Independent Vietnam itinerary with Sapa

Suggested Independent Vietnam Itineraries
 
 

Our independent Vietnam itineraries are a suggestion of how you can create a longer trip through Vietnam by combining a series of our short modules. Each one of our independent Vietnam itineraries offer a great experience within a fixed period of time. This makes them perfect for travellers needing to squeeze their adventure into their annual leave. During our independent Vietnam itineraries, you'll travel on your own, but every now and then you may join a small group for an activity or excursion (e.g. Cu Chi tunnels or Halong Bay cruise). Vietnam is a long and narrow country, making it logical to travel from north to south or vice versa. We are always careful to select attractive and centrally located accommodation that reflects the character of the area. If you would like to choose from one of our independent Vietnam itineraries but add a few tweaks of your own, just let us know on your quote request form. We can play around with your Vietnam travel plan until we get it just right. If you would like to book an independent Vietnam itinerary, go straight to the booking form. Alternatively, contact one of our Vietnam specialists at info@vietnamonline.com.au or call 1300 857 508 or 08 8125 1820. The price quoted for each itinerary below does not include international flights, although we can arrange these for you.

Prices are in Australian dollars and valid from 01 April until 31 October 2010, but may vary during the school holiday periods.

Independent Vietnam Itinerary Overview

Independent Vietnam itinerary - Vietnamese lady

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 1 Vietnam in a Nutshell

Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) - Cu Chi tunnels - Mekong Delta
Duration: 13 days - 12 nights
Price: from $1035 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: plane, minibus and boat
Offered: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Hanoi

Ideal for travellers pushed for time, this independent Vietnam itinerary packs the country's cultural highlights into a small timeframe. Wander wide-eyed through the lively streets of old Hanoi and sleep on a traditional Chinese junk in bewitching Halong Bay. Fly to fascinating Hoi An, with its French background lingering in the streets. While you're in Hoi An, head for the virtually abandoned stretch of sandy beach, or let a local tailor fit you up for a suit. This Vietnam itinerary ends with four days in former Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), crawling through the spooky Cu Chi Tunnels and watching local life in the Mekong Delta as you drift lazily by.

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.

 

Rice paddies - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary - Halong Bay
Halong Bay - Independent Vietnam itineraries

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 2 Northern Nature Trail

Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Perfume Pagoda - Hanoi
Duration: 14 days - 13 nights
Price: from $809 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: minibus, train, boat
Offered: Saturdays and Sundays from Hanoi

Northern Vietnam is a treasure trove for travellers, containing a heady mix of ancient culture and undisturbed scenery. During this independent Vietnam itinerary, you'll sail leisurely through the island labyrinth of Halong Bay, and hike in the plush national park on Cat Ba Island. You'll then travel into the far north where traditional hill tribes live in a remote region not often visited by tourists. At Ninh Binh, you'll row through the rice, passing between mighty rocks and paddy fields, and watching local boatmen row using only their feet. As a finishing touch to this Vietnam itinerary, you'll climb to the Perfume Pagoda, standing impressively in a cave on a mountain peak. You'll also have plenty of time to fall in love with Hanoi as you wander around its Old Quarter.

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.

Independent Vietnam itinerary: Sapa hill treks
Traditional boats - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary: Halong Bay

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 3 Vietnam Highlights and Palm Island

Route: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta – Palm Island - Nha Trang - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Duration: 18 days - 17 nights
Price:

from $1319 per person - based on 2 people sharing

Transport: train, plane, minibus, boat
Offered: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Ho Chi Minh City

This independent Vietnam itinerary combines the country's classic highlights with a few laid back days in the sun-kissed paradise of Palm Island. Unlike many of our other itineraries, you'll begin in the south of the country and travel slowly north towards the remote mountain wilderness of the hill tribes. Your Vietnam itinerary will start in Ho Chi Minh, taking you into the lush Mekong Delta and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. You'll then spend 3 days on idyllic Palm Island, soaking up the sun while you sip on fresh fruit juice (or perhaps even something a little stronger). After recharging your batteries, you'll fly to Hoi An, where you'll be instantly charmed by the old world ambience and get measured up for a suit. You'll then drift lazily among the magical islands of Halong Bay, before arriving at your final stop- the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.

Palm Island - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary: Rice paddies
Flower H'mong girl - Independent Vietnam itineraries

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 4 Vietnam Online Choice

Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Phu Quoc Island
Duration: 20 days - 19 nights
Price: from $1549 per person - based on 2 people
Transport: train, plane, minibus, boat
Offered: Mondays from Hanoi

This independent Vietnam itinerary is a mixed cocktail, containing all of our favourite experiences. It begins in the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi, followed by a magical cruise between the tiny islands of Halong Bay. Moving south, you'll visit enchanting Hoi An, an authentic port town crammed with enthusiastic tailors and cosy cafes. Here, you can spend a few hours snoozing on the quiet golden beach. You'll then continue your journey to the highlights of the south: Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. This Vietnam itinerary finishes on tropical Phu Quoc Island for a little sun, sea, hammocks and cold beer. Perfect. 

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.
 

