Vietnam Express Southbound

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Hanoi

  Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel, followed by a group dinner at KOTO restaurant – this organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth.

• Day 2: Halong Bay

  Travel by private minibus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands, formed over millennia by wind and water erosion.

• Day 3: Hanoi - Overnight train

  Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay and maybe watch the sunrise as the eagles soar overhead. Then, you’ll visit The Green Life Centre, which is committed to turning the bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skilfully turning them into handicrafts.

• Day 4: Hue

  Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to your hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past.

• Day 5: Hue

  See Hue like a local today – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market.

• Day 6: Hoi An

  This morning, take the bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive in Hoi An – recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

• Day 7: Hoi An

  Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses.

• Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

  Today, you’ll take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus.

• Day 9: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

  This morning, head out on a daytrip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta.

• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

  There are no activities included today and you’re free to depart your accommodation at any time, as long as you comply with check out time.