Vietnam from north to south: lose yourself in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, discover the rice fields of Ninh Binh and be left breathless in Ha Long Bay. And then? An overnight train to Hue, the magic of Hoi An, the modern vibes of Ho Chi Minh city.

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Itinerary

If you want to discover South-East Asia, Vietnam is the place to start! The nature is beautiful and diverse, cities are crowded and hectic just like you imagine any city in Asia should be and people are the most smiling and welcoming ever!

We start our group trip in the capital in Hanoi and then head off to explore the north, with the rice fields of Pu Luong, the pagodas in Ninh Binh and the magical Ha Long Bay. We continue our journey by travelling south, first reaching Hue and Hoi An by train (the local one!), then arriving in Ho Chi Minh City and maybe making a trip even further south to the Mekong Delta. A journey from North to South, discovering one of the most fascinating countries ever. Ready to enjoy every single moment of this incredible adventure?

Travel route map of Vietnam showing an itinerary starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City.
A tall, multi-tiered pagoda stands among lush green trees and a palm tree, with the sun setting behind it.

Check-in: our adventure begins in Hanoi

Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs. The trip starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, so book your flights accordingly.

We start this trip the best way possible: with food.

  • First dinner together: tonight we’ll have our first dinner together and get a first taste of the local cuisine, maybe some pho.

A high-angle view of a small village nestled among vibrant green terraced rice paddies covering rolling hills.

Our adventure begins

We rise with the sun so we can start this adventure right: our minivan is ready to take us north.

  • On the road: the drive takes 4 hours, so we get comfortable and enjoy the view.

  • Villages of Lac and Pom Coong: we arrive in Mai Chau and start our tour of the valley by visiting the small villages of Lac and Pom Coong, where the Thai population lives.

Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau is a valley between the Red River and the mountains of the north, only 170 km from Hanoi, with some of the most beautiful natural views in Vietnam.

  • A rural world: the valley still keeps its authenticity: life here is simple and rural, people follow the rhythm of nature, and everyday rituals are passed on from generation to generation.

  • Among hills and rice fields: green hills are covered with rice fields as far as the eye can see.

As soon as we arrive, it’s clear why we are here: to see the real, authentic Vietnam.

Two people in traditional clothing walk through golden terraced rice fields on a hillside, with mountains in the background and sunbeams overhead.

Trekking in the rice fields

Today we reach the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and start our trekking through the rice fields.

  • Trails to Kho Muong: we hike the small trails through the fields and the vegetation until we reach the scenic village of Kho Muong. Keep your camera at hand!

  • Across the valley: we continue our trekking through the valley, past roads crossing green fields, small villages, little ponds and gentle rivers, hills and mighty mountains.

  • Arrival in Pu Luong: we reach Pu Luong village in the late afternoon.

A WeRoad group trip of six women wearing conical hats sitting on a stone pier by a lake, with a pagoda and green karst mountains in the background.

On the road

We travel from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh, one of the most fascinating places in Vietnam.

  • Free time to explore: once we arrive, we have some free time to explore the area.

  • Fancy a bike ride? We’ll be able to rent bikes and see what Ninh Binh has to offer.

A man from behind wearing a conical hat and a WeRoad backpack stands on a stone balcony overlooking a tall pagoda.

Tam Coc caves

Today there are many places we can visit, and it’s up to us to choose which ones:

  • Tam Coc Caves by boat? We can reach the Tam Coc Caves and explore them by boat, one of the best excursions here. The mystical Bich Dong pagoda isn’t too far away.

  • Or Bai Dinh pagoda? If we’re not in the mood for the caves, we can explore the Bai Dinh pagoda, the most famous place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and the biggest pagoda in Vietnam.

  • Or the old capital, Hoa Lu? We can visit Hoa Lu, interesting both historically and culturally, surrounded by mountains and many temples, such as Dinh Tien Hoang.

Aerial view of numerous green-topped limestone islands rising from turquoise water, with a secluded white sand beach and bungalows.

A natural wonder

Today we arrive in Halong Bay, with more than 2,000 tiny islands covered with lush vegetation.

  • On board a traditional boat: around lunchtime we board a traditional boat that will be our home for the night.

