A Journey Through Vietnam by Rail & Land

Your journey begins as you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your private guide and driver greet you and escort you through the bustling streets of Vietnam’s capital. After settling into your hotel in the historic Old Quarter, you have time to rest before immersing yourself in Hanoi’s irresistible charm. As evening falls, you set out on a lively street-food walk, weaving through narrow alleyways filled with sizzling woks, fragrant broths, and the hum of motorbikes. Your guide introduces you to Hanoi’s iconic flavors—grilled meats, handmade noodles, crispy bánh xèo, and refreshing local beer enjoyed amid the energy of Bia Hoi Corner. The night ends with a sweet treat at one of the city’s most beloved ice cream parlors before you return to your hotel for a comfortable first night in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

After breakfast, you begin a full day exploring the cultural heart of Hanoi. You wander through the peaceful grounds of Ho Chi Minh’s House before visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest and most elegant Buddhist shrine, standing serenely by West Lake. The Taoist architecture of Quan Thanh Temple offers a glimpse into centuries-old spiritual traditions. In the afternoon, you continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where ancient courtyards and carved stone steles honor the nation’s earliest scholars. Your day continues with a leisurely cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, where buzzing streets reveal workshops, markets, and hidden corners of local life. You end the day with a colorful water puppet show—an enchanting Northern Vietnamese art form performed over water to traditional music.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

This morning, you depart Hanoi for the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at the pier, a speedboat transports you to your luxury overnight cruise. As the ship glides through a maze of limestone islands, you enjoy a delicious lunch in the dining room overlooking jade-green waters. The afternoon offers opportunities to kayak into hidden lagoons, swim in emerald coves, or simply relax on the sun deck. As soft light spreads across the bay, you join a sunset gathering with drinks and snacks before indulging in a beautifully prepared dinner. Afterward, you may try squid fishing under the stars or simply enjoy the stillness of the bay from your balcony.

Overnight on Ha Long Bay

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Begin your day with a peaceful sunrise over the bay, followed by a light breakfast on board. You then set out to explore one of Halong Bay’s fascinating limestone caves, walking among chambers adorned with stalactites and ancient geological formations. Back on the ship, you join a hands-on cooking demonstration to learn the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls before enjoying an early lunch as the boat cruises back to the harbor. Upon disembarkation, your driver returns you to Hanoi, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Begin your day with a peaceful sunrise over the bay, followed by a light breakfast on board. You then set out to explore one of Halong Bay’s fascinating limestone caves, walking among chambers adorned with stalactites and ancient geological formations. Back on the ship, you join a hands-on cooking demonstration to learn the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls before enjoying an early lunch as the boat cruises back to the harbor. Upon disembarkation, your driver returns you to Hanoi, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

This morning, you travel south to Ninh Binh, a region famed for its breathtaking karst landscapes. Your first experience is a tranquil sampan boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An complex, where your rower guides you through grottoes, river tunnels, and valleys framed by towering cliffs. After lunch, you visit the temples of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, built to honor the Dinh and Le kings of the 10th century. A gentle bicycle ride through the countryside leads you to Mua Cave Mountain, where a climb to the summit rewards you with sweeping views of rivers meandering through lush valleys. In the evening, you relax at a boutique lodge before boarding the overnight sleeper train bound for Quang Binh.

Note: The overnight train will take about 8 hours to get you there. Even though the surroundings are basic, riding an overnight train in Vietnam is a fun experience. Sleeper trains usually have rooms with four. You will find a sheet, pillow, and blanket there, but some travelers like to bring their own. You might have to share with people of different genders or riders who aren't in the group, depending on how the group is set up. You can get snacks and drinks before the train leaves, but most trains have an eating car with simple food.
 

Overnight on the train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your train arrives early in Dong Hoi, where your guide welcomes you with a light breakfast before you begin a day of extraordinary natural exploration. Your first stop is Paradise Cave, one of Vietnam’s most magnificent underground wonders. You ascend to the narrow cave entrance before stepping into vast cathedral-like chambers illuminated to reveal mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch in Phong Nha Town, you board a dragon boat on the gentle Son River toward Phong Nha Cave. As your boat enters the cavern’s dark mouth, you glide through a magical world of shimmering rock formations and ancient limestone sculptures. By late afternoon, you are dropped off at your hotel to relax after a remarkable day.

