Vietnam’s classic journey — Hanoi to Saigon, Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta. These ten journeys show you the country properly.
Classic Vietnam Tours is the foundational collection — the ten journeys that most travellers picture when they imagine Vietnam. Imperial Hanoi, the limestone seascapes of Ha Long Bay, the karst country of Ninh Binh, the imperial heritage of Hue, the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An, the beaches of Nha Trang, the energy of Saigon, the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. These are the destinations that have drawn travellers to Vietnam for decades.
Each journey in this collection has its own identity — from a focused 9-day introduction to a comprehensive 33-day deep journey. The additional days in the longer journeys represent meaningful differences in experience — slower travel, more remote regions, and time to understand the country rather than simply see it.
What “Private Classic Journey” Means
Your itinerary is designed and operated exclusively for your party. Your own guide, your own transportation, and your own pre-arranged hotel stays. You travel on your own schedule — with private transfers throughout and no fixed group departures.
Classic Vietnam Tours is one of the collections in the Vietnam Tour Collections system — a set of journeys organised around how you actually want to travel.
Why Choose a Classic Vietnam Journey
Six reasons the Classic collection is the right starting point for most Vietnam travellers.
The Essential Vietnam
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta — the destinations that most travellers come to Vietnam to see, arranged in a logical north-to-south route.
Ten Journeys, Ten Experiences
From a focused 9-day introduction to a 33-day deep journey, every additional day in the longer journeys represents a meaningful difference — not the same itinerary at different lengths.
Private Throughout
Every Classic Vietnam journey is operated exclusively for your party — your own guide, your own vehicle, and your own pace. No group departures, no fixed dates.
Comfortable Hotels Throughout
From boutique heritage hotels to five-star properties, we pair every journey with hotels that suit the destination — Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Four Seasons Nam Hai, Park Hyatt Saigon.
Balanced Pace
Classic journeys balance time in cities, time at heritage sites, time on the coast, and time in the countryside. The pace is designed to be comfortable, not rushed.
Fully Tailored
Every itinerary can be adapted — more time in a specific city, added beach nights, or additional regional extensions. Tell us your priorities and we will design accordingly.
Vietnam’s Classic Destinations
Every Classic Vietnam Journey is built around one or more of these destinations.
The Classic Vietnam Progression
Ten journeys, one classic ladder — from a focused 9-day introduction to a 33-day deep journey through the whole country.
Choose by Journey Style — Not Simply by Duration
Classic travellers choose journeys for a reason. Here are the four main decision paths.
Essential Vietnam
For travellers who want the essential Vietnam in a focused timeframe — the classic highlights at a comfortable pace.
Vietnam in Greater Depth
For travellers who want to go deeper — active experiences, cultural immersion, and time in more regions.
Complete Vietnam
For travellers who want to experience Vietnam comprehensively — north to south with time in each region.
Grand & Deep Vietnam
For travellers who want the deepest Vietnam — our flagship Grand Journey and the immersive Deep Journey.
The 10 Classic Vietnam Tours
Each journey has its own identity — a focused introduction, a classic route, a deeper exploration, or a comprehensive journey through the whole country.
Essential Vietnam — 9 Days
Focused IntroductionA focused nine-day introduction to Vietnam — Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a private cruise in Ha Long Bay, the imperial citadel of Hue, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Ideal for travellers with limited time.
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Private Ha Long Bay cruise
- Hue Imperial Citadel
- Hoi An Ancient Town
Vietnam Highlights — 12 Days
The Classic First-Time RouteThe classic first-time Vietnam route — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon. North to south in twelve days, covering Vietnam’s most important destinations at a comfortable pace.
- Hanoi Old Quarter & Temple of Literature
- Ha Long Bay private cruise
- Hue & Hoi An heritage
- Saigon’s colonial landmarks
Vietnam Explorer — 15 Days
Beyond the Standard RouteA fifteen-day journey combining classic Vietnam with active and beyond-the-standard experiences — Ninh Binh’s karst country, Ha Giang’s remote highlands, and central Vietnam’s coastal paths.
