This is an excellent trip. The countryside is varied, the cycling is relatively easy and the bikes good. The Vietnamese people are friendly and the food delicious. Our guide Binh was very knowledgeable and looked after us exceptionally well. He really made the trip.
Start of Tour (7:30 AM to 8:15 AM)
Your tour guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Scenic Bus Route
Enjoy a 110-km bus ride through the verdant countryside landscape with a short rest stop.
Hoa Lu (10:30 AM)
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to see the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 17th Century.
Lunch (12 PM)
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Trang An Grottoes (1:30 PM)
Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, a beautiful and majestic 20 square kilometre limestone rising dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep within the linked chains of towering mountains are mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and pristine jungles.
Sampan Ride
Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowing down the river through numerous caves. Explore Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave and Thanh Truot Cave, passing many spiritual relics.
Mua Cave (3:30 PM)
Arrive at Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain. Enjoy spectacular views of rice valleys clad in nature, known as Love Valley.
Return Transfer (5:30 PM)
Return to your tour bus on a return journey to Ha Noi.
End of Tour (7:30 PM)
Drop off at your accommodation.
Enjoyed my walking tour of Vietnam. So much variety and fun and no worries at all. So many extra excursions and insights. I would say the walking is not difficult at all. It would suit any level of fitness. The leader really looked after the group. Great if you’re a single man or women who loves to travel. I can’t wait for another tour.
Our tour guide Tam was amazing - nothing was too much trouble and all of us on the trip felt really well looked after. Tam was knowledgeable, adaptable and really good company. He made our trip extra special.
Far ranging busy trip. Halong bay cruise with luxury accommodation and food was a particular highlight. Train trip overnight was interesting but would not rush to repeat. Overall great trip in a special country. Meals were excellent and excellent value. Our guide ran everything smoothly and we had very pleasant and interesting companions.
Vietnam was an amazing and varied place and Explores itinerary managed to pack in a huge variety of scenery, activities and education including places and people I wouldn't have managed to find alone. Long's leadership was brilliant keeping the teenagers engaged and encouraged to try new experiences and food.
We really enjoyed this comprehensive tour of Vietnam. Including time in more rural areas as well as the well known cities and sites, it gave us a great insight into local culture and there was plenty of opportunity to meet the locals who were incredibly friendly. The trip ran seemlesly in the extremely capable hands of our tour leader Diem, one of the best we've had (this was our 6th family holiday with Explore). Highlights would include all of the bike rides, exploring Tam Coc caves by boat, Saigon by cyclo, the amazing food, so fresh and plentiful, and the kids loved haggling for bargains in the markets and shops (especially Hoi An). Accommodation and transport were both of a great standard. Well done Explore!
Explore rice terraces, alpine cities, Tibetan towns and plunging canyons on this 11-day adventure. Start in Hanoi’s alleyways slurping bowls of pho, then get to know H’mong culture on a hike through Sapa’s misty rice fields. After crossing into China, travel through the wrinkled peaks of the Hengduan Mountains on a bullet train to Shangri-La to make yak butter tea with a Tibetan family, visit a Buddhist monastery and spin one of the world’s largest prayer wheels. Hear the thunderous flow of the Jinsha River in Tiger Leaping Gorge, follow the footsteps of tea traders and learn how to write ancient Naxi Dongba characters. Wrap up in Kunming, AKA the City of Eternal Spring.
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam and Thailand, where history, breathtaking landscapes, and tropical getaways await! Begin in Hanoi, a city steeped in centuries of culture, with well-preserved architecture and rich heritage. Escape to Ninh Binh, a haven for nature lovers, where hidden caves, towering limestone cliffs, and serene waterways create a magical setting. Cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, passing floating villages, kayaking through caves, and witnessing stunning sunsets. Next, feel the pulse of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and delve into Vietnam’s past at the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network from the war era. Explore the lush Mekong Delta, visiting the famed Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands, then cycle through picturesque riverside villages. From Vietnam, journey to Thailand’s paradise! Start in Phuket, the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea, where golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush jungles set the scene. Take a ferry to the legendary Phi Phi Islands, where crystal-clear waters and striking landscapes offer the ultimate tropical escape. Continue to Krabi, a dream destination blending pristine beaches with adventure and relaxation. End your trip in Bangkok, a vibrant metropolis bursting with life—home to grand Buddhist temples, bustling street markets, and an electrifying nightlife. From cultural wonders to island retreats, this journey effortlessly combines history, adventure, and relaxation across two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations!
