The Vietnam Adventure - 12 Days

From £1,279

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female58%
  • Male42%

Average age

26
18 Min59 Max

Start / End

  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hanoi

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

5 - 22

Meals included

18

Highlights

  • Exploring the spectacular coasts and towns of Vietnam!
  • Experience an overnight sleeper train, a truly authentic activity!
  • Kayak in the Thu Bon river and Ha Long Bay (Beginners are welcome!)
  • Visit a UNESCO site and join a meaningful hands-on workshop that turns used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap!
  • Explore national parks and enjoy real local food during a home stay
Recommended before you book

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Get ready for the ultimate Vietnam group tour, where you’ll step off the beaten track and dive straight into local life. Wander through hidden corners of vibrant cities, stay in traditional homestays surrounded by rice paddies, and soak up the magic of Bai Tu Long Bay on a traditional boat. From the lively streets of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of Pu Luong and the historic charm of Hue, this is Vietnam – real, raw, and unforgettable.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Vietnam!

    Good Morning Vietnam! Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from the airport and a smooth ride to your hotel in HCMC. Once you're checked in, you've got the whole day to explore or chill out. Later, meet your crew for an epic welcome dinner with new friends. Cap it all off with a dip in the rooftop pool, taking in those stunning city views.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Victory Saigon Hotel (or similar) Activities: Welcome Dinner Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Dinner Physical Rating: Low

  • Day 2

    Ho Chi Minh City, Walking Tour & Overnight Train

    Kick off your Vietnam adventure with an orientation walk through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Take in the energy of Saigon as you wander busy boulevards, explore local markets, and start uncovering the hidden corners that make this city so exciting. It is the perfect way to settle in and get a real feel for life here.

    Later, join the locals at Le Van Tam Park for a relaxed game of foot badminton. Jump in for some laughs, light movement, and easygoing fun. No experience needed, just good vibes and a great way to connect with people and the city.

    After freshening up at the hotel, head to the train station and board your overnight sleeper train to Da Nang, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.

    Accommodation: Overnight Train to Da Nang Activities: City Orientation Walk, Local Foot Badminton Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Medium

  • Day 3

    Hoi An: Ancient Town Walk

    After your overnight train, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation to freshen up before the exploring Hoi An on an Ancient Town Walking Tour. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there is so much to see and learn about in this beautiful town.

    After your tour, enjoy some free time to take in the atmosphere. Wander through Hoi An Market and browse the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its local tailoring, so you can visit a tailor or craftsman to have custom clothing or bags made, creating a unique keepsake from your trip.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar) Activities: Ancient Town Walking Tour, Visit a Tailorshop Optional Extras: N/A Meals: N/A Physical Rating: Medium/High

  • Day 4

    Enjoy Hoi An: Cycling, Soap Making and Kayaking on Sunset

    Rise and shine! This morning, you’ll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island, passing lush rice paddies and farmlands at your own pace. Stop for photos or keep pedalling, the choice is yours. Along the way, you’ll join a meaningful hands-on workshop that turns used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap. You’ll learn how this simple yet powerful initiative prevents pollution, supports local women and youth with extra income, and protects Hoi An’s natural environment.

    In the afternoon, you'll get to see Hoi An from a whole new angle as you paddle down the river by kayak at sunset to experience the lantern town.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar) Activities: Cycling tour, Soap making workshop, Sunset Kayak Paddle Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Medium

  • Day 5

    To Hue & Hai Van Pass

    Fuel up with breakfast, then get ready for a road trip to Hue in true style. You’ll journey up the iconic Hai Van Pass, famous for its sweeping coastal views and winding mountain roads.

    By afternoon, you’ll roll into Hue, the historic Imperial City and former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Here you will get to visit the Imperial Citadel and learn about this UNESCO Heritage listed spot.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Park View Hotel (or similar) Activities: Imperial Citadel Visit Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Low

  • Day 6

    The Imperial City, Hue

    This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and head to Thuy Bieu village, taking in Hue’s beauty from a fresh perspective. Wander through the village, visit Luong Quan communal house, and explore the hundred-year-old garden home of Ho Xuan Dai, where you’ll join a hands-on cooking class.

