Vietnam - Trip

Highlights  |   Know before you go  |   Trips

• North to South of Vietnam (12 days)
  Hanoi-Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island-Hue-Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh City
  
  Take in the most popular sights of Vietnam in just 12 days.
  
  
• The Essential Hightlights of Vietnam (10 days)
  Hanoi-Halong Bay & Cat Bay Island-Hue-Hoi An-Nha Trang-Saigon
  
  From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City..the essential sites.

• Mai Chau Trek (6 day trip/4 day trek)
  Hanoi-Mai Chau H'mong villages-White Thai villages-Mai Chau-Hanoi
  A moderate trek through Vietnam's Northern landscapes, spending 5 nights in the ethnic hill tribe minority villages.
  
  
• Sapa Explorer (5 day trip/2 day trek)
  Hanoi-Sapa-Hanoi
  A comfortable trip taking in the sights of Hanoi along with the ethnic minorities at Sapa.

• 2 day Ha Long Kayak Adventure
  
  
• 4 day Ha Long Kayak Adventure

North to South of Vietnam (12 days)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island -Hue- Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
This trip is for the traveler with limited time. It takes you around Vietnam’s most popular sights in just 12 days. But we use our time well. Everything that everybody talks about is in it and we save time by flying or traveling on the overnight train. Highlights include the wonders of Ha Long Bay, now listed as a World Heritage site, the capital city of Hanoi with its fascinating Old Quarter, Hue, the Imperial City in the 18th and 19th centuries, the picturesque port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers, and finishing at the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Upon arrival at HanoiAirport our guide who will accompany you to your hotel and assist with your check-in procedures will welcome you. There are no activities planned for today but your guide will be able to offer assistance and advice before taking you out to sample some of Hanoi’s superb cuisine. (Dinner included)

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long City
This morning we start our itinerary with a morning city tour of Hanoi, taking in the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum. After the city tour we will depart Hanoi bound for Ha Long City, which lies around a four-hour drive north east of the nations capital. On the way we will stop for refreshments and a chance to buy hand made souvenirs at a handicraft center run for disabled peoples. Upon arrival in Ha Long City we check in to our hotel and this evening have the chance to sample some delicious Vietnamese delicacies at one of the many local restaurants in this seaside city. (Breakfast included)

Day 3: Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island National Park
Following breakfast we board our private boat for a cruise of the crystalline emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board a sumptuous fresh local seafood lunch will be served with opportunities for a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area in the afternoon. Our final destination for today is Cat Ba Island. After the check in procedures are completed at our hotel accommodation for this evening, there may be time to either relax on the beach, explore the township of Cat Ba or visit the National Park. Following the evening meal you will be able to try out your voice at one of the many Karaoke bars on the island. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 4: Cat Ba Island - Hanoi
This morning finds us up early to catch the local ferry to Vietnams largest sea port and third largest city, Hai Phong around three hours away. We will have a simple breakfast on board the ferry before arriving in Hai Phong. Once here there will be time to stroll around the city, take in some of the fine examples of French colonial architecture and find a local coffee shop before commencing the two-hour drive back to Hanoi. This afternoon there are no activities planned so you have free time to explore before a visit to the famed water Puppet Theater in the evening. (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Hanoi
Today there is plenty of time for exploring. Following the morning cyclo tour of the city’s sights with our guide, discovering what Hanoi has to offer. Whether it be the old quarter with its narrow streets with all manner of traders and wares on offer, or opting for more culture with visits to some of the many museums, or a stroll around the old French quarter where many of the Embassies are located, maybe a shop till you drop expedition or just relaxing around one of the many parks and lakes that helps to make Hanoi one of the greenest cities in Asia. The capital city has it all! This evening we board the Reunification Express at 21:00 for an overnight train journey. Our destination is the ancient capital of Hue, approximately 13 hours away. (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Hue
Arrival in Hue this morning is scheduled for around 0930 for a transfer directly to our hotel. Before we begin our tour of Hue, there will be time to discuss our itinerary over brunch. This afternoon we will be able to work off brunch as we board bicycles for a tour around this fabulous city. A visit to Hue would not be complete without taking in attractions such as the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum and the Dong Ba market. To round off the days activities, a visit to one of Hue’s many fine restaurants to sample some of the local specialties. For the night owls a call in to one of the bars could be in order before retiring. (Breakfast included)