- Ninh Binh boat caves & cycling
- Ha Giang loop
- Ha Long Bay kayaking
- Central Vietnam coastal drive
Vietnam Classic Journey — 16 Days
Classic with Greater DepthThe classic Vietnam route with greater depth and a more comfortable pace — Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Saigon. Sixteen days that allow more time at each stop.
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel
- Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
- Hue, Hoi An & Nha Trang
- Saigon & the Mekong Delta
Vietnam Discovery — 19 Days
Culture, Scenery & Local ExperiencesA nineteen-day journey focused on Vietnam’s culture, scenery, and local experiences — from the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta, with time in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Saigon.
- Northern mountains & Sapa
- Hue’s imperial heritage
- Hoi An & central coast
- Saigon & Mekong Delta
Vietnam Complete Journey — 23 Days
Complete North-to-South CoverageA twenty-three-day journey covering Vietnam comprehensively — from the northern mountains and Ha Long Bay through the central heritage cities to the southern delta and islands.
- Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
- Sapa & the northern mountains
- Hue, Hoi An & central coast
- Saigon, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc
Vietnam North to South — 25 Days
Slower Travel & Longer StaysA twenty-five-day journey through Vietnam at a slower pace — longer stays in each destination, more time in the countryside, and additional nights on the coast. For travellers who want depth over speed.
- Extended Hanoi & northern stays
- Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
- Hue, Hoi An & central coast
- Nha Trang, Saigon & Mekong
Vietnam Culture & Beach — 26 Days
Culture Combined with BeachA twenty-six-day journey combining Vietnam’s cultural depth with extended beach time — the northern heritage, central Vietnam’s imperial cities, and multiple nights at Vietnam’s finest beach resorts.
- Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh
- Hue & Hoi An heritage
- Nha Trang & Cam Ranh beaches
- Saigon, Mekong & Phu Quoc
Vietnam Grand Journey — 28 Days
Our Flagship Vietnam ItineraryOur flagship comprehensive Vietnam journey — twenty-eight days covering the whole country, with extended stays at Vietnam’s most important destinations and time at the finest properties.
- Hanoi, Sapa & northern Vietnam
- Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh
- Hue, Hoi An & central coast
- Saigon, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc
Vietnam Deep Journey — 33 Days
Remote, Immersive & Deep VietnamA thirty-three-day deep journey through Vietnam — including remote northern provinces, the Central Highlands, and the quieter corners of the Mekong Delta. For travellers who want to know the country, not just visit it.
- Ha Giang, Cao Bang & Ba Be
- Central Highlands & Buon Ma Thuot
- Quiet corners of the Mekong Delta
- Extended time at each destination
North → Central → South
A geographic view of where each classic journey goes, and what makes each region distinctive.
How Much Time Do You Have?
A functional view of our Classic Vietnam collection by travel length.
Essential Vietnam — 9 to 12 Days
For travellers with limited time who want the essential Vietnam at a focused pace.
| Duration | Journey | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Days | Essential Vietnam | Focused introduction |
| 12 Days | Vietnam Highlights | Classic first-time route |
Vietnam in Greater Depth — 15 to 19 Days
For travellers who want a deeper look — additional regions, active experiences, and cultural immersion.
| Duration | Journey | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Days | Vietnam Explorer | Active & beyond standard |
| 16 Days | Vietnam Classic Journey | Classic route with depth |
| 19 Days | Vietnam Discovery | Culture, scenery & local experiences |
Complete Vietnam — 23 to 26 Days
For travellers who want to experience Vietnam comprehensively — north to south with time in each region.
| Duration | Journey | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Days | Vietnam Complete Journey | Broad North-to-South coverage |
| 25 Days | Vietnam North to South | Slower travel & longer stays |
| 26 Days | Vietnam Culture & Beach | Culture + beach |
Grand & Deep Vietnam — 28 to 33 Days
For travellers who want the deepest Vietnam — our flagship Grand Journey and the immersive Deep Journey.
| Duration | Journey | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Days | Vietnam Grand Journey | Flagship comprehensive |
| 33 Days | Vietnam Deep Journey | Remote & immersive |
Find Your Classic Vietnam Journey
Essential Journeys
9–12 DaysFor travellers with limited time who want a focused, well-organised introduction to Vietnam’s essential destinations.
