Experience Overview
Get to know the real Vietnam on this 13-day journey through the landscapes and cultures most tourists whizz straight past. Starting in the absorbing capital Hanoi, we head out of the city to meet and stay with families in the hill village of Ta Phin and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the rural landscapes around Hoi An. We also trek through the rice fields of Sapa, cruise the secluded Lan Ha Bay – a less touristy (but no less beautiful) alternative to the ever-popular Ha Long Bay – and experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By the end, we will have experienced the full spectrum of life in Vietnam – a fascinating, rewarding adventure.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotels/resorts), 5 Classic nights (4 hotel, 1 ecolodge), 2 Simple nights (1 homestay, 1 sleeper train) — One night in a hill village homestay to experience local hospitality — One day boat trip on Lan Ha Bay with lunch and kayaking — One night on a sleeper train with soft-bed berths — Travel by private air-conditioned bus, boat, sleeper train and internal flight — Reasonable fitness required — Remote and city locations visited — Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader — Angkor Wat Extension (trip code: XOF) from Ho Chi Minh City available to book post tour
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotels/resorts), 5 Classic nights (4 hotel, 1 ecolodge), 2 Simple nights (1 homestay, 1 sleeper train) — One night in a hill village homestay to experience local hospitality — One day boat trip on Lan Ha Bay with lunch and kayaking — One night on a sleeper train with soft-bed berths — Travel by private air-conditioned bus, boat, sleeper train and internal flight — Reasonable fitness required — Remote and city locations visited — Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader — Angkor Wat Extension (trip code: XOF) from Ho Chi Minh City available to book post tour
Trip For You
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This is an adventure-packed trip with activities including hiking, kayaking and leisurely cycling, so a good level of fitness is required. The weather can be hot and humid, particularly in the south when cycling, yet cold in the winter in the north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Some days can be fairly long with early starts. Travel time is kept to a minimum, although there are a few longer drives with time for sightseeing. Please note, some accommodation will be basic but clean.
Eating Drinking
There are 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup).
Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam.
Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transportation
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic.
The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private.
There is one domestic flight included from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
With the exception of Sapa, the weather will be hot and humid with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night.
There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant any time of year. However, it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire duration of the trip due to the shape of the country.
There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April, then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).
Due to its northern location, Sapa is much cooler and the weather different to the other locations on this trip. Traditionally, the driest months in Sapa are October to mid-April, but rain can still occur at this time. Mid-April to September is considered monsoon season. However, weather patterns have been less predictable in recent years. December to February are the coldest months, usually 13C-18C (55F- 65F) with lows around 10C (50F). Mid-year usually experiences the warmest temperatures: 23C-25C (73F-77F). Sapa is well-known for its picturesque rice terraces, but they aren’t always bright green due to the climate. Generally, the best time to see the rice terraces are during their peak season, which is also the rainiest time of year. However, the landscapes and scenery are rewarding no matter what time of year you visit.
Please note, the Lan Ha Bay boat trip and ferry access to Cat Ba Island can be subject to short-notice change if adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October-April). Boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension after this trip finishes, the weather is hot and humid year-round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season has hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.
Spending Money
You will need about 7m-8.5m Vietnamese dong (US$300‐US$360) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Vietnam. To remove the hassle, the leader will suggest you contribute approximately 1.4m dong (US$59) per person to a tipping kitty. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, hotel and boat staff etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute, you are, of course, free to decline.
In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 70,000-140,000 dong (US$3-US$6) per day for your leader.
