Vietnam Backpacking — 7N/8D in Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City Airport and meet your guide before transferring to the centrally located hotel. In the evening, explore Saigon on a guided walking tour covering the historic Central Post Office, Saigon Cathedral and HCMC Town Hall. Enjoy local Vietnamese food near the War Museum, then experience the lively atmosphere of Bui Vien Walking Street.

After breakfast, travel to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and stop at the Egg Shell Gallery along the way. Learn about the tunnel network through an introductory presentation before exploring underground living quarters, kitchens, weapons areas, factories and field hospitals. Taste wartime tea and boiled cassava, with an optional shooting experience available at extra cost. Fly to Da Nang in the evening.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach in Da Nang before experiencing a traditional basket boat ride through the Coconut Forest. Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its old streets, Phung Hung houses, local market and ancient port. As evening arrives, walk through colourful Lantern Street and enjoy free time at local cafés and boutiques.

Depart for Ba Na Hills around 7–8 AM and take the cable car from Suoi Mo Station to Marseille Station. Walk across the iconic Golden Bridge held by the giant Hands of the Gods, then explore Lunar Castle and take the funicular to the French Village. Enjoy games and rides at Fantasy Park and visit King Peak for panoramic mountain views before returning to Da Nang.

Take an early morning flight from Da Nang to Hanoi and meet your guide on arrival. After transferring to the hotel and freshening up, begin an afternoon walking tour around 5 PM. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter, Mural Street and cafés around the famous Train Street. Try authentic Vietnamese egg coffee and enjoy the evening atmosphere before your overnight stay in Hanoi.

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay and board your cruise at Tuan Chau Harbour. Sail for 5–6 hours through dramatic limestone landscapes while enjoying refreshments and a Vietnamese lunch. Visit Surprising Cave, explore Ti Top Island and hike to its scenic viewpoint. Finish with kayaking or bamboo boating at Luon Cave before returning to Hanoi for the night.

After breakfast, head to Ninh Binh for a day among limestone landscapes and peaceful waterways. Visit Mua Cave and climb approximately 500 stone steps for sweeping karst views. Continue to the Trang An Eco-Tourism Area for a scenic boat journey through serene rivers and limestone caves. Return to Hanoi for your final overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time before checking out. Transfer to Hanoi International Airport for your return flight home. Return flights should be booked after 5:30 PM Vietnam time to allow enough time for the airport transfer. Say goodbye to Vietnam after eight days of sightseeing, local experiences and new friendships.