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Real Vietnam

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Real Vietnam

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Description

From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you’ll experience authentic Vietnam on this epic 15-day adventure from south to north. See how the locals live on the Mekong Delta, discover the rich history in Hoi An and taste some amazing food in Hue. Drift on the emerald waters around Cat Ba Island by boat and go for a snoop through some of Hanoi’s many markets. Enjoy unique homestays, explore national parks, eat your weight in fresh street eats and cycle through the countryside. This is the make-em-jealous, full-on, once-in-a-lifetime trip up the coast of Vietnam you’ve been waiting for.

Trip Name
Real Vietnam
Last Updated
2024-04-17
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Bliss out on a luxurious homestay in the National Park of Pu Luong – wake up to the serenity of quiet, terraced rice paddy fields, trek the local land to take in the scenery and meet some local tribes to learn about their culture.
  • Jump on a bike and pedal around charming Hoi An – the best way to see the town and surrounding countryside. The food here is also delicious, so make sure you stop along the way to sample some!
  • See limestone karsts, blue-green waters, mysterious caves and ancient jungle on Cat Ba Island – this place feels a lot like paradise, and you’ll be kayaking your way through its hidden bays.
  • Experience local life in the Mekong Delta. Get to know the local families, participate in community-based activities and enjoy a traditional meal.
  • Tick Hanoi off your bucket list – walk the picturesque streets, try the famous banh mi and egg coffee and maybe even take a seat at a rooftop bar and order a pho cocktail. You'll have loads of free time to discover this place at your own pace, too!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Vun Art. Donations help them empower people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing vocational training and employment opportunities.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds and is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere, and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Much of city life takes place on the busy streets lined with shops, stalls and vendors, who have their wares spread out on the footpath and sell everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. After your welcome meeting, why not head into the Ben Thanh night market for a serving of pho or bun with your fellow travellers?
Day 2 - Mekong Delta
Today, head down to the Mekong Delta and visit Ben Tre, where the humble coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers as well as boating along the canals. When you arrive, board a private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some cottage industries, where you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals of the area. In the evening, head to a guesthouse along the water and enjoy some time to relax among the soothing sounds of the river.
Day 3 - Mekong Delta - Overnight Train
Rise early to the sounds of the delta coming alive and enjoy a simple breakfast before catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City to check out a few more sites or some tasty street food snacks. There will be a leader-led orientation walk around the city, where you might choose to try the iconic Saigon café’s sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) as your leader shares stories about local life. Late this evening, board an overnight train bound for Hoi An – a historical town on the central coast. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are all part of the experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals.
Day 4 - Hoi An
Arrive in Danang in the early afternoon and travel by minibus to Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage-listed site, Hoi An is beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did over a century ago. Among the feeling of decades past, it's also a shopping mecca! You can choose from original paintings, hand-crafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns, and so much more if you’re after a good deal or some souvenirs. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with many tailors and fabrics to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you can have it copied. When you arrive, head out on a walking tour of the Old Town. After, you’re free to explore Hoi An at your own pace.
Day 5 - Hoi An
There's no better way to explore the peaceful countryside of Hoi An than by bike. For a true insight into country living in Vietnam, join your leader in cycling past green rice paddies, over small creeks and through rural villages. Later in the day, you may like to cycle or catch a local bus to Cua Dai Beach near Hoi An centre for an afternoon on the stunning Eastern Sea. If you would like to see more of the Vietnamese countryside and visit some temples, you could book yourself into a My Son Cham day trip. The afternoon is yours to do as you please – you might like to wander to streets with your camera and discover all the colourful buildings lit up by lanterns as the sun goes down.
Day 6 - Hue
Departing Hoi An, you’ll cross the dramatic Hai Van Pass this morning, with a quick stop and photo opportunity before continuing to Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Your afternoon is free to go exploring. The Dong Ba market, which sells everything imaginable, is a great place to spend some time. See the Imperial Citadel, including a visit to the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive. In the evening, sit back, relax and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home. These experiences off the beaten track are the ones you’ll remember.
Day 7 - Hue
You’ve got the whole day to explore stunning Hue today. Head out with your group on a street food experience in the morning to pick up a delicious market breakfast and pass by all the local traders. Later, you may like to take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who in 1963 drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Otherwise, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an optional motorbike tour, riding with a local guide around the sights.
Day 8 - Phong Nha
Jump on the bus and make your way to Quang Tri. If you’re keen, it’s just a small fee to visit the Hien Luong Bridge and Vinh Moc tunnels. Hien Luong Bridge separated the North from the South during the war. The tunnels at Vinh Moc are an expansive network of limestone tunnels that locals used as shelters from the bombing. Travel on to Phong Nha and spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings. You'll stay just outside Phong Nha Town, near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – an amazing landscape full of caves and underground rivers.
