Explore Vietnam

Apply Now

Dates: October 20 - November 2, 2018

Price: $499 | 14 Days | Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City 

Trip Code: AVHNG

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Vietnam on a journey that spans from the emerald mountains of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south. Spend a night on a traditional junk boat in stunning Ha Long Bay, roam the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, glimpse rural life on a trek through hilltribe villages, and enjoy a cyclo ride through the heart of bustling Hanoi. As you travel the length of the country, take in the long view of this fascinating corner of Indochina.

Highlights from Explore Vietnam

Learn to cook oodles of noodles at a G Adventures-supported youth-training school, cruise along Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat, learn how to make a traditional lantern in the lantern capital of Vietnam, step back into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and Hanoi Hilton, enjoy lunch at Hoa Sua (a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth)

Itinerary

Day 1/2 - Hanoi 

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

• Complimentary pre-night hotel included on this FAM

Day 3 - Hanoi/Mai Chau

Travel to the lush Mai Chau Valley and enjoy a countryside walk through rice paddies and local villages.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Mai Chau

Enjoy free time to explore the valley. Options include cycling in the countryside, cooking class, relaxing or kayaking.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Mai Chau/Hanoi

Return to Hanoi to explore Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and go on a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Hanoi/Ha Long

Start your day off right with breakfast at Hoa Sua, a non-profit training restaurant for underprivileged Hanoi youth. Help yourself to some yummy cuisine while helping others. Afterwards, transfer to Halong Bay and spend the night on a traditional junk boat surrounded by turquoise waters, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the calm waters. Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, a more secluded section of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to cruise around the Bay and explore the Me Cung cave with our local guide.

Exclusive Inclusions: National Geographic Journeys Exclusives Breakfast at Hoa Sua

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7 - Ha Long/Hue

Have an early lunch on board before returning to land and heading back to Hanoi to catch our short flight to Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8 - Hue

Visit the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Take a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of former emperors, visiting one of the most impressive royal tombs. Opt to explore Hue like the locals on a motorbike taxi, visiting local shops and a Convent for lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Hue/Hoi An

Enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and take a walking tour of the ancient town. Also visit the Lifestart Foundation and learn how to make a traditional lantern from one of the beneficiaries of this program. Supported by Planeterra, this project helps local Vietnamese with chronic disabilities gain sustainable employment.

Exclusive Inclusions: National Geographic Journeys Exclusives Traditional Lantern Experience

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Hoi An

Enjoy the Oodles of Noodles market visit, street food experience and cooking class at a G Adventures-supported culinary training school. Visit the local markets with two students and their trainer to learn about and taste noodles, and then return to the school to cook lunch with the students.

Exclusive Inclusions: National Geographic Journeys Exclusives Oodles of Noodles Local Market Excursion | G Adventures for Good Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11 - Hoi An

The day is free for optional activities of your choice.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City

Flight to Ho Chi Minh CIty. Opt to take a cyclo tour and visit the markets and shops.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, legendary for the vital part they played during the Vietnam War.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 14 - Ho Chi Minh City

Depart at any time.

• Complimentary departure transfer included on this FAM

Meals included: Breakfast

Full Itinerary

Tour Details

What's Included

• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Breakfast at Hoa Sua, Hanoi
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Traditional Lantern Experience, Hoi An
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Oodles of Noodles Local Market Excursion, Hoi An
• G Adventures for Good: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An
• Arrival & departure transfers
• Pre-night hotel
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Overnight on a junk boat on Halong Bay
• Guided tour of Emperor's Tomb and Imperial Citadel Hue
• Walking tour of Hoi An Old Town
• Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Internal flights
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities