Itinerary checked before confirmation
We re-check the operating route, key transfers, hotel level and major inclusions for your travel date before you pay.
North Vietnam Mindfulness & Wellness Retreat – 18 Days
from $1661/pax
Departure:Upon customer's request
Category:Adventure · Market Visit · Motorbike · Trekking & Hiking · Village & Culture
Theme:Culture & Heritage, Nature & Landscapes, Soft Adventure
Suitable:Couples
Type:Group Tour, Homestay Tour, Multi-Day Tour, Private Tour
Why travelers love this trip?
- Tour all the most famous tourist attractions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
- Take a leisure stroll around Hoi An old quarters to immerse in the charm of ancient town in Vietnam
- Appreciate the splendid beauty of Halong Bay - the world-wide famous UNESCO Heritage on an top-tier service overnight cruise
- Come to and refresh yourself at the pure nature of Mai Chau
BOOK WITH CLARITY
Local planning, clear value, fewer surprises
EcoTravel combines local trip planning with clear, itemized booking information. Before payment, we re-check the operating itinerary, current price, hotel level, included transport, meals and any optional costs for your travel date. If a detail is flexible or subject to availability, we explain it before you confirm so you can compare quality and total value, not just the headline price.
Clear price and inclusions
We show what is included, what is optional and any date-specific surcharge we can identify, so you can compare total value rather than only a headline price.
Local support when plans matter
Use one local contact for room requests, dietary needs, transfer questions and practical changes that can affect a multi-stop Vietnam trip.
Trip Itinerary
WHY THIS JOURNEY STANDS OUT
A Vietnam journey that deliberately changes pace instead of repeating the same kind of sightseeing every day
Over 18 days, the journey moves from Hanoi through Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Phong Nha, DMZ, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City before ending in Mekong Delta. What keeps the route interesting is how the experience changes from one chapter to the next; the signature moments below show where that contrast becomes part of the journey.
What makes this itinerary worth comparing is the balance between experiences, travel time and overnight stops. The day-by-day plan below shows where the pace changes, what is included, where you sleep and how each destination connects to the next, while keeping the confirmed free time visible instead of hiding it inside a packed schedule. It also makes the main transfer sectors easy to spot, so you can judge whether the journey feels comfortable for the way you like to travel.
Halong Bay from the water
See the limestone bay from the water through the cruise or boat experience confirmed in the program.
Step into Vietnam’s imperial story
Explore Hue through the imperial and heritage stops included in the route, adding a deeper historical chapter to the journey.
Heritage and local life in Hoi An
Walk through the heritage and local-life experiences included in Hoi An, giving the journey a more intimate contrast to the larger cities.
Life along the Mekong waterways
Move from city streets to river and canal experiences that show a different rhythm of southern Vietnam.
Before you decide: If you are deciding whether this tour is the right use of your time and budget, start with the route and signature moments below. They show the real shape of the trip before you get into the detail of each day.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
See the full route before you travel
Follow the destination sequence, day numbers and main transfers at a glance before reading the full itinerary below.
Route:HanoiMai ChauHalong BayPhong NhaHueHoi AnHo Chi Minh CityMekong Delta
- Day 1HanoiHanoi Arrival
- Day 2Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh CityHanoi City Tour Half-day
- Day 3Hanoi → Mai ChauHanoi - Cycling To Villages in Mai Chau
- Day 4Hanoi → Mai ChauMai Chau - Hanoi
- Day 5Hanoi → Halong BayHanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise
- Day 6Hanoi → Halong Bay → Dong HoiHalong Bay - Hanoi - Overnight Train to Dong Hoi
- Day 7Phong Nha → Dong HoiDong Hoi - Adventure to Phong Nha Cave - Paradise Cave
- Day 8Hue → Dong HoiDong Hoi - Hue - Experience Royal Dinner
- Day 9Hanoi → HueHue Half-day City Tour
- Day 10Hue → Da Nang → Hoi AnHue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Road transfer
- Day 11Hoi An → My Son SanctuaryMy Son Half-day Exploration
- Day 12Hoi AnHoi An - Free day
- Day 13Da Nang → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh CityHoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 14Ho Chi Minh CityHalf-day Tour In The ‘City That Never Sleeps’
- Day 15Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho → Mekong DeltaHo Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho
- Day 16Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho → Mekong DeltaCan Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh
- Day 17Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi TunnelsExplore Sai Gon On Your Own
- Day 18Ho Chi Minh CityDeparture
Numbered stops follow the tour itinerary. Transport icons appear only where the day-by-day program identifies that travel mode.
1Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Morning/ Afternoon.
After arriving in Hanoi, our tour guide will escort you to the hotel to check in. Check-in time at the hotel is available from 14:00 (Early check-in will require additional charges).
You'll have the rest of the day to rest and recover, or wander around for some adventurous exploration. Active travelers can consider taking part in one of our suggested optionalactivities.
Hanoi Cooking Class Half Day.
FROM US $48 /pax.
Hanoi Food Tour by Motorbike at Night.
FROM US $78 /pax.
Please contact our travel consultant if you are interested in these services, we are available 24/7 to assist you.
Start point.
Hanoi.
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
2Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Half-day
Morning
08:00: Start the day with a half-day tour around Hanoi (by car or by motorbike). Morning or afternoon departure depends on your availability.
The first stop of our Hanoi tour is Vietnam’s first university - the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076 and established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite, it now stands as a symbol of education in Vietnam.
Next, we explore One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic Buddhist temples with a special design as a lotus flower. Built in the Ly dynasty, One Pillar Pagoda now stands as the most famous and important historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi.
The trip continues to lead tourists to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where they can show their respect to one of the historic father figures of modern Vietnam. We can also take a look at his modest house on stilts (Sites are viewed from outside; closed on Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug).
Lastly, explore the picturesque West Lake and its sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda - regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history of more than 1,500 years.
Savor a tasty meal at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant before heading back to the hotel.
Evening
The spare time in the evening is yours to use. You can either relax or have a self-exploring of the city on your own.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
3Day 3: Hanoi - Cycling To Villages in Mai Chau
Morning
In the morning, You'll enjoy your meal at the hotel. Around 08:00, we will continue to Mai Chau by van.
The journey to Mai Chau takes visitors along winding mountain roads, offering views of lush valleys and traditional stilt houses. Along the way, travelers can observe the daily life of the Muong and Thai ethnic communities, whose villages are nestled harmoniously within the mountainous landscape.
Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you are welcomed with a drink and a traditional lunch in the village(vegetarian available).
Afternoon
Go on a relaxing cycling trip led by our tour guide to observe farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves, and surrounding peaceful villages (Additional cost applies). It’s time for retreaters to unwind in the countryside’s serene atmosphere.
Alternatively, guests can enjoy free time to walk around the village or shop for traditional handicrafts.
A special dinner featuring authentic Thai cuisine will be served. Guests traveling in groups of more than five people will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance and experience “Ruou Can,” a unique communal rice wine traditionally shared through bamboo straws.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Mai Chau
4Day 4: Mai Chau - Hanoi
Distance & Est. Time: Cycling 2 km.
Morning
A traditional breakfast will be served at the homestay, offering guests a taste of local flavors.
Accompanied by a local Thai guide, guests will embark on a 2 km cycling journey before beginning a guided trek to the remote villages of Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa. This trek provides a deeper insight into the daily lives of the Thai ethnic people, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking rice terraces and learn more about their cultural heritage.
Upon returning to the homestay, guests will check out and enjoy a farewell lunch before departure.
Afternoon
Guests will have free time to relax, explore the village at their own pace, or purchase local souvenirs.
Around 15:30 - The return journey to Hanoi will begin, offering one last opportunity to take in the scenic countryside views. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore the dynamic city or stay in your room to rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
5Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise
Morning
Following a full breakfast at the hotel, You'll meet our driver at 08:00 - 08:30, who will drive you to the cruise port in Halong Bay. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours.
At noon, You'll reach the harbor and start to do some check-in procedures with the boat crew. Get on the boat and receive a friendly welcome from the cruise staff team with a cold drink.
A seafood-themed meal will be served for everyone at lunch. Have time to enjoy the cruise trip around Halong Bay and behold thousands of limestone islands along with grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water.
Afternoon
Join in a variety of activities on board and discover the glamour of Halong Bay, including exploring caves, kayaking, and swimming.
Get back on the cruise for relaxing and dining in the evening. After dinner, you can spend a night on the cruise by joining some exciting activities such as squid fishing, card games, etc.
NOTE: Depending on the cruise liner you choose, the itinerary might be different.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board in Halong Bay
6Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Overnight Train to Dong Hoi
Morning
The day kicks off early with a Tai Chi Class with a stunning sunrise view of the bay, and enjoy a light breakfast at the cruise’s restaurant.
Begin a new adventure as the cruise takes you around exploring the most caves in Halong and their breathtaking natural complex.
