Tour Code: 3LRQVB3DX5J8
12 days
Specific Tour
1 person
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Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, where you will discover the best of the country while immersing yourself in local culture. Experience the vibrant cities like never before, learn about the national sport, contribute to local NGOs, and explore the breathtaking sights, scents, and flavors of this amazing destination. From homestays in remote Pu Long National Park to sipping cocktails by a rooftop pool overlooking the city or discovering the lesser-known Bai Tu Long Bay on a traditional boat, this is Vietnam like you’ve never seen before.
Welcome to Vietnam! Our team will pick you up from the airport at any time and transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in, you'll have free time to explore or relax until it's time for your welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Take a dip in the rooftop pool overlooking the city and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Discover Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings After breakfast, get ready for a unique cultural experience as we learn about the national sport called da cao, also known as "foot badminton." This sport is played in every park in the country, and we'll learn the basics from one of the local teams we support as part of our community projects. Afterward, we'll embark on a walking tour of the city, visiting both popular sights and hidden gems. Relax back at the hotel before heading to the train station for our overnight journey to Da Nang.
Upon arrival in Da Nang, our team will pick you up and take you to the Thu Bon riverbank, where we will kayak through the local farming areas and palm groves to reach the beautiful old town of Hoi An. After a short walk to your hotel, freshen up and maybe take a dip in the pool before heading out to explore the area. In the evening, your tour leader will take you on a guided walk through the UNESCO heritage town with its charming alleys, picturesque lanterns, and delectable cuisine.
Wake up early and embark on a morning cycling tour through the countryside, passing by small villages and rice fields to reach a serene riverbank. Here, we'll start collecting plastic that has been discarded along the river. Enjoy a refreshing sugarcane juice by the river before heading to a Hoi An garden house where we'll sort the trash to make eco bricks for a local NGO. An eco brick is a plastic bottle packed with used plastic to a specific density, serving as a reusable building block. This project not only cleans the riverbank but also produces eco bricks that can be used for construction in remote areas of Quang Nam province and for building playgrounds and schools. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace (beach time!).
Discover Hue and its surroundings After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a stylish transfer to Hue, the Imperial City, in an open-top army jeep. We'll drive up the Hai Van Pass, known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and stop at various viewpoints for breathtaking photo opportunities of the coastline. Along the way, we'll visit areas with historical French colonial buildings and other viewpoints on this incredible stretch of road. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in the historical town of Hue, the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Begin your morning with a delightful breakfast in the hotel before embarking on an adventure to the Imperial City, where you'll gain insight into the rich history and culture of Vietnam's imperial era. Afterward, we'll journey to a local garden house located on the banks of the Perfume River for a Vietnamese cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the exceptional cuisine while taking in the picturesque view of the Thien Mu pagoda on the opposite river bank. Following your leisurely morning, take your time to relax until it's time to check out. You'll be transferred to the Hue Train Station for your night train to Ninh Binh, the first stop on your journey to the remote Pu Long National Park for an unforgettable local homestay experience.
Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring journey to one of Vietnam's most breathtaking landscape destinations! Traverse through serene villages in Ninh Binh, immersing yourself in local life surrounded by rice paddies, magnificent mountain ranges, and pristine rivers. Later, we'll hop on a bus and make our way to Pu Luong National Park, a three-hour drive away. Once we arrive, we'll trek uphill to your authentic homestay in Ban Hieu, nestled between rice paddies and mountains. Join local families for dinner and experience incredible off-the-beaten-path scenery. Rest easy tonight in one of the local houses.
After a delicious breakfast with a spectacular valley view, we'll embark on a short downhill trek to a beautiful traditional rural bamboo lake house, where you can indulge in bamboo rafting or take a refreshing swim in crystal clear waters. A picnic lunch prepared by a local family awaits in a stunning setting surrounded by nature. After lunch, gear up for an adventurous waterfall chase. Your guide will lead you through a secret route up to a stunning waterfall nestled inside the valley, winding through local farms and villages. Take in the serene views along the way as you unplug and immerse yourself in your surroundings. We'll trek back through rice fields and farms to the homestay for dinner and drinks.
As we bid farewell to our homestay family and picturesque scenery in Pu Luong, we look forward to the lively hustle and bustle of Hanoi and a stay in a charming boutique hotel! Take it easy in the morning before embarking on an exciting journey. Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon and take some time to freshen up before joining your group for a city walk, followed by a feast of local delicacies.
Hop on our luxurious transport to the coast, where we'll await our traditional boat to take us on a journey through the renowned Ha Long Bay. Escape the crowds by heading north to Bai Tu Long, where we'll explore the untouched corners of Ha Long Bay. Kayak around the stunning scenery surrounding Cap La Island and observe the floating fishing villages. You can also opt to visit one of the secret beaches on Cong Do Island before returning to the boat for sunset drinks and dinner on the top deck. For those seeking a challenge, participate in squid fishing with some of the crew, or simply relax with a cocktail and reflect on your journey.
Kick off your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck or savor the stunning bay scenery with a warm cup of coffee. Our first stop of the day will be Thien Canh Son, one of the most renowned cave systems in the bay. After a brief hike, you'll reach a vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the tranquil bay. Stepping inside the cave will leave you spellbound as we explore its wonders and the surrounding trails. On our way back to the mainland, we'll give you a chance to try your hand at the art of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable carving. Once we disembark, we'll head back to Hanoi for a night of culinary delights. As this is our final night in Vietnam, we've organized a guided food tour around Hanoi's best eateries. From secret banh mi stands to legendary dumpling joints, authentic pho, and, of course, egg coffee, we'll tantalize your taste buds before we cap it off with a refreshing local rice beer. It's the perfect finale to your Vietnamese expedition.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and this marks our last day together in Vietnam. After a heartwarming breakfast with your One Life family, it's time to bid adieu and head to the airport at your convenience.
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