15-Day Vietnam Train Tour: Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Adventure

We will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh and then transfer you to the hotel.

You are free to enjoy your meals within your own budget.

You are free to explore Ho Chi Minh by yourself.

You will have breakfast at your hotel, and then around 07:00 am: Our driver and tour guide will take you to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue to see the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Afterward, visit the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, which displays a vast collection from both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnel; the trip will take approximately one and a half hours by bus. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will receive a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how people survived the harsh conditions during the wartime. Spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, including the specially constructed living areas with kitchens and bedrooms, side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers, which helped the people living inside the tunnels, meet their basic needs. Additionally, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

There will be a break for relaxation or for those who want to try shooting real guns.

Return to Saigon.

You are free to enjoy your dinner within your own budget and then explore Ho Chi Minh City at night.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, you will start your trip by departing for My Tho, a town located on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, you will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century. Then, you will board a sampan and cruise down the river, exploring the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

During the tour, you will stop over at Unicorn Island and take a leisurely walk along country lanes, where you can see orchards and enjoy tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by local musicians. You will also have the opportunity to visit a fruit plantation.

Next, you will ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son Canal, allowing yourself to soak in the beauty of the countryside. Along the way, you will visit family businesses, a honey-bee farm, and enjoy some honey tea and observe a coconut candy workshop.

After the morning activities, you will have lunch at a local restaurant and have some break time.

In the afternoon, there will be time for cycling around Tan Thach village, where you can meet the local villagers and experience their daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer a more relaxed activity, there will be the option to unwind in hammocks and enjoy the cool breeze. Finally, the tour will conclude as you return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afterward, the private car driver will take you to hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

You are free to have dinner within your own budget.

You will have breakfast at the hotel. At about 08:30 am, our driver will take you to the train station for SE22 at 10:20 am.
You will have lunch at your own expense on the train.
Arrival in Nha Trang at 06:33 pm: Our driver will pick you up at the train station and take you to the hotel.
You will have dinner at your own expense.

You have breakfast at hotel. You have free day to rest and relax.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

You have lunch with your own budget.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR: ENJOY NEMO 3 ISLAND)

After your breakfast, around 08:00 – 08:30 am: Our driver and tour guide will pick you up at the hotel to go and enjoy the islands.

About 08:45 am: Depart on your trip to discover Nha Trang Bay, one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world.

By 10:00 am: Arrive at Coral Reef – Marine Park:

Snorkel to explore coral reefs and observe multi-colored fish (1 hour).

About 11:15 am: Enjoy Happy Hour with the Floating Crazy Party.

About 11:45 am: It’s lunchtime.

Visit the Fish Farm and enjoy lunch with Vietnamese dishes: fried fish, spring rolls, fried pork and shrimp, fried squid with vegetables, fried egg, vegetables, seaweed soup, and dessert.

By 01:00 pm: Arrive at the beach:

Relax or swim on the white sand beach with the blue sea.

Participate in water sports: Jetski, paragliding, banana boat (excluded).

At 03:00 pm, return to the port. And then you come back hotel and take a rest.

You have dinner with your own budget.

At about 10:30 pm, our driver will take you to the train station to catch SE6 at 11:30 pm.

Overnight on the train.

You have breakfast with your own budget on train. Upon arrival at Da Nang train station about 10:00 am, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

You are free to enjoy lunch and dinner with your own budget.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR: MARBLE MOUNTAIN AND HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN)

Around 03:30 pm – 04:00 pm: We will pick you up from your hotel, and together we will join the group to visit Marble Mountain. Marble Mountain is a collection of five marble and limestone hills situated southeast of Danang city in Vietnam. The mountains are collectively known as Marble Mountain and are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth).

04:30 pm: We will visit a Stone Carving village where you will have the opportunity to explore a local craft village and witness skilled carvers creating their beautiful sculptures.

05:00 pm: Next, we will proceed to Marble Mountain and ascend to the Water element to visit Tang Chon cave and the oldest Linh Ung pagoda in Danang.

05:30 pm: We will return to the coach and proceed to Hoi An Ancient town.

06:00 pm: In Hoi An Ancient town, we will explore the Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu) and ancient houses.

