Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Package Overview

Get ready for a sensory takeover as you journey from Hanoi's bustling streets to Ho Chi Minh City's electric nights. Along the way, kayak through the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, explore the lantern-lit magic of Hoi An and crawl through the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This trip packs in camera rolls worth of culture, mouth-watering street food and jaw-dropping landscapes, with the freedom to experience Vietnam from north to south your own way.

Routing

Trip Duration: 13 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital. Tonight, we'll hit the famous nightlife and get a taste of this city's electric energy.

• Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hanoi (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Hanoi,

Day 2 - Hanoi

Hanoi will hit you right in the senses today — in the best way. You’ll have a free morning to explore before we head out on an orientation walk through the Old Quarter, where each street will have its own speciality and decades of local trade behind it. You’ll snack as you go (we're talking: banh mi and other local faves), then wrap up on iconic Train Street with an egg coffee in hand (keeping an eye out for a train rolling past just inches away).

• Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hanoi (or similar)
• Meals: Dinner
• Location Visited: Hanoi,

Day 3 - Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba

Ready to swap scooters for sea air? Today we'll head out of Hanoi and make our way to Cat Ba.Drop into coastal mode fast and hop straight onto the boat. Island time incoming...Lan Ha Bay will do the flexing today — limestone karsts, glassy water (and an included lunch onboard too). Then you’ll grab a kayak and paddle into hidden corners and quiet lagoons you won’t reach any other way.Back on Cat Ba for the night, you’ll be sun-kissed, salt-sprayed, and fully in your “why don’t I live on an island?” era.

• Accomodation: Cat Ba Seavibe Backpackers (or similar)
• Meals: Lunch
• Location Visited: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba,

Day 4 - Cat Ba, Hanoi & Overnight Train to Phong Nha

Make the most of the morning to soak up your last island moments — one more cafe, one more viewpoint, one more wander. Then we’ll regroup and roll back to Hanoi by private bus.Back in the capital, you’ll have time to grab dinner and stock up on train snacks — because overnight journeys and empty stomachs don’t mix.Tonight you’ll board an overnight sleeper train to Central Vietnam — classic traveller mode activated. You’ll be in 4-berth soft-sleeper cabins with bedding included, your bags kept in-cabin (space is tight, so an overnight bag will be your best mate), and the ride will take roughly 10 hours depending on the service.

• Accomodation: Overnight Train
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cat Ba, Hanoi, Overnight Train to Phong Nha,

Day 5 - Phong Nha

You’ll roll in during the early hours and transfer with your local guide from Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha National Park (around 1 hour). Later, you’ll have the option to head out on a half-day Phong Nha Cave boat trip — river cruising, caves up close, and a solid first taste of this area’s wild scenery.

• Accomodation: Central Backpackers Hostel (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Overnight Train to Phong Nha, Phong Nha,

Day 6 - Phong Nha to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Road trip day. We’ll head south with a few big history stops along the way — including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where you’ll have the chance to walk through an underground village and see how families lived below the surface during the Vietnam War.Next up, we'll hit the road once again, travelling along the iconic Hai Van Pass. Cameras at the ready for those charming coastal views!Then it’s straight into lantern-lit Hoi An. Tonight you’ll have time to wander the markets, pick out dinner, and ease into the city’s bar scene with the crew.

• Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Phong Nha, Hai Van Pass, Hoi An,

Day 7 - Hoi An

Guess what? You've got a full free day to do Hoi An your way — lantern streets, coffee stops, or a beach reset. Keen for something more hands-on? Opt into the Tra Que Herb Village Experience for herb gardens, farm-to-table cooking, and a traditional herbal foot massage to finish.

• Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Hoi An,

Day 8 - Hoi An

Yep, another free day in Hoi An. Jump on a bamboo basket boat ride, or use up the day to hit the famous tailor shops and get something made.

• Accomodation: Mad Monkey Hoi An (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Hoi An,

Day 9 - Hoi An to Quy Nhon

After a dreamy stint in Hoi An, we’ll switch lanes and head for beachy Quy Nhon. On the way, we’ll stop at Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village for a colourful peek at rural life — and a bit of a culture reset before the coast takes over once again.We’ll roll into Quy Nhon and the rest of the afternoon will be yours. Pick a beach, claim a spot, and settle into full seaside mode.

• Accomodation: 5Elements Hostel (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Hoi An, Quy Nhon,

Day 10 - Quy Nhon & Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City

More free time today, and plenty of ways to use it. Maybe check out the ancient Cham towers for a history hit, or chase the coastline.Later tonight we’ll board the overnight sleeper train to Ho Chi Minh City.  Lights out, reset, and a whole new vibe waiting when we wake up.

• Accomodation: Overnight Train
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Quy Nhon, Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City,

Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City

Hello Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this city is pure energy. We'll arrive early, your TM will take you on an orientation walk to a local market for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience and local breakfast. The rest of the day is yours. Why not explore the city's history at the War Remnants Museum, shop at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Reunification Palace, or just wander the streets and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

• Accomodation: Amango 6 Hostel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Overnight Train to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City,

Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City

This city is yours today. You can opt in for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a deeper look at the city’s history, or just get out and explore its electric atmosphere at your own pace.

• Accomodation: Amango 6 Hostel (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Ho Chi Minh City,

Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

And just like that, our time in this wonderful place has come to an end. Hug it out, swap contacts and say goodbye to this unforgettable Vietnamese adventure.

• Accomodation:
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Ho Chi Minh City,