Highlight Adventure of Vietnam
Highlight Adventure of Vietnam
Highlight Adventure of Vietnam
17 Days Starting in Hanoi, Hoàn Ki?m, Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hang Be market, Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnamese Women's Museum, Nam Cang, Topas Ecolodge, Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Headquarter, Phong Natural Heritage Area, Hội An, Cẩm Thanh, Tra Que Herb Garden, Ho Chi Minh City, Post Office of Phu Nhuan District, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Cat Tien National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TP- HAV
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 7
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
14-55
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Take 17 days to venture through northern, central and South Vietnam’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, with the two historic capitals of the country thrown in for good measure. Visit around Hanoi on day tour, cruise the jade-like waters of Lan Ha Bay, trek through rice terraces in Sapa, and experience the world-class hospitality of Topas Ecolodge. Moving your journey to discover caving expedition in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Before heading off to Central Vietnam darlings Hoi An - UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finish the adventure with Crocodile trekking in Cat Tien National Park - Northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To The Land Of The Ascending Dragon | Hanoi Arrival
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Dynasty Hotel
Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, a Topas representative will welcome you to the land of the ascending dragon before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is at leisure to discover Hanoi on your own, wandering the crooked alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and the promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 2 : Hanoian History And Coffee Culture | Hanoi- Overnight Train To Sapa
Location: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hang Be market, Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnamese Women's Museum
Accommodation Name: Overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Experience the morning like a true Hanoian at Hang Be Market, one of the Old Quarter’s liveliest “wet” markets. Wet means fresh, so expect picture-perfect mountains of vegetables, a rainbow of exotic, tropical fruits, and fish that couldn’t be fresher (because it’s still alive and kicking). Then, head into an alley and pull up a tiny plastic stool for a breakfast bowl of bun ca and ca cuon (a noodle dish served with fried fish, plenty of vegetables, and usually a broth).
Once you’ve had enough to eat, head to the Citadel, a true testament of Vietnam’s strength, resilience, and beauty. Marvel at the ancient architecture while strolling past leafy gardens and learning about the Citadel’s central position of power, of which it maintains even to this day. Then, head over to the superb Vietnamese Women’s Museum, an essential stop on any visit to Hanoi. Explore the heroines of Vietnamese society, especially in regard to ethnic minorities, war, and modern exhibitions before heading back to the Old Quarter for a tasty lunch on one of the most famous food streets in Southeast Asia.
Finally, spend the afternoon at a local café soaking up the atmosphere of a favourite Vietnamese hobby, drinking coffee with friends. Surrounded by businessmen and giggling teenagers, take your pick of local drinks, although we suggest trying the quintessential Hanoi speciality, egg coffee, a decadent drink brewed with Robusta beans and whisked together with chocolate powder and egg whites.
The rest of your day at leisure until your overnight train departure to the valleys and mountains of Sapa. Settle in to your cozy bunk bed and let the clickety-clack of the railroad tracks lull you to sleep.
Day 3 : Meet Vibrant Ethnic Minorities | Lao Cai - Sapa - Hang Da - Hau Chu Ngai - My Son - Nam Cang
Location: Nam Cang
Accommodation Name: Topas Riverside Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your train arrives to Lao Cai Station in the early morning hours, around 5am. From here, a car will transfer you the remaining 30 minutes up the mountain to the hill-station of Sapa, where you will have breakfast.
Then, the fun really begins! Trek downhill from Hang Da, a Black Hmong Village, taking in the beautiful mountain vistas on the way to Hau Chu Ngai, another Black Hmong Village. Browse their hand-embroidered textiles and visit their homes before moving on to Thanh Phu of the Tay minority group in the valley. The trek continues to My Son, where the Xa Pho, one of the most isolated groups in Sapa, live. The trek ends in Nam Cang, a Red Dzao Village, which is also coincidentally where the accommodation for the night is, the boutique homestay styled Topas Riverside Lodge.
The Red Dzao are noted as great healers, so this is a great opportunity to try traditional methods such as herbal baths made with herbs plucked from the mountainside, either before or after dinner.
Note: Due to the high altitude, the morning walk may shift to the lower valley of Lao Chai and Ta Van if the weather is too foggy to see anything.
Day 4 : Hiking Day To Surrounding Ethnic Minority Villages | Topas Riverside Lodge
Location: Nam Cang
Accommodation Name: Topas Riverside Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast with a warm cup of tea before you start the tour. Your trek begins with an ascent to a small Blue H’mong village. The Blue H’mong mostly lives in the other side of Hoang Lien Mountain Range and only in the deepest part of Sapa Valley, they are found inhabiting in two small villages. You then take a descent to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, having beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls and deep valley. You enjoy your lunch at a nice break place.
