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Vietnam Cycling Adventure: Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay – 11 Days
from $1191/pax
Departure:Upon customer's request
Category:Food & Culinary · Market Visit · Motorbike · Village & Culture
Suitable:Couples, Seniors
Type:Multi-Day Tour
Why travelers love this trip?
- Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes from expert chefs in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Experience rural life, tour floating markets, and discover local produce in the Mekong Delta
- Explore bustling markets and hidden alleys to taste the best of Vietnamese street food
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the limestone karsts and caves of Halong Bay
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
Watch Vietnam change as the journey moves from north to south
Over 11 days, the journey moves from Ho Chi Minh City through Mekong Delta, Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach, Hue and Hanoi before ending in Halong Bay. 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.
Life along the Mekong waterways
Move from city streets to river and canal experiences that show a different rhythm of southern Vietnam.
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.
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.
Hanoi at street level
Taste Hanoi through the street-food or local-food experience scheduled in the itinerary, adding flavor and neighborhood life to the city stay.
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:Ho Chi Minh CityMekong DeltaHoi AnHueHanoiHalong Bay
- Day 1Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh Arrival
- Day 2Ho Chi Minh CityVietnamese Cooking Class in Ho Chi Minh
- Day 3Ho Chi Minh City → Ben Tre → Mekong DeltaDiscover the Charm of the Mekong Delta Full Day
- Day 4Da Nang → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh - Da Nang - Hoi An
- Day 5Hoi AnHoi An Beachside Cooking Class
- Day 6Hue → Hoi AnHoi An - Hue boat trip Half day
- Day 7Hanoi → HueHue - Hanoi
- Day 8HanoiHanoi half day city + Local market + Homehost
- Day 9Hanoi → Halong BayHanoi - Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
- Day 10Hanoi → Halong BayHalong Exploration - Hanoi
- Day 11HanoiHanoi Departure
Numbered stops follow the tour itinerary. Transport icons appear only where the day-by-day program identifies that travel mode.
1Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Morning
After landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
NOTE: The check-in time is 14:00, there is a surcharge for check-in earlier.
Afternoon
Spend your free time exploring Ho Chi Minh City's bustle. The following half-day excursions are available in Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh City Half day.
FROM US $39 /pax.
FROM US $39 /pax.
FROM US $46 /pax.
Start point.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
2Day 2: Vietnamese Cooking Class in Ho Chi Minh
Morning
Vietnamese coffee will be supplied with breakfast.
When you arrive at the hotel, our driver will pick you up and take you to the culinary class. Learn how to barter like a native in the market. The largest and oldest market in Ho Chi Minh is Binh Thuan Market, which You'll pass through.
The host's house will be the location of the culinary demonstration. The menu and items for your upcoming meal will be sent to you.
As long as you follow the chef's directions, you may complete classic dishes and sample your products.
Afternoon and Night.
The remainder of the day is your time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own, or you can choose one of our optional tours to fully experience this city.
- Small Group.
FROM US $39 /pax.
Ho Chi Minh City Half day - Small Group.
FROM US $39 /pax.
Ho Chi Minh Vespa Half-day.
FROM US $79 /pax.
Saigon Night Life & Food Tour by Motorbike.
FROM US $51 /pax.
Saigon by Night: Jeep Adventure & Street Food Delights.
FROM US $62 /pax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
3Day 3: Discover the Charm of the Mekong Delta Full Day
Morning
Your day begins between 07:00 - 07:30, with a convenient hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Ben Tre Province, as you pass lush green landscapes and observe the peaceful rhythms of local rural life.
Upon arrival, your Mekong Delta journey unfolds with a serene cruise along the Ham Luong River, one of the nine major estuaries of the Mekong Delta. This tranquil waterway is framed by swaying coconut palms and traditional riverside villages, offering a peaceful introduction to the region's natural beauty.
The cruise includes a explore to a local coconut workshop, where You'll witness the traditional process of turning coconuts into a wide variety of handcrafted goods. Here, You'll meet skilled artisans and friendly locals who embody the spirit of Ben Tre's craftsmanship.
Next, take a leisurely stroll to a mat-weaving house, where local women skillfully weave colorful sleeping mats using age-old techniques. Sip on freshly brewed tea and enjoy a selection of seasonal tropical fruits, offering a delightful taste of the Delta's bounty.
Continue your cultural immersion with a ride on a 'xe loi' (motorized rickshaw) or bicycle, passing through peaceful village paths lined with lush fruit orchards. This segment offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Mekong's residents and a closer connection to the region's natural landscapes.
Afternoon
After a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant, You'll board a traditional sampan boat for a memorable ride through the narrow canals that define the Mekong Delta’s iconic scenery. Glide beneath a canopy of water palms as the quiet rhythm of paddles blends with the sounds of nature all around you.
Around 17:00, the tour concludes as you return to your hotel in Saigon or continue to your next destination, carrying with you memories of a day steeped in culture, nature, and the unique spirit of southern Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
4Day 4: Ho Chi Minh - Da Nang - Hoi An
Morning
Please wake up and enjoy your final meal in Ho Chi Minh City.
After checking out of your hotel, You'll be taken to the airport to catch your aircraft to Da Nang. Then, our driver will pick you up at the Da Nang airport and take you across the Thu Bon riverbank to Hoi An.
Check into your hotel accommodation in Hoi An and unwind.
After that, you can spend the remaining time on your own exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
5Day 5: Hoi An Beachside Cooking Class
Morning
Finish breakfast at the hotel in Hoi An then our guide will lead you to the market and find the ingredients needed for dishes for a cooking demonstration that helps you make Cao Lau.
