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Private, on your own dates · Vietnam

Postcard Vietnam: Halong Bay Cruise & Ba Na Hills Adventure

A 6-day Vietnam tour linking Hanoi, an overnight Halong Bay cruise, and Da Nang with Hoi An and Ba Na Hills, ideal for travellers who want culture, coast, and iconic scenery.

The route3 cities.
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6 days, 5 nightsDuration
3 citiesWhere you sleep
4 nights at hotel accommodation with breakfast.Meals

Why this journey

Travel across three of Vietnam’s most rewarding stopovers on this 6-day journey that begins in Hanoi, continues into the limestone seascapes of Halong Bay, and finishes on the central coast in Da Nang. The route balances city heritage, a classic overnight cruise, and time for some of the country’s best-known landmarks without feeling rushed.

In Hanoi, the itinerary introduces the capital through the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, with an evening Water Puppet Show adding a distinctly local touch. From there, the journey heads into the Red River Delta for a Halong Bay cruise, where you can look forward to cave visits, sunset drinks, a cooking demonstration, squid fishing, and an overnight stay on board.

After returning to Hanoi, the programme continues with a flight to Da Nang and visits to Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc Village, and Hoi An Ancient Town. The central Vietnam section brings a different pace, with lantern-lit streets, historic bridges, and time to appreciate the coastline and craft traditions that define this part of the country.

The final full day is devoted to Ba Na Hills, including the cable car ride, Golden Bridge, French Village, and Fantasy Park. It is a varied finish to the trip, combining mountain views, leisure time, and family-friendly attractions before your departure from Da Nang.

This itinerary suits travellers who want a compact Vietnam holiday with clear geographic flow, comfortable touring, and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time. It also works well for first-time visitors looking to cover the country’s most recognisable highlights in one trip.

Trip highlights

  • 01See Hanoi’s key cultural landmarks in one guided city visit, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
  • 02Spend a night on Halong Bay and enjoy the classic cruise experience with cave visits, a cooking demo, and squid fishing.
  • 03Travel by a practical north-to-central Vietnam route that combines road transfer and a domestic flight to save time.
  • 04Include Hoi An Ancient Town in the programme for heritage streets, historic bridges, and easy walking.
  • 05Ride the cable car up to Ba Na Hills and visit the Golden Bridge, French Village, and Fantasy Park in one day.
  • 06Enjoy a balanced pace with sightseeing, cruise time, and hotel nights in Hanoi and Da Nang.
  • 07Good choice for first-time visitors wanting Vietnam’s most recognisable highlights in a single holiday.
  • 08Suitable for global travellers who prefer an escorted, language-supported tour with English-speaking guidance.

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip10 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • 4 nights at hotel accommodation with breakfast.
Transfers1
  • Transfers arranged during the trip as specified.
Sightseeing1
  • Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
Entrances2
  • Cable car access for the Ba Na Hills visit.
  • One-way lift access to Marble Mountains.
Guides1
  • Guiding throughout the tour in English.
Cruise1
  • 1 night on Halong Cruise in a private cabin with meals on board.
Meals2
  • Daily breakfast at hotel stays.
  • Meals provided during the Halong Bay cruise.
Taxes1
  • One bottle of 500 ml mineral water per person per tour day.
Plan and pay separately9 items not covered by this fare
Flights2
  • International airfare is not included.
  • Flight between Hanoi and Da Nang is not included.
Taxes1
  • International airport tax is excluded.
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance must be purchased separately.
Visa1
  • Visa documents and visa on arrival stamp fee, if any, are excluded.
Meals1
  • Drinks and beverages during meals are not included.
Tips1
  • Compulsory tipping applies and is payable locally.
Personal Expenses1
  • Items such as laundry, minibar, and phone calls are not included.
Optional Tours1
  • Any optional excursions are not included.

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atNoi Bai International Airport, HanoiNoi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, VietnamReport by On arrival
You're dropped atDa Nang International AirportBy about As per flight schedule

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Airport transfer arrangement as per booking.

14 go inside1 walk through2 exterior only
Hanoi4 places
HanoiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
One Pillar PagodaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Temple of LiteratureEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Ho Chi Minh ComplexSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Halong Bay3 places
Halong BayEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Stalactite CaveEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Da NangEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Hoi An7 places
Marble MountainsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Non Nuoc VillageEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Pottery MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Chua Ong PagodaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Ba Na HillsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Hoi An Ancient TownPassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
Japanese BridgeSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Da Nang3 places
Golden BridgeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
French VillageEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Fantasy ParkEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Vietnam

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctGood

Vietnam has distinct climate zones. Nov–Apr is best for the south; May–Sep for the North and mountainous regions.

Hanoi
Average High
28°C
Rainfall
130mm
Ho Chi Minh
Average High
30°C
Rainfall
267mm
Da Nang
Average High
28°C
Rainfall
610mm
Hoi An
Average High
28°C
Rainfall
580mm
Essential

Documents required for travel

  • A valid passport is required for entry into Vietnam.
  • Visa documents and visa on arrival stamp fees are excluded unless stated otherwise.
  • Travellers are responsible for checking entry rules before departure.
Essential

Insurance and personal responsibility

  • Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased before departure.
  • Guests should follow local safety instructions during the cruise, cable car ride, and sightseeing visits.

Pack for mixed conditions

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing and Hoi An streets.
  • Light layers are useful for cool mornings on Halong Bay and warmer conditions in Da Nang.

Domestic flight and overland travel are part of the route

  • The itinerary combines road transfers, a domestic flight, and a cruise stay.
  • Travel times may vary depending on traffic, weather, and airline schedules.

Hotel and cruise arrangements

  • The package includes hotel stays with breakfast and one night on a cruise cabin.
  • Check-in and check-out times follow property policies and may vary.

Meals included during the programme

  • Breakfast is included on hotel days.
  • Meals on the Halong cruise are included, but drinks are not.

Costs payable locally

  • Compulsory tipping is excluded and payable locally.
  • Personal expenses and any optional purchases are at the traveller’s own cost.

Supplier changes and unused services

  • The itinerary may be adjusted for operational reasons or weather conditions.
  • No refunds apply to unused services such as meals, rooms, or activities.

Common questions

Is this Vietnam tour suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ba Na Hills, which gives first-time travellers a strong introduction to Vietnam’s north and central regions.

Does the Halong Bay stay include an overnight cruise?

Yes. One night is spent on a Halong Cruise with meals on board and included sightseeing during the voyage.

Are flights included between Hanoi and Da Nang?

No. The itinerary includes a domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, but the airfare itself is excluded unless otherwise stated by the operator.

What language is the tour guided in?

The tour is operated with an English-speaking guide.

Are entrance tickets included for all places mentioned?

No. Some visits are covered as part of the tour programme, while others are exterior or guided stops. The package specifically includes the Ba Na Hills cable car and Marble Mountains lift.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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