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Vietnam is not just a destination — it is a feeling. From the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the electric energy of Ho Chi Minh City, this 7 Nights 8 Days Vietnam Grand Journey is the most complete way to experience the full length of this extraordinary country — all without flights.
Vietnam promises stunning natural landscapes, bustling ancient cities, diverse culture, flavourful street food, and an enviable variety of local experiences — all at remarkably comfortable prices. Vietnam's two largest cities are polar opposites — Ho Chi Minh City is a sleek, modern city of skyscrapers, while the charming capital of Hanoi is filled with ancient history. And connecting them both is Hoi An — a charming ancient town famous for its lantern-lit streets and tailor shops.
This package is designed for travellers who want to see Vietnam from north to south, experiencing every shade of its rich culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty — in a perfectly paced, guided 8-day adventure.
✈️ Note: International flights are NOT included in this package. Domestic intercity flights between destinations (where applicable) are included. You may arrive in Hanoi and depart from Ho Chi Minh City (open-jaw routing).
📋 AT A GLANCE
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Package Name | Vietnam Grand Journey |
| Duration | 7 Nights / 8 Days |
| Destinations Covered | Hanoi (2N) → Ha Long Bay (1N Cruise) → Hoi An / Da Nang (2N) → Ho Chi Minh City (2N) |
| Tour Type | Cultural + Heritage + Nature + Culinary |
| Departure | Any Day (Private Departure Available) |
| International Flights | Not Included |
| Domestic Flights | Hanoi → Da Nang & Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City (Included) |
| Meals | Daily Breakfast + Select Lunches as per itinerary |
| Accommodation | 3-Star / 4-Star Hotels + 1 Night Cruise Cabin |
| Best For | Families, Couples, Solo Travellers, First-Time Vietnam Visitors |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Visa | Vietnam E-Visa Required (on arrival / online — assistance provided) |
ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTES
- Visa: Indian passport holders require a Vietnam E-Visa (single entry, valid 90 days). Apply at least 3–5 working days before departure. We provide full assistance.
- Ha Long Bay Cruise: The overnight cruise is subject to weather conditions. In rare cases of adverse weather, the cruise may be replaced with a premium day cruise + Ninh Binh land tour. The itinerary is designed to maximise your Ha Long Bay time. October to December is the best weather for Ha Long Bay. August carries risk of storms.
- Open-Jaw Flights: We recommend booking your international flights as open-jaw — arrive Hanoi (HAN), depart Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — for a seamless north-to-south journey.
- Domestic Flights: Included economy class tickets on Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways (subject to availability). Luggage allowance: 20 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin.
- Hotel Check-in: Standard check-in is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may carry an extra charge.
- Best Time to Travel: The spring season, ranging from February to April, comes with warm temperatures and is ideal for visiting the islands and beaches of Vietnam. November to March is generally the best time for a north-to-south Vietnam journey.
- Child Policy: Children below 5 years travel free (sharing parent's bed, no extra bed). Children 5–11 years are charged at 70% of adult price with extra bed.
- Customisation: This itinerary is fully customisable. We can add Hue city, Ninh Binh, Sapa, or Phu Quoc extensions. Contact us to tailor your package.
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An / Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi | City Orientation
Welcome to Vietnam's Ancient Capital
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted by your English-speaking tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Hanoi, with a history spanning over a thousand years, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical landmarks. From the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where ancient architecture stands tall amidst modern shops, to the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi is a city that captivates the hearts of all who visit.
After hotel check-in and freshening up, spend your first afternoon on a relaxed orientation walk through Hanoi's iconic Old Quarter — a maze of 36 ancient guild streets, each named after the trade once practiced there. As evening falls, head to the famous Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals practise tai chi on the promenade.
Evening: Old Quarter Hanoi in the evening lights is a sight to behold — grab one of the small stools at the intersection of Beer Street and enjoy a snack with your bia hoi (fresh draft beer).