After the tours, You'll return to the main cruise to pack your luggage and have the check out process done.
The brunch will be served so you can enjoy the last meal on board as the cruise heads to the harbor.
Afternoon
At noon, You'll reach the port and a driver will take you back to Hanoi Old Quarter. Around 19:00, meet our tour guide for transportation to Hanoi Train Station.
The train departs at around 21:35, You'll have an overnight train to Dong Hoi (Shared sleeping cabins).
NOTE.
Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip.
The train schedule is subject to change. Private cabins on request at a surcharge.
Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with additional fees).
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Overnight on Train
7Day 7: Dong Hoi - Adventure to Phong Nha Cave - Paradise Cave
Morning
You'll arrive at Dong Hoi Train Station in the early morning.
08:00: continue to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and explore its impressive caves. On the way, You'll enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.
Reach Phong Nha Cave - a water cave that is famous for its rock formation, and dive deep into the real wilderness of Vietnam, where the lost world of ancient stalactites - formed by drips of water and minerals at the ceiling of the caves throughout history.
Enjoy a delectable lunch after exploring the cave.
Afternoon
13:30: Continue your quest of the caves with Paradise Cave - labeled as one of the most beautiful caves in the world and the longest dry cave in Asia. Take in the magnificent landscape of Paradise Cave, attracting the eyes of visitors at a glance.
After that, You'll be back at a hotel in town. Take a rest and spend the night in Dong Hoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi
8Day 8: Dong Hoi - Hue - Experience Royal Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel in Dong Hoi, You'll check out and begin your journey southward to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Hue, You'll check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Evening
Step into the elegance of Vietnam’s imperial era with a royal dining experience in Hue. Guests are warmly welcomed with a glass of Minh Mang wine and invited to dress in traditional Nguyen Dynasty costumes, setting the stage for an evening.
Dine like royalty as you savor a multi-course feast inspired by ancient court cuisine, all set to the soothing melodies of live Hue folk music. Surrounded by the rich ambiance of Vietnam’s former imperial capital, this immersive cultural experience offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of royal life.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
9Day 9: Hue Half-day City Tour
Morning /Afternoon.
08:00: Start exploring the tranquil city of Hue - founded in the 17th century as Vietnam’s imperial capital (before Hanoi replaced it).
Our first destination in Hue is Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient architectural Buddhist attraction located in a favorable location by the peaceful Huong River. It is only 5 km to transfer from the center of Hue to Thien Mu Pagoda.
Continue to explore the Imperial Citadel accommodated by the Nguyen Royal Family - the last dynasty in Vietnam reflects the luxurious and prosperous life of the royal family. Explore a part of Vietnam's pre-modern history by spending time around the citadel, explore the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the front gate.
On the way back to the hotel, the group might stop by Dong Ba Market for some shopping. The largest traditional trading center in the city of Hue provides souvenirs and cuisine for tourists. Walk through kiosks, You'll have time to understand the daily business of local sellers, as well as have some interesting purchases.
After a city tour, the guide will take you back to the hotel to take a rest.
You'll stay overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
10Day 10: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Road transfer
Morning
We'll transport from Hue to Hoi An by shuttle bus or private car at 08:00.
Afternoon
Enjoy your spare time to relax and explore Hoi An on your own. Stay overnight in Hoi An and be well-prepared for the next day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
11Day 11: My Son Half-day Exploration
Your journey begins as our guide picks you up from your hotel in Hoi An city center. From there, travel comfortably to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains.
Upon arrival, spend about 2 hours discovering the ancient temple complex. Walk through the historic ruins while your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the Champa Kingdom, its spiritual traditions, and the architectural wonders of the site. During the visit, You'll also enjoy a traditional Champa cultural dance performance, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
Leave the sanctuary and travel to a local home where You'll learn how to make traditional Vietnamese rice paper. After the demonstration, you can taste the rice paper you helped create.
Continue to another local house for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes along with refreshing herbal tea in a peaceful countryside setting. For the Sunset Tour, the lunch and rice paper activity are replaced with a light local snack such as Banh Mi and fresh coconut.
After lunch, embark on a scenic boat ride back to Hoi An along the beautiful Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam. Relax and enjoy the cool breeze while admiring the tranquil river landscapes.
Arrive back in Hoi An, where You'll be dropped off at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
12Day 12: Hoi An - Free day
Morning /Afternoon.
Have a free day to explore the town on your own. You can take part in some optionaltours to explore the beauty of Hoi An.
Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village.
FROM US $79 /pax.
Hoi An Vespa Tour Half Day.
FROM US $110 /pax.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village Basket Boat Tour.
FROM US $44 /pax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
13Day 13: Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning
You'll have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the Da Nang airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival in Sai Gon, our driver will transport you to the hotel in the center of the city. Have free time on your own for relaxation after checking in at the hotel.
Evening
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
14Day 14: Half-day Tour In The ‘City That Never Sleeps’
Morning
You have time for a light breakfast and rest until our guide comes to pick you up for the city tour.
Around 08:00, start the half-day city tour to some significant destinations of Ho Chi Minh City.
Firstly, pay a explore to the Independence Palace, the famously iconic site of Saigonese liberation. It was designed by the well-known architect Ngo Viet Thu. It is not only a former presidential palace but also one of the greatest architectural buildings in Saigon until this day.
Have a short stop at the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, symbol of classical French colonial architecture since the late 19th century. Under the order from French Admiral Bonard, this place became the most complex construction at that time.
The Old Post Office is another French vestige from the past in the area of the old Ho Chi Minh city. Despite years passed, it still remains its everlasting beauty and still in working condition.
Explore the last stop of the tour at Ben Thanh Market and shop for souvenirs, as well as discover the life of the friendly locals.
Afternoon
Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
NOTE: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation so it might not be included in the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
15Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho
We will kick off a tour that breaks away from the city to immerse yourself in the incredibly fertilized Mekong Delta, where half of Vietnam's total agricultural output is produced.
The tour begins by getting on a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, going along small canals, and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the typical lush surroundings that only this delta has.
Take in the orchards, paddy fields, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, still untouched by tourism, and also attend the fish farms and exotic fruit farms.
After finishing the Mekong Delta tour, we are transported to the next accommodation in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
16Day 16: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh
Morning
You'll start the day by transferring from your hotel to the pier and boarding a wooden boat to the Cai Rang floating market. As you move along the river, you can watch how locals trade from boat to boat and get a better idea of daily life in the Mekong Delta.
During the trip, You'll stop at a small noodle workshop and see how local noodles are made. You’ll also have the chance to try some fresh tropical fruits while cruising back.
After the visit, You'll return to Ho Chi Minh City. A lunch stop along the way will be arranged before the tour ends back in the city.
Afternoon
The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
17Day 17: Explore Sai Gon On Your Own
Morning /Afternoon.
Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City - The bustling and vibrating economic center of the South.
If you want a deeper exploration into the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City, you can contact us for some optional tours.
Dinner Cruise on Saigon River.
FROM US $34 /pax.
Cu Chi Tunnels & Cooking Class Full day.
FROM US $79 /pax.
Long Tan - Nui Dat Battle Field Full Day Tour.
FROM US $117 /pax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
18Day 18: Departure
Morning
After breakfast, you are free until the transfer to the airport for a flight to return home.
This is the end of your 18-day Vietnam tour. BestPrice Travel wishes you a time on your journey and hopes to see you again!
End point.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NA
Important Notes:
- Program and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Inclusions
What's included
- Accommodation in TWN/ DBL sharing except overnight at local homestay or on train
- All transport and transfer by air conditioned vehicle (including airport pick up & see off), as per itinerary
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Flight ticket Danang - Ho Chi Minh.
- Overnight train Hanoi - Dong Hoi (sharing cabin 4 berths with air-condition)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the program
What's not included
- International airfare
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Peak season surcharges and compulsory gala dinners (if applicable)
- Visa (passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 3 blank visa pages)
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, gratuities, etc.)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Options & Prices
| Tour options | Prices | Total price (2 Adults) | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior (3* Hotels)01 Aug 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $1661/pax | $3322 | |
| First Class (4* Hotels)01 Aug 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $1951/pax | $3902 | |
| Superior (3* Hotels)01 Aug 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $2021/pax | $4042 | |
| First Class (4* Hotels)01 Aug 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $2321/pax | $4642 |
Prices are shown per person. Final availability and booking details are confirmed with EcoTravel on WhatsApp.
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PLANNING QUESTIONS
Questions & Answers
Built from this tour’s confirmed route, transport, stays, meals and activity level so the answers stay specific to this itinerary.
Is 18 Days too rushed for this Vietnam route?
18 Days gives this route more breathing room than a short highlights trip, but the real pace still depends on transfer days and one-night stops. Use the itinerary below to compare travel time with free time.
How much travelling is involved between destinations?
