Highlights
The facts…
Physical activities:
Our itinerary includes bicycle rides, walks, hikes and kayaks with:
- a 6-10 km walk and hike on Day 2.
- a 6-9 km walk and hike on Day 3.
- a 9-11 km bicycle ride on Day 4.
- a 1-2 hour kayak ride on Day 5.
- a 9-12 km bicycle ride on Day 6.
- a 1-2 hour kayak ride on Day 6.
From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.
Tour Guides:
Our experienced and friendly Tour Guides speak excellent English.
They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.
Accommodation:
- hotels (7 nights).
- homestays (6 nights).
- overnight train (1 night).
Clean and welcoming homestays with mosquito nets provided.
Meals:
- 14 breakfasts.
- 11 lunches.
- 10 dinners.
We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, homes or markets.
We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.
DAY 1: Arrival
Upon our arrival our driver picks us up and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we get acquainted with the city by strolling among the local people, around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. (Dinner is included).
DAY 2: Hanoi / Mai Chau
Departing from Hanoi we head along Highway No.6 to Hoa Binh province, there is plenty of incredible mountain scenery.
We arrive in the remote region of Mai Chau, a magical valley, full of rice fields and serene villages which are perfect for exploring, we hike about 8 km along tracks and paths used by the locals and descend to the village of Van, home to White Thai minority people.
After dinner we stay overnight as guests in a traditional Thai wooden house. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 3: Mai Chau / The Floating Village of Kenh Ga / Trang An
We walk around cornfields, across hills and through rice terraces, past several White Thai hamlets. Later in the morning, we drive to Ninh Binh province. This is followed by a leisurely boat ride across the Hoang Long River.
Here, we explore the floating village of Kenh Ga, set amongst stunning limestone scenery and a network of peaceful backwaters, we walk around scenic outcrops and open rice fields.
We stay in a local family in a peaceful village in Ninh Binh. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 4: Trang An / The Red River Delta
This morning we explore Trang An, an area which is well-known for its beautiful limestone mountains. Here, we take a stroll around villages.
This is followed by a delightful bicycle ride through beautiful rock formations and peaceful villages before we enjoy a boat trip along the river of Trang An.
Next, we settle in with a local family. Here, we learn how to make rice noodles and spring rolls and other typical dishes in the Red River Delta. The night is spent in a local family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 5: The Red River Delta / Bai Tu Long Bay
Driving east we arrive in Ha Long City where we board our boat and embark on a boat trip amongst 3000 spectacular limestone peaks, whilst having lunch on the boat.
Those who are energetic and relish a close view of stunning limestone outcrops can climb aboard our kayaks for a leisurely exploration of the bay.
On Van Don island we settle in with a delightful local family for the night to experience their way of life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 6: Bai Tu Long Bay
After breakfast we spend the morning cycling on Van Don Island and relaxing on the beautiful beach.
A few hours of boating and kayaking follows – time to appreciate the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay as we progress further around the bay, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque.
Arriving in Cai Rong Island we spend the night in a relaxing and comfortable hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 7: Cai Rong Island / Hanoi
This morning it is time to return to our starting point 6 days ago. With Hanoi only 4 hours away, we depart Cai Rong for some exploration of a local market and a fishing village.
After lunch in Hon Gai town we drive to Hanoi. On the way we have a refreshment stop at Dong Trieu, a traditional ceramics village. We arrive back in Hanoi at around 5 pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).
DAY 8: Hanoi
Today you have whole day free for the charming capital of Ha Noi. The following day we visit the sights of Hanoi including the Museum of Ethnology, the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh’s complex.
We also leave plenty of time to sample Hanoi’s culinary delights. In the evening we attend the performance of traditional water puppetry, before we board The Reunification Express bound for Da Nang. (Lunch and dinner on Day 8 are excluded).
DAY 9: Hanoi
Next to day 8
DAY 10: Hoi An
During our stay in Hoi An we visit My Son Temple, the very former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second century and the thirteenth century.
There is something in Hoi An for everyone, from historical architecture to art galleries and excellent shopping. Weather permitting, there will be time for you to relax on the beautiful beach. (Lunch and dinner on Day 11 excluded).
DAY 11: Hoi An
Next to day 10
DAY 12: Hoi An / Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City and drive for 2 hours to Cu Chi District.
Here, we wander around and spend time interacting with local people, before we visit the tunnels which stretched over 250 km from Saigon to the Cambodian border.
At the height of its existence, the tunnel system was three levels deep. Arriving back to Ho Chi Minh City for our accommodation for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 13: Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta
From Ho Chi Minh City we travel to the loating market of Cai Be and enjoy a boat trip that enables us to view the amazing waterways where we observe the floating markets and learn about the way of life in the delta.
We reach Ben Tre province, home to lush fruit orchards, rivers and a former stronghold of Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
This evening we settle in with a hospitable and friendly local family for a dinner and an overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 14: Mekong Delta / Ho Chi Minh City
We continue our discovery of the delta by boating along the Hau River, passing through mango groves and fruit orchards, stopping at our pleasure to savour the delta's succulent crops and bring us into contact with local people. Following that we board our vehicle and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Here, we have some free time for some exploration of the city, before we conclude our trip with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).
DAY 15: Ho Chi Minh City
We can depart at any time today. (Breakfast is included).
What to take:
Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, small daypack for cycling, walking and hiking, passport, comfortable walking shoes, personal articles, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat.
