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Off the Beaten Track in Vietnam

For those who take the path less trodden

AITO

What’s included:

With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.

Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:

All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout

Pricing:

As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:

Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp

In-Depth Vietnam Holiday Ideas

For those who want something different, our in-depth Vietnam holidays open up landscapes and lifestyles rarely glimpsed on standard itineraries. They’re ideal for second-time visitors or anyone seeking a fresh, quieter path through this extraordinary country.

Culture

Vietnam

A Different Side of Vietnam

17 Days
Ninh Binh-1121
Culture

Vietnam

Countryside, Coast & Caves

17 Days
CaoBang 7
Off the Beaten Track

Vietnam

Northern Frontier Adventure

15 Days
Train

Vietnam

Vietnam Train Odyssey

16 Days
Explore Full Itinerary
Culture
17 Days

Vietnam

A Different Side of Vietnam

Vietnam’s long narrow geography lends itself to a fairly obvious and well-trodden travel route. This holiday weaves away from that and offers second-time visitors or those who like something different, the chance to discover Vietnam in a new way.

Highlights

Hidden street tours

Discover “Saigon” and Hanoi with insiders tours of the backstreets and traditional markets of the less-explored districts.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Kayak, cycle and trek around incredible Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s largest caves.

Vintage Vespa experience

Zip along the famous Hoi An to Hue coastline riding pillion on a vintage Vespa bike.

Explore Full Itinerary
Ninh Binh-1121
Culture
17 Days

Vietnam

Countryside, Coast & Caves

In the northern part of Vietnam, go further than the famous Halong Bay and explore the beautiful World Heritage Sites of Trang An Ecosystem and Phong Nga National Park. Discover Vietnamese food, culture and history in Hanoi before veering off into the countryside by train to Trang An (in the Ninh Binh area) and Phong Nga – Ke Bang National Park.

Phong Nga is home to the world’s largest cave and limestone region. Choose between an overnight camping expedition exploring several caves or day treks, kayaks or cycle tours.

Spend the last few days of the holiday at the beach near Hoi An, where you’ll have time to combine pure relaxation with a taster of the beautiful local town (outside of peak hours).

Highlights

Street food tour

Pull up a stool with the locals and sample popular street food snacks in Hanoi

 

 

Phong Nga - Ke Bang National Park

Explore underground rivers and the remarkable geology of Phong Nga – Ka Bang National Park

 

 

Scenic train journeys

Weave through the countryside aboard the Reunification Express

Explore Full Itinerary
CaoBang 7
Off the Beaten Track
15 Days

Vietnam

Northern Frontier Adventure

Veer off the tourist trail towards the Chinese border on a journey that unveils Vietnam’s hidden gems: the enchanting Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc waterfall, and Tuyet Tinh Coc Valley. Immerse in diverse cultures, witness awe-inspiring landscapes and explore geological wonders. From mist-covered lakes to cascading falls, each day promises a new marvel.

From the northern frontiers, you’ll head to Halong Bay. Rather than the standard 1-night option, we’ve suggested a two-night cruise here on a spectacular boat (which you might like time to enjoy) which will take you beyond the main route to hidden corners of Cat Ba Island and the equally magnificent (but less visited) scenery of Lan Ha Bay. 

This extraordinary journey finishes with a stay near the sacred Yen Tu Mountain in a converted monastery. An unusual end to an extraordinary itinerary.  

Highlights

Ba Be National Park

Hike the forests of Ba Be National Park and cruise across the lake on a motorboat.

 

 

Ban Gioc waterfall

Visit the spectacular Ban Gioc waterfall, which divides Vietnam and China.

 

 

Halong Bay

Enjoy a two-night cruise on a beautiful cruise from Halong Bay to Lan Ha Ba with a stop on Cat Ba Island. 

 

Explore Full Itinerary
Train
16 Days

Vietnam

Vietnam Train Odyssey

If you can spare a little extra time, then there is no better way to explore Vietnam than by train. Follow the route of the ‘Reunification Express’ from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via paddy fields, mountains and ancient ports.

As well as taking in the scenery whilst on board, you’ll have plenty of time to see the sites with our unique guided tours in each place you visit.

Highlights

Scenic journeys

Watch the lush and varied scenery unfold from your vantage point on the train

 

 

Halong

Set sail on picturesque Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk boat cruise

 

 

City highlights

Explore the sights of Hanoi and Saigon, the highlights and some hidden gems

 

Meet Our Experts

“For an unforgettable food experience, visit Nang Loeng Market in Bangkok. It’s one of the city’s oldest markets, packed with family-run stalls serving incredible traditional dishes – and it’s far quieter than the more famous spots.”

Lynsey Brett
Vietnam Specialist

The Best Times to Go on a Holiday in Vietnam

The best time for off-the-beaten-track Vietnam travel is generally October to April, when dry, cooler conditions make exploring more comfortable, especially in remote northern regions. Spring (March to May) is excellent for trekking, while the green season (May to September) transforms the countryside into lush, verdant terrain, perfect for photography and crowd-free exploration.

We’ll help you pick the best season for your route and interests, so your experience hits just the right notes.

The Finest Hidden Hotels in Vietnam

We select hotels and homestays that reflect the soul of rural Vietnam. Whether it’s a stilted lodge in the northern hills or a barefoot bungalow beside a secret bay, every stay adds to the experience. Feel character, warmth, and genuine connection.

