Vietnam Experience
From £791 (was £879) Land Only (trip code: VIXP) 28 days
From £791 (was £879), 28 days, Vietnam
Trip Highlights
- A packed four week trip – the very best of northern Vietnam adventure.
- Explore the history of this complex and culturally rich country
- Trek for five days OR volunteer in a local school teaching English
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Spend a week on the beach, cruising the islands and lazing around!
Trip Summary
See full itineraryWhat's included?
- Accommodation and most meals
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Orientation
- Taught how to make traditional Vietnamese spring role
- Vietnamese language lessons
- Jungle trekking or teaching volunteer placement
What's not included?
- Flights
- Return airport transfer
- Travel Insurance
- Tourist Visa
- Lunch and dinner on weekends
Vietnam adventure holiday – the best bits packed into just four weeks. Your adventure tour starts in Hanoi and takes in the sights of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Dinh Cac, Thai Vi and Bich Dong. You’ll be trekking in Cuc Phuonng National Park and hanging out on the beach on Halong Bay.
A couple of weeks seeing some of the best there is to see in Vietnam, if not Asia, a week trekking or volunteering in a local school and a week on the beach.
Soak up the culture
Vietnam is rich with culture and with history – both indigenous and French colonial. There’s lots to see and you’ll spend time with local families so you’ll get a feel for what life is like for the people who live here.
Try your hand at bargaining with the locals at floating markets, get a new wardrobe tailor-made overnight at Hoi An and enjoy the splendour of innumerable limestone karsts in world famous Halong Bay from the comfort of your deluxe junk ship.
Vietnam – an adventure tour to remember.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (40)
| Dates of Departures | Programme Option | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 May 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £999 | Available | Book now | |
| 27 May 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £1,109 | Available | Book now | |
| 24 June 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | Now £791 Was £879 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 June 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | Now £890 Was £989 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 22 July 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | Now £881 Was £979 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 22 July 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | Now £890 Was £989 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 August 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | Now £791 Was £879 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 August 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | Now £829 Was £879 Save £50 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 August 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | Now £890 Was £989 Save 10% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 August 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | Now £939 Was £989 Save £50 | Available | Book now | |
| 16 September 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 16 September 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 October 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 October 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 11 November 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 11 November 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 9 December 2012 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 9 December 2012 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 31 March 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 31 March 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 28 April 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 28 April 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 May 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £999 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 May 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £1,109 | Available | Book now | |
| 23 June 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 23 June 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 July 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 July 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 August 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 August 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 September 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 September 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 October 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 October 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 November 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 November 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
| 8 December 2013 | Volunteer Teaching - 4 weeks | £879 | Available | Book now | |
| 8 December 2013 | Adventure Trekking - 4 weeks | £989 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
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Culture and sightseeing (Day 1 to 6)
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Meditation and trekking (Day 7 to 15)
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Volunteering or adventure (Days 16 - 23)
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The beach (Days 23 - 28)
Culture and sightseeing: Day 1 to 6
Next LegDestination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
After Nationalist insurgents forced the French out, Vietnam was split in two, to become North and South Vietnam. This arrangement did not last long, as one side struggled against the other leading to the outbreak of the Vietnam War with the USA.
The war was disastrous for the whole area, as the Americans also heavily bombed neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. After the USA withdrew, Vietnam was reunified as a one party state under communist rule. These days it’s a peaceful and fast developing South East Asian country, full of hope for the future.
- Location: Vietnam
This is really a sample itinerary – it’s flexible and we might have to change it if the weather goes pear shaped. These are the things that you will be doing – and the places that you will go – but not necessarily in this order!
Day 1
You start your trip in the capital in pre-war days of North Vietnam – Hanoi. Once you’ve settled in you’ll have a chance to meet your group and start making friends.
Day 2
First day of your adventure holiday and it’s sightseeing in Hanoi. We’ll start at the 12thc Temple of Literature, where you’ll also see a local music performance, and have lunch at a restaurant in the Old Quarter. While lunch is going down, your coordinator will chat about the programme, Ninh Binh province and Vietnamese culture. Dinner and a performance at the local water puppet theatre.
Day 3
On the way to Ninh Binh, we’ll visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the socialist leader who led resistance against French and American occupation.
Lunch and then we’ll drive on to Ninh Binh.
