The Vietnam Adventure - 12 Days

From £1,097£91 per day Save 7%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female58%
  • Male42%

Average age

26
18 Min39 Max

Start / End

  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hanoi

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

5 - 22

Meals included

20

Highlights

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

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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 - Riverside Saigon (or similar) Activities: Welcome Dinner Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Dinner Physical Rating: Low

  • Day 2

    Ho Chi Minh City, Walking Tour & Overnight Train

    The former city of Saigon is a city that never slows down, but today you'll uncover its historic heart. Along the way, you will visit the grand General Post Office, a true colonial-era gem and one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful post offices. Stroll down Rue Catinat, where you’ll pass elegant French colonial buildings, admire the restored Opera House, and see the Reunification Palace with its bold 60’s design. You’ll also stop by the People’s Committee Building and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its Parisian namesake. After a refresh at the hotel, you’ll head to the station and board your overnight train to Da Nang.

    Accommodation: Overnight Train to Da Nang Activities: HCMC Walking tour, General Post Office Visit Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast Physical Rating: Medium

  • Day 3

    Kayak into Hoi An

    Upon arrival, you'll be whisked away by our team to the banks of the Thu Bon River for an unforgettable adventure. After a quick lunch, get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind experience - kayaking directly into the heart of Hoi An! This extraordinary entrance to the ancient town sets the tone for your entire visit. As you paddle through the waterways, you'll witness the town's beauty from a perspective few travellers ever see. The majestic old town will slowly reveal itself as you glide closer, offering a magical first impression that you'll remember forever.

    Once you've docked, you'll take a short walk to your hotel to freshen up. Then, the evening is yours to explore - take a refreshing dip in the pool, wander through the enchanting Night Market, or even get fitted for some world-famous tailored clothes.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar) Activities: Kayak into Hoi An: Unique One Life only experience 🌏Impact Moment Optional Extras: Visit a Tailor Meals: N/A Physical Rating: Medium/High

  • Day 4

    Enjoy Hoi An

    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. After experiencing the impact for yourself (and even washing your hands with your creation), the afternoon is all yours. Hit the beach or keep exploring Hoi An’s charms.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar) Activities: Cycling tour, Soap making workshop 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. Along the way, stop at a hidden waterfall, enjoy lunch, and cruise through charming countryside backroads. By afternoon, you’ll roll into Hue, the historic Imperial City and former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Park View Hotel (or similar) Activities: Nhi Ho Waterfall Visit Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 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, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, then 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 before boarding the night train to Ninh Binh.

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

  • Day 7

    To Pu Luong Park

    Today, you’ll travel to Pu Luong National Park, one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landscapes. Along the way, stop at the peaceful Chua Ngoc Chau Temple where you'll have some lunch before continuing to Don village, where you’ll settle into your traditional homestay. After a short rest, take a guided walk through the village, meet friendly locals, and visit the nearby embroidering village to see skilled artisans at work. This is rural Vietnam at its most authentic and tonight, you’ll experience it firsthand with a cosy homestay in the heart of the mountains.

    Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Local homestay Activities:Ngoc Chau Pagoda Visit, Don village walking, Visit Embroddering village Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Dinner Physical Rating: Low

  • Day 8

    Explore Pu Luong Park

    After breakfast, you will trek through Pu Luong's lush landscapes to a hidden gem – a traditional bamboo lake house where crystal-clear waters invite you for a swim. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Spend your afternoon learning about rural life or simply soaking in the tranquility before a final family style dinner.

    Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Local homestay Activities: Trekking to Hieu Waterfalls, Swimming Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Physical Rating: Medium/High

  • Day 9

    Hanoi

    Today you'll say goodbye to your homestay family and depart Pu Luong for Hanoi after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Upon afternoon arrival, check into your boutique hotel in the city center. In the evening, experience Hanoi's renowned culinary scene on a guided street food tour, sampling local specialties and hidden gems.

    Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoa Binh Hotel(or similar) Activities: Street Food Tour Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Physical Rating: Low/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. 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 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: 6, 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

  • Sep 25

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  • Oct 25

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  • Nov 25

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  • Dec 25

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    Mon 22 Sep 2025 > Fri 3 Oct 2025
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    Solo Room from +£229

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 18-45 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: Riverside Saigon Address: 18-19-20, Đường Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, 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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