Wild Vietnam
Example Itinerary
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Overview
This active journey not only encompasses some of the main highlights of this most diverse and enchanting of countries, but also introduces you to some of Southeast Asia’s most striking scenery and wildest adventures. Discover Vietnam’s more off-beat national parks where you’ll navigate hidden waterways and jungle caves, exploring by bicycle, local boats, and of course on foot. Beginning in Hanoi, enjoy some time exploring Vietnam’s bustling capital, with its traditional ...
This active journey not only encompasses some of the main highlights of this most diverse and enchanting of countries, but also introduces you to some of Southeast Asia’s most striking scenery and wildest adventures. Discover Vietnam’s more off-beat national parks where you’ll navigate hidden waterways and jungle caves, exploring by bicycle, local boats, and of course on foot. Beginning in Hanoi, enjoy some time exploring Vietnam’s bustling capital, with its traditional Vietnamese architecture and revolutionary zeal, before heading off to the remote karst mountains and rice paddies of Ninh Binh, Van Long and Cuc Phuong national parks. From here continue south as you enter the serene setting of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where you will embark on an epic cave adventure amongst the jungle landscapes. Drive on to Hue via the DMZ, and enjoy a visit to the impressive Citadel as well as exploring Hue’s backstreets by motorbike, complimented by a delicious lunch with Buddhist nuns. Get ready for your most active day as you then cycle along one of Asia’s most scenic roads from Hue to Hoi An, home to silk weaving, fishing, ancient ancestral homes and magical lantern-lit backstreets. A brief stop in the colourful Ho Chi Minh City sees your adventure continue with a motorbike ride through the backstreets of the city, where intimate stories and traditional music comes by way of a local family of musicians. Float through the Mekong Delta and observe life on the water, before reaching your final destination on this epic wild adventure – the white sandy beaches of Con Dao.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Head deep into the jungle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, swimming through caves and camping next to hidden waterfalls
- Soak up the karst mountain landscape of Ninh Binh, and enjoy the diverse birdlife of Cuc Phuong National Park
- Travel along one of Asia’s most stunning roads as you cycle from the imperial city of Hue to the colourful streets of Hoi An
- Enjoy backstreet adventures by motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue and discover Vietnam’s culinary delights
- Explore the islands and waterways of the Mekong Delta and learn about life in this colourful region
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of Con Dao and fill your days with snorkelling and searching for turtles
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE HANOI
On arrival into Hanoi you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, take a one-hour cyclo tour of this charming capital city. Your guide will tell you about the places you are passing amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life that will surround you.
Day 2 HANOI: CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Spend this morning exploring some the city's fascinating sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, the Hanoi Hilton Museum where John McCain and other prisoners were held during the war, the Temple of Literature, and Ethnology Museum. Enjoy walks around Hoan Kiem Lake, where Hanoians enjoy their early mornings with Tai Chi and 'Vietnamese style' aerobics, as well the eclectic Old Quarter where streets are named after the trades practiced here since the 15th century. In the evening attend a traditional water puppet show unique to Vietnamese culture, before enjoying a delicious dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.
Day 3 HANOI: HISTORY AND CULINARY ADVENTURE
Today you will get to explore beyond the highlights and delve deeper into Hanoi's past as you set off around the ancient Nom village and the surrounding rural area. This is a wonderful opportunity to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and traditions as you meet with local villagers and explore ancient houses and communal places of worship. This afternoon, go where local people shop and eat. Explore and visit local markets, food stalls and “specialty” restaurants or cafes to learn about and taste some of the everyday ingredients, drinks and dishes and see how locals engage in their routine of price negotiating.
Day 4 HANOI – NINH BINH
Ninh Binh is considered the Halong Bay on land because of the amazing limestone cliffs rising up out of the rice paddies. After transferring from Hanoi and settling into your hotel, set off on a brief bike ride to the base of Hang Mua mountain. While it is 500 stairs up, the climb is worth it for the magnificent views over Tam Coc and the surrounding rice paddies and mountains. Enjoy the sunset before heading back down and returning by bike to your hotel for the evening.
Day 5 NINH BINH - VAN LONG
Today is an early start as you explore this stunning landscape at its most interesting time of day. Weave between rice paddies, karst mountains and hidden waterways and observe daily life as you go. Navigate river pathways on your bicycle and enjoy floating down river on a local sampan as you pass through caves to find a beautiful cave temple. This afternoon you will then discover Vietnam’s first capital – Hoa Lu. Here you can explore temples as well as the foundations of the old citadel, built more than 1000 years ago. Continue by road to Van Long Nature Reserve, where you will stay for the evening.