Hoi An was a bustling international trading port, where the ships from Japan, China, and the West converged during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Hoi An Ancient town stands as a remarkable example of a traditional port city in Southeast Asia that has been exceptionally well-preserved, boasting a myriad of ancient architectural gems.

07:00 pm: We will dine at a restaurant, where you can savor delicious dishes such as chicken rice, wonton, and Cao Lau.

07:45 pm: After dinner, you will have some free time to leisurely stroll through the enchanting streets adorned with flickering lanterns.

08:30 pm: We will return to Danang.

You have breakfast at hotel. Da Nang city has the beautiful beaches. You have free day to rest and relax.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

You are free to enjoy lunch with your own budget.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR: GOLDEN BRIDGE ON BA NA HILL)

Around 07:30 am to 08:00 am: Our small bus will pick you up from your hotel in Da Nang city. You will join our group to visit Ba Na Hills, a tourist area blessed with a favorable climate and natural beauty. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of European culture and enjoy exciting attractions that never cease.

From 09:30 to 09:45 am: You will have the opportunity to experience the cable car system, which offers breathtaking views from the highest point of the most modern cable car system in Southeast Asia. Ba Na Hills’ cable car system holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest single-cable car, stretching 6,771.61 meters. Additionally, it features the world’s longest unconnected cable, measuring 11,587 meters, and the world’s heaviest cable bunch weighing 141.24 tons. After the cable car ride, you will visit France Village, Linh Ung Pagoda, the Flower Garden, and the Golden Bridge. From this vantage point, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Danang city.

11:45 am to 12:00 pm: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant. This spacious venue can accommodate up to 4,000 guests and offers a wide selection of over 90 buffet dishes.

01:00 pm: You will have free time to enjoy the various games and attractions at Fantasy Park. As the largest indoor recreational area in Vietnam, Fantasy Park offers a multitude of indoor games suitable for families and children.

02:30 pm: Board the cable car to return to the main bus. The bus will then transport you back to the center of  Da Nang. From there, a small bus will pick you up and bring you back to Da Nang city around 05:30 pm.

You are free to enjoy dinner with your own budget.

You will have breakfast at the hotel and then check out. At around 6:50 AM, our driver will take you to Hue train station to catch the Heritage train HD1 departing at 7:50 AM from Da Nang to Hue. With a travel time of about 3 hours, the train will take tourists through the Hai Van Pass — a place known as ‘the most majestic place in the world’ — to reach Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue train station at 11:10 AM, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to hotel in Hue city. You can drop off your luggage and are free to explore Hue.

You will cover all meals with your own budget. You will stay overnight in Hue city.

You have breakfast at hotel. Then you have free day to rest and relax. You will cover all meals with your own budget.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR: PHONG NHA CAVE TOUR / PARADISE CAVE TOUR)

*THE PHONG NHA TOUR DEPARTS ON ODD DAYS

Phong Nha is well known for its stunning caves in Quang Binh province. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a natural heritage site due to its cave system and biodiversity, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. The caves were first discovered in 1899. Phong Nha Cave has become one of the most mysterious caves that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam.

07:30 am: Our car will pick you up at your hotel or the designated meeting point. After a 60-kilometer drive from Hue, we will visit Lavang Holy Land, a sacred place in Hai Lang, Quang Tri.

08:30 am: We will then continue our journey to Phong Nha. Another 40 kilometers ahead, we will reach Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, a historical relic site that divided Vietnam into two parts: the North and the South, at the 17th parallel. We will make a bonus stop here for 10-15 minutes, allowing you to easily take photos before we proceed to the cave.

12:00 pm: Upon arrival in Phong Nha at noon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

01:00pm: The boat will take you inside Phong Nha Cave, and you will begin exploring the beautiful cave. Phong Nha Cave has been voted as one of the most stunning caves in the world for several reasons: its longest underground river, its most beautiful underground lake, its highest and widest entrance, its most beautiful and widest dry cave, its most beautiful sandbank and reef, as well as its most spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and longest water grottos.

03:00 pm: You will then board the car and return to Hue.

