Compare Best of Vietnam by Intrepid Travel vs Bike, Hike and Kayak Northern Vietnam by World Expeditions

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today, where you'll get to know your fellow travellers and meet your legendary group leader. If you arrive early before the meeting, perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or one of the amusements parks. Ho Chi Minh City has a dynamic atmosphere and a French influence. After the welcome meeting, you may like to join your group for an optional meal at one of the city's fantastic eating spots. Because this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, you might even choose to spend an extra day or two here to see the sights.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast today, you’ll visit one of the most important sites in Ho Chi Minh City, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These complex tunnels were used by the Viet Cong in the long war against the Americans and were instrumental to the Vietnamese victory. You'll be amazed by the ingenuity of these dangerous tunnels. Later in the day, take a tour of the city, passing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House. Head to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet informative lesson on the Vietnam War. Here you’ll see things like old military equipment, an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter.

Day 3 Mekong Delta Homestay

Today you'll travel south by private minibus to Cai Be. When you arrive, you’ll board a boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. You'll get a chance to get off the boat to visit an orchard and sample some tropical fruit. You’ll then continue on the cruise and visit a selection of local cottage industries along the way where you'll experience local life and the industries surrounding the river up close. For sunset today, you’ll make your way up one of the many canals to your homestay where you’ll tuck into a wonderful meal of local specialities. Your guesthouse accommodation tonight will be simple, but the experience will be rewarding.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City today and enjoy some free time to do a bit of sightseeing at your leisure. We recommend exploring the city’s restaurants and trying Ho Chi Minh City’s distinctive fresh and flavoursome food. In contrast to the north of Vietnam, the cuisine here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. There are also plenty of street food stalls if you’d like to take a few bites of the local fare.

Day 5 Dalat

After exploring Ho Chi Minh City, take a bus transfer to Dalat. Temperate and cool compared to the rest of the country, Dalat has gained the name “City of Eternal Spring” due to the mists that cover its nearby valleys nearly all year around. This fairytale nickname spreads to its amazing architecture – the Hang Na guesthouse, an expressionist masterpiece, stands as a towering, melted stone obelisk over the lush garden below. There’s also plenty of charming Art Deco-influenced structures and gardens littering the area as well. This afternoon, perhaps go for a wander through the streets for a better feel of the city or find a café for a cup of artichoke tea, a regional specialty.

Day 6 Dalat

Dalat’s soothing climate isn’t just a great reprieve from the heat of Vietnam's coast, it also creates the perfect environment to grow a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Take a full day to stroll through the tranquil gardens of this city, darting past plantations full of plump vegetables, dazzling flowers, medicinal herbs, aromatic lavender and juicy strawberries. You'll enjoy a guided garden visit to learn more about this fruitful area.

Day 7 Nha Trang

After breakfast this morning travel by minibus to the coastal town of Nha Trang. On arrival, stretch your legs with a leader-led orientation walk. Then, enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening in this stunning coastal city -you might like to make a beeline straight to the beach or try a mud bath. Be sure to find a beach side bar for a cocktail at sunset and then tuck into some of this town's epic seafood - your leader knows all the good spots, so be sure to ask them for their top tips.

Day 8 Nha Trang / Overnight train

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a leisurely boat trip in Nha Trang Bay. You'll stop at Mieu Island to learn about local fishermen's life here, and even get a chance to give it a go yourself with the rowing bamboo basket boat. Then you'll hop to Tam Island and enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise water amongst the stunning corals. Head back to Nha Trang in the early afternoon. This evening, board an overnight train to Da Nang. Conditions are basic on these trains and hygiene standards may be lower than what you’re used to at home, however overnight trains are the best way to brush shoulders with the locals and make the best use of your time. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend stocking up on snacks before you board.

Day 9 Hoi An

You'll arrive in Hoi An early today. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major trading port with the West from the 15th to the 19th century. Today it has been restored to look exactly as it did more than a century ago, giving it an old-world feel full of nooks and crannies for you to explore. You’ll have some free time to wonder the city and adventure at your own leisure this afternoon. Hoi An is very much a shopping mecca. Why not browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics, embroidery all made by the locals? The city is also famous for its talented tailors who work with beautiful fabrics for a good price.

Day 10 Hoi An

Enjoy another free day in the town of Hoi An. You’ll have time to see the beautiful Chinese shophouses, enjoy the busy market, visit Cua Dai Beach, cycle to the rice fields or browse the array of art galleries. With plenty of options to keep you busy in this quaint city, you can build the day into whatever you wish.

Day 11 Hue

This morning, wave goodbye to Hoi An as we make tracks to the white sand and blue sea of My Khe Beach. Continue on the journey and cross the dramatic Hai Van Pass and make a quick stop at the fishing village of Lang Co before making your way to Hue. The former imperial capital of Vietnan, Hue contains the treasures of Vietnam’s royal history, and has a curious blend of bustling streets and tranquil settings. You'll explore the Imperial Citadel this afternoon - this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction caused by the war. In your free time here you might like to visit to Dong Ba Market which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.

