From CAD 1,800 Was CAD 2,250
Guarantee
Rating
(21 reviews)
Experience Overview
Boasting a rich history, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, dirt-cheap prices, beautiful beaches, amazing architecture, welcoming locals, legendary food and parties that you will never forget (or is it never remember?), Vietnam could be considered the most well-rounded country in Southeast Asia. This epic country caters to all types of travellers and seems to be one of those places where one visit just isn’t enough. Experiencing an overnight boat trip in the unforgettable Halong Bay, becoming immersed in the magical Disneyland-esque town of the glowing lanterns in Hoi An, exploring the iconic cave systems of Phong Nha, cruising the famous Hai Van pass in open top Jeeps, and getting some much needed R+R on Vietnam's most famous form of transport - sleeper buses are just a few of the life changing experienes you'll have in Vietnam. Whether you start north in the capital of Hanoi, or south in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon, as in Ms), your first TruTravels adventure to Vietnam may not be your last. Try out Vietnamese cuisine, sip a beer under the stars as you sail Halong Bay National Parks and live your best Tru life as travel from South Vietnam to North Vietnam on your epic 13 day Vietnam adventure!
Trip Details
Product Code: 3062
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: UAVXP
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Basic
Includes
Activities
- Ho Chi Minh City Orientation
- Visit War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit traditional Vietnamese tailors
- Rural Bike Ride, Hoi An
- Cooking Class
- Massage
- Ninh Binh Boat Tour
- Hang Mua Cave Viewpoint
- Egg Coffee Demonstration
- Hanoi Orientation
- Overnight Train
- 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1800 (CAD 138 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Today is the day you've been dreaming of. Ho Chi Minh's international airport is where it all begins. Look out for the smiley driver with a great big TruTravels branded sign with your name on it, they're with us. They'll whisk you off to our hotel in the city, somewhere you'll look back on years from now as the moment you first met your TruFam, that's what we call our tour groups for reasons that become very obvious. It's the start of a beautiful friendship with your group, your Travel Ninja and Vietnam as a whole. Your Vietnam Explorer is finally here!
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
It's your first full day in one of the world's most beautiful and hospitable countries. We start in the iconic and historic city formerly known as Saigon. In spite of the universal welcoming vibes and chirpy nature of the locals, Vietnam's troubled past is well documented and after taking a walking tour of some of Ho Chi Minh's most notable spots. It's time to be astonished at what happened here 50 years ago in the Ho Chi Minh War Museum, which sees half a million visitors a year. Learn the history of the Vietnamese war which spanned over 20 years and still impacts many lives today. We take a walk and view the incredible Independence Palace before continuing on to the cathedral and post office. We finish up by heading to the local food market to try some of the best food around, the local cuisine! Afterwards we'll freshen up for dinner, drinks and getting to know your TruFam in the busy city of Ho Chi Minh!
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City/Hoi An
Rise and shine TruTraveller we've got a big day ahead! Wear some comfortable shoes as today we're heading to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Built in the late 1940's and spreading over nearly 250km, the Cu Chi Tunnels were used for a number of reasons including housing troops, transporting communications and supplies and even laying booby traps before returning to safety inside the tunnels. Don't be fooled, although the operations of these tunnels sound seamless, some tunnels were so small they were around 80cm wide and 80cm high, meaning for the average human almost impossible to get through. We'll experience the tunnels up close and personal and explore some of the underground hiding holes. This experience is one not to be missed and gives a real insight into the struggle and challenges of life only 70ish years ago. Early afternoon we'll head back and grab some lunch before having a relaxing afternoon. In the evening we'll head to the airport and head to our next destination - Hoi An!
