Vietnam Discovery 15 Days

In the morning, depart from the city and journey to the Ben Tre province, where you will board a boat for an exploration of the Mekong Delta's canals. Renowned as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, this fertile region is celebrated for its rich variety of fruit, flowers, and rice crops. Along the river, you will have the opportunity to visit some local cottage industries before reaching your guesthouse. Embracing the simplicity of local accommodation near the delta, hosted by a Vietnamese family, promises to be a memorable aspect of your journey, offering insights into community life and the chance to savor a traditional home-cooked meal.

Accommodation: Homestay

Awake early to the soothing melodies of the river stirring to life, and savor a modest breakfast before embarking on a boat journey downstream through the delta. Afterward, catch a bus returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Utilize your free time in the city this afternoon, perhaps exploring the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace. If you haven't done so yet, make your way to Ben Thanh Market for a delectable array of street food, vibrant shopping, and encounters with diverse personalities. As night falls, board an overnight train bound for Danang. Trains serve as a customary mode of transportation for the Vietnamese, allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in this authentic local experience.

Lodging: Overnight sleeper train

Arriving in Danang via train, embark on a minibus journey of approximately one hour to reach Hoi An. Recently acknowledged as a World Heritage town, Hoi An is undergoing exquisite restoration. With its roots as a significant trading port with the West dating back to the 17th century, certain parts of Hoi An have retained their charm from over a century ago. Your guide will lead you on a captivating walking tour through the Old Town, exploring key attractions with the assistance of an inclusive sightseeing pass. Hoi An is renowned for its vibrant shopping scene, offering markets and street stalls brimming with paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. The town is particularly famous for its skilled tailors who can craft bespoke items. With nearly three full days at your disposal, seize the opportunity to have some truly unique pieces tailored to your liking.

Lodging: Hotel

Awaken to a leisurely morning where you can tailor your activities to your liking. It presents an excellent opportunity to journey to the My Son temples – a site honored with World Heritage status, erected between the 4th and 14th centuries, showcasing the profound cultural heritage of the Cham civilization. In the afternoon, exchange your walking shoes for a bicycle as you embark on a cycling expedition through the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Exploring this tranquil region on two wheels offers an unparalleled experience, unveiling hidden gems amidst the lush rice paddies and meandering creeks. This immersive encounter provides genuine insights into the rural life woven into the fabric of Vietnam.

Lodging: Hotel

Embrace another day to delve into the rich history of this captivating sanctuary. Consider scheduling your final tailoring fitting in the morning to ensure the bespoke garments align seamlessly with your preferences. Alternatively, indulge in the tranquility of a bike ride to the South China Sea, where you can unwind on the shores of An Bang or Cua Dai beach. Renowned for its culinary delights, Hoi An offers the option of enrolling in a cooking class to glean some culinary secrets. Many classes incorporate visits to the local food markets, and some even include a brief boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Share your interests with your local guide, and they'll gladly recommend activities tailored to your preferences.

Lodging: Hotel

Say your farewells to Hoi An this morning as you embark on a journey to Hue. The approximately 5-hour drive in a private vehicle will lead you through the mesmerizing Hai Van Pass, winding through verdant mountains and past picturesque viewpoints, offering ample opportunities for captivating photo stops. Upon reaching Hue, enjoy a free afternoon for exploration. As Vietnam's former imperial capital, Hue boasts a captivating blend of lively thoroughfares and serene retreats. Consider a visit to Dong Ba Market, a bustling marketplace offering an extensive array of goods. It's worth noting that Hue is celebrated for its distinctive cuisine, featuring delectable dishes unique to the region, such as bun bo hue (Hue's flavorful version of pho) and banh khoai (a turmeric-infused filled crepe). It's time to tantalize your taste buds.

Lodging: Hotel

Indulge in a day of leisure in Hue. Consider exploring the Imperial Citadel, encompassing the Forbidden Purple City, which bore significant damage during the Vietnam War. The visible craters left by bombs serve as poignant reminders of the extensive destruction that unfolded in this nation. Alternatively, opt for a dragon boat excursion along the Perfume River, followed by a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda – a symbol synonymous with Hue. Here, witness an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and observe the car once owned by a monk who, in a tragic act of protest against the mistreatment of Buddhists, self-immolated in public. Another enticing option is to visit one of the royal tombs, such as that of Emperor Tu Duc, featuring a central lake surrounded by a lush grove of frangipani and pine trees. As night falls, embark on another overnight train journey bound for Hanoi, spanning approximately 12 hours.