Day 4 and 5
Back to school day to set you up for the rest of your adventure holiday! We’ll give you an intro to Vietnamese culture, some basic language lessons and you’ll learn the basics of cooking Vietnamese style – after a trip to the local market to buy your ingredients.
Day 6
We’ll have a boat trip around Tam Coc and Dinh Cac pier, famed for its towering limestone islets and vast expanses of paddy fields – real rural Vietnam. You can cycle off your lunch on a leisurely bicycle tour to visit the village, Thai Vi Temple and Bich Dong Pagoda.
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
After Nationalist insurgents forced the French out, Vietnam was split in two, to become North and South Vietnam. This arrangement did not last long, as one side struggled against the other leading to the outbreak of the Vietnam War with the USA.
The war was disastrous for the whole area, as the Americans also heavily bombed neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. After the USA withdrew, Vietnam was reunified as a one party state under communist rule. These days it’s a peaceful and fast developing South East Asian country, full of hope for the future.
- Location: Kenh Ga
Day 7 and 8
Lots of local beauty spots – time to explore on your free days, see what you can find. Don’t miss Cuc Phuong National Park, the picturesque waterfall and temples of the 11th c former capital, Hoa Lu
Day 9
Today you will get an introduction to Buddhism and meditation by your coordinator. After lunch, you will visit Bai Dinh pagoda (the biggest pagoda in South East Asia.) After a busy day you will travel to Gia Vien village where you will stay for the night.
Day 10
After breakfast, you will get the chance to relax at natural hot stream before travelling to Cuc Phuong National Park, the largest in Vietnam in preparation for your trek through the park tomorrow. Overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park.
Day 11
This is an adventure holiday, we’re in a national park, so it’s trekking day! We’re going to visit the oldest residents of the park – two famous trees, Sau (the youngster, at only 700 years old) and Tro (a magnificent 1000 years old). They’ve seen it all.
Day 12
Back to Ninh Binh, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 13
We’ll take the bus to visit the 10th c capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. After lunch we’ll take in the largest church in the country – Phat Dien.
Day 14 and 15
Some more free time, and another chance to explore the area to see what you can find and then we’re off to catch the train to Lao Cai.
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
After Nationalist insurgents forced the French out, Vietnam was split in two, to become North and South Vietnam. This arrangement did not last long, as one side struggled against the other leading to the outbreak of the Vietnam War with the USA.
The war was disastrous for the whole area, as the Americans also heavily bombed neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. After the USA withdrew, Vietnam was reunified as a one party state under communist rule. These days it’s a peaceful and fast developing South East Asian country, full of hope for the future.
- Location: Volunteering in Lao Cai, adventure in the countryside
You have a choice on the third week of your adventure holiday.
Volunteer options, Days 16 - 22
Days 16 to 20 are spent teach English at a kindergarten or at a school for underprivileged kids and get involved in the broader life of the school – planning games and activities. You’ll be living with a local family, so it’s a great opportunity to learn a little about Vietnamese culture from the inside.
You then have 2 days to explore the amazing city of Hanoi – listen to your guide, who will know the best places.
Adventure options, Days 16 - 22
The best way to see the Vietnamese countryside by far – if you have the energy.
Day 16
Visiting Cat Cat village and Black H’Mong hill tribes takes us past a scenic waterfall.
Day 17
A 10 k trek through hills and streams to Ta Van village. When you get there – you’ll probably be interested in the swimming pool although you can also help your hosts cook dinner.
Day 18
A seven hour round trip, trekking to a waterfall and passing some stunning landscapes along the way.
Day 19
Back to Sa Pa and a well earned rest. You’re more than half way through your adventure holiday.
Day 20
Today is a visit to the beautiful orchid gardens on the Ham Rong mountain. Free time for the rest of the day until your overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 21 and 22
A couple of days to explore the amazing city of Hanoi – listen to your guide, who will know the best places.
The beach: Days 23 - 28
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
After Nationalist insurgents forced the French out, Vietnam was split in two, to become North and South Vietnam. This arrangement did not last long, as one side struggled against the other leading to the outbreak of the Vietnam War with the USA.
The war was disastrous for the whole area, as the Americans also heavily bombed neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. After the USA withdrew, Vietnam was reunified as a one party state under communist rule. These days it’s a peaceful and fast developing South East Asian country, full of hope for the future.
