G Adventures

Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong

Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong
Discover the magic of Vietnam on this 12-day adventure packed with culture, cuisine, and connection. Begin with a serene sail on a traditional junk boat through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, then head south to explore the vibrant streets of Hue and the charm of Hoi An. Roll up your sleeves and craft your own noodles alongside expert hosts at a local social enterprise. Continue to the bustling energy of Saigon and delve into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll spend two unforgettable nights at a community guesthouse, learning from your welcoming local hosts and exploring the delta by boat and on foot. With plenty of adventure and just the right amount of downtime, this trip will leave you inspired and recharged.

Highlights
Sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay, shop in romantic Hoi An, squeeze through the Cu Chi tunnels, experience local living in the Mekong River Delta, visit floating markets.

Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), local guesthouse (2 nts).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 12.

Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

What’s Included
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Hoi An
Your Local Living Moment: Cai Thia Mekong River Visit, Mekong Delta. Free time in Hanoi. Halong Bay caves entrance. Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner. Thien Mu Pagoda Visit. Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs. Free time in Hoi An. Oodles of Noodles experience. Cu Chi Tunnels guided tour. Free time in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Tre Mekong River cycle. Cai Thia rice paper and cooking demonstration. Pottery Brick Village cycle. Free time in Mekong River Delta. Cai Rang Floating Market. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

04/13/2025 through 12/29/2027
04/13/2025 through 01/02/2028

Day 1

Replete with intricate temples, immersive museums, and gastronomic delicacies, Hanoi will surely enchant you! The capital of Vietnam, bustling Hanoi is the perfect center for your next adventure in southeastern Asia.

A host of delectable eats are available at your fingertips in this vibrant city. From the classic pho, with rice noodles and a hearty beef broth that will instantly warm you, to bún chả, filled with pickled veggies, vermicelli noodles, and flavorful pork, there are plenty of culinary delights to satisfy your appetite! A trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without tasting the iconic bánh mì, a baguette stuffed with pâté, cilantro, and hot chilies, which represents the city’s unique blend of Vietnamese and French influences.

Hanoi’s many museums provide a fascinating look into the cultural, colonial, and military history of Vietnam. Exhibits at the National Museum of Vietnamese History detail the country’s period of colonization by the French, while the Military History Museum and the Hỏa Lò Prison offer a comprehensive look at the effects of the Vietnam War. Be sure to visit the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the center of Hanoi, brimming with centuries-old artifacts and a favorite monument for many tourists to Vietnam.

Stunning temples abound throughout Hanoi, offering both spiritual retreat and breathtaking beauty during your trip to this vibrant city. The bright crimson tiers of Trấn Quốc Pagoda are instantly recognizable; set on a peaceful lake, this Buddhist temple provides a serene backdrop for exploring ancient treasures and lighting incense in reverence to the Buddha. Equally beautiful Bach Ma temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter will astound you with its rich hues of red and gold. Visit the elaborate shrine, the temple’s central site for prayer offerings to Confucius.

No matter what you choose to do, Hanoi’s vibrancy will astonish you!


Day 2

Replete with intricate temples, immersive museums, and gastronomic delicacies, Hanoi will surely enchant you! The capital of Vietnam, bustling Hanoi is the perfect center for your next adventure in southeastern Asia.

A host of delectable eats are available at your fingertips in this vibrant city. From the classic pho, with rice noodles and a hearty beef broth that will instantly warm you, to bún chả, filled with pickled veggies, vermicelli noodles, and flavorful pork, there are plenty of culinary delights to satisfy your appetite! A trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without tasting the iconic bánh mì, a baguette stuffed with pâté, cilantro, and hot chilies, which represents the city’s unique blend of Vietnamese and French influences.

Hanoi’s many museums provide a fascinating look into the cultural, colonial, and military history of Vietnam. Exhibits at the National Museum of Vietnamese History detail the country’s period of colonization by the French, while the Military History Museum and the Hỏa Lò Prison offer a comprehensive look at the effects of the Vietnam War. Be sure to visit the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the center of Hanoi, brimming with centuries-old artifacts and a favorite monument for many tourists to Vietnam.

