Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong image
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Operated by G Adventures

Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong

From
CAD 1,784
Duration
12 days
Countries
Vietnam
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Discover the magic of Vietnam on this 12-day adventure packed with culture, cuisine, and connection. Begin with a serene sail on a traditional junk boat through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, then head south to explore the vibrant streets of Hue and the charm of Hoi An. Roll up your sleeves and craft your own noodles alongside expert hosts at a local social enterprise. Continue to the bustling energy of Saigon and delve into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll spend two unforgettable nights at a community guesthouse, learning from your welcoming local hosts and exploring the delta by boat and on foot. With plenty of adventure and just the right amount of downtime, this trip will leave you inspired and recharged.

At a glance

Duration
12 days
Route
Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City
Countries
Vietnam
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Rail Journeys, Sailing & Marine
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong image

Day by day

Side view of anonymous male fisher in oriental boat fishing in rippled lake against old construction and mountain
Your journey through

Vietnam

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.
There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.
Day 2Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise…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.
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.
Day 3Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before sailing…Hanoi
Street vendor with a bicycle in the urban market of Hanoi, Vietnam.Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before sailing back to the port and return to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.
Map showing Hanoi
Day 4Pull into Hue early in the morning…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. 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. Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your 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. 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. Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 5Drive the Hai Van passCross 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.
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.
Day 6Explore all Hoi An has to offer
Explore 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 G Adventures-supported project.
Day 7Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer
Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.
Day 8Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh…Ho Chi Minh CityDrive 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.
A bustling street packed with people and a photographer taking pictures.Ho Chi Minh 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.
Map showing Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi…Ho Chi Minh CityWith 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.
A scenic aerial view of a city skyline with modern skyscrapers under a blue sky.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.
Map showing Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10Travel to the beautiful Mekong River DeltaHo Chi Minh City
Scenic view of the iconic Binh Tay Market entrance with surrounding trees and vibrant flags in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.Ho Chi Minh City
Travel to the beautiful Mekong River Delta, south of Ho Chi Minh City, and experience the local way of living. Visit two of the main regions of the Delta, Ben Tre and Cai Thia. Cruise through the river in a traditional sampan boat, bike along the waterways and spend time with the family at your local guesthouse preparing a dinner of spring rolls and Banh Xeo before a lantern lit evening performance by the local villagers.
Map showing Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11Depart your homestay after breakfast and visit…
Depart your homestay after breakfast and visit the community riverside market. From there, board a boat to arrive to the Pottery Brick Village, known as the Red Kingdom, and explore by bicycle. Then drive to the last region we'll visit on the Mekong Delta called Can Tho. Enjoy a free afternoon at leisure to explore the area. Opt to do some bird watching or visit the local town.
Day 12Wake up to watch the sun rise over…Ho Chi Minh City
A bustling street packed with people and a photographer taking pictures.Ho Chi Minh City
Wake up to watch the sun rise over one of the most unique parts of life on the Mekong River, Cai Rang Floating Market. Explore by land and boat before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Your tour finishes upon arrival to the city.
Map showing Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Vietnam

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Serene landscape in Ninh Bình, Vietnam featuring grazing buffalo in lush rice fields.
Stunning aerial shot of lush green terraced rice fields with mountains in the background.
Breathtaking landscape view of a city nestled between lush mountains and the coastline, captured in daylight.
Aerial view of karst mountains with villages and river in a rural landscape.
Picturesque scenery of green hills with wooden houses placed among rice plantations located in countryside in daytime

Upcoming departures

15% off Select Asia · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
21 Jun 20262 Jul 2026CAD 1,971unknownBook my trip
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