Vietnam Essentials Expedition Tour – 11 Days

Duration: 11 Days
Start/ End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh
Tour Type: Discovery and Experience
Tour Route: Hanoi- Ha Long Bay- Ha Noi- Hue- Hoi An- Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta- Ho Chi Minh
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local experienced English speaking guide
Transportation: Local transport with a skillful driver

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi
Day 2:Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi- Cat Ba
Day 4:Cat Ba- Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 5: Ninh Binh
Day 6: Ninh Binh- Hue
Day 7: Hue
Day 8: Hue- Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An- Ho Chi Minh
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh
Day 11:Ho Chi Minh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi
Hello from Hanoi, Vietnam! Your adventure starts tonight with a group meet-up at 6pm. Feeling feisty? Explore the city, grab some delicious food with your new travel buddies, or soak up the lively atmosphere with a cold Bia hoi by the roadside. Hanoi also boasts trendy bars, so dive into the nightlife and see what awaits!

Day 2: Hanoi
Hanoi’s your oyster today! Explore at your own pace. Snap a selfie by Hoan Kiem Lake, grab street food in a park (spring rolls anyone?), or visit museums like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the Temple of Literature. Support a good cause with a yummy lunch at KOTO, a trendy spot perfect for photos. As evening falls, wander the charming streets and soak up the historic vibes.

Day 3: Hanoi- Cat Ba
Bus and ferry whisk you to Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay’s biggest island! Cruise through emerald waters dotted with limestone giants, just like the postcard views. Savor a fresh seafood lunch on board, then kayak amidst this magical landscape. Paddle under dramatic cliffs and watch the sun paint the sky as you explore by water.

Day 4: Cat Ba- Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Today, return to the mainland by ferry and travel to Ninh Binh province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once Vietnam’s capital. Cycle with a local guide to explore the ancient citadel, covering 300 hectares, now with few remnants. Visit 17th-century temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, amidst lush mountainous surroundings.

Day 5: Ninh Binh
Explore the wonders of Ninh Binh at your own pace. Hike to Mua Cave and climb 500 steps for breathtaking views. Alternatively, take a boat tour to see limestone peaks, caves, temples, and even spots from a King Kong movie. Later, catch an overnight train to Hue.

Day 6: Ninh Binh – Hue
Hue awaits! Explore the massive citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace, Vietnam’s royal past. Cruise the Perfume River on a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda. Shop Dong Ba Market for local goodies and royal rice cake (banh Khoai). Cycle to a tomb like Emperor Tu Duc’s. Cap it off with a delicious home-cooked dinner with a local family!

Day 7: Hue
Hit the road for Hoi An, a charming town with a unique blend of cultures! Explore on foot with your guide. Wander streets frozen in time, admire restored architecture, and discover hidden gems. See a historic merchant’s house, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and cultural treasures like assembly halls and museums. In the evening, join your guide for a fun local tradition – bingo night in the town square!

Day 8: Hue- Hoi An
Bike through Hoi An’s countryside to a hidden herb and veggie garden! Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, then devour a fresh lunch made with your picks. Explore the Central Market’s treasures – paintings, crafts, and lanterns galore. Hoi An boasts amazing tailors – treat yourself to a new outfit! As night falls, the town transforms with glowing lanterns – perfect for a photo walk!

Day 9: Hoi An- Ho Chi Minh
Train time! Catch your overnight ride to Ho Chi Minh City. Bond with your group, play cards, or lose yourself in a book. Watch the Vietnamese countryside roll by from your window – a glimpse into local life awaits!

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City buzzes awake! Check into your hotel in this vibrant ex-Saigon. French influence lingers in crusty baguettes and strong coffee. The south’s food scene bursts with bold flavors – spicy, sweet, and diverse. Hit the markets early and slurp pho with the locals. Explore with your guide, browsing exotic street food – maybe even take a bite! Sip Saigon’s iconic iced coffee (ca phe sua da) amidst the market’s energy as your guide dishes on local life. Tonight, gather your group for a fun dinner and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street!

Day 11:Ho Chi Minh
Your adventure wraps today! Ho Chi Minh City beckons with more to explore – the Cu Chi Tunnels whisper tales of history, the Mekong Delta offers a nature escape, and Phu Quoc Island tempts with beach vibes. Ask your guide for tips, or better yet for more fun! Need to extend your stay? Your booking agent can help.