Tonight's Stay: Hanoi (Hotel)
Day 2
Hanoi City Tour | Thang Long Imperial Citadel | Water Puppet Show
Dive Deep into Hanoi's Soul
Today is your full, guided exploration of Vietnam's magnificent capital city. Hanoi's must-see sights include the Hanoi Opera House, Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison Museum (the "Hanoi Hilton"), Train Street, and Tran Quoc Pagoda near West Lake.
Your morning begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Behind the Ho Chi Minh Museum lies a large green space featuring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, as well as Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda — a wooden building built on top of a single concrete pillar, meant to resemble a lotus flower.
Next, visit the Temple of Literature — one of Hanoi's most picturesque tourist attractions, originally built as a university in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages. The building is extremely well-preserved and an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
In the afternoon, stroll around the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake). Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is located in the heart of Hanoi and is deeply entwined with Vietnamese legend — according to the tale, the emperor was given a magical sword by the gods to drive out the invading Chinese forces, and after his victory, a giant golden turtle surfaced in the lake and reclaimed the sword, symbolizing the gods' will for peace. Cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple on the island.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show — a uniquely Hanoi performance art form dating back to the 11th century, followed by a Hanoi Street Food Tour through the Old Quarter. 7Must-try local specialties include Pho, Bun Cha, Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) and Ché (local desserts) — best tried in the street eateries of the Old Quarter.
Tonight's Stay: Hanoi (Hotel)
Day 3
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay | Luxury Overnight Cruise Begins
Sail into a UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
After breakfast, your private AC vehicle departs for Ha Long Bay — approximately 2.5 hours away. The drive from Hanoi Old Quarter to the harbour in Ha Long takes exactly 2.5 hours via the expressway.
Upon arrival at the pier, board your luxury overnight cruise junk boat. The best way to explore the magical beauty of Ha Long Bay is to cruise among its thousands of limestone islands. An overnight cruise delivers a 5-star experience on the sea, with private cabins, a seafood dinner, and sunrise on deck.
As your cruise sets sail, the view unfolds — a seemingly endless seascape of over 1,600 limestone karsts rising dramatically from jade-green waters. Enjoy an afternoon cruise gazing at the limestone karsts jutting out from the emerald water, taking in must-see sights such as the stunning beach of Titop Island and the natural formations of Sung Sot Cave. Lunch is typically included in the cruise, along with activities like kayaking, hiking, and swimming stops.
Afternoon activities on board include:
- 🚣 Kayaking through hidden limestone caves and secluded lagoons
- 🏊 Swimming at a private beach
- 🗺️ Cave exploration — visit Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), one of the grandest grottos in the bay
- 🌅 Sunset from the top deck with complimentary drinks
- 🦑 Squid fishing with the crew after dark
After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join board games, try squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars and karaoke on board.
Tonight's Stay: Ha Long Bay Cruise Cabin (Overnight on the Water)
Day 4
Ha Long Bay Morning | Return to Hanoi | Fly to Da Nang | Transfer to Hoi An
From Emerald Waters to Ancient Lantern Streets
Rise early and embrace the sunrise with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board as your boat returns through the bay. After breakfast, continue your exploration of Ha Long Bay — you can participate in exciting water activities like kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations one last time before disembarkation.
After checking out from the cruise, you are transferred back to Hanoi. Meet your driver and head to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
Upon landing in Da Nang, your guide transfers you to Hoi An — a scenic 30-minute drive. Hoi An is an ancient trading town on the Thu Bon River where many Asian cultures settled — a place where time appears to stand beautifully still.
Evening: Spend your first evening exploring Hoi An Ancient Town at dusk — when hundreds of silk lanterns illuminate the riverside and the old merchant houses glow in gold. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, browse the tailor shops, and enjoy a riverside dinner.
