Essential Vietnam

Day 1 Hanoi      
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. This adventure kicks off with a group meeting at 6pm. Tonight, maybe grab some food at a roadside stall and a fresh bia hoi, watching the motorbikes zoom by with your new mates.      

Day 2 Hanoi to Cat Ba Island  
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Cruise around by kayak and help out the environment on your way. You can choose to have a net beside your boat to catch any plastic you may come by, and later on, take part in a plastic brick making activity. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy a dip at one of the beaches and a cold beer.      
Day 3 Cat Ba Island to Hue    
Wake up to the morning scenes of Cat Ba and the emerald bay and enjoy some free time at the beach. Go for a swim, kick back with a book or take a stroll along the sand. The best thing is, it’s up to you! In the afternoon, head back to Hanoi and jump on the overnight train to Hue. This may be your first time on an overnight train in Asia and trust us, the first time is always special. It's definitely an experience.      

Day 4 Hue      
Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You have today free to do as you please. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that's enclosed within it. Later, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding villages. Tonight, head into the home of a local family and enjoy a prepared dinner.      

Day 5 Hue to Hoi An      
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. Enjoy a banh mi lunch after your tour – a crusty French baguette filled with delicious pork and other fillings.    

Day 6 Hoi An      
Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. Maybe wander to the Central Market and browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t), why not hit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new? Or, if you're still feeling adventurous, hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside, or take a ride to the coastline for an afternoon on the South China Sea – this is one of the best ways to travel in and out of town.  

Day 7 Hoi An to Phan Rang    
Lucky you, it's another free day in this historic haven. You could take a trip out to the My Son temples (World Heritage-listed beauties that reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), hop on a cruise along the Thu Bon River or get some sun with a trip to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Afterwards, board your overnight train. This one's going to Phan Rang, a great beach town on the central coast.    

Day 8 Phan Rang      
Arrive in Phan Rang early this morning for two full days of relaxation. With perhaps the best weather in Vietnam, Phan Rang is a low-key coastal city where swimming and seafood take priority. There may also be an opportunity to hit up some awesome snorkelling spots or hire a surfboard or paddle-board.      

Day 9 Phan Rang to Ho Chi Minh City      
Another day to soak up the sun, catch up on your favourite book, and enjoy a day of swim, sunbake, eat, repeat. Keep in mind there's one last overnight train to catch tonight, but that just means that you’ll wake up in another cool place tomorrow! Later in the evening, swap the deck chair for a bunk bed and buckle up for the 7-hour journey to Ho Chi Minh City.      

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City    
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early and transfer to your hotel, then leave your gear in a day room at the hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of sights and sounds. Well worth the visit are the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Included for today is a local experience with uni students called Ca Phe Bet, which literally translates to ‘coffee on the flat ground’. Enjoy some coffee and a snack in one of the many parks. Tonight, why not get your group together for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?  

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City    
Depart at any time.