Epic Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Handmade Noodles

Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are!

The welcome moment begins at 17:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss the meeting and the included activity afterwards.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour: Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.

Ready to hit the backroads? Let’s go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one or rent a bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!

Included Experiences

• Tam Chuc Pagoda Tour: Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda on a CEO-guided tour then take some free time to explore on your own. Opened in 2019, Tam Chuc is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. It is a truly beautiful site with the sparkling lake in front and the rolling green mountains behind. Follow along with the many pilgrims who visit here for reflection and prayers.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon to do as much, or as little as your please.

Optional Experiences

• Ninh Binh Bicycle: Rent a bike and set off on the backroads through the beautiful Ninh Binh area.
• Bich Dong Pagoda: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda (Tam Cốc Bích động) a stunning 3-tiered ancient pagoda built into the stunning green mountainside. These cave temples are found in a picture-perfect setting of towering green-covered karst and surrounding by water lily bulging ponds. Climb up the 100 steps to the top for even more sweeping views.

Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!

On the overnight train we use 4 x birth soft sleeper - Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door. Compartments may be mixed gender.

Included Experiences

• Overnight Train (beds): Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
• Free Time: You've got the whole day to do as you please. Bike, hike, boat or feet-up, the choice is yours!

Optional Experiences

• Paddle Boat Tour: Hop into a local paddle boat for a two-hour tour of Ninh Binh's spectacular riverside, dotted with towering limestone rock formations and hidden caves. Take in the scenery as you drift past picturesque rice paddies and observe locals going about their day.
• Hike to Hang Mua Peak: Hike up to Hang Mua Peak (also known as Mua Cave) for stunning views of the Tam Coc Valley with its limestone mountains and rice fields. Climb the 500 steps carved by-way of switchbacks into the mountain and reach the the Mua Cave dragon statue, a symbol of prosperity which guards over the people of the valley.
• Ninh Binh Bicycle: Rent a bike and set off on the backroads through the beautiful Ninh Binh area.
• Trang An Grottoes Tour: Explore the beautiful Trang An Grottoes by rowboat. View the stunning caves and karst rock formations towering out of the canals and lakes that make up the regional landscape. Along the way visit small local temples and pagodas and your expert paddler will navigate inside the grottoes for a thrilling cavern adventure.
• Bich Dong Pagoda: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda (Tam Cốc Bích động) a stunning 3-tiered ancient pagoda built into the stunning green mountainside. These cave temples are found in a picture-perfect setting of towering green-covered karst and surrounding by water lily bulging ponds. Climb up the 100 steps to the top for even more sweeping views.

Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.

Included Experiences

• Tour of Dong Hoi Wet/Fish Market: Explore the vibrant Dong Hoi wet/fish market with your CEO. The market is bustling in the early morning where locals come to buy and sell all manner of products including: seafood, vegetables, fruit, chickens, spices; even, frogs! After walking around the market we will grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi. The famed Banh mi sandwiches are a typical street food that originated in Saigon and are heavily influence by French cuisine. They are served on French baguettes with a French and Vietnamese fusion inside. Typically, they are mad up of pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and (if you choose) a meat.
• Dong Hoi Cycling Tour: Hop on a bike and take a short cycling tour of Dong Hoi and the nearby villages. Gently peddle along through the countryside admiring the beautiful landscape and rural way of life including a stop at Bao Ninh fishing village.

Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join an evening bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: The day is yours with options for hiking and biking. We highly recommend the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest caves in Asia are found.

Optional Experiences

• Caving in Phong Nha: Explore the longest cave in all of Asia - Paradise Cave - by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you'll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.
• Phong Nha Biking: Rent a bike and set off exploring Phong Nha.
• Phong Nha Bar Crawl: Set out on a bar crawl visiting some of the popular local spots in the area.
• Nuoc Mooc EcoTrail: Traverse the cool jungle following the bamboo floorboards and paths leading you to fresh rivers and small lagoons where you can enjoying kayaking and swimming.

Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.

Included Experiences

• Vinh Moc Tunnels Visit: Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.
• Free Time: Take some free time to explore Hua your way!

Optional Experiences

• Huế Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel Tour: Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers. Tour the Tien Mu pagoda before visiting the imperial citadel, a one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.
• Hue City Tour: Take a tour of this imperial city to see the Thiên Mụ Buddhist pagoda, the tallest religious building in the country, the Japanese bridge, and the tombs of the emperors. Visit the Dong Ba Markets for local specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes) and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp).
• Hue Motorbike Tour: Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, admiring the view of the Perfume River, learning to plough and make rice, creating your own incense sticks, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?

