North & Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An & Countryside Adventures
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through North and Central Vietnam, exploring the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Hoi An, and the stunning countryside in between. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and thrilling activities. Savor the flavors of Vietnam on a guided foodie tour in Hanoi, and marvel at the grandeur of Tam Chuc Pagoda. Discover the bustling Dong Hoi wet-fish market with a Banh Mi breakfast, and delve into history at the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Opt for a hike in the pristine landscapes of Ninh Binh or explore the caves of Phong Nha. Travel in style with private vehicles, trains, and open-top jeeps, and enjoy comfortable stays in hostels and an overnight sleeper train. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this adventure promises an authentic and exhilarating Vietnamese experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Nexy Hostel
Accommodation Name: Nexy Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are! ...more ...less
Additional Information: The welcome moment begins at 17:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss the meeting and the included activity afterwards.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.
Day 2: Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Location: Hanoi, Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Trang An River View Homestay
Accommodation Name: Trang An River View Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to hit the backroads? Let’s go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one or rent a bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!
ACTIVITY: Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda on a CEO-guided tour then take some free time to explore on your own. Opened in 2019, Tam Chuc is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. It is a truly beautiful site with the sparkling lake in front and the rolling green mountains behind. Follow along with the many pilgrims who visit here for reflection and prayers.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon to do as much, or as little as your please.
Day 3: Ninh Bình
Location: Ninh Bình
Accommodation Name: overnight sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!
Additional Information: On the overnight train we use 4 x birth soft sleeper - Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door. Compartments may be mixed gender.
FREE TIME: You've got the whole day to do as you please. Bike, hike, boat or feet-up, the choice is yours!
TRANSPORT: Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Day 4: Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Location: Dong Hoi, Phong Nha
Accommodation: Central Backpacker Hostel
Accommodation Name: Central Backpacker Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.
ACTIVITY: Explore the vibrant Dong Hoi wet/fish market with your CEO. The market is bustling in the early morning where locals come to buy and sell all manner of products including: seafood, vegetables, fruit, chickens, spices; even, frogs! After walking around the market we will grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi. The famed Banh mi sandwiches are a typical street food that originated in Saigon and are heavily influence by French cuisine. They are served on French baguettes with a French and Vietnamese fusion inside. Typically, they are mad up of pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and (if you choose) a meat.
ACTIVITY: Hop on a bike and take a short cycling tour of Dong Hoi and the nearby villages. Gently peddle along through the countryside admiring the beautiful landscape and rural way of life including a stop at Bao Ninh fishing village.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Phong Nha
Location: Phong Nha
Accommodation: Central Backpacker Hostel
Accommodation Name: Central Backpacker Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join an evening bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!
FREE TIME: The day is yours with options for hiking and biking. We highly recommend the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest caves in Asia are found.
Day 6: Phong Nha/Huế
Location: Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue
Accommodation: Amy Hostel
Accommodation Name: Amy Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.
ACTIVITY: Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take some free time to explore Hua your way!
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Huế/Hoi An
Location: Hue, An Bang Cemetery, Lang Co Beach, Da Nang, Marble Mountains, Hoi An
Accommodation: Hostelworld Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Hostelworld Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Step off the beaten path and visit An Bang Cemetery–one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Covering 250 hectares, it's locally known as the City of Ghosts and is famous for its extravagant tombs for their deceased family members. Many stand two or three stories high and showcase elaborate ornate gold carvings often featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the larger tombs even include fully functional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens reflecting loved ones strong belief of the afterlife, and the practice of honouring beloved ancestors.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a stop at Beautiful Lang Co Beach. Walk along the palm lined white sand beach and take a dip in the calm turquoise coloured waters.
ACTIVITY: Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a 20km stretch of road that represents the division between northern and southern Vietnam, and is also one of the country's highest points at 500m above sea level. In Vietnamese, Hai Van roughly translates to "sea of clouds" and it's easy to see why. As your vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you'll see misty peaks rise above the South China Sea, with glimpses of pristine beaches, forests and the cityscape of Da Nang along the way.
ACTIVITY: Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)
Day 8: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south to Vietnam's amazing beaches on the next leg of this epic adventure.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hostels (6 nts), overnight sleeper train (1 nt). -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner -
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Experience the local food culture in Hanoi.
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Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour
Explore the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
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Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market Tour
Visit the bustling Dong Hoi market and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast.
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Vinh Moc Tunnels Tour
Descend into the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels.
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An Bang Cemetery Tour
Visit the City of Ghosts at An Bang Cemetery.
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Visit Lang Co Beach
Enjoy a stop at the beautiful Lang Co Beach.
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Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountain Tour
Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass and visit Marble Mountain.
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Hoi An Old Town Walk
Stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town.
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All transport between destinations
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour is not included.
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Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town
Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, train, bicycle, open-top jeeps, walking.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with stays in hostels for 6 nights and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night, offering a unique and immersive travel experience.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 24, Avg 16.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Solo Travellers
We believe solo 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 solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Vietnam with a mix of private vehicles, trains, bicycles, open-top jeeps, and walking, ensuring a diverse and engaging journey across the country's stunning landscapes.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples, mosques or other holy sites. ...more ...less
Important Notes
1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other Roamies tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together on Roamies, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes.
2. ACCOMMODATION
In some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms as well as available upgrades to twin-share rooms (same gender).
Some rooming exceptions may apply due to the unique nature of the itineraries and of the hostels themselves, which have been specifically chosen to give local flavour to your trip. Please see the full itinerary description and the Rooming Exception section below for specific exceptions to the rooming that may apply to this tour.
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What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including private vehicles, trains, bicycles, open-top jeeps, and walking.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation will primarily be in hostels for 6 nights and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night. Hostels typically have multi-share rooms with options for mixed gender and female-only dorms, and upgrades to twin-share rooms are available.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour, Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour, Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market tour and countryside cycling, Vinh Moc Tunnels Tour, An Bang Cemetery Tour, a visit to Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountain Tour, and a Hoi An Old Town Walk and Riverside Evening Out. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options to give you maximum flexibility.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years.
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What should I pack for this tour?
It is recommended to pack lightly, with luggage weighing between 10-15kg/22-30lb. A backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size is suggested, along with a day pack for carrying water, cameras, and electronics. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is recommended for the hot and humid climate, and respectful attire is advised when visiting temples and other holy sites.
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Is there a group leader on the tour?
Yes, all G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will provide information, offer suggestions, and introduce you to local friends. Local guides are also used where specific knowledge will enhance the experience.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 24, with an average of 16 participants.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
North & Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An & Countryside Adventures
8 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hoi An, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ninh Bình, Dong Hoi, Phong Nha, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue, An Bang Cemetery, Lang Co Beach, Da Nang, Marble Mountains, Hoi An ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25773
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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