Countryside, Caves & Beach Suggested Holiday Itinerary

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Besides famous Halong Bay, the northern part of Vietnam also has the beautiful World Heritage Sites of Trang An Ecosystem and Phong Nga National Park. On this holiday you’ll be introduced to Vietnamese food, culture and history in Hanoi before you veer off to the countryside travelling by train to both 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 - intrepid travellers can take an overnight camping expedition through some the largest caves whilst softer adventurers may prefer the easier routes into the caves as well as the impressive local treks, kayak tours and cycle tours.

The last few days of the holiday are spent 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

Pulling up a stool with the locals and sampling popular street food snacks in Hanoi.
Weaving through the countryside aboard the Reunification Express.
Exploring the underground rivers and remarkable geology of Phong Nga - Ka Bang National Park.
Visiting markets to buy fresh ingredients then try your hand at cooking classic Vietnamese dishes
Reflecting on your adventure whilst relaxing at the beach.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. 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 you’ll 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 cities lake as the Hanoians practise badminton, t’ai chi and aerobis in the street. Immerse yourself in the old town which is dissected by Hanoi’s main railway artery, the residents 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

With your guide and driver you’ll head about 2 hours south to the ancient capital Ninh Binh. The glorious landscape of rice fields and lakes is surrounded by towering peaks of craggy limestone. The meandering waterways of Trang An Ecosystem are often compared with Guilin – China, or to Halong Bay. Spend 2 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 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 grottos in a number of ways, take a leisurely boat trip or a 3km trek and if you’re really adventurous take a 2 day/1 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 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 you 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 be met for the transfer to your beach resort.

During your 4 nights stay here there will be chance to experience the ancient town itself combined with relaxation by the beach. Getting up early is a must, Hoi An Town is best explored in the morning and you can choose from a morning walking tour or cookery school in the town. Learn about local traditions, taste some delicious food and explore the local product markets.

You’ll also have chance to spend an afternoon (or morning) exploring 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. This can easily be arranged, 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, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
Meals as described
24 hour in-country backup whilst away
Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here

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...

Boutique Hoi An, Hoi An

A stylish, beach-front hotel that represents great value for money.

Chay Lap Farmstay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang

A peaceful green sanctuary on the edge of the beautiful national park.

Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi, Hanoi

Smart, well appointed and modern hotel on the edge of Hanoi's ancient quarter.

Tam Coc Garden Resort , Ninh Binh

Tam Coc is teeming with lush greenery and surrounded by majestic mountains.

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...

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, Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Explore incredible caves and lush forests with expert local guides.

Early Morning Tai Chi , Hanoi

A unique experience of early morning traditional Hanoi before much of the city awakes.

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways, Hanoi

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

Hanoi Street Food Tour, Hanoi

Experience and taste the essence of historical Hanoi in Vietnam.

Hoi An Countryside by Vespa, Hoi An

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

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Customer Protection

The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.