Vietnam Experience

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.