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  • 14 Day North to South Vietnam Like a Local 4 Star

14 Day North to South Vietnam Like a Local 4 Star

Hanoi | 

Vietnam

Travel through Vietnam from north to south, experiencing vibrant cities, serene rivers, and village life through immersive cultural experiences and hands on local encounters.

Overview

The 14 Day North to South Vietnam Like a Local Private Tour offers a meaningful and authentic journey through the heart of Vietnam. Begin in Hanoi with a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter, followed by a thrilling motorbike ride to uncover hidden wartime sites and French colonial landmarks. Cruise among the limestone islands of Halong Bay on an overnight boat journey and take part in morning tai chi.

Fly south to Hue to enjoy a peaceful dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, take part in a cooking class in Thuy Bieu Village, and stroll beneath pomelo trees. Then journey along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, where you will meet local farmers in Cam Thanh Village and learn to ride a water buffalo before exploring the city’s famous street food. Continue south to the Mekong Delta for a stay on Tan Phong Island. Cook, garden and fish with local villagers, then return to the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City for a behind the scenes motorbike tour of backstreets and markets. This itinerary offers a deeper connection with Vietnam’s landscapes, culture and people. It is perfect for couples and adventurous travellers.

Inclusions
  • 13 nights of accommodation in handpicked 4 star hotels, cruise and ecolodge
  • Private airport and land transfers
  • Domestic flights from Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Mekong Delta homestay with cooking and fishing activities
  • Guided street food tours in Hanoi and Hoi An
  • Half day motorbike tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Overnight Halong Bay cruise with all meals
  • Daily breakfast plus 6 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Entrance fees and activities as listed in the itinerary
  • Local English speaking guides throughout
Highlights
  • Explore Hanoi’s hidden alleyways and wartime landmarks by motorbike
  • Cruise the peaceful waters of Halong Bay with kayaking and tai chi
  • Experience a herbal foot soak and traditional lunch in Hue’s eco village
  • Learn to cast nets, plough rice fields and cook with locals in Hoi An
  • Taste classic street food including Pho, Banh Mi and Bun Thang
  • Cycle through the orchards of Tan Phong Island in the Mekong Delta
  • Try your hand at traditional jackfruit leaf cake making
  • Ride pillion past hidden temples and flower markets in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Stay in a riverside homestay and help catch and cook your own dinner
  • Travel along the dramatic Hai Van Pass and see six iconic destinations
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Travellers arrive in Vietnam’s capital, a city rich with history and charm. A local guide and private driver will be waiting at Noi Bai Airport to provide a comfortable transfer to the hotel. Check in is from 2.00 pm but early check in can be arranged at an additional cost. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at leisure. Optional experiences include a traditional water puppet show or a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where tree lined boulevards and buzzing street life offer a warm introduction to northern Vietnam.

Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Hanoi Pearl Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi Motorbike Highlights Tour

This morning, guests embark on a thrilling half day motorbike tour with experienced drivers. The route includes iconic landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Long Bien Bridge. Travellers are taken through local markets, French colonial quarters and hidden alleys, including visits to the B52 crash site, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Huu Tiep Lake. Along the way, enjoy street side snacks and gain insights into Hanoi’s complex history. The tour concludes with lunch at a local eatery, and the afternoon is free for further exploration or rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi Pearl Hotel

Day 3: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

After breakfast, travellers depart by road to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a traditional junk boat and cruise into the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. A freshly prepared lunch is served as the boat navigates through dramatic limestone karsts. Afternoon activities may include kayaking, swimming or exploring a limestone cave depending on the cruise itinerary. Sunset is best enjoyed with a drink on the deck followed by a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and dinner onboard. Evening options include squid fishing or simply relaxing under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Peony Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi – Flight to Hue

The day begins with morning tai chi on deck and a light breakfast. A short excursion, such as a rowing boat ride or cave visit, may be included. Guests enjoy brunch as the cruise returns to port. From there, transfer back to Hanoi and then on to the airport for a domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival, a private transfer brings travellers to their hotel for a relaxed evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 5: Perfume River Cruise and Thuy Bieu Eco Village

