15 Days Vietnam Escape Tour - Complete South To North Itinerary

Sightseeing in downtown Saigon involves approx. 4hrs on foot over the whole day. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the War Remnants Museum. Easy sightseeing and shopping time at Ben Thanh Market; watch your valuables in this area.

Note: There are graphic pictures in the War Remnants Museum that some people might find upsetting.

Rise early to drive 2 hours (80km) to the city of Ben Tre. You will travel by motorized, wooden boats between the islands and then change to smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Approx. 2hrs later, you will return to Saigon, stopping at the Vinh Trang Pagoda en-route. Overnight in Saigon.

Remember to take insect repellent today as mosquitoes are more common in the Cu Chi district. Transfer 2 hours (70km) to Cu Chi. Sightseeing here involves 2 hours on foot on uneven mud  paths  through  the  bush  and,  if  you  choose,  crawling through some of the tunnels.

Note: At the Cu Chi Tunnels you will be given the opportunity to shoot a range of guns at your own expense (example AK47, M16). If you decide to do this, please be aware that the level of noise is extremely high  and  although  ear  muffs are available,  they  may  not provide the level of protection required. It is recommended you bring ear plugs from home if you would like to participate.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. Later, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dalat (flight duration 1 hour). From Dalat airport, transfer 30-40 minutes (30 km) to the hotel and check-in. Overnight in Dalat. 

Sightseeing this morning involves approx. 3hrs on foot. You will visit Domaine de Marie Church, the Flower Gardens and an embroidery workshop. After lunch in town there will be another 2 hours on foot and a short scenic train ride through the Dalat scenery. Watch your valuables while in the market area at the end of your touring today. Overnight in Dalat.

Drive 4-5 hours (150km) on a winding road, descending to Phan Rang and then continuing on a level road north to Nha Trang. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Dalat. 

Cruise through the islands off Nha Trang. Boarding your boat may involve  navigating  your  way  over  and  through  other  boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders  or  assistance  from  staff.  These ‘cruise  boats’  are  old fishing boats which have had benches and seats fitted for tourist groups. They are quite basic but have ample room for the group to sit  and  relax  while cruising. The deck has a roof providing shade. Overnight in Nha Trang. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang (flight duration 1hr 15mins); the closest airport to Hoi An. There is easy sightseeing at Danang  Beach.  At Marble Mountains there  are some uneven stone steps and it can get hot. If you are unable to complete this activity, you will have to remain with the driver/coach. Continue to your hotel (30 minutes) in Hoi An and check-in. There is at least 2 hours on foot around Hoi An Old Town this afternoon where you will visit the Japanese Bridge, a market and a Chinese temple. Overnight in Hoi An. 

While at the market this morning, please watch your valuables. Make some local meals this morning and dine on them for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Drive north for approx. 4hrs (140km) over the Hai Van (Cloudy) Pass to Hue. This is a winding and steep but scenic road along the coast. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel. Each cyclo takes 1 passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. There is 2 hours of easy sightseeing at the Citadel, which is mainly in the open so remember your hat/sunscreen etc. Overnight in Hue.

Sightseeing at Minh Mang Tomb, a large complex of buildings and tombs, involves 1 hour on foot. Spend 45 minutes on foot at the Thien Mu  Pagoda;  there  are  steep  and  uneven steps  without handrails. Take a cruise on the Perfume River. Transfer to Hue airport for your flight to Hanoi (flight duration 1hr) and on arrival transfer (1 hour drive) to the hotel and check-in. Overnight in Hanoi.

Sightseeing in Hanoi involves approx. 4hrs on foot and includes visits to  the Ho  Chi  Minh Quarter, the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature This afternoon your sightseeing involves 1.5-2 hours on foot walking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This evening watch a traditional Water Puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.