Vietnam North to South: What a Two-Week Package Actually Covers

Almost every operator sells a Vietnam package that runs Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, with the Mekong Delta on the end. The route is good. The differences are in the transport, the extra stops, and how many hours each city really gets.

The standard shape

• Days 1-3: Hanoi. Old Quarter walk, a temple or two, street food.
• Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, back to Hanoi.
• Day 5: Fly or take the night train to Hue.
• Days 5-7: Hue citadel and tombs, then the Hai Van Pass road to Hoi An.
• Days 7-9: Hoi An, often with My Son and a cooking class.
• Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Days 10-12: City, Cu Chi tunnels, a Mekong Delta day trip or overnight.

Where packages differ

• Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha is quieter; if the itinerary just says 'Halong Bay cruise', ask which bay the boat sails.
• Sapa or Ninh Binh added in the north. Both add two days; Ninh Binh is closer and less weather-dependent.
• Night train or flight between Hanoi and Hue. The train is an experience and saves a hotel night; the flight saves a day.
• Mekong: a day trip from the city is a taste; an overnight in Can Tho gets you to the floating market at dawn.

What is usually excluded

• International flights and the visa
• Most lunches and dinners outside the cruise and homestays
• Tips for guides and drivers, which some operators quote as a daily amount
• Optional activities: the Cu Chi tunnels shooting range, Hoi An lantern boat, Hanoi water puppets

Season

The country has three climates. February to April is the safest window for the whole route. The north is cold in December and January, the centre floods in October and November, the south is wet from May to October. A package that promises perfect weather everywhere in one month is not being straight with you.