CLASSIC VIETNAM HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Itinerary

Day 1Hanoi

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

18:00

Tonight, the adventure begins. Feel free to explore — but make sure you're back in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.

Optional Activities

Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance

Hanoi

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show with beautiful live music and intricate puppets dancing in a water stage.

Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit

Hanoi

Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun.

Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit

Hanoi

Visit this sprawling temple built to honour Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country’s first university in 1076. Explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum Visit

Hanoi

Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum built in the square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Get in line to tour the grounds; queues of visitors come to pay their respects daily.

Day 2Hanoi/Ha Long

Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise on a junk boat with visits to a cave and an island lookout. Savour a seafood lunch and dinner.

Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.

In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.

Private Vehicle

Hanoi – Bai Chay4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Junk

Ha Long

Skim across the water aboard this iconic traditional Asian sailboat.

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour and cruise out onto serene waters. Marvel at massive limestone karst mountains jutting out of the water, creating unforgettable spectacular scenery. Swim, kayak or go cave exploring on one of the islands, if conditions are right. Indulge in fresh seafood meals with a variety of dishes to sample. Drift to sleep in a cozy cabin on board.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Ha Long/Huế

Cruise back to the port and take a private van to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.

Enjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.

Private Vehicle

Ha Long – Hanoi4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Free Time

HanoiAprès-midi

Spend a few hours exploring this beautiful capital city. Visit some shops, have a bia hoi on a street corner or grab a coffee in a lakeside café.

Overnight train (beds)

Hanoi – Huế14h-15h

Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4Huế

Guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. Optional countryside motorbike tour.

Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors.

After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery. With free time, take a motorbike tour of the area.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Tien Mu Pagoda Visit

Huế

Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests.

Imperial Citadel Tour

Huế

Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.

Royal Tombs Visit

Huế

Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River in Hue. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers.

Optional Activities

Motorbike Tour

Huế

Hop on the back of a motorbike and let your professional driver take you out into the countryside. Explore rice paddy landscapes and see local villagers at work in the fields. Take in temples, shops, a scenic overlook or two, or, perhaps, an ancient covered bridge – routes can vary on these interesting rides.

Day 5Huế/Hoi An

Drive the Hai Van pass. Take advantage of Hoi An's many options over the 2.5 days in town. Opt for a cooking class, riverboat trip, bike ride, beach time, tailor visit or My Son ruins.

Start the day touring the wonderful ruins of the Imperial Citadel before heading towards Hoi An in the late morning. Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.

With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.

Private Vehicle

Huế – Hoi An4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Free Time

Hoi AnAprès-midi

Use free time in this quaint town to explore any way you like.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6Hoi An

Spend two full days exploring all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a Planeterra-supported project.

Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch

Hoi An

Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by Planeterra Foundation partners, STREETS International, the class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.

Free Time

Hoi AnDemi-journée

Explore this charming city.

Optional Activities

Hoi An Cooking Class

Hoi An

Take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!

Bike Rental

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Mỹ Sơn Excursion

Mỹ Sơn

Travel approximately 1 hr from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these partially ruined Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries – the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma.

Lifestart Lantern Making

Hoi An

Add a little light to your life! Visit Lifestart Foundation and learn how to make a traditional lantern from area residents. See how this project, supported by Planeterra, helps local Vietnamese with chronic disabilities gain sustainable employment.

Tailor Shops

Hoi An

Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Hoi An

Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.

Free Time

Hoi AnJournée entière

Enjoy free time in this charming town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore this hectic city.

Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.

Plane

Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. Use free time in the afternoon to explore sprawling Ho Chi Minh City.

With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.

Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour

Củ Chi

Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels (200km or 125 mi) that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic) – these tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces.

Free Time

Ho Chi Minh CityAprès-midi

Get out and explore this frenetic city.

Optional Activities

Thien Hau Pagoda Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, a beautiful temple in the Chinatown district of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn more about the customs associated with this 19th-century monument – it is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau (the 'Lady of the Sea') who is worshipped in Chinese communities throughout Asia by those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.

Giac Vien Pagoda Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

Find this hidden pagoda behind some small alleyways – it’s a rare treat of a monument that has been spared the over-restoration that has been done to so many temples. Tour the inside of this 18th-century pagoda to see nearly 100 carvings of divine beings.

Ben Thanh Market

Ho Chi Minh City

Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Talk to your CEO to learn about the market's origins – Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River and formalized into a true market in 1859.

Reunification Palace Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975.

Cholon Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

Take in the busy rhythm of daily life in Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. Tour the area full of teahouses, pagodas, and people, and learn a little more about the unique culture within the city.

War Remnants Museum Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10Ho Chi Minh City

Depart at any time.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

If you ask a travel agent or your hotel tour desk what the differences are between the various cruises to Ha Long Bay, they will all tell you the same: the more expensive it is, the better the boat and the better the food. But how different are they and what's going to suit you and your budget?

