Trails of Vietnam

Experience Overview

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.
Profile
— 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
At a Glance
— 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 For You
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. This is an action-packed trip with activities including cycling, kayaking and trekking, so a good level of fitness is required. The weather can be hot and humid, particularly in the south when cycling, yet cold in the winter in the north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Some days can be fairly long with early starts. Travel time is kept to a minimum, although there are a few longer drives with time for sightseeing. Please note, some accommodation will be basic but clean.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic. The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year) During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
Joining Instructions
Key information Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN) Getting to the start hotel Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) from the end hotel. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night. There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April, then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain). There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant any time of year. However, it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire duration of the trip due to the shape of the country. Please note, the Ha Long Bay boat trip can be subject to short notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October-April). Ha Long Bay boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Ha Long Bay for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur. If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather is hot and humid year-round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season has hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.
Spending Money
You will need about 7m-8.5m Vietnamese dong (US$300‐US$360) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs. Optional excursions There are several optional activities, which your leader can arrange for you and advise of costs locally. The following acts as a price guide for some of the optional activities. Hanoi — Water puppets: 140,700 dong (US$6) Hoi An — Tu Bon River boat trip: 170,000 (US$7) depending upon numbers
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Vietnam. To remove the hassle, the leader will suggest you contribute approximately US$59 per person to a tipping kitty. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, staff at hotels and boats etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute, you are, of course, free to decline. In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of US$3-US$6 per day for your leader.

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 homestay-style guesthouse

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Trip Details

Product Code: 4263

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: modation.

Guide Language: English

Tour Operator: Exodus Travel

Supplier Code: AOF

Starts: Hanoi, Cu Chi Tunnels

Finishes: Hanoi, Cu Chi Tunnels

Duration: 14 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Average

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

Accommodation

Hotels, Ha Long Bay boat, guesthouse, longhouse and sleeper train
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.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,290 ($235 /day)

Itinerary

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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 coffee from the grand doorways of a past era, drifting alongside Hoan Kiem Lake or roaming the animated streets, Hanoi offers a delicious first taste of Vietnamese culture. Even crossing one of many manic roads is a memorable experience. This evening, there will be a welcome briefing with your leader followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

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Day 2: To Da Bac; trek through Dzao Tien country; overnight in village homestay

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 approximately 70 families from the Dzao Tien community. Upon arrival, we enjoy lunch cooked by a local family before an afternoon trek (1.5mi), on which we learn about traditional agriculture and visit a limestone cave and an ancient tea plantation. We spend the night with a family with the chance to learn more about rural life in this beautiful part of the country. Please note: You need to leave your main luggage back in Hanoi at the hotel while visiting Da Bac for two nights and take an overnight bag instead. You will be reunited with your main luggage on Day 4 after arriving back to Hanoi. Accommodation: Sung Village homestay

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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 villages. We’re also rewarded with fantastic views of the Da Reservoir. We arrive in the village of Da Bia for a lunch served by a Muong family, who we stay with. There will be free time near the end of the day to swim in the reservoir or you can hire a kayak (optional extra) and explore a little further. Accommodation: Da Bia village homestay

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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 one hour) to Thung Nai harbour. On return, a city tour in Hanoi introduces the many layers of Vietnamese culture and history. Sites include Hoa Lo, the Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter, the centuries-old soul of Hanoi. Stepping into this commercial labyrinth is not as confusing as it first may seem, but only once you realise the 36 streets indicate the products sold. So why not turn down Silk Street, Souvenir Street or even Gold Street? The remainder of the afternoon/early evening is free, perhaps to enjoy the view from a lakeside cafe. If you wish to join an optional activity, your tour leader can arrange a viewing of the water puppets, which originates from the 11th century, where folktale and legends are playfully recounted and soundtracked by wooden bells, bamboo flutes and cymbals. Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

5

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 waters. Carving crevasses on its way, it left roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising from emerald waters. Soak up the enigmatic atmosphere this karst scenery creates, before kayaking to places inaccessible on the larger boat (weather permitting). A seafood lunch is served on board, and the evening is yours to unwind upon tranquil waters. The night is spent in twin-share cabins. Please note: You need to leave your main luggage in Hanoi at the hotel while visiting Ha Long Bay for one night and take an overnight bag instead. You will be reunited with your main luggage on Day 6 after arriving back to Hanoi. Accommodation: Overnight boat

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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 (approximately 13 hours). The journey is a great way to travel like the local people and really experience Vietnam. Accommodation: Overnight train

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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 Thien Mu Pagoda to peep into the life of Nguyen emperors. With 6mi (9.5km) long walls, the Imperial Citadel is the most outstanding sight in town. We explore the palaces, halls of the Mandarins, and remains of the Forbidden Purple City, once only open to the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy at leisure. Accommodation: Park View Hotel (or similar)

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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 80mi (130km) drive to Da Nang passes through the Lang Co peninsula, between crystal lagoon waters and the Eastern Sea, as well as the Hai Van pass, known as the Pass of the Ocean Clouds. In Da Nang, climb the Marble Mountains and explore the large caves used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the war. At the peak, enjoy stretching views over My Khe beach and the countryside. We spend the next two nights in Hoi An, an ancient trading port town often described as a living museum. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

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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 their favourite town in Vietnam. Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, meander around the thriving riverside markets, or explore the silk shops. Alternatively, hire a bike and cut through countryside towards Cua Dai beach, past markets, schools and villages (3mi/5km). Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

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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 section of the Cu Chi tunnels. Crawl through the infamous and intricate system and experience the spirit of guerrilla warfare. Used by the Viet Cong during the war as escape routes and living quarters, the network covers three levels and approximately 150mi (240km) of tunnels. Although they were traditionally very narrow, they have now been widened to allow an extensive exploration of the system. Even so, people with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

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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 country’s tropical fruits, some of which you can sample, plus sugar cane and coconuts. Transfer back to Can Tho (approximately two hours) to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this quiet riverside town or explore the maze of backstreets and wide boulevards. Please note: You need to leave your main luggage in Ho Chi Minh City at the hotel while visiting Mekong Delta for two nights and take an overnight bag instead. You will be reunited with your main luggage on Day 13 after arriving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (or similar)

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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. One includes attaching their produce to long poles and hanging them above the boat, enabling them to showcase their items from all angles and distances. Since you’ll be witnessing authentic trade in full swing, there will be countless opportunities to capture traditional scenes on camera. Afterwards, we cycle to Vinh Long through rural villages and scenic landscapes (approximately 20mi/32km). Reaching the end of the day, we transfer by motorboat to an island in the middle of the Mekong River to overnight at a homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Homestay guesthouse

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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, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and traditional trade on a smaller scale. We return to Ho Chi Minh City, which was devastated by the Vietnam War but is now a bustling free-market city. A combination of old and new diversifies the city with temples standing among zooming scooters and modern developments. The Reunification Palace is one stop on our tour, known for its 1960s architecture and slightly garish appeal as much as its association with the fall of Saigon (now HCMC) in 1975. Another stop is the War Remnants Museum, housing a collection outlining the horrors of modern history and warfare and impact on innocent civilians. Be aware, these records are often very graphic and distressing. Heading to the romantic Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral throws yet another light on the city. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

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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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Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, 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. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

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