Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Introduction

Sail through limestone karsts aboard a traditional junk boat and walk the streets of imperial capitals. From vibrant Hanoi, the natural beauty of Halong Bay, the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An to the modern day life of Saigon, experience the energy of Vietnam in 10 jam-packed days. An experienced Chief Experience Officer will lead you to must-see highlights with time in between to do your own thing.

Day 1: Hanoi

There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.

Accommodation:
- Bonne Nuit Hotel (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2: Hanoi/Ha Long (1B, 1L, 1D)

Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.

In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.

Accommodation:
- Halong Private Boat (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Shared Van 03:00 Hr(s)
- Junk: Ha Long

Included Activities:
- Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Day 3: Ha Long/Huế (1B, 1L)

Enjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Shared Van 04:00 Hr(s)
- Basic overnight train (beds) 13:00 - 14:00 Hr(s)

Day 4: Huế

Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Accommodation:
- Asia Hotel (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Tien Mu Pagoda Visit
- Imperial Citadel Tour
- Royal Tombs Visit

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Hue Motorbike Tour

Day 5: Huế/Hoi An (1B)

Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.

With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.

Accommodation:
- Vinh Hung 2 Resort (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)

Day 6: Hoi An (1B, 1L)

Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.

Accommodation:
- Vinh Hung 2 Resort (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch

Day 7: Hoi An (1B)

Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.

Accommodation:
- Vinh Hung 2 Resort (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Day 8: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City (1B)

Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.

Accommodation:
- Lotus Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City 01:00 Hr(s)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City (1B)

With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.

Accommodation:
- Lotus Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (1B)

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast