Itinerary - Vietnam Backpacker Edition: from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice! Please note: the trip starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, so book your flights accordingly.

Ready to start this trip the best way possible? We’re talking about food, obviously. Tonight we’ll have our first dinner together and we’ll get the chance to have a first taste of the local cuisine - maybe some pho, how does that sound?

Rise and shine! Our day begins early as we make our way to the enchanting Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. It's just a short transfer away, and you won't believe your eyes when you see this bay with over 2,000 lush islands – it's like something out of a fairy tale!

Once we hit the port, get ready for some real adventure. We hop on a traditional boat, and this is going to be our floating home for the day. We set sail, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying a mouthwatering lunch whipped up by the awesome crew onboard. And what's on the menu, you ask? Well, it's none other than our all-time favourite – a hearty bowl of pho!

In the afternoon we return to land and head towards Hanoi again but this time we stop at the station: we have a train to catch , the first of many! Spoiler: there are 3 of them and obviously they will all be at night, because on this Backpacker itinerary we move just like real locals. Goodnight WeRoaders, see you again tomorrow morning!

Recently declared a World Heritage Site, Hoi An has been beautifully restored and preserved, with parts of the city looking exactly as they did more than a century ago. But where were we? Ah yes, on the night train: the journey is long, we know it, but the good thing is that we can take advantage of it to recharge our energy and be ready for what awaits us. We will arrive in Da Nang in the early afternoon and from there we will look for a transfer to Hoi An . Now that we've finally arrived, how about we go for a walk and explore the stunning streets and local markets?

Hoi An's ancient town is the heart of this place, where narrow, winding streets are flanked by old merchant houses, temples, and historic buildings blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences. The evening magic with lantern-lit streets can wait for now.

We kick off by strolling through the charming streets to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a city treasure from the 18th century. To dive into local culture, we can hit the market and treat our taste buds with Hoi An's delights like Cao Lau, white rose dumplings, and fresh fish. Cooking enthusiasts can join Vietnamese cooking classes.

In the afternoon, it's shopping galore! Hoi An is famous for tailors and a variety of shops with handicrafts, silk, and souvenirs. Time to fill up that backpack!

Today we can choose between various optional activities but... do we want to do a bit of sport during this trip, or not? It certainly won't be like doing a marathon but a nice bike ride is everything today. We can organise an excursion into nature, get on our bikes and follow our local guide who will lead us to discover the secrets of the surrounding countryside. We pass between rice plantations, cultivated fields, small local markets and ancient villages. If we wanted, we could also conclude the tour with a super fun and interactive cooking class : noodles and dumplings will no longer have secrets for us.

Another round, another night train… in the evening we take our second night train towards Nha Trang : you know what that means, right? That tomorrow we will wake up at the seaside!

ne can confidently claim that Nha Trang's beaches, located in Khanh Hoa province, rank as Vietnam's most stunning. At a glance, the city might give off an 'Asian Miami' vibe, with a beautiful sandy beach nestled between the sea on one side and a stretch of skyscrapers and nightclubs on the other.

For those who relish nightlife, Nha Trang offers an array of options. Whether you're looking for a vibrant night on the town or perhaps something more culinary, given our Asian locale, the evening is wide open for us to explore. So, what's the plan for tonight? Are we ready to dive into the local nightlife scene?

We have almost two full days to relax before our third and final train to Ho Chi Minh City, the final leg of our trip. Definitely worth dedicating a full day to Island Hopping: Nha Trang is surrounded by numerous picturesque islands, such as Hon Mun, Hon Tam and Hon Tre . Here await us pristine beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, diving and opportunities to enjoy a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere. Have we convinced you? But if we are looking for something more dynamic, there is no problem: a nice trek with final cliff jumping at the Ba Ho waterfalls and the adrenaline is served!

We didn't even realize it but the time has already come to say goodbye to the sea and head towards the ancient capital, the iconic Saigon!

Today, after our overnight train journey, we arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the former capital of South Vietnam, now a symbol of modernity where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with the future. This bustling metropolis is Vietnam's most populous city, and you'll feel the constant motion right away!

We have the morning to either relax and pamper ourselves or choose to explore the city – pagodas, anyone? To conclude our Vietnam adventure in grand style, we've got a local treat in store. It's a night tour of Saigon, cruising through less touristy areas aboard the iconic local mode of transport – scooters! We'll discover hidden gems and savour the most unique street food. It's the perfect way to wrap up our Southeast Asian journey, wouldn't you say?

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!