The Vietnam Adventure - 12 Days



Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female58%
- Male42%
Average age
Start / End
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi
Physical rating
Group size
5 - 22Meals included
18Highlights
- 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

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.
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 availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis 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 £1,279Dec 2026
from £1,279Jan 2027
from £1,279Feb 2027
from £1,279Mar 2027
from £1,279Apr 2027
from £1,279May 2027
from £1,279Jun 2027
from £1,279Jul 2027
from £1,279Aug 2027
from £1,279Sep 2027
from £1,279Oct 2027
from £1,279Nov 2027
from £1,279Dec 2027
from £1,279
December 2026
2 departures- Monday 21 Dec 2026to Friday 1 Jan 2027£1,279
- Monday 28 Dec 2026to Friday 8 Jan 2027£1,279Book for£200 today, pay the rest later

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 bringTravel 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.
Customer reviews & ratings
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 VerifiedAn 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.
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