G Adventures: Best of Vietnam Tour

Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Hanoi

  Explore the vibrant Old Quarter of Vietnam’s capital city, with its historic museums, beautiful lakes, and fantastic food.

• Days 3-5: Sapa

  After arriving in Lao Cai in the morning of day 3, we transfer to Sapa. An afternoon excursion will take us to the village of Ta Phin where we'll have a chance to interact with some of the local ethnic minorities such as H'mong, Dao, and Zai. We will spend an hour or two strolling through the villages before returning to Sapa early evening.
  
  On day 4, we take a moderate trek through the Muong Hoa River valley. We will stop at Lao Chai village for lunch and on to the Ta Vinh village for our homestay. The terrain can be steep at times and slightly challenging. However, passengers with a moderate fitness level should be fine. The homestay accommodation for the evening is basic, but bedding and mosquito nets are provided.
  
  After breakfast on day 5, say goodbye to the host family and walk on to a nearby village where a bus will be waiting to transfer us back to Sapa. Take the afternoon to relax before catching our overnight train back to Hanoi.

• Days 6-7: Halong Bay

  On day 6, our private bus takes us to Bai Chay harbour, our entry point to Halong Bay. Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Our sailing junk will take you to visit some of the islands and caves.
  
  You could enjoy a pre-dinner swim (depending on the season) and have an evening drink on the deck beneath the stars. Our accommodation tonight is a truly special experience – sleeping on a boat surrounded by high limestone karsts. All cabins are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom.

• Day 8: Hue

  We arrive early on day 8 into Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. After checking in to our hotel, you have the option to visit to the wonderful Tien Mu Pagoda. Built over 400 years ago, and at seven stories high, Tien Mu is still the tallest and perhaps the most elegant pagoda in Vietnam.
  
  You could also visit a tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. These tombs are extremely ornate and embrace the concept of Feng Shui.
  
  Afterwards, you may choose to enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery and there are various options to head out by bike to explore the local countryside.

• Days 9-11: Hoi An

  This morning we’ll start our day touring the wonderful ruins of the Imperial Citadel, from where the whole of Vietnam was once ruled. You’ll enjoy exploring the many palaces and gateways, courtyards and gardens of this beautiful complex and of course hearing the stories of the emperors who once lived here.
  
  In the late morning we begin our drive to Hoi An. After crossing over the Hai Van Pass, with fantastic views in all directions, we will stop at Lang Co Beach, arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon for our three night stay. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections. You can take a walking tour of this living museum which includes the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies.
  
  Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists in the region. Tailors can produce virtually anything overnight, with clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts abound. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach, 4kms from town makes for a great, flat bike ride.

• Day 12: Saigon

  Discover the infectious energy of Vietnam’s biggest city, with its bustling streets, blinking neon lights and overflowing markets.

• Day 13: Mekong Delta

  Travel to the delta of the mighty Mekong, amid floating markets and friendly people.

• Days 14-15: Saigon

  Return to Saigon for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.