Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country replete with beautiful beaches and bustling cities, where history mingles with modernity, forging a unique culture evinced in everything from its architecture to its rich culinary traditions. To maximize their time in the country, travelers will head down the coast of central Vietnam by train, starting in the Ancient Town of Hôi An and hitting two beachside cities before concluding their journey in Ho Chi Minh City. In Hôi An, besides exploring its Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved and oldest Southeast Asian trading ports, travelers will also experience a cooking class at the Oodles of Noodles training school, where they can learn more about the local cuisine while preparing their own lunches. From there, the group will board an overnight train to Qui Nhon, a coastal city with an exquisite beach, before departing for Nha Trang, another coastal resort city, the next day. At Nha Trang, travelers will experience the famous 100 Eggs Mud Baths, where they can spend the day soaking and relaxing in the egg-shaped mineral and mud pools. The bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh city will be the final stop on the journey, where travelers will be able to explore Ben Thanh Market, widely regarded as the city’s largest and most authentic market, as well as the Reunification Palace, which served as the home and office of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu during the Vietnam War.
This 7-day experience starts at $452 per person and includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and local guides. A part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection, this trip involves plenty of hostel-hopping across Vietnam in addition to the two overnight train journeys.