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Countryside, Caves & Beach

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Experience Travel Group

Countryside, Caves & Beach

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Besides the famous Halong Bay, the northern part of Vietnam also has 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 and surrounding countryside.

Highlights include

  • Pull up a stool with the locals and sample popular street food snacks in Hanoi
  • Weave through the countryside aboard the Reunification Express
  • Explore underground rivers and the remarkable geology of Phong Nga - Ka Bang National Park
  • Visit markets to buy fresh ingredients and try your hand at cooking classic Vietnamese dishes
  • Relaxing on a gorgeous sandy, tropical beach

As with our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Please find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi

DAY 2-4  HANOI       GET UNDER THE SKIN OF VIETNAM'S CAPITAL CITY

After recovering from your flight, spend 3 days in Hanoi enjoying a range of exclusive, tailored experiences accompanied by your private guide.

Rise early to explore the colourful markets and stroll around the city's lake as the Hanoians practise badminton, t'ai chi and aerobics in the street. Immerse yourself in the old town, dissected by Hanoi's main railway artery. The residents here go about their daily chores, almost oblivious to the slow-moving trains!

Sip Vietnamese coffee, discover the city's lively street food culture and try a cold local beer at a stall. Marvel at the French colonial architecture and discover the labyrinthine alleyways of the old quarter. Peruse your chosen museums: ancient history, military history, fine arts or the serene Temple of Literature.

DAY 5 & 6 NINH BINH          WATERWAY THROUGH LIMESTONE CLIFFS

You'll head about 2 hours south to the ancient capital Ninh Binh with your guide and driver. Towering peaks of craggy limestone surround the glorious landscape of rice fields and lakes. The meandering waterways of Trang An Ecosystem are often compared with Guilin – China, or Halong Bay. Spend two days exploring the region by boat and bike. 

EVENING OF DAY 6 - OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO DONG HOI  

After dinner on Day 6, you'll board the "Reunification Express". Bunk up in a sleeper cabin as the train weaves its way south to Dong Hoi.

DAY 7 - 9 PHONG NGA KE BANG NATIONAL PARK     CAVES & GROTTOS

You'll arrive at Dong Hoi early and transfer to your accommodation on the edge of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with breakfast en route.

This remarkable national park is one of the world's largest limestone regions and is home to one of the world's largest caves.

You can choose to explore the impressive caves and caverns in several ways, take a leisurely boat trip or a 3km trek and if you're adventurous, take a two day/one-night expedition into the enormous Hang En Cave and camp the night inside!

Outside of the caves, there are numerous activities too, kayaking, trekking, exploring the botanical gardens, taking a bike ride along with the rural riverside villages or learning about the significance of the Ho Chi Minh Trails (through which soldiers moved supplies from North to South Vietnam during the war).

Call our Vietnam travel experts on 020 7924 7133 to discuss your cave exploring itinerary.

DAY 10 -14  HOI AN         BEACHES, CULTURE, FOOD AND VESPAS

Depart your hotel this morning for the early transfer to Dong Hoi, where you'll board the day train to Danang; this route offers some marvellous views of the countryside as you weave south through Hue and the mountains. Disembark the train in Danang, where you'll transfer to your beach resort.

During your stay here there will be a chance to experience the ancient town itself combined with relaxation by the beach. Getting up early is a must; Hoi An Town is best in the morning, and we'll arrange a local walking tour.

In the afternoon, explore the nearby countryside with either a Vespa or bicycle tour of the traditional local farms or fishing villages.

DAY 15 FLY HOME (OR STAY!)

Today you depart Hoi An on your flight back to the UK.

Alternatively, you may wish to stop in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for a few days. Please talk to your travel expert to tailor your perfect itinerary.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aira Boutique

Aira Boutique , Hanoi

Excellent boutique hotel, close to the action on the edge of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.

Chay Lap Farmstay

Chay Lap Farmstay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang

An oasis of calm and breathtaking countryside on the fringes of beautiful Phong Na-Ke Bang National Park.

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Tam Coc Garden Resort , Ninh Binh

Tangles of lush greenery, calm waters, rice paddy fields, bamboo groves, orchards and tropical flowers - just 100km from Hanoi.

Victoria Resort & Spa

Victoria Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Beach resort in an excellent location with great variety of rooms and easy access to Hoi An's ancient town

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

A Hanoi Food Story

A Hanoi Food Story, Hanoi

Experience and taste the essence of historical Hanoi in Vietnam.

Cam Kim Island cycling

Cam Kim Island cycling, Hoi An

A half day cycling around the beautiful river island of Cam Kim with Experience Travel Group.

Cave and jungle adventures

Cave and jungle adventures, Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Explore incredible caves and lush forests with expert local guides.

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways, Hanoi

Explore the hidden labyrinths of Hanoi's old quarter and discover secret pagodas and relics.

Hoi An Countryside by Vespa

Hoi An Countryside by Vespa, Hoi An

Explore the local villages surrounding Hoi An whilst riding pillion on a vintage Vespa.

Museum of Ethnology

Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi

An interactive way to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.

Re-unification Express Train

Re-unification Express Train, Hanoi

An excellent way to get a sense of the country's scale and see the scenery change as you travel from North to South.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Countryside, Caves & Beach'

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Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland

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A breathtaking overland trip through some of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Vietnam and Laos.

A Different Side of Vietnam

A Different Side of Vietnam

Weaving a different path through Vietnam, this holiday combines remarkable countryside with insider cultural tours via unique transport.


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