Itinerary
- Day 1
Hanoi
You'll arrive in Hanoi and have the whole afternoon to settle in however you'd like. Rest up, walk around the neighborhood, or grab a coffee somewhere nearby. At 6pm the group gathers for a pre-trip meeting to go over logistics, and then everyone heads out together for dinner to kick things off.
Optional Activities
- Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter streets and local markets
- Visit temples and tombs in Hanoi
- People-watching in the city
- Day 2
Hanoi
The day starts with a city tour hitting the major spots. You'll see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the peaceful Temple of Literature, then break for a vegan Vietnamese lunch. The afternoon takes you out to West Lake and the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, and you'll wrap up at the Ethnology Museum to learn about Vietnam's different ethnic groups.
- Meals
- Lunch (Vegan Vietnamese lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese dishes)
Included Activities
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum visit
- Temple of Literature visit
- West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda visit
- Ethnology Museum visit
- Vegan Vietnamese lunch with authentic Vietnamese dishes
Landmarks Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Temple of Literature West Lake Tran Quoc Pagoda Ethnology Museum - Day 3
Hanoi to Halong Bay
You're heading out of Hanoi today toward Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with towering limestone islands rising straight out of the water. Once you arrive, you'll check into a traditional junk boat that'll be your home for the night. Spend the afternoon swimming, checking out some caves, and relaxing on deck before enjoying local dinner aboard.
- Meals
- Dinner (Local dinner aboard the boat)
Included Activities
- Halong Bay exploration
- Swimming in Halong Bay
- Cave exploration
- Local dinner aboard the boat
Landmarks Halong Bay 
- Day 4
Halong Bay to Hanoi
The morning is yours to do more swimming in the bay or just hang out on the boat and take in the scenery. After lunch on board, you'll head back to Hanoi by private minibus. The evening is wide open for exploring the Old Quarter on your own, though the tour leaders are organizing an optional group dinner and drinks if you want to join in.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board the boat)
Included Activities
- Morning swimming or relaxing in Halong Bay
- Lunch on board the boat
Optional Activities
- Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Join tour leaders for a group meal
- Day 5
Hanoi
Your last day in Hanoi is completely free to do what you want. Some people head to 'coffee street' for a caffeine fix, others track down vegan pho from spots the leaders recommend. You could also cross the red Huc Bridge over to Jade Island to visit Ngoc Son Temple. Tour leaders are on hand if you need suggestions or guidance on anything.
Optional Activities
- Visit 'coffee street' in the Old Quarter
- Dining at vegan Pho restaurants
- Visit Huc Bridge and Jade Island
- Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of Jade Mountain) visit
- Join tour leaders for a group meal
Landmarks Huc Bridge Jade Island Ngoc Son Temple - Day 6
Hanoi to Hoi An
A short flight gets you down to Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most colorful towns and another UNESCO Heritage site. The old trading port has charming streets lined with family-run shops, restaurants, and coffee spots tucked into buildings that feel like they haven't changed in decades. You'll have the rest of the day to settle in and wander around at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Explore Hoi An's Old Town streets
- Shopping at family-run shops
- Dining at local restaurants and coffee shops
- Watch sunset over the river with a Bia hơi (fresh beer)
Landmarks Hoi An Old Town - Day 7
Hoi An
You'll do a slow-paced bike tour through rice paddy fields that eventually brings you out to the beach. After that, the free time is yours to explore Hoi An's famous tailors, who seem to be on every corner. If custom clothing or shoes interest you, you can show a tailor a photo or pick something from their brochures and have it ready by tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Slow-paced bike tour through rice paddy fields to the beach
Optional Activities
- Visit local tailors for custom clothing and shoes
- Day 8
Hoi An
Today's a highlight for many people here. You'll join a local cooking class that starts at the market, where you'll learn the secrets behind making classic Vietnamese spring rolls and other specialties. Then you head somewhere to prepare and cook your own Vietnamese vegan dishes from scratch, getting hands-on with the whole process.
Included Activities
- Local markets tour
- Vietnamese cooking class including spring roll preparation and vegan dish cooking
- Day 9
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
A flight takes you south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis (formerly called Saigon). After checking into your hotel in the Old Quarter, you'll have an afternoon city walking tour if the weather cooperates. The route hits Ben Thanh Market, the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, the old Post Office, Independence Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. In the early evening, the tour leaders are setting up an optional group meal with local Beer Saigon if you're interested.
