Explore Vietnam
13 days
From $ 2149
Duration13 days
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Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Vietnam on a journey that spans from the emerald mountains of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south. Spend a night on a traditional junk boat in stunning Ha Long Bay, roam the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, glimpse rural life on a trek through hilltribe villages, and enjoy a cyclo ride through the heart of bustling Hanoi. As you travel the length of the country, take in the long view of this fascinating corner of Indochina.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 13 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Physical Grading: Light
  • Ages: 12+
Explore Vietnam - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Hanoi/Mai Châu
Continue to the lush Mai Chau Valley where we stay in a rural lodge, the perfect base for exploration, hiking and learning about Vietnam's ethnic hill tribes.
Travel to the lush Mai Chau Valley and enjoy a countryside walk through rice paddies and local villages.
Meals: B
Day 3: Mai Châu
Enjoy free time to explore the valley. Options include cycling in the countryside, a cooking class, and kayaking.
Meals: B
Day 4: Mai Châu/Hanoi
Return to Hanoi to explore Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and go on a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open until 11:00am and closed on Monday and Friday. Entry is dependent on what time the group arrives in Hanoi.
Meals: B
Day 5: Hanoi/Ha Long
Board a junk boat, our home for the evening. This traditional wooden sailing boat offers a unique way of navigating the lime karsts of Halong Bay with all the comforts of a motorized, floating hotel. The boat crew will prepare an included seafood lunch and dinner to feast on.

All cabins are twin share and have an en-suite bathroom. The boat features an enclosed dining and sitting area and of course plenty of outside deck space to enjoy your beautiful surroundings.
Start your day off right with breakfast at Hoa Sua, a non-profit training restaurant for underprivileged Hanoi youth where you can enjoy a hearty meal while helping others. Afterwards, transfer to Halong Bay and spend the night on a traditional junk boat surrounded by turquoise waters, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the calm waters. Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, a more secluded section of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to cruise around the bay and explore the Me Cung cave with our local guide. On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on the junk boat. 
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Ha Long/Huế
Have an early lunch on board before returning to land and heading back to Hanoi to catch our short flight to Hue. Light breakfast on the junkboat. Enjoy an early lunch before heading back to land.
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Huế
Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and remains one of Vietnam's major tourist attractions. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty on the lush banks of the Perfume River.
Visit the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Take a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of former emperors, visiting one of the most impressive royal tombs.

Opt to explore Hue like the locals on a motorbike taxi, visiting local shops and a convent for lunch. Pre-book the Hue Motorbike Tour on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Meals: B
Day 8: Huế/Hoi An
Depart Hue for the scenic journey to Hoi An, via the Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. Hoi An itself is a charming small town 30km (19 mi) south of Danang.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a walking tour of the ancient town. Also learn how to make a lantern the traditional way, and leave with a beautiful souvenir.
Meals: B
Day 9: Hoi An
As part of the Oodles of Noodles experience, visit a local market, indulge in street food, and take a cooking class at this G Adventures-supported culinary training school. Visit the local markets with two students and their trainer to learn about and taste noodles, and then return to the school to cook lunch with the students. Enjoy some of the delicious food made during the cooking class.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Hoi An
During your time in Hoi An, you may like to visit a local tailor and be fitted for some very reasonably priced clothes. Alternatively, you can organize an optional day tour to My Son, a major Cham site around one hour outside of Hoi An. These historical ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or opt to spend the day by the pool or head to the nearby Cua Dai beach, a bike ride away.
The day is free for optional activities of your choice.
Meals: B
Day 11: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City
Discover the infectious energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest city. Formerly known as Saigon, it was once the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center.

During your free time you can take a tour by cyclo (rickshaw) to various sights around town. See Notre Dame Cathedral, Gustav Eiffel's Post Office, the Opera House, Rex Hotel, and town hall. Or you may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace.
Flight to Ho Chi Minh CIty. Opt to take a cyclo tour and visit the markets and shops.
Meals: B
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, legendary for the vital part they played during the Vietnam War.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Breakfast at Hoa Sua, Hanoi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Lantern Making Experience, Hoi An Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Oodles of Noodles Local Market Excursion, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An
  • Arrival transfer
  • Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter
  • Overnight on a junk boat on Halong Bay
  • Guided tour of Emperor's Tomb and Imperial Citadel Hue
  • Walking tour of Hoi An Old Town
  • Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Bus, Boat, Cyclo, Plane, Walking

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), Junk boat (1 nt), Lodge (2 nt)

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