15 Day Vietnam Hidden Gems South to North Guided Group Tour Sale on NOW! From $2745pp – Save $150!
From the incredible Pu Luong National Park to the unique tribal region of Sapa, this action-packed guided group tour around Vietnam will allow you to discover the vibrant cities and famous hotspots whilst also heading off the beaten track to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and local way of life.
Begin your epic journey in Ho Chi Minh, discover the city’s bustling neighbourhoods and experience the national sport of Da Cao. Assist local NGOs with their community projects, explore the iconic Hai Van Pass and learn about the country’s culture and history in Hue. Stay in a remote village homestay in the picturesque Pu Luong National Park, take a traditional Vietnamese boat to discover the Ha Long Bay region, and kayak around the breathtaking islands. Discover the Thien Canh Son caves, learn how to make spring rolls and fruit carve before trekking in Sapa. Head off the beaten track to discover the small villages and the ethnic tribe’s way of life. With a jam-packed itinerary, a fantastic group of like-minded travellers and an experienced guide, this is the ultimate unique 15 day Vietnam adventure.
Good Morning Vietnam! Head to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and check in. Spend the day as you please before meeting up with your travel group to enjoy dinner and maybe a swim in the rooftop pool.
Accommodation: Alagon City – Twin Share (or similar) | Ho Chi Minh
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City & Overnight Train
After breakfast, participate in the Vietnamese national sport, Da Cao (also known as ‘foot badminton’). Learn the basics of the game from a local team and after, head on a walking tour to see the sights and hidden gems of this incredible city. Refresh at the hotel before hopping on an overnight train to Da Nang.
Accommodation: Overnight Train to Da Nang – Multi-Share Cabins
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Kayak to Hoi An
Arrive in Hoi An where you’ll be transferred to the banks of the Thu Bon River. Have lunch before kayaking to the old town district of Hoi An. After freshening up at the hotel and taking a dip in the pool, explore the local area and discover the famous Hoi An market where you can have clothes tailor made.
Spend the morning cycling through the beautiful countryside scattered with villages and rice fields. Head to a quiet riverbank where you’ll collect plastic waste along the river. Enjoy a well-deserved welcome drink at the Eco Brick house before arriving back at Hoi An Garden where you’ll classify the rubbish and make eco bricks for a local NGO. Spend the afternoon as you please- the local beach is a great option!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to Hue (the Imperial City). Start the journey along the famous Hai Van Pass, stop off at a waterfall and grab lunch on the way. Later, arrive in the historic town of Hue and spend the evening as you please.
Head to the Imperial City and learn about Vietnam’s influential history. After, head to the local garden house for a cooking class. Learn about how to make Vietnamese dishes before returning to Hue Train Station to board the overnight train to Ninh Binh.
Hop on a bus and head to Pu Luong National Park. Make a stop for lunch and visit the Chua Ngoc Chau Temple before arriving at your homestay in Ban Hieu, nestled between rice paddies and mountains. Head to a waterfall before having dinner with a local family.
Accommodation: Local homestay – Multi-Share | Pu Luong
Meals included: Dinner
Day 8: Explore Pu Luong Park
Enjoy breakfast with a view before trekking to a bamboo lakehouse. Choose to swim in the crystal clear water or try bamboo rafting! Enjoy lunch with a local family and after, relax or help the family with daily chores before enjoying another communal dinner.
Accommodation: Local homestay – Multi-Share | Pu Luong
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: To Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to the incredible scenery and wonderful host family as you head into the bustle of Hanoi. Check into your boutique hotel, freshen up, and then join the rest of the group to walk around the city and enjoy local cuisine.
Accommodation: Skylark Hotel – Twin Share (or similar) | Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay
Head to the coast where you’ll jump on a traditional Vietnamese boat that will take you to the famous Ha Long Bay. You’ll head North to the hidden, more secluded Bai Tu Long. Kayak around the incredible Cap La Island and visit a secret beach in Cong Do Island. Marvel at the incredible scenery as you watch the sunset on the top deck with a drink in hand.
Accommodation: Renea Cruise – Twin Share (or similar) | Ha Long Bay
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Thien Cave & Hanoi
Spend a relaxing morning on the sundeck or admiring the incredible landscape. Cruise over to the Thien Canh Son, the famous cave system located in the bay. Spend the afternoon trying the art of fruit & vegetable carving and learn how to make spring rolls. Later, head back to Hanoi and take an optional walking tour.
Accommodation: Skylark Hotel – Twin Share (or similar) | Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Journey to Sapa
Your journey continues bright and early as you hop into a comfortable limousine at 7 AM for a picturesque 6 hour ride to Sapa. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and head straight to the starting point of your Ta Van trek. Wander through the breathtaking rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley, where Ta Van village offers an authentic peek into the daily life of local tribes. Immerse yourself in the serene pace, indulge in delicious cuisine, and connect with warm, welcoming locals. As the day winds down, enjoy a hearty dinner with your host and settle into an authentic homestay, soaking up the unique charm of Sapa.
Accommodation: Ta Van Homestay – Multi-Share (or similar) | Sapa
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Sapa Villages
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your homestay before setting off around 9:00 AM for a trek to Giang Ta Chai Village. Ascend the trails to uncover a stunning waterfall and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This village is home to the Red Dao people, easily recognized by their striking black clothing adorned with intricate embroidery. After a flavorful lunch in the village, you’ll descend the scenic paths back to Sapa. Once in town, check into your accommodation for the night and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Sapa’s charming streets and vibrant market, fully immersing yourself in the local culture.
