Hotel

Trip ends. No activities planned.

What's Included

Included

  • 8 nights hotel, 1 night lodge, 2 nights overnight sleeper train
  • Private minibus, boat, ferry transfers
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Lan Ha Bay cruise & kayaking
  • Ninh Binh temples & cycling tour
  • Hue home-cooked dinner
  • Hoi An walking tour
  • Tra Que garden-to-table experience
  • Ho Chi Minh City market visit & coffee experience
  • English-speaking group leader

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Most meals (breakfast, most lunches/dinners)
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities and entrance fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Departure Dates

Regular departures, year-round.
This trip has regular departures throughout the year. Contact us to book your preferred dates.
From
$893 AUD
Per person
Duration12 Days / 11 Nights
DepartsRegular departures
StartHanoi, Vietnam
EndHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam
AccommodationHotels, Lodge, Overnight Trains
Meals2 lunches, 1 dinner included
GroupMax 16, ages 18-35
Book This Trip Enquire Now Or call 1800 242 373

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about this trip.

12 days, 11 nights — from Hanoi in the north all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The route covers Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Quy Nhon and Saigon.

No — iFlyGo Essential Vietnam is a land-only trip. You arrive in Hanoi and depart from Ho Chi Minh City. We can book your international flights separately at competitive rates.

Two nights of the trip are on Vietnam's overnight sleeper train — a fun, cultural way to cover long distances overnight while saving on a hotel. You'll be in 4-berth soft sleeper cabins, included in your trip price.

8 nights in 3-star tourist hotels (private rooms with ensuite, twin share or single supplement), 1 night in a homestay-style lodge, 2 overnight train nights. Clean, comfortable, social — designed for adventurous travellers, not luxury seekers.

Budget around $30–50 AUD per day on top of the trip price. Most lunches and dinners are at your own choice (street food is $2–5, sit-down meals $8–15), plus optional activities, drinks and souvenirs.

Ready to Book?

Your Essential Vietnam Adventure Awaits

12 days from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Lan Ha Bay, ancient temples, home-cooked dinners and overnight trains through the countryside. From just $893 AUD per person.

$893 AUD
per person · 12 days
Book Now