Stunning temples abound throughout Hanoi, offering both spiritual retreat and breathtaking beauty during your trip to this vibrant city. The bright crimson tiers of Trấn Quốc Pagoda are instantly recognizable; set on a peaceful lake, this Buddhist temple provides a serene backdrop for exploring ancient treasures and lighting incense in reverence to the Buddha. Equally beautiful Bach Ma temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter will astound you with its rich hues of red and gold. Visit the elaborate shrine, the temple’s central site for prayer offerings to Confucius.

No matter what you choose to do, Hanoi’s vibrancy will astonish you!


Day 3 Its legacy as the former imperial capital of Vietnam is just one of many reasons to visit Hue. For more than a century, the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) ruled from the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost enclosure of the citadel. Today, this complex is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws millions of visitors each year. Besides stimulating the tourism industry, Hue's rich history has also had a significant impact on the culture and characteristics of the city and its people, including naming customs, fashion, and cuisine.
Day 4 Its legacy as the former imperial capital of Vietnam is just one of many reasons to visit Hue. For more than a century, the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) ruled from the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost enclosure of the citadel. Today, this complex is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws millions of visitors each year. Besides stimulating the tourism industry, Hue's rich history has also had a significant impact on the culture and characteristics of the city and its people, including naming customs, fashion, and cuisine.
Day 5 A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares.
Day 6 A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares.
Day 7 A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares.
Day 8 A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares.
Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam at 9 million people. It is an enticing mix of the old and new, with European architecture due to French colonization to towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Each of the 24 districts of Ho Chi Minh City are a little different, and begging to be explored!
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam at 9 million people. It is an enticing mix of the old and new, with European architecture due to French colonization to towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Each of the 24 districts of Ho Chi Minh City are a little different, and begging to be explored!
Day 11

The Mekong River, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, flows through six countries in Southeast Asia (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam). Stretching over 4,300 kilometers, the Mekong weaves through lush landscapes, villages, and historic cities, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking adventure. Cruising along the river is one of the best ways to explore its wonders, from the tranquil waters of Laos to the floating markets of Vietnam.

The river is a source of livelihood for millions, and its waters sustain vibrant communities, fertile farmland, and unique ecosystems. Exploring its banks offers insights into local customs, with opportunities to sample fresh cuisine and witness traditions that have endured for generations.

The natural beauty of the Mekong is unparalleled, with verdant landscapes, serene waterways, and diverse wildlife. Whether by boat, on foot, or through cultural tours, the river invites exploration and reflection.


Day 12

The Mekong River, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, flows through six countries in Southeast Asia (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam). Stretching over 4,300 kilometers, the Mekong weaves through lush landscapes, villages, and historic cities, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking adventure. Cruising along the river is one of the best ways to explore its wonders, from the tranquil waters of Laos to the floating markets of Vietnam.

The river is a source of livelihood for millions, and its waters sustain vibrant communities, fertile farmland, and unique ecosystems. Exploring its banks offers insights into local customs, with opportunities to sample fresh cuisine and witness traditions that have endured for generations.

The natural beauty of the Mekong is unparalleled, with verdant landscapes, serene waterways, and diverse wildlife. Whether by boat, on foot, or through cultural tours, the river invites exploration and reflection.


Mekong

The Mekong is a river in Southeast Asia. It is the world’s 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,909 km (3,050 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually.

07/13/25 - 07/24/25

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07/20/25 - 07/27/25

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08/10/25 - 08/21/25

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08/24/25 - 09/14/25

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09/28/25 - 10/26/25

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11/09/25 - 01/11/26

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01/18/26 - 01/25/26

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02/01/26 - 03/15/26

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03/29/26 - 05/10/26

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05/24/26 - 06/07/26

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06/21/26 - 08/09/26

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08/23/26 - 09/06/26

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09/20/26 - 10/25/26

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11/01/26 - 12/27/26

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01/03/27 - 01/02/28

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Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

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