Zip along the famous Hoi An to Hue coastline riding pillion on a vintage Vespa bike.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Vietnam
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).
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
Vietnam
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.
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.
Vietnam
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.
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
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.
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.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam
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
Gorgeous rural setting,
Close to caves
Best for
Couples
Hoi An, Vietnam
Highlights
Rooftop pool,
Riverfront setting,
Short walk to old town
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Solo Travellers
Mui Ne, Vietnam
Highlights
Colonial charm,
beachfront dining,
peaceful pool suites
Best for
Couples,
Families
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, Vietnam
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.
Hoi An, Vietnam
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.
Hue, Vietnam
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.
Hoi An, Vietnam
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.
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.
Intrigued? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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