Lodging: Overnight sleeper train

Arrive in Hanoi around 5 am and transfer to your accommodation. After stowing your belongings and freshening up, embark on a walking exploration of Vietnam's enchanting capital. Wander through the Old Quarter's 36 streets, named for each street's original specialty product. Proceed to Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the distinctive architecture along the route. Hanoi exudes a lingering French provincial charm from its colonial past, coupled with a prominent Buddhist influence and striking modern structures. The remainder of the day is yours to navigate Hanoi at your own pace. In the evening, consider gathering your group for a visit to a lively night market, indulging in local delicacies while seated on humble plastic stools along the roadside – a quintessential Vietnamese experience.

Lodging: Hotel

Depart from Hanoi after a morning meal, approximately at 8 am, and embark on a journey to Sung Village, a drive lasting about 4 hours. Home to approximately 70 families, Sung Village is predominantly inhabited by the Dzao 'Tien' people, whose primary livelihoods stem from farming and forest plantations. Enjoy a homely lunch upon reaching your homestay, then partake in an initial stroll around the village. Following a better understanding of the local life, embark on a brief trek of around two kilometers to the captivating Sung Cave and visit a century-old tea plantation. Given the presence of some steep and slippery sections, ensure your footwear is suitable for this excursion. Conclude the day with a visit to a local handicraft workshop before returning to your homestay for a comforting hot shower and a delectable dinner.

Lodging: Homestay

Begin your day by immersing yourself further in the Vietnamese highlands with a ten-kilometer trek from Sung Village to Da Bia. The initial eight kilometers of the trek traverse mostly flat terrain along well-trodden buffalo paths. The concluding two kilometers involve a gradual ascent, with a section of approximately 300 meters featuring steps to climb. However, the pace will be steady and relaxed. As you traverse local villages and engage with the Muong ethnic tribe, keep an eye out for the monumental stone atop Da Bia Mountain. Pause for a satisfying lunch at Da Bia before embarking on a picturesque 1.5-hour boat cruise on the Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Upon reaching Thung Nai, transfer to Hanoi by bus (approximately 2 hours), with an estimated arrival at around 6 pm. The evening is yours to explore this enchanting city at your leisure. Consider unwinding with a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars nestled in the Old Quarter.

Lodging: Hotel

Rise early to catch the 7:30 am bus, make a brief stop, and then board the ferry. This morning journey will transport you to the picturesque Cat Ba Island before noon. With no time to spare, commence your exploration of the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay surrounding Cat Ba. Situated within the larger Halong Bay region, Lan Ha Bay stands as one of Vietnam's most scenic destinations, adorned with limestone islands and caves emerging from the emerald waters. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, whether you opt for an invigorating hike or prefer a leisurely dip at one of the pristine beaches. Conclude the day with a tranquil evening on Cat Ba Island.

Lodging: Hotel

Embark on a maritime adventure from Cat Ba this morning, extending your exploration of the captivating limestone karst scenery. Cruise around Lan Ha Bay on a boat, relishing an included lunch during the journey. Dive deeper into this remarkable landscape with a kayaking experience, offering an up-close and personal encounter with the breathtaking surroundings. For those inclined, there's the option to attach a net to the side of your kayak and actively contribute to the local cleanup initiatives, aimed at mitigating the escalating levels of plastic waste in the bay. With Lan Ha and Halong Bay often featuring prominently on many travelers' must-visit lists, the two-day sojourn in this area provides you the opportunity to check them off yours.

Lodging: Hotel

Wake up to a new day! Consider kicking off your morning with a revitalizing swim or savoring a cup of Vietnamese coffee – or why not both? Seize the opportunity to bask in the sun and sand, for this afternoon marks the return journey to Hanoi via ferry and bus. In the evening, you might opt for an optional dinner with your fellow travelers, creating an avenue to exchange memories and laughter over a delightful local meal and beer.

Lodging: Hotel

Today is free of scheduled activities, allowing you the flexibility to check out from the accommodation at your convenience. Given the wealth of attractions in Hanoi, we suggest extending your stay for an extra day or two, and we would be delighted to assist in arranging additional accommodation (subject to availability). Urban Adventures offers a variety of exciting experiences in and around Hanoi. For instance, consider exploring the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu and navigating through the magnificent caves of Trang An on a rowboat with the "Citadels, Karsts & Cycle" adventure. Visit urbanadventures.com/destination/hanoi-tours for more details.