Self-Launched Vietnam & Ha Giang Loop: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport and make your own way into the city centre — the 109 Airport Bus runs directly to Bến Thành Market for around £0.50, or a Grab taxi costs roughly £4-6. Check into a well-rated hostel in District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao backpacker strip is ideal). Spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere at the Ben Thanh Night Market, grab a bia hoi (street beer for ~50p) and wander up to a rooftop bar for skyline views.

🚌Airport Bus 109 from airport to city centre ~£0.50, or Grab taxi ~£4-6

🛏Dorm bed at a well-rated District 1 hostel (e.g. The Common Room Project, Long Hostel, or similar) — ~£8-12/night

• →Arrive and check in to hostel in District 1 / Pham Ngu Lao area
• →Explore Ben Thanh Night Market for street food and souvenirs
• →Visit a rooftop bar (e.g. Chill Sky Bar or Saigon Saigon) for city views
• →Wander Bui Vien Walking Street for the famous backpacker nightlife

Book a full-day Mekong Delta tour independently via GetYourGuide or Klook — prices start around £20-30pp and include boat rides, floating market visits, local artisan stops, and rice whisky tasting. Most tours depart from District 1 and include lunch. For an overnight homestay experience (as in the original tour), look for 'Mekong Delta 2-day 1-night' tours which include a homestay with dinner and live music for around £35-50pp total. Return to Ho Chi Minh City or overnight at the homestay.

🚌Included in Mekong Delta day tour departure from District 1

🛏Mekong Delta homestay (included in 2-day tour) OR back to District 1 hostel ~£8-12

• →Full-day Mekong Delta group tour via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£20-30pp)
• →Traditional wooden boat ride through delta waterways
• →Visit local artisan factories (coconut candy, rice paper making)
• →Sip rice whisky and try local snacks at a family farm
• →Optional: upgrade to 2-day/1-night tour with delta homestay and live music (~£35-50pp)

Take a half-day Củ Chi Tunnels tour — easily bookable on GetYourGuide or Klook from around £12-18pp including transport and entry. The tunnels are a sobering, fascinating insight into the Vietnam War. Back in the city by early afternoon, explore on your own: try bánh mì from Bánh Mì Hùynh Hoa (~£1.50), grab a coffee at the famous Café Apartments on Nguyen Hue, and wander the War Remnants Museum independently (entry ~£2). Evening on Bui Vien Walking Street.

🚌Củ Chi transport included in tour; Grab or walking for city exploration ~£2-3

🛏District 1 hostel ~£8-12/night

• →Half-day Củ Chi Tunnels tour via GetYourGuide/Klook (~£12-18pp inc. transport)
• →Explore the Ben Thanh Market area and street food stalls
• →Try bánh mì from a famous local spot like Bánh Mì Hùynh Hoa (~£1.50)
• →Coffee at the iconic Café Apartments on Nguyen Hue Street
• →Visit the War Remnants Museum independently (~£2 entry)
• →Evening at Bui Vien Walking Street

Spend the morning visiting Ho Chi Minh City's iconic landmarks on a self-guided walk: the Reunification Palace (~£2 entry), Notre Dame Cathedral (free), the General Post Office (free), and the War Remnants Museum if you missed it yesterday. Book a budget domestic flight to Nha Trang with VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways — typically £25-50pp if booked in advance. Arrive in Nha Trang by evening, check in to a beachside hostel and explore the strip.

🚌Grab to airport ~£5; budget domestic flight ~£25-50; airport shuttle to city ~£3

🛏Nha Trang hostel near the beach (e.g. Mojzo Inn Boutique or similar) ~£8-14/night

• →Self-guided walking tour: Reunification Palace (~£2), Notre Dame Cathedral (free), General Post Office (free)
• →Street food lunch: pho or com tam (broken rice) ~£1.50-2
• →Grab taxi to Tan Son Nhat Airport for afternoon flight
• →VietJet/Bamboo Airways flight to Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang) ~£25-50pp
• →Check in to beachside hostel and explore Nha Trang's beach strip and bars

Enjoy a free day in Nha Trang. Relax on the main beach (free), or book an optional snorkelling island-hopping cruise independently via GetYourGuide (~£18-25pp). The Long Son Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham Towers are worth a visit (both free or ~£1 entry). In the evening, board the overnight train from Nha Trang station to Da Nang — book via DSDvietnam.com or Baolau.com (~£15-25 for a soft sleeper berth). Arrive Da Nang in the early hours, then transfer to Hoi An by local bus or shuttle.