Overnight in Phong Nha

Meals: light breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you depart for the ancient Imperial City of Hue via a scenic coastal drive. Upon arrival and check-in, you begin your exploration of the UNESCO-recognized Citadel, wandering through royal courtyards, ceremonial halls, lotus ponds, and the remains of the Purple Forbidden City. Your guide shares stories of the Nguyen Dynasty’s rise and legacy as you walk through this storied complex. Continue to the serene tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, beautifully set among landscaped gardens and lakes. In the evening, you enjoy a traditional royal banquet accompanied by court music—a cultural experience unique to Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

This morning begins with a peaceful boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic religious landmarks. You then visit Dong Thien Pagoda, where Buddhist nuns welcome you and prepare a simple but heartfelt vegetarian lunch. After this meaningful encounter, you travel south along the scenic Hai Van Pass, a dramatic coastal route offering sweeping ocean views. A brief stop at Lang Co Beach provides a beautiful photo opportunity before you continue onward to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An. After check-in, you have the rest of the evening free to explore lantern-lit streets or enjoy the riverside ambiance.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Your day begins in a lively local market, where you shop for fresh ingredients in preparation for your cooking class. You then travel to the coconut palm forests of Cam Thanh, where you enjoy a gentle ride in a traditional basket boat and watch local fishermen demonstrate their skills. A fun handicraft session follows, during which you learn to shape palm leaves into whimsical creations. You continue to a family-run workshop to learn how to make traditional Hoi An lanterns before joining a hands-on cooking class, preparing several local dishes under the guidance of your chef. In the afternoon, you explore Hoi An’s ancient streets on foot, visiting traditional merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and quiet temples. Evening brings a street-food tasting journey through the old town, sampling iconic dishes influenced by centuries of culinary traditions.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and street food.

After breakfast, you depart Hoi An and follow a scenic coastal highway south toward Quy Nhon. This laid-back seaside city offers long stretches of golden beach, gentle waves, and a slower pace of life. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may stroll along the beachfront promenade, visit nearby Cham towers, or simply savor fresh seafood at one of the city’s ocean-facing restaurants.

Overnight in Quy Nhon

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you travel into neighboring Phu Yen Province to visit Mang Lang Church, one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches known for its striking Gothic architecture. You then continue to Phu Tan, a traditional mat-weaving village where local artisans skillfully transform natural reeds into colorful handwoven mats. After a scenic lunch at a seaside restaurant, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy—perhaps relaxing at the beach or visiting Ky Co or Hon Kho Island for swimming and snorkeling. In the late afternoon, you return to Quy Nhon to board the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City, settling into your cabin as the train begins its southbound journey.

Note: The overnight train will take about 12 hours to get you there. Even though the surroundings are basic, riding an overnight train in Vietnam is a fun experience. Sleeper trains usually have rooms with four. You will find a sheet, pillow, and blanket there, but some travelers like to bring their own. You might have to share with people of different genders or riders who aren't in the group, depending on how the group is set up. You can get snacks and drinks before the train leaves, but most trains have an eating car with simple food.

Overnight on the train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arriving early in Ho Chi Minh City, you are transferred to your hotel to freshen up before starting your guided city tour. Today’s journey reveals the different layers of Saigon’s history—from elegant French colonial architecture to wartime memorials and modern commercial districts. You visit the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the Reunification Palace, and the compelling War Remnants Museum. After a free afternoon, your evening becomes one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: a street-food adventure by scooter. Riding pillion with experienced drivers, you weave through vibrant alleyways and riverside districts, stopping at local eateries to enjoy dishes loved by Saigon’s residents.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast and Street Food

This morning, you journey northwest of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. After watching an introductory film, you walk through forested grounds where you see hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and ventilation systems. You may even crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience firsthand their remarkable construction. After sampling cassava and tea—the simple wartime rations—you travel south to the Mekong Delta. A motorboat takes you along broad rivers and narrow palm-shaded canals to visit coconut candy workshops, honey farms, and family-run craft houses. You taste tropical fruits accompanied by traditional Southern folk music before boarding a sampan for a gentle ride through quiet waterways. As the sun begins to soften, you return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and some leisurely free time for shopping or a last cup of Vietnamese coffee. At the scheduled time, your private driver transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. Your extraordinary 14-day rail journey across Vietnam concludes, leaving you enriched with cultural discoveries, unforgettable landscapes, and meaningful encounters that stay with you long after the trip ends.