We’re excited to run this tour again in 2026—last year’s trip was amazing, and we’ve made a few thoughtful tweaks to make it even better! 

Get ready for an unforgettable 12-day adventure through Vietnam, starting in the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City and making our way north to the dynamic capital city of Hanoi. This tour is crafted for travelers who want to go beyond the usual sights and truly connect with the culture, history, and everyday life from south to north.

We begin in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) with a guided cyclo tour through bustling markets, historic temples, and lively neighborhoods, all while sampling delicious southern Vietnamese dishes. Then we head to the stunningly beautiful town of Hoi An, where ancient streets, glowing lanterns, and artisan workshops create a magical atmosphere you won’t forget. A scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass in open-air jeeps brings us to Hue, a city steeped in imperial history and unique traditions.

Our journey continues to the peaceful countryside of Phong Nha, surrounded by limestone cliffs and rice paddies. This area is truly wonderful, offering a chance to explore incredible caves and enjoy local hospitality in a homestay setting. Finally, we arrive in Hanoi, a city where history and modern life blend seamlessly. We’ll visit key landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and experience the energy of the Old Quarter—don’t miss the chance to try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.

This is more than a trip — it’s a chance to dive deep into Vietnam’s rich stories, landscapes, and flavors, creating memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends. 

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

*  Cyclo tour through Ho Chi Minh City

*  Exploring the stunningly beautiful ancient town of Hoi An

*  Scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass

*  Lunch in Lang Co fishing village, enjoying fresh seafood right by the beach

*  Discovering Hue’s imperial palaces, tombs, and the colorful An Bang Cemetery.
*  Staying in a local homestay in peaceful Phong Nha

*  Exploring the vast and impressive Paradise Cave inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

*  Visiting the symbolic Hien Luong Bridge at the former DMZ

*  Walking around Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Old Quarter

*  Sampling Hanoi’s famous egg coffee

*  Enjoy an optional 3-day add-on to Bai Tu Long Bay, where we'll sleep on a traditional boat amidst the gorgeous emerald water!

TRIP OVERVIEW 

Trip Dates: March 24 thru April 4 or 6, 2026  

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!  Pay in full and save $100, or just pay a deposit now and pay the rest over time with no interest. 

POTENTIAL FEES. A 3% platform fee applies to all bookings. Additional fees may be charged by your bank if you pay by credit card. No extra fees when paying directly from your bank account. 

DISCOUNTS. Only one promo code per booking. Must be used at checkout—no retroactive discounts.

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. 

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: D

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’s an optional visit to a cultural performance at the city’s well-known opera house, featuring skilled acrobatics, precise choreography, and a rich mix of traditional Vietnamese instruments. 

Meals: B, L

Today begins with a quick flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang, swapping the southern buzz for Vietnam’s central coast. From Danang, we’ll make our way by road to the charming town of Hoi An. 

Nestled by the river and full of old-world character, Hoi An is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a painting. Once a bustling trading port, the town still wears its history proudly, with Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, and touches of French architecture blending seamlessly into the narrow streets.

After settling into our hotel—ideally located for exploring!—we’ll take a little time to unwind and soak in the slower pace. Then we’ll head out for a gentle walk through Hoi An’s magical Old Town. This golden-hour stroll is a true delight: glowing lanterns sway overhead, the river shimmers with reflections, and the scent of street food mingles with the hum of scooters and conversations.

As we wander, you’ll pass by tailor shops ready to create custom outfits overnight, locals lighting incense at small shrines, and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks. The mix of colors, cultures, and quiet charm make Hoi An a place that lingers with you long after you’ve left—and tonight is just the beginning of your time here.

Meals: B, D

Today we’ll ease into the rhythm of Hoi An with a guided walk through the Old Town’s quieter, more authentic corners. We’ll start at a family chapel tucked behind a wooden gate, where we’ll hear how ancestor worship and other traditions are still part of daily life here. As we continue through winding streets, we’ll pass tailors at work, families prepping meals in open kitchens, and small workshops where locals craft everything from silk lanterns to hand-carved woodwork.

At the central market, you’ll get a closer look at daily life in motion—fishmongers calling out prices, fresh herbs bundled for restaurant orders, and colorful displays of fruit stacked high. We’ll also stop at a historic Chinese communal hall, once a hub for merchants, where old carvings, altars, and curling incense offer a glimpse into Hoi An’s multicultural roots.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood to explore more, take it slow with a coffee or local beer by the river, or dive into Hoi An’s famed tailoring scene, you’ll have time to do it. We’ll have plenty of recommendations if you want them—food spots, hidden alleys, shops, or local experiences—but how you spend the afternoon is totally up to you.

Meals: B

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. 

Feeling crafty? You can also opt for a hands-on lantern-making class, a beautiful way to connect with one of Hoi An’s most iconic traditions and create your own colorful souvenir.

