Vietnam and Halong Bay Adventure (HCMC to Hanoi)

Watch Video

Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi

Visits 8 destinations

16 Days

See inclusions
Dates & Prices See all available trips

Green rice paddies, jaw-dropping karst scenery, floating fishing villages and rustic Old Towns.

Here’s your chance to take in the vibrancy and wonder of Vietnam along with the jaw-dropping majesty of Ha Long Bay. Cycle through villages surrounded by lush green rice paddies, kick back with the locals in a homestay, learn to cook the tasty cuisine from the pros, and marvel at the incredible temples and UNESCO-listed Old Towns. Climb aboard the vessel and take in the towering limestone karsts, spread out on the golden sand beaches, explore the deep caves, and relax with Tai Chi on board with the sunrise; this adventure has it all!

We spend 16 days exploring Vietnam. We visit Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Mai Châu, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay.

What Is Included...

  • Your fantastic Busabout crew

  • 14 nights’ accommodation, 1 night overnight train

  • 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Air

  • conditioned private transport

  • Village cyclo trip Mai Chau

  • 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

  • Hoi An Old Town entrance

  • Golden Hand Bridge and Gondola ride

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour

  • Vung Vieng floating fishing village visit by rustic row boat

  • Swimming and kayaking at Bai Tu Long and Three Peach Beach

  • Transfers to/from Hanoi hotel and Ha Long Bay

Trip Highlights
  • Swim and kayak in beautiful Ha Long Bay
  • Discover the Phong Nha Ke Bang caves and its surrounds
  • Taste Hanoi’s delicious street food on our Street Food Tour

Check these off your bucket list

Mai Chau Mai Chau
Halong Bay Halong Bay
Hoi An Hoi An

16 Day Itinerary

Vietnam and Halong Bay Adventure (HCMC to Hanoi) 16 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Ho Chi Minh CIty

It’s time for the adventure to begin! Formerly known as Saigon, this city has a curious mix of the old and new Vietnam existing side by side. Meet with your awesome Busabout guide and head out with your group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. Then the night is yours to spend as you please. Join us as we visit a few of our favourite bars to kick start the party, or get some rest for the adventure and excitement to come.

Day 2

Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat

Today we’re off to Dalat! Our first stop is for a delicious lunch situated on the banks of an idyllic local river. Next, we’ll spend some time at the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Check out the temple’s decorations made of reclaimed glass and ceramic, and see the giant glass dragon sculpture. Late this afternoon we’ll arrive into Dalat, and head out on a walk to orientate you and help you get your bearings. Tonight, join us for a tasty dinner or head out and explore! (B)

Day 3

Dalat

Join us today for an optional Secret Tour with Mr Rot! You’ll get the chance to visit a tonne of different attractions like cricket farms, a local market, silkworm farms, coffee plantations, the thundering Elephant Falls, local villages, and beautiful scenery. This will definitely be an off-the-beaten-track experience, so don’t miss out! We arrive back in Dalat this evening, in time to make our way to the 100 Roofs Cafe. We guarantee you’ll never have seen anything like it! (B)

Day 4

Dalat to Nha Trang (Overnight Train) to Hoi An

It’s time to continue our journey to Nha Trang! We’ll have a stop to stretch our legs at the Po Nagar Cham Towers, where you have included entry into this stunning ancient temple. We arrive into the seaside city of Nha Trang for a tasty lunch, then immerse ourselves in the city for the rest of the day. This evening we’ll catch our transfer to our overnight train, on schedule for our morning arrival at the beautiful UNESCO city of Hoi An. (B)

Day 5

Hoi An

Welcome to the city frozen in time, Hoi An! Join us for an optional lunch followed by a visit to the famous tailor 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. Go out for a wander, but save some energy for tonight, when we’ll head out and experience the lively local atmosphere!