In the afternoon, you will turn into a small dirt trail and soon be inspired by the marvelous view of the rice valley dotted with bamboo huts, which used by local farmers as overnight lodge in harvesting days. Passing the rice terraces and a pretty river you will walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving back at Nam Cang village. Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the mountain at the lodge.
Day 5 : Deep In The Jungle |Nam Cang Village – Hoang Lien National Park – Topas Ecolodge
Location: Topas Ecolodge
Accommodation Name: Topas Ecolodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the jungle on a gentle hike this morning. See where the villagers plant cardamom along with other herbs and spices that can fetch a good price in the local markets, and make your way to the local stream, dipping your toes in or going for a final swim.
Enjoy the scenery, which is notably wilder than yesterday’s before heading back to the lodge through the forest for lunch. Then, say good-bye to your host family and depart for Topas Ecolodge by private transfer. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure at this certified Unique Lodge by National Geographic.
Day 6 : Absorb The Stunning Surroundings Of Topas Ecolodge | Thanh Phu Village - Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Dynasty Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours at leisure until a mid-afternoon departure for Hanoi via the Topas Mountain Express. Sunbathe and splash in the pool, sample delicious cuisine at the restaurant, breathe in the fresh mountain air from your bungalow’s patio, or indulge in some locally-inspired treatments at the wonderful spa on site.
Check-in to your Hanoi hotel in the early evening, free to discover Hanoi on your own.
Day 7 : A Day In The Capital | Hanoi – Dong Hoi
Location: Quang Binh Province
Accommodation Name: Chay Lap Farmstay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your day at leisure until a late afternoon flight to central Vietnam’s – Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, check in the farm stay and explore the village area on your own.
Day 8 : Into The Wild | Phong Nha – Tan Hoa – Hang Tien
Location: Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Headquarter
Accommodation Name: Camping Tent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart for Tan Hoa this morning between 7:30-8:00, located around 70km north of Phong Nha. After a tour briefing, start an uphill rocky trek leading into the jungle. A similarly steep descent leads into a valley, where your camp-site for the night will be, next to a natural swimming pool.
Spend the evening enjoying the dinner prepared by your porter team, playing cards, chatting, or listening to the jungle.
Day 9 : Explore The Fairy’S Caves | Hang Tien - Phong Nha
Location: Phong Natural Heritage Area
Accommodation Name: Chay Lap Farmstay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a hearty lunch before taking up the trail again, largely made up of a jumble of rocks to pick your way over, with the help and direction of the guide and safety team.
The huge entrance is at the head of the valley. As you enter the cave, you will see many unusual cave features such as a ceiling dome and multiple layers of rock, giving the walls a striped appearance. Climb up a 10m ladder with help from a safety rope, and a short distance later you will see the end of the cave, and an opening into the jungle. Continue into the jungle valley and trek for around 30 minutes to the second cave. A small opening with swirling striped patterns on the walls drops into a much larger passageway filled with calcite formations.
Turn around and retrace the journey back to the entrance, across the jungle through the first cave down the rocky valley and enjoy a picnic lunch. Refreshed, it’s then time for the big hill back up and down to the road for car pickup and return to the office for a shower. Transfer to your hotel in Phong Nha, arriving around 18:00.
Day 10 : A Day Rail Journey To Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Nghe Garden
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last morning in Quang Binh before catching the train to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer to Hoi An. The rest of your day at leisure.
Day 11 : Cycling And Hidden Beaches | Hoi An
Location: Hội An, Cẩm Thanh, Tra Que Herb Garden
Accommodation Name: Nghe Garden
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hop onto a bicycle and explore the countryside surrounding Hoi An, crisscrossing vibrant rice paddies and streams before reaching the traditional village of Cam Kim. Deep in the countryside, these locals make handicrafts from wood and sleeping mats from rattan.
Continue on the dirt roads until you reach Cam Thanh village, another picturesque village that survives off farming. Feeling brave? Hop onto a water buffalo and plough through the paddies! Then stop for lunch on the hidden side of An Bang beach, a spotless strip of yellow sand that meets calm and shallow waters. Enjoy lunch with a local family, and rest.
After lunch, you can enjoy a quick fishing trip with a local fisherman before heading to an organic vegetable garden in Tra Que village and returning to your hotel.
Day 12 : Free Day| Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation Name: Nghe Garden
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facility or walking around ancient town for souvenir.