Independent Vietnam itinerary : Phu Quoc
Mekong Delta - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary : Cu Chi Tunnels

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 5 Travels on the Railway

Route: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) - Mekong Delta - Cu Chi Tunnels - Palm Island - Hoi An - Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay
Duration: 20 days - 19 nights
Price: from $1395 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: train, plane, minibus, boat
Offered: Mondays from Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Vietnam in true local style, riding the railway from place to place. Trains in Vietnam are efficient, reasonably comfortable, and endlessly interesting. They are a great way to meet local people and get chatting with other travellers. This independent Vietnam itinerary begins in the south, taking in the cultural riches of the region- bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the narrow waterways of the exotic Mekong Delta and the eerie Cu Chi Tunnels. You'll then take the train to Nha Trang, passing through on your way to the ivory sands of tropical Palm Island. After a few days of relaxation, your train will weave its way north to Hoi An, a mesmerising town of tailors with huge local charm. You'll then fly north for a junk boat trip through spellbinding Halong Bay, and an incredible overnight homestay with a mountain hill tribe. This Vietnam itinerary ends in the fascinating city of Hanoi, with its wide tree-lined boulevards and quirky cafes. 

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.

 

Vietnamese Beach huts - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary : Travelling by train
Hill trekking - Independent Vietnam itineraries

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 6 Complete Vietnam

Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Perfume Pagoda - Hué - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)- Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Mui Ne Beach
Duration: 24 days - 23 nights
Price: from $1669 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: train, plane, minibus, boat
Offered: Sundays from Hanoi

This is a comprehensive independent Vietnam itinerary, giving you a glimpse of the many faces of Vietnam. You'll explore the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi before drifting through the azure waters of Halong Bay. Then you'll get active, hiking to the hill tribes around mountainous Sapa and climbing up to an authentic pagoda. After this, the itinerary flies you south to the historic town of Hué and the eager tailors of enchanting Hoi An. From here, you'll head for the charming chaos of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), to explore the dazzling Mekong Delta and the haunting Cu Chi tunnels. To finish off your Vietnam itinerary, you'll kick off your flip-flops on a white sandy beach at peaceful Mui Ne, to unwind with a cocktail and reflect upon your journey.

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.

 

Independent Vietnam itinerary: Palm Island
Mekong Delta - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary - Halong Bay

Independent Vietnam Itinerary 7 Indochina at a Glance: Vietnam and Cambodia

Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi tunnels - Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Battambang - Bangkok
Duration: 20 days - 19 nights
Price: from $1905 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: minibus, boat, private car with driver
Offered: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from Hanoi

This independent Vietnam itinerary offers a combination of travel in versatile Vietnam and untainted, unspoiled Cambodia. After visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay's dragon rock formations, the wonderful Hoi An and crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels in former Saigon you'll continue along the Mekong Delta and across the border to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Here you'll be confronted by the Killing Fields and the tumultuous history of Cambodia. A boat will take you across the mighty Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap, the gateway town for one of the most beautiful and most famous temple complexes in the world, Angkor Wat. You'll spend the night in Siem Reap a charming town, and afterwards travel onward to Bangkok where your Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary will end.

Click here for a full description of this independent Vietnam itinerary.
Mekong Delta - Independent Vietnam itineraries
Independent Vietnam itinerary - Angkor Wat
Luxury accommodation - Independent Vietnam itineraries

Independent Vietnam Itineraries - Upgraded A hint of luxury- comfort itineraries - 2, 3 or 4 weeks

Duration 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Price from $2149 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Transport: plane, boat, private car
Offered: daily from Hanoi

Our comfort itineraries are designed to give you a little decadence without draining your bank account. They are slightly upgraded, private tours for people wishing to treat themselves to a hint of luxury. Each trip is entirely individual, with private transport and your own personal  guide. You can set your own pace, taking short pauses anywhere that grabs your imagination. You'll visit breathtaking mountains, historic treasures, classic cities and shimmering beaches. Throughout these itineraries, you'll stay in unique, beautifully located hotels, equipped with all the creature comforts you might need. You'll dine on the finest cuisine that Vietnam has to offer while you criss-cross the country in style.

Click here for more details of this Independent Vietnam itinerary.

Independent Vietnam Itinerary : Palm Island
Smiling lady - Independent Vietnam itineraries


General information about our independent Vietnam itineraries


What is included in our independent Vietnam itineraries?

- Your accommodation with breakfast.
- The transport as described in the daily itinerary, by train, plane, boat or private car with driver.
- Named excursions and organised visits, sometimes with guide (see the Vietnam itinerary descriptions for more information).
- Assistance from our local agents whenever necessary. They are contactable 24 hours a day.

What is not included in our independent Vietnam itineraries?
- The international flights to Vietnam. Although we can book your flights: see flight tickets to Vietnam.
- Other optional excursions.

Want to make changes to our independent Vietnam itineraries?
We can make as many changes as you like to your accommodation and to the itinerary itself. It’s easy to add extra days to your trip- just let us know where you would like to go. Pop your requests down when you complete the quote request form and we'll include them in your personalised Vietnam online.
 

 

Click here for the quote request form

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