Day 6 CUC PHUONG
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam and boasts wonderful cultural and wildlife heritage and some truly enchanting scenery. Covered in a dense forest, it forms a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species; it’s no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world. You can visit the Animal Rescue Center, the Prehistoric cave and trek to an ancient tree, as well as enjoying good walks throughout the park.
Day 7 VAN LONG – PHONG NHA
This morning is free to relax or explore at leisure. This afternoon you will then be transferred to Hanoi airport in time to catch your onward flight to Dong Hoi, the gateway to the stunning Phong Nha National Park. On arrival you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative who will transfer you to your guesthouse for the evening.
Day 8 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE
Today begins your epic cave adventure as you set off with your expert guide deep into the national park, trekking through valleys and jungle as you discover magical caves that were lost to nature until only recently. Finish the afternoon with a swim in the waterfall followed by a BBQ dinner around the campfire before settling into your tent or hammock for the night.
Day 9 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE
This morning brings another full day of adventure as you swim and climb through the stunning Tu Lan cave system before reaching your second camp, where a delicious BBQ dinner will await, and you can settle in for the night and enjoy the sounds and smells of the jungle.
Day 10 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE
Enjoy a final morning of adventure as you swim further into the stunning cave system, exploring dry passages within the caves which eventually lead you back out into the jungle. Trek for a few more kilometres before stopping for lunch and finally arriving back at the base, from where you will be transferred back to your guesthouse.
Day 11 PHONG NHA – DMZ – HUE
From the national park, you will head south to the imperial city of Hue, stopping along the way to visit the infamous DMZ where some of the most notorious battles were fought during the Vietnam War. Cross the Ben Hai River, used to demarcate the division between North and South Vietnam, before arriving in Hue for a late lunch.
Day 12 HUE: BACKSTREETS BY MOTORBIKE
Relax as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike for a journey through the backstreets where you will gain insight into both past and present cultural traditions in and around Hue, exploring the less-visited outskirts of the city as you meet locals and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by the resident Buddhist nuns in a local village.
Day 13 HUE: CITADEL
This morning you will get the chance to delve deeper into the heart of Hue’s fascinating history as you explore the beautiful 19th century Citadel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore independently.
Day 14 HUE – HOI AN BY BICYCLE
Get ready for a demanding but rewarding day as you cycle from Hue to Hoi An. Whilst a physically challenging biking day trip, it affords those that make the effort with some fantastic views throughout the ride and a variety of terrain. Enjoy dramatic scenery as you pass by the Bach Ma National Park and the Annamite Mountain range where it meets the coast, over the impressive Hai Van Pass, past beaches, rivers, forest and small country farms. Your cycling guide will take you off the beaten path wherever possible, to avoid the traffic and provide you with as much local insight as possible along the way.
Day 15 HOI AN: KAYAK TO THE ANCIENT TOWN
After your active day yesterday, enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore independently. Make sure to find time to wander around Hoi An’s magical Ancient Town, where you’ll discover ancestral homes and lovely hidden pagodas. This afternoon is a wonderful way to discover Hoi An's surroundings, as you transfer to a nearby village to begin your kayaking adventure. After a detailed safety briefing, take to the water and slowly make your way through countryside and villages until you reach the colourful lanterns of Hoi An's ancient town, viewing this magical town from a very unique perspective, as the sun sets and the lanterns twinkle in the calm river waters.
Day 16 HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer this morning to the airport in time to catch your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Early evening, you will be taken to the private home of a local family of musicians, where you will hear stories of Vietnamese history and culture, before enjoying an intimate concert of traditional Vietnamese melodies.
Day 17 HCMC: CULTURE AND CULINARY ADVENTURE
Enjoy this afternoon exploring the vibrant and bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike and wind your way through backstreets as you travel between the classic historical highlights of the city. Meet with locals and learn about daily life, sampling many culinary delights as you go.
