This From Tonkin to the Mekong 12-day Vietnam tour takes you through the country’s most iconic destinations, from North to South, following a carefully crafted itinerary: Hanoi, the authentic valley of Mai Chau, Lan Ha Bay, the imperial cities of Hue and Hoi An, and onward to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in Can Tho.
Blending culture, nature, and meaningful local encounters, this North–South journey offers a well-balanced pace and diverse experiences. Enjoy a peaceful cruise in Lan Ha Bay, away from the main tourist routes, immerse yourself in rural life in Mai Chau, and explore the waterways and orchards of the Mekong Delta, the fertile heart of southern Vietnam. It is an ideal itinerary for travelers who wish to discover Vietnam in all its richness, without rushing.
Highlights of the From Tonkin to the Mekong Experience
You will enjoy:
Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter like a local
Cycling through the peaceful valley of Mai Chau and meeting local communities
A cycling and sampan boat excursion in the scenic Tam Coc region
A cruise and overnight stay aboard a comfortable junk in Lan Ha Bay
Discovering the historical and imperial heritage of Hue
Experiencing the natural landscapes and ancient houses of Hoi An
Visiting lush orchards and winding canals in the Mekong Delta
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital
Day 2: Discovering Vietnam’s capital
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Day 4: Leisure time in the “Inland Halong Bay” (Tam Coc)
Day 5: Tam Coc – Lan Ha Bay
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue
Day 7: Exploring Vietnam’s former Imperial Capital
Day 8: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An – My Son sanctuary – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh city – Can Tho
Day 11: Cai Rang floating market – Return to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 12: Final moments in Ho Chi Minh city
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, you are warmly greeted by your local guide and private driver, then transferred to your hotel in the city center.
Formerly known as Thang Long, meaning “the Rising Dragon,” Hanoi is a thousand-year-old capital nestled in the heart of the Red River Delta. The city charms visitors with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life. Wander through the Old Quarter, admire peaceful lakes, observe vibrant street life, and feel the rhythm of daily life in Vietnam’s cultural capital.
This first day marks the beginning of your From Tonkin to the Mekong journey and your 12-day Vietnam tour, a carefully designed itinerary that will take you from the north of Vietnam all the way south to the Mekong Delta, passing through iconic landscapes including Lan Ha Bay.
Hotel check-in and free time to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.
Driving distance: approx. 30 km
Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi
Today is dedicated to discovering Hanoi’s rich cultural and historical heritage. You begin with the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), one of the most fascinating museums in Southeast Asia, showcasing the traditions, costumes, tools, and traditional houses of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Confucian learning, followed by a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, beautifully set on the edge of West Lake. Later, explore Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a walking tour through the lively Old Quarter, where narrow streets reveal everyday local life.
A unique stop awaits at Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where homes stand just inches from the railway tracks. Enjoy a coffee (at your own expense) while witnessing this unforgettable local scene. In the late afternoon, attend a traditional water puppet show, a folk art form originating in northern Vietnam’s rice fields.
This day deepens your understanding of northern Vietnam and perfectly sets the stage for the next chapters of your From Tonkin to the Mekong journey, leading you onward to Lan Ha Bay and eventually the Mekong Delta.
Driving distance: approx. 30 km
Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Mai Chau Valley, located at the gateway to Vietnam’s northwest highlands. Along scenic rural roads, you will encounter ethnic communities such as the White Thai, Muong, Dao, and Hmong, who have preserved their traditions for generations.
Upon arrival, enjoy breathtaking views of rice paddies and stilt houses scattered across peaceful valleys—an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. After a welcoming lunch at a local home, set off on a gentle cycling tour through villages such as Chieng Sai, Cha, Na Tang, and Tong Dau. Traveling by bicycle allows you to connect deeply with the landscape and the people at a relaxed pace.
Check in to your charming accommodation. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner followed by a cultural performance of folk music and dance. You will also have the chance to taste local rice wine, traditionally shared using bamboo straws—a memorable cultural experience.
This day is an essential part of your 12-day Vietnam tour, offering a human and cultural perspective before continuing from Tonkin to the Mekong.
