Countryside, Caves & Beach
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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.

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

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 you 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.