Day 4: Hoi An
Today we wake up in the scenic town of Hoi An. A magical place in Vietnam known for it's beauty and fun fact is also a World Heritage Site! Hoi An is probably most famous for the Vietnamese lanterns that give the town a surreal, tranquil glow each night. You want one don't you? Let's go one better and teach you how to make one! Choose your silk, and learn from the locals on how to turn one of these iconic lanterns into your own one. Don't worry if you're shit at arts and crafts, you can always leave the lantern in the dark to hide your shame. Another famous activity in Hoi An is the ability to have clothes made, styled, designed and created exactly how you want them. We visit a local tailors where we'll see how they create incredible clothing and designs. They'll also gift us a one of a kind reusable and sustainable TruTravels tote bag made from the cut off fabrics. An amazing life long gift from the TruFam and perfect for onward adventures. Afterwards we head to Thinhs, an amazing local coffee shop owned by a Tru friend Tinh who grows his own coffee beans and has some of the best Vietnamese coffee in the country! (In our opinion ;)). We'll learn the process of developing and roasting the beans before trying our very own coffee! The rest of the afternoon is free to explore as we please!
Day 5: Hoi An
Today is a free day so snooze as long as you like. Walk alongside the calm river and take in the relaxing ambience of this quieter part of Vietnam or perhaps head to the famous Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge. It's an Instagram favourite! With winding roads and small bridges, it's easy to see why Hoi An is a favourite among travellers so get out and explore! May we suggest a local beach club for sunset cocktails? Go on, you know you want too!
Day 6: Hoi An
Today, we'd give a fun level of 10000/10 and we're not just saying that. First off we're taking a morning bike ride through the local countryside and village before arriving at our destination for the afternoon! We're going to Coconut Woods, which despite the name is actually on 7 hectares (don't ask us what a hectare is, it might be some sort of squirrel) of water. Ever heard of a basket boat? Well you're about to have your first experience of one and you are going to laugh yourself senseless on one of these mad cap traditional Vietnamese vessels that have been used to crab fish for centuries. We'll glide through stunning surroundings before slipping, sliding and splashing a little too much as we show how basket boats are best used. It might not be as relaxing as you're envisioning but it's sure to get the blood pumping. You'll work up an appetite and get you nice and hungry for a culinary experience and a half before we stop for some delicious food with the local family. This evening will be our last in Hoi An (until you come visit again) so let's make it a big one with dinner and drinks on the boardwalk.
Day 7: Hoi An/Huế
Don't let the name fool you, we're doing the legendary Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear in open top war jeeps not a van, yeah! Leaving Hoi An will be emotional but once we get out on the open road you'll see some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in Vietnam on the way to the city of Hue. We'll stop on the way for some snaps, some lunch and maybe even a cheeky dip in the tropical waters before reaching the idyllic Hue. Pack a swimsuit! Today is spent, wind in hair, music blasting and driving along this world famous epic route. A once in a lifetime activity ya feel? We'll arrive late in the afternoon and it's hotel check-in and chill! Later in the day we'll be heading out to explore Hue's nightlife where we're all about the local beers, the rice wine and dancing the night away. Good food and delicious drinks pending.
Day 8: Huế
Did you know Hue was once the home of Emperors? The remnants of their reign can be seen all over the city, none more so than within the walls of the Imperial City itself. So today we're immersing ourselves in it all. We head along the perfume river and arrive at a tranquil garden. Sit back and relax as it's here we'll be spending the day! Are you ready to cook up a storm? We'll be learning how to cook the delicious Vietnamese food we've been devouring for the past week and have loved so very much. No pressure TruFam. Slice and dice away and enjoy every bite of your hard work culinary masterpiece. It's been an incredible day so we wave goodbye to Hue and hop on an overnight train as we head to our next destination - Ninh Binh!
