The Ultimate Vietnam Adventure

Day 1 - Hanoi

Your adventure begins in the eclectic, ancient Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Meet with your fantastic Busabout guide and get a feel for what’s to come before heading out on an epic tour of Hanoi’s world-renowned street foods. Get lost in the tastes and smells of the delicious dishes on offer ranging from the amazingly tasty bun cha noodle dish, to unique egg coffee. Once you’ve had your fill of tasty delicacies we head off to the international corner to experience a local institution, the refreshing taste of the daily-brewed and preservative-free draught beer Bia Hoi. Later, you’re free to explore the local bars and relax with a shisha as you get to know your new Busabout squad.

Day 2 | Hanoi - Mai Chau

• This morning we head west through the gorgeous Vietnamese countryside en route to the jaw-dropping beauty of Mai Chau. Keep your cameras at the ready as we navigate the shimmering green patchwork of rice fields dotted with rustic stilt houses before stopping at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Mai Chau valley. We are treated to a scrumptious included lunch upon arrival at our stilted accommodations before hopping on a bicycle and burning off some calories, as we cycle with a local guide through this idyllic valley. This evening the sun paints the valley in kaleidoscopic splendour as you enjoy a refreshing sundowner in a local bar. Tonight we are treated to a locally sourced traditional meal at the homestay and a few too many glasses of the potent local rice wine.

DAY 3: MAI CHAU TO PHONG NHA-KE BANG

Kick back and relax as we make our way south to the pristine natural wonder of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed park in the evening and check in to our accommodation shortly after. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to the Easy Tiger Bar to soak up the atmosphere as a live band provides the soundtrack to an unforgettable adventures

Day 4: Phong Nha Ke Bang

Prepare for a full day lost in the wilderness of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We begin today’s optional caving adventure amidst the jaw dropping beauty of Paradise Cave, discovered a mere 13 years ago this is the longest dry cave in the park and features some truly majestic natural structures formed within. We emerge to daylight just in time for a delicious lunch to recharge batteries before catching Vietnam’s longest zip line to our next destination: the pitch black, mud filled playpen of the Dark Cave. Spend some time frolicking in the mud and enjoying the activities by torchlight before emerging into the Asian sun and having a splash in the river to clean up and cool off. Tonight we offer a delicious optional BBQ dinner, and we do hope you’ll join us before returning to the Easy Tiger for another fun-filled evening!

DAY 5: PHONG NHA KE BANG TO HUE

• We say our goodbyes to this scenic location as we head to Hue, with a stop en route at the Vinh Moc tunnels to learn the fascinating history of this underground city. We arrive in Hue in time to grab a delicious local bite to eat before checking into the hotel. Cyclos descend upon the hotel to whisk us away on an optional excursion to see the highlights of Vietnam’s ancient capital! We’ll begin with a locally-guided tour of the awe inspiring Imperial Citadel, before heading to the towering Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. This evening we’ll head out for drinks on the town to better experience the vibrant nightlife on offer in Hue.

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An 

• This morning we’ll be stopping at the #instaworthy Golden Hand Bridge to enjoy amazing views over the surrounding countryside. We arrive this afternoon in the city frozen in time, Hoi An before heading off for an optional lunch followed by a visit to the famous Yaly Couture for those looking for bespoke clothing. The rest of the day is yours to explore the stunningly preserved Old Town and soak up the rich local history. Tonight head out and experience the lively local atmosphere!

Day 7: Hoi An

• Head out into town and delve the depths of this historic city! This afternoon we offer an incredible taste of local life on an optional Eco Tour and cooking class hosted by your knowledgeable guide, Mr Chu. Cycle around the countryside and learn the local history and customs before learning to fish and crab from a basket boat. Explore the narrow yet beautiful channels as you make your way to the Chu family home for a lesson in traditional Vietnamese cuisine where you’ll learn how to cook your very own delicious meal, featuring spring rolls, xeo, and more! This evening submerge yourself in the vibrant nightlife of this coastal gem.

Day 8: Hoi An to Nha Trang (Overnight Train)

• This is your final day to enjoy ancient Hoi An and her many attractions! We recommend a trip to the pristine local beaches to enjoy a lazy day soaking up the sun and surf, so grab the sunscreen and work on that tan whilst sipping on a fresh coconut and taking in your stunning surroundings. This evening we bid farewell to our portside paradise as we transfer to our overnight train, continuing south along the coast for our morning arrival at the immaculate azure waters of the capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang

• We arrive into the idyllic seaside city of Nha Trang early this morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring Nha Trang’s numerous spectacular sights and tourist attractions. Later we head into the night to experience the renowned nightlife in this shimmering Vietnamese metropolis!

