Vietnam Nature & Beach Tour
Hanoi • Halong Bay • Nha Trang • Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Vietnam: A Journey from North to South
Begin your adventure in the vibrant capital of Hanoi, where we explore the city's rich culture and lively streets. From there, we travel to Ninh Binh to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda — the largest pagoda in Vietnam — followed by a tranquil boat cruise through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex, known for its mystical caves, lush mountains, and winding rivers.
Next, we head to the iconic Ha Long Bay, where you'll board a traditional junk boat to cruise through the emerald waters and awe-inspiring limestone karsts — a true highlight of any visit to Vietnam.
Our journey continues south to the coastal city of Nha Trang. Here, we delve into local culture with a guided tour, then unwind on the region’s famous pristine beaches — the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
We conclude our tour in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where we explore historic landmarks and visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network used by the Viet Cong during the 1960s.
Private Guided Tour (Incl. Flights from JNB)
Itinerary:
Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Hanoi
After breakfast at your hotel, we begin the day with a half-day city tour of Hanoi. Highlights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and the French colonial-style Presidential Palace. We also visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 to honor Confucius.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for Ninh Binh — often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
After breakfast at your hotel, we begin the day with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda — the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. Marvel at its impressive collection of 500 Arhat (La Han) statues, and see the country’s biggest bronze Buddha statue, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we explore the breathtaking Trang An Landscape Complex by boat. Drift through a network of caves — including Sang (Light) Cave, Toi (Dark) Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave — surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and tranquil rivers. Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its natural beauty and serenity.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
After breakfast, we journey to the magnificent Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders. Stretching across 1,500 km² and dotted with nearly 3,000 limestone islands and islets, Ha Long Bay offers a stunning seascape where mountains meet the sea in perfect harmony.
Upon arrival at the harbor, we board a traditional-style wooden junk cruise, fully equipped with modern amenities for your comfort. As we set sail, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board while soaking in the panoramic views of the bay’s emerald waters and towering cliffs.
In the afternoon, we visit the spectacular Dau Go Cave ("Cave of Marvels") and Thien Cung Cave ("Heavenly Palace"), both renowned for their incredible formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board followed by the opportunity to try night fishing with local fishermen. The peaceful atmosphere, shimmering reflections of the limestone karsts, and the distant lights of fishing boats create an unforgettable experience.
Overnight: Onboard the junk cruise in Ha Long Bay
Start your morning with a serene cruise through Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a light breakfast on board as the boat glides past more of the bay’s spectacular limestone formations. We’ll make a stop at a scenic cove to take in panoramic views and capture final photos of this breathtaking seascape.
A delicious seafood brunch is served on board as we make our way back to the harbor.
In the afternoon, we return to Hanoi by road. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own.
Overnight: Hanoi
After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups. We then enjoy a traditional Water Puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form that originated from rural festivals. Performed in waist-deep water, the puppets come to life in charming scenes of daily village life, music, and folklore.
Next, we visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Lake of the Restored Sword) and Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island accessed by a charming red bridge. Then, enjoy a relaxing Cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter, known for its 36 historic streets — each once named after the trade goods originally sold there.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in.
Overnight: Nha Trang
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax on Nha Trang’s pristine beaches, take a dip in the turquoise waters, or explore the city’s vibrant coastal atmosphere. Optional activities such as spa treatments, island-hopping tours, or a visit to local markets can be arranged upon request.
Overnight: Nha Trang
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Vietnam’s dynamic southern capital.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
08:00 AM – We depart for the town of Cu Chi, located approximately 35 km from Ho Chi Minh City (a 1.5-hour drive). Here, we explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels — an extensive underground network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during their long struggle for independence.
The tunnels, which became globally known during the 1960s, stretch over 250 km in the Cu Chi district alone and once extended all the way to the Cambodian border. Ingeniously constructed over 25 years, the network included hidden trapdoors, living quarters, weapons factories, hospitals, kitchens, and command centers — some several levels deep. This visit offers a powerful insight into Vietnam’s wartime history and the ingenuity of its people.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for a half-day tour. Highlights include:
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Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence
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Notre Dame Cathedral (built 1877–1883), a classic symbol of French colonial architecture
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The elegant Central Post Office (1886–1891), designed by Gustave Eiffel
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A walk through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a lively spot for local culture and souvenirs
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
After check-out, you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
We hope you leave Vietnam with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you again!

Accommodation options
Hanoi - Tirant Hotel/ May de ville Premier Hotel
Ninh Binh - Ninh Binh Legend
HaLong - Lavender Cruise
Nha Trang - Ibis Styles Nha Trang
Ho Chi Minh City - Paragon Hotel / Royal Saigon Hotel
*Hotels are locally graded 4-star.
Included:
- Return flights from South Africa to Vietnam
- All airport taxes
- Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services
- All private transportation
- Accommodation shared in Double/Twin room with daily breakfast
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Domestic flights on Economy class
- Private boat trip as per tour
- Ha Long Junk cruise (2 days 1 night) with meals on board
- Breakfast Daily (Lunches and Dinners to be confirmed upon quoting)
- All sightseeing tickets
- Services charges and government tax
Excluded:
- Travel Insurance
- Visas (not required for South Afircan Passport holders)
- Vietnam visa pre-approval letter per nationality
- Vietnam visa pre-approval letter: $38 pp for South Africa Citizen
- Vietnam visa stamp fee: $25 pp (To be paid on arrival)
- Meals not specified (Supplement $15 per meal - Asian/Vietnamese set menu at local restaurant)
- Beverage
- Peak season or Public holidays surcharge if any
- Compulsory Gala dinner on Christmas or New Year if any
- Optional excursions not specified
- Items of personal nature
Rates are based on lowest fares.
Rates increase during the school and public holiday periods.
Please enquire for a quotation over the school holidays.
Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.