17-Day Vietnam Overland Adventure

Today you’ll have time to explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s energetic capital where the buzz of thousands of motorcycles turns even crossing the street into a memorable adventure. Discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the nation’s beloved leader rests. Nearby, visit the peaceful Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, offering insight into his simple lifestyle, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple rising gracefully from a single stone pillar. This evening, explore Hanoi’s exceptional culinary scene. Consider dining at Restaurant 69, said to be over 300 years old, or sample the delicious street food found on nearly every corner — where the locals follow the golden rule: “the lower the chair, the cheaper the beer.”

Today we’ll make our way to the world famous Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic limestone pillars and tiny islets topped with lush forest. On this overnight boat we’ll cruise along emerald waters and enjoy the peace and beauty of this stunning natural wonder of the world.

Today we’ll wake in the paradise of Halong Bay before making our way back to shore. Departing Halong Bay, we’ll make our way to Ninh Binh, the home of the stunning Trang An Grottoes. This evening we’ll explore Ninh Binh which is nestled amongst rice paddies, rural plains and massive mountains creating a picturesque landscape to enjoy.

This morning we’ll wake and venture out in traditional canoes to discover the caves in the mountains where we’ll see stony outcrops and dramatic karst formations towering above flat tranquil waters and rice paddies. Afterwards, we’ll board the overnight train towards Phong Nha Ke National Park.

Today we’ll arrive in Phong Nha where we’ll enjoy the spectacular rural area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This area has pristine rivers (perfect for a refreshing dip or kayak) and boasts a number of impressive caves, including the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and a limestone waterfall. This afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave’, suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the cave’s darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.

​This morning we’ll depart the stunning National Park and make our way to Hue, a gorgeous city located on the Perfume River. Surrounded by rolling hills, Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors.

Today we’ll take a motorbike tour around Hue where we’ll get to explore this stunning area. We’ll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. We’ll also get to see a little bit of the ‘real’ Vietnam, motoring through quaint villages and lush rice paddies, we’ll see the historic and picturesque Japanese covered bridge, hear about our future from a local fortune teller, have a go at making incense sticks and learn about the rice growing process at the Rice Museum. We’ll also visit the home of a conical hat maker and explore an Emperor's Tomb and the Citadel's Forbidden City.

Our drive today takes us to the popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, a must-see destination with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious beaches so close nearby, this is paradise! A great spot to hop off and enjoy the local nightlife, try local delicacies (and beers), then meander home through the motorbike free streets.

Take time today to explore this charming town’s many offerings. When the sun goes down is when Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the historical French Colonial architecture in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town, and try a local delicacy called the ‘White Rose’ - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently, the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supply all the restaurants around town.

Hoi An is full of so many options to experience and enjoy. Rent bikes and cycle down to relax at the beach, make your way to the stunning marble mountains, visit some of the many talented tailors and purchase some clothes, take part in a cooking class or enjoy some sweet Vietnamese coffee in a riverside cafe.

Today we’ll leave Hoi An and make our way to the gorgeous fishing village of Bai Xep. On our way, we’ll make a stop to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates an event that marked a turning point in the American War. Our destination for the next few days is Bai Xep, located along a stretch of sandy white beach. Kick back and relax in this peaceful village setting well off the beaten tourist track and as yet untouched by rampant tourism. Don’t be surprised when the locals wave and greet you with welcoming smiles.

Today you are free to enjoy this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Swim, snorkel and take long walks on the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, go fishing and cook your catch for tea, or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse.

Today we’ll enjoy our final morning in Bai Xep, go for a last stroll around the village, say goodbye to the locals and make the most of the beach. This afternoon we’ll make our way to Dieu Tri where we’ll board the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City, our last destination in Vietnam.

This morning we’ll arrive in lively Ho Chi Minh City and head to the hotel for breakfast. We’ll head to the War Remnant Museum and learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War before heading back to our hotel to check in and freshen up. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, visit the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or go and see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people.

Today we’ll take a trip to the Mekong Delta, away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll cruise down the Mekong River, exploring authentic Vietnamese countryside life. We’ll stop at Ben Tre and learn how locals make coconut candy, and at lunch we’ll taste Mekong specialities like elephant ear fish while listening to traditional folk music.

This evening, spend your final night in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City before we head to Cambodia tomorrow, enjoy a traditional performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, or dine out on delicious street food at one of the city’s many restaurants or bars.

Today your journey with Stray comes to an end. Whether you’re spending some extra time in Vietnam or travelling onwards to your next destination, we hope you’ve had a blast on your great Stray adventure and that you’ve made friends and memories to last a lifetime!