Ultimate Vietnam Adventure

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Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City

Visits 9 destinations

17 Days

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Dates & Prices See all available trips

From rice paddies and floating fishing villages, to rustic Old Towns and temples, this adventure will leave you wanting for nothing.

On this adventure, you don’t have to compromise. Chow down on the delectable local cuisine, kick back on the white sand beaches, get lost in the vibrant buzzing nightlife, take in the mind-blowing limestone karst scenery, and absorb every last drop of culture that surrounds you. This tour will take you through the best of both worlds, introducing you to bustling townships and the people who call them home, and the unforgettable natural scenery that translates to solid Insta gold. From green rice paddies and floating fishing villages, to rustic Old Towns and numerous temples, this adventure will leave you wanting for nothing.

We spend 17 days exploring Vietnam. We visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Mai Châu, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City.

What Is Included...

  • Your legendary Busabout crew

  • English speaking local Guide for day 1 to day 3

  • 15 nights’ accommodation

  • 1 night sleeper train

  • Air conditioned private transport

  • 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

  • Welcome drink aboard Halong Bay boat

  • Morning Tai Chi aboard Halong Bay boat

  • Vung Vieng floating fishing village visit by a rustic row boat

  • Swimming and kayaking at Bai Tu Long

  • A visit to Three Peach Beach

  • Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour

  • Village cycle trip Mai Chau

  • Entrance to Vinh Moc Tunnels, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Linh Phuoc Temple, and Hoi An Old Town

  • Entrance and gondola ride to the Golden Hand Bridge

Trip Highlights
  • Gaze out at the beautiful limestone karst scenery of Halong Bay
  • Marvel at Hoi An’s Old Town
  • Visit the stunning Golden Hand Bridge

Check these off your bucket list

Halong Bay Halong Bay
Golden Hands Bridge Golden Hands Bridge
Dalat Dalat

17 Day Itinerary

Ultimate Vietnam Adventure 17 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Hanoi

The countdown is finally over, and the beginning of your epic adventure is here! We’ll kick things off with a welcome meeting at the hotel, where you can get to know your awesome Guide and your fellow passengers. Join us as we head out into Vietnam’s crazy capital city for a tasty optional dinner. If you’re feeling like you want to keep the night alive, we’ll make our way to buzzing Bar Street for a couple of cold ones.

Day 2

Halong Bay

Rise and shine, be ready for an early pick up for our scenic journey to Ha Long Bay. Climb aboard the vessel in this breathtaking UNESCO site, and sip on your welcome drink while taking it all in. After a tasty included lunch on deck, we sail around the karst landscape and explore the scenery. When our bellies are full, we take a rowboat to the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng to meet the locals and learn about their lifestyle. This evening we have a lesson in cooking and learn how to make crispy spring rolls! Devour your delicious hard work whilst enjoying a few drinks with our on-deck happy hour. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 3

Halong Bay

Join in with an early morning Tai Chi session on deck, before chowing down on a delicious breakfast. Then it’s time to set sail for Three Peach Beach. Named after the three mountains looming above, you have the day here to relax and explore to your heart’s content. Stretch out on the sands and soak up the sun, cool off in the clear waters, or take a kayak out for a paddle to see the limestone karsts. If the weather is good, you can kayak through an amazing tunnel carved under a limestone mountain. Work up an appetite, because tonight we get to enjoy an included tasty traditional Vietnamese dinner! - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 4

Halong Bay to Hanoi

It’s time to journey onwards to Sung Sot Cave, the most famed cave in Halong Bay. We have an unforgettable expedition into the cave, surrounded by numerous coloured spotlights that paint a kaleidoscopic picture upon the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that surround us. We emerge back into the light and make our way back to the mainland, with a lovely lunch before our arrival in the late afternoon. Back in the big city, we head out on an included tour of Hanoi’s world-renowned street foods for dinner. Get lost in the tastes and smells of the delicious dishes on offer! Once you’ve had your fill of delicacies, we meander to the international corner to experience the refreshing taste of the daily-brewed local draught beer Bia Hoi. The night is yours, so head out with your travel buddies and enjoy the buzz of Hanoi. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 5

Hanoi to Mai Chau

Climb aboard our private transfer as we head west on our way to the unforgettable beauty of Mai Chau. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we meander through the bright green patchwork of rice fields, then get your cameras out for the stop at the stunning viewpoint overlooking the Mai Chau valley. When we arrive at our stilted accommodations, we’re treated to a tasty included lunch to help fuel up for what’s to come – an included locally-guided bike tour through the idyllic valley! This evening we’ll head to a local bar and enjoy a cold drink and relax from the day’s adventures. When we get hungry, we’ll make our way back to the homestay for an included traditional dinner, and a glass or two of the potent local rice wine. Cheers! - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6

Mai Chau to Phong Nha Ke Bang

Make yourself comfortable today as we journey towards the famous Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Watch the landscape change from flat coastal plains to gorgeous forest-covered limestone karst scenery. We’ll make our arrival at the UNESCO-listed park this evening and grab an optional dinner at a local restaurant before heading to enjoy the atmosphere of this little town by night. - Breakfast included

