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For the 2022 itinerary of this tour, click here.

Vietnam: Roadtrip Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Plus

15 days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Map of the route for Vietnam: Roadtrip Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Plus
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Itinerary

Day 1Hanoi

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting and your First Night Out with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2Hanoi

Head out with your CEO for an orientation walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter. Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore.

Free Time
Hanoi Half Day

Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi.

Old Quarter Orientation Walk
Hanoi

Take an orientation walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Each street is named after the trade practiced on that street for several generations; it's an interesting glimpse into the life of a Hanoian in one of the oldest parts of town. Need a rest? Stop at Bia Hoi corner and pull up a plastic stool. Drink the local brew with the locals and make new friends.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Hanoi 1-2km

Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.

Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
Hanoi

Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
Hanoi

Take a break from city strolling and wander down by Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk along the water’s vibrant shoreline for some prime people watching. See if you can spot one of the famous 100-year-old turtles, which may still live in the popular lake.

Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance
Hanoi
200000VND per person

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show with beautiful live music and intricate puppets dancing in a water stage. The price listed above is for a VIP seat.

Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit
Hanoi

Visit this sprawling temple built to honour Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country’s first university in 1076. Explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Hanoi/Vinh

Travel to Ninh Binh, a city along the Red River Delta surrounded by towering karsts and winding rivers. Visit a local pagoda, then hop into a paddle boat for a guided tour through the area's stunning limestone caves and peaceful rice paddies. Continue to Vinh.

Paddle Boat Tour
Ninh Bình2h

Hop into a local paddle boat for a two-hour tour of Ninh Binh's spectacular riverside, dotted with towering limestone rock formations and hidden caves. Take in the scenery as you drift past picturesque rice paddies and observe locals going about their day.

Private Vehicle
Hanoi – Ninh Bình2h-2h30m100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Ninh Bình – Vinh5h-5h30m200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Vinh/Phong Nha

Travel through Vietnam's stunning countryside to the mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. On arrival, opt to explore the town of Phong Nha by foot or by bike.

Private Vehicle
Vinh – Phong Nha4h30m-5h200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Phong Nha

Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest cave in Asia are found.

Free Time
Phong Nha Full Day

Take a full free day to explore the natural wonders of Phong Nha.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Caving in Phong Nha
Phong Nha8h-9h 10-20km

Explore the longest cave in all of Asia - Paradise Cave - by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you'll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Phong Nha/Huế

En route to Hue, visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a complex underground cave system in the former Vietnamese DMZ. Take an orientation walk around Hue and enjoy a free evening.

Opt to visit the Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel.

Private Vehicle
Phong Nha – Huế5h-5h30m210km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Vinh Moc Tunnels Visit
Xã Thạch Vĩnh

Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Hue City Tour
Huế

Take a tour of this imperial city to see the Thiên Mụ Buddhist pagoda, the tallest religious building in the country, the Japanese bridge, and the tombs of the emperors. Visit the Dong Ba Markets for local specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes) and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp).

Huế Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel Tour
Huế

Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers. Tour the Tien Mu pagoda before visiting the imperial citadel, a one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Huế/Hoi An

Enjoy a free morning in Hue. Later, travel to the port city of Hoi An. Join your CEO on a walk toward the picturesque Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way.

Hoi An Orientation Walk
Hoi An

Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)

Private Vehicle
Huế – Hoi An4h-4h30m125km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Hue Motorbike Tour
Huế

Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, admiring the view of the Perfume River, learning to plough and make rice, creating your own incense sticks, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Hoi An

Visit the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles for an unforgettable cooking class. Enjoy a free afternoon before your Big Night Out with the group — the first drink's on us.

Noodles might be fun to eat, but they're even more fun to make! With free time, opt to visit the World Heritage listed My Son ruins or cruise down the Thu Bon River.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside

Follow your CEO to the best riverside bar in Hoi An to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Grab a drink and reminisce about your favourite experiences thus far. Later, venture to the dance floor, take advantage of the drink specials, and make it a night to remember!

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

My Son Ruins Tour
Mỹ Sơn – Hoi An

The Mỹ Sơn temple complex is one of Southeast Asia's largest collection of ancient Hindu temples, constructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD. Like Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Myanmar's Bagan complex, the Mỹ Sơn ruins hold deep cultural significance for the people of Vietnam. Embark on a guided tour of the ruins and immerse yourself in an untold part of this country's history.

Thu Bon River Boat Trip
Hoi An
12USD per person

The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Hoi An

Enjoy a full free day to explore Hoi An's rich culture and heritage, or just chill out and hit the beach.

Free Time
Hoi An Full Day

With lots to see and do in Hoi An, take the day to get out and explore.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Tailor Shops
Hoi An

Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.

Cua Dai Beach
Hoi An

Play in the surf at Cua Dai beach about 4km (2.5 mi) away from the Old Town. Make your own picnic of local food and rest under one of the palm trees lining the shore.

Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
Hoi An

Enjoy a peaceful exploration of the villages around Hoi An, cycling through rice paddies and along narrow country lanes. Take advantage of this tour – it includes a boat trip through the water palm forest and a visit to the farming village of Tra Que.

Hoi An Cooking Class
Hoi An
35USD per person

Take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!

Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
Hoi An2h-3h
6USD per person

Stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An’s old town to see Chinese assembly halls, ancestral homes, The Japanese Covered Bridge, and well-preserved pagodas on this self-guided tour. Opt to try local delicacies and fusion food at one of the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Hoi An/Qui Nhon

Spend the next few days soaking in the best coastal scenery as we hop from one beach town to another. With an early start, travel to Qui Nhon, a tranquil beach town largely off the tourist radar. Enjoy epic seaside views and opt to try the regional cuisine.

Private Vehicle
Hoi An – Qui Nhon6h-7h300km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Qui Nhon/Nha Trang

Travel to Nha Trang via the stunning passes of Cổ Mã and Deo Cả, with sweeping views of the coastline as you drive past secluded bays and lush, green valleys. Head out for an evening street food crawl.

Street Food Crawl
Luang Prabang

Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Private Vehicle
Qui Nhon – Nha Trang5h-6h225km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Nha Trang/Mui Ne

Enjoy a free morning to explore Nha Trang's local shops and markets. Opt to hit the beach and go snorkelling, or visit the local mud baths. Continue to Mui Ne, an off-the-beaten-track seaside retreat lined with palm trees and endless white sand.

Private Vehicle
Nha Trang – Mui Ne5h-5h30m220km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Mui Ne

Enjoy a full free day to experience this little slice of coastal paradise. Opt to view the sunrise over towering sand dunes, visit the local seafood market, go sandboarding or kitesurfing, relax on the beach, or stop by a local fish sauce factory.

Free Time
Mui Ne Full Day

Make the most of your time in Mui Ne. Get out and explore!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Mui Ne/Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Head out for an orientation walk with your CEO and get a feel for Vietnam's buzzing southern capital. Opt to visit the Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts, before hitting one of the city's many rooftop bars.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Private Vehicle
Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City5h-5h30m220km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City

Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Ho Chi Minh City

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Vietnam: Roadtrip Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Plus

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