A 10-day route down the length of Vietnam, from the capital Hanoi to the modern bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, including an overnight junk boat trip on Halong Bay and stops in Huế and Hoi An.
This is a fast-paced survey of Vietnam's highlights, covering 1,700km from north to south in ten days. The itinerary relies on an overnight train and a domestic flight to connect the dots between Hanoi, the central coast, and Ho Chi Minh City. It's a trade-off: you sacrifice deep immersion in any one place for a wide-angle view of the country's most significant stops—from Halong Bay's karsts to Hoi An's markets. Best for travelers on a tight schedule who want the main checklist ticked off efficiently.
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Book Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by G Adventures.
From $895 USD $1,279 · 10 days · max 16 travelers · Standard hotels, ground transport, overnight train, 1 flight, select activities. trip code AVCHPrices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.
Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.
Day 1 of 10
Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at any time into Hanoi. The day is unstructured, leaving time to drop bags and get a first feel for the city's Old Quarter. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is a classic orientation. For those interested in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, note its limited morning hours and closures on Mondays and Fridays.
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Day at a glance
Arrival day in Hanoi with no planned activities
Settle into the Old Quarter or French Quarter
Tip: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open 7:30-10:30 AM, closed Mon/Fri
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 of 10
Hanoi / Ha Long
Overnight Junk Cruise in Ha Long Bay
The day begins with an overland transfer from Hanoi to Bai Chay harbour, the main access point for Ha Long Bay. Here, you board a traditional junk boat for an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts that define the seascape. The afternoon is spent on the water, with stops to explore caves and climb to an island lookout for panoramic views of the bay's thousands of islets. Dinner is a seafood spread served on board, followed by a night spent in a private cabin on the water.
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Day at a glance
Transfer from Hanoi to Bai Chay harbour
Overnight cruise on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay
Explore caves and island viewpoints
Seafood lunch and dinner served on board
Accommodation: Ha Long Bay Overnight Boat (Junk Boat)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 of 10
Ha Long / Huế
From the Bay to the Imperial City
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast and lunch on the boat, the cruise concludes, and you sail back to port for the return journey to Hanoi. The afternoon is free in the capital—a final chance for a coffee by the lake or a bowl of street-side *pho*. In the evening, the focus shifts to the main train station for the 13-hour overnight journey south to Huế. The sleeper trains have four-berth cabins, air-conditioning, and basic facilities.
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Day at a glance
Morning cruising on Ha Long Bay
Return transfer to Hanoi with a free afternoon
Overnight sleeper train to Huế (13-14 hours)
Train cabins are 4-berth with bedding provided
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
★ Top SellerSave 30%
Ready to go?
Book Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by G Adventures.
From $895 USD $1,279 · 10 days · max 16 travelers · Standard hotels, ground transport, overnight train, 1 flight, select activities.