Driving distance: approx. 130 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Mai Chau
Depart in the morning for Ninh Binh, once Vietnam’s capital in the 10th century and a highlight of your From Tonkin to the Mekong itinerary. Often referred to as the “Inland Halong Bay,” this region is famous for its limestone karst formations rising from rice fields and rivers.
Visit Hoa Lu, where two 17th-century temples honor Kings Dinh and Le. Continue to Tam Coc for a peaceful two-hour rowboat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three natural caves carved into the limestone mountains—an experience both serene and visually stunning.
End the day with a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, perched against a mountainside and offering panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. This scenic and cultural stop perfectly complements your 12-day Vietnam tour, leading naturally toward the coastal wonders of Lan Ha Bay.
Driving distance: approx. 130 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Ninh Binh
After breakfast, travel toward Lan Ha Bay, the quieter and less touristy neighbor of Halong Bay. The journey passes through Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Hai Phong provinces, offering views of traditional villages and fertile rice fields shaped by the Red River.
Around midday, board a traditional cruise boat and begin your unforgettable journey through Lan Ha Bay. Sail among emerald waters and limestone islands, kayak into hidden lagoons, explore rocky caves, and relax on secluded white-sand beaches. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board and take time for swimming in crystal-clear waters.
This day is a true highlight of your From Tonkin to the Mekong experience, showcasing one of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular seascapes before your journey continues south toward the Mekong Delta.
Driving distance: approx. 160 km / 4 hours
Overnight: Overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay
Wake up early to witness sunrise over Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful and unforgettable moment. After breakfast, continue cruising through the bay’s dramatic limestone formations.
Around mid-morning, visit Viet Hai Village, a small and remote fishing village nestled within Cat Ba National Park. A short bicycle ride allows you to explore the village and its lush surroundings, offering a glimpse into local life far removed from urban Vietnam.
Return to the boat for a refreshing shower and brunch before disembarking at Ben Beo Harbor. You are then transferred directly to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
This transition highlights the diversity of your 12-day Vietnam tour, moving from the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay to the historical depth of central Vietnam—an essential step in your journey from Tonkin to the Mekong.
Driving distance: approx. 160 km / 4 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Hue
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat transfer along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. Continue by boat to Thuy Bieu Village, where a leisurely bicycle ride through the countryside offers insight into traditional crafts that are slowly disappearing, such as incense making, folk painting, and votive paper production.
After a morning of cultural encounters, relax with a traditional herbal foot soak and a short massage to ease travel fatigue. You will then join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class led by a local chef, followed by lunch in a peaceful rural setting.
In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former political heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The vast complex of palaces, temples, gates, museums, and courtyards reveals the refinement of imperial architecture and court life through different periods of Vietnamese history.
This enriching day fits perfectly into your 12-day Vietnam tour from Tonkin to the Mekong, offering a strong cultural contrast between northern landscapes and central Vietnam’s imperial legacy, while paving the way toward Hoi An and southern Vietnam.
Driving distance: approx. 30 km
Overnight: Hotel in Hue
Depart Hue in the morning for Hoi An along the historic Mandarin Road, crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. This coastal mountain road offers breathtaking views over the East Sea, Da Nang, and the surrounding countryside.
Before reaching Hoi An, stop at the Cham Museum in Da Nang to learn about the art and history of the ancient Champa civilization. In the afternoon, begin exploring the charming town of Hoi An. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Chinese quarter with its ancient wooden assembly halls and pagodas. Discover Phung Hung Ancient House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century merchant residence.
A stroll through the local market and along the old port reveals the town’s multicultural past and lively atmosphere. Enjoy free time to wander the lantern-lit streets, browse boutiques, or simply soak up the unique ambiance.
This stage continues your From Tonkin to the Mekong journey, blending central Vietnam’s cultural heritage with the relaxed charm that defines this 12-day Vietnam tour, before heading south to the Mekong Delta.
Driving distance: approx. 130 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Hoi An
In the morning, travel to My Son sanctuary, the former spiritual capital of the Champa Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in a lush valley, the brick tower-temples date from the 4th to the 13th centuries and reflect strong Hindu influences from the Indian subcontinent. Dedicated mainly to Shiva, these ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the religious and political history of Champa civilization.