Tonight's Stay: Hoi An / Da Nang (Hotel)
Day 5
Full Day Hoi An | Ancient Town | Cam Thanh Village | Basket Boat Ride
The Town That Stole Everyone's Heart
Hoi An is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its well-preserved ancient streets and houses. The town features a harmony of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architectural elements, visible from the famous Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Tan Ky trading house.
Your morning guided tour of Hoi An Ancient Town includes:
- 🏮 Tan Ky Ancient House — a 200-year-old merchant's home preserved in remarkable condition
- 🌉 Japanese Covered Bridge (Lai Vien Kieu) — the most iconic symbol of Hoi An
- 🏯 Phuc Kien Assembly Hall — a stunning Chinese clan temple
- 🍜 Hoi An Food Trail — taste the legendary White Rose Dumplings, Cao Lau noodles, and freshly baked Banh Mi from Ba Le Well
In the afternoon, head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. At Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will experience traditional fishing and row a bamboo basket boat through peaceful waterways, seeing how local fishermen live and work daily.
Optional: Ba Na Hills Day Trip — ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills and explore the iconic Golden Bridge, the French Village, and lively hilltop attractions.
Evening: Enjoy the magical Hoi An Lantern Festival atmosphere along the Thu Bon River — release a lantern on the water for good luck.
Tonight's Stay: Hoi An / Da Nang (Hotel)
Day 6
Da Nang Marble Mountains | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | City Arrival
From Ancient Ruins to Modern Saigon
Spend your morning exploring Da Nang's iconic Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains are a group of five hills made from marble and limestone, named after the five elements. With dramatic peaks rising from the flat earth, the mountains are dotted with mysterious caves, meandering tunnels, temples, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Visitors can hike up and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the coastline of Da Nang.
By early afternoon, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1.5 hours).
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam — located in southern Vietnam, it's a well-blended mix of historical significance and modern dynamism.
Upon arrival, your local guide meets you at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfers you to your city hotel. Spend your evening at leisure — explore the iconic Ben Thanh Market for street food, or head to the Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck for panoramic views of the city at night.
Tonight's Stay: Ho Chi Minh City (Hotel)
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day | Cu Chi Tunnels | City Heritage Tour
Where History Meets the Present
Today is your full day immersion into the history, culture, and vibrant street life of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Morning — Cu Chi Tunnels (Half Day):
Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. This extraordinary network of underground tunnels — stretching over 250 km — was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. Crawl through narrow tunnel sections, see booby trap demonstrations, and understand one of the most remarkable chapters of modern warfare.
Afternoon — Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Tour:
Your guided city tour covers: the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Nha Tho Tan Dinh (Pink Church), Coffee Apartment, and Ben Thanh Market.
- 🏛️ Reunification Palace — the iconic building where the Vietnam War ended on 30 April 1975
- ✉️ Central Post Office — a stunning French colonial masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel
- ⛪ Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon — neo-Romanesque architecture in the heart of the city
- 🎖️ War Remnants Museum — a powerful, moving account of Vietnam's wartime history
Evening: Enjoy a farewell Vietnamese dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City with panoramic views of the skyline.
Tonight's Stay: Ho Chi Minh City (Hotel)
Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Delta Half Day Tour | Departure
A Final Taste of Vietnam — The Mekong Delta
On your last morning, embark on a half-day Mekong Delta excursion before your departure. Explore the historic monuments of Ho Chi Minh City, then glide across the waters of the Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in the charm of villages and farms in the Mekong Delta and stroll through the riverbanks to gain insight into the way of life of the Vietnamese people.
Activities include:
- 🚣 Sampan boat ride through narrow waterway channels
- 🐝 Visit a coconut candy workshop and honey bee farm
- 🎵 Enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử)
- 🍍 Taste tropical fruits at a riverside orchard
Return to Ho Chi Minh City by early afternoon. Your guide assists with your hotel checkout and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward international departure.
