Vibrant Vietnam
12 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hoi An, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Temple Of Literature, Ba Dinh Square, Mai Châu District, Bao La, Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Island, Ha Long Natural heritage, Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Hội An
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VTN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Sailing, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$1689
$1605 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$84
Tour Overview
Savour traditional street food, immerse yourself in rural village life and marvel at diverse tropical scenery on this action-packed journey through Vietnam. Starting in the capital, Hanoi, you’ll make the unforgettable trip to Mai Chau – a rural valley lined with paddies between forested mountains. After cruising through the dreamlike seascapes of Halong Bay on a luxury cruise ship, continue south by overnight train to Hue, where the Imperial City offers a fascinating window into the country’s past. Wrap up your trip in Hoi An, soaking up the atmosphere of its lantern-lit streets and charming canals. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive In Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be transferred to the hotel where our Local Insider will help you check in. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. Feel free to explore the area or grab a drink at the bar before meeting your fellow travellers at 5.15pm. Kick off the evening by heading out to a local night market for your first taste of Vietnamese street food. Try delicacies such as bun cha (meatballs with noodles and herbs), pho (noodle soup) or goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), washed down with a cold Hanoi beer.
Activities included:
Street food tour
Airport transfer from Hanoi (HAN) airport
Day 2 – Venture Into The Heart Of Hanoi On Foot
Location: Hanoi, Temple Of Literature, Ba Dinh Square
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, set out on a walking tour of Hanoi. You’ll start at Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh read the Independence Declaration on 2 September 1945. Take time to appreciate the imposing marble mausoleum built in his honour. Next, stop by the Temple of Literature, a picturesque complex housing the oldest university in Vietnam, dedicated to the ancient Chinese scholar, Confucius. In the afternoon, join an optional guided stroll through the lively Old Quarter, finishing up at a cafe where you’ll be able to try a creamy egg coffee – a Hanoi speciality.
Activities included:
Hanoi walking tour
Day 3 – Experience Rural Farm Life In Mai Chau
Location: Mai Châu District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mai Chau Ecolodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll swap the bustle of Hanoi for the tranquility of the Mai Chau, a lush valley 140km (87mi) southwest of the capital, inhabited by several ethnic minority groups in the mountains of Hoa Binh province. Following a lunch of local delicacies, you’ll cycle through rice fields to a White Thai village and experience farm life – including collecting food for buffalos and feeding them. Enjoy fresh fruit and honey tea with the indigenous people while embracing their slower pace of life. Come nightfall, you’ll dine at a homestay.
Activities included:
Farm experience
Day 4 – Hike Through The Countryside And Visit Na Chao Village
Location: Bao La
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you’ll take a short transfer to Bao La commune and continue from there to reach Na Chao village. Get a deeper feel for the Mai Chau countryside by following a short hiking trail and glimpse inside the traditional stilt houses built and lived in by local families. You’ll learn all about the history and culture of the White Thai ethnic group, who live in the area, and attend a class on weaving bamboo baskets at a White Thai house before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Activities included:
Walking tour
White Thai village visit
Bamboo-weaving class
Day 5 – Embark On A Luxury Overnight Cruise To Ti Top Island
Location: Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Island
Accommodation: Cruise
Accommodation Name: Paradise Elegance
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll transfer to Tuan Chau Island, on the fringes of Halong Bay, where you’ll set sail for tiny Ti Top Island. With its white beach and verdant, sail-shaped karst peak, this tiny islet is one of the bay’s top stops. Before you get there, you’ll enjoy lunch on board your cruiser and stop enroute at Tung Sau pearl farm, to see how these natural gems are cultivated. You’ll drop anchor overnight at Ti Top Island, where you can hit the beach for a swim or trek up to the mountain overlook – just make sure you’re back on board in time for happy hour and canapés on the boat’s sundeck. After watching the sun set, relax with a spot of squid fishing off the back of the boat.
Activities Included
Tuan Chau Island to Ti Top Island cruise
Visit to Tung Say pearl farm
Squid fishing on board Paradise Elegance
Overnight at Ti Top Island
Day 6 – Swim, Kayak And Try Tai Chi In Lan Ha Bay
Location: Ha Long Natural heritage, Hanoi, Hue
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day by focusing the mind and body with a tai chi class on deck. After, a tender boat will take you to a pristine sandy beach from which you can swim and kayak in calm, clear waters. If you’re up for a challenge, why not climb the nearby hilltop for a view across the bay? After reboarding the ship, you’ll cruise slowly back to Halong. It’s time to bid farewell to the crew and return to Hanoi to board an overnight train to Hue. Be prepared – there are no showers on sleeper trains in Vietnam.
Activities included:
Tai chi class
Visit to Sung Sot cave
Day 7 – Arrive In Hue And Join A Street Food Tour
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eldora Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Wake up in Hue, the capital between 1802 and 1945. After arriving at the station, check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you’ll join a street food tour by cyclo – a rickshaw-style form of transport, popular in Vietnam – and get an authentic feel for the city, stopping at a number of restaurants, markets and hidden eateries to sample a variety of Hue specialities – noticeably distinct from typical Vietnamese cuisine. Bun ho hue (spicy beef noodle soup), nem lui (pork and lemongrass skewers) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes with shrimps) are among the local favourites.
