Pho, Fun & Sun in Vietnam

Pho, Fun & Sun in Vietnam

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Pho, Fun & Sun in Vietnam

10 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting: Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hạ Long Bay, Hue, Hội An, Tra Que Village House, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tours

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

EOV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, History

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an enriching ten-day journey through Vietnam. Your mind will expand as you learn about Vietnam’s history and crafts. Your body will be invigorated by feasting on nourishing food, kayaking through a karst landscape and cycling through rural Vietnam. Your soul will be soothed by tai chi and yoga. You’ll see the best of Vietnam’s cities and countryside and return home realigned, with a head bursting with unforgettable memories of this multifaceted land.

Highlights

  • Cruise and kayak through the enchantingly beautiful Halong Bay

  • Be enthralled and appalled by Vietnam’s complex ancient and modern history

  • Get acquainted with the flavours of Vietnam: taste wine in Hanoi, sample street food in Saigon, join a chef for dinner in Hoi An

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Good Morning Vietnam
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Dinner

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is ready to welcome you when you arrive. Get

acclimatised and familiarise yourself with the city by wandering the

tree-lined avenues.



There’s a group welcome meeting then you’ll dine at KOTO (Know One, Teach

One), a well-established training restaurant for disadvantaged youths.

You’ll be served a blend of Vietnamese, South-East Asian and Western foods.



Day 2 : Start The Day Right With Yoga And Tai Chi
Location: Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll set an early alarm today, but (blissfully) there’s no commuter

slog ahead. Instead, you’re off to Hoan Kiem Lake for a Tai Chi and

Laughing Yoga session. Mind and body aligned, you’ll feast on /pho, /a

Vietnamese soup, for breakfast before setting off on a walk around Hanoi’s

Old Quarter where you’ll sample egg coffee.



You’ll try /bun cha/ for lunch, a local speciality dish of noodles, broth

and meat served alongside some greens.



Later, there’s wine tasting in store, led by local expert Thang. You’ll

hear his far-flung traveller tales where he discovered global alcohol-making

processes. Then learn how he has introduced teas to enrich the taste of his

wines. 



Day 3 : Discover The Majesty Of Halong Bay
Location: Hạ Long Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll make the four-hour journey by road to Halong Bay. A

spellbinding sight, this is where thousands of limestone pillars rise from an

emerald-hued sea. You’ll set sail through the karst scenery with lunch

served on board and later enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner. You’ll sleep

onboard tonight, sharing twin-share cabins with en-suite facilities.



Please be aware that the boat trip on Halong Bay can be subject to short

notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip.



Day 4 : Hello Hue
Location: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise with the sun for tai chi onboard before breakfast. Afterwards, you'll

kayak past ethereal grottoes before jumping back on board to cruise back to

the mainland and head to the airport for a short flight to Hue (pronounced

‘hway’) on the banks of the Perfume River. As the ancient home of the

Nguyen emperors, Hue claims to be the true cultural and historic centre of

Vietnam.  



Day 5 : Explore Ancient Hue. Visit The Peaceful Bamboo Family
Location: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

There’s a historic immersion lined up today. First, you’ll visit the

Imperial City of Hue, a complex of the emperor’s residence, palaces,

shrines and state buildings. Although it’s a fraction of what was once here

(it was badly bombed in the wars that afflicted Vietnam), it’s a

fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese history.  



In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Peaceful Bamboo Family, an uplifting

community for children with learning disabilities. You’ll have lunch in

their biodynamic garden, see their lacquer painting workshop, and have the

chance to buy handmade incense and jams.



Day 6 : Get To Know Hoi An And Try Your Hand At Lantern Making (Optional)
Location: Hội An
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll take a private bus to Hoi An, once a major trading

port that has retained its old-world charm. You’ll have a walking tour of

the Old Town, drinking in the history of the 800 centuries-old buildings.

Later, there’s an optional lantern making class. (additional cost) if you

wish to participate or free time to relax or explore.



Day 7 : Cycle To Tra Que Vegetable Village For Dinner
Location: Tra Que Village House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a morning that’s all yours, in the afternoon you’ll take a

leisurely bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Observe how the locals live

and grow their produce, then visit a chef’s home to feast on a spread of

the regional dishes.



Day 8 : Get Swept Up In Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tear yourself away from Hoi An – today you’re bound for Saigon, or Ho Chi

Minh City, as it’s now known. You’ll take a short flight to this vibrant,

chaotic city. Prepare for an assault on your senses: the relentless racket of

scooters and a riot of colourful markets. You’ll take a guided visit to the

moving and powerful War Remnants Museum. It’s a horrifying but enlightening

insight into the atrocities that afflicted this nation.



Tonight, you’ll join the throngs of scooters on a street tour by Vespa.

You’ll be guided to the less-explored pockets of the city to try the best

of Saigon’s street food.



Day 9 : Visit The Cu Chi Tunnels
Location: Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll visit the Cu Chi tunnels today, an intricate system of underground

tunnels that wind for 120 miles. Used by the Viet Cong, the network has

living areas, weapon factories, field hospitals and kitchens. On the tour,

you’ll hear about the impact the wars had on the local communities.



Above ground, your day continues with a cooking class at the Spice Garden

restaurant under the expert guidance of a local chef. Having devoured your

creations, you’ll return to HCMC. Tonight, there’s an optional dinner and

drinks for a fitting farewell to your group before preparing to return home

tomorrow.



Day 10 : End Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast

After a final breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, a transfer will take you to the

airport for your flight home.



What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Tour leader throughout

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners

  • All transport and listed activities

What's Not Included

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for leaders and staff

Food


* All breakfast, four lunches and four dinners are included
* Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly
similar in most places
* There are plenty of opportunities to try Vietnam’s excellent and
distinctive food, with menus that balance salty, sweet, sour and hot
flavours

Accommodation

Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location are the standard hotels used.



However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.



The Q Hotel, Hanoi



A boutique hotel with cosy French architecture located in the heart of Hanoi, featuring a fitness centre and bar.



Syrena Cruise, Ha Long Bay



A 34 cabin ship styled in Vietnamese hardwood. Each cabin has a with large, picture window. There’s a restaurant on board and a sundeck that’s a prime spot for sunset. Solo room accommodation is not available on the boat, rooms are twin-share.



Thanh Lich Royal Boutique, Hue



A smart hotel with lovely rooms, ideally positioned for adventures through Hue. See the city skyline from the hotel’s pool.



Belle Maison Hadana Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An



A charming hotel centrally located near the ancient town, with a range of facilities including a pool, restaurant, day spa and gym.



Sila Urban Living, Ho Chi Minh City



A sleek and modern apartment-style hotel, where each spacious room has a kitchenette.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes,Arrival and departure transfers

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Age 30s and 40s

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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