Day 7: Hue
Cruising the Perfume River is the order of the day. This time we head out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The ornate Minh Mangs tomb will be the first stop. From here we will cruise back to the eccentric Tu Ducs tomb, and discover the life of opulence that was led by this Emperor. With the mid day approaching, it will be time to cover the short distance back to the Perfume River and board our Dragon Boat. We will enjoy lunch while cruising back down towards Hue, stopping on the way to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda which is considered the unofficial symbol of Hue. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 8: Hue - Hoi An
As we bid Hue farewell this morning we continue our south bound journey. This time in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. The destination for today is the old trading town of Hoi An. Along the way though we will first stop at Lang Co beach, for coffee and refreshments, then onto the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da nang, where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and Marble Mountains. Arriving in Hoi An we check into our hotel before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring and shopping. (Breakfast included)

Day 9: Hoi An
Today there is plenty of time to discover what Hoi An has to offer. Whether it be visiting the Chinese Assembly halls to any one of the pagodas, spending time in the silk shops having a new wardrobe tailored. You may prefer cycling to the beach about 6 kilometers away, or maybe exploring the waterways with the local women, and visiting the boat yards and ceramic villages. One thing is certain, you will not get bored in this town. Tonight we will dine at one of the many excellent restaurants located here. (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day 10: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we make the 40 minute drive from Hoi An to Danang Airport. From Danang we take the one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where we will be transferred directly to our centrally located hotel. We have an early lunch before we embark on a tour of the city. The tour will include a visit to Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown and home to Vietnams biggest market, the Reunification Palace and the War Crimes museum. This evening we will head out for a night on the town. (Breakfast included)

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple
This morning will start with a 1 hour and 45 minute drive to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This amazing network of tunnels which stretched for over 250 kilometers, and was three levels deep, gives the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war was like. From here we have another hour drive to Tay Ninh, the headquarters for the Cao Dai Sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill. The religion is an odd mix of a number of today’s leading religions. This evening we dine Saigon style for the “Last Supper.” (Breakfast & Farewell dinner included).

Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Today is departure day and time to bid your guide farewell. There will a transfer waiting to take you from the hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam. (Breakfast included)

Trip Price:
If you are interested in the above program kindly contact us for rates which will be dependent on standard of accommodation required, the number of passengers and time of year.

Please don't forget that if you like the majority of the trip but would like to take a few days out or even add more days we are flexible to your requirements.

The Essential Hightlights of Vietnam (10 days)

Hanoi – Halong Bay & Cat Ba Island – Hue – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Saigon
Travel between the major highlights of Vietnam. This trip covers the entire essential must see destinations of the country.

Day 1: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport our guide who will accompany you to your hotel will welcome you. There are no activities planned for today but your guide will be able to offer advice and assistance as required. This evening your guide will return to your hotel to escort you to sample some of Hanoi’s superb cuisine. (Dinner included)

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Island
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we will depart Hanoi for the four hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. On the way we will stop for refreshments and a chance to buy hand made souvenirs at a handicraft center run for disabled peoples. Upon arriving in Ha Long City we board our private boat for a cruise of the crystalline emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch will be served followed by the opportunity for a swim and a visit to some of the limestone caves in this area. Our final destination for today is Cat Ba Island where we overnight. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 3: Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong - Hanoi
Rising early to the sounds of the island coming to life for another day, we make our way to the local dock. Boarding the local ferry we have a simple breakfast on board as we cruise to Vietnams largest sea port and third largest city, Hai Phong. Once back on dry land we are able to stroll around the city, take in some of the fine examples of French colonial architecture; find a local coffee shop before the two-hour drive back to Hanoi.
Back in Hanoi you have a free afternoon before visiting the famous water puppet theater for the one-hour performance of this unique show. (Breakfast included)

