Vietnam Last Minute Holiday
Itinerary
Day 1 – Xin Chao Hanoi!
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character and culture. It’s the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter. Settle in and then head out to explore the bustling back streets. Tip: when you cross a street follow the actions of the locals and walk at a consistent pace. The mopeds will expertly zig zag around you.
Day 2 – Explore Hanoi
Today you have the whole day to explore Hanoi. The city is rich in temples, pagodas and museums. Not to be missed is The Temple of Literature – an oasis of peace in the middle of the busy city. The mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh is laid out is also worth a visit. Surrounded by guards, everyone is allowed in one by one to view “Uncle Ho’s”, embalmed body. Wander through the Old Quarter together and you’ll find plenty of chances to interact with the local Vietnamese sellers and buy souvenirs. While most of Hanoi is hectic, Hoan Kiem Lake is a great spot to slow down and catch your breath.
Day 3 – To the rice fields of Pu Luong
Today, you’ll head south-west of Hanoi towards the peaceful Pu Luong Nature Reserve. After a scenic five-hour drive, you’ll swap wheels for walking and take a short 15-minute hike (accompanied by a local guide) to your ecolodge in the village of Ban Hieu. The lodge is packed with character and local charm, and has been lovingly restored by its owners, with the traditions and the original style in mind. You’ll spend the night in a simple yet charming bungalow nestled in a tropical garden. Each one comes with its own bathroom, mattress, fan, mosquito net and a comfy little seating area.
Day 4 – Discover remote Thai and Muong villages
Today is all about exploring the beautiful surroundings – and you can shape the day to suit your style. Chat with your guide to decide what you’d like to do: whether it’s a gentle walk, a more adventurous trek, or a bike ride, there are plenty of ways to take in the stunning scenery. This is a great opportunity to experience the real Vietnam. Walk through rice terraces to hidden waterfalls, cool off with a refreshing dip, visit small mountain villages, or sit down for a cup of herbal tea with the locals.
Day 5 – To Ninh Binh
In the morning you will be woken by crowing roosters, and after breakfast you will bid farewell to your hosts as it’s time to continue your journey. The next stop is Ninh Binh which is often called ‘Halong Bay on land’. This peaceful region is home to dramatic karst mountains and endless green rice fields, giving you a real taste of Vietnam’s countryside life. You will sleep in an ecolodge surrounded by karst mountains in Tam Coc – a small village with restaurants and souvenir stores, which you have almost to yourself at night.
Day 6 – Explore Ninh Binh
One of the best ways to explore Ninh Binh is by bike and boat. You can easily rent a bike from your hotel, or in nearby Tam Coc. The rice fields are greenest in the months of May and June. Cycle along narrow paths through the paddies, passing farmers at work, and stop off at the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, partly hidden inside a cave. In the afternoon, we recommend a traditional sampan boat trip. As you gently glide through the quiet waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the only sound you’ll hear is the soft rhythm of your rower’s paddle.
Day 7 – Drift between limestone peaks
This morning, after a simple breakfast, you will depart for the limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. On arrival you’ll board a traditional Chinese junk boat which is your floating home for the night. During the cruise you will visit small islands, stalactite caves and go for a swim. You can make fresh spring rolls or attempt to master night fishing in the evening. Your private cabin is comfortable and fully equipped.
Day 8 – Return to Hanoi & take a night train
After a morning of sailing and lunch onboard you will disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. This evening, you’ll board the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue, heading into central Vietnam. The journey takes around 14 hours, and you’ll sleep in a shared four-berth sleeper cabin – a simple but fun way to travel like the locals do. We recommend picking up some snacks and drinks before boarding, as food options on the train are limited.
Days 9 & 10 – Historic immersion in the Royal City of Hue
You’ll arrive into Hue in the morning after your train journey. Over the next couple of days, you’ll dive into the rich history of Hue – Vietnam’s former royal capital, beautifully set on the banks of the Perfume River. Until 1945, Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam and the seat of the Nguyen dynasty. This UNESCAO World Heritage city is crammed with ancient culture and historic sights. We recommend taking a boat trip along the Perfume River – there’s something magical about drifting past fishermen hauling in their nets and locals crossing in small wooden boats. We also suggest to visit the Thien Mu pagoda.
Day 11 – Bus to Hoi An
Today you’ll travel by comfortable air-conditioned bus from Hue to the town of Hoi an – a journey of around 3 hours. A jumble of crumbling Chinese shop-houses, boutique cafes, artist studios and riverside restaurants, this UNESCO World Heritage site is crammed with old world charm. In the evenings, colourful lanterns light up Hoi An’s old town, where the narrow streets are filled with cosy restaurants and handmade crafts. You’ll stay just outside the bustle, at a peaceful resort near the beach.
Days 12 & 13 – Soaking up the charm of Hoi An
The city of Hoi An is, for many, the highlight of their Vietnam trip and we’ve included plenty of time to explore. Its car-free centre is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, with lantern-lit streets, artisan shops, and cosy cafés around every corner. For a small fee, you can buy a ticket that gives access to the Japanese bridge, old trading houses and small museums. While walking through the city you will see that the original character of this old trading town has not been affected. The city is famous for its talented tailors, and if you fancy having clothes made to fit, this is the place to do it.
Day 14 – Depart Vietnam
Unfortunately, the last day of your tour through Vietnam has arrived. Squeeze in any last minute souvenir shopping before you are transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
