Explore Vietnam Expedition

What’s Included

A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to, and during, your expedition.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. You can find guidance on all of these on your personal Traveller Gateway once you sign up.

International flights
Expedition Leader
Comprehensive travel insurance
All meals
Unlimited drinking water
All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers mentioned are in private vehicles
Local Expedition Guides
Project costs and management
24 hour support throughout expedition

Day	Activities	More details
Day 1	Arrival	‘Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam! Meet and greet with our guide and immediately transfer to your accommodation in Hanoi to check-in before heading out for your arrival dinner.
Day 2	Hanoi like a local	Hanoi is a great city to explore by foot. Today kicks off with a full-day walking tour of the city and exploring Hanoi like a local! By the end of the day you will have a feel for this incredible city. We will start with the Ngoc Son temple, the gem of the HoanKiem Lake, have an overview about Vietnamese culture and religion from our local guide. Hop in a traditional red cyclo and get taken through the organised and sometimes not so organised chaos of Hanoi. Later we will stroll back to the Old Quarter, stop along the train tracks (the famous train street) where locals still live. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance (or the ‘Four Palaces’ cultural show). This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.
Day 3	Village Trekking	Today you’ll head to a rural mountainous community in Hoa Binh province. The 5-hour drive offers scenic views of rice fields, valleys, and limestone mountains, providing a genuine glimpse into Vietnamese rural life. Upon arrival, check in to your homestay and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a trek through the village, chasing waterfalls and exploring the stream. Experience breathtaking scenery, including rice fields, streams, wooden bridges, domestic animals, and local mountainous people, offering an authentic insight into Vietnamese traditional life.
Day 4	Impact project in mountainous local community	Awaken to serene views and a delightful breakfast. Your time here provides opportunities for volunteering activities such as English teaching, gardening at the local clinic, or distributing supplies to remote families (with light trekking involved). Engage in cultural immersion by assisting on the farm, participating in rice and vegetable planting or harvesting.
Day 5	Ninh Binh visit Mua Cave	Today you will embark on an exciting journey to the enchanting Ninh Binh. Experience a captivating boat trip through Trang An Natural Complex, a distinguished World Heritage site in Vietnam. In the afternoon, you’ll hike to the summit of Hang Mua, offering spectacular panoramic views. Later in the afternoon, you will safely return to Hanoi, concluding a day filled with exploration and natural wonders.
Day 6	Hanoi to Ha Long Bay	Today you will transfer around 4 hours to Ha Long Bay. Arriving at Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll receive a warm welcome aboard the cruise. Meet the captain and crew, and enjoy a welcome drink as we share details about life onboard. After lunch you’ll visit the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay, Surprising Cave. It is one of the widest grottoes with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the cruise and head to Titop Island for swimming. Climb to the top of the island to enjoy the best view of Ha Long Bay. Continue cruising to a quiet area, enjoying the beautiful seascape along the way.
Day 7	Halong Bay – Hanoi	Begin your day with invigorating Tai Chi exercises. After breakfast on board as the boat cruises towards the Natural Preservation Zone cruising through the Bay, passing landmarks like Ba Hang fishing village and Dog Islet. Participate in a Cooking Class to learn how to make our specialty, Spring Rolls, followed by an early lunch. Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi arriving in time for dinner.
Day 8	Departure	Today you’ll transfer back to Naoi International Airport in time for your departure flight.