Day 4: Hanoi - Hue
Once again we have an early start and transfer to the airport for the 06:30 a.m. flight to the old imperial city of Hue. After we have settled into our hotel and had breakfast we will tour the city aboard bicycles, which will include the Citadel, and the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum and the Dong Ba market. After lunch we will head out of the city to visit some of the old royal tombs in the outlying areas around Hue. Following the tour you will have free time to relax. (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Hue - Hoi An
As we bid Hue farewell this morning we continue our south bound journey. This time in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Before reaching our destination of Hoi An we will first stop at Lang Co beach, for coffee and refreshments, then onto the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Danang, we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and Marble Mountains. Reaching our destination around mid afternoon you have the rest of the day free. (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Hoi An
Today there is plenty of time to discover what Hoi An has to offer. Whether it be visiting the Chinese Assembly halls to any one of the pagodas, spending time in the silk shops having a new wardrobe tailored. You may prefer cycling to the beach about 6 kilometers away, or maybe being rowed along the waterways by the local boat women, and visiting the boat yards and ceramic villages. One thing is certain, you will not get bored in this town. Tonight we will dine at one of the many excellent restaurants located here. (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day 7: Hoi An - Nha Trang
From Hoi An we transfer to Danang airport for the flight to Vietnams premier beach city of Nha Trang. This afternoon we will visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower and the Oceanographic Institute. The remainder of the day is free to relax on the beach. (Breakfast included)

Day 8: Nha Trang
A relaxing day on the water is the plans for today as we board our private boat for a day cruise around the coastal islands. Our first stop will be to a local fishing village to observe island life followed with swimming and snorkeling on some of the coral reefs that surround these islands. As in Halong Bay, a sumptuous fresh local seafood lunch will be served on board to satisfy those hunger pains. Arriving back in port late in the afternoon you will transferred back to your hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
It is only a ten-minute drive to the airport from your hotel where you catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once in Vietnam’s largest city we embark on a 1 hour and 45 minute drive to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This amazing network of tunnels which stretched for over 250 kilometers, and was three levels deep, gives the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war was like. This afternoon there will be free time to catch up on that last minute shopping before we dine in style for the farewell dinner. (Breakfast & Farewell dinner included)

Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Today is departure day and time to bid your guide farewell. There will a transfer waiting to take you from the hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam. (Breakfast included)

Trip Price:
If you are interested in the above program kindly contact us for rates which will be dependent on standard of accommodation required, the number of passengers and time of year.

Please don't forget that if you like the majority of the trip but would like to take a few days out or even add more days we are flexible to your requirements.

Mai Chau Trek (6 day trip / 4 day trek)

Mai Chau and long trek through Ethnic Minority Hill tribe villages.
This trip to the north west highland of Mai Chau offers a balance of cultural and physical activities set amongst some northern Vietnam's stunning natural landscape. We spend 5 nights in the ethnic hill tribes minority villages walking a average of 5 hours a day. We trek for four days through villages in the Mai Chau area and overnight in White Thai and H'mong villages where we have opportunities to observe the local lifestyle of these minority people. From the mountainous region of Mai Chau, we travel back to the nations capital, Hanoi. Travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track often prefer Mai Chau to Sapa.

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hang Kia
We depart Hanoi at 0800 heading west towards Hoa Binh province, two hours away. We will stop here for refreshments. Leaving Hoa Binh we climb towards the Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away, stopping on the way to take in the spectacular scenery. Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the White Thai village of Sa Linh. From here we will start our 3-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts for this evening will be the H'mong minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal. Tonight's accommodation could probably be a little more rustic than you would be used to.
(Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 2: Hang Kia - Van village
This morning we will breakfast with the family, before bidding farewell to our gracious hosts and setting off on a 7-hour trek. On the way we will stop for a picnic lunch of sandwiches and fruit. Around 1600 we arrive at Van Village inhabited by the White Thai people. Our equally hospitable hosts for this evening, will treat us to a fine meal, stories of life in Van village, share their home brewed rice wine with us and traditionally offer a toast to our good health and happiness.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 3: Van village - Xo village
After breakfast we spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages and meeting villagers along the way. After a morning of cultural insights we will return to Van village for lunch. With lunch finished there will time for a short siesta or stroll down to the river before embarking on a 3-hour walk to the village of Xo (pronounced Soh ). Arriving at our new hosts residence around mid to late afternoon, there will be a opportunity to freshen up at the communal well before the sunsets. This evening following dinner, we will have the opportunity for more cultural interaction, before retiring for our second night in a stilt house.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 4: Xo village - Lac village
This morning we breakfast with the family early before bidding farewell to our new friends, it is a five-hour trek from Xo to Lac village where we have lunch. We have the afternoon free to wander around one of the most picturesque Thai villages in Hoa Binh Province and also maybe wander into Mai Chau town itself. This evening is spent in Lac village.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 5: Lac village - Nanh village
From Lac we drive to the Da River, 45 minutes from Mai Chau town, climb board our boat and cruise the river for about a hour. We have a 2-hour trek to a Zao village and a picnic lunch on the way . We have dinner and spend the night at the village.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 6: Mai Chau- Hanoi
We have breakfast at 0730 and leave the village at 0800. We retrace our steps back to the boat and the bus trip back to Hanoi. We get back to Hanoi by 1300.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Sapa Explorer (5 day trip/2 day trek)

Sapa and surrounding Hill tribe villages
At a elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa is a delightful old French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnams' northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minorities groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire.

