The Best of Vietnam from Hoi An to Hanoi & Bay Cruise
Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure. Pedal through rice fields and tranquil villages near Hoi An before savoring delicious street food and marveling at its centuries-old center. Then gear up for an epic hike in Bach Ma National Park, where scenic trails ascend through majestic mountains. Discover Hue's imperial past along the Perfume River, then head to Hanoi to try your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking, see the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex, and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter. Delight in the lush green landscapes of Ninh Binh, where karst cliffs rise from rice paddies. End your adventure with a magical overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure. Pedal through rice fields and tranquil villages near Hoi An before savoring delicious street food and marveling at its centuries-old center. Then gear up for an epic hike in Bach Ma National Park, where scenic trails ascend through majestic mountains. Discover Hue's imperial past along the Perfume River, then head to Hanoi to try your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking, see the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex, and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter. Delight in the lush green landscapes of Ninh Binh, where karst cliffs rise from rice paddies. End your adventure with a magical overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Hike, bike, explore, and more on this true multi-adventure — includes overnight bay cruise!
[Description] => Hike, bike, explore, and more on this true multi-adventure - includes overnight bay cruise!
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Immerse yourself in the cultural and historic wonders of Hoi An and Hanoi
[Description] => Immerse yourself in the cultural and historic wonders of Hoi An and Hanoi
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Feast on delicious Vietnamese food, and enjoy warm hospitality at comfortable and authentic hotels
Welcome to Vietnam! Meet your guides at the Danang airport and transfer to your hotel in historic Hoi An. Spend the afternoon gliding along the Thu Bon River aboard a traditional wooden boat, the golden light playing on the water and the UNESCO-listed city coming to life as dusk falls. Disembark to experience a magical evening performance. Teh Dar fuses acrobatics, tribal music, and bamboo artistry, capturing the cultural spirit of Vietnam's indigenous people. After the show, stroll lantern-lit streets to a local restaurant and savor a flavorful feast of traditional dishes.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
Activity: Sunset boat cruise and cultural show
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Bicycle Between Villages, Marvel at Architecture & Savor Street Food
Day 2
Cycle across the Thu Bon River and ride through serene rice fields and bamboo groves to reach a quiet village. Visit a Vietnamese family in their ancestral home and learn about their genealogy and traditions. Continue cycling on shady paths that meander through quiet villages and stop for a home-cooked lunch. Pedal back to Hoi An and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where centuries-old Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences meet. Wander through storybook streets, enjoying ancient temples and monuments, then dive into a street food adventure, sampling white rose dumplings, green bean cakes, and rich Vietnamese coffee—an authentic Vietnamese experience and a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
Activity: 1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride, 3-hour street food tour
Transportation: 45-minute boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in Bach Ma National Park & Travel to Hue
Day 3
Wake for an early drive up to beautiful Hai Van Pass (1,627') and on to Bach Ma National Park, where the mountains reach 4,750 feet. Follow scenic trails to Hai Vong Dai and enjoy stunning panoramic views of majestic mountains, lagoons, and quaint local villages. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before trekking into the jungle to explore the Five Lakes. Immerse yourself in serene nature and take a dip in the cool water of lake number five. Next it's on to the pretty Do Quyen Waterfall set in a dense forest. From here, head back to the start and continue your trip to Hue — your home for the night.
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel Accommodation: Senna Hotel
Activity: 4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 515' elevation gain and 240' loss
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Hue's Ancient Past & Fly to Hanoi
Day 4
This morning, visit an impressive private collection of ancient ceramic artifacts pulled from the Perfume River and other antique treasures at an enchanting garden house. Taste family recipes over lunch, then explore the majestic Citadel of Hue. Built in 1804, the former imperial capital is a walled fortress encircling three nested cities, with the Purple Forbidden City at its center. Abandoned by the Nguyen dynasty, it was heavily damaged during the Indochina wars and is now slowly being restored. Walk through one of the citadel's massive gates and step into a grand palace among the atmospheric remains of the royal city. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Transportation: 1-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Experience
Day 5
Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a chef-led cooking class. First stop is the local market, where you'll meet your chef and wander the stalls in search of the freshest ingredients. With the shopping done, you'll be ready to head to your chef's kitchen and learn how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Wrap up your epicurean adventure by eating your tasty lunch! Bid farewell to your chef and host before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Ba Dinh square, center of the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex. See the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace. Then go back in time on a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where artisans have sold their crafts for over 500 years!