Day 6

Hoi An

Head out into town and throw yourself headfirst into the depths of this historic city! If you want to try something a little different, this afternoon we offer a 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 about the history, before learning to fish and crab from a basket boat. Explore the narrow channels as you make your way to the Chu family home. Here you’ll learn how to make a traditional Vietnamese meal including tasty spring rolls and xeo! Tonight we’ll check out the vibrant local nightlife and get the party started. (B)

Day 7

Hoi An

This is your final day to enjoy ancient Hoi An and all the awesome attractions! If you’re feeling lazy, make your way to one of the pristine local beaches to enjoy the day soaking up the sun and surf. Sip on a fresh coconut and take it all in. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! We spend this evening chilling out in Hoi An and making some more incredible memories. (B)

Day 8

Hoi An to Hue

Rise and shine, this morning we hit the road 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 and grab some tasty local food before getting settled and checked in to our accommodation. If you’re up for an awesome optional excursion, climb aboard the cyclos that arrive at the hotel to whisk us away to see the highlights of Vietnam’s ancient capital! We’ll have 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. Tonight we’ll go for for drinks and let our hair down while experiencing the epic nightlife of Hue. (B)

Day 9

Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang

Today we say our goodbyes to Hue and head to Phong Nha Ke Bang! First things first - we have a stop on the way at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, and learn the all about the history of this underground city. Then get comfortable as we journey onwards and witness the gradual transformation from coastal plains to overgrown limestone karst. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in the evening and get checked in. Tonight we’ll grab a local dinner, and meander to Easy Tiger Bar to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live music with a drink or two. (B)

Day 10

Phong Nha Ke Bang

We have a real adventure today with our optional caving excursion! It begins with the jaw dropping beauty of Paradise Cave. This is the longest dry cave in the park and has some incredible natural structures formed inside. We emerge to daylight for a delicious lunch to recharge batteries before catching Vietnam’s longest zip line to our next spot: the pitch black, mud filled playpen of the Dark Cave! Spend some time having mud fights and enjoying the activities by torchlight before emerging into the sun and having a splash in the river to clean up and cool off. Join us tonight for an optional BBQ dinner, before returning to Easy Tiger for another great night. (B)

Day 11

Phong Nha Ke Bang to Mai Chau

Up and at ‘em, it’s time to head east through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside towards Mai Chau. You're bound to snap some stunning pictures today, as we pass bright green rice fields with rustic stilt houses overlooking the Mai Chau Valley. Tonight, we’re treated to a delicious included dinner upon arrival at our charming, stilted accommodations. Then it’s time to get some rest for the day ahead! (B, D)

Day 12

Mai Chau to Hanoi

Have an active start to the day and get pedalling on the bicycle tour with a local guide! This will give you an intimate exploration of the idyllic valley and you’ll have great photo ops along the way. After our ride we are treated to another locally-sourced traditional meal at the homestay before we get ready and depart for Hanoi. (B, L)

Day 13

Hanoi

Spend today however you like! There’s plenty to see and do, so wander to your heart’s content. Tonight we go out on a delicious tour of Hanoi’s world-renowned street foods. Get lost in the tastes and smells of the numerous dishes on offer ranging from the sensationally soupy national dish of pho, to the French influence of banh mi. When you feel like you can’t eat another bite, we head off to the international corner to experience the refreshing taste of the daily brewed, preservative free draught beer Bia Hoi. (B, D)

Day 14

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Today we weave our way through the scenic countryside towards Ha Long Bay! When we arrive you can climb aboard the vessel and grab a welcome drink to kick things off. Enjoy lunch on deck as we set sail and check out the otherworldly scenery of this karst landscape. We’ll take a rowboat to the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you get the chance to meet the locals and see how they live. This evening we’ll put our cooking skills to the test and learn to make crispy spring rolls, and enjoy a few drinks on deck during Happy Hour. (B, L, D)

Day 15

Ha Long Bay

Can you think of a more relaxing way to start the morning than a Tai Chi session on the deck? When you’re feeling good and hungry, we’ll have a delicious on-board breakfast and set sail for Three Peach Beach. Named after the three mountains looming above, this beautiful white sandy beach is ours to explore! Kick back on the sand and soak up the rays, have a swim when you get too warm, and try out kayaking to explore the limestone karsts. Make the most of this paradise! Tonight we’ll fill our bellies with a traditional Vietnamese dinner and soak up the incredible ambience of the bay. (B, L, D)

Day 16

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

The final day of our adventure is upon us. Start the day with another Tai Chi session before our last breakfast. Then it’s time to journey to the most famed cave in Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot Cave! We’ll have an expedition into the cave, surrounded by coloured spotlights that paint a kaleidoscopic picture upon the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that line this magical grotto. When we emerge into daylight, we head back to the mainland. Soak up the scenery and enjoy a lovely lunch together, before we head back to Hanoi, where our tour ends. (B, L)

See full itinerary

Create Your Own Adventure

Update on 2022 Travel