Private, on your own dates · Asia, Vietnam
Halong Cruise to Mekong Delta: 7-Day Highlights of Vietnam
A 7-day Vietnam journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, combining Halong Bay cruise, Ba Na Hills’ Golden Bridge, Hoi An, Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Why this journey
What this trip is built around, and what makes it worth the days.
Travel from northern Vietnam to the south on a route that brings together city heritage, coastal scenery and the country’s best-known landmarks. Begin in Hanoi, where lakeside streets, temple courtyards and the Old Quarter set an easy pace for your first day, before heading to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise among limestone peaks. A private cabin, meals on board and time on the water make this one of the trip’s most memorable sections, with opportunities for sunset views and early-morning calm on deck.
Continue by air to central Vietnam for Ba Na Hills, where the cable-car ascent leads to the Golden Bridge, pagodas and landscaped gardens above Da Nang. From there, the journey moves into Hoi An for a guided walk through the Ancient Town, with preserved merchant houses, covered bridges and lantern-lit streets that are best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. This part of the trip balances sightseeing with free time, so you can linger over local cafés, markets and evening strolls before returning to Da Nang.
The final stretch takes you to Ho Chi Minh City for a look at the country’s modern face, from French-era landmarks and the Central Post Office to the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market. A guided visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels adds historical context before the itinerary shifts into the Mekong Delta, where private boat travel, orchard stops, sampan rides and village encounters bring a slower rhythm to the journey. The tour ends with a transfer back to the city, leaving you with a clear sense of Vietnam’s range in just one week.
This package is suited to travellers who want a broad Vietnam introduction with comfortable logistics, English-speaking guidance on land and a mix of included sightseeing and independent time. Hotels, breakfasts, selected transfers, entrance fees and the Halong cruise are arranged in advance, while flights, visa costs and other personal travel items remain flexible for your own booking preferences.
- 01Overnight Halong Bay cruise with a private cabin and included on-board meals
- 02Cable-car access to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge with panoramic mountain views
- 03Guided walk through Hoi An Ancient Town with time to explore independently
- 04History-focused Cu Chi Tunnels visit with an English-speaking guide on land portions
- 05Mekong Delta boating day with private river travel, orchards and sampan rides
- 06A route that connects Hanoi, central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City without backtracking
- 07Balanced pacing with guided sightseeing, transfers and free time in each region
Day-by-day itinerary
Open a day for the written plan, then switch to the hour-by-hour breakdown.
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your local guide meets you and transfers you to a hotel in central Hanoi.
After check-in, visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then explore the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo before an evening at leisure.
- Temple of Literature
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Old Quarter cyclo ride
Early check-in is subject to availability.
Overnight in Hanoi.
What's included
And what it does not. Read the right-hand column before you budget.
- Hotels06 nights at hotels with daily breakfast
- Cruise01 night on Halong Cruise with private cabin and meals on board
- TransfersPrivate and shared transfers as specified in the itinerary
- GuidesEnglish-speaking guide throughout the land portions of the tour
- EntrancesSightseeing and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- EntrancesRoundtrip cable car ticket to Ba Na Hills
- CruisePrivate boat trip to visit My Tho (Mekong Delta)
- FlightsInternational air travel is not part of this fare. The record lists no air component.
- TaxesAll international airport taxes
- Personal ExpensesEarly check-in or late check-out unless specified
- InsuranceTravel insurance
- Personal ExpensesOptional tours and personal expenses
- VisaVisa fees where applicable
- MealsDrinks and beverages with meals unless specified
- TipsCompulsory tipping as per group size
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.
Meet in Hanoi at the start of the tour and finish with airport drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of services.
Attractions we visit
Every place on the route, and whether you go inside it or see it from outside.
When to Go
Weather by month for the places this trip actually visits.
Vietnam
Vietnam has distinct climate zones. Nov–Apr is best for the south; May–Sep for the North and mountainous regions.
Before you go
The essentials first — they are also the ones that can stop a booking.
Passport, visa and entry requirements
- Make sure your passport is valid for the full trip and has blank pages for entry stamps.
- Visa requirements vary by nationality and should be checked before booking.
- Any required entry documents, vaccinations or forms are the traveller’s responsibility.
Travel insurance is mandatory
- This package requires valid travel insurance before departure.
- Coverage should include medical care, trip disruption and personal belongings at a minimum.
Domestic flights are not included
- Flights between Hanoi and Da Nang, and between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, must be arranged separately.
- Transfers included in the itinerary are applied only where stated.
Meal coverage is partial
- Breakfast is included daily and cruise meals are included as stated.
- Drinks with meals are not included unless the itinerary says otherwise.
- Vegetarian or other dietary requests should be advised in advance and remain subject to availability.
Pack for mixed weather and walking
- The itinerary combines city walks, a cruise and outdoor sightseeing, so comfortable shoes are useful.
- A light layer, sun protection and a small day bag will make the trip easier in both north and south Vietnam.
Check-in and check-out depend on hotel policy
- Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed unless specified.
- Hotel substitutions of similar standard may be made if required by operations.
Allow for incidental expenses
- Personal purchases, drinks, optional activities and mandatory tipping are not included.
- Carry some local currency for small buys, snacks and market shopping.
Staying connected
- Mobile coverage is generally good in cities and most tourist areas.
- If you need data from the start of the trip, consider arranging an eSIM or local SIM before arrival.
Cruise and tunnel visits
- Follow crew and guide instructions during the Halong Bay cruise and any water-based activities.
- Cu Chi Tunnel sections can be narrow and low; guests should choose entry areas that suit their comfort level.
Are international and domestic flights included?
No. International flights and the domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are not included.
What is included on the Halong Bay cruise?
The cruise includes one night in a private cabin, the on-board meals stated in the itinerary and the scheduled cruise activities.
Is an English-speaking guide provided throughout the trip?
Yes. An English-speaking guide is included for the land portions of the tour.
Do I need travel insurance or a visa?
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and must be arranged before travel where applicable.
Which meals are covered?
Daily breakfasts are included, along with the meals stated for the Halong Bay cruise. Other meals are only included when specifically mentioned.
Policies & booking terms
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
50% refund between 30-15 days before departure.
No refund within 15 days of departure.
TripClub standing booking terms
- Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
- Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
- Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
- The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
- All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
- The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
- All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
- Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
Want this trip a little different?
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.
You Might Also Like
All tours →Keep exploring
Plan your trip to Vietnam
Explore destinations
Things to do
Stay & travel