Many travelers consider Sapa to be the highlight of their stay in Vietnam. The variety of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam is fascinating and nowhere is this ethnic mix more accessible than it is in Sapa, and its outstandingly beautiful valleys. This trip is a condensed and easier version of the 7 day Ethnic Explorer, designed for those people who are put off by the lack of comfort in that trip. The trek takes 2 days and there is only one long walk. We spend one night in one of the more comfortable villages and travel to and from Hanoi by car allowing you to take in as much as possible of the breath-taking scenery in a short time.

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa
Our adventure starts with the drive to the mountain town of Sapa. The journey to Sapa will take the best part of a day but the drive is worth it though, as the scenery that unfolds on our northward journey, and into the highlands is dramatic and breathtaking. Arriving in Sapa late in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel and use what day light there is left to stretch our legs with a short walk around town. This evening we will dine at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2: Sapa
Today we start by getting some exercise with a walk to Cat Cat. As we walk to the village nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the township. Tonight we spend a second night in our hotel at Sapa town.
(Breakfast included)

Day 3: Sapa Hill tribe Villages
We have breakfast at 0800 and set out on our 6-hour trek along buffalo paths and trails at around 0900. We trek through several hill tribe villages named Lao Chai, Cau May & Ta Van. This is one is a absolutely spectacular walk through some stunning scenery. We have a picnic lunch on the way and stay overnight with a family in Ta Van village
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 4: Sapa
We have breakfast at 0730 and leave the village at 0830 for a 2-hour trek to Su Pan village. Here there will be a vehicle waiting to take us back to Sapa. We will arrive back at Sapa by around 1130. This afternoon there is free time to relax or wander around for further exploration of the town. We spend tonight at a local guesthouse.
(Breakfast included)

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi
This morning we will have a early breakfast and depart for Hanoi by 0700. On the way we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. We will be back in Hanoi by around 1600.
(Breakfast included)

2 day Ha Long Kayak adventure

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long City
This morning sees us depart the capital city of Hanoi for Ha Long City, about four hours drive away. Upon arrival, we then transfer to a private boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. Our destination today is Cat Ba Island where we spend our first night in a guesthouse or camp on Ba Cat Beach (weather permitting).

Day 2: Cat Ba Island-Hai Phong-Hanoi
Today we spend the morning kayaking around the stunning Ha Long Bay before returning to Cat Ba Island for lunch and a little exploration of the island. In the afternoon we board a hydrofoil for a one-hour ride to the port city of Hai Phong. Here we transfer to our vehicle for a 2-hour journey back to Hanoi.

4 day Ha Long Kayak adventure

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long City
This morning sees us depart the capital city of Hanoi for Ha Long City, about four hours drive away. Upon arrival, we then transfer to a private boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. Our destination today is Cat Ba Island where we spend our first night together in a guesthouse or camp on beach Ba Cat beach (weather permitting).

Day 2: Ha Long Bay
Today we have a full day kayaking, in the World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay. Firstly we will paddle to our campsite on the deserted Nam Cat beach around one to two hours away. Then we will set off to explore some of the magnificent caves and lagoons in the area. Around four p.m. we will arrive back to Nam Cat beach and set up camp for the night (weather permitting).

Day 3: Nam Cat Beach - Ho Ba Ham Island
We break camp after breakfast, and load our camping equipment and personal effects onto the support vessel, before paddling to Ho Ba Ham island. We set up camp and have lunch before the option of additional kayaking to explore the surrounding area in the afternoon. After our local cooks have prepared our evening meal there is time to sit around the camp for some cultural exchanges with our guides and support staff.

Day 4: Ho Ba Ham Island - Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong - Hanoi
Following breakfast this morning, we break camp, load our camping equipment onto the support vessel, and kayak back to Cat Ba island for lunch and a little time to explore the island. Late this afternoon we board a hydrofoil for a one-hour cruise to the port city of Hai Phong. It is here that we meet with our vehicle for the two-hour drive back to Hanoi.

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