Ultimate Vietnam Adventure - South to North

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Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi

Visits 7 destinations

14 Days

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Get comfortable in a homestay, taste the delicious local cuisine and explore the stunning wide valleys and deep caves!

Get ready to have your mind blown - we call this one the ‘Ultimate’ for a reason! Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, with it’s wild nightlife, green rice paddies, towering temples and bustling streets. Get comfortable in a homestay with the friendly locals, and fill your belly with the delicious traditional meals by those who know the ingredients best. Explore wide valleys, deep caves and everything in between - this is Vietnam, and it’s time for the adventure to begin.

We spend 14 days exploring Vietnam. We visit Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Mai Châu, Hanoi.

What Is Included...

  • Your Busabout crew

  • 12 nights’ accommodation, 1 night overnight train

  • 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

  • Air conditioned private transport

  • Village cycle trip Mai Chau

  • Entry and gondola ride to the Golden Hand Bridge, Danang

  • Entrance to Vinh Moc tunnels, where an entire village lived under the ground

  • Entrance to Po Nagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang

  • Entrance to Linh Phuoc Temple

Trip Highlights
  • Enjoy the cooler climate and beautiful scenery of Dalat
  • Learn to cook local cuisine in Hoi An
  • Cycle around the local villages of Mai Chau

Check these off your bucket list

Gondola ride in Hue Gondola ride in Hue
Village cycle trip Mai Chau Village cycle trip Mai Chau
Discover Phong Nha Ke Bang Caves Discover Phong Nha Ke Bang Caves

14 Day Itinerary

Ultimate Vietnam Adventure - South to North 14 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Ho Chi Minh City

Today we start the tour in the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City! Formerly known as Saigon, the city has a curious mix of the old and new Vietnam existing side by side. Meet with your fantastic Busabout guide and head out with the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards the night is yours to spend however you fancy. So head back and get some sleep or join us at a few of our favourite bars for an epic first night out.

Day 2

Ho Chi Minh to Dalat

It’s time to make tracks towards Dalat! We have two stops en route, beginning with lunch on the banks of an idyllic local river. Our second stop is at the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Check out the temple’s fascinating decorations made of reclaimed glass and ceramic, and see the giant glass dragon sculpture. We arrive in Dalat in the late afternoon and have a short orientation walk, before heading for dinner. (B)

Day 3

Dalat

Enjoy the city and explore its impressive landmarks at your own pace, or join Mr Rot for his optional Secret Tour. Visit numerous attractions including cricket farms, a local market, silkworm farms, coffee plantations, the thundering Elephant Falls, local villages, and beautiful scenery. Mr Rot prides himself on providing an authentic Vietnamese experience, so everything you see will be off the beaten path! We arrive back from the Secret Tour in the evening and tonight we’ll head out for a surreal drinking experience in the eccentric surrounds of 100 Roofs Cafe, which has to be seen to be believed. (B)

Day 4

Dalat to Nha Trang (Overnight Train)to Hoi An

This morning we say goodbye to Dalat and head for the coast towards Nha Trang, with a stop en route at the Po Nagar Cham Towers. We have included entry into this ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of the country, Yan Po Nagar. We arrive into the idyllic seaside city of Nha Trang for lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Nha Trang’s numerous spectacular sights and tourist attractions. This evening we bid farewell to our portside paradise as we transfer to our overnight train, continuing north along the coast for our morning arrival at the immaculate UNESCO-listed city of Hoi An. (B)

Day 5

Hoi An

We arrive this morning in the city frozen in time, Hoi An! Join us for an optional lunch followed by a visit to the famous Yaly Couture, for those looking for bespoke clothing. The rest of the day is yours to explore the stunningly preserved Old Town, and to soak up the rich local history. Tonight head out and experience the lively local nightlife!