Included Activities
- City Walking Tour including Ben Thanh Market, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Independence Palace, and War Remnants Museum visits
Optional Activities
- Group meal at a tour leader-recommended restaurant
- Sample local Beer Saigon
Landmarks Ben Thanh Market Saigon Opera House Notre-Dame Cathedral Saigon Central Post Office Independence Palace War Remnants Museum - Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City
You're visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels today, an underground network that sheltered around 10,000 people during the Vietnam-American War. As you walk through, you'll see living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage areas, and command centers. It gives real perspective on what daily life was like for people underground during that period of time.
Included Activities
- Cu Chi Tunnels visit and exploration
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels - Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta
This is a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta, the agricultural heart of southern Vietnam where much of the country's trading and markets happen. You'll cruise along the river with stops at local markets to taste fresh produce and soak in how things work here. Later you'll stay overnight at a family-run homestay right by the river, where the owners cook dinner and share what life is really like for people living on the water.
- Meals
- Dinner (Local dinner at riverside homestay cooked by local family)
Included Activities
- Mekong Delta river cruise
- Market visits
- Local dinner at riverside homestay cooked by local family
- Local stories and cultural exchange at homestay
Landmarks Mekong Delta - Day 12
Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City
Wake up to river sounds and a basic home-cooked breakfast prepared by your hosts. You'll continue exploring the Mekong by boat, stopping at various spots to meet local people and hear about their lives on the river. By afternoon you'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in time for your final evening in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Basic home-cooked breakfast)
Included Activities
- Home-cooked breakfast at homestay
- Mekong Delta exploration with local community visits
- Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City
Your last full day in Vietnam is yours to do whatever you want. You could relax at the hotel, check out neighborhoods you haven't seen yet, or hunt for last-minute souvenirs. Tour leaders are available if you want tips or help finding something specific. In the evening, the group's organizing optional meals, so you can join if you'd like or explore on your own.
Optional Activities
- Explore Ho Chi Minh City attractions
- Shop for souvenirs
- Join tour leaders for a group meal
- Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
You're flying to Phnom Penh today, Cambodia's bustling capital sitting where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. The city has grown from a small fishing village into the country's cultural and commercial hub, and it carries a complicated history. Once you arrive and settle in, you'll take a short tuk-tuk city tour, then head down to the riverside for dinner with cold Cambodian beer and a mix of local and international food options.
Included Activities
- Tuk-tuk city tour of Phnom Penh
Optional Activities
- Riverside dining experience with local and international cuisine
- Sample Cambodian beer
Landmarks Mekong River Tonle Sap River - Day 15
Phnom Penh
There are two significant historical sites on the schedule today: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former school turned into a Khmer Rouge prison and torture facility) and the Choeung Ek extermination center, known as The Killing Fields. Both visits are included but completely optional. If these sites aren't for you, there are plenty of other ways to spend the day exploring the city.
Included Activities
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum visit
- The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek extermination centre) visit
Optional Activities
- Explore other Phnom Penh landmarks and activities (if choosing not to visit genocide sites)
Landmarks Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The Killing Fields - Day 16
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
You're traveling overland through rural Cambodia to Siem Reap, the jumping-off point for the ancient temples around Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Siem Reap itself is a vibrant city with a strong food scene ranging from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Once you arrive and settle in, join the group on Pub Street to try local beer or catch a live apsara dance performance.
Optional Activities
- Pub Street evening outing
- Sample local beer
- Watch apsara dance show
- Explore local restaurants and street food
Landmarks Pub Street - Day 17
Siem Reap
Today you're exploring Angkor Wat, the world's largest single religious monument and Cambodia's most famous temple. Over a thousand temples sit within this complex, built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire. The site covers roughly 160 square kilometers and features ornate carvings that honor the Hindu god Vishnu. You can wake early to catch sunrise photos or climb Angkor Hill for views of the complex.
Included Activities
- Angkor Wat temple complex visit and exploration
Optional Activities
- Early sunrise viewing at Angkor Wat
- Sunrise photography at surrounding lakes and ponds
- Sunrise views from atop Angkor Hill
Landmarks Angkor Wat Angkor Hill - Day 18
Siem Reap
The Phare Acrobat Circus is on the agenda today, a high-energy show mixing acrobatics, juggling, and aerial performances. The performers tell stories about Cambodian culture and everyday life through impressive stunts and routines, and there are no animals involved. The artists bring such energy and enthusiasm that it turns into a really fun evening.
Included Activities
- Phare Acrobat Circus performance
Landmarks Phare Acrobat Circus - Day 19
Departure
This is your last day on the tour. It's time to say goodbye to the friends you've made and head out. You're leaving with memories of two countries and all the experiences in between.