Highlights
— Stay overnight at a hill village and hike through Sapa's terraced rice fields — Stay at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island — Kayak secluded Lan Ha Bay — Discover underground rivers and caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park — Visit the historic trading town of Hoi An and explore on a leisurely bike ride — Enjoy a cyclo adventure through the streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh CityTrip Details
Product Code: 4091
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: modation.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AOS
Starts: Hanoi, Hanoi
Finishes: Hanoi, Hanoi
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
— 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Hotels, homestay, resort, lodge and sleeper trainThe accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend seven nights in hotels, two nights at a lake resort, one night at a lodge on Cat Ba Island. We also spend one night in a homestay in the hillside village of Ta Phin near Sapa. Finally, we have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The normal accommodations used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay. Ta Phin: Homestay (night 3) During our time in the village of Ta Phin, we are looked after by local ethnic communities. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts and being able to experience an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce. Cat Ba island: Cat Ba Ecolodge (night 5) We overnight at the Cat Ba Ecolodge, ideally situated in the heart of Cat Ba island. Surrounded by nature, it sits in a secluded setting featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a variety of locally grown Vietnamese meals. Reunification Express: (night 6) Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets. Phong Nha: Phong Nha Lakehouse (nights 7-8) This resort is located by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake and only a 10-minute drive from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The Lakehouse is a multi-functional resort with facilities catering for relaxation and fun, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and the option to kayak on the lake. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets. Worth knowing Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay in Ta Phin village or the overnight sleeper train.The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3800 (CAD 292 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure starts in the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. If you have time after your flight, familiarise yourself with the city by wandering the tree-lined avenues. There will be a welcome meeting this evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
We depart Hanoi early this morning and drive north (approximately six hours) through scenic countryside and mountainous terrain to the remote town of Sapa in northwest Vietnam. It overlooks a beautiful valley and is known for its cool mountain atmosphere, while the surrounding region of picturesque hills, terraced rice fields and villages are home to many different ethnic minority communities. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, we have time to explore the town. We visit the lively market: a maze of stalls where local people buy and sell handicrafts and fresh produce. Make sure to sample the delicious street food. Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa (or similar)
After breakfast, we hike to the traditional hillside village of Ta Phin. Accompanied by a local guide, we follow a scenic route through lush forests and terraced rice fields, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. The hike takes four to six hours and will be adjusted by the local guide and leader to suit the group's pace and fitness. The terrain is mainly flat and covers approximately 8mi (13km) with occasional uphill and downhill stretches. There will be plenty of stops along the way to admire the views. Upon reaching Ta Phin, we learn about the sustainable practices of the local Hmong and Red Dao communities on a village walk, where we see how they live and work in harmony with nature. This evening, we experience the warm hospitality of the villagers with an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce and spend the night in a homestay. Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Phin village
This morning, we bid farewell to our hosts and drive back to Hanoi (approximately six hours). After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi, the fascinating capital of Vietnam. You may wish to wander through the Old Quarter, where the 36 Streets are named after the product in which each specialises, such as Silk Street, Gold Street, Paper Street, and Tourist Souvenir Street. Or perhaps take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a favourite pastime for many Hanoi residents. You may have the choice this evening to see a water puppet performance, which your leader can arrange (subject to availability). Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
We rise early and transfer to Cat Ba Island by road and a short ferry transfer (approximately four hours in total). After arrival, we board our boat and spend the afternoon cruising Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known Ha Long Bay. The tour includes kayaking for those who wish to participate, allowing us to get up close to the towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and tranquil beaches of the bay. We also enjoy an included lunch on the boat. Following the trip, we transfer to Cat Ba Ecolodge, a sustainable eco-resort in the heart of Cat Ba Island. The resort offers beautiful mountain and forest views and is the perfect place to unwind following an afternoon of adventure. In the evening, we have a barbecue dinner at the resort featuring locally sourced ingredients allowing us to taste the unique flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Accommodation: Cat Ba Ecolodge
We leave Cat Ba Island after breakfast and head back to Hanoi (approximately four hours). There will be a bit of free time in the afternoon and early evening in the capital. You might like to join the local people by pulling up a plastic stool and sampling one of the many street food offerings; the bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs) is particularly delicious. In the evening, we transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Dong Hoi, 310mi (500km) south of Hanoi. Accommodation: Overnight train
Arriving early in Dong Hoi, we stretch our legs and stop for breakfast in town before we take a transfer (approximately one hour) to Phong Nha where we spend the next two nights at an eco-resort. Phong Nha is located in the Quang Binh province, a true beauty and relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism. It's home to a wide range of natural wonders, including the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to remarkable caves and rivers. Our accommodation by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake is the perfect place to recharge after the overnight train ride. The day is free for you to kayak on the lake, swim or soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)
Following a relaxed breakfast, we start our day of adventure with a short transfer to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, the national park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia. Home to hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers, this is an area very new to tourism but sure to impress. We begin at Thien Duong Cave, also known as Paradise Cave, which was only discovered in 2005. It is known for having intricate and unique rock formations, while the colours and patterns within the cave are truly awe-inspiring. Our next stop is a boat trip to the Phong Nha Cave. This journey takes us along the Son River, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs; an excellent opportunity to take in the serene beauty of park. Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)