  • Up to the Sung Sot Cave: we start our sail by visiting Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Cave of Surprises: here we can land and hike the 150 steps up to a view of the bay from above.

  • Sailing until sunset: we continue sailing through Halong Bay and enjoy it as long as the sun is up. With a clear sky, the sunsets here are magical.

After dinner on board, we sail through the night, hopefully under the stars, enjoying the silence and stillness of the bay.

A tall, multi-tiered pagoda stands among lush green trees and a palm tree, with the sun setting behind it.

Hanoi

Today we suggest waking up early: the sunrise in Halong Bay is as magical as the sunset.

  • Yoga on deck? We could have some time to practise yoga and meditation on the deck.

  • Back to Hanoi: we get back to Hanoi with our private minivan and have some free time to discover the oldest neighbourhood of the capital.

  • Pagodas and temples? In the afternoon, we can visit pagodas such as Tran Quoc, or ancient temples like the Temple of Literature, which became the first National University of Vietnam.

  • Street food on the way? While strolling around, why not try some street food?

A night on the train

After all these days in our minivan, tonight we have a very local experience.

  • Overnight on the train: in the evening we board a night train and travel almost 600 km without even noticing.

In South-East Asia, night trains are the preferred way to cover long distances, so it’s a highlight we couldn’t miss.

A man with a WeRoad backpack sits on a rocky viewpoint, taking a photo of mountains through a stone dragon arch.

An ancient culture

A stop in Huế is a must, with its royal palaces, pagodas and royal tombs. The old royal capital of Vietnam is very different from loud, hectic Hanoi: here the rhythms are quiet and slow, and things seem unchanged for centuries.

  • A city tour of Huế? We can join a tour of the must-see sights: the Purple Forbidden City, the Emperors’ Mausoleums, the Museum of Royal Arts, the pagoda of the Heavenly Lady and Bach Ma Monastery, all part of the UNESCO cultural heritage.

Two women from a WeRoad group trip look up at a display of colorful, illuminated paper lanterns at night.

Food, lanterns and beaches

We reach Hoi An, one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. The most special time here is the night, when the lanterns are lit.

  • Old Town and Lantern Market: we can stroll around the Old Town and get lost in the local Lantern Market, where we can also find some souvenirs to take home.

  • A cooking class? We’ll try local food, or maybe take a Vietnamese cooking class.

  • Beach time: Hoi An is a coastal city, and since we’ll be here for two days, we have enough time to enjoy the Vietnamese sea.

  • A day trip to Cu Lao Cham? We could even reach the nearby Cu Lao Cham island for a one-day trip.

An illuminated city skyline with modern skyscrapers reflecting in a river against a purple and orange sunset sky.

The big city of the south

Today we catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City: a cultural city that can feel a bit chaotic at times, and the hub of commerce and modern life.

  • Walking tour of the city? We can visit the Reunification Palace, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, filled with statues of deities, and the Notre Dame Cathedral (under renovation).

  • War Remnants Museum? For those who wish, the War Remnants Museum tells the story of the saddest period this country has experienced.

  • Sunset cruise or skybar? After the walking tour we can take a boat ride along the Saigon river to admire the sunset, or enjoy an aperitif at one of the futuristic skybars.

Evening food tour

And then we’re all set for our evening scooter food tour through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Street food from the vendors: we taste typical Vietnamese street food directly from the street vendors while darting through the streets.

The right moment to celebrate this adventure together!

Shall we head to the Mekong Delta?

Today we have the whole day at our disposal, and we’ll make the most of these final hours doing what we love most.

  • Mekong Delta or Ho Chi Minh? We can choose to visit one of the most iconic places in this part of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, or dive into the heart of vibrant Ho Chi Minh.

  • Heading to the delta? If we opt for the Mekong Delta, once we reach the villages along the riverbanks, we hop aboard a boat and glide through a maze of waterways and narrow canals. How the locals find their way remains a mystery!

This experience is slowly coming to an end: every journey must eventually come to a close.

Check-out and goodbye

Check-out and goodbye, until your next WeRoad adventure!

Please note: make sure you book your return flight from Ho Chi Minh City where the trip ends.

