The Best of Vietnam from Hoi An to Hanoi & Bay Cruise
Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure! Savor delicious street food in historic Hoi An before exploring rice fields and tranquil villages by bike. Then gear up for an epic hike in Bach Ma National Park, where scenic trails ascend through majestic mountains. In Hanoi, see the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, before trying your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking. Delight in the lush green landscapes of Ninh Binh and visit the ancient temples at UNESCO-listed Hoa Lu. End your adventure with a magical overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure! Savor delicious street food in historic Hoi An before exploring rice fields and tranquil villages by bike. Then gear up for an epic hike in Bach Ma National Park, where scenic trails ascend through majestic mountains. In Hanoi, see the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, before trying your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking. Delight in the lush green landscapes of Ninh Binh and visit the ancient temples at UNESCO-listed Hoa Lu. End your adventure with a magical overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Meet your guides in Danang and transfer to your hotel in historic Hoi An. Explore the atmospheric narrow streets of the city's UNESCO-listed old town and marvel at the mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture. Enjoy views from the famous Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple and Tan Ky trading house, and savor gastronomical delights on an evening street food tour. Try delicious Hoi An specialties, from white rose dumplings to green bean cakes, and wash it down with a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Expect warm welcomes on this immersive insider experience. Relax at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
Activity: 3-hour street food tour
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Explore Hoi An by Bike
Day 2
Start your morning with a bicycle ride across Cam Kim Bridge to a small village on the other side of Thu Bon River. Here, amidst peaceful rice fields and bamboo groves, you'll visit a Vietnamese family in their ancestral home. Learn about their genealogy and traditions, including sedge mat weaving. Continue cycling among nut trees and sedge fields on shady paths that meander through quiet villages. Take a break and enjoy lunch at a local house, before cruising back to Hoi An. The afternoon is free to explore Hoi An at your leisure.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
Activity: 1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride
Transportation: 45-minute boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Activity: 4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 515' elevation gain and 240' loss
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Historic Hanoi
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your local guide and check into your 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! Enjoy an evening at your leisure in Hanoi.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Transportation: 1-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Ninh Binh's Natural Wonders
Day 6
Journey to Ninh Binh and experience the region's majestic landscapes. Head to Cuc Phuong National Park, the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam! Immerse yourself in rare and remarkable wildlife on a jungle walk. Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam and part of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Marvel at Hoa Lu's ancient temples with their scenic mountain backdrop.
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
Activity: 2-3 hours hiking with various options
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 junk! 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.
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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Journey to Ninh Binh and experience the region\'s majestic landscapes. Head to Cuc Phuong National Park, the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam! Immerse yourself in rare and remarkable wildlife on a jungle walk. Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam and part of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Marvel at Hoa Lu\'s ancient temples with their scenic mountain backdrop.
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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
3-hour street food tour
Day 2
1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride
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
Accommodations
Comfortable and authentic hotels in scenic locales — all carefully selected by our Asia experts — plus an overnight stay on a classic junk.
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.
Indulge in 4-star boutique luxury at the Eldora Hotel in the charming city of Hue. Its 81 well-appointed rooms are elegantly furnished with Renaissance elements and come with modern amenities. Take a dip in the indoor swimming pool and enjoy a refreshing drink on the sun terrace. Step outside and you'll be close to nearby attractions including the UNESCO-listed Citadel and Trang Tien Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The excellent Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is ideally located for Ninh Binh exploration and river cruising. With friendly staff and comfortable, well-appointed rooms you'll enjoy a pleasant stay amidst scenic surroundings. Lounge in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool before enjoying a delicious meal at the hotel's restaurant.
Experience the wonders of Lan Ha Bay in deluxe style aboard an Orchid Trendy Cruise junk. Elegantly decorated with rich dark wood, this high-end hotel on water comes complete with the highest level of customer service, extremely comfortable cabins, and relaxing spaces both above and below deck. Be enchanted as you take an overnight river cruise of your dreams.
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!
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.
"I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me-widening my view of the world and its peoples."
Jane B. MT Sobek Guest
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
