Vietnam in 12 Days: Our Group Adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Our group of five friends, each with wildly different travel styles (one foodie, one history buff, one adventure lover, and two casual explorers). We wanted a destination that could offer a little bit of everything and decided Vietnam was the perfect choice: rich in history, bursting with flavors, stunningly diverse from North to South, and offering incredible value for money.
Because we wanted to focus on experiencing the trip rather than worrying about logistics, we decided to join a small group tour from BestPrice Travel. It was the best of both worlds: planned routes and transportation, but enough freedom to explore from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Days 1 - 2: Arriving in Hanoi & Exploring the Capital
The moment we landed in Hanoi, a friendly guide was waiting and warmly welcomed us at the airport, and the smooth transfer to our hotel gave us the first taste of how well-organized the trip was.
First impressions of Hanoi? Pretty chaotic but in the best way. The colorful streets, the sound of the motorbike, the aroma of street food, and the layers of history tucked behind every street corner were mesmerizing.
The 2nd day is a half-day city tour, we explored the lively Old Quarter, admired the historic beauty of the Temple of Literature, visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and strolled around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. Our guide shared fascinating stories that made the ancient streets come alive.
For our first group dinner, we dove straight into the street food scene and slurped bowls of hot pho and chomped down fresh fried spring rolls. It was so tasty and fulfilling for all of us!
Days 3 - 4: Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise & Hidden Gems
Days three and four took us on a scenic cruise in Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. Boarding our cruise ship, Emperor Cruise, was like stepping into a postcard: a charming traditional-style ship with spacious cabins, low capacity for peacefulness, top-notch service, and stunning views in every direction.
We spent the afternoon kayaking through hidden lagoons and imposing islets of the Tung Sau area, swimming in emerald waters, and sipping cocktails on deck as the sun set behind the limestone karsts.
One highlight was visiting the charming Luon Cave on a rowing boat, giving our group space to relax, laugh, and take it all in. Sharing this magical place with friends made it even more special. Halong Bay easily became a top favorite of the whole trip.
Days 5 - 6: Discovering Da Nang & Hoi An
After a smooth morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, we then transferred by road to Hoi An and immediately fell under its spell. This place is like a dream. Lanterns lit up every street in colors at night, combined with the stunning architecture of the ancient house, creating a picturesque scene. Its relaxed, artsy vibe was a welcome shift after bustling Hanoi.
The next day is a half-day tour in the ancient town. Our walking tour introduced us to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the majestic Fujian Assembly Hall, and charming old houses. Free time was spent getting clothes tailored (a must!), sipping fresh herbal tea, and sampling the local specialty, which is cao lau noodles.
All in all, Hoi An’s slower pace gave us a perfect chance to recharge while soaking up the town’s timeless beauty.
Day 7 - 8: Scenic Road to Hue & Historical Discovery
Say goodbye to Hoi An, our road trip to Hue via the Hai Van Pass was nothing short of breathtaking. With ocean views on one side and jungle-clad mountains on the other, the journey itself was unforgettable, perfect for pictures.
In Hue, we dived deep into Vietnam’s intriguing imperial past. A half-day tour took us through the unofficial symbol of the city - Thien Mu Pagoda. Then we explore the majestic and grandeur of Hue Imperial City, and finish with some nice shopping in a bustling local market.
Overall, the combination of history, nature, and storytelling made Hue a surprise favorite, especially for our group’s history enthusiasts. We learn so much about this tranquil city and its fascinating imperial past.
Days 9 - 10: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels
We continued the engaging tour with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, a city that never sleeps. Touching down here felt like entering a different world. Gone were the sleepy colonial streets, replaced with skyscrapers, buzzing markets, and a contagious, youthful energy.
On day 10, we changed the pace and traveled to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Visiting this historical place was mind-blowing. Crawling through parts of the deep tunnel system gave us an intense appreciation for the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people.
We then explored Saigon’s vibrant city center with visits to the iconic landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace, all of which were a whirlwind and gave us a glimpse of the past. At night, we celebrated with cocktails at a rooftop bar, soaking in views of the city’s endless lights and having some fun.
Day 11: Mekong Delta Day Trip - Floating Markets & Local Life
The next day is a fun and memorable full-day adventure to the Mekong Delta. This day trip gave us a refreshing change from the city. Drifting through narrow canals lined with water palms, we visit coconut candy workshops to see how locals make them, and enjoy traditional music performances, which felt authentic and unhurried.
One of the highlights was riding through tiny village paths on a “xe loi”, which was a fun and memorable way to get around the countryside. Waving to friendly locals, sampling fresh fruits, and chit-chat bonded us even closer as a group. It was a peaceful, heartwarming contrast to the busy cities, a reminder of Vietnam’s beautiful rural soul.
Day 12: Farewell, Vietnam
The departure day arrived too soon. We squeezed in some last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market for some souvenirs and savored one last creamy egg coffee at a quiet café. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. Vietnam had captured our hearts in ways we hadn’t expected, not just through its landscapes and food, but through its warmth, resilience, and incredible hospitality.
Our shared experiences, endless laughs, and countless memories made this trip truly unforgettable. If you’re considering an adventure like ours, see our full itinerary here.
Service Review & Travel Tips
From start to finish, BestPrice Travel made everything seamless for our group. Their organization was impressive, flights, hotels, transfers, and tours flowed effortlessly, leaving us free to focus on experiencing and enjoying the services.
The local guides were not only knowledgeable but also passionate and fun, adding personal touches that made each destination come alive.
Accommodation options were excellent, clean, comfortable, and often located right at a convenient spot. Internal flights and transportation were efficient and stress-free, making traveling across the country surprisingly easy.
Travel Tips
- Pack light and leave room for new clothes and souvenirs, you’ll want them!
- Bring a good pair of walking shoes, you’ll need them for city tours.
- Try every food you can, as Vietnamese food is easy to eat.
- Trust your guides, they know the hidden gems!
- Keep an open mind and a curious spirit, and Vietnam will reward you.
Vietnam was the adventure of a lifetime for our group of five, and we already can’t wait to go back.
