Most Vietnam package tours show you the country through a bus window. This one puts you in the saddle, but only for the parts of the journey that reward it. Over fourteen days you explore Hanoi’s countryside, the rice fields and karsts of Ninh Bình, the imperial citadel of Huế. As well as the lantern-lit villages of Hội An and the orchards of the Mekong Delta, before finishing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cycling is the thread that ties the trip together, but temples, craft villages and scenic landmarks take up just as much of the program. Long stretches move by sleeper train, van, ferry or flight, so you arrive fresh and ready to ride the sections that matter most. Dutch riders, used to flat and well-marked routes, will find the terrain familiar. While our local guide points out the traffic habits and road conditions that matter in Vietnam.
If you are comparing Vietnam package tours, this one balance history, craft and countryside on two wheels, with the option to ride at a relaxed pace throughout.
Your flight lands between 2:00 and 2:30 a.m., and the transfer to the city takes until around 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. Next, you check in and rest in the hotel. Your lunch is at a nearby restaurant where a bowl of bún chả is a good first taste of Hanoi.
In this afternoon’s half-day city tour covers the Temple of Literature, Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple, with a walk through the Old Quarter and a look at the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from outside. Check opening days before you go, since the Mausoleum is closed on some days.
In the evening, you join a food ride on bicycles through the Old Quarter alleys, stopping at street stalls for bánh cuốn, egg coffee and bia hơi.
Local tip: the streets are at their most manageable after dark, so this ride is calmer than the daytime traffic.
After having breakfast at hotel, you leave the city by van early, before the traffic builds. The route runs through the western suburbs toward the foothills of Ba Vì. Then, you ride through Đường Lâm, an ancient village of brick-and-tile houses and continue past lychee orchards and tea-coloured fields.
You will enjoy lunch at a homestay family, with seasonal vegetables and a fresh herbal soup. In the afternoon, you visit Chùa Thầy Pagoda, a hillside pagoda, and ride the last stretch back to the van. Dress for the weather. The foothills are cooler in the morning and sunscreen is still necessary by midday.
In the morning, you have breakfast at hotel, next drive south to Ninh Bình, about two hours from Hanoi. From here, you visit Hoa Lư, the former royal capital, where the old citadel sits in a valley surrounded by limestone peaks. Then, you cycle through the quiet villages and rice fields around the citadel.
Local tip: the paddies look best in the early morning, when the light is low and the water is still.
You start the day with a slow ride through the Vân Long Nature Reserve, where reed beds, wetlands and birdlife make for a calm morning. Next, you continue to visit Ninh Vân, a traditional stone-carving village where you can watch artisans shape statues and small figures by hand.
In the afternoon, you climb the steps of Mua Cave, which take about half an hour and give a view over the valley. Wear shoes with grip, since the stone steps can be slippery.
You enjoy a relaxed morning ride along the quiet lanes of Tam Cốc, then return to the hotel for lunch and a rest.
In the evening, you board the Reunification Express sleeper train toward Huế. Ask for a lower berth if you want an easier climb in and out. Pack your own water, a snack and a light sleep mask, because the carriages can be warm.
The train arrives in Huế early in the morning. Afterward, you check in and have breakfast and rest before heading out. Then, you visit the Imperial City, the palace complex of the Nguyễn dynasty and walk the inner courtyards.
In the afternoon, you go to Thiên Mụ Pagoda, one of the most recognisable temples in central Vietnam. Evening is a good time for a gentle ride along the Perfume River embankment, when the city cools down.
For dinner, you should try bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup that the city is known for.
After having breakfast at hotel, you ride out to Phước Tích, a village of traditional houses with a slower pace of life. Besides, our guide will explain how families here have kept their homes and craft traditions for generations.
In the afternoon, you visit one of the royal tombs by van, such as Tự Đức, set in pine forest and lakes.
Local tip: the royal tombs are cooler and quieter in the late afternoon, so plan your visit for then.
After enjoying breakfast, you ride out of Huế in the morning, past lagoon shores and fishing villages where the water catches the early light. In addition, our guide loads the bikes onto the support van for the climb over the Hải Vân Pass, where the coastal views are spectacular.