Central Vietnam - Eco/Adventure

Chay Lap Farmstay

Hoi An - Superior

Little Riverside

Mui Ne & Phan Thiet - Deluxe

Anam Mui Ne

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Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam

Chay Lap Farmstay

A peaceful base for adventure in Phong Nha, Chay Lap Farmstay offers comfort, charm and great food on the edge of Vietnam’s most dramatic caves.

Highlights

Highlights

Gorgeous rural setting,

Close to caves

Best for

Couples

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Hoi An, Vietnam

Little Riverside

Little Riverside Hoi An is a boutique riverside hotel with traditional style, rooftop pool and easy access to Hoi An’s old town and nearby beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Rooftop pool,

Riverfront setting,

Short walk to old town

Best for

Couples,

Families,

Solo Travellers

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Mui Ne, Vietnam

Anam Mui Ne

The Anam in Mui Ne blends colonial charm with beachfront comfort. Expect vintage design, ocean views, and seamless service on Vietnam’s south coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Colonial charm,

beachfront dining,

peaceful pool suites

Best for

Couples,

Families

Vietnam Holidays

In Our Traveller’s Words

Cultural Discovery from Vietnam to Cambodia

We had a fantastic experience from booking the trip to enjoying it when the time came. I was very excited for our children to learn about different cultures, foods and see how people live in different countries. Our trip ticked every box and more and would highly recommend traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia to anyone that loves to explore.
Joanne & Family

Unforgettable Vietnam Memories

From the moment we landed in Vietnam to the second we left, we made magical family memories. We left some of our hearts in Vietnam. The people, the culture and the experiences ETG pulled together made our whole experience unforgettable. They took care of everything. Listened to what we like in a holiday, encouraged us to think broadly, and surpassed all expectations with their local relationships and ensured we were looked after.
Alison & Family

With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places

... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
David
24 October 2024

The Best Experiences in Vietnam

Off-track Vietnam is all about texture and detail. You might hike misty trails in Ha Giang, visit traditional communities in the Mekong Delta, or take the overnight train to a coastal village with no road access. Share meals in stilt houses, learn farming techniques from locals, or boat through karst caves no one else seems to know about. We’ll combine those hidden experiences with just the right amount of downtime—maybe in a riverside eco-lodge or a tiny beach hideaway.

HAnoi Food Tour

Hanoi

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways

Fishermen Hoi An

Hoi An

Farmer and Fisherman Experience

Slow Living Experience Hue

Hue

Art of Slow Living in Hue

Hoi An Countryside

Hoi An

Hoi An Countryside by Vespa

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HAnoi Food Tour

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways

Uncover the hidden corners of Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a guided exploration of secret alleys, pagodas, and unique architecture. Starting with coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s history and charm.

This tour begins with a relaxing coffee: Vietnamese style, of course, and on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Once you’re appropriately caffeinated, let the fun begin: a maze-like discovery of the 36 winding streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This secret labyrinth is full of surprises, and it’s all hidden away from the busy streets. One narrow, dark alleyway will lead you to a charming pagoda. An ancient staircase might reveal an unexpected historical relic. Peer down water wells, admire the unique architecture, hear the fascinating stories and save time for a refreshment at a local store most tourists would never get the chance to visit.

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Fishermen Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

Farmer and Fisherman Experience

This Farming & Fishing Life Tour provides you with a close-up and intimate experience to both the local farming and fishing communities around Hoi An. Accompanied by your tour guide, you commence the day leisurely cycling along country roads witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first-hand, discovering all manner of photo opportunities – maybe a water buffalo working in a rice paddy field; seeing ducks swimming along or farmers tending their crops. The photo opportunities are endless. You’ll also experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way. Later you will board a local boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen and enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also experience paddling the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat while exploring coconut-palm flanked waterways.

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Slow Living Experience Hue

Hue, Vietnam

Art of Slow Living in Hue

Travel beyond the more famous sites of Hue and discover a slower and more traditional way of life.

Hue was the capital city of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty (1802 – 1945), during which many beautiful garden houses were constructed. Often tucked away down unassuming side streets and landscaped yet wild gardens, the traditionally built houses were once the homes of officials, royal associates, poets, and writers, and many of them are still owned by their descendants today.

Each house is unique in design, and each has its own story to tell, and there’s nobody better to tell it than the residents themselves. As you amble through the town (or cycle if you prefer), you’ll be welcomed into homes to drink tea and chat with the owners about the history of the houses, the area, and the current occupants. You’ll also learn how some traditional crafts and industries are being kept alive here, with the chance to try your hand at some yourself.

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Hoi An Countryside

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An Countryside by Vespa

This early afternoon tour will see you poised on the back of a classic, comfortable Vespa as you disappear into the countryside surrounding Hoi An. Take in the charming waterways, lush green surroundings and greet the local Vietnamese families as you cruise on by.

This tour is full of culinary pleasures: a casual visit to a local fish market, lessons in how to make fresh rice noodles, rice crackers and tofu, the chance to sample fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables in the colourful fields themselves. Along the way, you’ll zip through quiet villages, cross the mighty Thu Bon River, pass through rice paddies and prawn farms and spot locals weaving mats and working in the fields. The tour ends with a Vietnamese style coffee in a charming riverside cafe before the ferry returns to Hoi An.

Important FAQs about Holidays in Vietnam

Yes, especially if you prefer authenticity over box-ticking. We can still include major sights, just with quieter approaches.

Not at all. Our hidden-gem properties are handpicked for charm and comfort—think eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and peaceful homestays.

Not necessarily. While some routes include treks or boat trips, we’ll match the itinerary to your interests and comfort levels.

Absolutely. We’re great at combining the iconic with the unexpected, always with a fresh twist.