12-Day Vietnam Tour from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi: Hoi An, Hue, Pu Luong Park and Ha Long

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Welcome to Vietnam

   Good Morning Vietnam! You will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in HCMC at any time on Day 1. After you check in, you are then free to explore or chill until you meet the rest of your group for a welcome dinner feast with your new friends and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
   
   Activity: Welcome Dinner

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Victory Hotel Saigon Twin/Double Rooms)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Ho Chi Minh City

   The former city of Saigon is a city that never slows down, but today you'll uncover its historic heart. After breakfast, you'll head out on a walking tour to see sights and some hidden gems of this incredible city. Then, get ready for a cultural experience like no other, learning the national sport called da cao! This is also called "foot badminton," and you'll see it played in parks across the country.
   
   After a refresh at the hotel, you'll head to the station and board your overnight train to Da Nang.
   
   Activity: HCMC Walking tour, Da Cao

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Overnight Train to Da Nang
3. 3

   Day 3 — Sunset Paddle

   Upon arrival, you will be transported to your hotel before experiencing the magic of Hoi An from a whole different perspective as you paddle along its tranquil rivers at sunset. Glide through the peaceful coconut palm mangroves and quiet village waterways before reaching the enchanting Ancient Town, glowing beautifully in the golden hour.
   
   After your paddle, take some free time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the area. You might want to explore Hoi An market, with street stalls nestled among historic buildings, where the majestic old town slowly unfolds as you get closer, offering a magical first impression you'll remember forever.
   
   Activity: Sunset Paddle to the Lantern Town

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hoi An Rose Hotel (Twin/Double)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Hoi An

   Rise and shine! This morning, you'll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island, passing lush rice paddies and farmlands at your own pace. Stop for photos or keep pedalling, the choice is yours. Along the way, you'll join a meaningful hands-on workshop that turns used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap.
   
   You'll learn how this simple yet powerful initiative prevents pollution, supports local women and youth with extra income, and protects Hoi An's natural environment. After experiencing the impact for yourself (and even washing your hands with your creation), the afternoon is all yours. Hit the beach or keep exploring Hoi An's charms.
   
   Activity: Cycling tour, Soap Making Workshop

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hoi An Rose Hotel (Twin/Double)
5. 5

   Day 5 — To Hue & Hai Van Pass

   Fuel up with breakfast, then get ready for a road trip to Hue in true style. You'll journey up the iconic Hai Van Pass, famous for its sweeping coastal views and winding mountain roads. Along the way, stop at a hidden waterfall, enjoy lunch, and cruise through charming countryside backroads. By afternoon, you'll roll into Hue, the historic Imperial City and former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.
   
   Activity: Nhi Ho Waterfall Visit

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Park View Hotel (Twin/Double)
6. 6

   Day 6 — The Imperial City, Hue

   This morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and head to Thuy Bieu village, taking in Hue's beauty from a fresh perspective. Wander through the village, visit Luong Quan communal house, and explore the hundred-year-old garden home of Ho Xuan Dai, where you'll join a hands-on cooking class.
   
   After a stop at the local market to learn about traditional ingredients, your host will guide you through preparing Hue's signature dishes before you sit down to enjoy your creations. In the afternoon, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue's most enduring symbols. Return to the hotel for a short rest before boarding the night train to Ninh Binh.
   
   Activity: Garden House Visit, Cooking Class, Imperial Citadel visit, Thien Mu Pagoda visit

   

   Thien Mu Pagoda

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Overnight train to Ninh Binh
7. 7

   Day 7 — To Pu Luong Park

   Today, you'll set off for Pu Luong National Park, one of Vietnam's most stunning landscapes. Along the way, stop at the peaceful Chua Ngoc Chau Temple to enjoy a relaxing meal before continuing to Don Village, where a traditional homestay awaits.
   
   After settling in, take a refreshing break, then head out on a scenic trek through bamboo forests and terraced rice fields. Your path leads to the serene Hieu Waterfalls, tucked between limestone hills and offering a perfect touch of adventure and tranquility.
   
