15 Day Vietnam Hidden Gems South to North Tour From $2450pp
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.
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.
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.
Day 4: Explore Hoi An
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!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Hai Van Pass to Hue
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: The Imperial City
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Pu Luong National Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 before celebrating your last night with some of your travel crew.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Overnight to Lao Cai
Wave farewell to your travel group who were on the 12 day tour. Explore Hanoi at your own leisure before continuing your epic onward journey as you head on an overnight train to Lao Cai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Sapa Villages
Arrive at Lao Cai station and take a private transfer to your hotel in Sapa. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and freshen up before walking to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages. Enjoy the incredible views of the rice terraces and scattered villages before stopping for lunch by the river and spending the rest of the evening in Ta Van.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Giang Ta Chai
Leave Ta Van to trek to Giang Ta Chai village to see the Red Dao people and their colourful clothing. After lunch, head back to Sapa for the markets before hopping on a night train to Hanoi.
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 Accommodation
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
TourInclusionsPrice
15 Day Vietnam Hidden Gems South to North Tour
Informative Guides, All Accommodation, Some Meals & Activities
$2,450.00
What to bring
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
Do I need to reconfirm my bookings?
All bookings must be reconfirmed 48 hours in advance by contacting your tour provider directly using the contact information listed on your tour voucher.
What should I do if my trip is cancelled due to bad weather?
You may either re-schedule directly with the supplier or you can email our support team on [email protected] and include your voucher number, name of product you booked, planned departure date and your contact details. Once you’ve emailed us, you can drop us a line at +61 2 5633 1149.
Do you book tours with flexible dates? If so, how long are they valid for?
Yes, we do have open dated/flexible tickets available. Most tour vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, however please be aware that you may be subject to supplier price fluctuations. All ticket validity is specified on the tour voucher. If you are unsure of the validity of your voucher, just ask one of our wonderful staff.
What do I do if I need help with an existing booking?
Some tours have extra costs and you should be aware that there may be added expenses. These expenses will differ for each service provider, but some of the more usual extras are: EMC tax, stinger suit hire, luggage storage, sleeping bag hire, linen hire, national park fee, food, insurance, accommodation, equipment hire, petrol levy, etc. We will alert you to extra costs to the extent reasonably practicable. However, you must also check with each individual service provider when you re-confirm your booking.
Do I need travel insurance?
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.
Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).
How do I know if my trip is BYO?
Most tour vouchers will specify if your trip is BYO however we recommend asking your tour provider if your trip is BYO when you reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior to departure.