Embark on our unforgettable 12-Day Vietnam Odyssey Experience!
Our tour takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where modernity meets tradition, with its vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks, to the charming old quarters of Hanoi, the nation's capital, where ancient temples and colonial architecture await your exploration. Discover the imperial majesty of Hue with its ancient citadels, tranquil rivers, and rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's royal past. Immerse yourself in the enchanting town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit evenings, vibrant markets, and beautifully preserved architecture, where every corner tells a story of its glorious trading history.
In Ninh Binh, experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during a memorable homestay, giving you an authentic taste of Vietnamese rural life. Explore the stunning landscapes of this gorgeous area characterized by its dramatic limestone karsts, lush greenery, and serene waterways, portions of which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glide through hidden caves and along picturesque rivers on a traditional sampan boat, and hike through verdant rice paddies for breathtaking views. This immersive experience in Ninh Binh will leave you with lasting memories of Vietnam's natural beauty and cultural richness.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON:
The adventure doesn't stop there. For those seeking even more excitement, we offer an optional 3-day add-on to Bai Tu Long Bay, a hidden gem of Halong Bay. Spend a magical night in comfort on a gorgeous traditional boat with viewing decks and delicious meals, drifting among the serene, emerald waters and towering limestone islands. With a perfect blend of guided tours, cultural activities, and ample free time to explore on your own, this trip promises to be an experience you won't forget.
Our trips are specifically crafted for each group, ensuring every aspect is tailored to our preferences. You can trust us to provide the best and most unique tour possible, making your journey truly special! Join us for this incredible adventure through beautiful Vietnam, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Dates: March 24 thru April 4 or 6, 2025
Add-on Option: 2 additional nights
Start Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Accommodation: 11-13 nights
PAYMENT OPTIONS. We offer payment plan options! If you need a custom plan, please message us.
DISCOUNTS. Only one discount or promotional code can be applied to this trip.
CARBON OFFSET. We care about the future of our planet, so our customers have the option to contribute towards carbon offsets at checkout. Thank you for your support.
PHOTOS. We love to share our photos! Enjoy a shared photo gallery of pooled photos after every trip.
GRATUITIES. Gratuities are not required but greatly appreciated by locals in the tourism industry. For your convenience, we work to handle most tipping for you. See "What's Not Included" for specifics.
FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION. We offer a flexible cancellation policy: Read the full details in our Terms & Conditions.
At The Nomadic Network, we believe in creating a balance between group camaraderie and personal freedom.
Our small group tours are designed to foster deep connections with fellow travelers and the destinations we explore. While we encourage social interaction and shared adventures, we also respect your need for occasional solitude and personal reflection. There's no pressure to be social all the time—after all, this is your vacation.
We focus on meaningful, authentic experiences that allow you to connect deeply with locals and truly immerse yourself in each destination. Our goal is for you to leave with lasting memories, newfound friendships, and a rich appreciation of the beauty we've experienced together.
11-13 nights of accommodations
Private transport with driver
Arrival and departure transportation
2 domestic flights within Vietnam
Breakfast (x12), Lunch (x6), Dinner (x4), (add-on Breakfast (x3), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2))
All activities and entrance fees listed
All experience & activity fees listed
Tour Leader throughout trip
Gratuities for experiences & activities listed, at hotels, & included meals
This optional activity is $35 and is payable separately
Flights to/from Vietnam
Travel insurance is required
Depending on the type (30 day, 90 day, single entry, multiple entry, etc) cost is approximately $35 - $60 USD. We can manage this purchase on your behalf.
Any optional activities not listed
For any activities or meals that guests choose to participate in on their own
Tour Leader, once at end of trip. We generally recommend $30-$50pp
Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at the airport and taken to our hotel in the city center. After getting settled and having a good rest, we’ll start off with an evening orientation and group dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
Meal: Dinner
After breakfast we'll explore the city of Ho Chi Minh on a guided cyclo tour, riding through the streets in a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi. This unique tour will allow us to discover some of the city's best local spots, including specialized markets for flowers, electronics, and motorbikes.
We'll navigate various neighborhoods, visit ancient temples, and gain insights into the city's rich culture and history. Along the way, we'll indulge in delicious southern Vietnamese cuisine, sampling various local dishes.
In the evening, there will be an optional visit to a cultural performance at the city's renowned opera house, characterized by the impressive acrobatics, choreography, and the sounds of many distinct Vietnamese instruments.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will have a leisurely morning to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace, with options such as visiting the War Remnants Museum for a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history, strolling through the Ben Thanh Market to shop for local crafts and street food, or enjoying the serene atmosphere of the Jade Emperor Pagoda.
In the early afternoon, we’ll bid farewell to the vibrant energy of the big city and board a short flight to the imperial city of Hue.
Upon arrival, we’ll check into our central accommodations, then head out for an evening wander through an atmospheric night market along the river, soaking in the local ambiance. We'll conclude the day with a wonderful dinner featuring local specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll start the day with an exciting (and optional) excursion!
Starting at the hotel, we’ll embark on a guided tour from the back of motorcycles, offering a thrilling way to explore the countryside and immerse ourselves in the rich imperial and Buddhist culture. Our adventure will include learning how to make incense, visiting a hidden colosseum, and mastering a local craft directly
from the artisans. We’ll also have lunch at a Buddhist monastery.
After this optional excursion concludes, we'll head to the Imperial Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Imperial Tombs.
