Epic Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Handmade Noodles

How do you fit nearly all of Vietnam into one 14-day adventure? We’ll never tell! But we’d love to show you. Staying in epic hostels along the way, go from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing all the highlights, back roads, and beyond. Get a mouthful of all the best local flavours from bustling night markets, street-side bars and food stalls, and a noodle-making class. Wander the ridiculously scenic countryside as you explore historic tunnels from the Vietnam War, spectacular rice fields, and jaw-dropping coastlines. Throw in some beach time and the ancient city of Hoi An and you’ve got all the essentials for the perfect holiday. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

Day 1 Hanoi
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are!

Day 2 Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Ready to hit the backroads? Let’s go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one, rent a paddle boat or bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!

Day 3 Ninh Bình
Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!

Day 4 Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.

Day 5 Phong Nha
Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join a sunset bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!

Day 6 Phong Nha/Huế
Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.

Day 7 Huế/Hoi An
Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?

Day 8 Hoi An
Ready to explore? Hoi An offers so much and you’ll have an entire free day to do as you choose. Discover the ancient old town by bike or boat, or go further afield on an excursion to My Son or the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills. Don’t worry about the details, your CEO has all the right contacts. Later, meet up with your Roamies for dinner at one of the stylish restaurants in the ancient town of Hoi An. Hop out of your comfort zone and try Nem Rán, Gỏi Đu Đủ Bò Khô, or how about Cao Lầu; you'll find all the local favourites here. Yummy!

Day 9 Hoi An/Qui Nhon
Ready for some noodles? Then let's dig in! Start the day with a cooking class at the G Adventures–supported Oodles of Noodles training school, enjoying your creations for lunch. Afterwards, you're free to do as much (or as little) as you choose. Feeling fancy? Get fitted for a custom suit. Creative? Learn to make Vietnamese lanterns. Thirsty? pull up a stool at one of the many river-side bars and cafes. Later, it's all-aboard for the overnight train heading south. Settle into your sleeper cabin and catch some zzzzz's.

Day 10 Qui Nhon
Jump off the train and head to Thap Doi to explore the imposing Cham temples. Hungry? You'll stop by Eoi Gio for a local breakfast and walk along the gorgeous coastline. OK, enough is enough, are you ready to hit the beach? Of course you are! With it's white sand and crystal blue water, Ky Co beach is exactly where you want to be. This remote spot is perfect to spend a chill afternoon or grab a snorkel to spot pristine corals and colourful fish. Speaking of fish, later you'll visit one of Qui Nhon's best seafood restaurants for dinner. Try local favourites like Bun thit nuong, Banh Xeo, and banh beo chen–you'll be bursting after this awesome feast!

Day 11 Qui Nhon/Nha Trang
Settle in to your private ride for a bit of a drive today. Catch up on your feeds, take a nap but get ready for a gorgeous stop along the way. Gành Đá Dĩa, known as the Giant’s Causeway of Vietnam offers amazing views and angles for your pics–snap away! Next stop is the 100 Egg Mud Baths in the resort city of Nha Trang. Climb into the bizarre egg-shaped mud and mineral pools and soak away. The evening is then yours–ready to party? There are a gazillion options and your CEO will suggest the best of the best nightclubs and beach bars for your enjoyment. Really hope you had a nap on the bus.

Day 12 Nha Trang/Ho Chi Minh City
Freedom! The day is yours to enjoy Nha Trang's many beach options. Find a spot and stretch out on your towel to catch some rays and play in the surf. Stroll the extensive promenade for shopping, bars and fun. Why not channel your inner child at the waterpark or jump on a boat for a snorkelling tour–the choice is yours! Tonight brush off the sand and hop back on the train for your overnight journey back to the big city.

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City–this thriving metropolis will not disappoint! Head out on a walking tour visiting bustling Ben Thanh market, Reunification Palace and the French quarter. Hungry? Your CEO will order up HCMC's most famous dish; pho–the breakfast of champions. After slurping up your noodles, you are free–why not hop on a cyclo or motorbike tour, visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels or head back to the hostel to relax. Whatever you do, don't forget to warm up your vocal cords and throw on your most outrageous frock because it's time for karaoke. You'll have a farewell party like no other in one of the city's top sing-along bars. Neon lights, blaring tunes and roaring crowds will entice you to the stage. Get ready–you're next. Own it!

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading through the Mekong delta into Cambodia on the next leg of this epic adventure.