The Ultimate Adventure
ITINERARY
1-3
Hanoi
City
And so your epic adventure begins! You’ll fly into the capital city of Hanoi where a guide will meet you and you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in you’ll enjoy seeing all the top city sights including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Stilt House. You’ll then choose between exploring the Old Quarter or visiting Vietnam Women’s Museum. In the evening you’ll take a street food tour by Vespa; a delicious introduction to the country!

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4
Mai Chau
Activity & Adventure
Say goodbye to city life and head to Mai Chau, a beautiful valley featuring lakes, rice paddy fields, and stilt houses, flanked with green mountains. You’ll explore the area by bike, stopping for lunch and to learn about the lives of Thai ethnic minority people.
5-7
Ninh Binh
Activity & Adventure
Wildlife fans will love this day! On the way to Ninh Binh, you’ll stop by Cuc Phuong National Park to see the beautiful botanical gardens and the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. Afterward, you’ll trek out to see the 1000-year-old tree where you might be fortunate enough to spy birds such as the Eared Pitta and Red-collared Woodpecker. The next day you’ll explore natural caves and grottos by boat before cycling to Hoa Lu where you’ll visit ancient temples. You’ll finish up your stay in Ninh Binh with a day of cycling along rivers, through rural villages and out towards the sea. Then it’s back to Hanoi for a quick refresh before an overnight train to Lao Cai.

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8-9
Sapa
Activity & Adventure
After grabbing breakfast you’ll set off on a 7-hour trek from Ta Thang Dam in Sapa where you’ll hike through hilly villages with stunning views over valleys. Along the way, you’ll learn about the culture of rice cultivating and meet the Red Dao group, renowned for their rich culture. After lunch, you'll continue your hike through Nam Nhiu village, and will learn how local villagers make rice paper and jewelry and embroidery before returning to your homestay.

The following morning, waking up to the fresh mountain air and pepped with Vietnamese tea you’ll be ready to start your 6-hour hike which involves ascending the mountainside of Nam Ngan, hiking a hidden trail and crossing streams and rice fields. Eventually, you’ll reach My Son village, home to the Xa Pho group. The next morning is yours to spend as you choose before being transferred back to Hanoi for the night.

10
Hanoi
City
You'll spend the afternoon in Hanoi as you please, catching up on sights you missed the first time around or relaxing at your hotel.

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11
Halong Bay
Cruise
After breakfast you’ll leave Hanoi for an overnight cruise along Halong Bay; the 3,000 limestone peaks rising out of the perfectly clear sea are one of the most iconic sights in South East Asia. While aboard enjoy happy hour, a fruit carving demonstration and stunning sunset vistas over the bay. Start the next morning with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Afterward, you’ll make your way to Cua Van floating village which you can explore further by kayak or rowing boat. The cruise will come to an end and you’ll fly onward to Danang before being transferred to a hotel in Hoi An.

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12-14
Hoi An
Activity & Adventure
You’ll head off bright and early to the ruins of My Son in a renovated American war-era jeep. On the way back you’ll visit a bronze casting village and stop at a local house to learn more about this ancient art. The next afternoon you’ll explore the unique mangrove ecosystem by kayak, stopping for coffee at a local shop, before enjoying the spectacular sunset from the river. 

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15-16
Hue
Activity & Adventure
Next up is the toughest ride yet – you’ll cycle the mighty Hai Van Pass, but while the hills are hard, the views of the coast will blow your mind. The long and smooth downhill ride back is nice too! After lunch, you’ll continue your cycle ride down a coastal road and make your way to Hue for the next two nights.

The following day you’ll enjoy an easier cycle and boat ride, stopping to explore the tallest religious building in Vietnam and the tomb of Emperor Ming Mang, renowned his opposition to French involvement in Vietnam. After a walk around this extensive complex, you'll cycle back across the Perfume River to Hue. 

It's time for a rest day as you will be driven to various different historical and cultural landmarks. You’ll start at La Vang Cathedral before heading on to the remains of Quang Tri Citadel, once the site of an 81 day-long battle. Afterward, you’ll cross the historic Hien Luong Bridge which demarcated North and South Vietnam. Enjoy the scenic journey toward the Vinh Moc Tunnels which will take you through quaint villages and along a beach. Arriving at the village you’ll learn how locals lived intermittently in the tunnels to survive wartime bombings. The last stop of the day is Truong Son National Cemetery, where the remains of over 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians have been laid to rest. After your day of heavy history, you’ll be transferred to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

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17-20
Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Activity & Adventure
After spending the night at the scenic Chay Lap Farmstay, today brings a trek and overnight stay at the stunning Hang En Cave. Along with a group of like-minded adventurers, you’ll hike through steep jungle hills, rural villages, through rivers and streams. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch near the Ban Doong minority village before continuing your hike through dense forest where you'll spot Hang En on the horizon. Once there you can explore the caves, where 300 million-year-old fossils can be seen, relax in the natural pool or simply kick back and listen to the sound of swallows overhead. After a delicious grilled dinner, you'll camp out in the cave overnight, reveling in this unforgettable experience.

The following morning, you'll trek back to civilization in Phong Nha where you'll stay overnight. Get a good night’s sleep as the adventure continues the next day with plenty of activities including kayaking, ziplining and caving at Dark Cave. If all that sounds like too much work, have a mineral mud bath instead (spa slippers not included!). Then it's back to your Farmstay to relax by the pool and soak up the scenery.

 
21-22
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
City
Leave the National Park behind and fly into Saigon. As you make your way into the city you’ll stop off at the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn how locals constructed this intricate underground network during the wars. The next day you’ll enjoy a full day city tour starting off at the historic Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful in the city. You’ll continue exploring the oldest market in the city, your choice of museums and the former Presidential Palace. You'll also visit Dong Khoi Street, the historic thoroughfare of old Saigon, and the distinctive old Post Office. Revitalize yourself between sites with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.  

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23-25
Mui Ne
Beach
Get ready to swap the buzz of the city for the calm of the beach. You’ll arrive by cycling along the coastal road to Mui Ne, famous for its striking red and white sand dunes. The next few days are yours to spend recharging in the sun or – if you’ve got the energy to burn – have a go at some of the resort’s renowned water sports. 

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26-27
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
City
You’ll be collected from the beach and taken back into Saigon for one last day and night in Vietnam. Sipping Vietnamese coffee, picking up souvenirs at the market, eating as much street food as you can handle - spend it however you wish!

On Day 27 you’ll depart for home with nearly a months’ worth of memories to mull over and cherish.