Compare Walking Vietnam: Paths of Wonder from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Road Scholar

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 En Route In Flight

Day 3 Arrival Hanoi, Program Orientation, Welcome Dinner Hanoi

Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day. Please note that if the group flight arrives after 5:30pm, we will conduct the Orientation tomorrow morning so you can relax this evening after your long journey.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. In addition to the program theme and logistics, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During free time, the Group Leader will often be available for informal excursions, activities, or meals not included in the program. You are welcome to join if you wish, with any associated costs at your own expense.

At leisure.

Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with a complimentary welcome drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Walking Discovery of the Old Quarter, Water Puppet Show Hanoi

Approximately 4 miles of walking today.

After breakfast we have a walking excursion introducing us to the highlights of the charming, ancient capital of Hanoi. We begin in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It is a fascinating place to explore. We walk through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake and pause at Ngoc Son Temple. After our walk, we transfer by coach to the Temple of Literature.

We walk to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which we view from the outside. Ho Chi Minh is regarded as the father of modern Vietnam. We visit the former president’s Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. The house illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. We then visit the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for a show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form portraying scenes from rural life and national history.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Lunch for a cause at KOTO Restaurant, where we will enjoy Vietnamese food with international twists. KOTO or ‘Know One Teach One’ is supported by Street Voices, an NGO dedicated to offering a brighter future to street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. The youth in the KOTO training program study hospitality and English, gaining life skills and essential experience working at the KOTO restaurant.

At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Day 5 Women's Museum, Coach to Mai Chau Mai Chau

The coach transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau is approximately 90 miles/4 hours, with rest stops along the way. Walking approximately 30 minutes from our lodge to a restaurant for dinner.

We walk to the Women’s Museum for a guided visit where we learn about the contribution of women to Vietnam's history, culture, their roles in military conflicts and in commerce. We also view a remarkable collection of propaganda posters, costumes, tribal basketware and fabric motifs from ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. Afterwards, we have an optional field trip to the Hoa Lo Prison to learn more about the colorful and diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam.

We depart by coach for Mai Chau. Mai Chau is surrounded by mountains and rice paddy fields. The villagers of Mai Chau are mostly of the White Thai ethnic tribe, distantly related to the tribes of Thailand, Laos and China. Upon our arrival in Mai Chau, we check in to our hotel. We have some time to relax before we walk to a local restaurant for dinner.

After dinner, we transfer by coach back to our hotel as the roads are not lit at night.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant.

Day 6 Pu Luang Nature Reserve, Free Time Mai Chau

Walking around the villages near Pu Luong Reserve for approximately 4.5 miles/3 hours.

We transfer by coach to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. On arrival, we trek along footpaths surrounded by picturesque hills with splendid tiers of rice terraces. We pass several idyllic villages surrounded by lush farmland and beautiful mountains. The path is steep and it can get slippery if it rains. We recommend bringing your fold-up walking poles if you normally use them.

We return to Mai Chau for some free time in the late afternoon.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the local villages in the Reserve before our coach takes us back to Mai Chau.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Coach to Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu Citadel Ninh Binh

The coach journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is 100 miles/4 hours, with rest stops along the way. In the afternoon, the coach from Ninh Binh to Hoa Lu is approximately 15 miles/30 minutes. Walking for approximately 2.5 miles/2 hours, with stops to look at sites along the way.

We transfer by coach from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta close to Ha Long Bay. This area is famous for its spectacular limestone karst topography jutting out of the horizon. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, we check in to the resort hotel and enjoy lunch.

We transfer by coach to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. Here we view the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968 - 980), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980 - 1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, most of which has since been destroyed, once covered an area of three square kilometers. Afterwards, if time permits, we take a 30 minute walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills for spectacular views.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At the resort. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

At the resort.

Day 8 Tum Coc, Sampan Ride, Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh

The distance from the hotel to the cave is approximately 15 miles/45 minutes. Walking around Phuong National Park for approximately 2 hours, with stops along the way. Getting on/off small rowboats.

We transfer by coach to explore the Thien Ha (Galaxy) Cave located near the foot of the Tuong Mountain. To get to the cave we will board small boats and enjoy a peaceful ride through a river canal for approximately one mile. Local farmers will row the boats. After visiting the cave, we continue our drive to Cuc Phuong National Park.