- Location: Halong Bay
Week four is your beach week
Day 23
We’ll be travelling for half the day to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay, and where you will stay overnight before heading into the spectacular Halong Bay for the next few days.
Days 24 – 28
The rest of the week is dotted with trips – to Monkey Island and Cat Ba Island – with plenty of time for lazing, swimming, sunshine and parties.
Trip Notes Download
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum 17 years, maximum decided on potential participants health.
Minimum numbers required on this trip
This trip requires minimum numbers to operate.
Accommodation
Your accommodation varies depending on what phase of the programme you are on and which options you choose.
After the first 2 days of your orientation week you will be staying at a hotel in Ninh Binh Province.
You will be in shared rooms, with up to 4 people per room, and will have western-style toilets. Please note that the doors and windows are not mosquito proof, hence it’s important to remember mosquito repellent (50% deet or higher) and a mosquito net. You’re able to purchase these, along with most items on the kit list via our excellent online store. Please see our website for details, or ask a travel adviser.
During excursions you will be staying in hotels, lodges or home stays depending on your location and which option you have chosen for your third week.
If you choose the trekking week you will stay in a hotel and with a local host family. If you choose the volunteer option you’ll stay with a local host family in Hai Duong or Nam Dinh provinces. Occasionally volunteers will also be given the option to stay at the school they are helping with or stay in the hotel in Hanoi. You will be in a shared room with a shared bathroom.
In week four, the beach week, you will be staying in a hotel conveniently positioned to visit the beach and other nearby attractions.
Meals
Most meals are included throughout the programme, however lunch and dinner are not included on weekends, giving you the opportunity to sample varied cuisine. The food will be authentic Vietnamese style, which is delicious! Typical meals consist of rice or noodles accompanied by fish or meat and a vegetable dish or soup. Mineral water will be provided for some meals, though for a majority of the time you’ll need to buy your own drinks.
Orientation
Your first week will involve orientation activities to give you the best possible introduction to Vietnam, the programme and your fellow participants. Your first 2 days will be spent in Hanoi, the capital city, exploring a selection of the best places of interest. The remainder of the time you will learn about the Vietnamese culture and society, dos & don’ts, Vietnamese language and cooking lessons and visit local tourist places. You will also have the opportunity to meet the locals, taste the food and learn about Vietnamese customs. Topics covered in the orientation include the following:
Programme introduction: aims, ways of working, money, rules & appreciated behaviour, food, safety advice, and cultural differences.
Vietnamese language: You will learn the most important phrases to get by on and the numbers, to enable you to barter at the markets! It will make your stay more enjoyable as English is rarely spoken in the villages. Locals will be very appreciative of the effort you’ve gone to in order to communicate with them, even if it is just the basics.
Visit local places: Your coordinator will escort you to local places of interest including national parks, waterfalls, temples, pagodas and markets.
Cooking lessons: Carried out in groups to help you bond with the other participants, coordinators and programme staff. You’ll buy the ingredients from the local market and wow the locals with your Vietnamese language ability!
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. What are the typical group sizes?
Groups sizes vary depending on the time of year, but generally you can expect to be with between 8 and 25 fellow travellers.
2. How much spending money would you recommend I take?
If you are on a tight budget you can get away with £80 Per week. If you want to do some travelling in your free time then you will need a bit more.
3. What are the average ages of travelers on this trip?
The majority of participants on this program are aged between 18-30, however it is popular with travelers of all ages.
4. I am a first time traveler, and a bit apprehensive about travelling on my own. Do many people do this by themselves?
The majority of our participants are solo travelers, so you will be one of many in the same position. We e-mail out a buddy list 2-3 weeks before you start, so you can begin to get to know one another beforehand.
5. Is Vietnam safe?
Absolutely, and you have co-ordinators with you at all times to ensure your safety.
What will I see in Vietnam?
16 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewJames Matthews - October 2011
The trekking offered some spectactular scenery
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Yes
Ben Atkinson - July 2011
the beach week was great fun, and the caving in the national park!