Day 13 : Hoi An- Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Post Office of Phu Nhuan District, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace
Accommodation Name: Blue Diamond Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A mid-morning flight transports you from Ancient Town to the glitz and glamour of Ho Chi Minh City. Time to explore Vietnam’s southern metropolis. Start by exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City by delving into the striking Reunification Palace. This is the former presidential palace and is one of Vietnam’s most storied pieces of architecture. Then head to the Post Office, a colonial-era masterpiece, before gawping at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral’s red bricks make it a unique structure in Vietnam. Visiting the War Remnants Museum is an important activity when visiting Ho Chi Minh City, as it details the atrocities of war and the human spirit to rebuild in the aftermath. After this sobering experience, you’ll return to your hotel.
Day 14 : Ho Chi Minh City – Cat Tien National Park – Biking
Location: Cat Tien National Park
Accommodation Name: Long House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will head up to Cat Tien National Park and spend half day mountain biking outside the Park. We have chance to visit local village, plantations, rice filed, dirt road cutting through the jungle and rocky downhill section. This biking challenge will take you 3-4 hours before getting back to the lodge.
Day 15 : Cat Tien National Park –Trekking To Crocodile Lake
Location: Cat Tien National Park
Accommodation Name: Long House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready to discover the real wild jungle on that difficult route by passing by small streams, hilly paths and volcanic rocks. Starting from the long house, you will trek with your guide deep into Cat Tien national park to see the diverse flora and fauna of this jungle, then end up at the crocodile lake where you will have a rest for lunch.
Your journey is keep moving by hopping on the canoe, cruising along the lake, you can see the various bird species, crocodiles and much other wildlife.
End your day by take a jeep ride to the long house. The rest of your day at leisure.
Day 16 : Cat Tien National Park –Ho Chi Minh
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Blue Diamond Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your free time at the park until our driver takes you back the metropolis. Upon checking in, you can explore the city on your own.
Day 17 : Ho Chi Minh Departure
Location: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor your last moments in Ho Chi Minh City until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward booked travel.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Except camping in the jungle
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Half Board
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Train Tickets
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Fully Guided
Guide on touring day
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Most accommodation have wi-fi available except camping in the jungle
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Mixed standard - camping tent in the jungle, homestay, 3star in the city and 4star lodge in Sapa
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Local guide will be arranged on your touring day
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We are thrilled to share that your upcoming tour with us contributes to our meaningful charity initiatives. At Topas, giving back is at the heart of what we do, and your booking plays a significant role in supporting various projects aimed at making a positive impact in the communities we hold dear. Our Charity Streams: Own Projects in Sapa: Rooted in Sapa, we conduct numerous projects focusing on education, including rebuilding schools, constructing bridges, and improving homes for those facing hardship. A dedicated project manager in Sapa oversees our charitable work. NGO Partnerships: Newborns Vietnam: Trains neonatal medical staff and provides vital equipment for critically ill newborns. Works with Lao Cai Hospital near Sapa and Moc Chau, a direct result of our partnership. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation: Supports street kids and victims of human trafficking. Besides funding, we offer free slots in our Vietnam Trail Series races and sponsor the Blue Dragon Running Club kids, celebrating their achievements at events like the Vietnam Trail Marathon. Hue Help: Addresses drowning prevention, teaching kids and educators to become swim safety instructors. Collaborative projects in Thanh Hoa province, an area where we host the Vietnam Jungle Marathon. Operation Smile: Performs facial surgery, changing the lives of young people in Vietnam. We've witnessed firsthand the impact, supporting kids from Sapa and Pu Luong for corrective surgery in Hanoi. Your travel experience with us goes beyond exploration; it becomes a conduit for positive change in these communities. We deeply appreciate your contribution to our charitable endeavors. Thank you for being a part of our journey to make a difference.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Traveling to Vietnam is now as comfortable as any other destination, with COVID-19 policies reflecting a sense of normalcy. As of the latest updates, there's no special treatment required for COVID-19, and travelers are no longer obligated to undergo testing or purchase specific COVID insurance. While Vietnam has embraced a more relaxed approach, we strongly recommend securing a comprehensive travel insurance package. This insurance should cover essential aspects such as medical treatment, personal accidents, medical evacuation, and extend beyond unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters and cancellation fees. Client's safety and well-being remain our top priority, and we encourage travelers to explore Vietnam with confidence, armed with a robust travel insurance plan that ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We’ve been creating Vietnam travel experiences since 1993 and our team is here to help you create the perfect trip for your own travel style. We love travel, we love Vietnam, and we love sharing our passion for both. Whether you want to see the bucket list sites with a twist or discover lesser-known destinations, our team is ready to make it happen. We will ensure you have the best possible experience discovering the sites, sounds, and scents of beautiful Vietnam. What’s more, doing travel the right way and giving back to the communities where we work is at the very heart of the Topas philosophy. Read our charity page to learn more about why to travel with us if you want to travel responsibly.
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Free Date Changes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Topas Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topas travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Topas Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topas travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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