Tour Ends — Safe Travels! 🙏
- ✔️ 7 Nights Accommodation — 2N Hanoi | 1N Ha Long Bay Cruise Cabin | 2N Hoi An/Da Nang | 2N Ho Chi Minh City
- ✔️ Daily Breakfast at hotel (all 7 mornings)
- ✔️ Meals on Ha Long Bay Cruise — Lunch, Dinner Day 3 + Breakfast Day 4
- ✔️ Domestic Flights — Hanoi to Da Nang + Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (economy class)
- ✔️ Private AC Transfers — all airport, hotel, and sightseeing transfers throughout the tour
- ✔️ English-Speaking Local Guides — professional, licensed guides at every destination
- ✔️ Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise — standard cabin, all meals, kayaking, cave visits, activities on board
- ✔️ Entrance Fees — all monuments, museums, and sites listed in the itinerary
- ✔️ Hanoi City Tour — Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter
- ✔️ Hoi An Ancient Town Guided Tour — Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Hall, food trail
- ✔️ Cam Thanh Basket Boat Ride — traditional bamboo boat experience in Hoi An
- ✔️ Marble Mountains Entrance & Guided Visit — Da Nang
- ✔️ Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour — guided with entrance tickets
- ✔️ Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Tour — Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market
- ✔️ Mekong Delta Half Day Excursion — Day 8 (sampan boat, farm visits, folk music)
- ✔️ Water Puppet Show Tickets — Hanoi (Day 2 evening)
- ✔️ 24/7 On-Trip Support from World Travel Packages
- ✗ International Flights (to/from Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City) — book separately
- ✗ Vietnam E-Visa Fee — approx. USD 25 (we provide application assistance)
- ✗ Travel Insurance — strongly recommended; available on request
- ✗ Lunches and Dinners (except meals mentioned in inclusions)
- ✗ Personal expenses — tips, laundry, alcohol, phone calls, spa treatments
- ✗ Optional activities — Ba Na Hills / Golden Bridge, seaplane ride over Ha Long Bay, cooking classes
- ✗ Porterage at hotels
- ✗ Any increase in government taxes or fuel surcharges
- ✗ Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
This package includes 7 nights accommodation (hotel + Ha Long Bay cruise cabin), daily breakfast, Ha Long Bay overnight cruise with all meals and activities, domestic flights from Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, private AC transfers throughout, English-speaking guides, and entrance tickets to all listed sites. International flights are NOT included.
Yes. This is a land and cruise package — international flights are excluded. You book your own flights to Hanoi (arrival) and from Ho Chi Minh City (departure). We include domestic intercity flights within Vietnam.
Nine to ten days is a great length for a Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in as few as six to eight days. Our 7 Nights 8 Days package is perfectly calibrated for a first-time visitor to Vietnam.
es. Indian passport holders require a Vietnam E-Visa, which can be applied online and is typically processed within 3 business days. We provide full visa application guidance with every booking.
The process of obtaining a Vietnam visa for Indians is relatively easy and painless, especially if you are applying online.
Although Vietnam is a year-round destination, the ideal time to visit comes down to your preferences and travel style. For this north-to-south itinerary covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, the best months are November through April, when the weather is dry and pleasant across most regions.
Yes. A 1-night luxury junk boat cruise on Ha Long Bay is fully included — covering your cruise cabin, all meals on board (Day 3 dinner + Day 4 breakfast and lunch), kayaking, cave visits, and activities. Luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay feature private decks designed for watching sunrise and sunset — the ultimate relaxation experience.
Absolutely. We offer fully tailor-made Vietnam packages. You can extend this itinerary to include Hue, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc Island, or even combine it with Bangkok (Thailand) for a Southeast Asia multi-country tour. Contact our travel experts for a customised quote.
All our local tour guides are professional, knowledgeable English-speaking guides who are licensed and certified by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Yes. This itinerary is a great kid-friendly option that takes families from north to south, offering a glimpse into city life plus an overnight cruise in the spectacular seascapes of Ha Long Bay. Activities like basket boat rides, water puppet shows, and the Mekong Delta excursion are all highly suitable for children.