Departing after breakfast, we transfer south to Hoi An. Although the journey will take approximately six hours, our drive passes a wide range of scenery along the way. The route between Phong Nha and Hoi An is among the most scenic in Vietnam, encompassing majestic mountains, verdant forests and serene waterways. After checking into our hotel, we embrace the sleepy ambience of Hoi An on an orientation walk around the old town: the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples displaying Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvelous place to wander around, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Following breakfast, we have a leisurely half-day bike trip through the Hoi An countryside including a stop at Can Kim Island. Upon arrival at Cam Kim Island, we receive a warm welcome into a local family's home and learn the secrets behind my quang. This traditional rice noodle dish is one of the most popular meals in the region and often served on special occasions, including at parties, anniversaries and during Tết (Vietnamese New Year). During the demonstration, we learn about the ingredients and cooking techniques used and then roll up our sleeves to make the dish ourselves under the expert tutelage of the family. We then return to Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a town that has become a favourite for so many travellers to Vietnam. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
This morning, we transfer to Da Nang Airport for the flight (approximately 1hr 25min) to Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). This is an exciting, absorbing metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. The Saigon River and Ben Thanh market are within walking distance and are highly recommended. After arrival, we take a short, leisurely orientation walk passing sites such as Bach Dang Wharf, Bitexco Tower, Ton That Dam old market and Ben Thanh market. Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we jump into a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle-taxi) for a two-hour tour, a unique, immersive experience through the markets and streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Our first stop will be the energetic Hoa Ho Thi Ky market, where we stroll around and get a feel for the bustling atmosphere. We then hop back on our cyclo and make our way to Nhật Tảo market, a paradise for tech enthusiasts. Next, we visit Thiếc market, which specialises in fresh vegetables, fruits, and some types of jewellery. Finally, we visit Thien Hau Pagoda, a spiritual landmark dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The colourful interior and intricate decorations of the pagoda provide a peaceful respite from the electric city. The remainder of the day is free for your own independent exploration. You may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum, which has an extensive photographic record of the Vietnam-American War. Please be aware that some images at the museum are very graphic. Alternatively, other popular sites to visit are the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Reunification Palace. Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)
Our Vietnam tour ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about joining our four-day post-trip excursion to Angkor in Cambodia, the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Sara Dauncey - Traveled, March 2024
What a trip, fabulous day after day. We had such a good time in Vietnam. The guide V was superb, so professional, really interesting and telling us about the historical and cultural aspects as well as what we were doing. His enthusiasm and pride in Vietnam was contagious. We went to so many different places and experiences. Each day I thought we had the highlight of the trip and the next day was fantastic as well, so varied in activities, scenery, weather and modes of transport. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to chose between the trek with the lovely hill tribe women helping us, the hot tubs in the homestay, feeling so off the beaten track. Cat Ba and kayaking in Halong bay, magical. The caves were enormous and extraordinary, really beautiful. We went to the water puppets in Hanoi and the AO show in HCMC. Both amazing. Thoughts on Group Leader See above, such a lovely person, so helpful in every regard to make the trip perfect for us all. Advice for Potential Travellers Go!! Take good walking boots for the hike. Not much time to chill but good to do everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
mary roser - Traveled, March 2024
This trip is worth 7 stars!!!! Wow, what an adventure! AMAZING GUIDE, AMAZING GROUP, AMAZING COUNTRY AND DELICIOUS FOOD!!! Most Inspirational Moment From the moment we landed, it was an adventure that kept on giving - every day was magical in its own unique way. I'm sure each person in our group pinched ourselves to say 'is this really real' and guess what, it was!! The whole trip exceeded our expectations from start to finish! Thoughts on Group Leader There aren't enough superlatives to describe 'V' - what a gentleman - well read, knowledgeable, funny, kind and sincere. What a lovely man - we were blessed to have him as our guide and his presence was the icing on our cake - Surely a top candidate for 'Leader of the Year' award! Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate, you will love every second of it! Oh and be prepared for the most most delicious food ever! Suggestions Thank you V and our wonderful Group for perfect holiday - memories made that i will always fondly look back on xxx
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Emily Rogers - Traveled, April 2024
Brilliant trip This is a superb trip, experiencing Vietnam at its best. As always we travelled with likeminded people who added to the experience. The trip is full on and some people added an extension, which would have been great to chill after the trip. The walking, canoeing and cycling were great. The accommodation was largely good, some exceptional. Would certainly recommend this trip Most Inspirational Moment The walk across the countryside with our local guide, the balancing on the rice terraces, scrambling up the hills, the welcome ,unique hot tub Bath,food at the home stay. Thoughts on Group Leader Vuong was an excellent leader, always available, great fun and of course knowledgable. Advice for Potential Travellers Slim down your packing, the trip is relaxed and laundry is available on the 2 night stays. Strong shoes for the walk. Suggestions We queried the stay at Sa Pa before travelling and were told we needed to carry overnight bags on the walk. You actually need a bag fit for waterproofs, water, bug spray and suncream. This was annoying as we could have taken smaller packs which would have been more suitable for the rest of the trip. Recommend that trip notes are reviewed with ground handler.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Philip Harborne - Traveled, April 2024
An adventure with great variety Remote rice terraces, train ride, boat trip, bustling cities, cool caves, it’s all here. Most Inspirational Moment Ascending the slippery slopes of rice terraces Thoughts on Group Leader Can’t praise the group leader too much! He was continuously attentive, enthusiastic about his homeland and open about his life and family history. Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare for a range of climates and activities. Suggestions The trip notes mislead about the day pack. Most of the group wrongly believed we were expected to carry overnight items on the trek.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
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