Compare Highlights of Vietnam by Exodus Travels vs Bike, Hike and Kayak Northern Vietnam by World Expeditions
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,830 | $ 2,020 |
| Price Per Day | $ 183 | $ 184 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | N/A |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with a variety of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot bowl of pho (noodle soup). Also seek out the national drinks: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
This highlight-packed trip encapsulates the magic of Vietnam: the conservative north, imperial cities, majestic coastlines, idyllic countryside, sky-scraping mountains, and the effervescent life of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Along the way, we see an outgoing culture, where so much happens in the streets: eating, washing, socialising, buying, selling and impromptu games. This intriguing parade of Vietnamese daily life may leave us with our strongest memories, as much as the superb landscapes and amazing cuisine.Discover a magical land of paddies and pagodas, mountains and metropolises, caves, coasts and countryside |
As you paddle, cycle and trek around northern Vietnam you will gain a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures of this wonderful country |
Day 1 Start Hanoi
Depending on your arrival time, you might like to start exploring this fascinating city by strolling the broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings from a past era. There is a welcome briefing this evening with your leader followed by a welcome dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise that trains and employs underprivileged young people. The delicious food provides a fitting welcome to Vietnam and a chance to bond with your group. Accommodation: May De Ville Trendy Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 2 To Ha Long Bay; cruise among limestone formations; overnight on boat
We have an early start for the approximate four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, where roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rise from the emerald sea. Here we board a boat, navigate this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch. We stay overnight in twin-share cabins with private bathrooms. Accommodation: Overnight boat
Day 3 Transfer back to Hanoi; overnight train to Dong Hoi
We continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi where we have a bit of free time to explore. You might like to join the local people by pulling up a plastic stool and sampling one of the many street food offerings; the bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs) is particularly good. Late afternoon, we transfer to the train station to board our overnight train to Dong Hoi, 310mi (500km) south of Hanoi. Accommodation: Overnight train
Day 4 Discover the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Arriving at Dong Hoi at sunrise, we take a short transfer to our hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. We then journey (approximately one hour) to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, it is home to the oldest karst mountains in Asia, plus hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers. We first visit Phong Nha cave by boat. After, we stop for lunch before discovering the Thien Duong cave, known locally as Paradise Cave. This was only discovered in 2005 by scientists from the British Cave Research Association with the help of a local man who had heard the mountains ‘whistling’ while farming. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Dong Hoi, where we have time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Sam Quang Binh Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 To Hue via the war tunnels of Vinh Moc
For early risers, there is an optional visit to the Dong Hoi Fish Market, where buyers and sellers haggle over baskets brimming with the latest catch. We then journey to Hue after breakfast, stopping en route at the Vinh Moc war tunnels. Less well-known than the Cu Chi tunnels in the south, these were predominantly used as bomb shelters during the Vietnam War. Village life carried on underground: children went to school, hospitals were established and films were even played using power from a generator. We next stop at the Hien Luong Bridge which crosses the Ben Hai River, which formed part of the border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 until reunification in 1975. We arrive in Hue mid-afternoon with free time before an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Park View Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Hue city tour; transfer to Hoi An
It is said that Hue is the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. The most outstanding sight is the Imperial Citadel, which has walls 6mi (9.5km) long; inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping bomb holes reveal the destruction wreaked upon the country. This morning, we visit the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protest in the early 1960s and houses the Austin car that transported monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers around the world. After lunch, we leave for Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, 12mi (19km) of road winds up and over the fortress of mountains providing breath-taking views of the coast. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 7 Walking tour of Hoi An; free time to explore the market
This morning includes a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market and shops selling silk clothes. This afternoon is free. One popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside past local markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 8 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City; visit main sites
We drive to Da Nang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand by modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. We include a visit to the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam/American War but some images are very graphic. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day trip to Mekong Delta
Journeying out of the city, we head to the lush countryside that is the Mekong Delta for a day tour. Known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, this region produces most of the country’s fruit, sugarcane and coconuts. We take a boat along the many tributaries and stop to see cottage industries along the way. We journey by sampan, a traditional low-riding wooden boat still used by the local people as the main form of transport. After sampling some of the local produce, we return to Ho Chi Minh City where your leader will organise an optional farewell group dinner. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 End Ho Chi Minh City
Our Vietnam exploration ends today after breakfast. However, if you’re not quite ready for the adventure to stop, speak to your sales representative about our extension to Angkor in Cambodia, probably the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia.
Day 1 Hanoi Arrival and Wecome Meal
If you’re flying into Hanoi today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. Please look for the WORLD EXPEDITIONS welcome sign outside Gate A1 of the arrivals hall. Following some time to relax and refresh, later in the afternoon your guide will hold a trip briefing in the hotel lobby after which you are invited to a welcome meal with a local family. Learn and share customs and traditions over an authentic Hanoian meal with your friendly host family. Vietnamese cuisine emphasises the use of fresh seasonal produce and a vast array of herbs and spices to produce its distinctive flavours. Perhaps you’ll also pick up a few Vietnamese phrases to use throughout your trip.
