Make Vietnam your classroom while you study ancient caves, secret temples, and ancient streets filled with history.
Northern Vietnam is full of secrets and hidden lessons, and on this trip you’ll be discovering them all. You’ll become a master of crossing mad-motorbike-infested roads and you’ll know, with absolute confidence, the difference between a bajillion varieties of noodle. On this adventure through Northern Vietnam, you’ll ace all these life lessons and more. Make Vietnam your classroom while you unearth the UNESCO-listed caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang, indulge in the secrets of Hue’s temples, and study the ancient streets of Hoi An.
We spend 8 days exploring Vietnam. We visit Hanoi, Mai Châu, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Hue, Hoi An.
What Is Included...
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Your legendary Busabout crew
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7 nights’ accommodation
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7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
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Air
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conditioned private transport
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Hanoi Street Food Tour
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Village cycle trip Mai Chau
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Entry and gondola ride to the Golden Hand Bridge, Danang
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Entrance to the Vinh Moc Tunnels
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Hoi An Old Town entrance
Trip Highlights
- Explore the bustling street markets of Hoi An
- Discover the Phong Nha Ke Bang caves and its surrounds
- Visit the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels
Trip Departures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in place globally, we will not be running any trips in 2021. Get more information on why this decision was made or see below for similar trips being run by our sister brands, Contiki and CostSaver.
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8 Day Itinerary
Northern Vietnam Adventure (Hanoi to Hoi An) 8 day full itinerary breakdown and route map
Hanoi
Your adventure begins in the eclectic, ancient Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Meet with your fantastic Busabout Guide and get a feel for what’s to come before getting straight into the local culture with an included street food crawl for dinner. Get lost in the tastes and smells of the delicious dishes on offer ranging from the amazingly tasty bun cha noodle dish, to unique egg coffee. Once you’ve had your fill of tasty delicacies, we head off to the international corner to experience a local institution, the refreshing taste of the daily-brewed and preservative-free draught beer Bia Hoi. Later, you’re free to explore the local bars as you get to know your new Busabout squad. - Dinner included
Hanoi to Mai Chau
This morning we head west through the gorgeous Vietnamese countryside en route to the jaw-dropping beauty of Mai Chau. Keep your cameras at the ready as we navigate the shimmering green patchwork of rice fields dotted with rustic stilt houses before stopping at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Mai Chau valley. We are treated to a scrumptious included lunch upon arrival at our stilted accommodations before hopping on a bicycle and burning off some calories, as we cycle on an included tour of the area with a local guide through this idyllic valley. This evening we’ll enjoy a refreshing sundowner in a local bar, before being treated to a locally sourced traditional meal at the homestay and a few too many glasses of the potent local rice wine. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Mai Chau to Phong Nha Ke Bang
Kick back and relax as we make our way south to the pristine natural wonder of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed park in the evening and check-in to our accommodation shortly after. Enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to soak up the atmosphere of this tiny township by night! - Breakfast included
Phong Nha Ke Bang
Prepare for a full day lost in the wilderness of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. If you have signed up for today’s optional excursion, we begin our caving adventure amidst the jaw-dropping beauty of Paradise Cave. Discovered a mere 13 years ago, this is the longest dry cave in the park and features some truly majestic natural structures formed within! We emerge to daylight just in time for a delicious lunch to recharge our batteries before catching Vietnam’s longest zip line to our next destination: the pitch black, mud filled playpen of the Dark Cave. Spend some time frolicking in the mud and enjoying the activities by torchlight before emerging into the Asian sun and having a splash in the river to clean up and cool off. Tonight, recap on the day’s adventures over an optional dinner and drinks with your new Busabout family! - Breakfast included
Phong Nha Ke Bang to Hue
We say our goodbyes to this scenic location as we head south to Vietnam’s ancient capital Hue, with an included stop en route at the Vinh Moc Tunnels to learn the fascinating history of this underground city. We arrive in Hue in time to grab a delicious local bite to eat before checking in to the hotel. The afternoon is all yours for exploring this gorgeous riverside city! We highly recommend you join our optional guided tour around Hue’s Imperial Citadel, the towering Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, finishing up with a fun cyclo ride around the city. After an optional dinner this evening, we’ll head out for drinks on the town to better experience the vibrant nightlife on offer in Hue. - Breakfast included
Hue to Hoi An
It’s time to hit the road again, towards the jaw-droppingly beautiful Hoi An. But first we have an included stop at the #instaworthy Golden Hand Bridge to enjoy amazing views over the surrounding countryside! We arrive this afternoon in Hoi An just in time for lunch, followed by a visit to the famous Yaly Couture for those looking for bespoke tailored clothing. The rest of the day is yours to explore the stunningly preserved Old Town and soak up the rich local history. Grab yourselves a banana-print shirt, because tonight it’s time for the infamous Busabout Fruit Salad Shirt night - head out with your Busabout crew and experience the lively local atmosphere! - Breakfast included
Hoi An
Today is your free day to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer. Head out into town and delve the depths of this historic city! This afternoon we offer an incredible taste of local life on an optional Eco Tour and Cooking Class hosted by your knowledgeable local guide Mr Chu. On this tour you’ll get to cycle around the countryside and hear about the local history and customs, before learning to fish and crab from a basket boat. Explore the narrow yet beautiful channels as you make your way to the Chu family home for a lesson in traditional Vietnamese cuisine where you’ll learn how to cook your very own delicious meal, featuring spring rolls, xeo, and more! This evening enjoy a final night in Hoi An with your Busabout family. - Breakfast included
Hoi An
Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again! - Breakfast included