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Ninh Binh's Natural Wonders
Day 6
Take a morning bike ride through the sublime countryside of Ninh Binh, where limestone karsts rise above golden rice fields and narrow paths wind past lotus ponds and ancient temples. Pass water buffalo grazing lazily and locals tending crops, soaking in the scenery. Visit a local family for a home-cooked lunch and immersive insight into life in rural Vietnam. In the afternoon, step aboard a traditional sampan for a paddle-propelled ride through Tam Coc, listed by UNESCO for its spectacular landscape of dramatic karst towers, hidden caves, and lush rice paddies. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Accommodation: Le Clos Du Fil
Activity: 2-3 hours hiking with various options
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Lan Ha Bay
Day 7
Start the day with a journey to Hai Phong, where you'll embark on an epic cruise of must-see Lan Ha Bay, part of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in lush green vegetation. Experience it up close with a magical night aboard a traditional comfortable cruiser. Dine on freshly caught seafood and let the motion of the bay rock you to sleep in your well-appointed cabin.
Accommodation: Orchid Trendy Cruise
Activity: Short cycling and kayaking options while on cruise
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Cruise & Return to Hanoi
Day 8
Wake for sunrise over the aquamarine waters of La Ha Bay and enjoy a morning cruise. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and relax in the afternoon. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Hanoi
Day 9
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.
MT Sobek captures the best of Vietnam on this immersive insider adventure spanning the country's historical, cultural, and natural wonders — all in just 8 days!
Our team of local guides are true experts and have over 25 years' experience leading guests through Vietnam.
This is one of the few trips to combine authentic local encounters with active days and an overnight cruise.
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Tony V.
Tony is a graduate of Vietnam National University's College of Foreign Languages and has been an adventure travel guide for more than 15 years. He enjoys mountain biking, trekking, and kayaking, and sharing his knowledge of history, culture, ethnology, and sustainable tourism. He considers himself fortunate to meet so many new people and learn from different cultures-and looks forward to showing you his country!
To Kim D.
Dat studied accounting in college, but has been a guide for almost 20 years. He speaks fluent English and French and loves to guide all sorts of trips, from city tours to mountain adventures. He also has special expertise in Vietnamese culture and geography. In his free time, Dat enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, and trying the culinary specialties of different regions. He looks forward to sharing his passion for Vietnamese culture with you!
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This morning, visit an impressive private collection of ancient ceramic artifacts pulled from the Perfume River and other antique treasures at an enchanting garden house. Taste family recipes over lunch, then explore the majestic Citadel of Hue. Built in 1804, the former imperial capital is a walled fortress encircling three nested cities, with the Purple Forbidden City at its center. Abandoned by the Nguyen dynasty, it was heavily damaged during the Indochina wars and is now slowly being restored. Walk through one of the citadel\'s massive gates and step into a grand palace among the atmospheric remains of the royal city. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a chef-led cooking class. First stop is the local market, where you\'ll meet your chef and wander the stalls in search of the freshest ingredients. With the shopping done, you\'ll be ready to head to your chef\'s kitchen and learn how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Wrap up your epicurean adventure by eating your tasty lunch! Bid farewell to your chef and host before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Ba Dinh square, center of the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex. See the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace. Then go back in time on a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where artisans have sold their crafts for over 500 years!
