Vietnam Adventure - 12 Days

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in, feel free to either explore the area or relax until it's time to join your group for a welcome dinner, where you can meet your fellow travelers.

Later, you can enjoy a swim in the hotel pool and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 59. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Ho Chi Minh City - Danang. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a walking tour to explore our city’s famous sights and hidden gems. We’ll then prepare for a unique cultural experience by learning our national sport, Da Cao, or “foot badminton.” This energetic game is a favourite pastime, played in parks across the country.

We’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics from one of our local teams, supported through our community projects. After the lesson, we’ll return to our hotel to freshen up before heading to the train station for our overnight journey to Da Nang.

Danang - Hoi An. Upon arrival, our team takes us to the banks of the Thu Bon River, where we enjoy a quick lunch before setting off on our kayaks. As we paddle through the river, we make our way toward Hoi An’s historic old town, getting a unique view of the city that most visitors miss. Slowly, the town comes into view, its streets and buildings gradually revealing themselves.

Once we dock, we walk to our hotel to freshen up. In the evening, you can relax by the pool, explore the Night Market, or visit one of the local tailors to have something custom-made.

Rise and shine! This morning, you’ll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island, passing lush rice paddies and farmland at your own pace. Stop for photos or keep pedalling — the choice is yours.

Along the way, you’ll take part in a meaningful, hands-on workshop that transforms used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap. Learn how this simple yet powerful initiative helps prevent pollution, provides additional income for local women and youth, and protects Hoi An’s natural environment. After seeing the impact for yourself (and even washing your hands with your own creation), the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Hit the beach or continue exploring Hoi An’s many charms!

Hoi An - Hue. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off for Hue, also known as the Imperial City, in style! Our journey will begin with the scenic drive up the renowned Hai Van Pass. This iconic route offers us stunning coastal vistas and sharp hairpin bends that will take our breath away.

Along the way, we’ll pass by a stunning waterfall, stop for lunch, and navigate through enchanting rural backroads. We’ll arrive in the historic town of Hue, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, in the afternoon.

Hu - Ninh Binh. This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel to Thuy Bieu Village, taking in Hue’s scenery from a fresh perspective along the way. Enjoy a gentle walk through the village, visit Luong Quan Communal House, and explore the hundred-year-old garden home of Ho Xuan Dai, where you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class. After visiting the local market to learn about traditional ingredients, your host will guide you through preparing Hue’s signature dishes before sitting down to enjoy your creations together.

In the afternoon, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, followed by a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue’s most enduring symbols. Later, return to the hotel for a short rest before boarding the overnight train to Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh - Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Today, you’ll set off for Pu Luong National Park, one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, stop at the peaceful Chua Ngoc Chau Temple to enjoy a relaxing meal before continuing to Don Village, where a traditional homestay awaits.

After settling in, take a refreshing break, then embark on a scenic trek through bamboo forests and terraced rice fields. Your route leads to the serene Hieu Waterfalls, nestled between limestone hills, offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.

After breakfast, begin a trek across a suspension bridge to one of Pu Luong’s most scenic villages. Stroll through tranquil rice fields and past the region’s iconic giant water wheels, learning about native herbs and plants along the way. Once the loop is complete, join a Com Lam cooking class to prepare traditional snacks — “bamboo sticky rice” — and discover the cultural significance of bamboo in Pu Luong.

After lunch, enjoy some leisure time exploring the charm of hillside village life. Observe daily routines, wander through working farms and rice fields, and deepen your understanding of the local culture.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Hanoi. As we bid farewell to our homestay family and the scenic beauty of Pu Luong, after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Once we have arrived in Hanoi and checked in, we will join our group for a walk through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, followed by a delicious food tour featuring local delicacies. Prepare for an exciting culinary adventure!

Hanoi - Halong Bay. Today, we’re leaving the city's hustle behind for breathtaking bay views as we board a traditional boat to explore the renowned Ha Long Bay. Our cruise takes us north to the less-visited Bai Tu Long area, where pristine landscapes await. Experience the beauty of Cap La Island by kayaking around its stunning surroundings. There's also the chance to take a dip!

As the day ends, we’ll enjoy sunset drinks and a dinner on deck.

Please note: Please note: We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with only the essentials, as storage space on board is limited. Don’t worry about the rest of your luggage, it will be securely stored at your hotel in Hanoi, ready for you when you return after your overnight stay.

Halong Bay - Hanoi. Today, you can start your day with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the morning views of the bay.

Around 11.30am, you’ll return to Hanoi with time to freshen up before being transferred to Hanoi Railway Station for your overnight train to Lao Cai tonight.

Our Vietnamese adventure concludes as we bid farewell to our guide and fellow travellers,