06:00 – 07:00 pm: We bid you farewell at the hotel. Have a pleasant evening. Thank you very much

*THE PARADISE CAVE TOUR DEPARTS ON EVEN DAYS

Paradise Cave is a must-see attraction during your visit to Vietnam, particularly if you have an appreciation for natural landscapes. Extending an astounding 31 kilometers deep into the limestone karst, Paradise Cave holds the distinction of being the longest dry cave in Asia. It was first discovered by scientists from the British Caving Research Association in 2005.

One of the most captivating aspects of this cave is its natural and primitive features, along with its unique and intriguing stalactite formations. The cave has been equipped with a lighting system that illuminates the formations, allowing visitors to fully appreciate their beauty and capture stunning photographs. Despite being a dry cave, the limestone formations within Paradise Cave exhibit an awe-inspiring and breathtaking spectacle.

07:00 am: Our driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or meeting point to kickstart the journey.

08:00 am: The drive to La Vang Holy Land will take slightly over an hour. Once there, you will have approximately 20 to 30 minutes to explore the area before we continue our journey. Our car will then transport you to Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, which symbolize the ideological and physical division between North and South Vietnam during the war. This brief stop will provide you with an overview of the Vietnam War’s historical significance. Without delaying too much, we will proceed directly to Paradise Cave, ensuring that your time is utilized efficiently.

08:45 am: We head to Paradise cave. On the way to Paradise Cave, we will stop at local restaurant for lunch.

11: 30: Have lunch at a local restaurant.

12:30: We keep going to Paradise Cave. After going 2000 meters on transferring by golf car through the old forest with many kinds of valuable and rare of plants you will have an opportunity to discover the Cave with its great structure and the stalactites and stalagmites inside.

12:45 – 03:00 pm: Visit Paradise Cave. Our guide takes you inside the Paradise Cave, the glamour of Asia’s longest dry and beautiful cave, the Natural Wonders of the World with the beauty of nature given to human.

03:15pm: The car drives you back your hotel in Hue.

08:30 pm: Finish full day. Thank you very much.

You are free to enjoy dinner at your own budget.

You will have breakfast at your hotel. You have free time to relax and rest. You will cover all meals with your own budget.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR: HUE CITY FULL DAY TOUR/ EXPERIENCE TAM GIANG LAGOON)

* HUE CITY FULL DAY TOUR

Around 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM: Our driver and tour guide pick you up and start the tour. Get on the dragon boat; go along the Huong River to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and peaceful beauty of Hue on the way to Thien Mu pagoda, the oldest pagoda here.

After visiting Thien Mu pagoda, we get on the minivan and go to the Citadel to see the living, working, worshiping and relaxing areas of Nguyen Kings’family, the last royal family in Viet Nam. Then, we have a 5-min walk from the palace to royal museum to know more about the king’s life through royal objects exhibited there.

The last stop in the morning is Dong Ba market

 Lunch time at the restaurant is a great time to enjoy the best Hue traditional foods.

In the afternoon, we will visit two royal tombs Minh Mang and Khai Dinh with traditional architecture and French-influenced style respectively.

We will take a 10-min trip on minivan to Thuy Xuan conical hat village to visit a local family who produce the traditional hat and incent.

You can have many photos taken with creative decoration from colorful incent sticks made by people here.

4:30 PM: we get on minivan to come back to the hotel. We finish tour.

* EXPERIENCE TAM GIANG LAGOON AS FOLLOWS

12:00 AM. You check –out, and then our driver and tour guide pick you up have lunch.

After your lunch, you will Vong Canh Hill, Incense Village, Conical hat village,

Tu Hieu Pagoda.

About 04:00 PM: You will visit Ru Cha mangrove forest, named after the dense growth of mangrove trees in the area. Ru Cha acts as a natural barrier against the Thuan An Sea.

5:00 pm: Our guide and driver will take you to Chuon Lagoon (Tam Giang Lagoon). Upon arrival, we will:

Board a boat and receive an introduction to the Tam Giang Lagoon system.

05:30 PM: You will have the opportunity to participate in a program that lets you experience the life of a fisherman on the lagoon through activities such as beating the water, pulling fishing nets, and catching fish.

Next, you will have the opportunity to experience kayaking (fees to be paid on your own) on the expansive lagoon and indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal blue water. Prepare yourself for capturing some breathtaking photos and enjoy a cool swim under the warm sunshine.