Our Group Leader takes us on a guided walk through the Cuc Phuong National Park and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. We return by coach to our hotel.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At a local restaurant at Cuc Phuong National Park.

At own arrangements.

Day 9 Coach to Ha Long Bay, Barge, Floating Village Ha Long Bay

Driving time is approximately 4 hours with a stop along the way. Our Ha Long Bay program may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and approval from port authorities.

We board our coach and depart for Ha Long Bay. "Ha Long", which means "Bay of Descending Dragons", is a stunning area, famous for its scenic ocean karst topography. We arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with check-in formalities to board our Vietnamese barge. We enjoy a welcome drink while our Cruise Manager goes through the itinerary and safety briefing.

This afternoon we transfer from the barge to traditional rowboats and visit a floating village. Our boats will be rowed by locals. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure on the barge.

At leisure. At the end of the day the barge sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Enjoy the sunset over the enchanting Ha Long Bay. Prepare for check-out in the morning.

Early morning buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

We will have a buffet meal aboard the barge. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On board the barge. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Tien Ong Cave, Fly to Da Nang, Drive to Hoi An Hoi An

The drive from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi International Airport is approximately 111 miles/4 hours, with a stop along the way. Flight time from Hanoi to Da Nang is approximately 1 hour. It is an early evening flight (subject to change). The drive from Da Nang airport to our hotel in Hoi An is approximately 20 miles/1 hour.

The barge weighs anchor to sail to Tien Ong Cave. We discover the mysterious cave, a beautiful archaeological site. Covering an area of 1,000 square meters with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is one of the finest in Ha Long Bay. We return to the barge and relax. At around 9.00am brunch is served in the restaurant. We disembark mid-morning and transfer via coach to Hanoi International Airport for our flight to Da Nang.

We arrive at Hanoi Airport late in the afternoon and board our flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, we transfer by coach to our program hotel in Hoi An.

At leisure.

Enjoy sunrise over the bay. Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee. At around 7.00am a light breakfast is served.

At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant.

Day 11 Vietnamese Cooking Class, Free Afternoon Hoi An

Optional field trip walking around old Hoi An for approximately 3 miles/1.5 hours.

We become more familiar with the art of Vietnamese cooking with a start-to-finish cooking course. This four hour class combines a market visit with an overview of ingredients common in Vietnamese food and a hands-on cooking class where we make our own multi-course meal. It is a great way to see all the nooks and crannies of a Vietnamese market and understand the secrets behind Vietnamese cooking. The class begins with a one hour visit to the Hoi An market where we learn how to select the freshest ingredients. We return to the cooking school where a lovely air-conditioned room with individual cooking stations will be used for the cooking class. Here each dish will be made as we follow step by step instructions. Additional assistance is offered by staff to those that might need some extra help. The class not only covers cooking techniques, but also herbal remedies and the tricks to using Vietnamese vegetable graters and knives. Our efforts are rewarded by the lunch that we have made for ourselves!

We have free time this afternoon. You may join the Group Leader for a half day walking discovery of Hoi An. You will get to know this charming, old-world, trading port with narrow streets and traditional houses, former merchants’ homes and the town’s iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

Enjoy your cooked meal at the school.

At own arrangements.

Day 12 Tra Que Vegetable Village, Coach to Hue Hue

The drive from Hoi An to Hue is approximately 77 miles/3 hours, with stops along the way. Walking around the village for approximately 3 miles/1.5 hours.

This morning we visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, located in the communal area of Hoi An. We walk through many gardens growing a large variety of vegetables and learn about some of the traditional organic techniques used by the farmers. We relax at a nearby house and soak our feet in an herbal bath. There will be a short cooking demonstration before a delicious lunch is served overlooking the gardens.

We transfer by coach to Hue. The drive takes us along one of the most breathtaking highways in Asia, and over the Hai Van Pass with a spectacular view of the South China Sea. Upon our arrival in Hue, we check in to our hotel with time to rest and freshen up before dinner.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At the village after a cooking demonstration.

We enjoy an authentic Hue-style dinner in one of the traditional gardens.

Day 13 Imperial Citadel, Celestial Lady Pagoda, Long Chau Temple Hue

The walking distance is approximately 4 miles today.

