Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive at any time into Hanoi. The day is unstructured, leaving time to drop bags and get a first feel for the city's Old Quarter. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is a classic orientation. For those interested in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, note its limited morning hours and closures on Mondays and Fridays.

The day begins with an overland transfer from Hanoi to Bai Chay harbour, the main access point for Ha Long Bay. Here, you board a traditional junk boat for an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts that define the seascape. The afternoon is spent on the water, with stops to explore caves and climb to an island lookout for panoramic views of the bay's thousands of islets. Dinner is a seafood spread served on board, followed by a night spent in a private cabin on the water.

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast and lunch on the boat, the cruise concludes, and you sail back to port for the return journey to Hanoi. The afternoon is free in the capital—a final chance for a coffee by the lake or a bowl of street-side pho. In the evening, the focus shifts to the main train station for the 13-hour overnight journey south to Huế. The sleeper trains have four-berth cabins, air-conditioning, and basic facilities.

The train pulls into Huế early, giving you a full day in Vietnam's former imperial capital. The day's exploration starts at the seven-storey Tien Mu Pagoda on the Perfume River, followed by a tour of the vast Imperial Citadel, a walled fortress containing the damaged but still evocative Forbidden Purple City. The itinerary also includes visits to the ornate Royal Tombs of former emperors scattered along the river. For lunch, there's an option to eat at a local nunnery, which specializes in vegetarian cuisine.

The journey south continues with a drive from Huế to Hoi An. Weather permitting, the route follows the Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal road known for its dramatic views over the South China Sea. The pass marks a clear geographic and climatic divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrival in Hoi An is in the afternoon, leaving time for a preliminary walk through the preserved old town before settling in for a multi-night stay.

Today's focus is on Hoi An's rich culinary and artisan culture. The morning includes a noodle-making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a social enterprise project that provides hospitality training for local youth. Participants learn to prepare several types of noodles and enjoy the results for lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore Hoi An's other offerings, from its famous tailor shops and art galleries to the nearby beaches.

A full, unstructured day in Hoi An allows for deeper exploration or relaxation. This is a good opportunity for a day trip to the My Son ruins, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples from the Champa Kingdom. Alternatively, rent a bicycle for a ride through the rice paddies to An Bang beach, or spend the day getting clothes fitted at one of the town's many tailor shops. The central market is also worth a visit for its food stalls and lively atmosphere.

The final leg of the journey begins with a 45-minute drive to the airport in Da Nang for a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. The shift from the quiet, historic streets of Hoi An to the relentless energy of Vietnam's commercial hub is immediate. After checking in, the afternoon is free to dive into the city's chaotic streets. A first walk through District 1 reveals a landscape of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and endless streams of motorbikes.

The day starts with a guided excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. A tour of the site offers a stark look at the war's realities, and includes the chance to crawl through a small, cleared section of the tunnels. The afternoon is free back in Ho Chi Minh City. Key sites for independent exploration include the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the sprawling Ben Thanh Market.

The route from north to south concludes today. There are no planned activities, allowing for departure at any time. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping at Ben Thanh Market or a final Vietnamese coffee.