We went on three package tours of two nights and one day, as well as going it alone, and paid US$52 to US$115 per person, including transfers. You can easily pay much more than that if you have the means and the desire but we stuck with budget to midrange tours. You also have the option of a three-day, two-night tour. We enjoyed all of the trips, but that was in part due to the opportunity to meet new people and also because this is, after all, Ha Long Bay, which is a remarkable spectacle no matter which boat you're on.

Ha Long Bay is stunning no matter what your budget.

The tours all had some things in common. They all leave and arrive back in Hanoi at about the same time, all stop at a shop and cafe for a rest break, all include two lunches, dinner and breakfast, a bed for the night plus kayaking, a visit to a cave and swimming. Cabins across all three were similar in terms of size and decor too. Rooms -- and beds -- were small, but adequate for a night -- the one we had on the priciest trip, the Alova, did slightly have an edge on the others. All had large windows. Air-con on the budget trip -- with White Pearl -- cost an extra US$10 but was included in the others. All bathrooms were compact but both the flashpacker(Dugong) and midrange options came with a spacious shower cubicle and rain shower. The budget bathroom was just a wet room.

Rooms are similarly small.

Food notably varied across the three boats. On the budget boat, and the flashpacker boat to a certain extent, food was more about sustenance than gastronomy, although to be fair it was tasty enough. More of an effort was made on Alova, particularly in terms of presentation, but also quality: think crab and mounds of meat versus tofu and a pork stir fry heavy on onions. Breakfast was much better on Alova; the eggs and white sliced bread on the two cheaper boats may have kept us going until lunch but did little for our tastebuds. Drinks were more expensive on the more expensive boats. All had a happy hour.

This?

Or this?

Decks varied the most between boats. White Pearl's deck lacked sufficient, functional deckchairs; Dugong had an almost adequate number of basic chairs and loungers; and Alova's even came with fake grass, although not as much seating as Dugong.

As close to grass as you'll get in Ha Long.

It may not look much, but it's social.

Kayaks on Alova were new and open topped -- easier to get in and out of -- and we kayaked directly from the boat, rather than being transferred to a floating platform; the kayaking cost extra on White Pearl; the budget tour went to a different, less impressive cave; and the two pricier tours included a trip over to one of the small islands for swimming and the option to climb to the island peak for great views. However, swimming off the boat was not allowed -- so if that's your vision for Ha Long Bay you'll need to book on a budget tour. Finally, the budget tour didn't include the spring roll cooking class and only Alova included a vegetable carving demonstration -- so if that's your bag, you'll have to pay the price.

At least they float. Honest.

Although there are no hard and fast rules, bear in mind that you will find different types of guests on different tours. In general, expect a younger crowd with singles on the budget boat, more couples on the flashpacker and older guests on the midrange.

Three other things are worth noting. Firstly, the transfer. The bus journey to Ha Long is never going to be a pleasant experience but we did notice an improvement in comfort the more we paid. You'll also find a difference at the harbour: for some reason, on the budget tours they leave the registration process until you are squeezed into the departure lounge, requiring you to balance a form on a neighbour's back to fill in your personal details before herding you to the boat. On the other two tours, the paperwork is completed in advance by the guide so you walk straight through to your boat.

As comfortable as it gets.

Secondly, the guide. This may just be the luck of the draw, but the guide on Alova was leaps and bounds better than the guides on the other boats in terms of level of English, provision of information and, importantly, engagement with guests.

Finally, further to fatal accidents in 2011 and 2012, safety regulations have been improved and it seems that most boat operators take it seriously. We were required to wear life jackets on the tender by both Dugong and Alova and rooms came with life jackets and hammers. Life jackets were notably absent on White Sails. We were only given the “safety briefing” mentioned in the itinerary on Alova but it was common sense stuff anyway. We couldn't judge the seaworthiness of the boats.

It's good to have a cheery guide -- shame about the chef.

One final note is for single travellers: consider the single supplement. Neither White Pearl nor Dugong will charge a supplement, assuming you are happy to share a room, or you can choose to pay extra for your own room (US$22 on Dugong). Alova charges $35 extra for a single room with no sharing option.

So in summary: it all comes down to how much you want to spend, your expectations and the level of comfort you want.

Do not go on the budget tour unless you are happy with a basic level of service, food and comfort. Yes, Ha Long Bay is a remarkable spectacle no matter which boat you're on, but you still need to consider your personal requirements. If you wouldn't stay in a budget hotel in Hanoi, why would you do a budget tour to Ha Long? If, however, you are on a tight budget, it's ideal. Nothing was promised that wasn’t delivered on, which is a welcome change from some of the less scrupulous operators in Hanoi and beyond.

Not for gourmands.

For something that feels a bit classy, you'll need to go for a boat like Alova or above. While not luxurious, the small details made a difference, such as the stylish deck, the high quality food, excellent staff, layout of the boat, quality kayaks and who could forget the vegetable carving?

Our flashpacker choice, Dugong Sails, was -- as you'd expect -- somewhere in between. At US$40 less than Alova we thought it was a good deal. The food wasn't as good -- but it was tasty enough -- while the guide wasn't as engaging and the transfer was less comfortable, but rooms and activities were as good -- tatty kayaks notwithstanding -- as Alova. Although we overnighted at the same place, it took a longer, and more attractive route back to harbour. We'd suggest considering an upgrade from the budget if you can afford it.