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, spend the day wandering through Hoi An's ancient streets, visiting tailor shops for custom-made clothing, exploring the gorgeous 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: B

Today’s journey from Hoi An to Hue is anything but ordinary—it’s a road trip through history, nature, and local life. Buckle up in your open-air jeep as we cruise the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain roads. With panoramic views of the coastline on one side and lush green hills on the other, this ride feels like you’ve stepped into a travel documentary. At the summit, we’ll stretch our legs among crumbling French and American bunkers and hear stories of this pass’s wartime significance.

Midday, we roll into Lang Co, a peaceful fishing village where life moves at a slower, saltier pace. Here we’ll feast on just-caught seafood right by the water—no frills, just fresh flavors and the sound of waves for company. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how delicious simplicity can be.

On the road again, we’ll make a thoughtful stop at An Bang Cemetery, nicknamed the “City of Ghosts.” This fascinating place is filled with elaborate tombs, painted in bold hues and built to honor ancestors with dignity and flair. It’s unlike any cemetery you’ve likely ever seen, offering a poignant look at how Vietnamese families commemorate the past. We’ll also pause in a nearby rural village to see traditional mushroom farming in action—a quiet, earthy contrast that roots us back in daily life.

In late afternoon, we arrive in Hue. You’ll have the evening to relax, reflect, and recharge, ready for tomorrow’s discoveries in this storied city.

Meals: B, L

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: B, L

(*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.)

Today’s journey takes us off the beaten path in vintage 1960s jeeps as we travel north along Vietnam’s coastal backroads. This scenic route winds past sleepy fishing villages, stretches of open farmland, and long, quiet beaches. We’ll stop for a laid-back seaside lunch featuring the morning’s catch—simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the historic Hien Luong Bridge at the former DMZ, once the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. It’s a sobering but important stop that brings a deeper understanding of the country’s complex history.

From there, we’ll continue on to Phong Nha, a tranquil countryside area surrounded by limestone peaks and lush rice paddies. We’ll spend the night at a welcoming local homestay with beautiful views of the surrounding fields. Dinner tonight will be a home-cooked meal using local ingredients—an easygoing, delicious way to wind down and get a taste of rural life in central Vietnam.

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the incredible landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense jungle, dramatic karst mountains, and some of the most impressive caves in the world. Today’s adventure takes us deep into this rugged and remote region by vehicle or, for those up for it, on the back of a motorbike with a local driver—an exhilarating way to connect with the land and its people.

As we wind through forested roads and pass through quiet rural villages, you’ll get a real sense of life in this peaceful part of Vietnam. Our main destination is Paradise Cave, an awe-inspiring cavern that stretches for more than 30 kilometers underground. We’ll explore just over a mile of it via a raised wooden walkway, surrounded by towering stalactites, cathedral-like chambers, and an otherworldly stillness that makes it feel like time has paused.

After a day of exploring natural wonders, we’ll return to our homestay to relax and enjoy another home-cooked meal. With the sounds of the countryside around us and the stars overhead, it’s the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Meals: B, D

Today we’re heading north to Hanoi—Vietnam’s lively, chaotic-in-the-best-way capital! We’ll kick off the morning with an early breakfast before driving to Dong Hoi Airport for a short flight that drops us right into the heart of it all. Once we land, we’ll head straight into the city, check into our hotel, and give you a little time to catch your breath (and maybe grab a coffee—this is Hanoi, after all!).

This afternoon, we’ll stretch our legs with a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, one of the most beloved spots in town. It’s the kind of place where things just happen—one moment you’re passing locals playing checkers, the next you’re dodging a wedding photo shoot or watching a group of locals doing tai chi. We’ll circle the lake, check out the charming Ngoc Son Temple, and soak in a more relaxed side of this otherwise buzzing city.

In the evening, we’ll come back together for a group dinner at a restaurant that really shows off the flavors of Northern Vietnam. Think crisp, clean herbs, bold broths, and dishes that tell stories. It’s a great intro to Hanoi’s food scene—and a perfect way to wrap up our first taste of the north.

Meals: B, D

This morning, we’ll dive into Hanoi’s rich and layered history, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—a striking site that offers a powerful glimpse into the life of the man who helped shape modern Vietnam. It’s a solemn place that invites reflection, setting the tone for a day of meaningful discoveries.

Next, we’ll visit the peaceful Temple of Literature, with its tranquil courtyards and centuries-old architecture that once housed Vietnam’s first university. Then we’ll shift to Hoa Lo Prison, a sobering reminder of the country’s difficult past during French colonial times and the Vietnam War. While some moments are heavy, they’re balanced by the incredible resilience and spirit you’ll see woven through the stories and places we visit.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. This is a great chance to stroll Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, relax in a café, and be sure to try the city’s famous egg coffee—a creamy, frothy delight that’s a true local favorite. 

Tonight, we’ll come back together for Farewell Dinner, enjoying Hanoi’s traditional flavors and celebrating the highs of our journey with good food and great company.

Meals: B, D

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