Day 1



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From planning to the end of your journey.
Tap any day to open the full details. Every day is led by an English-speaking local guide.
On arrival, your private car and driver meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Your operator meets you at the hotel, helps set up your free Vietnam eSIM if needed, and walks you to your welcome meal — a traditional Vietnamese “mâm cơm” shared feast, or a custom vegetarian menu to suit your group.
Your operator meets you at the hotel for a short briefing, helps set up your free Vietnam eSIM if needed, and takes you to the welcome meal (dinner or lunch, depending on your arrival) — please be ready at reception.
If your flight is delayed, simply contact our support team via WhatsApp — we're always here to help!
Your private car and driver collect you from your Hanoi hotel for the scenic drive south. Follow the classic route through Hoa Lư — Vietnam's ancient 10th-century capital — a bike ride through the rice paddies, a boat ride through Tam Cốc's flooded caves and towering karsts, and the climb up Mua Cave for the best panoramic view in the region. Happy to tailor the day's pace and stops to suit your group. Enjoy a home-made lunch at a local restaurant, before settling into your hotel for the night in Ninh Bình.
This is the classic Ninh Bình route — if your group would rather swap a stop, slow the pace or add more time on the water, just tell us and we'll tailor it to suit.



Your private car collects you from your Ninh Bình hotel for the drive to Tuần Châu Harbour, gateway to Hạ Long & Lan Hạ Bay. Board the boutique Dora Cruise for a welcome drink and safety briefing, then set sail past more than 1,600 limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. Kayak into Lan Hạ's quiet coves, swim off the boat, and watch the sunset from the top deck before a hands-on cooking class and dinner served onboard. The evening winds down with squid fishing, card games and music on deck — then drift off to sleep, gently rocked in your private cabin.
The Dora Cruise carries just 19 cabins, each a private cabin with its own balcony. This 5-star vessel can only be secured with at least 1 month's advance booking — if booked later, we'll arrange a similar 4-star cruise of comparable quality instead.