Day 10: Nha Trang - Dalat

• This morning we say goodbye to the coast and head inland towards the capital of Lam Dong Province with a stop en route at the Po Nagar Cham Towers. We have included entry into this ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of the country, Yan Po Nagar. We arrive in Dalat in the early afternoon and have a short orientation walk. Afterwards, the day is yours to enjoy. Be sure to check out the otherworldly “Crazy House” and its odd, organic architecture!

Day 11: Dalat

• Enjoy the city and explore its numerous impressive landmarks at your leisure or join Mr Rot for his optional Secret Tour. Visit numerous attractions including cricket farms, a local market, silkworm farms, coffee plantations, the thundering Elephant Falls, local villages, and beautiful scenery. Mr Rot prides himself on providing an authentic Vietnamese experience, so everything you see will be off the beaten path! We arrive from the Secret Tour in the evening and after grabbing a bite to eat, we’ll head out for a surreal drinking experience in the eccentric surrounds of 100 Roofs Cafe, which has to be seen to be believed.

Day 12: Dalat - Ho chi Minh City

• Today we head to the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. We have two stops en route, beginning with the stunning Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Explore the temple’s fascinating decorations made of reclaimed glass and ceramic, and see the giant glass dragon sculpture! Our second stop is for lunch at the banks of an idyllic local river. We arrive in old Saigon in the afternoon and have an orientation walk to highlight the numerous sights of this historic city. After dinner we dance the night away at a nearby Vietnamese club.

Day 13 | Ho Chi Minh City

• Today we offer an optional excursion to explore the Cu Chi tunnels! Located a few hours northwest of old Saigon, the tunnel complex was an important store and hideout for the Viet Cong during the war. In the afternoon we visit the War Remnants Museum, formerly the American War Crimes Museum, to gain vivid insight into the conflict from a local perspective. This evening we shine our shoes and get dressed to the nines as we enjoy our final evening together! We head to a local restaurant, followed off by a trip into the backpacker triangle to put the bow on this epic Asian adventure!

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

Check-out is after breakfast!

Tour starts from:

Hanoi, Hanoi at 6:00pm

Tour ends in:

Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City at 10:00am

Accommodation is included for this trip. You will stay in 2-3 star hotels (11 nights), homestay shared room (1 night), overnight train air-conditioned carriage (1 night).

You can upgrade to a single upgrade from MyTrip once you have made a booking.

* All upgrades are subject to availability.

Here is the list of available optional activities, excursions and freetime avaiable on this trip:

• Explore the Old Quarter, Hanoi
• Taste Hanoi’s delicious street food on our Street Food Tour
• Join the locals for a Beer Hoi, Hanoi
• Cycle around the local villages of Mai Chau
• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Phong Nha Ke Bang Caves, an area yet to be discovered by mainstream tourism
• Marvel at the Paradise Cave & swim in mud caverns at the Dark Cave, Phong Nha Ke Bang
• Pass through the DMZ which split north and south during the Vietnam conflict of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
• Enjoy a cyclo ride and visit the Emperor's tombs, pagodas & Citadel, Hue
• Travel over the stunning Hai Van Pass between Hue and Hoi An
• Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Hoi An’s Old town and invest in bespoke tailored clothing
• Learn to cook the local cuisine, Hoi An
• Ride the rails of Vietnam as we take the overnight train to Nha Trang
• Enjoy Nha Trang's great beaches and nightlife
• Sail and snorkel around the islands off Nha Trang
• Get active at the adventure playground of Dalat
• Visit the Disneyland-like Linh Phuoc Temple, which is made from broken ceramic and bottles
• Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

All optional extras and excursions will be available to book through your Guide on the trip.

At United Travels we sell various types of medical insurance designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. Call us or message us for a free quote.

Yes, depending on availability there is no problem to change dates (a small fee applies). If the new date is more expensive the difference will also need to be paid. You can also transfer the funds you’ve already paid over to another trip of the same or higher value if you change your mind, as long as it’s outside of the notification period.

YES,

Airfare is included in the package. Depending on what dates you want for the 14 day tour we will will give you a quote that includes the price for both the Roundtrip Airfare and the 14 day Vietnam Tour. If you are based in Canada the price for the entire package including airfare starts at $2899. However, please contact us for the exact details on pricing.