Next, you ride again on the far side and cycle the final stretch into the Hội An countryside. Riders who prefer to stay in the van can do so for the pass.
n the morning, you have breakfast at hotel, then cycle through the green fields to Trà Quế, a vegetable village where you can join the morning harvest if you wish. Next, you continue to visit Thanh Hà, a pottery village known for its terracotta.
Afterward, you take a basket boat ride near Cẩm Thanh, where the local boatmen steer with a single oar. In the late afternoon, walk through Hội An Ancient Town as the lanterns come on and try cao lầu, a noodle dish unique to the town.
After having breakfast, you take a short ferry to Cẩm Kim, a fishing island where wooden boats are built by hand. Then, you ride the island’s narrow lanes, then join a cooking class to learn how to make local dishes such as white rose dumplings.
Next, you return to Hội An for a free evening to enjoy the old town at your own pace. Local tip: buy your lanterns from the shops by the river, where the prices are fixed and the craftsmanship is good.
After enjoying breakfast, you transfer to Đà Nẵng Airport for a morning flight to Cần Thơ, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Then, you check in and head to Cái Răng floating market by boat, where traders sell fruit and vegetables from their boats.
Local tip: arrive early in the morning, when the market is busiest and most colourful.
In the morning, you have breakfast at hotel, then cycle the quiet roads around Cần Thơ through mango and rambutan orchards, with the canals close by. Next, you visit Bình Thủy, a neighbourhood of old French-era houses surrounded by gardens.
Afterward, you have lunch is with a local family and the cooking focuses on fresh river fish and herbs. In the afternoon, you have a short boat ride brings you to a small island where the orchards are at their best.
After having breakfast, you drive toward Bến Tre, where coconut candy is made in family workshops. From here, you can watch the candy being cut and wrapped, then ride the flat village lanes to a riverside lunch.
Local tip: ask your host about the fruit season, because some orchards offer tastings that you won’t find in the markets.
In the late afternoon, transfer by van to Ho Chi Minh City, about three hours away.
You have breakfast at hotel, then leave the city early for the Củ Chi Tunnels. The site’s history is one of the most significant in the region and our guide will explain it with care.
Next, you ride short village roads in the Củ Chi countryside, then return by van to the city. After having lunch, the tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City, and our guide can help you with onward travel.
|
Day |
Route & highlights |
Meals |
Overnight |
|
1 |
Dawn arrival in Hanoi · early check-in & rest · half-day city tour with lunch |
L |
Hanoi, 5★ hotel |
|
2 |
Phat Diem Cathedral · Tam Coc sampan ride · countryside cycling |
B, L |
Ninh Binh, 5★ resort |
|
3 |
Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay · 5★ cruise, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking, swimming |
B, L, D |
Ha Long Bay cruise |
|
4 |
Tai Chi at sunrise · Titov Island beach · flight Hanoi – Hue |
B, Brunch |
Hue, beachfront resort |
|
5 |
Imperial Citadel · Perfume River dragon boat · Tu Duc Tomb · beach afternoon |
B, L |
Hue, beachfront resort |
|
6 |
Hai Van Pass · Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge · Da Nang Cathedral |
B, L |
Da Nang, beachfront resort |
|
7 |
Beach & sea activities · Cam Thanh basket boat · Hoi An Ancient Town · evening flight to Saigon |
B, L |
Ho Chi Minh City, 5★ hotel |
|
8 |
Notre-Dame Cathedral · Central Post Office · Reunification Palace · Cu Chi Tunnels |
B, L |
Ho Chi Minh City, 5★ hotel |
|
9 |
Mekong Delta (Ben Tre): river cruise, sampan, orchards |
B, L |
Ho Chi Minh City, 5★ hotel |
|
10 |
Free time · airport transfer |
B |
– |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Discover the beauty, culture, and diversity of Vietnam with our carefully crafted Essential Vietnam Tour Packages. From the timeless charm of Hanoi and the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the dynamic atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, every journey reveals the true spirit of Vietnam. Enjoy authentic cultural encounters, scenic cruises, ancient temples, vibrant local markets, and Vietnam’s world-famous cuisine. Designed for travellers seeking comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences, our Vietnam Package Tours combine expert local knowledge, seamless services, and carefully selected destinations across North, Central, and South Vietnam for a truly inspiring holiday experience.