Take a morning bike ride through the sublime countryside of Ninh Binh, where limestone karsts rise above golden rice fields and narrow paths wind past lotus ponds and ancient temples. Pass water buffalo grazing lazily and locals tending crops, soaking in the scenery. Visit a local family for a home-cooked lunch and immersive insight into life in rural Vietnam. In the afternoon, step aboard a traditional sampan for a paddle-propelled ride through Tam Coc, listed by UNESCO for its spectacular landscape of dramatic karst towers, hidden caves, and lush rice paddies. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
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Wake for sunrise over the aquamarine waters of La Ha Bay and enjoy a morning cruise. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and relax in the afternoon. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. Easy to moderate hiking and biking, with some potentially slippery and exposed hiking trails in Bach Ma National Park. Cultural touring of historic sights includes walking on narrow, sometimes muddy, paths. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
Sunset boat cruise and cultural show
Day 2
1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride, 3-hour street food tour
Day 3
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 515' elevation gain and 240' loss
Day 6
2-3 hours hiking with various options
Day 7
Short cycling and kayaking options while on cruise
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Comfortable and authentic hotels in scenic locales — all carefully selected by our Asia experts — plus an overnight stay on Lan Ha Bay.
Unwind at the Almanity Hoi An, an oasis in the heart of ancient Hoi An. The property is set around a stunning swimming pool and Zen garden, and its 138 rooms have an elegant, minimalist style. Revive body and mind with a massage or sauna at the My Chi Spa, and enjoy a drink at the Blue Bottle Bar. Savor the resort's homegrown organic fare at the onsite Four Plates Restaurant.
Stroll across the opulent lobby or look out over Hue city from the tall windows along the indoor swimming pool. French colonial-style rooms hark back to history yet offer amenities such as clawfoot tubs, fine bedding, minibar, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Dine under chandeliers or take in the city lights from the top floor terrace bar. There is also a soothing sauna and steam room.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Halong Bay aboard a thoughtfully designed cruiser, elegantly decorated with rich dark wood and Indochine details. Your spacious cabin looks out on enchanting scenery through floor to ceiling windows and opens onto a private balcony with seating. The stone-tiled bathroom includes a soaking tub with a view. Relax on the sundeck, cool off in the plunge pool, or visit the spa for an indulgent massage.
Indulge in the luxurious ambiance of Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi, where French colonial-inspired opulence meets modern comfort. This hotel is a Best Boutique Hotel in Asia winner in 2015, located in the heart of Hanoi. It has individually decorated guest rooms with amenities such as Wi-Fi, A/C, a 32-inch LCD TV, a coffee and tea bar, and a desk. There are two on-site restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a terrace with sun loungers - perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing!
Warm hospitality awaits within the walls of the Senna Hue. The interior courtyard is a lush oasis where gardens surround a koi pond and swimming pool. Local and French elements complement spacious rooms with simple modern style. Enjoy the view from your private balcony, along with air-conditioning, minibar, and a coffee and tea-making station in the room. Indulge in the natural treatments at the spa.
This family-owned boutique hotel sits in a quiet lane of a centuries-old craft village known for lace and embroidery. Bright airy rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with handmade textiles and teak furniture. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the glistening pool, lined with tropical plants and loungers under umbrellas. The spa offers traditional herbal treatments, massage and sauna. Taste tantalizing Vietnamese fare at the small, light-filled restaurant.
Weather
Vietnam's unique geography includes both tropical and temperate zones. Expect temperatures from the 60-80°Fs, down to the 50°Fs in Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay in Nov-Dec.
Feb
Mar
Oct
Nov
Hanoi
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Hanoi
70
60
74
65
85
72
78
66
Hoi An
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Hoi An
79
68
83
71
85
74
81
71
FAQs
How do I get to Danang, Vietnam?
Connect through Taipei, Seoul or Singapore. The main airlines that fly to Vietnam from the US are Eva Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader will meet you on arrival at Danang Airport.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, American citizens need a visa for Vietnam. Vietnam has a new, streamlined e-visa process.
What internal air is included?
The internal air includes a flight from Hue - Hanoi.
Do I have to cycle?
No, there is a cyclo option for those who would prefer not to cycle.
What should I expect on the mountain hike day?
The mountain hike is steep and can be slippery in rainy weather. Wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes, and bring insect repellent. The hike is not recommended for children or those with vertigo.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our family friendly departures and private trip options for groups with younger guests.