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.
Required Age: 18 – 35 Years | Group Size: 16 – 24 Pax | Nos of Days: 8 days
Trip Starts Date/Location: 16th Jan 2023 | Hanoi, Vietnam
Trip Ends Date/Location: 23rd Jan 2023 | Hoi An, Vietnam
Meals Included: 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transport: Private Vehicles, Trains, Bicycles, Open Jeeps, Walking
Accommodation: Hostels (6 Nights), O/N Sleeper Train (1 Night)
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 and many more
The Vietnam Country Side Adventures – USD 727 + 5% GST per adult
PS: This Experience is completely managed and operated by G Adventures, Toronto and based on our association you can avail of this special discounted pricing IF booked via iTravel
Hanoi (Meals Incl. D)
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, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are! The welcome meeting begins at 17:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss the meeting and the included activity afterwards.
Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour (Hanoi, 2.5 Hrs): Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a street side bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don’t forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hanoi/Ninh Bình (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Trang An River View Homestay or similar)
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, rent a paddle boat or bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!
Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour (Tam Chúc): Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda on a CEO-guided tour then take some free time to explore on your own. Opened in 2019, Tam Chuc is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. It is a truly beautiful site with the sparkling lake in front and the rolling green mountains behind. Follow along with the many pilgrims who visit here for reflection and prayers.
Private Vehicle (Hanoi – Ninh Bình) (2-2.5 Hrs/100km) Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time (Ninh Bình Afternoon): Enjoy a free afternoon to do as much, or as little as your please.
Optional Activities
Paddle Boat Tour, Ninh Bình: Hop into a local paddle boat for a two-hour tour of Ninh Binh’s spectacular riverside, dotted with towering limestone rock formations and hidden caves. Take in the scenery as you drift past picturesque rice paddies and observe locals going about their day.
Ninh Binh Bicycle: Rent a bike and set off on the backroads through the beautiful Ninh Binh area.
Trang An Grottoes Tour (2 – 3 Hrs): Explore the beautiful Trang An Grottoes by rowboat. View the stunning caves and karst rock formations towering out of the canals and lakes that make up the regional landscape. Along the way visit small local temples and pagodas and your expert paddler will navigate inside the grottoes for a thrilling cavern adventure.
Bich Dong Pagoda: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda (Tam Cốc Bích động) a stunning 3-tiered ancient pagoda built into the stunning green mountainside. These cave temples are found in a picture-perfect setting of towering green-covered karst and surrounding by water lily bulging ponds. Climb up the 100 steps to the top for even more sweeping views.
Ninh Bình (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Trains)
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! On the overnight train we use 4 x birth soft sleeper – Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door. Compartments may be mixed gender.
Free Time (Phong Nha): You’ve got the whole day to do as you please. Bike, hike, boat or feet-up, the choice is yours!
Optional Activities
Hike to Hang Mua Peak: Hike up to Hang Mua Peak (also known as Mua Cave) for stunning views of the Tam Coc Valley with its limestone mountains and rice fields. Climb the 500 steps carved by-way of switchbacks into the mountain and reach the the Mua Cave dragon statue, a symbol of prosperity which guards over the people of the valley.
Dong Hoi/Phong Nha (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Farm Stay Hotel or similar)
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.
Tour of Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market, Dông Hội: Explore the vibrant Dong Hoi wet/fish market with your CEO. The market is bustling in the early morning where locals come to buy and sell all manner of products including: seafood, vegetables, fruit, chickens, spices; even, frogs! After walking around the market we will grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi. The famed Banh mi sandwiches are a typical street food that originated in Saigon and are heavily influenced by French cuisine. They are served on French baguettes with a French and Vietnamese fusion inside. Typically, they are made up of pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and (if you choose) a meat.
Dong Hoi Cycling Tour, Dông Hội (2 Hrs/8km): Hop on a bike and take a short cycling tour of Dong Hoi and the nearby villages. Gently peddle along through the countryside admiring the beautiful landscape and rural way of life including a stop at Bao Ninh fishing village.
Private Vehicle, Dông Hội – Phong Nha (1-1.5 Hrs/45 Kms): Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities: NA
Phong Nha, (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Farm Stay Hotel in Phong Nha or similar)
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 a sunset bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!
Free Time, Phong Nha: The day is yours with options for hiking and biking. We highly recommend the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest caves in Asia are found.
Optional Activities
Caving in Phong Nha (8 – 9 Hrs/10 – 20 kms): Explore the longest cave in all of Asia – Paradise Cave – by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you’ll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.
Phong Nha Biking: Rent a bike and set off exploring Phong Nha.
Phong Nha Bar Crawl: Set out on a bar crawl visiting some of the popular local pubs in the area.
Nuoc Mooc EcoTrail: Traverse the cool jungle following the bamboo floorboards and paths leading you to fresh rivers and small lagoons where you can enjoying kayaking and swimming.
Phong Nha/Huế (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Army Hostel or similar)
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.
Vinh Moc Tunnels Visit, Xã Thạch Vĩnh: Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarised zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground cave system and its stories of human resilience.
Private Vehicle Phong Nha – Huế (5-5.5 Hrs 210 kms): Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time, Huế: Take some free time to explore Huế your way!
Optional Activities (Huế)
Hue Motorbike Tour: Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, making a Vietnamese conical hat, sipping on fresh green tea with a local family, learning to plough and make rice, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Huế Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel Tour: Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers. Tour the Tien Mu pagoda before visiting the imperial citadel, a one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China’s Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.
Hue City Tour: Take a tour of this imperial city to see the Thiên Mụ Buddhist pagoda, the tallest religious building in the country, the Japanese bridge, and the tombs of the emperors. Visit the Dong Ba Markets for local specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes) and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp).
Huế/Hoi An (Meals Incl. B, L) (O/n Bed Station Hostel/Pool Bar or similar)
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?
Private Vehicle Huế – Hoi An (4 – 4.5 Hrs/125km): Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
An Bang Cemetary Visit: Step off the beaten path and visit An Bang Cemetery–one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Covering 250 hectares, it’s locally known as the City of Ghosts and is famous for its extravagant tombs for their deceased family members. Many stand two or three stories high and showcase elaborate ornate gold carvings often featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the larger tombs even include fully functional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens reflecting loved ones strong belief of the afterlife, and the practice of honouring beloved ancestors.
Lang Co Beach Visit: Enjoy a stop at Beautiful Lang Co Beach. Walk along the palm lined white sand beach and take a dip in the calm turquoise coloured waters.
Hai Van Pass Visit: Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a 20km stretch of road that represents the division between northern and southern Vietnam, and is also one of the country’s highest points at 500m above sea level. In Vietnamese, Hai Van roughly translates to “sea of clouds” and it’s easy to see why. As your vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you’ll see misty peaks rise above the South China Sea, with glimpses of pristine beaches, forests and the cityscape of Da Nang along the way.
Hoi An Orientation Walk: Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An’s Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An’s Old Town is not included)
Optional Activities: NA
Hoi An (Meals Incl. B) (O/n NA)
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time. Trip Ends with Countless Memories & New found Friends