    After a stop at the local market to learn about traditional ingredients, your host will guide you through preparing Hue’s signature dishes before you sit down to enjoy your creations.

    In the afternoon, visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue’s most enduring symbols. Return to the hotel for a short rest and free-time for the rest of the afternoon. You will then be boarding the night train to Ninh Binh.

    Accommodation: Overnight train to Ninh Binh Activities: Garden House Visit, Cooking Class, Thien Mu Pagoda visit Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Physical Rating: Low

  • Day 7

    Thung Nang Boat Ride & Pu Luong Park

    Arrive at the train station and head straight into one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural regions. First you'll have do the relaxing Thung Nang boat ride, where a landscape of paddy fields and limestone karst will welcome you to the area.You will then continue on to Pu Luong.

    Travel by bus toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, known for its terraced rice fields, peaceful valleys, and strong local traditions. Once in Don Village, settle into your local homestay and take some time to relax.

    Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Pu Luong Valley home (or similar) Activities: Thung Nang Boat Ride Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Dinner Physical Rating: Medium

  • Day 8

    Pu Luong Park: Trek to Hieu Waterfalls

    After breakfast, you'll be heading out on a scenic trek through bamboo forests and terraced rice fields. Your path will lead to the serene Hieu Waterfalls, tucked between limestone hills and offering a perfect touch of adventure and tranquility.

    Here have the choice of swimming in the waterfalls and relaxing on the bank. You will then have lunch before heading back to the village. Then, on your own terms, explore the area with some free-time.

    Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Pu Luong Valley home (or similar) Activities: Trek to Hieu Waterfalls Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Physical Rating: Medium/High

  • Day 9

    Bang Cong, Cooking Class, Rafting & on to Hanoi

    In the morning you will do the Bang Cong walk. Trek across a suspension bridge to one of Pu Luong's most scenic villages, winding through rice fields and past the region's iconic giant water wheels and learn about native herbs along the way.

    You will then get the treat of participating in a Com Lam cooking class to make bamboo sticky rice and discover the significance of bamboo to the local culture. Next is the fun of bamboo rafting where you will paddle upstream with your guide.

    Finally, you'll be moving from nature to the city as you travel to Vietnam's most famous city: Hanoi. Once you arrive, rest up before heading out in the evening for a guided street food tour.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoa Binh Hotel(or similar) Activities: Bang Cong Walk, Com Lam Cooking Class, Bamboo Rafting, Street Food Tour Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Physical Rating: Medium

  • Day 10

    Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay

    Today, you’ll leave the city behind and journey to the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay, a World Heritage-listed wonder that’s every bit as magical as its reputation. From the harbour, board your boat and cruise between towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. You'll also make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? As the day winds down, you'll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.

    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.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Renea Cruise (or similar) Activities: Ha Long Bay Cruise, Kayaking & Bai Tu Long Bay ?Impact Moment Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Physical Rating: Low/Medium

  • Day 11

    Bai Tu Long Bay to Hanoi

    Start your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, accompanied by tea, coffee, and light pastries as the bay drifts by. Spend the rest of the morning soaking up the scenery or simply relaxing on deck before enjoying brunch on board and a visit to Thein Canh Son Cave. Around 11.30am, you’ll return to Hanoi and check into your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace.

    Accommodation:Twin/Double Rooms – Hoa Binh Hotel (or similar) Activities: Tai Chi, Thein Canh Son Cave Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast, Brunch Physical Rating: Low/Medium

  • Day 12

    Goodbye!

    Today is where we say goodbye! Your tour guide will help arrange your onward travel (at own expense).

