North & Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An & Countryside Adventures
Experience Overview
Sure, you could take the well-travelled path through Vietnam. But, let’s be real, the back roads make for way better stories — and this eight-day, hostel-based trip is definitely proof. After a night out in Hanoi, head into the countryside, stopping at pagodas, local fish markets, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels: a massive bomb shelter from the Vietnam War. Next, gear up for a ‘gram-worthy day as you road trip in an open-top jeep, visiting the incredible An Bang Cemetery, taking a dip at Lang Co beach, and snapping pics of the views along Hai Van Pass before saying your goodbyes in Hoi An.
Highlights
- Sample Vietnam's best tastes on an insiders foodie tour
- Explore Tam Chuc: the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia
- Wander Dong Hoi wet-fish market with a Banh Mi Breakfast in hand
- Descend into the less-visited Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Opt to hike the pristine countryside in Ninh Binh and explore caves in Phong Nha
Trip Details
Product Code: 1692
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, train, bicycle, open-top jeeps, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: AVHOHW
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Hoi An, Vietnam
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
- Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour
- Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market tour and countryside cycling
- Vinh Moc Tunnels Tour
- An Bang Cemetary Tour
- Visit Lang Co Beach
- Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountain Tour
- Hoi An Old Town Walk and Riverside Evening Out
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (6 nts), overnight sleeper train (1 nt).
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private vehicle, train, bicycle, open-top jeeps, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $719 ($90 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city's old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city's signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are!
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.Accommodation - Nexy Hostel
Day 2: Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Ready to hit the backroads? Let's go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one or rent a bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda on a CEO-guided tour then take some free time to explore on your own. Opened in 2019, Tam Chuc is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. It is a truly beautiful site with the sparkling lake in front and the rolling green mountains behind. Follow along with the many pilgrims who visit here for reflection and prayers.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon to do as much, or as little as your please.Accommodation - Ninh Binh Buffalo Hostel
Day 3: Ninh Bình
Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - You've got the whole day to do as you please. Bike, hike, boat or feet-up, the choice is yours!Transport - Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Day 4: Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the vibrant Dong Hoi wet/fish market with your CEO. The market is bustling in the early morning where locals come to buy and sell all manner of products including: seafood, vegetables, fruit, chickens, spices; even, frogs! After walking around the market we will grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi. The famed Banh mi sandwiches are a typical street food that originated in Saigon and are heavily influence by French cuisine. They are served on French baguettes with a French and Vietnamese fusion inside. Typically, they are mad up of pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and (if you choose) a meat.Activity - Hop on a bike and take a short cycling tour of Dong Hoi and the nearby villages. Gently peddle along through the countryside admiring the beautiful landscape and rural way of life including a stop at Bao Ninh fishing village.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Central Backpacker Hostel
Day 5: Phong Nha
Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join an evening bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The day is yours with options for hiking and biking. We highly recommend the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest caves in Asia are found.Accommodation - Central Backpacker Hostel
Day 6: Phong Nha/Huế
Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.Free_time - Take some free time to explore Hua your way!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Amy Hostel
Day 7: Huế/Hoi An
Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Step off the beaten path and visit An Bang Cemetery–one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Covering 250 hectares, it's locally known as the City of Ghosts and is famous for its extravagant tombs for their deceased family members. Many stand two or three stories high and showcase elaborate ornate gold carvings often featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the larger tombs even include fully functional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens reflecting loved ones strong belief of the afterlife, and the practice of honouring beloved ancestors.Activity - Enjoy a stop at Beautiful Lang Co Beach. Walk along the palm lined white sand beach and take a dip in the calm turquoise coloured waters.Activity - Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a 20km stretch of road that represents the division between northern and southern Vietnam, and is also one of the country's highest points at 500m above sea level. In Vietnamese, Hai Van roughly translates to "sea of clouds" and it's easy to see why. As your vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you'll see misty peaks rise above the South China Sea, with glimpses of pristine beaches, forests and the cityscape of Da Nang along the way.Activity - Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)Accommodation - Dolphin Hostel Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south to Vietnam's amazing beaches on the next leg of this epic adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Tayla E. - Traveled, February 2024
It was a great way to start my time in Vietnam as a solo female traveler. I met incredible people I continued to travel with for a bit after the tour, learnt so much more about the history and culture from our guide and did so many more activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Marie U. - Traveled, February 2024
An experience i would recommend to everyone who wants to travel the wourld and create new memories, friend and knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Kamilla S. - Traveled, February 2024
Good food, making friends, learing about vietnam, experiencing vietnamese culture, and getting to know Thuy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Brooke C. - Traveled, January 2024
This was a whirlwind of gorgeous countryside, amazing food, and busy vibrant cities! I've never seen or done so much in so little time in a tour group before, and I was so grateful to bond with the other members of the group as we experienced it all
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
William D. - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic experience with great experiences with like-minded individuals. Would recommend to anyone looking for a simple, stress-free way to travel!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Natasha T. - Traveled, January 2024
If you want to travel and not have to think too much this is a great way to travel. You’ve got your group of g adventure friends but staying in hostels also allows you to meet other like minded travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Gemma D. - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent way to see the key bits of Vietnam, met some great people, had loads of fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Christopher S. - Traveled, December 2024
A great overall experience with amazing activities but lacking in food options.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Charles G. - Traveled, September 2024
good people. good vibes. could party if you wanted to. could see as much as you could if you wanted to. could do a bit of both. felt prepared for the next days options. tour guide was awesome. happy i did it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2024
Saxon F. - Traveled, December 2024
Fantastic, enjoyed every second of the trip. I'll definitely be traveling with G-Adventures again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2024
Sarah B. - Traveled, November 2024
An amazing experience! Loved every single minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2024
Danielle N. - Traveled, November 2024
This trip is perfect for my age group 25-30, I loved all of the experiences along the way, it’s good that you can choose to have rooms or be in shared dorms depending on what you are comfortable with. Vietnam is beautiful, everyone we met was so friendly...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Charlotte M. - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was amazing. I was able to see a large amount of Vietnam in a short amount of time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
Liam A. - Traveled, June 2024
Best holiday I've ever experienced, adventure of a lifetime. We will be booking with G Adventures again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2024
Lisa B. - Traveled, May 2024
It was a great way to experience Vietnam in a quite short time and the trip gave me a lot food for thought which is probably the most important thing when traveling. The tour war organized very well, which left us more energy and time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Laura V. - Traveled, May 2024
Great way to explore a country and truly get to know the rural areas and people. The peace of mind you get from having the tour and transport planned for you is extremely valuable, and having people to share it with is just so lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2024
Tamara W. - Traveled, May 2024
It was a great experience and i would book at g adventures again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Alyssa S. - Traveled, May 2024
The experience that I expected and so amazing that I didn’t want to leave to be honest. I liked that it gave you the real backpacker experience and took the worry of planning off of my hands too
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Georgina H. - Traveled, May 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed, and looking forward to book our next gadventures trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2024
Dena M. - Traveled, April 2024
Made friends for a lifetime
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