This is a multi-stop itinerary rather than a single-base holiday. The route overview shows the confirmed sequence Hanoi → Mai Chau → Halong Bay → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta. Where the itinerary identifies a flight, road transfer, train or boat, that transport mode is shown on the journey map so you can understand the travel flow before booking.
Are the domestic flights included in the tour price?
Yes. The current inclusion list identifies flight transport as included. The exact sectors should still be checked against the itinerary and booking confirmation because schedules and baggage rules can vary by departure.
Do I actually stay overnight on a cruise?
Yes. This itinerary includes an overnight cruise/onboard stay. The exact vessel, cabin and operating sequence can vary by the confirmed cruise option, so check the accommodation and inclusion details on this page when choosing your package.
What accommodation is used during the trip?
The accommodation summary for this itinerary is: Hotel (15 nights), Overnight on board in Halong Bay (1 night), Overnight on Train (1 night). If room category, bedding, private bathroom or hotel level matters to you, send that requirement before booking so the confirmed option can be checked rather than assumed.
Does the itinerary include any real free time?
Yes. One or more days include genuine free-time or leisure periods. We keep those periods clearly marked so you can see which days are structured and which give you space to rest or explore independently.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This itinerary includes active elements such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking or similar activities. The difficulty is not judged only by the tour length; review the specific activity day and transfer time. Share mobility, balance or fitness concerns before booking so the demanding sections can be checked with you.
Which meals are included, and can dietary requirements be handled?
The current meal summary is: 17 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 1 Brunch, 2 Dinner. Dietary requests are not assumed to be available everywhere, so mention vegetarian, vegan, allergy or other requirements before booking and EcoTravel can confirm what the operators on this exact route can accommodate.
Are optional activities or extra costs mixed into the main itinerary?
No. Optional activities and extra costs are kept separate from the core included program. Check the Exclusions and Important Notes sections for anything that may need separate payment.
Can this itinerary be adjusted for a private trip or specific travel needs?
Do not assume every scheduled element can be changed without affecting the route or price. Send your dates, group size and the exact change you need; EcoTravel can check what is customizable while keeping the published itinerary clear and easy to compare.
LOCAL TRAVEL NOTES
What to know before travelling in Vietnam
Practical advice from a local operator for packing, weather, money, documents and the small details that can make a multi-stop trip much easier.
What to pack for this route
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing, sun protection, a compact rain layer, personal medication and a small day bag and a warm layer for cooler highland mornings and evenings.
Weather: plan by region, not one forecast
Northern Vietnam can be cool or misty from December to March; highland areas such as Sapa are noticeably cooler than Hanoi. Central Vietnam has a different rain pattern, with Hue often wetter from September to February. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong stay warm year-round, with more frequent afternoon rain from May to November. A light rain layer is useful even in the drier months.
Money, exchange and fair payment
Vietnam’s currency is the đồng (VND). Keep some cash for markets, street food and smaller local purchases; cards are practical for many larger expenses. Exchange rates move daily, so use the exact VND amount shown by your bank, card terminal or EcoTravel payment confirmation rather than an old screenshot. Before approving a card payment, check the number of zeros and the final VND total. A useful local check: the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are both blue-toned, so look at the printed value before handing one over.
Passport and entry documents
Entry and visa rules depend on nationality and can change. Check the requirements that apply to your passport before departure, and make sure the name, passport number, validity dates and planned entry point on your documents match your actual trip. If you are unsure, send EcoTravel your nationality and travel dates before booking so we can flag what you need to verify.
Phone, internet and cash away from cities
A local SIM or eSIM is useful for maps and messaging. In remote villages, mountain areas and small river stops, signal and card acceptance can be weaker, so keep some VND cash and save key hotel/guide details offline.
Health, comfort and local etiquette
Carry your regular medication, use bottled or properly filtered drinking water, and consider travel insurance for active itineraries. Dress respectfully at temples and religious sites, and tell EcoTravel in advance about allergies, mobility concerns or motion sickness.
Luggage for transfers and overnight sectors
Domestic flights can have fare-specific baggage limits; overnight trains are easier with a compact bag; cruise cabins and tender transfers are more comfortable with only the luggage you need overnight. Keep passport, medication, valuables and one change of clothes in your day bag.
Before you confirm
Review price & inclusions ↑For a multi-stop Vietnam itinerary, send your exact travel dates, group size and preferred hotel level. If international or domestic flights are part of your wider trip, mention them so connection timing can be checked against Day 1 and the final day.