Deeper Journeys
15–19 DaysFor travellers who want to go deeper — additional regions, active experiences, and cultural immersion.
Complete Journeys
23–26 DaysFor travellers who want comprehensive coverage — from the northern mountains to the southern delta, with time in each region.
Grand & Deep Journeys
28–33 DaysFor travellers who want the deepest possible Vietnam — our flagship Grand Journey and the immersive Deep Journey.
The Properties That Define Classic Vietnam
Every Classic Vietnam Journey is built around these properties — and more.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Vietnam’s most storied hotel — a Hanoi landmark since 1901, with the Metropole Wing, Opera Wing, and legendary service.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Vietnam’s most iconic beach resort — private pool villas, three pools, and access to three UNESCO Heritage sites.
Park Hyatt Saigon
Saigon’s most elegant address — colonial-inspired rooms, a serene spa, and steps from the city’s finest dining and shopping.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Private island sanctuary with water villas, direct snorkelling access, and the largest spa in Vietnam.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
Bill Bensley’s fictional university by the sea — every corner an adventure. The most distinctive luxury resort in Vietnam.
Azerai La Résidence Hue
Hue’s most elegant hotel — a colonial-era riverside property with gardens, spa, and easy access to the Imperial Citadel.
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Riverside luxury in Hoi An — colonial-inspired design, a riverside pool, and easy access to the Ancient Town.
Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi
Hanoi’s newest luxury address — lake views, exceptional dining, and Four Seasons’ legendary service in the heart of the capital.
Capella Hanoi
Bill Bensley’s opera-inspired masterpiece — the most theatrical luxury hotel in Vietnam, in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Destinations Covered In This Collection
Every Classic Vietnam Journey is built around Vietnam’s essential destinations.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s elegant capital — Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, and the French Quarter.
Ha Long Bay
UNESCO World Heritage — limestone seascapes and traditional junk boats.
Ninh Binh
Karst landscapes, boat caves, and the Trang An UNESCO complex.
Sapa
Rice terraces, Fansipan, and the ethnic minority villages of the Hoang Lien Son range.
Hue
Vietnam’s imperial capital — Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and imperial cuisine.
Hoi An
UNESCO Ancient Town — merchant houses, lanterns, and artisan workshops.
Nha Trang
Vietnam’s classic beach city — offshore islands, coral reefs, and beachfront resorts.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s most dynamic city — Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and extraordinary dining.
Mekong Delta
Cai Rang floating market, traditional river villages, and Khmer pagodas.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s premier island — white-sand beaches, cable car, and luxury beach resorts.
Da Nang
My Khe Beach, the Marble Mountains, and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
Ha Giang
Vietnam’s final frontier — the Ma Pi Leng Pass and remote highland villages.
Notes on Vietnam Travel
Insights from Andy Nguyen, Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates.
Start With the Classic Route
“If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, the Classic collection is the right starting point. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon cover the essential Vietnam. You can always return for the deeper journeys.”
Longer Journeys, Not Just More Days
“Vietnam North to South is not the same journey as Vietnam Complete Journey with two extra days. It has a different pace, longer stays, and different destinations. Choose by style, not just by length.”
October & November, February & March
“The best months for a Classic Vietnam journey are October and November in the north, and February to April in the center and south. Plan your route accordingly.”
Balance Cities and Coast
“Vietnam’s classic route has cities, heritage sites, and coast. The best journeys balance all three — you do not want to spend 20 days in cities without time at the beach.”
Internal Flights Are Your Friend
“Vietnam is long. Internal flights between Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon save days. We include domestic flights where they make sense — they open up more time for the destinations themselves.”
Extensions Make the Trip
“Many Classic travellers extend with a Laos or Cambodia add-on — Luang Prabang, Angkor Wat, or a Mekong cruise. It turns a Vietnam trip into an Indochina journey.”
Every Journey Is a Starting Point
Published itineraries are starting points. Tell us how you travel and we will adapt the journey around you.
How We Customize Your Journey
Every Asia Travel Mates Classic journey is private and built around you. From the first enquiry to the final transfer, you can change the shape of the journey.
