Vietnam Grand Adventure – 27 days

Starts at Hanoi, ends at Saigon

Summary

Our ‘Vietnam Grand Adventure’ is our most comprehensive Vietnam journey. Over either 22 or 27 days you will travel from Hanoi to Saigon, uncovering all the major towns along the way. Highlights include an overnight stay on Halong Bay, a trip on the Reunification Express and an unforgettable homestay in the hilltribe village of Mai Chau.

Trip grading: ADVENTUROUS Suitable for travelers with above average levels of fitness and mobility. Prepare for some long road journeys, basic facilities at homestays and plenty of walking.

Minimum group size: 7 peoples.

Maximum group size: 10 peoples

What's included: 18 nights hotel accommodation, 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin), 1 overnight homestay and 1 overnight boat trip, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified, entrance fees, Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travelers, local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 2 dinners.

Itinerary

Days 1 – 6 ~ Sapa

Arrive in Hanoi and meet your tour leader and group for a welcome drink and tour briefing. Enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and explore Hang Be Market. Take the overnight train to Sapa, set among beautiful mountains and home to the colorful Hmong and Red Dzao hilltribes. Explore the town and surrounding villages, visit colorful Bac Ha Market and stay at the remote Topas Ecolodge. Return to Hanoi on the overnight train.   Hotels: Anise, overnight train, Chau Long, Topas Ecolodge

Days 7 – 10 ~ Hanoi & Mai Chau

Ride cyclos through the colorful Old Quarter, learn all about ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum, visit the ancient Temple of Literature and infamous Hanoi Hilton prison and enjoy a water puppet performance. Gain an insight into Vietnam’s hilltribes at the Ethnology Museum and stay overnight in a Tay family house in beautiful Mai Chau. Hotels: Anise, Homestay

Days 11 – 12 ~ Halong Bay & Reunification Express

On our overnight cruise on Halong Bay we take the time to explore some of the many caves and islets, and simply sit and relax on board our private boat, enjoying the stunning scenery. Return to Hanoi to board the Reunification Express for our journey south.   Hotels: Overnight boat, Overnight train

Days 13 – 15 ~ Dong Hoi & Hue

Arrive in Dong Hoi and head to Phong Nha Caves, which we explore by boat, then enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Spend the night in a luxurious beach resort before continuing to Hue. Here we discover the city’s historic sites, including the Citadel, elaborate emperors’ tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda, and soak up the scenery on a cyclo ride and visit to a bustling local market.   Hotels: Sunspa, Asia

Days 16 – 18 ~ Hoi An

A spectacular coastal drive brings us to charming Hoi An, with stops enroute at Marble Mountain, China Beach and a Cham Museum. Visit traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge on a walking tour, and for something different, learn about traditional cultivation techniques in the hands-on ‘Hoi An local for a day’ experience. There is a full free day to explore on your own – join a fun cooking class, cycle to nearby Cua Dai Beach or wander the shops and galleries.   Hotels: Ancient House Resort

Days 19 – 22 ~ Nha Trang & Dalat

Fly to Nha Trang, where an island boat cruise gives us a chance to relax, swim and enjoy a seafood feast. Leaving the coast behind, head for the rustic villages and tea plantations of the Central Highlands and the former French hill station, Dalat, stopping at some interesting Cham Towers on the way. Enjoy mountain vistas on a cable car ride, admire the faded Art Deco charm of the last emperor’s summer residence.   Hotels: Que Huong, Saigon Dalat

Days 23 – 27 ~ Saigon & Mekong Delta

Drive to Vietnam’s largest and most exciting city. Here we stroll along the historic Dong Khoi Street – the former Rue Catinat – and visit sites such as the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum and nearby Cu Chi tunnels. Travel to Can Tho in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, via a fascinating Cao Dai temple. Explore the rivers and canals by boat, visiting a local candy workshop and fruit orchards. After an early morning boat trip to the floating markets of Cai Rang return to Saigon for a final night, a chance to join your group for a farewell meal. Your journey ends with an airport transfer on day 22 (or day 27 for Sapa travelers).   Hotels: Lavender, Golf Can Tho

Price

Price depends on the number of people, category and dates of travel. Please contact us to customize this itinerary and price to meet your needs and budget