Trails of Vietnam

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Whether it’s kayaking beneath sea cliffs, cycling past paddy fields in the Mekong Delta or trekking through hill villages, this dynamic trip allows us to interact with the people and environment of Vietnam in a way we couldn’t by vehicle alone. We get a great insight into everyday life as well as seeing all the major sights. Of course, all this activity needs...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy an active adventure covering all the scenic highlights of Vietnam
    • Cruise and kayak along the emerald waters and limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay
    • Trek through hill villages to immerse yourself in a lesser-seen side of the country
    • Walk and cycle through the historic towns of Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi
    • Crawl underground through the Cu Chi war tunnels, a poignant reminder of the recent past
    • Navigate the Mekong Delta by boat and stay in a welcoming guesthouse

What's this trip about?

    Whether it’s kayaking beneath sea cliffs, cycling past paddy fields in the Mekong Delta or trekking through hill villages, this dynamic trip allows us to interact with the people and environment of Vietnam in a way we couldn’t by vehicle alone. We get a great insight into everyday life as well as seeing all the major sights. Of course, all this activity needs fuelling, which gives us the perfect excuse for sampling the superb cuisine.On foot, in the saddle, with paddle – actively discover the best of Vietnam

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityHanoi
End CityHo Chi Minh City

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cai Be
  • Da Nang
  • Hanoi
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Mekong Delta
  • Saigon

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 12 breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Hanoi

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where an unstoppable energy meets traditional Vietnamese culture and colonial influences permeate the broad tree-lined boulevards, most noticeably in faded French architecture. Whether you’re buying baguettes and inexpensive coff...

Day 2 To Da Bac; trek through Dzao Tien country; overnight in hill community longhouse

This morning, we transfer (approximately four hours) to Hoa Binh Province. Travelling up and over the Truong Son mountain range affords lush views, a perfect precursor of the scenery for the following days. We journey to the peaceful Sung Village, home to approximatel...

Day 3 Trek among hill villages

Beeping, bustling Hanoi will be a faint memory, and the day is spent exploring this rural paradise. After an early breakfast, we start our trek. Walking for approximately five hours, we pass through a picturesque valley of quilt-like rice terraces, palms and small vil...

Day 4 Boat to Thung Nai; Hanoi city tour

A short walk this morning takes us to the reservoir where we board a private boat for our journey (approximately 60 minutes) to Thung Nai harbour. We stop for lunch and, time permitting, have the option of visiting the Muong ethnic minority museum to learn more about ...

Day 5 To Ha Long Bay; cruise/kayak; dinner and overnight on boat

After an early start, we transfer (approximately four hours) to Ha Long Bay where our private boat awaits, ready to cruise along Ha Long Bay. The name means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’ –legend has it, the islands were formed when a dragon plunged into the...

Day 6 Cruise then return to Hanoi; overnight train to Hue

As the boat cruises past the majestic peaks, there will be new opportunities to immerse ourselves in the mystical quality of Ha Long Bay. After returning to port, we transfer to Hanoi train station and board the Reunification Express for the overnight train to Hue (ap...

Day 7 Sightseeing by private bus in Hue

In the morning, we arrive in Hue, the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam. Brimming with charisma, the city has impacted several poets in its time and serves as a reminder of Vietnam’s imperial glories. Today we take a bus transfer to the Imperial Citadel and Th...

Day 8 Visit Tu Duc Mausoleum; drive to Hoi An

After breakfast, we transfer by bus to Emperor Tu Duc's Mausoleum. Amid a lake and boundless pine forest, this tomb is deemed the most extravagant mausoleum of the great Nguyen emperors and one of the most beautiful pieces of royal architecture in Vietnam. Next, an 8...

Day 9 Walking tour of Hoi An; free afternoon

Embrace the sleepy ambience of Hoi An on a orientation walking tour. Wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples line the streets, architecturally reflecting the Japanese, Chinese and European influences on the town. The afternoon is free to enjoy what many call ...

Day 10 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City; afternoon visit Cu Chi tunnels

Transfer to Da Nang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 70 minutes), a city of chaotic thrills. Please note, HCMC is in the south, and therefore likely to be much warmer and humid than the north. Upon arrival, a 60-minute drive takes us to the Ben Dinh...