Wake up on the waters of Hạ Long Bay for a morning aboard the Dora Cruise — breakfast with the bay views, then a tender boat out to explore the Dark & Bright Cave by local bamboo boat. Return to the cruise for an early lunch before checking out of your cabin and sailing back across the bay to disembark at Tuấn Châu Harbour, then it's around three hours by private car back to Hanoi for a free afternoon. Grab a bowl of phở while you're in town — noodles, broth and meat, Hanoi's everyday specialty — or simply relax by Hoàn Kiếm Lake. In the evening, fly south to Đà Nẵng (around 1 hour 30 minutes), where a private car meets you at the airport and takes you straight to your hotel for the night.
You have a free afternoon in Hanoi before your evening flight. Prefer to stay active instead of resting? You're welcome to join one of these:
Early risers can join an optional sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck around 6:00 AM, before breakfast. Your evening flight to Đà Nẵng is a short domestic hop (around 1 hour 30 minutes), so there's no need to be at the airport especially early — a private car will be waiting on arrival to take you straight to your hotel for the night.
Today is yours to explore Bà Nà Hills at your own pace — a French-era hill station turned mountaintop park, reached by one of the world's longest cable car rides. Wander the flower gardens and the Gothic-style French Village, and walk Cầu Vàng, the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands above the clouds. Your entrance and cable car ticket is included, and your private car gives you pick-up from your hotel in the morning and drop-off in the afternoon or evening — there's no guide and no fixed schedule today, so take as long as you like at each spot.
Your entrance and cable car ticket is included and provided before you set off. It's a mountaintop, so weather (fog, wind or rain) can shift quickly and affect the views — an early start is recommended, and bring a light jacket.
A full day with your own private car and English-speaking guide, departing at 7:00 AM. Journey to Ngũ Hành Sơn (the Marble Mountains) — five limestone peaks riddled with caves, pagodas and viewpoints over the coast — then continue to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Cham temple ruins set among jungle-covered hills. Stop for lunch, then visit the centuries-old Thanh Hà pottery village before finishing at the palm-fringed Bảy Mẫu Coconut Forest for a basket-boat ride. Your private car then continues on to Hội An, where you'll check into your hotel for the next two nights. Departing later than 7am? The route can be trimmed by one or two stops depending on your start time, or fully customised to suit your group.
This order can flex around your departure time or interests — just let your operator know what matters most to your group.
This is a full day on the road, departing at 7:00 AM to fit everything in comfortably. Starting later means trimming one or two stops depending on your departure time — just tell us your preferred pace and we'll tailor the route to suit.
Today is entirely yours to explore Hội An, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage trading port dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Wander the lantern-lit Old Town at your own pace with your sightseeing pass, browse the tailors for a custom suit, dress or pair of shoes, or simply relax after yesterday's full day on the road. No guided activities are scheduled today.
Today has no guided activities — it's yours to rest or explore independently. Your operator can point you toward restaurants, tailors or sights, but won't be leading a tour. Hội An is famous worldwide for its tailors — custom suits, dresses and shoes can be made in as little as 24 hours, so browsing early leaves enough time for fittings and alterations before you move on.
This morning, a private car collects you from your Hội An hotel and drives you back over the Hai Van Pass to Đà Nẵng airport (around 1 hour), in time for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, the city has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam's capital of commerce and culture. A private car meets you at the airport and takes you to check in at your hotel in District 1. Later, join a guided sightseeing tour by bus — with hotel pick-up and drop-off — past the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War.
The War Remnants Museum presents unflinching accounts of the Vietnam/American War and can be an emotionally heavy stop for some travellers — let your operator know if you'd rather sit this one out. Your guided city tour departs from your hotel, so please be ready at reception at the scheduled time.
Discover the Củ Chi Tunnels and explore the Mekong Delta in one unforgettable day, combining Vietnam's wartime history with peaceful river life and local culture. Your private car and English-speaking guide collect you from the hotel lobby at 7:00 AM for the drive to Củ Chi (around 90 minutes), where you'll explore the hand-dug tunnel network, underground kitchens and hidden trapdoors, and try guerrilla-era tea and boiled cassava. After lunch, continue south to Mỹ Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta, for a motorboat cruise past Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Turtle Islands, a rowing-boat ride through a coconut canal, and stops at a beekeeping farm and coconut candy workshop. You're back at your hotel by around 7:30–8:00 PM.
The tunnel crawl at Củ Chi is optional throughout — if you'd rather not go into the tight, low spaces, you're welcome to skip it and wait at the surface. Củ Chi Tunnels admission is included; the shooting range at the site is available at an extra cost and is not included.
There are no activities included today and you're free to depart your accommodation at any time, as long as you comply with check-out time. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to us — we're happy to arrange optional activities or extend your stay.
Everything below is taken care of — so you can focus on the journey.
Hạ Long Bay by cruise
Ninh Bình by boat
Đà Nẵng & Hội An
Đà Nẵng by air
Mekong by sampan
Ho Chi Minh City & Củ ChiThis is an active, fast-paced private journey covering the length of Vietnam — expect early starts, some full days on the road or water, and plenty of walking in Ninh Bình and Hội An's Old Town. It suits travellers of all ages who are reasonably mobile; let us know about any mobility needs in advance and we'll tailor the pace. Physical rating: moderate (3 out of 5).
Flights, train times and cruise schedules can shift for weather or operational reasons — your operator will keep you updated and adjust the day around any changes. Meals can be adapted for most dietary requirements — just let us know when you book.
Your room throughout this trip is private — including your own cabin aboard the Dora Cruise in Hạ Long Bay.
This trip involves two domestic flights (Hanoi to Đà Nẵng on Day 4, and Đà Nẵng to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 8). These aren't included in the trip price, but we're happy to help you book them — just let us know your preferred dates. Standard fare terms: 1 checked bag up to 23kg, plus carry-on up to 10kg. Rebooking fees are up to 1,010,000 VND per passenger, and refund fees up to 1,150,000 VND per passenger; any excess luggage charges are paid directly to the airline at check-in.
Most nationalities can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online before arrival (typically valid for 30–90 days depending on your passport), or check if you qualify for visa-exempt entry. Visa costs and arrangements are not included in the trip price — we recommend applying at least 1–2 weeks before departure via the official Vietnam Immigration portal.
You'll stay in a mix of centrally located 3–4 star hotels (Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Đà Nẵng, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City) and a private cabin aboard the Dora Cruise in Hạ Long Bay. Hotel rooms are private throughout, with a standard room (twin or king, both included) fitting up to 3 people. If you'd like your own separate room within a group booking, please request this in advance.
Your trip begins with a private airport pickup in Hanoi (Nội Bài International Airport) and ends with a free departure from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City — there's no group meeting point to worry about. Just send us your flight details in advance and we'll have your driver waiting.
Fill in a few details and we'll send your personalised quote — no obligation, no deposit needed to ask.
Important: never transfer money in advance under any circumstances. We only work through WhatsApp — Philip +84 84 635 9779 or Lana +84 336 515 830 — or email info@vsidetravel.com.
Transparent per-group pricing for the 10-day Vietnam Express Southbound itinerary, per person in a standard 3–4 star hotel.
| Travellers | Vehicle | Total Price (USD) | ~Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Solo) | Private 7-Seater | $1,838 | $1,838 |
| 1 + 1 Child (3–11 yrs) | Private 7-Seater | $1,943 | $972 |
| 2 | Private 7-Seater | $2,100 | $1,050 |
| 3 | Private 7-Seater | $2,700 | $900 |
| 4 | 16 Ford | $3,550 | $888 |
| 4 | Deluxe Limousine | $3,900 | $975 |
| 5 | 16 Ford | $4,400 | $880 |
| 5 | Deluxe Limousine | $4,600 | $920 |
| 6 | 16 Ford | $5,200 | $867 |
| 6 | Deluxe Limousine | $5,400 | $900 |
This is the public price as of August 2026. Book 56+ days ahead of October and you’ll get this rate — closer to peak season (Oct–Apr), add $200/person for peak-season costs. Groups of 7+ travellers are arranged as a custom quote.
Three vehicle classes to match your group size — every ride comes with A/C, bottled water & a private driver.
Toyota Innova or similar — our standard vehicle for 1–3 travellers, with A/C and plenty of luggage space.
Ford Transit or similar — our standard vehicle for groups of 4–6, comfortable seating with room to spare.
Premium leather captain chairs, mood lighting & extra legroom — an optional upgrade for groups of 4–6.
Tell us your dates and we'll craft the perfect departure. Questions about the itinerary, private departures or extensions? We reply within 24 hours.