This cooking class will be held after you board a sampan and down to the sands pristine of Cua Dai Beach. Immerse yourself in the fresh atmosphere and clean beach.
Relax after an energy half-day by tasting your products in a cooking session for lunch.
Afternoon/ Night.
Return to your accommodation in Hoi An and explore the city on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
6Day 6: Hoi An - Hue boat trip Half day
Morning
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An with breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Then, travel to Hue City by shuttle bus or private car.
After a long journey, check into your hotel in Hue and unwind.
Afternoon
You'll be picked up by our driver and guide at the hotel to begin the boat tour of Hue City.
When you arrive in Hue, you'll embark on a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River.
As you glide across the gentle waters, you'll catch glimpses of the Imperial Capital of the Hue Dynasty and the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. The boat journey offers a peaceful way to explore Hue's rich history and take in the scenic river views.
Night.
The rest of the time is yours, and stay overnight in Hue.
Optional: Spend your dinner time with a top chef and listen to the evolution of Hue's cuisine and enjoy the dinner cooked by the chef.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
7Day 7: Hue - Hanoi
Morning/ Afternoon.
After breakfast, get ready for your journey to Hanoi.
From the airport, our driver will transport you to the hotel so you may take advantage of your free time in Hanoi.
Night.
This will be a series of days where you can discover the unique cultural features of Vietnam, including tonight, here are some interesting activities that we offer you.
Hanoi Insight Vespa Tours Half day.
US $115 /pax.
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour.
US $29 /pax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
8Day 8: Hanoi half day city + Local market + Homehost
Morning/Afternoon.
Begin your journey into Hanoi's vibrant daily life with a explore to Thanh Ha Local Market. Bustling with color and energy, this is where locals gather to buy fresh produce and daily essentials - offering you an authentic look into the city's everyday rhythm.
Continue your exploration of the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, and stroll through the charming Old Quarter, where narrow alleys are filled with traditional shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. As you wander through these iconic streets, you'll feel the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Next, continue to the historic Long Bien Bridge, an architectural relic from the French colonial era. Spanning the Red River, it connects the bustling city with the peaceful countryside, and is a powerful symbol of resilience through wartime.
Just beyond the bridge lies Banana Island, a hidden oasis of greenery and quiet farmlands in the middle of Hanoi. This tranquil spot showcases a different rhythm of life—slower, simpler, and rooted in tradition.
Continue the cultural journey with a explore to B52 Lake, where the remains of a downed American bomber plane from the war rest in silence. This site provides powerful insight into Vietnam's complex past and its enduring spirit.
Noon/ Night.
Following your historical and cultural immersion, transfer approximately 15 minutes to a local host's home, where You'll be warmly welcomed as a friend from afar. This personal connection adds a heartwarming layer to your Hanoi experience.
Join your host in exploring a nearby market to select fresh, local ingredients for your hands-on cooking session. You'll not only observe but also participate in preparing beloved Vietnamese dishes such as fresh spring rolls, Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and stir-fried chicken with fish sauce.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a shared meal with your host family, exchanging stories and laughter. This is more than just a meal - it is an intimate cultural exchange that leaves lasting impressions and genuine memories.
NOTE: The full itinerary will include all highlights mentioned above. However, the sequence may be adjusted depending on real-time conditions to ensure the best experience. Along the way, You'll also explore lesser-known secret paths to uncover a more authentic side of Hanoi, away from the usual tourist routes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
9Day 9: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Morning
After finishing breakfast at the hotel in Hanoi, take a shuttle bus to Halong Bay.
Arrival at the city of Halong Bay and boarding of an overnight junk boat. While the boat is passing islands, taste your first lunch.
Afternoon/ Night.
Relax and refill your soul and health before we have some discovery in the afternoon. Halong Bay is famous for its majestic caves. Therefore, it’s time to make a cave discovery.
You find out a lot of stunning caves here, such as Surprising Caves, Maze Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave.
When you return to the ship, have dinner of freshly cooked fish.
NOTE: The detailed activities depend on each cruise schedule.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise
10Day 10: Halong Exploration - Hanoi
Morning
Enjoy a tranquil start to the day with breakfast aboard the yacht while in Halong Bay.
The journey continues passing by various islets, islands or caves.
Return to the boat, pack your things, and complete check-out before taking a shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
Afternoon/ Night.
On your route, explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. You should refresh your mind and go to sleep soon because you had an energetic day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
11Day 11: Hanoi Departure
Check out of the hotel and be taken to Noi Bai International Airport after breakfast. Return trip to Hanoi. Your journey comes to an end.
End point.
Hanoi.
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 accommodation at hotel, except overnight on train and home-stay (if any)
- All transport within Vietnam, as per itinerary.
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the program
- 2 Domestic flights: Ho Chi Minh – Danang; Hue – Hanoi
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* Hotels01 May 2025 - 20 Dec 2026 | $1191/pax | $2382 | |
| Superior 3* Hotels21 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $1227/pax | $2454 | |
| First Class 4* Hotels01 May 2025 - 20 Dec 2026 | $1401/pax | $2802 | |
| First Class 4* Hotels21 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $1443/pax | $2886 | |
| Deluxe 5* Hotels01 May 2025 - 20 Dec 2026 | $1801/pax | $3602 | |
| Deluxe 5* Hotels21 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2027 | $1855/pax | $3710 |
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 11 Days too rushed for this Vietnam route?
11 Days gives this itinerary enough room to connect several regions while still showing where the longer transfer days sit. The confirmed sequence is Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Hoi An → Hue → Hanoi → Halong Bay.
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 Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Hoi An → Hue → Hanoi → Halong Bay. 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 (9 nights), Overnight on cruise. 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: 10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 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 swimwear and a light dry bag.
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
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.
