6 Day Compact Vietnam Private Tour

Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi - Halong Bay

You will begin in bustling HCMC (formerly Saigon), the country's commercial centre and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. You'll visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville.
If desired, you can also visit the Moving War Remnants Museum. Next, you will explore colourful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city's main shopping boulevard with shops selling clothes and accessories by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high-quality linens and housewares. Next, you will take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch an unusual, eclectic religious ceremony at the main temple of Cao Daism, a unique fusion of world religions.

Next, you will fly to charming Hanoi, Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital. You will explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of speciality shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more.
You will also be able to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, ride a cyclo to dinner, and watch a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. You will dine in French colonial villas converted into gourmet restaurants and enjoy people-watching at stylish cafes. You can also shop for impressive modern art in the city's many galleries, then visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Alternatively, on a day trip, you can cruise among the dramatic limestone islands of Halong Bay.

6 Day Vietnam Private Tour (Incl. Flights from JNB)

2 Adults

Feb - Mar'25

R 30,400
per person sharing
Book Now

Apr'25

R 33,820
per person sharing
Book Now

May - Aug'25

R 29,150
per person sharing
Book Now

Sep - Nov'25

R 28,480
per person sharing
Book Now

01 - 15 Dec'25

R 32,260
per person sharing
Book Now

Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – the largest city in Vietnam. Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer
you to the hotel for check in. The room is at your disposal from 2pm onwards. The balance of the day will be free at your
leisure.
Meals on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. A prominent landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Next, admire the beauty of French Colonial architecture with visits to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue your tour with a stop at the War Remnants Museum, where you can explore extensive exhibits covering both the Indochina Wars.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, with an approximate one-and-a-half-hour drive. Upon arrival, begin with a brief introduction and watch an informative video explaining the construction of the tunnels and the survival strategies employed by those who lived there during the war. Afterward, explore the tunnel systems, which include specially designed living areas with kitchens and bedrooms, alongside military facilities such as storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers—all essential for those living in the tunnels. You’ll also encounter hidden trap doors and dangerous traps, which were used for security during the conflict.

Take a break to relax or, for those interested, try shooting real guns at a designated area.

Return to Saigon and conclude your trip.

Enjoy some free time until our car arrives to transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, our friendly local driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a seamless check-in experience. Your comfortable room will be ready for you to relax and unwind starting from 14:00.

Meals will be for your own account.

Afterward, get ready for an exciting evening! Our private car will whisk you away to the captivating Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a unique cultural experience. As the evening unfolds, we’ll take you to the famous coffee train street on Duong Tau Street, Phung Hung Ward, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Please note that this memorable tour must end before 9 p.m. to avoid any additional charges.

Overnight stay at the hotel, ready for more remarkable adventures in Hanoi.

Hanoi City Tour

8:00 – 8:30
Our tour guide and bus will pick you up at your hotel to begin your exciting journey through Hanoi.

8:45
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's beloved leader, Uncle Ho. You'll have the chance to see his embalmed body and explore the surrounding gardens, including the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

Note:

  • Dress modestly (covering from shoulders to knees) when visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas.
  • The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but you can still take pictures of the Mausoleum and explore the surrounding area.
  • The Mausoleum is also closed for annual maintenance from June 15th to August 15th.

10:15
Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Special Note: On Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead, as the Ethnology Museum is closed.

12:30 – 12:45
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at our restaurant, with vegetarian options available.

13:30
Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, dating back to the 6th century.

14:30
Next, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. The Temple is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Northern Vietnam.

15:30
Discover the Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French between 1886 and 1901 during Vietnam's colonial period. Known as “A Hell on Earth,” this prison is now a museum that gives insight into the struggles of the Vietnamese people during their fight against French rule.

16:30
Our bus will return you to your hotel, where the tour ends.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Cyclo Ride (45 minutes) around Hanoi’s Old Quarter: $5 USD per person (recommended after visiting Hoa Lo Prison).
  • Water Puppet Show (50 minutes): $5 USD per person (recommended at 16:10 or 17:20).
  • Cyclo Ride + Water Puppet Show: $10 USD per person (recommended at 17:20 or 18:30).

Important Note for Water Puppet Show & Cyclo Combo: Guests who book the Water Puppet Show or the Cyclo + Water Puppet Show package will be dropped off at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. After the show, you will need to make your own way back to the hotel.

Special Notes:

  • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but you can still visit the surrounding area and take photos.
  • On Mondays, the Vietnam Ethnology Museum is closed, and we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.
  • Please dress modestly (shoulders to knees covered) when visiting public sites like temples, pagodas, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  • Bring essentials such as cash, a cellphone/camera, rain gear/umbrella, and sunblock, depending on the weather.
  • The order of the itinerary may change based on local conditions.

Halong Bay Day Tour Itinerary

7:30 – 8:00
Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and you’ll depart for Halong Bay via the Expressway.

10:30
Enjoy a short 20-minute break to relax.

12:00 – 12:30
Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Welcome aboard the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise! We will embark on a 5-6 hour journey along the scenic route of Halong Bay, famous for its uninhabited islets and striking limestone outcrops, which locals have given imaginative names based on their shapes. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch on board.

14:00
Visit the Surprising Cave, home to an array of stunning stalagmites and stalactites, each resembling different shapes of marine life.

15:00
Explore Titop Island, where you can relax on its sandy beach or climb the towering limestone mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay, which looks like paradise.

16:00
Experience kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave, where you can explore the tranquil and beautiful lagoon.

17:00 – 17:30
Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor. During this time, enjoy a sunset party with tea, cakes, and music on the upper deck while soaking in the stunning natural scenery of the Bay and having fun with fellow travelers.

18:00 – 18:30
Board the bus for your return journey to Hanoi via the Expressway, with another short 20-30 minute break.

21:00 – 21:30
Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the trip concludes.

Enjoy some relaxation time at your hotel until it's time to head to the airport for your flight home. While there won’t be a tour guide accompanying you, you’re free to unwind and enjoy some downtime before your departure.

The room is available for you until 12:00 P.M.

Meals will be for your own account.

Package Includes:

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Vietnam
  • Airport Taxes
  • Domestic airfare (Airfare is subject to change without any prior notice before issuing time)
  • E-Visa to Vietnam (Single entry)
  • Accommodations based on twin/double/triple occupancy
  • Cruise based on twin/double/triple occupancy on a shared boat
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary: B=Breakfast, Br=Brunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
  • Tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Transfers by vehicles with A/C (Private airport transfers; Private vehicle(s) for private tour(s); Shared bus for SIC tours/group tours)
  • Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tour guide(s) escort as per the itinerary (English-speaking guides)
  • Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers (2 bottles per person per full day; 1 bottle per person per half day or airport transfer)

*Please note: For additional dinners, the additional price will be 14$/pax/meal.
Transportation for dinner has not been included in this package.

Accommodation

Standard Tour

Ho Chi Minh City - Adora Art Hotel or Winsuites Saigon Hotel
Hanoi - MK Premier Boutique Hotel or Flower Garden Hotel
Halong Bay - Cozy Bay Premium Cruise

*Hotels are locally graded 4-star. 

Package Excludes:

  • Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
  • Compulsory gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
  • Vietnam Visa: 25$US/pax.
  • Other services not mentioned above

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.