Day 12 Hue

Today’s adventure will be taken on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here you'll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war. Next, you'll ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious home-cooked vegetarian feast. After lunch, drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid a lake, frangipani bushes and pine trees. This evening, perhaps ask your leader for the best place to try imperial street specialties.

Day 13 Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Today, we'll take a minibus to the Vinh Moc Tunnels. These were used during the Vietnam War as shelter for the villagers who were escaping intense bombing. Incredibly, the locals here lived in the underground system that went over three levels. You’ll get a chance to enter the tunnels which remain in their original form. This afternoon, continue on to your home stay tonight located at the center of Phong Nha. Your host is a family of 3 generations and you'll be able to experience how the locals go about their daily routines while staying here.

Day 14 Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park / Overnight train

After breakfast today, visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains the oldest known karst mountains in Asia. The area is also known for its enormous cave system. You’ll visit the Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave), then take a cruise up the Son River towards the Phong Cave - the scale of the place is truly astounding. In the late afternoon, travel to Dong Hoi and catch an overnight sleeper train to Hanoi.

Day 15 Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and French-style Old Quarter. As an emerging city in South East Asia, Hanoi has an attractive contrast of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and a labyrinth of ancient streets. Later in the day, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Day 16 Da Bac

This morning, visit Vun Art center first, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Hear from them about the great things that they do and then make the drive to Sung village. There are around 70 families living at Sung Village and the majority are Dzao ‘Tien’ people. Farming and forest plantation are their main source of income. You'll enjoy a traditional lunch at your homestay then take an introductory walk around the village. After getting to know the village better, take a short trek (2 kilometres) to the alluring Sung Cave and visit a 100-year-old tea plantation. The trek has some steep and slippery sections so please ensure you have suitable footwear for this activity. After a handicraft workshop, return to your homestay accommodation for a nice hot shower and a delicious dinner.

Day 17 Hanoi

This morning, you'll get the opportunity to take in more of the Vietnamese highlands on a 10 kilometre (6.2 mi) trek from Sung Village to Da Bia. The first 8km of the trek is mostly flat ground along well-worn buffalo tracks. The final 2km gradually inclines and for a period of approximately 300m there are some steps to climb, however the walk will be a steady relaxed pace. Keep an eye peeled for the monumental stone at the peak of Da Bia Mountain during the hike that takes us through the local villages, meeting people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way. Stop for lunch at Da Bia before enjoying a scenic 1.5 hour boat cruise on Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Arrive at Thung Nai then board a bus transfer to Hanoi, where you'll arrive at around 6 pm. Enjoy a water puppetry performance later on - a unique and traditional Vietnamese art form.

Day 18 Halong Bay

After breakfast today, drive to Bai Chay Harbour towards the famous world heritage site of Halong Bay. A blue-green bay studded with limestone outcrops, this area is full of beaches and natural grottos. You’ll take a boat through the limestone peaks and caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and have the chance to go for a swim or perhaps take a kayak out on the bay. Spend the night on board the boat beneath a sky alive with starlight. The boat has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There’s also a dining room and bar where you can enjoy the day’s meals.

Day 19 Hanoi

After breakfast today you'll return to Hanoi, arriving mid afternoon and enjoy some well deserved free time. Why not relax with a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter? or perhaps mark the end of your trip with an optional farewell dinner. 

Day 20 Hanoi

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There’s so much to see and do in Hanoi, why not stay a day or two longer? We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you have extra time, you may like to do an Urban Adventure tour. Your leader will be able to assist you in booking the tour of your choice. See urbanadventures.com/destination/hanoi-tours.

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival and Wecome Meal

If you’re flying into Hanoi today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. Please look for the WORLD EXPEDITIONS welcome sign outside Gate A1 of the arrivals hall. Following some time to relax and refresh, later in the afternoon your guide will hold a trip briefing in the hotel lobby after which you are invited to a welcome meal with a local family. Learn and share customs and traditions over an authentic Hanoian meal with your friendly host family. Vietnamese cuisine emphasises the use of fresh seasonal produce and a vast array of herbs and spices to produce its distinctive flavours. Perhaps you’ll also pick up a few Vietnamese phrases to use throughout your trip.

meals : D

Day 2 Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Show

Today we enjoy the sights of Hanoi, starting the morning with a walk through the Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chiu Minh read the Proclamation of Independence in 1945. The large square is dominated by the Soviet inspired Mausoleum of the revolutionary leader. Surrounding the square are the Presidential Palace and National Assembly Building. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This location marks the centre of unbroken political stronghold of the region for over 1000 years. Only the foundations of the original fort remains but many later structures provide a great insight into the site’s historical importance including during the Vietnamese – American War. We continue on to the Temple of Literature which hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first university dating back to C11th. Dedicated to to Confucius, sages and scholars, the Temple is a fine example of the ancient architectural styles of several dynasties. Next up is the Museum of Ethnology which features a fascinating and well presented collection of art, artifacts and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam’s diverse ethnic minorities. The afternoon will be spent exploring the heart of the city, the buzzing Old Quarter. Each street in the district used to be specialised in a specific art, manufacture or commerce and many streets still retain those original names. In the evening we head out to enjoy a water puppet performance, a traditional art form closely linked with the agricultural roots of the Vietnamese people on the Red River Delta. Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum opens in the morning only and closes on Mondays & Fridays and the whole months of September & October for anual maintenance. Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts is closed on Monday & Friday afternoon. Most of Hanoi’s museums also close on Mondays, except Museum of Vietnam Women & Museum of Vietnam Fine Arts.