🚌Overnight train Nha Trang to Da Nang; book via baolau.com or dsdvietnam.com

🛏Overnight train sleeper berth ~£15-25 (replaces one night's accommodation)

• →Morning at Nha Trang beach (free)
• →Optional: Island-hopping snorkelling cruise via GetYourGuide (~£18-25pp)
• →Visit Long Son Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham Towers (~£1 entry each)
• →Sunset beers at a beach bar on Tran Phu Street
• →Evening: board overnight train Nha Trang → Da Nang (~£15-25 soft sleeper)

Arrive Da Nang by train in the early morning and take a local yellow bus (No. 1 Da Nang–Hoi An, ~£0.60) or shared shuttle (~£3-4) to Hoi An. Check in and rest briefly, then rent a bicycle from your hostel or a local shop for the day (~£1.50-2.50). Cycle through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, admiring the Japanese Covered Bridge, the lantern-lit streets, and colourful merchant houses. The Old Town entrance ticket costs ~£4pp and covers several historic sites. Explore tailors, art galleries and street food stalls at your own pace this afternoon.

🚌Local bus or shuttle Da Nang → Hoi An ~£0.60-4; bicycle rental ~£1.50-2.50

🛏Hoi An hostel in or near the Old Town (e.g. Hoi An Backpacker Hostel or The Espresso Station) ~£8-14/night

• →Local bus or shuttle from Da Nang to Hoi An (~£0.60-4)
• →Rent a bicycle for the day (~£1.50-2.50)
• →Cycle through Hoi An Ancient Town (Old Town ticket ~£4pp)
• →Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and merchant houses
• →Browse tailor shops on Tran Phu Street for custom clothing (~£20-50 depending on order)
• →Afternoon street food: White Rose dumplings and Cao Lau noodles

A full free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are a short cycle away (free entry). Try a bamboo basket boat experience in the Cam Thanh Coconut Village — bookable directly or via GetYourGuide for around £8-12pp. If cooking is your thing, a half-day Vietnamese cooking class including a market visit can be booked for ~£20-30pp on Klook. As sunset approaches, the Old Town transforms with hundreds of silk lanterns — don't miss the lantern-lit riverside.

🚌Bicycle rental ~£1.50-2.50 for the day

🛏Hoi An hostel ~£8-14/night

• →Cycle to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach (free, ~4km from Old Town)
• →Bamboo basket boat experience in Cam Thanh Coconut Village (~£8-12pp via GetYourGuide)
• →Optional: Vietnamese cooking class with market tour (~£20-30pp via Klook)
• →Explore artisan markets and craft stalls
• →Sunset drinks on the Thu Bon riverside — lantern views are magical at dusk
• →Evening at one of Hoi An's rooftop bars or street food night market

Take a shuttle from Hoi An back to Da Nang Airport (~£5-8) and fly to Hanoi with VietJet or Bamboo (~£25-55pp booked in advance). Arrive in Hanoi and take the 86 Airport Bus to the Old Quarter (~£1) or a Grab taxi (~£6-8). Check in to an Old Quarter hostel and grab lunch at KOTO Restaurant on Van Mieu Street — a social enterprise training disadvantaged youth, similar to the original tour's included lunch. In the afternoon, do a self-guided historical walk via Google Maps: Temple of Literature (~£1.50), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (free exterior, museum ~£0.60), Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple (~£0.50). Evening: Train Street, then bia hoi corner on Ta Hien Street.

🚌Shuttle to Da Nang Airport ~£5-8; budget flight ~£25-55; Airport Bus 86 ~£1

🛏Hanoi Old Quarter hostel (e.g. Hanoi Backpacker Hostel Downtown, or The Hanoian) ~£8-14/night

• →Shuttle from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport (~£5-8)
• →Budget flight Da Nang → Hanoi Noi Bai (~£25-55pp via VietJet/Bamboo)
• →Lunch at KOTO Restaurant, Van Mieu (~£5-8pp, social enterprise)
• →Self-guided walking tour: Temple of Literature (~£1.50), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (free exterior)
• →Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple (~£0.50)
• →Evening: spot Train Street, then join the bia hoi (street beer) scene on Ta Hien Street

Catch an early morning bus from Hanoi's Giap Bat Bus Station to Ninh Binh (~£3-4, 2 hrs) or book a seat on a tourist minivan (~£5-8). In Ninh Binh, rent a bicycle (~£2/day) to explore the stunning karst landscape. Must-sees include Trang An Landscape Complex (UNESCO site, boat trip ~£4), Bich Dong Pagoda (free), and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (~£2). For an adrenaline option, army jeep tours of the countryside can be booked locally for ~£15-20pp. Stay overnight in Ninh Binh town or return to Hanoi.

