Vietnam Adventure Tour – 15 Days

Duration: 15 Days
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh/ Hanoi
Tour Type: Cycling
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An – Hue – Phong Nha – Hanoi – Pu Luong – Hanoi – Cat Ba Island – Hanoi
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: Mekong Delta
Day 3: Hoi An
Day 4: Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An
Day 6: Hue
Day 7: Hue
Day 8: Phong Nha
Day 9: Phong Nha- Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi
Day 11: Pu Luong
Day 12: Hanoi
Day 13: Cat Ba Island
Day 14: Hanoi
Day 15: Hanoi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh

Your journey starts in Ho Chi Minh City with a 6 pm welcome meeting. Formerly known as Saigon, this city blends old and new, East and West, offering a vibrant atmosphere with bustling streets and French-inspired cuisine like baguettes and coffee. Explore the lively streets lined with shops and vendors selling everything from soup to electronics. After the meeting, consider visiting the Ben Thanh night market for a taste of pho or bun with your fellow travelers.

Day 2: Mekong Delta

Today, journey to the Mekong Delta and explore Ben Tre, renowned for its versatile coconut. Discover the fertile delta with its tropical fruits and flowers, and navigate the canals by private boat. Visit cottage industries, interacting with locals along the way. In the evening, unwind at a riverside guesthouse, enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the river.

Day 3: Hoi An

Wake up to the lively sounds of the delta and have a simple breakfast before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Enjoy free time to explore more sites or indulge in delicious street food. Join a leader-led orientation walk around the city, where you can try the iconic Saigon café’s Sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) while learning about local life. Later tonight, board an overnight train to Hoi An, a historic town on the central coast, for a unique experience traveling with locals.

Day 4: Hoi An

Upon arrival in Danang, take a minibus to Hoi An, a recently declared World Heritage-listed site known for its restoration and preservation. Explore the Old Town on a walking tour and discover original paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, and more. Hoi An is also renowned for its tailoring, where you can have clothing copied from a favorite piece or picture. Enjoy exploring Hoi An at your leisure after the tour.

Day 5: Hoi An

Explore the tranquil countryside of Hoi An on a bike ride with your leader, passing through green rice paddies and rural villages. Later, you can cycle or take a local bus to Cua Dai Beach for an afternoon by the Eastern Sea. Alternatively, consider booking a My Son Cham day trip to visit temples and explore more of the Vietnamese countryside. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets, capturing colorful buildings illuminated by lanterns at sunset.

Day 6: Hue

Today, leave Hoi An and journey through the dramatic Hai Van Pass, pausing for a quick photo opportunity before reaching Hue. As Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue boasts a rich royal heritage and a blend of bustling streets and serene surroundings. Spend the afternoon exploring Dong Ba market, known for its diverse offerings, and visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, heavily affected during the Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive. In the evening, unwind with a traditional dinner in a local home, cherishing these authentic off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Day 7: Hue

Today, explore the beauty of Hue at your own pace. Join your group for a morning street food experience, sampling delicious market breakfasts and interacting with local traders. Later, consider a dragon boat cruise on the Huong River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue with a rich history dating back to 1601. Alternatively, opt for an optional motorbike tour with a local guide to explore the city’s sights.

Day 8: Phong Nha

Hop on the bus and travel to Quang Tri. Consider visiting the Hien Luong Bridge and Vinh Moc tunnels for a small fee. Hien Luong Bridge symbolizes the division between North and South during the war, while the Vinh Moc tunnels served as shelters from bombings. Continue your journey to Phong Nha and spend the afternoon exploring the area. Stay just outside Phong Nha Town, near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, renowned for its stunning caves and underground rivers.

Day 9: Phong Nha – Hanoi

Spend the day exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Asia’s oldest karst mountain range at 400 million years old. Options include a boat trip through Phong Nha Cave or a visit to the stunning Paradise Cave. If you prefer, ask your leader about kayaking in Suoi Mooc. Otherwise, relax with a coffee and enjoy the river views. Later, return to Dong Hoi and board a sleeper train, becoming a seasoned traveler by now.

Day 10: Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi early this morning, transfer to your hotel and drop off your luggage before embarking on a city exploration. Known for its scenic lakes, shaded boulevards, and vibrant Old Quarter, Hanoi boasts a unique blend of architectural styles. Take a walking tour led by your leader, exploring the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Visit Dong Xuan market, the largest wholesale market in northern Vietnam, and wander through the ancient ’36 streets’ lined with diverse shops.

Day 11: Pu Luong

Today, depart from Hanoi and journey to Pu Luong, renowned for its stunning landscapes of rice paddies nestled within the National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your unique homestay accommodation offering picturesque views of the surrounding rice fields. Enjoy a quick lunch before embarking on a trek through this natural haven. Afterwards, consider taking a dip in the onsite swimming pool, witnessing the sunset over the terraced fields, or exploring the grounds at your leisure.

Day 12: Hanoi

After breakfast, return to Hanoi. Today’s highlight is a visit to Vun Art, a local organization supporting people with disabilities in Vietnam. They create tote bags and art from discarded silk, promoting sustainability and preserving traditional art. Witness the process: cutting, gathering, gluing, and pressing the fabric. Tonight, enjoy dinner wherever you fancy and explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 13: Cat Ba Island

Hop on a bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, the largest in Ha Long Bay. Experience the iconic scenery of limestone islands and traditional junk boats on Lan Ha Bay. Explore the landscape up close with a kayak adventure. Spend the night on Cat Ba Island, unwind with a beach dip, and perhaps a chilled beer.

Day 14: Hanoi

Enjoy a morning swim in paradise before departing for Hanoi in the afternoon via ferry and bus. Once back in the bustling city, explore its diverse offerings. Visit the French Quarter to see European architectural influences or gather with friends for roadside chargrilled meats or Pho cuon (rice noodle rolls).

Day 15: Hanoi

Today is free for you to explore Hanoi at your leisure. Consider booking an Urban Adventure like the Hanoi Street Food Experience, a 3-hour tour sampling delicious eats from markets, street cafes, and more. If you want to extend your stay in Hanoi, simply speak to your booking agent to make arrangements.