meals : B

Day 3 Drive to Mai Chau, afternoon hike

This morning we’ll head out for breakfast as the locals do. We’ll enjoy a bowl of Pho, Vietnamese noodle soup and a coffee the local way before taking the drive to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh Province. En route we’ll stop by the Muong Cultural Space, a private museum dedicated to the Muong ethnic group, the biggest minority group in Hoa Binh province. We continue on, stopping in Van Village for lunch before reaching Xa Linh Village from where we’ll start our hiking adventure. We pass through idyllic valleys with lush woodland and terraced tea plantations hemmed in by hills. Our destination for the night is a homestay in Hang Kia, an ethnic Hmong village surrounded by peach and plum trees. Hiking distance: ~6.5km Overnight at homestay in Hang Kia Village.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Hike to Cun Pheo then Cycle in Mai Hich

After breakfast bid farewell to your host. Walk further through Hang Kia Village before entering the unpaved road leading to Thung Mai. You'll then turn to small dirt trails through the jungle. Most of this morning's route is going downhill to land of Thai ethnic minority. Nearly reaching Cun Pheo you can see rice fields and typical local house-on-stilts. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Cun Pheo. Hop on your bike and cycle on flat trails through the villages and fields of Buoc and Muoi Villages where you can see Thai farmers on their daily works. Continue walk through the villages of Sun, Ngoa and Den where you have plenty of opportunities to meet friendly local people and enjoy scenic landscape of fields and mountains. From the foot of Den Bridge embark on a bamboo raft and paddle down Xia Stream. Enjoy the scenery along the stream banks, with bamboo groves, karst mountains and buffaloes leisurely eating grass. Continue to Mai Hich Village. Have dinner while enjoying Thai traditional music performed by villagers. Hiking distance: ~9.5km Cycling distance: ~18km Overnight at homestay in Mai Hich Village.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Cycle to Khanh Village

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the host and head out of Mai Hich. Cycle on the quiet and peaceful backroads on the way to Cuc Phuong National Park. Arrive at Khanh village of Muong ethnic minority people where you will spend the overnight here. This will be an unforgettable experience as you could explore the lifestyles of local people here and enjoy the local dishes. Cycling distance: ~30-60km (adjusted to suit group) Overnight at homestay in Khanh Village.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Hiking Jungle Trails in Cuc Phuong National Park

After breakfast, start hiking along the jungle trail then gradually climbing uphill to enter the dense jungle of Cuc Phuong National Park. During the trek, you will see many different types of plants and trees, and take on a lot of ascents and descents. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of giant trees. You'll reach Bong at the center of the park in the mid-afternoon where your vehicle pick you up and transfer to the National Park’s headquarter. Explore the Visitor Centre, Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Turtle Conservation Centre and Carnivore & Pangolin Education Centre to learn about animal conservation efforts of the National Park. Hiking distance: ~16km Overnight at National Park’s Guethouse.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Transfer to Ninh Binh, Cycling and Sanpan boat trip

After breakfast drive to Ninh Binh to have a full day to explore Ninh Binh by bike. Start cycling along Van Long Nature Reserve Cycle through the countryside and villages. Next is Hoa Lu, which was the capital under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century. Its palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions, built by different dynasties, still carry the features of an ancient imperial capital. Board a sampan for an extended journey along the winding river lined with trees and limestone mountains of Trang An. You will stop by several small, historic temples which are the pride of the area’s inhabitants. The lush forests, clear river water, fresh air, magical caves and dramatic mountains will charm you from first glance. Cycling distance: ~30-40km (adjusted to sit group) Overnight in Ninh Binh.

meals : B,L

Day 8 Ha Long Bay Cruise

Breakfast at hotel before heading out to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival we will join our traditional ‘junk’ sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. We will spend the rest of the day cruising in our boat around the myriad of tiny islands and exploring the many grottoes created by the wind and the waves. While on board we will have a fresh seafood lunch. In the afternoon explore Vung Vieng floating village by kayak before swimming, sunbathing and relaxing at Ban Chan beach. Relax back at the boat as we cruise to docking area where the boat will anchor overnight. Kayaking duration: ~1 hour Dinner and overnight on board. Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Ha Long Bay Kayaking

Start your day with tai chi exercise on the sundeck. After breakfast, transfer to the day boat to Cap La area for kayaking. After lunch, cruise to Cong Do area for further kayaking and swimming. Return to main boat. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day on board. Kayaking duration: ~4 hours Dinner and overnight on board.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Ha Long Bay, return Hanoi

After breakfast kayak around Thien Canh Son Cave area. Enjoy the last of the Ha Long Bay scenery over lunch as the boat cruises back to shore. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Kayaking duration: ~1 hour Overnight in Hanoi.

meals : B,L

Day 11 In Hanoi, trip concludes

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!

meals : B