Activities included:
Hue cyclo food tour
Day 8 – Attend A Cooking Class And Explore The Ancient Hue Citadel
Location: Thua Thien Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eldora Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Now you’re familiar with Hue’s food scene, it’s time to learn about the flavours and techniques behind the local delicacies by visiting a market and attending a cooking masterclass with gastronomy artisan, Ms Huy. After enjoying the fruits of your labour, head to the ancient Hue Citadel, where you can admire the lavish architecture of the royal palaces in the Imperial City. You’ll then sail along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and experience a royal tea ceremony in the style of the Nguyen Dynasty, finally stopping at the XQ Hand Embroidery Art Museum on your way back to the hotel.
Activities included:
Market visit
Cooking masterclass
Hue Citadel visit
Perfume River boat transfer
Royal tea ceremony
XQ Hand Embroidery Art Museum visit
Day 9 – Onwards To Hoi An, Our Final Destination
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a healthy Vietnamese breakfast and a gentle start to the day we’ll continue on to the final stop of your trip, Hoi An, an atmospheric coastal town featuring a colourful mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French-colonial architecture, intersected by canals. The signature local dish, cao lau (spicy braised pork with rice noodles, bean sprouts and greens), is worth seeking out. There’s no shortage of excellent restaurants here.
Day 10 – Take A Guided Walking Tour Of Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day will begin with a guided walking tour of Hoi An. Soak up the ambience of the old centre as you meander the lantern-lit streets, passing striking historical landmarks such as the Chua Ong Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Japanese Covered Bridge. The latter was built to connect the Japanese and Chinese districts back when Hoi An was a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring as you wish – our Local Insider is always on hand with a flurry of recommendations.
Accommodation
La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Included activities
Hoi An Sightseeing and Walking tour
Day 11 – Kick Back, Explore Hoi An And Learn Restorative Yin Yoga
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fancy taking it easy on your last full day? Feel free to do so. But if you’re keen for an adventure, take a private speedboat to the Cham Islands, an archipelago consisting of eight granite outcrops 15km (9mi) off the Hoi An coast. A local fisherman, Mr Lau, will greet you on the main island (Hon Lao) and guide you around the biosphere reserve where you can snorkel and swim among flourishing coral reefs and marine life. Enjoy a seafood lunch and take a stroll through Bai Huong village before returning to the mainland via private speed boat. Then it’s time to learn about restorative Yin yoga – a soothing session before heading for one last group dinner at a local restaurant.
Included activities
Farewell Dinner
Optional activities
Cham Islands day trip
Restorative Yin yoga session
Day 12 – Depart From Hoi An
Location: Hội An, Da Nang International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one last breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and checkout of the hotel. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers at midday and make your way to Da Nang International Airport via an included transfer to catch your flight home – or extend your stay in Vietnam.
What's Included
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Local Insider
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Accommodation
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers from HAN, to DAD
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Meals included in the Itinerary
11 breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners
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Private and local transport
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Hanoi street food tour
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Hanoi walking tour
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Mai Chau farm tour experience
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Mai Chau walking tour
What's Not Included
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Meals not in the itinerary
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Visas (if required)
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Optional activities
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Resort Taxes (If applicable)
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International Travel
Accommodation
La Siesta Classic Ma May
This luxury boutique hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms in the heart of Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. Sip a cold beer at the rooftop Moonlight Sky Bar and watch the sun go down with spectacular views of the city.
Mai Chau Ecolodge
Sustainability is central to this rural hideaway surrounded by paddies, mountains and tropical forests. All 43 rooms were built using naturally sourced materials and are powered by renewable energy. Unwind by the pool or treat yourself to a massage at the spa.
Paradise Elegance
This modern cruise boat is basically a floating boutique hotel. The cabins are vast, with full double beds, rich wood floors and balconies overlooking the water. There’s a rooftop sundeck with a plunge pool, a wood-panelled spa room, and a sumptuous piano lounge and bar.
Overnight train
See a different side to Vietnam as you pass along the rugged coastline on this 700km (435mi) southward journey by train. The sleeper cabins may not be the height of luxury (there are no showers), but it’s all part of the experience.
Eldora Hotel
French colonial-style decor characterises this elegant boutique hotel in Hue. Inside, you’ll find lavish rooms, a large indoor swimming pool and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. Enjoy a nightcap in the piano bar under glittering chandeliers.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Two palm tree-flanked pools (one freshwater, one saltwater) are a highlight at this tranquil resort in Hoi An. Sunbathe on a private section of An Nang beach, before tucking into sizzling street food at the on-site Red Bean restaurant.
Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Check out our Q&As
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Do I need any vaccinations?
As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.
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What visas do I need?
Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.
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What kind of transport do you use on your trips?
We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.
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How many meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.
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Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.
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Can I travel in my own private group?
Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.
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How much money should I bring?
This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.
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What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?
You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.
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When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?
We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.
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Are flights / transport to the destination included?
No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.
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What kind of luggage should I bring?
It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.
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Why should I travel with Culture Trip?
We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.
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How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?
We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.
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Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?
Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.
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What happens if I am travelling on my own?
Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.
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What is not included in the trip?
We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.
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Is there any age limit on the Trips?
You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.
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What is the group size?
Our maximum group size is 18, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.
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Are airport transfers included?
Some of our trips do not include airport transfers, so we recommend customers either take public transport or a taxi. However, if you would like us to arrange a private transfer please ask one of our travel experts who can arrange this for you.
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Do I need to tip?
Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.
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Will there always be a guide on the trip?
Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.
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I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?
We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.
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Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?
You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.
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Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?
The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!
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What is a Local Insider?
We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Wednesday
May 18, 2024 - May 29, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 12, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.
At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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