- ✓ Trek through the rolling green hills and rice terraces of Pu Luong
- ✓ Explore the colossal caves and underground rivers of Phong Nha
- ✓ Unwind on the quiet beaches of Quy Nhon
- ✓ Go gibbon spotting in the lush jungles of Cat Tien
Get off the main tourist trail and discover some hidden highlights of Vietnam. Whilst bigger cities like Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh are very popular (and rightly so), there's a whole host of places in between that are often overlooked. Rolling rice terraces, epic karst mountains, colossal caves, quiet beaches and ancient jungles — on this trip, you'll experience a side of Vietnam that most tourists don't see.
Days 1 & 2 – 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 & 4 – Peaceful Pu Luong
Today a private driver will take you away from the buzz of Hanoi and into the untouched, real Vietnam. Only a 4-hour drive away lies the land of rice paddies, traditional stilted villages and peaceful green vistas. Quite possibly one of the most scenic regions of the country! You’ll part ways with your driver in the small town of Pho Doan. From here, accompanied by your local guide, you’ll walk to your stilted eco-lodge located in Ban Hieu, amongst traditional Vietnamese farms. The following morning you’ll discuss your plans for the day with your guide. Whether you prefer to hike or cycle, it’s all at your own pace and you’re free to return to your lodge whenever you like. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll bid farewell to this hidden paradise and be transferred to your next destination.
Days 5-7 – 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 8 & 9- 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 be transferred to back to Dong Hoi to catch the day train to Danang.
Day 10-12 – Classic Hoi An
When you arrive in Danang, you’ll be met by your driver and dropped directly at your centrally located hotel. Known for its charming lantern-lit streets, Hoi An is a mix of historic Chinese shop houses, artist studios, and riverside eateries. The town’s laid-back vibe and delicious food make it a national treasure. While there, you’ll join a small group for a cooking class, starting with a visit to the vibrant local market to pick up fresh ingredients. After learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch of your creations, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore. On your last day, you’ll be transferred back to Danang where you’ll catch the day train to Quy Nhon.
Days 13-15 – The Hidden Oasis of Quy Nhon
After an active couple of weeks, you’ll get some well deserved downtime on the tranquil shores of Quy Nhon. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel just steps away from the sand. This peaceful area offers a perfect escape from the crowds, with quiet golden beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Unwind at your own pace—relax by the sea, take a refreshing swim, or indulge in a soothing spa treatment. For a taste of local life, explore nearby fishing villages or savour freshly caught seafood. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation in an unspoiled and less-travelled corner of Vietnam.
Days 16 & 17 – Scooting through Saigon
Today you’ll head to the airport just outside of Quy Nhon, where you’ll board a quick hour long domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. In the evening, you’ll scoot through the city on a vintage Vespa, searching for hidden street food hotspots. Zip through the backstreets after dark, sample the best traditional snacks in the city and listen to live music as you sip on Vietnamese coffee. It’s a night tour and foodie adventure rolled into one. After all, Ho Chi Minh is a city that comes alive as night falls. You’ll stay in a comfy hotel near the central market.
Days 18-20 – Esc-Ape to Cat Tien National Park
Today, you will travel by road to Cat Tien National Park for two days of action-packed jungle adventure! During your time in the park you will get to the chance to see yellow-cheeked gibbons and learn all about the incredible work being undertaken by the people at the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre. After your first night, you will head off with your guide on a short trek through the surrounding jungle. Along the way, you will witness many different animals, insects and tropical birds, so don’t forget the binoculars! You’ll spend the rest of your morning at the Bear and Wild Cat Rescue Station which hosts and protects rescued bears from the wildlife trade, as well as other endangered animals such as an Asian leopard, crocodiles, gibbons, and langur. After lunch, you will return back to Ho Chi Minh City for one final night before you catch your international flight home the following day.
Accommodation
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