Countryside, Caves & Beach

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.

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