Day 1
First stop, Ho chi Minh for 3 nights staying in the Liberty Riverside Hotel. A lovely hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the mighty Saigon River.
Day 2
We took a tour around the city seeing many sites. Such as the reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda Temple, and the totally amazing War Remnants Museum which is completely eye opening. We also visited the Ben Thanh market where there are some fab bargains along with some delicious local food stalls. There are some great restaurants, bars, and markets for everyone to enjoy in Ho Chi Minh
Day 3
We visited the Cu Chi Tunnels which was around a 1 ½ hour drive from Ho Chi Minh. This was a grand experience and would highly recommend this trip. Make sure you have good footwear and don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
Day 4
We took a day trip to the Ben Tri in the Mekong delta it’s around a 2-hour drive. We visited a local coconut production, road bicycles along the lush gardens and green fields before having lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we boarded a charming boat and glided through the small canals, and waterways, taking in the beautiful surrounding before heading back.
Day 5
Next, a 2-hour flight up to Hanoi, staying for 2 nights at the hotel La Siesta Classic Ma May. Located right in the centre of the old quarters with its bouquet shops and its scenic 3 lakes. During our day tour, we stepped back in time and visited the Wonderful Temple of Literature. Here you can visit a variety of shops, Museums, temples and admire the incredible architecture, whilst trying some delicious local street food. In the evening, we did the Vespa food tour around the city visiting the famous Hanoi Train Street and trying lots of different foods whilst seeing the city by night. This is a must do!
Day 6
On to Ninh Binh, a 2-hour drive, where we spent 1 night in the Emeralda Resort hotel. This was truly a stunning resort. Ninh Binh is a tranquil and peaceful location where we felt totally relaxed and chilled. Taking out bikes from the hotel and riding around the peaceful lanes was a truly memorable experience.
Day 7
On to Ha Long Bay, a 3-hour road trip, driving past paddie fields, where we spent 1 night on the Orchid cruise liner. Sailing through the emerald waters and passing the rocky inlets, fully experiencing the mystical islands along the way. As well as, taking the opportunity in kayaking and swimming to get a closer look at the rocky inlets.
Day 8
Finally, our trip ended with a 1 ½ hour flight on to Da Hang where we then drove to Hoi an and spent 6 nights in the Beach front Boutique Resort. We travelled into Hoi an old town via the hotel shuttle around 15 minutes away. Hoi an is a vibrant and colourful town with lots of shops, Tailors, restaurants, bars and street food to try. You can sail along its river and light a lantern placing it on the water and making a wish for health and good luck, this is very popular. The town comes alive at night and it total beautiful and colourful with all the lanterns lite, if not a bit busy.
We took the opportunity in visiting My Son with its ancient temples this is around a 1 ½ hour drive away. We visited the famous, and astonishing, golden hand bridge and drove over the famous dragon bridge too. (If you visit the dragon bridge at a weekend you will see it breath out fire).
This adventure that we had was an unforgettable and worthwhile experience. I have put some links to some of the hotels we stayed in and some of the amazing places we visited. If you would like to know more about Vietnam, please do not hesitate to contact us.
https://www.libertycentralsaigonriverside.com/en/
https://lasiestahotels.vn/mamay/
http://www.emeraldaresort.com/
https://www.orchidcruises.com/
https://www.boutiquehoianresort.com/
Hanoi Vespa Tours | Southeast Asia Vespa Tours (vespaadventures.com)
Halong and Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Orchid Cruises | Official Page