🚌Bus Hanoi → Ninh Binh ~£3-4; bicycle rental ~£2; local transport ~£2-4

🛏Ninh Binh guesthouse or homestay (e.g. Tam Coc Garden, or budget guesthouse) ~£8-15/night

• →Morning bus Hanoi → Ninh Binh from Giap Bat Station (~£3-4, 2 hrs)
• →Rent a bicycle to explore (~£2/day)
• →Trang An boat trip through karst caves (UNESCO site, ~£4pp)
• →Bich Dong Pagoda hike (free)
• →Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (~£2 entry)
• →Optional: Army jeep countryside tour (~£15-20pp, book locally or via GetYourGuide)

Set your alarm early — the Mua Cave viewpoint (Lying Dragon Mountain) is a 500-step climb rewarded with one of Vietnam's most spectacular sunrises over the rice paddies. Entry is ~£2pp; arrive by 5am for sunrise. Head back to Hanoi by late morning bus (~£3-4) and then take a tourist bus or booked transfer to Ha Long Bay (~£5-8). Book a budget overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay independently via GetYourGuide, Klook or directly with operators like Indochina Junk or Bhaya Cruises — 2-day/1-night cruises start from £60-90pp including meals, kayaking, and Ti Top Island.

🚌Taxi to Mua Cave ~£2-3; bus Ninh Binh → Hanoi ~£3-4; tourist bus Hanoi → Ha Long ~£5-8

🛏Overnight cruise cabin included in Ha Long Bay cruise package (~£60-90pp covers this night)

• →Pre-dawn taxi to Mua Cave (Lying Dragon Mountain) viewpoint (~£2 entry)
• →500-step sunrise hike — arrive ~5am for the best light
• →Bus back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh (~£3-4)
• →Tourist bus or transfer Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (~£5-8)
• →Board budget overnight cruise: Ti Top Island, kayaking, sunset views, included dinner (~£60-90pp for 2D/1N)

Enjoy breakfast on deck with panoramic views of the iconic limestone karsts. Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Caves — one of Ha Long Bay's largest and most impressive cave systems, typically included in cruise packages. The cruise returns to port by midday; a tourist bus takes you back to Hanoi (~included or ~£5). Check back in to your Old Quarter hostel and enjoy a free evening. Consider an optional group dinner at a local restaurant, then head to Ta Hien Street for Hanoi's legendary bia hoi nightlife.

🚌Return tourist bus Ha Long → Hanoi (often included in cruise, or ~£5)

🛏Hanoi Old Quarter hostel ~£8-14/night

• →Sunrise on deck over Ha Long Bay karsts
• →Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Caves — usually included in cruise
• →Return boat to Ha Long port by midday; bus back to Hanoi (~included or ~£5)
• →Check in to Old Quarter hostel; free afternoon to rest or explore
• →Optional: group dinner at a local Old Quarter restaurant (~£6-10pp)
• →Ta Hien Street bia hoi corner for evening drinks

Enjoy a free morning in Hanoi — stock up on snacks, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, or explore the vibrant Dong Xuan Market. In the late afternoon or evening, board an overnight sleeper bus from My Dinh Bus Station to Ha Giang town (~£8-12, ~6-7 hrs), then connect by local bus or minibus to Dong Van (~£4-6, ~4-5 hrs). Alternatively, book a direct tourist sleeper bus to Ha Giang via operators like Ha Giang Loop Tours or Dong Van Hostel shuttles. This is the start of the Ha Giang Loop — one of Southeast Asia's most epic motorcycle/4WD routes.

🚌Overnight sleeper bus Hanoi → Ha Giang ~£8-12; local bus/minibus to Dong Van ~£4-6

🛏Overnight sleeper bus (replaces one night's accommodation) ~£8-12

• →Free morning: Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter strolling
• →Stock up on snacks and supplies for the Ha Giang Loop
• →Evening: overnight sleeper bus from My Dinh Bus Station → Ha Giang (~£8-12)
• →Connect by local bus or minibus Ha Giang → Dong Van (~£4-6)

Begin the Ha Giang Loop! You can do the loop independently on a rented motorbike (~£8-12/day) if you're an experienced rider, or join a small-group jeep/car tour with a local driver (~£25-40pp/day) via operators like Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tours or booking directly through your hostel in Dong Van. Today's route takes in Tham Ma Slope's sweeping valley views and Heaven Gate (Cổng Trời) — one of the most photographed spots in northern Vietnam. Visit the H'mong King Palace (Vuong Palace, ~£1 entry) and stop at a local community weaving project supporting H'mong women. End the day in Dong Van.

