Days 1-3 – Flavours of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll stay in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter and during your stay you’ll embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hanoi with your private guide. You’ll learn all about local legends, admire the ancient architecture and taste a range of delicacies from grilled pork to vermicelli dumplings as you wander the streets of the Old Quarter.
Days 3-6 – Pan Hou: Rice Terraces of the Red Dao
Whilst the majority of tourists flock to Sapa to enjoy the views across the green rice terraces of northern Vietnam, Hoang Su Phi remains undiscovered by the majority of travellers, yet rivals Sapa in beauty. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi around 8am by private driver and transferred roughly 5 hours to your beautiful eco-resort surrounded by tropical gardens. The following morning, you’ll head out on a hike through the rice paddies, farming villages and onto the Red Dao hill tribe community for lunch. After your hike you’ll return to your lodge for some rest and relaxation. In the morning you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, where you’ll spend one final night before your adventure continues.
Days 6-7 – Drift between limestone peaks
You’ll be collected from your hotel by minibus bright and early and taken to the coastal town of Halong, approximately 4 hours away. This is where the junk boat awaits you. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. Rich in stunning views, you’ll drift between emerald karst islets, explore hidden lagoons by kayak and laze on tiny beaches. You’ll stay aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the water. In the morning you’ll cruise back to the port where a driver will be waiting to take your to your next destination.
Days 7-10 – Paddling Through the Rice Paddies
Today you’ll be transferred around three hours to Ninh Binh, also known as ‘Dry Halong Bay’ due to the dramatic limestone rocks shooting up amongst the rice fields. You’ll stay in a bungalow surrounded by nature in the peaceful village of Tam Coc. The following morning you’ll head out on a cycling tour of the surrounding valley, passing rice farmers and water buffalo. You’ll head back to your hotel for breakfast before visiting Thung Nang, where you’ll take a bamboo boat ride to along the river, visiting karst caves and temples along the way. The following day you’ll be free to relax or explore at your own pace, before catching the sleeper train to Dong Hoi in the evening.
Days 10-12- Historic Trails & Hidden Caves
On arrival to Dong Hoi, you’ll be transferred to a rural area of Vietnam not visited by many tourists – Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park. You’ll get to see some of the worlds oldest caves, explore tropical forests and cycle through lush landscapes. On your first day you’ll take a boat ride on the Son River to visit Phong Nha (wet) cave and Tien Son (dry) cave. After lunch you’ll be transferred to your lake side hotel to settle in. The following day you’ll take a nature walk through the Botanical Gardens to learn about the local flora and biodiversity before heading to Paradise Cave, a gigantic cathedral-like space full of impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The following morning you’ll visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the iconic Hien Luong Bridge in the DMZ as you’re transferred to Hue.
Day 12-14 – Lend a Hand in Hue
Hue is a city steeped in history, with crumbling tombs, monuments and fortified imperial cities. After settling into your central hotel, we recommend taking a stroll along the riverbank or hop in a rickshaw to the Royal Citadel. The following day, you’ll leave dynastic history behind and get your hands dirty. Climbing on a bike, you’ll cycle past rice paddies and the meandering rivers of the countryside, where buffalo plough the fields and local fishermen wait for a catch. In Thanh Toan village, you’ll set to work with a farming family, helping in the rice fields, reel in some fish or try your hand at some traditional handicrafts. You can also help to prepare lunch from fresh, home-grown ingredients. You’ll have one more night back in the city before heading to your final destination.
Day 14 – The Road to Hoi An
Today we’ll arrange a private transfer to take you from Hue to Hoi An along one of the most beautiful roads in South East Asia – world famous Hai Van Mountain Pass. The drive is full of spectacular scenery and coastal views, so make sure you have your camera at the ready!
The journey normally takes 3 hours but your driver and car will be at your full disposal so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop along the way to take in the breath taking views. Once you arrive in Hoi An, you’ll be dropped directly at your hotel.
Days 14-16 – Hoi An, My son and Son Tra Mountain
Hoi An is full of magical Asian atmosphere. After dark, colourful lanterns light up the narrow alleyways brimming with cosy restaurants and stalls offering an array of local crafts. Your hotel is close to the ancient centre where you can have a refreshing swim, or spend the afternoon wandering the streets past historic Chinese merchant houses and the famous Japanese Bridge. Hoi An beach is also a short taxi or bike ride away, if you fancy a dip in the sea.
The following day you’ll visit My Son, the former religious capital of the Champa Kingdom. The UNESCO listed temple complex is about an hour’s drive from Hoi An, so you’ll make the most of the journey by stopping off at a few places along the way. You’ll take a detour down some of the smaller side roads to witness local life unfolding in its daily rhythm. You’ll have plenty of time to look round the temples too before having a simple local lunch in the nearby village.
After lunch, you will take a trip to the Son Tra Mountains, home to the stunning red-shanked douc langurs. Guided by experts, we explore lush rainforests and spot these rare primates swinging through the trees. Mesmerized by their beauty, we watch them play before saying goodbye, cherishing the experience and understanding the need to protect their habitat. Your final day in Hoi An is at your leisure. Depending on how much energy you’ve got left, you can take a countryside bike tour, a snorkelling trip, or even an authentic cooking class!
Day 17 – Departure
It’s time to say goodbye to Vietnam and start the journey home. You’ll be picked up from your hotel by a private driver and transferred for around 45 minutes to Danang airport where you’ll catch your international flights.
Accommodation
