Classic Journey – Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Tour – 15 Days

Duration: 15 Days
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh/Hanoi
Tour Type: Discovery and Experience
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local experienced English speaking guide
Transportation: Local transport with a skillful driver

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta
Day 4: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue
Day 9: Hue
Day 10: Hue – Hanoi
Day 11: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 12: Ninh Binh
Day 13: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 14: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 15: Hanoi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh
Hello! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant city with a French influence. If you arrive early, explore Pham Ngu Lao Street’s market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Our adventure starts with a meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a group dinner with delicious aromas and fresh flavors.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh
After breakfast, venture out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, part of a war museum near Ho Chi Minh City. This former Viet Cong stronghold showcases Vietnamese resilience during the war, with tunnels stretching over 120km. Explore trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, and more. Return to the city to visit the War Remnants Museum, displaying old military equipment. In the afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, visiting landmarks like Notre Dame or Reunification Palace with your travel buddies.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta
This morning, bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City as you head south by private bus to Ben Tre. Hop on a traditional boat to explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, known as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ for its rice paddies and orchards. Sample fresh tropical fruit, visit cottage industries, and enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch with locals. Spend the night at a guesthouse, savoring regional specialties.

Day 4: Mekong Delta- Ho Chi Minh
Indulge in more of the Mekong Delta’s delicious fruits for breakfast before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening exploring the city’s food scene with fellow travelers. Your group leader can recommend budget-friendly dining options. Later, consider visiting one of the city’s lively rooftop bars for a memorable night out.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh- Hoi An
This morning, catch a short flight to Danang and then head to Hoi An. Once there, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring mi quang or cao lau noodles, specialties of Central Vietnam. Afterward, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its mix of architectural styles from Europe, China, and Japan, reflecting its history as a major trading port. Then, take some free time to explore the market and street stalls, where you’ll find a variety of local crafts and goods.

Day 6: Hoi An
Enjoy a day exploring Hoi An and its stunning surroundings. Rent a bicycle and pedal to Cua Dai Beach, or join an Urban Adventure like Hoi An Boat & Bike for a guided tour including a countryside bike ride and sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River. Experience Hoi An’s delicious food with a Food Adventure. Your leader can help arrange optional activities and tours to make the most of your time in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An
Enjoy another day in this historic haven. Rise early to explore the local produce market, bustling with shoppers haggling over fresh fish and spices. Alternatively, your leader can help arrange a Vietnamese cooking class or a visit to the My Son ruins, Vietnam’s important Cham site. Surrounded by hills and overlooked by Cat’s Tooth Mountain, these World Heritage-listed temples reflect Cham civilization’s cultural traditions. The choice is yours on how to spend your day.

Day 8: Hoi An- Hue
Today, journey north and drive over the stunning Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of Lang Co Beach. Stop at beautiful Lang Co for lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in Hue, Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Explore the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, once exclusive to the emperor and his concubines. Despite war damage, the crumbling palaces hold captivating stories. Enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking in the poetic atmosphere of Hue.

Day 9: Hue
After a tasty breakfast of bun bo hue, a spiced beef noodle soup, dive into Hue’s historical highlights. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery since 1601. Enjoy a vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Then, explore Emperor Tu Duc’s royal tomb, surrounded by a serene landscape. In the evening, savor Hue’s culinary delights recommended by your leader, as it’s known as Vietnam’s culinary capital.

Day 10: Hue- Hanoi
After breakfast, fly from Hue to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant, supporting disadvantaged youth. Then, embark on a half-day tour exploring Hanoi’s beauty and history. Visit sights like the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda, stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake, and wander the historic Old Quarter’s ’36 Streets,’ each known for selling specific products like silk, bamboo, and ceramics.

Day 11: Hanoi- Ninh Binh
Depart from Hanoi this morning for the UNESCO-protected Ninh Binh, often called ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ for its stunning scenery. Visit the Dinh and Le Temples, built in the 10th century, then enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local home. Meet the family and savor Vietnamese delicacies like grilled beef, spring rolls, and fried fish. End the day with a rowboat cruise along Van Long’s wetlands, surrounded by limestone mountains and rice fields, and admire the lotus pond’s pastel hues.

Day 12: Ninh Binh
Enjoy a leisurely morning before an exciting afternoon at Thung Nham ecotourism zone near Ninh Binh. Hop on a traditional rowboat to discover Vietnam’s largest natural bird garden, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Explore cave systems including Vai Gioi Cave, But Cave, and Tien Ca Cave. Visit spiritual sites like the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple, and Linh Than Mieu. Conclude your journey with a visit to Thung Nham’s flower paradise, nursery, and vegetable garden.

Day 13: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Embark on a private minibus journey to Halong Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. Cruise to Surprise Cave and surrounding formations, with options for kayaking or swimming at Ti Top Island in warmer months. Watch your step on the cave’s uneven pathways. Spend the night on a traditional cruising boat with twin-share cabins, air-conditioning, and private facilities. Enjoy fresh seafood meals in the dining room and bar onboard.

Day 14: Halong Bay- Hanoi
Wake up to the stunning scenery of Halong Bay before heading back to Hanoi. Stop at Dong Trieu Factory to see locals making ceramic art pieces. Arrive in Hanoi and enjoy a water-puppet performance hosted by a local family. Share a group dinner and try Cha Ca La Vong, a flavorful fish dish. Reflect on your Vietnam adventure with your group this evening.

Day 15: Hanoi
Today marks the end of your adventure after breakfast with no planned activities. If you wish to extend your stay in Hanoi, we can arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).