Day 6

Hoi An

Head out into town and delve the depths of this historic city! This afternoon we offer an incredible taste of local life on an optional Eco Tour and cooking class hosted by your knowledgeable guide, Mr Chu. Cycle around the countryside and learn the local history and customs before learning to fish and crab from a basket boat. Explore the narrow yet beautiful channels as you make your way to the Chu family home for a lesson in traditional Vietnamese cuisine where you’ll learn how to cook your very own delicious meal featuring spring rolls, xeo, and more! This evening submerge yourself in the vibrant nightlife of this coastal gem. (B)

Day 7

Hoi An

This is your final full day to enjoy ancient Hoi An and her many attractions! We recommend a trip to the pristine local beaches to enjoy a lazy day soaking up the sun and surf, so grab the sunscreen and work on your tan whilst sipping on a fresh coconut and taking in your stunning surroundings. We spend this evening soaking up Hoi An and its beauty. (B)

Day 8

Hoi An to Hue

This morning we continue our journey along the coast towards the Imperial City of Hue. We’ll be stopping at the #instaworthy Golden Hand Bridge to enjoy amazing views over the surrounding countryside and a cheeky gondola ride or two. We arrive in Hue in time to grab a delicious local bite to eat before checking into the hotel. Cyclos descend upon the hotel to whisk us away on an optional excursion to see the highlights of Vietnam’s ancient capital! We’ll begin with a locally guided tour of the awe inspiring Imperial Citadel, before heading to the towering Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. This evening we’ll head out for drinks on the town to better experience the veritable palette of vibrant nightlife on offer in Hue. (B)

Day 9

Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang

We say our goodbyes to Hue, with a stop en route at the Vinh Moc tunnels to learn the fascinating history of this underground city. Kick back and relax as we witness the gradual transformation from coastal plains to overgrown limestone karst en route to the pristine natural wonder of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed park in the afternoon and check in to our accommodation shortly after. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to Easy Tiger Bar to soak up the atmosphere as a live band provides the soundtrack to an unforgettable adventure! (B)

Day 10

Phong Nha Ke Bang

Prepare for a full day lost in the wilderness of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We begin today’s optional caving adventure amidst the jaw dropping beauty of Paradise Cave. Discovered a mere 13 years ago, this is the longest dry cave in the park and features some truly majestic natural structures formed within. We emerge to daylight just in time for a delicious lunch to recharge batteries before catching Vietnam’s longest zip line to our next destination: the pitch black, mud filled playpen of the Dark Cave. Spend some time frolicking in the mud and enjoying the activities by torchlight before emerging into the Asian sun and having a splash in the river to clean up and cool off. Tonight we offer a delicious optional BBQ dinner, and we hope you’ll join us before returning to the Easy Tiger Bar for another wild night! (B)

Day 11

Phong Nha Ke Bang to Mai Chau

This morning we depart on a easterly course through the gorgeous Vietnamese countryside en route to the bucolic beauty of Mai Chau. Keep your cameras at the ready as we navigate the shimmering green patchwork of rice fields dotted with rustic stilt houses overlooking the Mai Chau Valley. We are treated to a scrumptious included dinner upon arrival at our charming, stilted accommodations. (B, D)

Day 12

Mai Chau to Hanoi

This morning hop on a bicycle and head out with a local guide for an intimate exploration of this idyllic valley. After our ride we are treated to another locally-sourced traditional meal at the homestay before we depart for Hanoi. We stay in the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life. Don’t miss the unique narrow streets with rail tracks running through them! For sunset views over the red river head to Long Bien bridge and cap off the day with a show at the water puppet theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form. (B, L)

Day 13

Hanoi

The day is yours to explore the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hanoi! Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. A short walk from the mausoleum is Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda – resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. Tonight we head out on an exciting tour of Hanoi’s world-renowned street foods. Get lost in the tastes and smells of the delicious dishes on offer! Once you’ve had your fill of tasty delicacies we head off to the international corner to experience a local institution, the refreshing taste of the daily brewed, preservative free draught beer Bia Hoi. Cheers to the final night of an epic adventure! (B, D)

Day 14

Hanoi

Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again! (B)

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