Begin the day with a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda, a serene seven storey structure surrounded by gardens. Then continue to Thuy Bieu Eco Village to explore pomelo orchards and traditional garden houses. Participate in local crafts such as incense and paper making, followed by a hands on cooking class. After a lunch of Hue style dishes, guests enjoy a herbal foot soak and massage by trained blind therapists. The day concludes with a return transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 6: Free Day in Hue

Today is free for guests to explore at their own pace. Suggested activities include visiting the Imperial City, cycling along the Perfume River or taking an optional excursion to the former demilitarised zone. Guests may also wish to relax at the hotel or enjoy some of Hue’s renowned cuisine. No scheduled activities are included today.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 7: Scenic Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

After breakfast, travellers depart by private vehicle for the drive to Hoi An. The journey winds over the Hai Van Pass, offering stunning views where forested hills meet the sea. Stops for photos are included along the way. On arrival in Hoi An, check in to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up the town’s atmospheric charm.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel and Spa

Day 8: Farming Experience in Cam Thanh Village

This morning, guests set out by bicycle for Cam Thanh Village where they meet local farmers and join in activities such as raking soil, watering plants, ploughing and harvesting. There is an opportunity to ride a water buffalo for a memorable photo. At a nearby fishing village, learn to cast traditional nets and navigate a round bamboo basket boat through coconut groves. Enjoy a home style lunch in a local house before cycling back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel and Spa

Day 9: Hoi An Street Food Walking Tour

The morning and early afternoon are free for leisure. Guests may choose to visit An Bang Beach, browse the tailor shops or explore the Japanese Bridge and riverside cafés. In the late afternoon, a street food tour begins with stops at celebrated vendors including Banh Mi Phuong. Taste dishes such as Cao Lau noodles, Banh Beo, Banh Khot and even balut for the adventurous. The experience ends with a traditional egg coffee at a hidden café.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel and Spa

Day 10: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, a private transfer takes guests to Da Nang Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a local guide greets the group and escorts them to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional activities include a visit to the War Remnants Museum or a rooftop cocktail at one of the city’s stylish bars.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eden Star Saigon Hotel

Day 11: Guided Motorbike Tour of Ho Chi Minh City

Today includes a guided motorbike tour through the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Travellers ride pillion behind expert drivers as they explore key landmarks such as the Central Post Office, Opera House and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The route ventures into lesser known areas including the Thich Quang Duc memorial, the flower market, Thien Hau Pagoda and a Cambodian market. The tour ends in a historic apartment complex famed for its food stalls before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eden Star Saigon Hotel

Day 12: Transfer to the Mekong Delta Homestay on Tan Phong Island

Leave the city behind and head to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Stop at a coconut candy village and a bee farm before boarding a boat to Tan Phong Island. Enjoy seasonal fruits and a traditional Vietnamese music performance before gliding along the canals by rowing boat. At the homestay, participate in ditch fishing or garden work, then help prepare and share a home cooked meal with the host family.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mekong Ecolodge Homestay

Day 13: Cycling and Cooking on Tan Phong Island – Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Begin the day with a peaceful cycling tour of the island, visiting local artisans who make rice paper and banana fibre hammocks. A cooking class follows where guests prepare jackfruit leaf cake, a regional speciality. After lunch, say farewell to the island and return to Ho Chi Minh City by boat and car. The evening is free to relax or explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Eden Star Saigon Hotel

Day 14: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out by 12.00 midday. A private transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport is arranged for the departure flight. Late check out can be arranged on request, subject to availability and additional cost.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation
Hanoi: Hanoi Pearl Hotel

Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a polished four star retreat ideally located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounded by the capital’s most treasured attractions. With its prime location, the hotel provides effortless access to Hanoi’s iconic landmarks, lively markets, traditional eateries, and cultural highlights.

Combining classic design with modern comforts, the hotel’s interiors feature a warm and welcoming atmosphere, accented by elegant furnishings and soft lighting. Each room and suite is tastefully appointed with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and essential amenities to ensure a restful and convenient stay. Many rooms offer views of the city or the historic streets below.

Guests can start their day with a generous buffet breakfast, relax with a drink at the rooftop bar overlooking Hanoi’s skyline, or unwind in the fitness and wellness centre after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s restaurant offers a mix of Vietnamese specialities and international favourites in a refined yet relaxed setting.