This morning we walk to the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The Citadel still has some of its original grandeur from when it was built, but also much damage from turmoils in Vietnam. From here we walk to Chua Thien Mu (about 2.7 miles), the “Celestial Lady Pagoda”. Thien Mu Pagoda was constructed in 1601. The 21meter high tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of the Buddha overlooking the peaceful Perfume River. On the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous in 1963 by a resident monk who drove the vehicle to Saigon to protest against the southern regime. The photo of his self-immolation was captured and became one of the most well-known images of the war. We continue with a boat ride crossing the Perfume River for lunch at one of the riverside resorts.

We walk for approximately one mile to Ho Quyen (the tiger fighting arena). It was built in 1830, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, to stage yearly battles between an elephant and a tiger. A few hundred meters away is Long Chau Temple, known locally as Dien Voi Re (the Palace of the Crying Elephants). This is the palace where royal elephants were buried and worshipped.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At a local restaurant.

At own arrangements.

Day 14 Free Time, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The flight time from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is approximately 1.5 hours. Walking today for approximately 1.5 miles, with stops along the way.

Enjoy free time this morning. We come together in the late morning and transfer by coach to Hue airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon our arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we take a historic walk from our hotel to visit some of the iconic monuments and buildings to be found in Ho Chi Minh City. Our walk will take in such sites as the Opera House, Continental Hotel, the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Rex Hotel. We finish our walk at the iconic Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail at happy hour.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant.

Day 15 Early Morning Exploration, Presentation, University Students Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The morning excursion is approximately 7 miles total, on foot and on local transport.

Wake up to the sounds of Vietnam with an expert-led field trip that takes us around Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning hours, a time when it is buzzing with local activity. We watch the graceful movements of Tai Chi in the park and jostle with traders at the morning market. Our Group Leader and driver will pick us up at around 6:00am to catch the first rays of the sun and to observe the city waking up. Our local form of transport (an open style van with no air-conditioning) will allow us to be fully immersed in the atmosphere of the city. Our first stop is Tao Dan Park, where locals practice their morning exercises – Tai Chi, aerobics and badminton. We stroll around the park to a small pagoda where we are likely to see locals performing daily prayers. Buddhism in Vietnam has had a symbiotic relationship with Taoism, Chinese spirituality, as well as aspects of indigenous Vietnamese religion. We will also have the unique opportunity to enjoy a café sua da (Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk) at the birds’ club in the park. Local people gather here with their birds to relax, talk, enjoy a morning coffee and compare their birds. We return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit a buzzing local market. We walk through tiny back alleys into the local neighborhoods of the city where families have set up small food stalls along the way. We will venture into a small temple honoring five Mother Goddesses before continuing to a monastery where the monks will be happy to show us around. From here, we walk to one of the older parts of the city where French-era villas can be seen along a teak tree-lined street.

We visit the University of Social Science and Humanities for a presentation on Vietnamese Development in the Past 20 Years. After the presentation, we will meet with the professor and university students to discuss the changes and their visions for the future. We return to the hotel for some free time in the late afternoon.

At leisure.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Dinner at own arrangements.

Day 16 Mekong Delta, Village Walking Discovery Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Walking around a village in the Mekong Delta for approximately 4 miles/2.5 hours.

This morning we depart from the central pier in Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic field trip to the Mekong Delta aboard a speedboat. A light breakfast will be served on the boat. We explore an area of the Mekong Delta that few other visitors get to experience. We have many fascinating cultural stops including local pagodas, the Cao Dai Temple, a riverside market, local workshops and historical sites along the way.

After lunch, we continue to explore the Mekong Delta area before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Pack and prepare for departures home tomorrow.

Buffet offering local and international cuisine with hot and cold options.

Set menu served family-style at a local restaurant in the Mekong Delta.

Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant with a complimentary farewell drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 17 Program Concludes In Flight

Morning departures. Hotel check-out by 12:00noon.

Program concludes. Depart for Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SNG) in Ho Chi Minh City for your return flights home. Refer to your Final Information Packet for transfer information from the hotel to the airport. Note that hotel check-out is at 12:00noon. If you are on a later flight you might want to consider booking a late check-out or an extended stay. For those interested in extending your stay with a four day excursion to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore the Angkor Temples, please contact Road Scholar to enroll in the extension program # 22617. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Breakfast at the hotel.