meals : D
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Show
Today we enjoy the sights of Hanoi, starting the morning with a walk through the Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chiu Minh read the Proclamation of Independence in 1945. The large square is dominated by the Soviet inspired Mausoleum of the revolutionary leader. Surrounding the square are the Presidential Palace and National Assembly Building. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This location marks the centre of unbroken political stronghold of the region for over 1000 years. Only the foundations of the original fort remains but many later structures provide a great insight into the site’s historical importance including during the Vietnamese – American War. We continue on to the Temple of Literature which hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first university dating back to C11th. Dedicated to to Confucius, sages and scholars, the Temple is a fine example of the ancient architectural styles of several dynasties. Next up is the Museum of Ethnology which features a fascinating and well presented collection of art, artifacts and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam’s diverse ethnic minorities. The afternoon will be spent exploring the heart of the city, the buzzing Old Quarter. Each street in the district used to be specialised in a specific art, manufacture or commerce and many streets still retain those original names. In the evening we head out to enjoy a water puppet performance, a traditional art form closely linked with the agricultural roots of the Vietnamese people on the Red River Delta. Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum opens in the morning only and closes on Mondays & Fridays and the whole months of September & October for anual maintenance. Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts is closed on Monday & Friday afternoon. Most of Hanoi’s museums also close on Mondays, except Museum of Vietnam Women & Museum of Vietnam Fine Arts.
meals : B
Day 3 Drive to Mai Chau, afternoon hike
This morning we’ll head out for breakfast as the locals do. We’ll enjoy a bowl of Pho, Vietnamese noodle soup and a coffee the local way before taking the drive to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh Province. En route we’ll stop by the Muong Cultural Space, a private museum dedicated to the Muong ethnic group, the biggest minority group in Hoa Binh province. We continue on, stopping in Van Village for lunch before reaching Xa Linh Village from where we’ll start our hiking adventure. We pass through idyllic valleys with lush woodland and terraced tea plantations hemmed in by hills. Our destination for the night is a homestay in Hang Kia, an ethnic Hmong village surrounded by peach and plum trees. Hiking distance: ~6.5km Overnight at homestay in Hang Kia Village.
meals : B,L,D
Day 4 Hike to Cun Pheo then Cycle in Mai Hich
After breakfast bid farewell to your host. Walk further through Hang Kia Village before entering the unpaved road leading to Thung Mai. You'll then turn to small dirt trails through the jungle. Most of this morning's route is going downhill to land of Thai ethnic minority. Nearly reaching Cun Pheo you can see rice fields and typical local house-on-stilts. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Cun Pheo. Hop on your bike and cycle on flat trails through the villages and fields of Buoc and Muoi Villages where you can see Thai farmers on their daily works. Continue walk through the villages of Sun, Ngoa and Den where you have plenty of opportunities to meet friendly local people and enjoy scenic landscape of fields and mountains. From the foot of Den Bridge embark on a bamboo raft and paddle down Xia Stream. Enjoy the scenery along the stream banks, with bamboo groves, karst mountains and buffaloes leisurely eating grass. Continue to Mai Hich Village. Have dinner while enjoying Thai traditional music performed by villagers. Hiking distance: ~9.5km Cycling distance: ~18km Overnight at homestay in Mai Hich Village.
meals : B,L,D
Day 5 Cycle to Khanh Village
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the host and head out of Mai Hich. Cycle on the quiet and peaceful backroads on the way to Cuc Phuong National Park. Arrive at Khanh village of Muong ethnic minority people where you will spend the overnight here. This will be an unforgettable experience as you could explore the lifestyles of local people here and enjoy the local dishes. Cycling distance: ~30-60km (adjusted to suit group) Overnight at homestay in Khanh Village.
meals : B,L,D
Day 6 Hiking Jungle Trails in Cuc Phuong National Park
After breakfast, start hiking along the jungle trail then gradually climbing uphill to enter the dense jungle of Cuc Phuong National Park. During the trek, you will see many different types of plants and trees, and take on a lot of ascents and descents. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of giant trees. You'll reach Bong at the center of the park in the mid-afternoon where your vehicle pick you up and transfer to the National Park’s headquarter. Explore the Visitor Centre, Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Turtle Conservation Centre and Carnivore & Pangolin Education Centre to learn about animal conservation efforts of the National Park. Hiking distance: ~16km Overnight at National Park’s Guethouse.
meals : B,L,D
Day 7 Transfer to Ninh Binh, Cycling and Sanpan boat trip
After breakfast drive to Ninh Binh to have a full day to explore Ninh Binh by bike. Start cycling along Van Long Nature Reserve Cycle through the countryside and villages. Next is Hoa Lu, which was the capital under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century. Its palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions, built by different dynasties, still carry the features of an ancient imperial capital. Board a sampan for an extended journey along the winding river lined with trees and limestone mountains of Trang An. You will stop by several small, historic temples which are the pride of the area’s inhabitants. The lush forests, clear river water, fresh air, magical caves and dramatic mountains will charm you from first glance. Cycling distance: ~30-40km (adjusted to sit group) Overnight in Ninh Binh.
meals : B,L
Day 8 Ha Long Bay Cruise
Breakfast at hotel before heading out to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival we will join our traditional ‘junk’ sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. We will spend the rest of the day cruising in our boat around the myriad of tiny islands and exploring the many grottoes created by the wind and the waves. While on board we will have a fresh seafood lunch. In the afternoon explore Vung Vieng floating village by kayak before swimming, sunbathing and relaxing at Ban Chan beach. Relax back at the boat as we cruise to docking area where the boat will anchor overnight. Kayaking duration: ~1 hour Dinner and overnight on board. Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund.
meals : B,L,D
Day 9 Ha Long Bay Kayaking
Start your day with tai chi exercise on the sundeck. After breakfast, transfer to the day boat to Cap La area for kayaking. After lunch, cruise to Cong Do area for further kayaking and swimming. Return to main boat. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day on board. Kayaking duration: ~4 hours Dinner and overnight on board.
meals : B,L,D
Day 10 Ha Long Bay, return Hanoi
After breakfast kayak around Thien Canh Son Cave area. Enjoy the last of the Ha Long Bay scenery over lunch as the boat cruises back to shore. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Kayaking duration: ~1 hour Overnight in Hanoi.
meals : B,L
Day 11 In Hanoi, trip concludes
The day is free at your leisure until transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!
meals : B