With attentive service, elegant styling, and a location that puts Hanoi’s best experiences at your doorstep, Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a superb choice for travellers seeking charm, comfort, and cultural immersion in Vietnam’s capital.

Halong Bay: Peony Cruise

Peony Cruise is a refined retreat offering a memorable journey through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful and scenic extension of the famed Halong Bay. Departing from Hai Phong, the cruise takes guests off the well-worn path and into a landscape of limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and secluded sandy coves.

Designed with understated elegance and Vietnamese charm, the ship features beautifully furnished cabins with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious ensuite bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and provide a private, restful space to enjoy panoramic views of the bay.

Guests can enjoy a range of enriching experiences including kayaking, swimming, exploring caves, or visiting floating villages. Onboard facilities include a rooftop sundeck perfect for morning tai chi or sunset drinks, a spa offering traditional treatments, and a relaxed bar and lounge area. The onboard restaurant showcases fresh local ingredients, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine in a welcoming and scenic setting.

With its calm cruising route, well crafted experiences, and attentive service, Peony Cruise is an ideal way to experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Lan Ha Bay in both comfort and style.

Hue City: Eldora Hotel

Eldora Hotel is a distinctive four star boutique hotel located in the heart of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Just minutes from the Perfume River and the historic Citadel, the hotel offers elegant accommodation with easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks, royal tombs, and vibrant local markets.

Blending classical French architecture with luxurious touches, Eldora’s interiors evoke a sense of timeless sophistication. Each room and suite is richly styled with ornate furnishings, hardwood floors, and marble bathrooms. Gold-accented decor and large windows create a warm, inviting space, while modern amenities ensure a comfortable and seamless stay.

Guests can take in panoramic views of the city from the indoor rooftop pool, unwind with a drink at the lobby lounge, or stay active in the on-site fitness centre. The hotel’s restaurant offers a refined dining experience, serving both local Vietnamese cuisine and international favourites in an elegant setting.

With gracious hospitality, romantic atmosphere, and a prime central location, Eldora Hotel is an ideal base for travellers seeking both cultural immersion and comfort while exploring the historic charm of Hue.

Hoi An: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa

Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa is a refined four-star boutique escape ideally located just outside Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Tucked beside the quiet banks of the Hoai River and within walking distance to the lantern lit streets, historic temples, and riverside cafés, the hotel offers a peaceful yet convenient base for exploring this UNESCO listed destination.

Combining understated elegance with traditional charm, the hotel’s interiors feature soft earth tones, hand crafted decor, and local art pieces that reflect Hoi An’s heritage. Each guest room is spacious and thoughtfully appointed with wooden furnishings, rain showers, and private balconies or garden views, offering a relaxing sanctuary after a day of discovery.

Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the rooftop pool, unwind at the spa with a traditional Vietnamese massage, or sip a cocktail while watching the sunset over the river. The hotel’s restaurant serves a range of Vietnamese specialities and international favourites, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a warm and relaxed setting.

With its welcoming atmosphere, tasteful design, and easy access to Hoi An’s cultural treasures, Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa is an ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, style, and a true sense of place in one of Vietnam’s most charming towns.

Mekong Delta: Mekong Ecolodge Homestay

Mekong Ecolodge Homestay is a peaceful riverside retreat nestled on Tan Phong Island in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Surrounded by lush fruit orchards, winding canals, and friendly local communities, this charming ecolodge offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic southern Vietnamese life in a tranquil, natural setting.

Built entirely with locally sourced materials, the homestay features traditional style bungalows designed to harmonise with the environment. Each room is simple yet comfortable, with bamboo furnishings, private verandas, and open air bathrooms that bring guests closer to nature. The sounds of birds, rustling palms, and passing boats create a calming atmosphere throughout the day.

Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in local culture by joining a variety of hands on activities, from cooking jackfruit leaf cakes and fishing with traditional tools, to cycling through nearby villages and picking tropical fruits straight from the tree. Meals are home-cooked using ingredients grown onsite or sourced from local farms, offering an authentic taste of the Delta.

With its warm hospitality, eco conscious design, and deep connection to the surrounding community, Mekong Ecolodge Homestay is a memorable base for travellers seeking simplicity, culture, and a genuine connection to life along the Mekong River.