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Experience the wonders of Vietnam, a land of breathtaking natural beauty, colonial elegance, and charming villages—plus its famous Vietnamese coffee! Journey from South to North to witness the transition from modern life to deep-rooted traditions and culture. Begin in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), a vibrant metropolis rich in history, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside Chinese pagodas and iconic temples. Venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, where picturesque villages line the riverbanks. Next, explore the enchanting streets of Hoi An, with its timeless architecture, bustling market, and lantern-lit charm. Continue to Hanoi, the cultural and historical heart of Vietnam, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing art of Water Puppetry. From Hanoi, set sail on a cruise through the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Discover hidden caves, take a refreshing swim, or simply soak in a spectacular sunset. Conclude your adventure with an overnight stay in Hanoi, leaving with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s beauty and heritage.
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Climb aboard a 20-day rail adventure from Hanoi to Bangkok, passing some of Vietnam, China and Laos’ most beautiful landscapes, villages and landmarks. Hike Sapa’s misty rice terraces, feel the power of Tiger Leaping Gorge and kayak the Nam Song River in Laos. Learn about Pu’er tea from its source, visit a Tibetan home and explore UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Wander bustling markets, see peaceful temples and ride bullet trains through the region. From Hanoi’s alleyways to Bangkok’s eclectic energy, this journey is full of diverse regional cultures, delicious food and ever-changing scenery!
Journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Kunming on this 20-day adventure. Explore the waterways of Mekong Delta before experiencing the charm of Hoi An, cruise along Halong Bay and dive into the energy of Hanoi. Hike the rice terraces of Sapa, cross the border into China and explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Shangrila. Witness the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge and meet the Naxi and Tibetan people along the way. From classic icons to off-track towns, this is an adventure that never disappoints.
This trip was made extraordinary by two absolutely outstanding guides, one in Cambodia (Sokchea) one in Vietnam (Truong). Their knowledge, communication skills, good humour, organisational skills and sheer passion for what they do was incredible. We arranged additional tours with our guides, and being able to depend on them for taking care of every detail, from supporting with transport arrangements, recommending and taking us to great local restaurants and evening shows, sometimes joining us for fun, ensuring that our access to sites of interest was smooth and hassle-free, whilst providing a fascinating and insightful perspective on history, culture and lifestyle. In Vietnam, Truong is an incredible asset to Explore: he went above and beyond his remit every day to ensure that everyone in our group had the best, most enjoyable experience. This was priceless, his energy and enthusiasm, and superb social skills ensured that this was an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. We learned so much, and genuinely shared laughter, food and good company. This Explore trip, due to the local guides, and wonderful company of our small group, totally exceeded our expectations.
Having a small group of 5, meant that we were able to get to know each other along the way too, and shared a lot of fun. We hugely enjoyed our “Happy Team” and hope we’ve made some new friends too.
Hotels were mostly great, some more basic but overall good, clean standards. Some excelled, like Cat Ba Paradise Hotel; only one was quite disappointing and a bit frustrating in their really inefficient check-in processes, Trang Hotel in Bangkok, which wasn’t helpful after long-haul journey. Otherwise, good accommodation and friendly helpful staff along the way.
The trip was absolutely incredible! Every city we visited was excellent, and the entire experience was so much fun and perfectly planned. Our trip leader, Hai, was the best thing that could have happened to us—truly amazing and incredibly professional. Highly recommend!
Linh DoTravel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
Jacqueline NguyenTravel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
Alessia LeTravel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
Sophie HoangTravel Expert in Vietnam
