Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the vibrant heart of Vietnam on a journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your adventure in the charming capital of Hanoi, where ancient history meets modern vitality. Wander through bustling street markets, savor traditional pho, and experience the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake. As you travel south, each destination offers its unique allure, from the majestic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the historic streets of Hoi An. Your voyage culminates in the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, a place where French colonial architecture stands alongside bustling markets and skyscrapers. This journey through Vietnam promises an unforgettable blend of cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, and culinary delights.

Good to Know

Country

Vietnam

Travel Type

Curated Vacation

Language Spoken

Vietnamese

Currency Used

Dong

Best Time to Visit

November - April

Important Information

Gallery

Trip Plan

1

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive at your leisure and take the day to settle in or explore at your own pace. We have no scheduled activities until our evening welcome meeting, where you'll meet your guides and fellow adventurers. Following the meeting, you're invited to join the group for a delightful dinner out, setting the perfect tone for the journey ahead.

Welcome Moment: This is your chance to meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and connect with your fellow travelers, while also getting an insightful overview of your tour. Afterwards, you're welcome to join the group for a delightful local meal. Please check the notice in the lobby or inquire at reception for the official meeting time and place.

2

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Embark on a mesmerizing Ha Long Bay cruise aboard a traditional junk boat, complete with visits to a captivating cave and a scenic island lookout. Delight in a seafood feast for both lunch and dinner as you set sail from Bai Chay harbor, your gateway to the wonders of Ha Long Bay. Marvel at the thousands of islands, each boasting intricate cave systems, as they dramatically rise from the emerald waters. Glide past majestic limestone karsts, pausing to explore some of the islands and their hidden caves.

Shared Van- From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, climb aboard and make friends on your 3 hour route to the next stop.

Junk Boat- Once you arrive in Ha Long Bay, skim across the water aboard this iconic traditional Asian sailboat.

Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise Board a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour and cruise out onto serene waters. Marvel at massive limestone karst mountains jutting out of the water, creating unforgettable spectacular scenery. Swim, kayak or go cave exploring on one of the islands, if conditions are right. Indulge in fresh seafood meals with a variety of dishes to sample. Drift to sleep in a cozy cabin on board.

On rare occasion Ha Long Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.

3

Day 3: Ha Long Bay - Hue

Savor breakfast and lunch on board as you cruise back to the port, before returning to Hanoi. Once back in the city, enjoy some free time to explore before boarding an overnight train to Hue.

If you're keen on diving deeper into local flavors, consider pre-booking the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" when you check out. This optional activity is a fantastic way to add an extra layer of culinary discovery to your tour.

In the afternoon, spend a few hours exploring this beautiful capital city. Visit some shops, have a bia hoi on a street corner or grab a coffee in a lakeside café.

Overnight Train (with bed) to Hanoi - Board the southbound train for the overnight journey (13-14 hours)

Day 4: Hue

Guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda.

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.

4

Day 5 - 7: Hue - Hoi An

Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An.

Travel along the scenic Hai Van Pass, where, weather permitting, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. Arrive in the quaint town of Hoi An by afternoon.

With three nights in Hoi An, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the town’s myriad activities. Choose from a diverse array of options: participate in a cooking class, take a leisurely riverboat trip, go on a bike ride, relax on the beach, visit a tailor for custom-made clothes, or explore the ancient My Son ruins. Enjoy the blend of leisure and exploration at your own pace.

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles

Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.

8

Day 8: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short drive to Da Nang and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly the capital of South Vietnam and now the bustling commercial heart of the country. Once you arrive, enjoy some free time to delve into the vibrant cityscape. Wander through narrow alleys and lively streets, discover shops selling exquisite lacquerware, and treat yourself to the flavors of local street food stalls.

Flight: 1 hour flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

9

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and gain deeper insights into the Vietnam War. After the tour, take advantage of some free time in the afternoon to explore the expansive Ho Chi Minh City.

During your free time, consider visiting the serene Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, or wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Other notable attractions include the Reunification Palace, once home to the presidents of South Vietnam prior to 1975, the vibrant Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the poignant War Remnants Museum. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon at leisure.

10

Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Depart at your convenience. If you're not quite ready to say goodbye, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can assist with travel arrangements to extend your adventure further.

Inclusion

From CAD$1,279 per person double occupancy

Booking Conditions

Accommodations

7 nights at 4-star accommodations 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner. 1 night at a sleeper train and 1 night at a junk boat.

  • La Dolce Vita Hotel (or similar) Hanoi
    • Address: 53 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
    • La Dolce Vita Hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi, enjoying easy access to dining, shopping and nightlife areas. It has a restaurant and provides free internet throughout the hotel. Featuring wooden furniture and modern artwork, La Dolce Vita’s rooms have a seating area and cable/satellite TV. A safety deposit box, minibar and tea or coffee making facilities are also provided. The bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at the hotel. Both the front desk and business centre are open 24 hours a day for guests’ convenience.
  • Asia Hotel (or similar) Hue
    • Address: 17 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hue, Vietnam
    • Asia Hotel Hue is located along Pham Ngu Lao Street in Vietnam’s Hue City. The hotel offers free WiFi, an indoor pool and 2 restaurants. Free parking is available. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a satellite TV and minibar. Bottled water is provided. Rooms offer views of the city and Perfume River. The hotel features 24-hour room service, car rental, a tour desk and a craft shop. Massage and sauna services are available.
  • Uptown Hoi An Hotel Hoi An
    • Address: 209 Ly Thuong Kiet, Cam Pho, Hoi An, Vietnam
    • Uptown Hoi An Hotel & Spa features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and terrace in Hoi An. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Uptown Hoi An Hotel & Spa every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers buffet, continental or American options. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving local cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at Uptown Hoi An Hotel & Spa.
  • Victory Hotel (or similar) Ho Chin Minh City
    • Address: 14 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
    • Victory Hotel is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a minute's walk to the Independence Hall. It offers an outdoor pool and health club. Free WiFi is provided. Hotel Victory is 300 metres away from Diamond Plaza, 1 km from Ben Thanh Market and 1.5 km from Nguyen Hue Square, which is a walking street with music every night. It is a 3-minute walk to Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is 15 minutes’ away by car.

Transport

  • Transportation as per the day by day itinerary (Train, local bus, ferry)
  • Train
  • Air-Conditioned Bus
  • Boat
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Lounge

Additional Info

Activities

  • Hoi An.
    • Halong Bay caves entrance.
    • Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner.
    • Imperial Citadel and Tomb entrance (Huế).
    • Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles by G for Good partners, STREETS International.
  • Ho Chi Minh City
    • Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour.
    • Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, or wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
    • Other notable attractions include the Reunification Palace, once home to the presidents of South Vietnam prior to 1975, the vibrant Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the poignant War Remnants Museum.

Not Included

  • Add-on excursions
  • Gratuities

Activities

Hanoi: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony

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From Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Highlight with local guide

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Hoi An: Basket Boat with Lantern-Making & Cooking Class Tour

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Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest

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Hoi An: Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class

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Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Guided Tour with Boat Trip & Lunch

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Hoi An: Silk Village Tour with Artisan and Local Meal

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Ho Chi Minh: Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

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Saigon: Street Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour by Motorbike

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Vietnam Explorer

Experience the vibrant culture of Vietnam on a captivating journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Begin in the charming capital, Hanoi, where ancient architecture blends with modern life amidst bustling streets. Travel southward, exploring iconic landscapes like the limestone karsts of Halong Bay and the historic imperial city of Hue. Delve into the flavors of Hoi An’s culinary scene before reaching the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where traditional markets and sleek skyscrapers coexist. This route offers a profound glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.