    Accommodation: N/A Activities: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: N/A

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    1 Night in Ho Chi Minh in a central city hotel (Twin-Share) 1 Overnight Sleeper train Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang 2 Nights in Hoi An 1 Night Hue 1 Overnight Sleeper train Hue to Ninh Binh 2 Nights Pu Luong 1 Night in Hanoi 1 Night Ha Long/Bai Tan Bay 1 Night in Hanoi

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 5

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Nov 2026

    from £1,279
  • Dec 2026

    from £1,279
  • Jan 2027

    from £1,279
  • Feb 2027

    from £1,279
  • Mar 2027

    from £1,279
  • Apr 2027

    from £1,279
  • May 2027

    from £1,279
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,279
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,279
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,279
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,279
  • Oct 2027

    from £1,279
  • Nov 2027

    from £1,279
  • Dec 2027

    from £1,279

December 2026

2 departures
private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

  • Travel with just your own group
    No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
  • Travel on your schedule
    Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
  • Exclusively for your party
    Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
No obligation — we'll come back to you with a quote

Customer reviews & ratings

(5 out of 5)
Based on 42 reviews
  • This tour was one of the most amazing travel experiences I’ve ever done, we saw so many amazing places along the way, I met so many great people and Danny was the best tour guide ever. Would highly recommend to anyone travelling to Vietnam!!

    Seán Fitzgerald Feb, 2024 Verified
  • An amazing way to see Vietnam, lots of differing activities and sights to take in. Our tour guide Danny was lots of fun and very knowledgeable, always ready to help out. I feel like a got to see the full breadth of the country and it's people, and would love to come back one day.

    Christopher Ball Feb, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the age range of this tour?

    We have an age range of 18-59 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous flashpacking style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.
  • Where should I fly into? /Where does the tour end?

    You will start your tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Formally known as Saigon) The Airport here is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). As for the end of the tour, you will finish in Hanoi. So if you are looking to fly out from Hanoi, you’ll want to head to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
  • Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?

    We don’t offer this option at this time, however, what we can suggest is downloading online taxi applications called Grab or GoJek. They are similar to the famous Uber app and should make this transfer an easy process for you.
  • Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?

    We definitely recommend you arrive before 3 pm, this way you should have enough time to make it to the first accommodation and be present at the welcome dinner. Arrivals after this could well risk you missing it. However, no matter the time or airport you are landing at, pickup is included and a driver will be waiting for your arrival with a One Life Adventures sign.
  • Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

    Yes, although we can’t guarantee every dietary requirement can be catered to along the way, our guide will do their utmost best to help you with alternative options and what you can eat otherwise.
  • I am applying for my visa and I need a reference and address?

    Your first night’s stay will be: Victory Hotel Saigon Address: 14 Võ Văn Tần – 141 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3, HCMC, Vietnam Please see the government website for whether you will need a visa to enter Vietnam. This topic is continually changing, so we recommend you do relevant research on the government websites.
  • Is there WiFi throughout the trip?

    Wifi is available on the tour in all mainland accommodations, Ha Long Bay cruise ships and trains do not. Your guide can help you purchase a local sim card if you want to have connection while outside too.
  • How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?

    You can expect to spend around $20/$30 USD per day. Budgeting can be done if you are open to eating at more local vendors and don’t drink alcoholic drinks.
  • How is the multi-share situation? Do we still have privacy on the Multi-share nights?

    While in Pu Luong homestay you will stay in one big room, a very unique traditional stay, and it does have curtains between sleeping areas and multiple bathrooms. Also overnight trains will be multi-share rooms.
  • I have never kayaked before. Will someone help me, and do we get our own kayaks?

    We have 2 people kayaks, and we will try to allocate guests together depending on their experience to have a fun and successful time.
  • Backpack vs Suitcases, what's better?

    Kindly be aware that there are nights scheduled for overnight train travel during your Vietnam tour. To enhance your comfort and convenience, we highly recommend bringing a backpack or carrier for this portion of the journey.
  • Should I bring my hiking shoes?

    Yes, we would recommend bringing hiking shoes or grippier trainers as there is hiking in Pu Luong, and again if you are doing the extension in Sapa.
  • Do I need temple clothes for visiting the temple?

    Yes, please do bring something that will cover your shoulders and knees. Temples do have dress codes and if your shoulders or knees are exposed you will be denied entry. Your guide will tell you on which days to wear these items so you’re prepared and ready.
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