In the evening, we’ll board a traditional dragon boat for a cruise along the Perfume River, enjoying the city’s sights and sounds from a fresh perspective.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
(*The cost of the optional activity is $35 per person and involves sitting on the back of a motorbike that will be driven by a licensed local driver.)
After breakfast, we’ll leave the serene atmosphere of Hue and embark on a 2.5-hour drive to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Upon our arrival, we'll enjoy a traditional lunch before diving into an afternoon workshop focused on lantern-making and silk crafting. This hands-on experience will take us through the entire silk production process, from silkworm to finished garment, and allow us to practice the traditional silk weaving techniques that have been part of this region's heritage for over 300 years.
Later in the evening, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting night markets by the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we’ll participate in a coffee tour run by a company that focuses on supporting and empowering people with disabilities. On this tour, we’ll learn all about the history and development of the Vietnamese coffee industry and get hands-on experience making the different types of coffee that are a staple in daily Vietnamese life.
In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely guided tour around Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting an old merchant’s home, the colorful Hoi An Market, a beautiful Chinese temple, and the famous Japanese Bridge.
This stroll will give us a real feel for the local life and the unique charm of this French-influenced town. We’ll wrap up the day with a delicious regional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be a full free day to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace!
You might choose to start your day with a relaxing massage at one of the town's highly-rated spas, or perhaps join an optional cooking class where you'll visit a local market to source fresh ingredients before learning to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. If you're in the mood for an adventure, consider taking a day trip to the nearby My Son Sanctuary, an ancient cluster of Hindu temples that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's history.
Alternatively, you can spend the day wandering through Hoi An's ancient streets, visiting tailor shops for custom-made clothing, exploring the vibrant lantern-lit alleys, or simply relaxing at a riverside café while soaking in the serene atmosphere. Whatever you choose, your tour leader will be on hand to assist!
Meals: Breakfast
Departing from the quaint charm of Hoi An, we'll make our way to Da Nang to board a quick 1.5-hour flight to Hanoi. Once we land, our journey will continue with a 2-hour drive through Vietnam's lush countryside, leading us to the picturesque region of Ninh Binh.
Often referred to as the 'Inland Halong Bay,' Ninh Binh will captivate us with its majestic limestone karsts and waterways. Before reaching our destination, we'll take a moment to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve with a peaceful boat trip. As we quietly navigate the still waters, surrounded by towering cliffs, we'll be enveloped in tranquility, witnessing the area's rich biodiversity.
As the evening sets in Ninh Binh, you'll have the chance to settle in and relax, embracing the serenity of this enchanting area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Exploring the enchanting landscapes of Ninh Binh, our day will be filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. In the morning we'll embark on a boat trip to explore the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its majestic network of caves, lush valleys, and historic temples.
As we travel through the verdant waterways, we'll be greeted by the striking
limestone karsts that define this region, offering spectacular views at every turn. After our boat trip, we'll enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, there'll be an optional hike to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam's largest pagoda, known for its exquisite architecture and breathtaking panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Our day starts with a journey to Cho Rong Ninh Binh, plunging us directly into the heart of Vietnamese market life!
This market is a thriving hub, overflowing with a variety of goods – from noodles and rice to fruits and vegetables. After fully experiencing the lively atmosphere, we'll take a 2-hour drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's energetic capital.
After checking into our hotel, we’ll find ourselves right in the pulse of the city's dynamic life. As the day winds down, we'll take a leisurely stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we’ll embark on a guided tour through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As we wander through its maze-like streets, we'll take in the colorful sights and bustling activity.
Our exploration includes some of the city’s main landmarks, such as the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. We'll also visit the city's largest covered market, where numerous street hawkers sell a wide array of fresh produce. In the afternoon, we’ll treat ourselves to a Hanoi specialty – egg coffee – at a well-known café famous for this local drink.
In the evening, we’ll head out for our farewell dinners consisting of a typical North Vietnamese dinner experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It's been such a wonderful adventure and we hate to say goodbye! After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.
Meal: Breakfast
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OPTIONAL 3-DAY ADD-ON
For those of you that wish to stay for our Optional Add-on, we've got more to come!
Leaving Hanoi behind, we’ll take a 2.5 hour drive to reach one of the most gorgeous natural destinations in Vietnam - Bai Tu Long Bay. Neighboring the popular and crowded Ha Long Bay, this is one of the area's best kept secrets, allowing us to enjoy a less touristy, and even more magical experience. After a short check-in process on land, we’ll board our luxury boat and sit down for a fresh lunch while heading out across the deep blue waters of the bay and taking in the dramatic scenery!
After lunch, we’ll visit caves and lagoons, swim in the emerald water and watch the sunset over the karst studded landscape. You can then spend the evening relaxing, enjoying the view from the upper deck or having a drink at the bar, while also sitting down for another delicious meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll wake up and begin the day floating in the middle of brilliant Bai Tu Long Bay.
After breakfast, you’ll have a chance to take a smaller boat through a lagoon to admire the serene and majestic surroundings up close. After a visit to a floating fishing farm tucked into the rock formations - to learn about the traditional life of local fishermen - we’ll continue our cruise back to the main pier in Ha Long.
Upon disembarkation, we’ll make our way back to Hanoi and check into our hotel. In the evening, we’ll go for one final farewell dinner together in the heart of Old Hanoi!
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Time to say goodbye! You will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.
Meal: Breakfast