Day 11 Cycle ride to Cai Be; visit handicraft workshops; drive to Can Tho

Arrive in the small market town of My Tho after a three hour drive. After hopping onto our bikes, we follow the Mekong River through quiet backroads towards Cai Be (approximately 16mi/25km). Known as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta produces most of the coun...

Day 12 Boat trip to floating markets; cycle ride; boat trip to island homestay guesthouse

We have an early start for a boat trip along the Bassac River towards Cai Rang, the largest and liveliest floating market in the Delta. Float through a maze of boats filled with fruits, vegetables and plants, and watch the techniques the sellers use to make a living. ...

Day 13 Cruise to Cai Be; to Ho Chi Minh City for afternoon city tour

Cruise by boat along the Cai Be floating market and visit cottage industries manufacturing local products such as popped rice, sweets, pancakes and wine. Recently, the market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks. However, ...

Day 14 End Ho Chi Minh City

Our Vietnam tour ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about joining our four-day post-trip excursion to Angkor, the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,625
Price per day$188
Last Updated: 12/21/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam and Cambodia - Tailor made

Our trip was arranged by Thidara for our family of four - my husband, myself and our two 20-something daughters. We asked for a trip which incorporated sight seeing...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Trails of Vietnam

A busy trip, which gave a great overview of Vietnam, but with enough activities so that It didn't feel a sightseeing tour. There were journeys to be made but there...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

vietnam adventure

excellent trip with many highlights and brilliant guide --Son Nguyen meeting the Hill tribe people in North Vietnam and the two home stays which were both lovely ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Insight into how ordinary people in Vietnam live

I've been to Vietnam before, but this trip was completely different. This time I felt that I was really getting under the skin of the country to understand how ord...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful adventure

This was our first Exodus trip and we were so impressed. The trip is action packed and Vietnam has so much to offer. There was a reasonable level of activity (walk...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

7 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night standard hotel, 1 night boat with twin share cabins, 1 night standard homestay guesthouse, all en suite 2 nights basic house/longhouse with dormitory/shared bath, 1 night sleeper train, soft-bed berths Travel by bus, boat, sleeper train and internal flight Reasonable fitness required Remote and city locations visited
The accommodation on this Vietnam adventure reflects the extraordinary variety of the country. We spend eight nights in hotels, one night cruising Ha Long Bay in a traditional junk boat, one night in a homestay, two nights in a longhouse and one night on a sleeper train.  The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.  Sung Village and Da Bia Village: Longhouses (nights 2-3)  Experience authentic village life and hospitality with two experiential nights in traditional longhouses. We trek through native Dzao and Muong country to our overnight destinations of Sung Village and Da Bia Village, where we dine on local food − much of it you won’t find anywhere else! – and rest in shared spaces; mattresses placed across the floor with individual mosquito nets. This is communal living in the most authentic way. Hosted by hospitable local families, we gain a real insight into rural Vietnam.  Ha Long Bay: Traditional junk boat (night 5)  Board a traditional junk boat to cruise among the magnificent limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Each of the twin-share cabins has air conditioning and a window out to sea, while the boat has a rooftop deck with chairs – this is where most of our groups gather for views over the bay. There’s also a dining room with glass windows so we can continue to admire this extraordinary landscape during lunch and dinner.  Hanoi to Hue: Reunification Express (night 6)  Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Hue – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in mixed-gender soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.  Mekong River: Island homestay (night 12)  Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Mekong hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine).  Worth knowing  Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for eight nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative upon booking if you would like to request a single supplement.  The accommodation is generally of good quality, but you should also be prepared for a couple of basic nights.   Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, the two nights at the traditional longhouses or on the sleeper train. 
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
There are 12 breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup). Be sure to also seek out the national beverages. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except in the Mekong Delta. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotels), 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 Ha Long Bay boat), 3 Simple nights (homestay)
  • Travel by bus, boat, sleeper train and internal flight
  • Reasonable fitness required
  • Remote and city locations visited
  • Group normally 5 to 16, plus local leader
  • Angkor Wat Extension (Trip code: XOF) from Ho Chi Minh City available to book post tour
Trip ID
exodus-AOF

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