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Yes
Hannah Coles - July 2011
Teaching week Hanoi
James Morris - June 2011
sapa and beach week
Yes
Yes
Gerard Martin - June 2011
Night Train to Sapa, Trekking, Ha Long Bay
Don't bring a sleeping bag, a liner is more than enough. A mossie net isnt needed, one is always provided.
Yes
Yes
Elizabeth Wicker - April 2011
Beautiful country, amazing food, wonderful people, experience of a lifetime!!
Tam Coc, kayaking around Halong Bay, trekking and homestay in Sapa, cycling around th countryside!
*You get plenty of free time, so do your homework and decide if there's anywhere you really want to see- the co-ordinators are great and will support you, and they've got plenty of suggestions too :) *You don't need a sleeping bag or a mosquito net! *Choose trekking! :)
Yes
Yes
Ella Stevens - April 2011
- Halong Bay - The boat trip and cycling trips in Ninh Binh
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Yes
Ellen Mcginley - April 2011
Boat trip around Halong Bay
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Tom Porter - April 2011
The beach week was a highlight as Halong bay was just spectacular. The teaching in the volunteering week was also an experience as it really highlighted the cultural differences.
-Try not to worry to much, everything will be ok! - Be prepared, make sure you have everything you need, it makes life alot easier and less stressfull. - Have fun!
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Yes
Victoria Selkirk - January 2011
Absolutely amazing, really really really didn't want to come back.
Check what the weather is actually going to be like at the time you are going. Just go with the flow and enjoy it.. Chat with the locals and try out the language..
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Yes
Harriet Hambly - August 2010
Experience of a lifetime! Amazing people, scenery and culture! Unfortgettable!
Being able to experience the culture much more realistically rather than in a typical tourist way was really good and having local guides made the experience mcuh more authentic and in-depth. All of the places visited and were of huge interest and left us all with a wealth of information and an increased understanding and awareness of other cultures.
Make sure you take large memory cards for your cameras!! Be prepared for being 'mobbed' by street sellers because of being 'Westerners' and don't feel guilty about just ignoring them as it is the only way to put them off. Make the most of every opportunity as the 4 weeks fly by and before you know it you are back home.
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Giulia Manfrini - August 2010
Unforgettable friends, amazing experience, beautiful country!
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Carys Ewen - August 2010
Amazing experience, great in-country co-ordinators, sunshine and rain!
Discovering the Vietnamese culture at pagodas and temples and the beauty of Halong Bay.
Don't take too many clothes, be prepared for rain, learn to haggle!
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Yes
Yasmin Ghaedi - June 2010
Challenging Fun Bidget accommodation Lovely people Hot
Sa Pa travelling was amazing, the activities there and the homestay were excellent. The beach on the beach week was really good, and the cave tours were all really nice. Cuc Phong national park was really good as there were a lot of activities organised for us.
Pack light Make sure you do all your research about the history of the country you go to, and the places you visit. Budget well so you can afford to stay on for longer if you wish.
No
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Deborah Choi - June 2010
The best trip I've been on so far! Absolutely Fantastic!
The bike ride and boat ride in Tam Coc were amazing, the scenery is so beautiful around there. Also I really enjoyed visiting CatCat Village in Sapa, visiting A Black Hmong tribe family's home. The trekking and homestay was also fantastic especially swimming in the river after a long, hot trek over the rice fields terraces. Our co-ordinators were also very friendly and helpful, they took a few of us who wanted to go, in our free time on motorbikes to some other sites in Tam Coc and on Catba Island. I really really enjoyed this and they made sure we were safe on the roads.
Bring lots of insect repellant and sun cream if you go in the summer. Theres not much need to bring a mosquito net though because most hotels, hostels and the homestay places provide them for you. Bring a torch because sometimes the electricity goes off in more rural areas even in your hotel. Cover up when visiting the temples and pagodas, but otherwise its fine to wear whatever you like.
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Rupert Crick - June 2010
Sapa and the trekking week.
Prepare well, explore as much as possible and be nice.
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Yes
Emily Chapman - April 2010
Sapa was beautiful, I really enjoyed trekking.
No
Yes
Jessica Reid - March 2010
Really awesome. Choose teaching. Bond with the locals! Vietnam rocks :)
Teaching and making friends in the countryside. Cat Bah. Hanoi.
1- don't bring a sleeping bag 2- don't bring a mosquito net 3- get to know the locals - go around in small groups
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