Day 18 HCMC: MEKONG DELTA
Up early this morning you will be driven into the fascinating Mekong Delta area, where you will board a small private boat and explore backwaters and islands, passing rice paddies and pottery factories, and meeting the friendly local villagers as you go. Enjoy a special lunch with a local family in the setting of a beautiful traditional garden house, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 19 HO CHI MINH CITY – CON DAO
This morning transfer to the airport in time to catch your domestic flight to Con Dao, where on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax at leisure.
Day 20 CON DAO
Today is free for you to enjoy this peaceful area at leisure. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, make sure to ask about the turtle nesting season as well as the hatching season. You can learn about the conservation work that goes on at the nearby Turtle Sanctuary and if timed correctly, witness some of nature’s most wonderful handywork.
Day 21 CON DAO
Enjoy another day at leisure.
Day 22 CON DAO – HO CHI MINH CITY
Catch your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your final evening in Vietnam.
Day 23 DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, Hue
The Pilgrimage Village is a four-star boutique hotel located in a rustic village setting in the countryside of Hue, just four kilometres from the centre of the city. Designed in Kingpost architecture, the interior harmoniously blends traditional and colonial styles. The fifty spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and fully equipped with modern facilities, and they all offer garden or countryside views. Hue specialities in Vietnamese and Western cuisines can be sampled at the sophisticated Junrei restaurant. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.
Tam Coc Garden, Ninh Binh
Tam Coc Garden is set on the outskirts in Ninh Binh where spectacular limestone outcrops sweep up from serene rice paddies. Waterways, bamboo hedges, fruit trees and vegetable gardens form a natural environment which inspires tranquillity and relaxation. This small characterful hotel is made up of eight stone bungalows, each housing two comfortable en suite rooms with masses of local charm. There is also a wonderful pool overlooking Tam Coc's famous outcrops and a good local restaurant.
La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi
La Siesta Classic Ma May (formerly Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa), is the first of the La Siesta group and stands as one of our favourite mid-range properties in Hanoi. Promising a warm welcome and personal service superbly located on old Ma May Street, it is within easy reach of Hanoi’s evocative Hoan Kiem lake and major attractions. The property is both modern in style as well as embodying the hidden charm of Hanoi’s old quarter. The hotel has 75 spacious rooms, including Suites and Duplex rooms, and other facilities include a spa, gym, movie room and for Vietnam’s authentic cuisine the Red Bean Restaurant is located on the ground floor. Don't forget to make the most of the Moonlight Sky Bar for pre-dinner drinks and some wonderful 360-degree views of the city.
La Siesta Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An
This lovely retreat, a short drive from Hoi An’s old town, captures the history of the ancient part of town. Elegant period furniture is used throughout the hotel for a classic Vietnamese look. The 107 rooms and suites are spread across two wings, circling the pools and gardens, where the quality, dark-wood finishes and marble décor found in the rooms creates an ambiance of distinction. Apart from its stylish, luxury setting, the real draw to the hotel is the opportunity to revel in relaxation and there is no better place to do this than La Spa. Additionally, guests can opt for some lounging in one of two swimming pools, including a salt-water and a fresh-water pool, lined with luscious green palm trees and ornate statues and fountains. For those that prefer a more natural setting, guests of the hotel also have use of an exclusive part of the beach. In between pampering and lounging, you can inject a bit of energy into your day with the complimentary use of the hotel’s vintage-style bicycles. An indulgent stay is complimented with fine dining at either of the hotel’s two restaurants, offering a mix of Vietnamese and European dishes.
Fusion Suites Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The modern, four-star Fusion Suites Saigon is the Saigon branch of the successful wellness-inspired Fusion chain, open since 2008. With a great location in the heart of District 1, close to Ben Thannh Market, guests can explore the city with ease, returning to this innovative sanctuary for some relaxation at the end of the day. The hotel mainly offers light and airy, one and two-bedroom suites, showcasing natural décor, floor to ceiling windows and innovative, contemporary furniture. The rooms create a sense of being close to nature with the quality, light-coloured wood panels, running from the floor to the ceiling, almost feeling akin to staying in a high-end treehouse. There is also a smaller single room with no windows. The hotel of course features a sleek spa, sauna and gym and offers spa packages. Based on the concept of chromotherapy, the spa uses colours to enhance treatments and your wellbeing. The informal in-house café-diner offers both indoor and al fresco seating, using fresh local ingredients as well as serving fun, healthy poke bowls. There is also a takeaway service for those wishing to take lunch out with them.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN VIETNAM
Check out our group tours in Vietnam
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Vietnam. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Vietnam