Day 9: Huế/Ninh Bình
Ninh Binh is known as the Halong Bay on land and for good reason, it's breathtakingly beautiful. We arrive and jump aboard small boats and paddle through untouched caves and around small surrounding islands. Look around and you'll see emerald green forestry and rice paddies galore. Absolutely stunning. Afterwards we'll head to Tam Coc valley, here you'll find limestone hills dotted amongst the luscious trees. One of the best nature destinations in all of Vietnam and 1 not on the typical touristy trail. The afternoon is free to chill but if the TruFam are up for it, we can hop on bikes and cycle around, stopping for water breaks and those all important insta shots. If you didn't take a pic did you even go right? We've saved the best till last and around mid afternoon we head to the epic Hang Mua viewpoint, with around 500 steps to the top, you know it's going to be incredible. After updating our instastory, sending 100 pictures in your WhatsApp chat and really taking in the magic of Vietnam we head back for dinners, beers and an incredible sunset over the mountains!
Day 10: Ninh Bình/Hạ Long Bay
Today we're going to arguably the most iconic place in Asia - this is Halong Bay and it's almost certainly been your screensaver at some point in time. A bright green sea, 1,600 limestone islands dotted throughout the bay, this is a labyrinth of genuine paradise and wonder. We leave Ninh Binh early in the morning before travelling to Halong Bay and joining our boat for a night under the stars. Lunch is served to the most breathtaking backdrop imaginable after we've boarded and settled in. Today we set sail into paradise, the POA? Kayaking, viewpoints, beaches, the lot! We told you your stay in Halong Bay would stay with you forever. After a day on the water, we head back aboard and learn how to make mouth wateringly tasty spring rolls. The evening is spent watching the sun go down on the open deck, looking up at the stars and sharing a beer or two with your TruFam. Does it get better than this?
Day 11: Hạ Long Bay/Hanoi
Wake up, rub your eyes, no you're really here. Take in your surroundings before heading onto the open deck for some breakfast and a large coffee. Huge limestone rock formations in amongst teal waters and luscious green forestry surround us. There's no place in the world like Halong Bay, so sit back, relax and enjoy the 360 degree views. We'll spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before we say goodbye and make our way to Vietnam's capital - Hanoi! The late afternoon is free so head out and explore! In the evening we meet up for dinner, drinks and head out to see Hanoi's incredible nightlife!
Day 12: Hanoi
It's been 12 days since this wonderful adventure through Vietnam began and by now you'll have covered over 1,600km of great times, great laughs and great people. Just because the capital of Hanoi is the last stop of your Vietnam Explorer, these dreamy couple of weeks are anything but finished. Hanoi is chaotic, vibrant an absolute experience in itself. Time to explore, right? But not before sampling one of Vietnam's favourite beveragino's, a traditional egg coffee. Just trust us they're pretty good. We'll head for a demonstration on how this delicacy is made. Do they use real eggs? Who knows. The rest of the day is all yours to explore. Whatever side of Hanoi you like, whether that's the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi's gorgeous Opera House or the countless other mega snappable spots in the city. It's an incredible day. In the evening we get dressed up for our large BIG night out with the TruFam!
Day 13: Hanoi
It's a day for sore heads and emotional goodbyes as we're at the end of the tour. Fear not though, this may not be the end of your adventure and if not our Travel Ninjas know Southeast Asia like the back of their hand and can advise you on what and where to next. If it is time to depart this part of the world then allow yourself to be sad about it, but promise us you'll come back for more? It's a very easy promise to keep in truth. You're now a lifelong member of the TruFam and by now, you'll know how big a deal that is. See you soon!
