Vietnam Adventure: 13 Nights in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City

Overview

Come with us on a wonderful trip through Vietnam. See bustling cities, quiet rice fields and stunning coastlines. This country offers a blend of old traditions and modern life. We visit many different places, from the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful waters of the Mekong Delta. Discover ancient temples, enjoy delicious food, and meet friendly local people. This holiday is a perfect way to see all that Vietnam has to offer.

Best season: Vietnam is lovely all year round, but spring and autumn are often the best times to visit for pleasant weather.

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Trip highlights

• Explore the historic streets of Hanoi and enjoy a water puppet show.
• Cruise through the amazing limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
• Walk through terraced rice fields and meet ethnic communities in Sa Pa.
• Discover the imperial history of Hue and the charming old town of Hoi An.
• Experience the lively markets and culture of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Day by day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Hanoi's Culture and Local Life

   In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Literature. It was Vietnam's first university. Then we take a walking tour through the old part of the city. We can visit a local home and learn about their family's story. Later, enjoy a relaxing cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a water puppet show. Spend the night in Hanoi.

2. Day 2

   Tam Coc's Scenery and Night Train

   After breakfast, we drive for two hours to Hoa Lu, the old royal capital. In Tam Coc, we ride bicycles through green rice fields. Then we take a small boat trip through caves and pretty countryside. In the afternoon, we visit temples dedicated to Dinh and Le dynasty kings. Later, we take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. We sleep on the train.

3. Day 3

   Lao Cai Markets and Sapa Relaxation

   When we arrive in Lao Cai, we go to our hotel for breakfast. Then we visit the local ethnic markets. We will see different hill tribes in colorful clothes selling their crafts and goods. In the afternoon, we walk to a nearby village. We learn about the daily life of the hill tribe people. Then we drive to Sapa and relax for the rest of the day. We stay the night in Sapa.

4. Day 4

   Sapa Valley Villages Tour

   After breakfast, we spend the day exploring the beautiful minority villages in Sapa Valley. We drive to Lao Chai and walk for two kilometres through rice fields. We pass traditional Black Hmong houses and continue to Ta Van Village to visit a Giay community. We then go to Giang Ta Chai village, known for its stunning views and Red Dao culture. Our driver will be waiting there. In the late afternoon, we can visit another ethnic village or explore Sapa town's market. We stay the night in Sapa.

5. Day 5

   Thac Tien Waterfall and Return to Hanoi

   After breakfast, we visit Thac Tien Waterfall. It is a 1.3 kilometre walk to get there. We stop at Traurion pass for amazing views. In the afternoon, we have free time until we leave for Lao Cai. We take the night train back to Hanoi, leaving at 8:15 pm. We sleep on the train.

6. Day 6

   Ha Long Bay Cruise

   We arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and check into our hotel for breakfast. Then we leave for the beautiful Ha Long Bay. On the way, we stop in Hai Phong city for a tour. We visit Du Hang Buddhist Temple, Hang Kenh Communal House, and the Municipal Theatre. In Ha Long City, we check in and board our boat. Lunch is served as we cruise into the bay. In the afternoon, we enjoy visits and activities or just relax. If the weather is good, we can even swim. Dinner is on board, and we stay the night in Ha Long Bay.

7. Day 7

   Ha Long Bay to Hue

   After breakfast on the boat, we enjoy the fresh air and views of Ha Long Bay. The cruise ends around 11:00 am. We disembark and drive back to Hanoi airport. We stop at either Tho Ha or Phu Lang village for a visit. We take a late afternoon flight to Hue. At the airport, we are met and taken to our accommodation. We relax and stay the night in Hue.

8. Day 8

   Hue City Exploration

   We start the day with a boat trip on the Huong River. Then we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. It is a seven storey pagoda and a symbol of Hue. Afterwards, we visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We see the beautiful buildings and gardens. Dong Ba Market is also worth exploring for goods and street food. In the afternoon, we visit Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum. We return to our hotel and have free time. We stay the night in Hue.

9. Day 9

   Hue to Hoi An and Old Town Tour

   After breakfast, we travel to Danang through the Hai Van Pass. We visit the Cham Museum, which is about the ancient Champa Kingdom. Then we go to Hoi An, a charming old trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we take a walking tour of the old town. This includes the Phuc Kien Pagoda and the Japanese bridge. We end the day with a visit to a lantern making workshop. We stay the night in Hoi An.

10. Day 10

    My Son Ruins and Thu Bon River

    After breakfast, we go on a half day tour to My Son. It was the capital and spiritual centre of the Champa Empire. The site is about an hour's drive from Hoi An. It has many old brick towers and sanctuaries from the 7th to 13th centuries. After our morning trip, we enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. We have the rest of the day to relax and explore Hoi An. We stay the night in Hoi An.

11. Day 11

    Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

    After breakfast, we take a morning flight from Danang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City. When we arrive, we check into our hotel. We spend the day exploring the city. We visit the Reunification Palace and the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. We also see the Opera House and other old buildings. In the afternoon, we visit the War Remnants Museum. We end our day in Chinatown and the Binh Tay Market. We stay the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

12. Day 12

    Mekong Delta Cruise and Can Tho

    After breakfast, we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. On the way, we stop to visit a Cao Dai Temple. In Cai Be, we board a traditional boat. We cruise along the Mekong River and its canals. We visit an old colonial house and a rice popcorn factory. In the afternoon, we continue to Vinh Long. Then we drive to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. We stay the night in Can Tho.

13. Day 13

    Mekong Delta Market and Binh Thuy House

    After breakfast, we experience the Cai Rang floating market by boat. We also visit a local fruit farm. Afterwards, we visit the Binh Thuy House. It is an old colonial style house over a hundred years old. Later, we explore the local market in Can Tho. Then we return to Ho Chi Minh City by car. We stay the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

14. Day 14

    Departure Day

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. You will then be transferred to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight home. We hope you had a fantastic holiday with us.