Active Vietnam from Mountains to the Mekong

Explore Hanoi through cultural visits and walking in the centre. Between stops, allow time to rest and organise luggage for the overnight journey. In the evening, transfer to the railway station and board your booked sleeper service to Lao Cai. Pack the items needed for the mountain section separately for an easier arrival the next morning.

Overnight: Sleeper train  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P12 – Temple of Literature, Hanoi): Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Transfer from Lao Cai towards Sapa, then begin the walk to Ta Van. Follow the agreed route through valley scenery, fields and villages, with adjustments for trail conditions. Breaks and meals are included according to the day’s plan. Reach your accommodation in Ta Van and spend the evening resting your legs and enjoying the village setting.

Overnight: Ta Van  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P14 – Rice terraces in the Sapa region): Eerin25 · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Continue on foot towards the Nam Cang area, discovering the landscape and village life along the route agreed with your guide. The pace reflects the group’s fitness, with water breaks and a lunch stop during the day. Settle into your accommodation in Nam Cang, relax after the trek and prepare for tomorrow’s transfer.

Overnight: Nam Cang  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P14 – Rice terraces in the Sapa region): Eerin25 · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, pack your belongings and return towards Sapa for the road journey to Hanoi. Rest stops are included along the way. On arrival, check in under the accommodation arrangement selected for your itinerary, unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Cat Ba.

Overnight: Hanoi  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P01 – Turtle Tower, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi): rex pe · CC BY 2.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba by road and a sea crossing. On the island, explore the Lien Minh area along a suitable route and discover its village setting among limestone hills. After the activity, continue to your accommodation on Cat Ba. Rest this evening and prepare waterproof protection for tomorrow’s kayaking programme.

Overnight: Cat Ba  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P17 – Cat Ba National Park: island landscape illustration): Binh Giang · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

Board a boat to explore Lan Ha Bay and reach the kayaking area authorised for the day. After a technique briefing and lifejacket check, paddle with the group, taking breaks between sessions and enjoying close views of the limestone islands. Return to Cat Ba by boat. The paddling route follows tide, weather and local operating conditions.

Overnight: Cat Ba  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P18 – Lan Ha Bay): Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Leave Cat Ba and return to Hanoi for the train to Dong Hoi. Activities on the island are kept light to allow a comfortable connection between services. Prepare a small bag for the overnight rail journey. Train times, waiting arrangements in Hanoi and the arrival transfer at Dong Hoi are confirmed together before departure.

Overnight: Sleeper train to Dong Hoi, subject to timetable  |  Planned meals: Breakfast.

Photo credit (P17 – Cat Ba National Park: island landscape illustration): Binh Giang · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

Transfer from Dong Hoi to the Phong Nha area to meet the local guiding team and prepare for the forest programme. After the route briefing and equipment check, walk along the booked itinerary and reach camp before evening. Enjoy dinner and an overnight camp. The exact route and access arrangements are agreed with the specialist operator.

Overnight: Mountain or forest camp  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P19 – Phong Nha area: river and limestone scenery): Genghiskhanviet · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

Continue walking in the Phong Nha area along the route authorised for your programme. Take time to appreciate the scenery, stop for water and enjoy the scheduled meal break. At the end of the trek, transfer to your accommodation to shower, dry equipment and recover. The evening is free, with no further strenuous activity planned.

Overnight: Phong Nha  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P19 – Phong Nha area: river and limestone scenery): Genghiskhanviet · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, leave Phong Nha for Hue by road, with breaks along the journey. On arrival, check in and take time to relax. If your arrival allows, enjoy a short independent walk near the hotel. Keep the evening easy and prepare for a gentler day of cycling in the countryside tomorrow.

Overnight: Hue  |  Planned meals: Breakfast.

Photo credit (P05 – Meridian Gate, Hue Imperial City): Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Discover the outskirts of Hue by bicycle on sections selected for your group’s ability. Adjust the bikes and practise braking before riding through village scenery, stopping to learn about local life and enjoy the scheduled meal. Support-vehicle arrangements or shorter alternatives are agreed within your package. Return to the hotel at the end of the activity.

Overnight: Hue  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P05 – Meridian Gate, Hue Imperial City): Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Leave Hue for the Bach Ma area and take part in the nature excursion selected for your programme. After the activity and a rest, continue by road through the Hai Van area towards Hoi An. The walking route and stops are chosen to balance activity with travel. Check in on arrival and enjoy a restful evening.

Overnight: Hoi An  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P20 – Bach Ma National Park: forest waterfall): Duncan Wright · CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Begin with a bicycle ride through Hoi An’s countryside, stopping to observe fields and local activities. The kayaking session takes place on suitable water after a technique briefing and equipment check. Both activities are broken into manageable sessions with rest time between them. Return to your hotel and explore Hoi An independently in the evening.

Overnight: Hoi An  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P08 – Hoi An and the Thu Bon River): Omar David Sandoval Sida · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Transfer to Da Nang Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Under the agreed flight schedule, continue to Cu Chi for the planned visit before returning to your hotel. This connection requires careful timing. If the flight does not leave enough time, the Cu Chi excursion must be rearranged before services are booked.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P16 – Cu Chi tunnel entrance): Balon Greyjoy · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Travel from the city to Ben Tre, collect your bicycle and explore selected country lanes. Stops along the ride introduce riverside livelihoods and provide time for the scheduled meal. After cycling, transfer to Can Tho and check in. Main luggage travels with the support transport under the service arrangement confirmed for your group.

Overnight: Can Tho  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P10 – Ben Tre River, Mekong Delta): Balon Greyjoy · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Continue cycling in the delta around Can Tho on a route suited to the weather and your group. Pause to observe local life, drink water and enjoy the scheduled meal. At the end of the ride, return the bicycles and travel by car to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the evening resting after your active journey.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P11 – River life at Cai Rang, Can Tho): Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, pack your luggage and enjoy free time according to the hotel’s check-out policy. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your journey has connected the northern mountains, central forests and southern waterways. An extra city night can be arranged if you would like more recovery time before a long international flight.

Overnight: Tour ends; no overnight stay  |  Planned meals: Breakfast.

Photo credit (P09 – Central Post Office exterior, Ho Chi Minh City): Prenn · CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image