What's included

  • Please see Additional Info below for more details on departures before 1st May 2026.

    • 8 nights hotel in shared room with private bathroom

    • 2 nights homestay in dorm with shared bathroom

    • 1 night cruise in shared cabin with private bathroom

    • 1 night overnight train with bunk accommodation

    • All breakfasts

    • 1 lunch

    • 1 dinner

    • Private minivan with driver

    • Domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City (including 15kgs checked luggage)

    • Train from Hanoi to Huế

  • Must See: Cruise tour with overnight accommodation in Ha Long Bay, considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Vietnam

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages unless specified

  • Public transport (bus, metro, taxis, trains, uber)

  • All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack 

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Picnic lunch box on day 3 during trekking - approx. 12

  • Hue city tour with pick-up at Hue train station - approx. USD 51

  • Coconut boat night lantern cruise - approx. USD 39

  • River sunrise cruise - approx. USD 10

  • Cooking class - approx. USD 37

  • Cham Island snorkeling - approx. USD 51

  • Countryside bike tour - approx. USD 28

  • My Son half-day - approx. USD 26

  • Cu Chi tunnels - approx. USD 25

  • Mekong Delta - approx. USD 36

  • Ho Chi Minh City City Tour - approx. USD 10

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Small hotels, two nights in ecolodge/homestay for an authentic experience, bunks on the night train and the Halong Bay traditional boat.

    The private room option cannot be guaranteed for nights in homestays, on the train and on the boat. The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Group Leader!

  • Transports

    Private minivan with driver, local buses, trains, and night train with shared sleeper cabins with other passengers outside the WeRoad group, internal scheduled flights, and boats to discover the earthly paradises of Vietnam

  • Multi-destination trip

    This trip starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City!

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Visas

    Please note that if you hold a Swiss, Czech or Polish passport, we will provide you with the confirmation form from our local partner to access the country without a visa. Get in touch with us at hello@weroad.com.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Reviews

4.6

based on 1441 verified reviews

Rating breakdown

  • 5 stars80%
  • 4 stars17%
  • 3 stars2%
  • 2 stars1%
  • 1 star0%
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  • Sandra2 WeRoad trips done

    4

    January 2026

    A very cool adventure full of beautiful landscapes, history and good food!

  • Jo-AnnaFirst WeRoad

    5

    October 2025

    This was hands down the best foreign trip I've ever taken. It ran smoothly from start to finish and we were able to do everything we wanted both individually and as a group. The itinerary was well planned - a perfect balance of adventure, activity and relaxation. Our travel coordinator, Izabela, was incredible. She organised everything perfectly but was also a genuinely amazing friend to us and a great travel companion! The group gelled really well and there were no dramas at all. I feel like I've seen Vietnam to fullest I could and have memories to cherish for a lifetime. I will happily book a trip with WeRoad again.

  • Samantha5 WeRoad trips done

    5

    March 2026

    The most incredible experience, this was my 5th WeRoad and I’ve loved every single one of them but this one just tipped it. The country itself was stunning and the itinerary packed in so much of the country and its culture. It was fast paced but we also had plenty of free time to do extra activities and explore more on our own if we wished. The activities all seemed very authentic, not curated just for the trip, and gave us a real feel for the culture.

  • HayleyFirst WeRoad

    5

    October 2025

    The Vietnam 360 trip was amazing! Izabela, our coordinator was super organised and helpful throughout the whole trip. WeRoad takes the stress away for any organising and is great for people nervous about travelling solo but want to see the world! It’s allowed me to meet new friends for life and have amazing experiences and memories. I would recommend people book with WeRoad for their next trip!

  • Benjamin SamuelFirst WeRoad

    5

    March 2026

    What an incredible experience! Without a doubt one of the most fantastic things I’ve ever done. A superb way to visit a new country, including tours and experiences I would never have thought to book travelling solo, all whilst sharing it with a brilliant group of people from around the world, all I’m sure will become great friends long term too! I can’t recommend WeRoad enough!

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalSoc Son, Hanoi (HAN)
ReturnHo Chi Minh City (SGN)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Vietnam

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