The occasional glimpse of blue sky.

And what about the DIY? We wouldn't recommend it for two-days, one-night, but if you have longer and want to explore Cat Ba Island or Ha Long City, it's worth considering, otherwise there's little benefit over a package tour.

Do remember that the boats we went on were only representative of different price ranges. All boats differ, guides will change and itineraries vary. Bon voyage!

Just about any travel agent in Hanoi can arrange to get you onto a tour of Ha Long Bay. 

• Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi

  Hanoi Must See Attractions

  Hanoi is actually over 1000 years old so the wealth of history here is mind boggling: temples, ancient citadels, unique theatre and stunning wilderness just outside the city all offer fun-filled days in Vietnam’s capital. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions in Hanoi as possible because they all offer entertainment, beauty and education at different turns. Enjoy our list of Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi below.

• You will never be stuck for something to do in Hanoi, where ancient and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture is felt most keenly by visitors, and progress wrestles with tradition in different districts of the city. 

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  Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 

  

  The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing 40 metres high, the central flag tower is the most recognizable feature of the Imperial Citadel and is often used as a symbol of Hanoi. This was the centre of ancient Hanoi and served as the political centre for eight centuries. Located in Ba Dinh, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is close to many other tourist attractions.
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  Water Puppet Theatre 

  

  The ancient art form of water puppetry has a long association with Hanoi and there are several theatres where guests can enjoy this uniquely Vietnamese take on Asia’s puppet tradition. The original – and widely regarded as the best – theatre in town is the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Puppets dance and slide elegantly over the liquid stage, controlled by a whole troupe of puppet masters hiding behind a screen.  
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  Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

  

  Ho Chi Minh has left an indelible mark on Vietnamese history and he is revered in Hanoi as the country’s greatest leader. Nicknamed ‘Uncle Ho’ by locals, his preserved body is now laid to rest in a glass case in the Ba Dinh area of Hanoi. This is more than a tourist attraction, it is a part of living history and a visit here stays long in the memory. The sombre building was modeled after Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow. 
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  The Perfume Pagoda 

  

  The Perfume Pagoda is a dramatic temple complex believed to have been first built in the 15th century. This series of Buddhist temples are built into a mountain range in a maze of alleyways carved into the rock with rich forests and flowing streams all around. Located around 60km south of Hanoi in the Son Mountains the journey here is an experience in itself: first you must take a two hour journey by car or bus before travelling by boat to the foot of the mountains.  
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  Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son 

  

  Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake) is a central feature of Hanoi and is a popular hangout spot throughout the day with locals and tourists. Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the centre of the lake and linked by a bridge, makes a beautiful background for a few photos. Around sunset this area becomes especially busy with joggers and couples enjoying the relaxing views across the lake.  
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  Dong Xuan Market 

  

  Dong Xuan Market is the largest of its kind in Hanoi. This sprawling complex has several floors of fashion, apparel and souvenirs at some of the best prices in the city. Even if you’re not interested in printed T-shirts or cheap sunglasses, it is still fascinating to see the comings and goings of the local traders, and there is a wet market on the ground floor where the sights and smells of exotic produce assault the senses. 
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  Hanoi Old Quarter 

  

  Hanoi Old Quarter is a fascinating area of the city where visitors can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed along narrow streets. Endless packs of scooters, motorbikes, bicycles and cars weave around traders selling fruit and souvenirs and narrow shop houses sell delicious Vietnamese food for pennies. The Old Quarter brings to life what many people imagine Hanoi to be, and exploring this area on foot is highly recommended for all visitors to Vietnam’s capital city.  
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  Ba Vi National Park 

  

  Ba Vi National Park is a nature reserve of stunning beauty located around two hours (48km) from downtown Hanoi. Famous for its three-peaked mountain that juts steeply up into the sky and is often topped by cloud, Ba Vi National Park has dramatic scenery and a diverse range of jungle plants and animals. At the summit of the tallest mountain is an 11th century temple offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside and on the forest floor are natural hot springs.  
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  Hanoi Opera House 

  

  One of the most elegant buildings in all of Hanoi is undoubtedly the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter. Built in 1911, is exudes Parisian charm from its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades and Gothic domes. Inside, performances range from opera, to dance, drama and international artists from every corner of the world. Large events are well publicized so keep an eye out and you might get lucky and get to see one of the world’s leading performers in one of the most beautiful buildings in Asia.  
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  Temple of Literature 

  

  The Temple of Literature is a charming temple complex in the centre of Hanoi that was originally built to be a centre of learning dedicated to the Chinese sage and scholar Confucius. Over the proceeding 1000 years many more buildings have been added and beautified o that now this large area is filled with ornate pavilions, shrines, and a rich garden. It has become a rite of passage for graduating doctors to visit The Temple of Literature and the whole place is steeped in Vietnamese history.