In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis at your own pace.
This day marks a clear transition in your 12-day Vietnam tour, moving from central Vietnam’s ancient heritage toward the dynamic energy of the south, as your journey from Tonkin to the Mekong continues.
Driving distance: approx. 130 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Begin the day with a guided discovery of Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by locals. Founded in 1698 on fishing villages along the Saigon River, the city expanded rapidly during the French colonial period and is now Vietnam’s economic powerhouse.
Despite its modern skyline, the city retains a strong sense of history and daily life. Visit Cho Lon (Chinatown), Thien Hau Temple, the Central Post Office, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, all reflecting colonial architecture and local traditions. Along the way, observe bustling markets, street food stalls, and the vibrant rhythm of urban life.
In the early afternoon, depart for Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. As landscapes shift from city streets to rivers, orchards, and canals, you enter a world shaped by water and agriculture.
This day perfectly illustrates the spirit of your From Tonkin to the Mekong itinerary, connecting urban southern Vietnam with the fertile, water-based life of the Mekong Delta.
Driving distance: approx. 170 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Can Tho
An early morning boat trip takes you to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. Hundreds of boats gather on the river, trading fruits, vegetables, rice, and local products, creating a colorful and lively scene that captures the essence of delta life.
Continue with a bicycle ride through the Vam Xang countryside, passing lush orchards filled with tropical fruits. Meeting local residents offers insight into daily life, farming traditions, and the strong connection between people and waterways in the Mekong Delta.
In the late afternoon, return by road to Ho Chi Minh City.
Driving distance: approx. 130 km / 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time in the morning for last-minute shopping or sightseeing along streets such as Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Ton Duc Thang, or Pasteur. Alternatively, relax at your hotel (room available until noon) and reflect on the journey you’ve just completed.
Transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of your From Tonkin to the Mekong experience and your unforgettable 12-day Vietnam tour, rich in culture, nature, and meaningful encounters from Lan Ha Bay to the Mekong Delta.
Driving distance: approx. 10 km
Overnight: On board
From USD 1,150 per person
Accommodation with daily breakfast in selected hotels or homestays, as outlined in the itinerary
Meals specifically listed in the program
(B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner)
Entrance fees to all scheduled sites, monuments, and attractions
Professional Vietnamese French-speaking guides throughout the tour, except during clearly indicated free time
All land transportation by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver (except during free time)
Drinking water provided daily (1 liter per person)
Domestic flights: Hanoi – Hue and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (economy class)
Shared overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay
International flights and related airport taxes
Transportation services not mentioned in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the “price includes” section
Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew, and porters
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, laundry, or any services not clearly stated above
Before setting off on your 12-day Vietnam journey from Tonkin to the Mekong—covering highlights such as Lan Ha Bay and the Mekong Delta—here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your experience, whatever the season or activities planned.
Best time to travel
Vietnam stretches across several climate zones, and weather can vary from north to south. This naturally affects outdoor activities, cultural visits, and boat excursions in Lan Ha Bay and the Mekong Delta. Here’s a general guide to the best periods:
Pricing & Currency
All prices are calculated in US dollars (USD) and converted at the exchange rate published on xe.com on the day of payment.
Payment options
You may settle your trip using the payment method that suits you best:
Cash payment: Available directly at the QAsia Travel office in Hanoi, with no additional fees
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB are accepted (bank fees, if any, are at the traveler’s expense)
Bank transfer: Accepted in either euros (€) or US dollars (USD)
For inquiries, a personalized quote, or to book your 12-day From Tonkin to the Mekong journey, feel free to contact QAsia Travel. Our team will be happy to help you plan a smooth and memorable experience across Vietnam.
📩 Contact us today to start planning your Vietnam coastal escape.
🌐 Site web : QAsia Travel
📧 Email : voyagevietnam.qag@gmail.com
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Experience this unique journey from Tonkin to the Mekong, traveling from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay and onward to the Mekong Delta at your own pace, blending cultural discoveries, a tranquil cruise, and genuine immersion in local life.
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