Compare Bike, Hike and Kayak Northern Vietnam by World Expeditions vs Authentic Cambodia and Vietnam In 14 Days by Realistic 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

Day 1 Welcome to Cambodia - Siem Reap Arrival

Your Cambodia and Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 Explore The Capital Of Ancient Khmer (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore the famous Angkor complex. Start your exploration with the visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the best-preserved holy Buddhist gateway to Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century. Then visit Bayon Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanaka, the Elephant Terrace, and Leper King Terrace. Continue to Ta Prohm, a famous temple covered by trees growing out of the ruins. This temple is where the most impressive scenes of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed.

In the afternoon, you will visit Hindu temples Thommanon, Chaosay Tevoda, and Ta Keo, the small, attractive temples in a good condition, built all the same time as Angkor Wat. Then continue to Angkor Wat - one of the “7th Wonders of the World” and a World Heritage Site since 1992. Famous for its beauty and splendor Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. After visiting Angkor Wat, you will get to the top of Bakheng Hill for sunset viewing. Bakheng is the first temple constructed in the Angkor area. This mountain temple offers extraordinary views of the Tonle Sap and Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3 Siem Reap - Travel to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Sightseeing (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your transfer to Phnom Penh by air-conditioned bus. In the afternoon you will visit the Royal Palace, which is currently a residence of His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal family. The palace looks like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, which serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. Finally visit Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh It was built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 4 Phnom Penh Sightseeing - Flight To Ho Chi Minh (B) - flight included

Have breakfast at the hotel, then visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeng Ek to be executed. Then visit Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market). Here you can find everything: clothing, a large selection of Buddha images and woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry, and classic musical instrument. Then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 5 Discover The Fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels (B) - group tour

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnels around 8:00-8:30 am. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served. Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 6 Sailing Through Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L) - group tour

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.

Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farms, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.

Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 7 Flight From Vibrant Ho Chi Minh to Graceful Hue (B) - flight included

Relish the remaining moment in Ho Chi Minh before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Hue. When you arrive at Hue airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city center. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8 Hue City Tour (B/L) - group tour

Hue City is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Thua Thien Hue province, and used to be an old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. During this time, the most remarkable architectural monuments were constructed, which now are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 8:00-8:30 am.

Start your exploration with the boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, which is the oldest pagodas in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you will also visit the Royal Antiques Museum to see the collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Then head to the bustling Dong Ba market.

Have delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, which represents the Confucian style. On the way, you will also visit conical hats and incense sticks villages. You will be back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9 Travel from Hue To The Most Picturesque Old Town Hoi An (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 10 Hoi An Basket Boat and Fishing Tour - group tour Flight to Hanoi (B/L)

Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you for a cycle trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside, you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the neighborhood. After that, you will board a boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Later, you will take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. After the boat trip, have delicious lunch and cycle back to your hotel. Later our driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11 Excursion To The Natural Wonder Of The World - Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 12 Halong Bay - Back To Tranquil Capital (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 13 Getaway From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.

Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc's life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.

Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.

Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields. Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village. Later, enjoy a transfer from Ba Vi back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 14 Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Trip Ends.