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Charlotte Howard - Traveled, May 2023
Seyha was extremely positive and energetic and a great joy to have as a group leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Kristen - Traveled, April 2023
Seyha is the best, he went above and beyond and truely filled the needs of all 14 of us as well as showing us all of Vietnam I truely believe that I would not of had the amazing Holiday I had, if he was not a part of it Thank you Seyha.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Tara - Traveled, May 2023
Seyha was incredible at his job and went above and beyond to add in extra activities and opportunities for the group that fit in alongside the already organised itinerary. He loved seeing the group all together having a good time so would choose and make recommendations that fit what the group was after and was accomodating to all needs. Seyhas energy was contagious, always up for a laugh, a prank, or a drink each night, but was also always available for any kind of chat and wanted only the best experience for everyone! He was an amazing leader and the tour wouldn’t have been the same without him!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Robyn Sophie Ellis - Traveled, May 2023
What a once in a lifetime experience. We managed to fit in so much into such a short period of time to really see the beauty of the country. None of it would have been possible without out incredible tour guide - Sehya. They were always happy and positive to be around. Not only was Sehya really fun and entertaining, he also knew a lot about the history of Vietnam and was full of great recommendations for food and nightlife. On top of this Sehya went above and beyond in our 'free time' to recommend and organize additional activity's so we could really maximise our time in the country. Couldn't recommend this trip enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Naomi - Traveled, May 2023
We feel lucky to have had Seyha as our tour guide. He is so outgoing, attentive, engaging and makes a brilliant tour guide. We want to do a tour with TruTravels again because of Seyha.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Jocelyn Affleck - Traveled, May 2023
This was my first time solo travelling on a tour, and I honestly couldn’t have had a better guide for it. Seyha is caring, charismatic, energetic, kind and empathetic. He put everything he could into ensuring each one of us had the best experience tailored to our personalities. Seyha was always available for chats, jokes and always happy to answer any question no matter how busy he was. I especially loved his extensive knowledge of local customs, cuisine, and history which he was always more than happy to share with us. what most impressed me was his ability to change the itenary to suit each and every person on the tour, always making sure we had the best deals and didn’t get ripped off. He was always willing to walk someone home who wanted to go early, we all felt very safe in his company. I honestly have nothing but praise and admiration for Seyha and his ability to always keep spirits up no matter what. I’ve already recommended tru travels to my friends, and won’t hesitate to book again, I just hope the tour guide is as good as Seyha!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Enda McCann - Traveled, May 2023
Seyha made the trip so enjoyable, ever attentive and always positive. I don't know where he gets his energy from. Every question was answered and answered well. Either to do with the next days activities, transport, accommodation, local food spots, local history the list goes on. Best tour guide I have ever had, regardless of the country I want Sayha there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Daisy Lloyd - Traveled, May 2023
Seyha was so energetic! He always wanted us to have the best time possible and tried to make everyone feel welcome from the very first night. He was entertaining and loved to sing at any opportunity! He was also full of information about the sites we visited and encouraged us to ask as many questions as possible to help us learn about the history of the sites. I would say that maybe to improve, Seyha should not pressure people to stay out if they want to go back to the hotels after a few drinks. Also if the group seem to be enjoying the vibe in one bar, ask then whether they want to move onto somewhere else or stay put as sometimes I would have liked to have stayed in one place rather than have a pub crawl around.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Eleana - Traveled, May 2023
The most AMAZING 2 weeks in Vietnam spent with our guide Seyha. Seyha is such a credit to TruTravels, from the beginning he was so friendly and made such an effort to try and keep us all happy, his energy was unmatched! So many fantastic memories made with great people, an experience I’ll never forget! I only marked the itinerary down as I wish the tour was longer and we could’ve seen more of the south of Vietnam, like the 17 day tour, seemed a shame to miss out Mui Ne and Nha Trang! I’ll definitely be returning to Vietnam, I couldn’t recommend Seyha and TruTravels highly enough :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Beth - Traveled, May 2023
Seyha was incredible the whole trip. Everything was so well organised and he was always full of useful knowledge and guidance where ever we went. His energetic personality kept everyone upbeat even on tiring travel days and I could not recommend him enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Harriet - Traveled, May 2023