On your final day in Sapa, enjoy breakfast before heading to Silver Waterfall with your guide. After capturing stunning views, continue through a bamboo forest trail to the picturesque Love Waterfall, a serene highlight surrounded by lush greenery. Return to Sapa for a last lunch in town, with a late check-out giving you time to freshen up before your evening transfer to Lao Cai Train Station. Board the overnight train to Hanoi, stock up on snacks, and enjoy the journey with your travel companions.
Accommodation: Overnight Train to Hanoi – Multi-Share Cabins
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Goodbye
It’s your final day in Vietnam as a group. Arrive back in Hanoi at around 6am before waving goodbye to this incredible country and the amazing people you’ve travelled with.
Inclusions & Extras
Included
14x Nights Twin/Multi-Share Overnight Stays
24x Meals
Transport
Tour Guide
De Cao Foot Badminton
Unseen Saigon Walking Tour
Kayak into Hoi An
History Walk of Hoi An
Rural Village Bike Tour
Eco-brick NGO Experience
Open Top Army Jeep Through The Hai Van Pass
Garden Cooking Class
Homestay and Village Experience in Ban Hiue
Mountain Trek
Waterfall Visits
Bamboo Lakehouse
Family Picnic in Pu Luong
Guided Walk Old Quarter of Hanoi
Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise
Hanoi Local Street Food Tour
Sapa to Lao Chai & Ta Tan Villages Trek
Cultural Evening with Black Hmong Tribe
Trek to Giang Ta Chai
Excluded
Visas
Some Meals
International Flights to/from Vietnam
Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance
Airport pickup if not arriving on the first day of the tour
Tour Type & Availability
15 Day Vietnam Hidden Gems South to North Group Tour - Standard Accommodation
$2,745.00
Informative Guides, Twin/Multi-Share Accommodation, Transport, Some Meals & Activities
15 Day Vietnam Hidden Gems South to North Tour - Single Room Upgrade Accommodation
$3,245.00
Informative Guides, Single Room Accommodation Upgrade, Transport, Some Meals & Activities
What to bring
Visas
Some Meals
International Flights to/from Vietnam
Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance
Airport pickup if not arriving on the first day of the tour
Light backpack – (highly recommend 15kg)
Sunscreen
Camera
Sandals/Flip flops
Swimwear
Closed shoes (for the hikes)
Clothing to cover your skin for temple visits
Warm clothes/rain jackets for the Sapa extension as it can get quite cold
Pick Ups & Departures
This trip begins in Ho Chi Minh and ends in Hanoi.
Supplier Terms & Conditions
One Life Adventures Terms & Conditions
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:
Cancellation 60 days or more before departure: lifetime deposit held
Cancellations 59-30 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
Cancellations less than 30 days before departure: 100% cost of services and deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour have an age limit?
One Life Adventure tours cater to individuals between the ages of 18 and 45. The majority of guests are between 21 and 35 years old and seek to immerse themselves in the adventurous flashpacking travel style. These tours provide an ideal opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to connect and share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.
Where should I fly into? Where does the tour end?
You will start your tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Formally known as Saigon) The Airport here is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
As for the end of the tour, you will finish in Hanoi. So if you are looking to fly out from Hanoi, you’ll want to head to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?
Airport pick up is currently not available if you arrive before day 1 of the tour, however what we can suggest is downloading online taxi applications called Grab or GoJek. They are similar to the famous Uber app and should make this transfer an easy process for you.
Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?
We definitely recommend you arrive before 3 pm, this way you should have enough time to make it to the first accommodation and be present at the welcome dinner. Arrivals after this could well risk you missing it. However, no matter the time or airport you are landing at, pickup is included on day 1 and a driver will be waiting for your arrival with a One Life Adventures sign.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes, most dietary requirements can be catered to however we cannot guarantee anything as Vietnamese food is a meat, shellfish, and soy heavy cuisine. Your guide will do their utmost best to help you with alternative options and what you can eat.
Is there WiFi throughout the trip?
Wifi is available on the tour in all mainland accommodations, Ha Long Bay cruise ships and trains do not.
Your guide can help you purchase a local sim card if you want to have connection while outside too.
How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?
You can expect to spend around $20/$30 USD per day. Budgeting can be done if you are open to eating at more local vendors and don’t drink alcoholic drinks.
How is the multi-share situation?
While in Pu Luong homestay you will stay in one big room, a very unique traditional stay, and it does have curtains between sleeping areas and multiple bathrooms. Also overnight trains will be multi-share rooms.
I have never kayaked before. Will someone help me, and do we get our own kayaks?
You will have 2 people kayaks, and guests will be allocated together depending on their experience to have a fun and successful time.
Should I bring my hiking shoes?
Yes, we would recommend bringing hiking shoes as there is hiking in Pu Luong, and again in Sa Pa.
Do I need temple clothes for visiting the temple?
Yes, please do bring something that will cover your shoulders and knees. Temples do have dress codes and if your shoulders or knees are exposed you will be denied entry. Your guide will tell you on which days to wear these items so you’re prepared and ready.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed).
World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.