Backpacker Vietnam Explorer

Welcome to Hanoi! Our representative will be waiting to go with you to your new home at Nexy Hostel.

Transportation: Hanoi Airport (HAN) to Nexy Hostel by Car, Van, or Minibus 
Accommodation: Nexy Hostel in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Enjoy a morning breakfast and discover the best of Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot with our lovely tour guide. Start your day with a cup of delicious egg coffee at the original place, then explore the well-preserved Ma May Ancient House, a 19th-century merchant's house. Continue to Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city, before finishing your tour with a visit to Dong Xuan Market. This bustling market is the perfect place to shop for local goods and souvenirs and experience the vibrant energy of Hanoi's street life. Our walking tour will give you a rich cultural experience, and help you discover the best of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Free time in the afternoon, you can spend the rest of the day at your own leisure!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nexy Hostel in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Enjoy your afternoon exploring the local lifestyle of Hanoian. You'll be picked up by your own motorcycle driver from your hotel. Hop on the back of a good old Minsk motorcycle and start exploring some of the hidden gems of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

We will drive through a maze of zigzagging alleyways, from the Black Market to the French Quarter to the famous train streets and more! Along the way, we will make a couple of stops to give you a taste of some of the preferred street food delicacies. A fantastic way to explore the buzzing Vietnamese capital while filling your stomach with delicious food, all in the good company of your driver and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Expect to be back at your hotel in the afternoon with your stomach full and your head loaded with unforgettable memories.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nexy Hostel in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

You will be picked up from your hotel in Ha Noi's Old Quarter in the morning and leave Ha Noi for Ha Long Bay. Enjoy the peaceful scenery in the countryside with paddy fields of rice and you will take a short break along the way. Once you've arrived at Tuan Chau Harbor, you will be transferred by boat to Fantasea Cruise. Enjoy your welcome drink, check-in to your accommodation, relax for a bit, and enjoy your lunch at the restaurant and begin your cruise on Ha Long Bay!

You will head to either Ti Top Beach or Soi Sim Beach for a swim, take pictures, and get refreshed. You will also go explore the Surprising Cave and discover Fairy Lake Cave if time permits and weather conditions are good. After having fun and relaxing with water activities, you will return to the boat and learn how to make spring rolls. Your dinner will be served at the restaurant in the evening, then the rest of the night is left free for you to do squid fishing, play board games, watch movies, drink on the sundeck while gazing at the sky full of stars, or even sing for your fellow passengers on the karaoke machine!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Long Pier by Shared Minibus
Accommodation: Fantasea Cruise in a Deluxe Room

Get up early to catch the beautiful sunrise and get a bit of exercise on the kayaks before your breakfast is served. After breakfast, you'll take another boat to Lan Ha Bay. You'll go discover Lan Ha Bay, go for a swim, kayak, high jump, and cycle at either Van Boi or the Dark and Light caves. Lunch is served on the boat, while you admire the beauty of Lan Ha Bay. You'll head back to Fantasea around late afternoon and cruise to the night's sleeping point.

Your dinner will be served at the restaurant this evening. After a delicious meal, you can join the fishing excursion, watch a movie, have some drinks at the bar, play games or lay down and relax with your favorite book.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fantasea Cruise in a Deluxe Room

Breakfast is served around the same time this morning with coffee and tea. You'll have the whole morning to relax and enjoy more activities on Ha Long Bay. Immerse yourself in this amazing location on your last day over lunch as you cruise into the harbor.

Once you arrive on the mainland, you will end your trip by taking the bus to Ninh Binh and get dropped-off at your hostel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Ha Long Pier to Tam Coc by Shared Minibus
Accommodation: Tam Coc Banana Bungalow in 12 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Start your journey from your hostel in Tam Coc with a leisure bike ride to explore the countryside. Gliding through the dirt road to reach Bich Dong, built in the 15th century, it consists of three structures: the Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, all nestled in a mountain cliff. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the beauty and history of Vietnam. Return to the restaurant for a delicious lunch, then, in the afternoon, take a boat ride through the Ngo Dong River, a scenic area with limestone karst formations, winding rivers, and lush greenery. Passing through three natural caves while enjoying the stunning natural beauty is an unforgettable experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Shared Bus, Ninh Binh Around by Car, Van, or Minibus
Accommodation: Tam Coc Banana Bungalow in 12 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

On the second day of your trip, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, and explore the historic temples and palaces that date back to the 10th century. Then, climb Hang Mua for a panoramic view of the entire region, including Tam Coc and Ninh Binh. After exploring we will pop back to the local homestay/guesthouse for a few hours for showering and refreshing. At 20:30 get transferred to the train station for an overnight train to Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam. Get a good(ish) night's sleep or head to the front of the train where the restaurant cart is hung out there.

Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Ninh Binh Around by Car, Van, or Minibus, Tam Coc Banana Bungalow to Ninh Binh Railway Station by Car or Van, Sleeper train from Ninh Binh Railway Station to Hue Railway Station in 4-bed bunk cabin with A/C

Upon arrival at Hue Railway Station in the early morning, head to your hotels for check-in and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Transportation: Hue Railway Station to Vietnam Backpacker Hostel by Car or Van.
Accommodation: Vietnam Backpacker Hostel in 6 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Spend the morning at your own leisure! After checking out, we will take a train to Hoi An through Hai Van Tunnel. Upon arrival, check-in at your accommodation and free time exploring this lovely ancient town. In the late afternoon, save your stomach and embark on an exciting street food tour in Hoi An and savor the vibrant culinary scene of this charming city. Start with Thanh's family restaurant for an original taste of Cao Lau, the authentic dish of Hoi An people, featuring thick rice noodles, succulent roast pork, bean sprouts, aromatic herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Continue to Madam Khanh, known worldwide for their delectable banh mi sandwiches filled with grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, herbs, and zesty chili sauce that has been featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations". Take a short walk to Madam Buoi, where you'll savor the iconic morning dish of chicken rice. Delight in the fragrant rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth and topped with tender poached chicken, accompanied by a tangy soy sauce that perfectly complements the dish. Finish the night with a delightful dessert, the famous sweet soup of Hoi An on the sidewalk while watching the ancient town at night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transportation: Vietnam Backpacker Hostel to Hue Railway Station by Van or Minibus. Hue to Da Nang by Train in A/C soft-seater
Accommodation: iHome Hoi An in 6 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the starting point for your adventure ahead. We'll start our day by cycling along the Thu Bon River, paying a visit to a local fishing village. We'll continue riding at a peaceful pace along country lanes while taking in the mesmerizing natural surroundings. Observe local life on the go and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries-old farming practices. We'll peddle our way through palm forests, across bridges, and past fields of water buffalo. We'll take a short break with a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying an hour's ride in one of the famous, yet traditional, round basket boats in the Water Coconut Palm Forest.

We'll continue riding to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetables are produced for the local community. At the village, we'll will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and are still being used extensively today. We'll visit a local family and after a short, informative, and fun cooking lesson, we'll sit down for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we'll ride back to your hotel with stomachs full and your curiosity satisfied!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: iHome Hoi An to meeting point by Car or Van, Ending point to Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: iHome Hoi An in 6 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

The Thu Bon River plays an important role in shaping the geography and culture as well as the history of Hoi An. Situated on the Maritime Silk Road, Thu Bon River contributed to forming the traditional and historical heritage of the town of Hoi An. Today, gain a closed look at local life on Thu Bon River when the sunlight fades and sunset is over the Ancient Town as you paddle downstream through the water coconut jungle. You will see the local fishing boats, vegetable farms, and peaceful countryside scenery. Opt to stop along the waterway to capture the beautiful landscape or chat with local fishermen for a get a glimpse of their daily activities. End your journey at the riverbank close to the heart of the town.

Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: iHome Hoi An to meeting point by Car, Van or Minibus, Ending point to Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: iHome Hoi An in 6 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Spend the morning at your own leisure! In the evening, the van or minibus will bring you to Da Nang Railway Station and catch an overnight train to Mui Ne, known for its picturesque beaches and endless sand dunes.

Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: iHome Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station by Car, Van or Minibus, Sleeper train from Da Nang to Binh Thuan in 4-bed bunk cabin with A/C

Spend the entire day at your own leisure!

Transportation: Binh Thuan Railway Station to iHome Mui Ne Backpacker Resort by Car or Van
Accommodation: iHome Mui Ne Backpacker Resort in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Spend the entire day at your own leisure!

Accommodation: iHome Mui Ne Backpacker Resort in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Spend the morning at your own leisure! After checking out, we'll head to Ho Chi Minh City by Shared Bus, the city of lively streets and vibrant atmosphere.

Transportation: Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh by Shared Bus, Ho Chi Minh City Around by Car, Van, or Minibus
Accommodation: Phan Anh Backpacker Hostel in 7 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Embark on a fascinating half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, leaving from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at the Cu Chi Tunnels complex, watch an informative video detailing the historical significance of the tunnels during the Vietnam War. Explore the site with a knowledgeable guide, venturing through the underground network and experiencing the cramped conditions firsthand. Discover hidden trapdoors, living areas, weapon factories, and field hospitals that were integral to the tunnel system. Gain a deep understanding of the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during the war.

Meal: Breakfast
Transportation: Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnel by Car, Van or Minibus, Cu Chi Tunnel to Ho Chi Minh City by Car, Van or Minibus
Miscellaneous: English-Speaking Guide, Entrance Fee
Accommodation: Phan Anh Backpacker Hostel in 7 Bed Mixed Dorm Room

Today is your last day in Ho Chi Minh City. Free time until check-out and it's time to say, "Hen gap lai" (See you again in Vietnamese).

Meals: Breakfast