Perfect for the active adventurer, this trip will have you hiking, biking, and paddling through the best of Vietnam. Kayak through Halong Bay’s towering limestone karsts, trek the Mai Chau area, and cycle through small towns for an authentic taste of Vietnam. When you’re not pedalling or paddling, you'll visit the country's cultural highlights like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Emperor's Tomb, or overnight at a local family’s homestay. Whether by bike or on foot, this tour will keep you grounded in Vietnam's intriguing culture.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Mai Chau Homestay, Mai Châu. Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour. Escorted cycling trips. Entrance to the Emperor's Tomb and Citadel. Countryside hike. Halong Bay overnight boat trip with seafood meals. Sea-kayaking and cave visit. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Kayak through limestone karsts in Halong Bay, Walk among the hills of Mai Chau, Cycle through unspoiled countryside, Soak in the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Visit the tailors and beaches in Hoi An, Wander the vibrant streets of Hanoi
How large will the group be?
Max 15, avg 10
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Hike, kayak, bicycle, private vehicle, train, plane, junk boat.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Ho Chi Minh City/Hoi An
Cycle to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a guided tour. Travel through the countryside and stop at local points of interest along the way. In the afternoon, fly to Hoi An via Danang.
Hoi An
Explore the villages around Hoi An by bike before enjoying a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project. Opt to relax on the beach, or visit the tailors in town.
Hoi An/Huế
Drive the Hai Van Pass to the ancient capital of Hue.
Huế/Hanoi
See Hue by bike, including the Citadel and the tomb of Tu Duc. Take an overnight train to Hanoi. Set out on bicycles to discover Hue, visiting the former Citadel and Tu Duc's tomb. After spending the day cycling, head back to town before taking an overnight train to Hanoi.
Hanoi/Mai Châu
Transfer to Mai Chau, then continue out into the countryside. Hike the Mai Chau area and enjoy a homestay with local meals provided. Upon arrival in Hanoi, drive out into the nearby hills. Reach Mai Chau in the late morning and then take a hike around the area to visit some of the Thai minority people who call this valley home. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and sleep in a dormitory-style long house in traditional style.
Mai Châu/Hanoi
Return to Hanoi before cycling the outskirts of the city. In the evening, walk through the Old Quarter and take in the beautiful sites. In the morning, transfer back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, cross the river and take a ride around the quieter suburbs surrounding Hanoi. Return to town to spend the evening exploring the Old Quarter. Opt to attend a famous water puppets' performance and sample some of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Hanoi/Ha Long
Relax on a traditional junk boat cruise around Halong Bay and indulge in an included seafood lunch. This afternoon, explore Halong Bay by kayak for a different perspective. Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Our sailing junk will visit some of the islands and caves. Enjoy an evening drink on the deck beneath the stars.
The evening's accommodation is a special experience – sleeping on a boat surrounded by high limestone karsts.
Ha Long/Hanoi
Marvel at the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Return to Hanoi in the mid-afternoon for a final night out. In the morning, enjoy one last view of the magnificent limestone islands.
Head back to dry land to embark on a private bus to Hanoi. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the site of Hanoi and opt to explore the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton).
Hanoi
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