- Change hotels or upgrade accommodation
- Add or remove days
- Add destinations along the route
- Extend time at any stop
- Add private experiences — cooking classes, cycling tours, cultural events
- Adjust the pace and activity level
- Combine with a beach extension or regional add-on
Tell us your dates, regions of interest, travellers, and pace — we will design the journey accordingly.
What’s Included & What’s Not
All Classic Vietnam Tours are operated by Asia Travel Mates and include:
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Professional guides throughout
- Private transportation
- All internal flights within Vietnam
- All entrance fees for included activities
Not included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, gratuities, and any activities not listed in the itinerary.
Booking and enquiries are handled directly through Asia Travel Mates. Full booking conditions, cancellation policy, and privacy/terms are available on request and via asiatravelmates.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Classic Vietnam Tour different from other Vietnam collections?
Classic Vietnam Tours is the foundational collection — the ten journeys covering Vietnam’s essential destinations. It is the right starting point for most first-time visitors. Other collections (Luxury, Honeymoon, Culinary, Adventure, etc.) are built around a specific focus.
Which Classic Vietnam Tour is best for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, we recommend either the 12-day Vietnam Highlights or the 16-day Vietnam Classic Journey. Both cover the essential Vietnam — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon — with the 16-day version adding depth and more destinations.
How long does a Classic Vietnam Tour take?
Classic Vietnam Tours range from 9 days (Essential Vietnam) to 33 days (Vietnam Deep Journey). The most popular durations are 12–16 days for a first visit and 23–28 days for a comprehensive journey.
Are these tours private or group?
All our Classic Vietnam Tours are private journeys — your own guide, your own transportation, and your own itinerary. No group departures, no fixed dates.
What is the best time of year for a Classic Vietnam journey?
The best seasons are spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November). October and November are ideal for the north; February to April for the center and south. We plan each journey around the best season for its destinations.
Do the longer journeys just add more days, or are they different?
The longer journeys are genuinely different. Vietnam North to South (25 days) is slower than Vietnam Complete Journey (23 days). Vietnam Deep Journey (33 days) visits remote regions — Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ba Be, and the Central Highlands — that shorter journeys do not reach.
Can families with children join Classic Vietnam Tours?
Yes. Many of our Classic Vietnam journeys are excellent for families with children aged 8 and above. Vietnam Explorer and Vietnam Highlights are particularly popular with families. We adapt the pace and content for younger travellers.
Do you include internal flights within Vietnam?
Yes. All Classic Vietnam Tours include internal flights where they make sense — for example, between Hanoi and Hue, or between Da Nang and Saigon. These flights save days and open up more time at the destinations themselves.
Can I combine two Classic Vietnam journeys?
Yes. Many of our longer journeys are effectively combinations of shorter ones. If you want a specific combination, tell us — we can design a bespoke itinerary that covers exactly what you want.
What is included in the tour price?
All Classic Vietnam Tours include accommodation, meals as specified, professional guides, private transportation, internal flights within Vietnam, and entrance fees for included activities. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
How much do Classic Vietnam Tours cost?
Indicative pricing starts from $2,200 per person for the 9-day Essential Vietnam and reaches $14,000 per person or more for the 33-day Vietnam Deep Journey, depending on property selection and season. Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, and the hotels you choose.
Can I customize one of these Classic Vietnam journeys?
Yes. Every published itinerary is a starting point. You can change hotels, add or remove days, add destinations, extend time at any stop, and add private experiences. Tell us your dates, regions of interest, and pace and we will adapt the journey accordingly.
Plan your Classic Vietnam journey
Design Your Classic Vietnam Journey.
Tell us your dates, regions of interest, and preferred pace — we’ll recommend the right journey and adapt it to your interests.
Speak With Andy Nguyen →Vietnam classic expertise, on the ground.
If you are building Vietnam classic programs for your clients, we can support you with vetted properties, private experiences, and confidential trade rates.
Visit the Trade Page →Let’s Design Your Classic Vietnam Journey.
Ten classic Vietnam journeys from 9 to 33 days — the essential Vietnam, the deeper journeys, and the comprehensive routes. Tell us your dates, regions of interest, and pace — we’ll take it from there.