Vietnam is a complicated mix of culture, history, tradition, and scenic beauty. It’s a connector between Chinese culture and SE Asian culture, with a French colonial twist. It’s a country with a war-torn past and a Communist present, which may seem intimidating for a visitor, but is quickly forgotten once you’re actually there, enjoying warm hospitality and vibrant daily life.
Our Vietnam tour will take you from top to bottom, and give you a survey of the many faces of this dynamic country. You’ll try street food, visit golden temples, float lanterns in Hanoi, and discover the many ways the Vietnamese drink coffee. From the peaceful waves on Ha Long Bay, to the chaotic streets of Saigon, Vietnam will delight and challenge you as you get to know a country that is understandably misunderstood.
Day One
Overnight: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. You’ll be met at your hotel by your tour manager and local guide. This evening, go with your group to grab some fresh bia hoi at a roadside stall and watch the motorbikes zoom by. Hanoi is also a great place for local beer and cocktail bars, so maybe hit the town and discover what nightlife in this city has to offer after sundown.
If you arrive early, Hanoi offers plenty of enticing experiences. Perhaps head to the city’s colourful old quarter and explore the charming jumble of shops and cafés, or check out the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, showcasing ancient through to contemporary Vietnamese art.
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Day Two
Overnight: Hanoi
This morning, enjoy an orientation walk with your guide through the colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quarter. The Opera House, the Metropole Hotel, the Vietnam History Museum, and other important architectural and historical landmarks are located here. Then, spend time exploring the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum. Here, you can deeply explore the life of Vietnamese ethnic groups through history. Next, we will move to the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam. Wrap up your day by enjoying a unique water-puppet performance hosted by a local family who are experts in this art form.
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Day Three
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Today, we will depart Hanoi and head to the rice fields and dramatic rock formations of Ninh Binh Province. Upon arrival, we will depart on a cycling tour to see the ancient citadel, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll visit the 17th-century temples built in honour of King Dinh and King Le among other temples, pagodas, monuments, and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
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Day Four
Overnight: Cat Ba Island
In the morning, take a bus and a ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, connected to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, you’ll take in this quintessential Vietnamese scene in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef.
This afternoon, hop off the boat to get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Paddle through serene waters and then watch the sunset over this awe-inspiring scenery.
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Day Five
Overnight: Hanoi
Today we arrive back in Hanoi, and you will be able to spend the day at your leisure. You can get some rest, do some souvenir shopping, or maybe partake in a street food tour.
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Day Six
Overnight: Hue
This morning, say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Hue. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. You can spend the afternoon as you wish before being welcomed by a local family to enjoy a home dinner with them, learning about local cuisine and customs first-hand.
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Day Seven
Overnight: Hoi An
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavor is evident in its architecture. For a small town, it’s pretty lively. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look a lot like they did 100 years ago, then you’ll discover some of the more chill spots. Check out a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Later, maybe play bingo with your leader in a town square – a popular local past time.
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Day Eight
Overnight: Hoi An
Start the day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to Tra Que Vegetable Village, visiting the organic vegetable and herb garden of a local chef. This village was established over 500 years ago and has become a thriving agricultural hub known for its vegetables. See, smell, and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious during a tour of the gardens. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you picked during your tour.
The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations. Hoi An is famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t done this?), why not visit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new?
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Day Nine
Overnight: Quy Nhon
This morning, say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon – a coastal city in the Bình Dinh province. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. There’s plenty of optional activities you can take on today to explore the beautiful location – maybe visit Banh It Tower, taking in stunning scenery from the top of the hill or visit the Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower). Take a food tour or take a trip to Eo Gio for a hike and some gorgeous coastal views. There’s also lots of great local restaurants you can hang out at – just ask your leader!
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Day Ten
Overnight: Quy Nhon
Today is a free day in Quy Nhon to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. You might like to head to the Con Chim Ecological Zone, where you can go fishing or stand up paddleboarding. You could also head to Ky Co Beach or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island for a swim in the blue-green waters.
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Day Eleven
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Today take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. With your group, you’ll visit a local market, where you can browse the exotic street foods and maybe take the chance to try some. Then try the iconic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) amid the market’s everyday bustle as your guide shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Day Twelve
Tour is over after breakfast
Our Vietnam tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be on hand to help with transfers to the airport or wherever your adventures take you. Thank you and goodbye!
Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.
A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.
Price: $3995 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $600. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 11 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking. Please review our terms and conditions below for more information.
Vietnam tour begins in Hanoi (airport code HAN) and ends in Saigon/Ho Chi Mihn City (airport code SGN).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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