Experience Overview
Sure, you could take the well-travelled path through Vietnam. But, let’s be real, the back roads make for way better stories — and this eight-day, hostel-based trip is definitely proof. After a night out in Hanoi, head into the countryside, stopping at pagodas, local fish markets, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels: a massive bomb shelter from the Vietnam War. Next, gear up for a ‘gram-worthy day as you road trip in an open-top jeep, visiting the incredible An Bang Cemetery, taking a dip at Lang Co beach, and snapping pics of the views along Hai Van Pass before saying your goodbyes in Hoi An.
Highlights
- Sample Vietnam's best tastes on an insiders foodie tour
- Explore Tam Chuc: the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia
- Wander Dong Hoi wet-fish market with a Banh Mi Breakfast in hand
- Descend into the less-visited Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Opt to hike the pristine countryside in Ninh Binh and explore caves in Phong Nha
Trip Details
Product Code: 1692
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, train, bicycle, open-top jeeps, walking.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AVHOHW
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Hoi An, Vietnam
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
- Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour
- Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market tour and countryside cycling
- Vinh Moc Tunnels Tour
- An Bang Cemetary Tour
- Visit Lang Co Beach
- Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountain Tour
- Hoi An Old Town Walk and Riverside Evening Out
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (6 nts), overnight sleeper train (1 nt).
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private vehicle, train, bicycle, open-top jeeps, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $719 ($90 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city's old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city's signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are!
Day 2: Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Ready to hit the backroads? Let's go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one or rent a bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!
Day 3: Ninh Bình
Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!
Day 4: Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.
Day 5: Phong Nha
Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join an evening bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!
Day 6: Phong Nha/Huế
Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.
Day 7: Huế/Hoi An
Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?
Day 8: Hoi An
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south to Vietnam's amazing beaches on the next leg of this epic adventure.
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
Tayla E. - Traveled, February 2024
It was a great way to start my time in Vietnam as a solo female traveler. I met incredible people I continued to travel with for a bit after the tour, learnt so much more about the history and culture from our guide and did so many more activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Marie U. - Traveled, February 2024
An experience i would recommend to everyone who wants to travel the wourld and create new memories, friend and knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Kamilla S. - Traveled, February 2024
Good food, making friends, learing about vietnam, experiencing vietnamese culture, and getting to know Thuy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Brooke C. - Traveled, January 2024
This was a whirlwind of gorgeous countryside, amazing food, and busy vibrant cities! I've never seen or done so much in so little time in a tour group before, and I was so grateful to bond with the other members of the group as we experienced it all
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
William D. - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic experience with great experiences with like-minded individuals. Would recommend to anyone looking for a simple, stress-free way to travel!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Natasha T. - Traveled, January 2024
If you want to travel and not have to think too much this is a great way to travel. You’ve got your group of g adventure friends but staying in hostels also allows you to meet other like minded travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Gemma D. - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent way to see the key bits of Vietnam, met some great people, had loads of fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Christopher S. - Traveled, December 2024
A great overall experience with amazing activities but lacking in food options.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Charles G. - Traveled, September 2024
good people. good vibes. could party if you wanted to. could see as much as you could if you wanted to. could do a bit of both. felt prepared for the next days options. tour guide was awesome. happy i did it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2024
Saxon F. - Traveled, December 2024
Fantastic, enjoyed every second of the trip. I'll definitely be traveling with G-Adventures again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2024
Sarah B. - Traveled, November 2024
An amazing experience! Loved every single minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2024
Danielle N. - Traveled, November 2024
This trip is perfect for my age group 25-30, I loved all of the experiences along the way, it’s good that you can choose to have rooms or be in shared dorms depending on what you are comfortable with. Vietnam is beautiful, everyone we met was so friendly...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Charlotte M. - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was amazing. I was able to see a large amount of Vietnam in a short amount of time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
Liam A. - Traveled, June 2024
Best holiday I've ever experienced, adventure of a lifetime. We will be booking with G Adventures again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2024
Lisa B. - Traveled, May 2024
It was a great way to experience Vietnam in a quite short time and the trip gave me a lot food for thought which is probably the most important thing when traveling. The tour war organized very well, which left us more energy and time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Laura V. - Traveled, May 2024
Great way to explore a country and truly get to know the rural areas and people. The peace of mind you get from having the tour and transport planned for you is extremely valuable, and having people to share it with is just so lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2024
Tamara W. - Traveled, May 2024
It was a great experience and i would book at g adventures again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Alyssa S. - Traveled, May 2024
The experience that I expected and so amazing that I didn’t want to leave to be honest. I liked that it gave you the real backpacker experience and took the worry of planning off of my hands too
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Georgina H. - Traveled, May 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed, and looking forward to book our next gadventures trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2024
Dena M. - Traveled, April 2024
Made friends for a lifetime
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
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