Ho Chi Minh City: Eden Star Saigon Hotel

Eden Star Saigon Hotel is a contemporary four star hotel located in the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Just a short stroll from Ben Thanh Market and the city’s iconic attractions, the hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for travellers eager to explore Saigon’s dynamic energy, historic architecture, and famous street food scene.

Blending modern design with warm Vietnamese hospitality, the hotel features stylish rooms with soft neutral tones, large windows, and thoughtful amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and well-appointed bathrooms. Many rooms offer panoramic views over the bustling city skyline, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s facilities including a rooftop swimming pool with city views, a fitness centre, and a relaxing spa offering traditional Vietnamese therapies. The inhouse restaurant serves a generous buffet breakfast and a mix of local and international dishes, while the rooftop bar is a perfect spot for a sunset cocktail above the Saigon skyline.

With its central location, modern comforts, and attentive service, Eden Star Saigon Hotel is an ideal choice for travellers seeking both convenience and value in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Terms & Conditions

Price & Availability:
Kindly be advised that all reservations are contingent upon availability and will be officially confirmed within 24 hours of receiving your booking request. Our prices are denominated in Australian dollars, and any currency conversions will be processed at midnight daily. Given the fluctuating nature of exchange rates, prices are subject to change until we receive full payment.

Accommodation Flexibility:
Accommodation for this tour is offered exclusively in 4 star hotels and eco-lodges. Travellers may choose their preferred hotel category in each destination based on comfort level and budget. All hotels have been carefully selected for quality, location, and service. The advertised “from” price is based on 4 star accommodation and low season travel. Surcharges may apply during peak season, public holidays, or high-demand periods. If a selected hotel is unavailable at the time of booking, a comparable property of the same standard and location will be offered.

Day Tours and Excursions:
All included excursions are privately guided unless otherwise noted. Experiences such as the motorbike tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cooking classes in Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta homestay are all conducted by trusted local partners. While most activities include hotel pick-up, some may require travellers to meet at a central location. Optional excursions, including street food tours or countryside cycling, are also available to enhance your itinerary. If you would like to personalise your experience, private upgrade options are available on request and subject to additional cost.

Booking on Request:
Please note that all reservations are processed upon request. A deposit may be required to request the room. Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of your booking inquiry. If your preferred dates are unavailable, we’ll suggest suitable alternatives or promptly refund your deposit.

Dynamic Pricing:
Please be aware that many hotels in Vietnam operate on dynamic pricing. Due to high demand, particularly during peak seasons, room rates can fluctuate based on occupancy levels. As a result, prices may change from the time of your original quote until payment is received and the booking is confirmed.
We recommend securing your accommodation as early as possible to lock in the quoted rates. If your selected accommodation is no longer available at the time of booking, we will offer alternative options of similar cost, comfort level, and location whenever possible.

Itinerary Order and Availability:
Please note that the order of the itinerary may be subject to change to ensure availability of accommodation and day tour experiences. While we aim to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, slight adjustments may be necessary depending on availability at the time of booking.
The final order of day tours and activities will be confirmed and locked in once your booking is secured. For bookings made outside of peak travel periods and with sufficient lead time, itinerary changes are unlikely. However, during busy seasons or for last-minute bookings, some flexibility may be required to accommodate availability.
Rest assured, any adjustments will be made with the aim of maintaining the quality and overall experience of your journey.

Payment Terms:
A deposit of 30% is required at the time of of booking to for confirmation. Full payment must be settled at least 45 days before the arrival date.

Changes & Cancellation
Cancellations are permitted up to 14 days before departure, with a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee.
Changes are permitted up to 35 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fees will apply within 14 days of arrival, unless otherwise stated.
Please note: Train and flight tickets included in your itinerary are non-refundable once confirmed. Any amounts paid for these will be in addition to the 10% cancellation fee.

PRICE FROM
AU$
2699
per person twin share
Trip Summary
● Duration:
14 Days
● Starts: Hanoi
● Ends: Ho Chi Minh
● Trip Type: Private tour
● Accommodation: 4-star Hotels, Cruise and Ecolodge
● Transportation: Airplane, Car, Cruise, Motorcycle, Bicycle

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