06:30 AM: We will make a stop at a local house or restaurant where you can savor the local specialty dishes or seafood (light meal) and engage in friendly conversation.

07:00 PM: We will board the minivan go to Train station.

You will take the train SE20 at 08:41 PM. Overnight on the train.

Arrival at about 11:40 AM: Our driver will pick you up at the train station and take you to the hotel.

You are free to enjoy lunch within your own budget.

You are free to rest in the afternoon.

You are free to have dinner with your budget.

You will have breakfast at your hotel, and then around 08:00 – 08:30 am: Leave Hanoi city for Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay town, Ha Long city. Refresh at the lounge.

12:00 – 12:30 pm: Embark on a 3-star cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a brief introduction about the cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in to your cabin.

   Scenic view of Ha Long Bay, a highlight of the Vietnam train tour from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

01:15 pm: Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating nature, then anchor at the Ti top Island area.

03:00 – 04:00 pm: Join a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave (also called Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.

04:00 – 05:00 pm: Climb to the peak of Ti Top Island for a panoramic view of the bay. Descend and relax on the beach, and swim in the crystal-clear water.

05:20 pm: Return to the cruise, enjoying the sunset while relaxing during Happy Hour until dinner time at the bar.

06:00 pm: Enjoy Happy Hour with various discounted drinks. Take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef.

07:00 – 09:00 pm: Dinner is served. Private dinner is available upon request.

09:00 – 10:00 pm: It’s time to join squid fishing with the crew, sing karaoke, or simply relax in your cabin.

Overnight on the cruise.

06:30 am: Welcome the new day with an amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi lesson on the sundeck.

07:00 – 08:00 am: Take in the morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, and have breakfast while enjoying the charming labyrinth of Karst.

08:00 – 09:00 am: Join a guided tour to explore hidden parts of the bay, such as Luon Cave. You can share a sampan with other tourists and a local rower or take a kayak on your own.

09:00 am: Return to the cruise for a shower.

09:30 am: Check out of your room. The cruise will weigh anchor to continue on the picturesque route toward Bai Chay Bridge for photos.

10:50 am: Enjoy lunch.

11:30 – 11:45 am: Disembark. The cruise ends.

12:00 – 04:30 pm: Transfer back to Hanoi City, and the trip finishes at the hotel around 04:30 pm.

You are free to enjoy dinner with your own budget.

You have free day for relaxing. You will have free time to relax and rest. You will cover all meals with your budget.

If you would like to participate in a group tour, we have suggested some group tours that you can add to your itinerary whenever you want.

(OPTIONAL GROUP TOUR:  TRANG AN IN NINH BINH FULL DAY TOUR)

You will have breakfast at your hotel, and then around 07:30 – 08:00 am: Our driver and tour guide will pick you up to travel to Ninh Binh.

10:20 am: Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, a significant relic of Vietnam’s past. Learn about the formation of the first capital located in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, and explore the unique architecture found in the famous temples of King Dinh and King Le, who made significant contributions to this ancient land.

After visiting Hoa Lu temple, you’ll take a bicycle to explore Trang An village.

12:20-12:30 pm: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant and relax.

02:30 pm: One of the highlights of the trip is taking a boat tour from Trang An wharf, providing a satisfying experience in Ninh Binh. Row your bamboo boat to explore numerous grottos with beautiful stalactites and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of Trang An Tour.

04:00 pm: We will transfer you to Mua Cave by our tourist bus, or you have the option to take a bike ride, allowing you to cycle through the villages in Ninh Binh and observe local life.

Upon arrival at Mua cave, start climbing nearly 500 stone steps to reach the top. Experience the fresh air and admire the panoramic view of beautiful Tam Coc.

05:20 pm: The trip ends, and we will return to Hanoi city.

07:00 – 07:25 pm: You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter Center, and it’s time to say goodbye.

You are free to enjoy dinner with your own budget.

You will have breakfast at your hotel. Around 12:00 PM, you will check out, and then our driver will take you to Noi Bai airport. This marks the end of your trip. Thank you, and we hope to see you again in the near future.

Please refer to the following program: https://hivietnamtravel.com/tour/vietnam-trip-15-days-14-nights-from-ha-noi-by-train