Day 9 - Phong Nha – Overnight Train
Enjoy a free day to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – at 400 million years old, this World Heritage Site is the oldest karst mountain range in Asia. You might like to take a boat through Phong Nha Cave or check out the spectacular Paradise Cave. If caves aren’t your thing, chat with your leader about a kayaking adventure in Suoi Mooc. Otherwise, chill out with a coffee and soak in the river views. Later today, you'll head back to Dong Hoi and hop back on a sleeper train – you'll be a pro at this by now.
Day 10 - Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi very early this morning and transfer to your hotel, leaving your luggage and setting out to discover the city. Hanoi is known for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, lush public parks and thriving Old Quarter – an architectural museum with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets on its still surface. Take a walking tour of the Old Quarter and the French Quarter with your leader, visiting the Dong Xuan market (the biggest wholesale market in northern Vietnam). Stroll through the ancient '36 streets' where you can discover an amazing selection of shops selling everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing and beautifully embroidered tablecloths. Your leader will point out some of the unique architecture around Hoan Kiem Lake and the myths and legends of the lake, and you’ll sit down for a banh mi lunch.
Day 11 - Pu Luong
Leave Hanoi this morning and travel to Pu Luong – one of the most beautiful sites in rural Vietnam with expansive rice paddy fields surrounded by the National Park. When you arrive, you’ll check in to your unique homestay accommodation, with rooms boasting beautiful views of the rice fields. Have a quick lunch then head out for a trek in the middle of this natural paradise. You’ll see the impressive water wheel in the village, locals working in the fields and you’ll visit a few local tribes, giving you the opportunity to learn about their culture and customs firsthand. After, maybe take a refreshing swim in the onsite swimming pool, watch the sunset over the terraced fields or wander the grounds on your own, breathing in the fresh air.
Day 12 - Hanoi
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then make your way back to Hanoi. Today, you’ll visit The Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation empowering people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing job training and employment opportunities. See how they produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Vun Art also aims to reduce climate impact by reusing these scraps and in the process, keeping traditional art alive. First, the fabric is cut into mosaics, then gathered and glued individually and finally, it’s pressed in the heat press machine. Tonight, you’re free to find the perfect spot (or street food) for dinner. After, maybe head out to explore the bars and discover the streets after sundown.
Day 13 - Cat Ba Island
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in the World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay area. With thousands of limestone islands and formations scattered around, this is one of the quintessential Vietnamese scenes where bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats. Take a boat around Lan Ha Bay, then get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches (and maybe a cold beer).
Day 14 - Hanoi
Wake up in paradise, and maybe start your morning with a refreshing swim. Ensure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, as it's back to Hanoi later in the afternoon via ferry and bus. Being such a large city, Hanoi has so much to explore. This afternoon, you could head to the French Quarter to see the European influences on parts of Hanoi’s architecture, or otherwise, get the gang together and stake out a roadside stall for some chargrilled meats or pho cuon (rice noodle rolls).
Day 15 - Hanoi
There are no activities planned for today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, why not book an Urban Adventure? Hanoi Street Food Experience is a good pick – a 3-hour tour where you’ll get to sample some amazing eats from markets, street cafes, food carts and other secret spots. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-04-202408-05-2024AUD $ 1,375-
06-06-202420-06-2024AUD $ 1,188-
11-07-202425-07-2024AUD $ 1,285-
21-07-202404-08-2024AUD $ 1,270-
28-07-202411-08-2024AUD $ 1,270-
15-08-202429-08-2024AUD $ 1,270-
05-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 1,270-
19-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 1,320-
10-10-202424-10-2024AUD $ 1,254-
24-10-202407-11-2024AUD $ 1,370-
07-11-202421-11-2024AUD $ 1,370-
14-11-202428-11-2024AUD $ 1,370-
28-11-202412-12-2024AUD $ 1,370-
19-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 1,370-
26-12-202409-01-2025AUD $ 1,370-
02-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 1,440-
16-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 1,440-
30-01-202513-02-2025AUD $ 1,440-
06-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 1,385-
20-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 1,385-
06-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 1,335-
13-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 1,335-
27-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 1,385-
10-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 1,385-
24-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 1,385-
15-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 1,335-
12-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 1,335-
03-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 1,335-
17-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 1,335-
24-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 1,335-
07-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 1,335-
21-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 1,335-
04-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 1,335-
18-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 1,385-
09-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 1,385-
23-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 1,385-
06-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 1,440-
20-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 1,440-
27-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 1,440-
18-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 1,440-
28-12-202511-01-2026AUD $ 1,440-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nights),Homestay (2 nights),Hotel (9 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Transport

Boat,Private minibus,Overnight sleeper train

Map

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