Explore Vietnam
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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.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10.
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
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

Accommodations
Hotels (10 nts), junk boat (1 nt), lodge (2 nt).
Meals
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD155-205 for meals not included.
Transportation
Bus, boat, cyclo, plane, walking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.