Day 7

Phong Nha Ke Bang

Prepare for a full day lost in the wilderness of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We highly recommend joining today’s optional excursion, where we’ll begin our caving adventure amidst the jaw dropping beauty of Paradise Cave! This is the longest dry cave in the park, and features some truly majestic natural structures formed within. We emerge to daylight just in time for a delicious lunch to recharge our batteries before catching Vietnam’s longest zip line to our next destination: the pitch black, mud filled playpen of the Dark Cave. Spend some time frolicking in the mud and enjoying the activities by torchlight before emerging into the sunshine and having a splash in the river to clean up and cool off. Tonight, recap on the day’s adventures over an optional dinner and drinks with your Busabout family! - Breakfast included

Day 8

Phong Nha Ke Bang to Hue

Our first stop for the day is at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where we’ll have a local guide teach us about the entire village that resided here during the war. Then we’ll have a tasty optional lunch in Hue before checking into our hotel. Next up is an optional excursion to see the highlights of Vietnam’s ancient capital! We’ll begin with a locally-guided tour of the awe-inspiring Imperial Citadel, before heading to the towering Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. This evening we’ll head out together to experience the vibrant nightlife on offer. - Breakfast included

Day 9

Hue to Hoi An

This morning we continue our journey to Hoi An, stopping at the breath-taking Golden Hand Bridge which offers spectacular views over the countryside and ocean. We’ll make our arrival in Hoi An at lunch time when you can join your guide for an optional lunch, followed by a trip to a tailor’s store! The city is well known for its bespoke clothing, and you can pick up a few items here if you wish. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore! Check out the renowned Old Town, a mesmerizing maze of narrow winding lanes and old Chinese-style shop houses. Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming little town is truly a unique destination. Grab yourselves a banana-print shirt because tonight, it’s time for the infamous Busabout Fruit Salad Shirt night - head out with your Busabout crew and experience the lively local nightlife! - Breakfast included

Day 10

Hoi An

Get out and explore this historic city this morning! You won’t want to miss the optional excursion this afternoon, hosted by your knowledgeable guide, Mr Chu. You’ll get to hop on a bike and cycle around the countryside and learn the local history and customs, before learning to fish and crab from a basket boat! Explore the narrow channels before we make our way to the Chu family home for a lesson in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. It’s time to test those cooking skills! Spring rolls, anyone? Tonight, get lost in the nightlife of this coastal gem. - Breakfast included

Day 11

Hoi An to Nha Trang

The day is yours to spend as you please! Why not take a trip to the beaches and enjoy a day soaking up the sun? Take in your surroundings and sip on a fresh coconut. Later this evening it’s time to say goodbye to this slice of paradise, as we transfer to our overnight train. Settle in and get comfy as we travel south along the coast, aiming for our morning arrival at the capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang. - Breakfast included

Day 12

Nha Trang

Our overnight train rolls into the popular seaside city of Nha Trang early this morning. You have a full day here to enjoy the immaculate azure waters of Nha Trang’s coast. We recommend that you make the most of it by joining our optional boat trip for a day of snorkelling, swimming, good vibes and cocktails! This afternoon, hit the beach or have a siesta before heading out for an evening in this shimmering Vietnamese metropolis with the rest of your Busabout crew.

Day 13

Nha Trang to Dalat

It’s time to say goodbye to the coast as we head towards the capital of Lam Dong Province, with a stop along the way at the Po Nagar Cham Towers. We have included entry into this ancient temple, so you’re free to take it all in! We arrive in Dalat this afternoon just in time to grab lunch. This afternoon, you have free time to spend as you please - but be sure to check out the otherworldly “Crazy House” and its odd, organic architecture, or enjoy a stroll around the gorgeous lake! - Breakfast included

Day 14

Dalat

Get up early and explore the city today or join us for the optional Secret Tour for a truly authentic experience! With the local expert Mr Rot as your guide, you’ll get to visit numerous attractions including cricket farms, a local market, silkworm farms, coffee plantations, the thundering Elephant falls, local villages, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Mr Rot prides himself on providing an authentic Vietnamese experience, so it’s bound to be a memorable day. After grabbing some dinner tonight, we’ll head out for a unique drinking experience in the 100 Roofs Cafe - this place has to be seen to be believed! - Breakfast included

Day 15

Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City

Ready for another adventure-packed day? We start off by making our way to the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City! En route, we’ll take in the stunning Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Check out temple’s fascinating decorations made of reclaimed glass and ceramic and get a pic of the giant glass dragon sculpture! We arrive in Old Saigon in the afternoon and have an orientation walk to marvel at the sights of this historic city. After dinner, we’ll get the party going at a local club! - Breakfast included

Day 16

Ho Chi Minh City

On our final full day, you have the opportunity to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels on an optional excursion. Located a few hours northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnel complex was an important store and hideout for the Viet Cong during the war. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the War Remnants Museum, formerly the American War Crimes Museum, to gain vivid insight into the conflict from a local perspective. Tonight, get ready to go out in style! We’ll gather our Busabout family and enjoy a Vietnamese meal one last time. Then it’s time to make our way to the backpacker triangle to toast the tour and kick off an epic final night together! - Breakfast included

Day 17

Ho Chi Minh City

Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again! - Breakfast included

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