🚌Motorbike rental ~£8-12/day OR local jeep/car with driver ~£25-40pp/day

🛏Guesthouse or hostel in Dong Van (e.g. Dong Van Karst Plateau Guesthouse) ~£6-12/night

• →Rent motorbike (~£8-12/day) or join local jeep tour (~£25-40pp/day)
• →Ride to Tham Ma Slope viewpoint — sweeping emerald valley vistas
• →Heaven Gate (Cổng Trời) viewpoint — iconic Ha Giang photo stop
• →Visit H'mong King Palace (Vuong Palace, ~£1 entry)
• →Stop at local H'mong community weaving project (free or donation)
• →Evening in Dong Van town — local dinner and walk around the night market

Today is arguably the most spectacular day of the whole trip. Ride or drive to the Ma Pi Leng Pass — one of Vietnam's four great mountain passes — and hike the Sky Path (Đường Trời) along the cliff edge above Tu San Canyon. The canyon is the deepest in Southeast Asia and the turquoise Nho Que River below is simply unreal. A boat cruise along the Nho Que River can be arranged locally (~£3-5pp). Pass through traditional H'mong villages and stop for a riverside lunch (~£2-4). End the day camping by the Nho Que River — basic riverside campsites or homestays available locally for ~£5-8.

🚌Continuing motorbike or jeep tour from Day 13

🛏Riverside campsite or basic homestay by Nho Que River ~£5-8/night

• →Ride/drive to Ma Pi Leng Pass — one of Vietnam's most dramatic roads
• →Hike the Sky Path (Đường Trời) along the cliff edge above Tu San Canyon
• →Boat cruise along the turquoise Nho Que River (~£3-5pp, book locally)
• →Lunch with views at a riverside spot (~£2-4)
• →Pass through H'mong villages along the route
• →Set up camp or homestay by the Nho Que River (~£5-8pp)

Start the morning with a kayaking session on the vivid turquoise Nho Que River — kayaks can be rented locally (~£5-8 for 2 hours). Enjoy a riverside lunch before heading to a local H'mong cultural experience: seek out a traditional Qeej (a sacred bamboo reed instrument) performance, which local guides and guesthouses can arrange. In the afternoon, trek up to Dong Cao Fortress — ancient stone ruins with panoramic views over terraced paddy fields. A fitting final Ha Giang Loop evening in Dong Van.

🚌Motorbike or local transport for short distances ~£3-5

🛏Guesthouse in Dong Van ~£6-12/night

• →Morning kayaking on the Nho Que River (~£5-8pp for 2 hrs, rent locally)
• →Riverside lunch (~£2-4)
• →H'mong Qeej instrument cultural performance (arrange via local guesthouse, ~£3-5pp)
• →Trek to Dong Cao Fortress ruins with paddy field panoramas (free)
• →Final evening in Dong Van — local dinner and rest

On the final leg back along the Ha Giang Loop, make a stop at Du Gia Waterfall — a stunning multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by jungle, with a natural swimming pool at its base (entry ~£1). Return your motorbike or wrap up the jeep tour in Ha Giang town, then board an afternoon or evening sleeper bus back to Hanoi (~£8-12, arriving around 10-11pm). Note: no accommodation is included in Hanoi tonight on the original tour either — book a bed in advance at a well-rated Old Quarter hostel as the city gets busy. Celebrate the end of an epic journey!

🚌Motorbike/jeep return to Ha Giang town; sleeper bus Ha Giang → Hanoi ~£8-12

🛏Pre-book Old Quarter hostel for arrival night ~£8-14/night (not included in original tour either)

• →Scenic final ride/drive back along the Ha Giang Loop
• →Stop at Du Gia Waterfall and swim in the natural pool (~£1 entry)
• →Return motorbike or finish jeep tour in Ha Giang town
• →Afternoon/evening sleeper bus Ha Giang → Hanoi (~£8-12)
• →Arrive Hanoi ~10-11pm — check into pre-booked hostel in the Old Quarter