   Activity: Ngoc Chau Pagoda visit, Trekking to Hieu waterfalls, Swimming

   

   Pu Luong Nature Reserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Local homestay (Multi-share)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Explore Pu Luong Park

   After breakfast, begin a trek across a suspension bridge to one of Pu Luong's most scenic villages. Walk through peaceful rice fields and past the region's iconic giant water wheels, learning about native herbs and plants along the way. After completing the loop, join a Com Lam cooking class to make traditional snacks,"bamboo sticky rice," and discover the cultural importance of bamboo in Pu Luong.
   
   After lunch, spend your leisure time exploring the charm of hillside village life, observing daily routines, walking through working farms and rice fields, and learning more about the local culture.
   
   Activity: Ban Cong Village Walk, Com Lam Cooking Class

   

   Pu Luong Nature Reserve

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Local homestay (Multi-share)
9. 9

   Day 9 — To Hanoi

   Today you'll say goodbye to your homestay family and depart Pu Luong for Hanoi after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Upon afternoon arrival, check into your boutique hotel in the city center. In the evening, experience Hanoi's renowned culinary scene on a guided street food tour, sampling local specialties and hidden gems.
   
   Activity: Street food Tour

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hoa Binh Hotel (Twin/Double)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu long

    Today, you'll leave the city behind and journey to the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay, a World Heritage-listed wonder that's every bit as magical as its reputation. From the harbour, board your boat and cruise between towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. You'll also make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? As the day winds down, you'll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.
    
    * Please note: We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with only the essentials, as storage space on board is limited. Don't worry about the rest of your luggage, it will be securely stored at your hotel in Hanoi, ready for you when you return after your overnight stay.

    

    Bai Tu Long Bay

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Renea Cruise (Twin/Double)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Bai Tu Long Bai to Hanoi

    Start your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, accompanied by tea, coffee, and light pastries as the bay drifts by. Spend the rest of the morning soaking up the scenery or simply relaxing on deck before enjoying brunch on board. Around 11:30 am, you'll return to Hanoi and check into your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace.
    
    Activity: Tai Chi

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hoa Binh Hotel (Twin/Double)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Depart from Hanoi

    Today is where we say goodbye! Your tour guide will help arrange your onward travel (at own expense).

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

FAQs:

• What is the age range of the tour?
  We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old.
• Where should I fly into? / Where does the tour end?
  You will start your tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Formally known as Saigon) The Airport here is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
  As for the end of the tour, you will finish in Hanoi. So if you are looking to fly out from Hanoi, you'll want to head to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
• Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?
  We definitely recommend you arrive before 15:00 pm, this way you should have enough time to make it to the first accommodation and be present at the welcome dinner which is where we collect a bit more info from you. Arrivals after this could well risk you missing it. However, no matter the time or airport you are landing at, pickup is included and a driver will be waiting for your arrival with a One Life Adventures sign.
• How much spending money do I need for this tour?
  You can expect to spend around $20/$30 USD per day. Budgeting can be done if you are open to eating at more local vendors and don't drink alcoholic drinks.
• How is the multi-share situation? Do we still have privacy on the Multi-share nights?
  While in Pu Luong homestay you will stay in one big room, a very unique traditional stay, and it does have curtains between sleeping areas and multiple bathrooms. Also overnight trains will be multi-share rooms.
• Do I need temple clothes for visiting the temple?
  Yes, please do bring something that will cover your shoulders and knees. Temples do have dress codes and if your shoulders or knees are exposed you will be denied entry. Your guide will tell you on which days to wear these items so you're prepared and ready.
• Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
  Yes, although we can't guarantee every dietary requirement can be catered to along the way, our guide will do their utmost best to help you with alternative options and what you can eat otherwise.
• I am applying for my visa and I need a reference and address?
  Your first night's stay will be:
  Victory Hotel Saigon
  Address: 14 Võ Văn Tn – 141 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3, HCMC, Vietnam
  Please see the government website for whether you will need a visa to enter Vietnam. This topic is continually changing, so we recommend you do relevant research on the government websites.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard room.
* Price for Double/Twin Share Occupancy applies when two people stay in one standard room respectively.

Travel tips

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