Overall, I feel that the tour was very good and I was able to experience things that I wouldn't have been able to do as a solo traveller. Seyha was extremely informative throughout the whole trip and kept us updated daily verbally and via WhatsApp. Seyha kept momentum amongst the group and gave us recommendations on days where we had free time to experience everything we could (including great street food spots to get a real taste of Vietnam). There was no pressure to commit to activities where tour goers did not want to join in, and Seyha did his upmost to make sure everyone was included. He worked his way round the group to have conversations everyone to find out their interests, which were taken in to account along the way. I would definitely chose Trutravels again for my next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Steph Birch - Traveled, May 2023
Seyah was an amazing guide. He was a ball of energy from start to finish. Everywhere we went he counted us and made sure we stuck together as a group and he was full of information in each place we went to. He was always happy and smiling and kept the group spirits up even when we had a little rain! Such a lovely guy and a credit to TruTravels. He was always there to offer any support and if we had any questions or issues they were dealt with straight away. He really made this trip amazing for all of us. Thank you Seyah! :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Kirsty Orr - Traveled, March 2023
Wow, what an amazing trip the Vietnam Explorer was! The itinerary was fantastic, the scenery just got more and more beautiful as the trip went on and the value for money was fab, especially with the number of meals already included! Lucas was a brilliant tour leader, always so full of energy and great fun as well as being very knowledgeable and caring towards everyone. Would highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Arturs Ruikovics - Traveled, March 2023
Arturs Ruikovics· March 21st, 2023 Lucas is one of the best guides I ever had. He was very funny,entertaining and helpful. Everything that was scheduled on tour was always on time and without any issues. Tour had really good variety in each place and each day was never the same. Would recommend Vietnam tour accompanied by Lucas to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Laura - Traveled, March 2023
Lucas has been absolutely phenomenal during and even before the trip started! He helped us to get ready for our trip, giving us small tips and answering questions we have had. Since I arrived in the airport in Vietnam, I felt absolutely supported by him, he was checking on us and making sure we will safely arrive to our start hotel. From there, it only gets better! Lucas is a very energetic and lively person. You cannot not like him! He was our tour guide and friend in one! Lucas has a great knowledge about Vietnam and its history and shared a lot of information with us. He was always on his tip toes making sure everything goes according to the plan, he was constantly checking on us how we’re felling and making sure we enjoy our trip. Despite him becoming our friend, he showed huge expertise and professionalism also. I could have not ask for more, and will recommend Lucas to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Harriet Mecoy - Traveled, March 2023
Lucas was an incredible tour guide! He had a good balance of all skills needed. For example, he was very informative but also fun and joined us on nights out. He really cared for everyone’s wellbeing and tried his absolute best to accommodate everyone’s needs. I will be recommending the trip to others and suggesting they go with Lucas as I couldn’t fault him at all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Emma - Traveled, March 2023
I had the most amazing time on the 13 days Vietnam explorer with, met incredible people and had have certainly made memories which will remember forever. Lucas did a fantastic job as our tour guide, was fun, caring and very informative, couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Thank you Lucas for all you did for us. Will miss everyone from the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Toni Robson - Traveled, March 2023
Lukas was an amazing tour guide,he was always making us laugh with his little jokes and random singing. If there was anything we needed he was right there to help you out. He also made sure that everyone was OK and interacted and talked to everyone as well as joining in with everything we did,even though he didn't have too,especially in the evenings! Lucas was also very informative and knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions that were thrown at him. Couldn't have asked for a better tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Lena Holthaus - Traveled, March 2023
Lucas was the best tour guide! He was always well prepared, took care of all of us and entertained us with his (bad) Karaoke Skills :) He was not only our tourguide, but a friend as well. Would highly recommend a tour with Lucas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Jason Katz - Traveled, March 2023
I had the best time in Vietnam with Lucas. Lucas is anincredible tour guide and a great balance of fun and serious. He is knowledge and taught us a lot about the country and the culture without ever making it boring. He was always organized and shared the plans with us the night before, which was nice as all the exciting adventures seemed like surprises but all properly organized. He was flexible and tailored the trip to the groups needs and made sure everyone was always doing well. He was always in good spirits and kept the group in a positive and happy vibe throughout the trip. Overall, incredible trip with the best tour guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Jessica Eichler - Traveled, March 2023
The Tour was really nice and well planed. Our guide was funny and we had a good time. The best tour guide I ever had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
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