Included Experiences

• An Bang Cemetary Visit: Step off the beaten path and visit An Bang Cemetery–one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Covering 250 hectares, it's locally known as the City of Ghosts and is famous for its extravagant tombs for their deceased family members. Many stand two or three stories high and showcase elaborate ornate gold carvings often featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the larger tombs even include fully functional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens reflecting loved ones strong belief of the afterlife, and the practice of honouring beloved ancestors.
• Lang Co Beach Visit: Enjoy a stop at Beautiful Lang Co Beach. Walk along the palm lined white sand beach and take a dip in the calm turquoise coloured waters.
• Hai Van Pass Visit: Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a 20km stretch of road that represents the division between northern and southern Vietnam, and is also one of the country's highest points at 500m above sea level. In Vietnamese, Hai Van roughly translates to "sea of clouds" and it's easy to see why. As your vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you'll see misty peaks rise above the South China Sea, with glimpses of pristine beaches, forests and the cityscape of Da Nang along the way.
• Hoi An Orientation Walk: Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)

Ready to explore? Hoi An offers so much and you’ll have an entire free day to do as you choose. Discover the ancient old town by bike or boat, or go further afield on an excursion to My Son or the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills. Don’t worry about the details, your CEO has all the right contacts. Later, meet up with your Roamies for dinner at one of the stylish restaurants in the ancient town of Hoi An. Hop out of your comfort zone and try Nem Rán, Gỏi Đu Đủ Bò Khô, or how about Cao Lầu; you'll find all the local favourites here. Yummy!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. You'll have lots to choose from, just ask your CEO for options.

Optional Experiences

• Tailor Shops: Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.
• Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour: Enjoy a peaceful exploration of the villages around Hoi An, cycling through rice paddies and along narrow country lanes. Take advantage of this tour – it includes a boat trip through the water palm forest and a visit to the farming village of Tra Que.
• Mỹ Sơn Excursion: Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.
• Hoi An Lantern Making: Get crafty in the lantern capital of Vietnam. You'll visit the Lifestart Foundation and learn how to make a traditional lantern from one of the students. See how this project, supported by G Adventures, helps local Vietnamese with chronic disabilities gain sustainable employment.
• Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Excursion: Take the worlds longest cable car to Ba Na hills station. Along the way up make stops at By Night station to visit Linh Ung pagoda, The Old French Villas. Continue by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain at the top of Ba Na range. Visits here can include; Le Nim Villas, the Orchid Garden, the Furnicular railway and old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. You also visit the Golden Hand Bridge and have time to wander and enjoy the view of the surrounding misty mountains and Da Nang City below.
• Hoi An Cooking Class: Take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!

Ready for some noodles? Then let's dig in! Start the day with a cooking class at the G Adventures–supported Oodles of Noodles training school, enjoying your creations for lunch. Afterwards, you're free to do as much (or as little) as you choose. Feeling fancy? Get fitted for a custom suit. Creative? Learn to make Vietnamese lanterns. Thirsty? pull up a stool at one of the many river-side bars and cafes. Later, it's all-aboard for the overnight train heading south. Settle into your sleeper cabin and catch some zzzzz's.

On the overnight train we use 4 x berth soft sleeper - Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door. Compartments may be mixed gender.

Included Experiences

• Oodles of Noodles: Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.
• Free Time: Your afternoon is free to relax, explore or try optional activities like making traditional lanterns, and visiting the ruins of My Son. Your CEO has lots of ideas if you need them.
• Overnight Train (beds): Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour: Enjoy a peaceful exploration of the villages around Hoi An, cycling through rice paddies and along narrow country lanes. Take advantage of this tour – it includes a boat trip through the water palm forest and a visit to the farming village of Tra Que.
• Hoi An Lantern Making: Get crafty in the lantern capital of Vietnam. You'll visit the Lifestart Foundation and learn how to make a traditional lantern from one of the students. See how this project, supported by G Adventures, helps local Vietnamese with chronic disabilities gain sustainable employment.
• Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Excursion: Take the worlds longest cable car to Ba Na hills station. Along the way up make stops at By Night station to visit Linh Ung pagoda, The Old French Villas. Continue by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain at the top of Ba Na range. Visits here can include; Le Nim Villas, the Orchid Garden, the Furnicular railway and old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. You also visit the Golden Hand Bridge and have time to wander and enjoy the view of the surrounding misty mountains and Da Nang City below.
• Mỹ Sơn Excursion: Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.
• Tailor Shops: Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.

Jump off the train and head to Thap Doi to explore the imposing Cham temples. Hungry? You'll stop by Eoi Gio for a local breakfast and walk along the gorgeous coastline. OK, enough is enough, are you ready to hit the beach? Of course you are! With it's white sand and crystal blue water, Ky Co beach is exactly where you want to be. This remote spot is perfect to spend a chill afternoon or grab a snorkel to spot pristine corals and colourful fish. Speaking of fish, later you'll visit one of Qui Nhon's best seafood restaurants for dinner. Try local favourites like Bun thit nuong, Banh Xeo, and banh beo chen–you'll be bursting after this awesome feast!

Included Experiences

• Thap Doi Tower Ruins: The Quy Nhon province has the highest number of Champaera ruins in Vietnam. The Cham temples were built in the 11th century by Champa rulers and you will visit the ruins of Thap Doi towers. These ancient sandstone structures have very similar characteristics as the Angkor complex in Cambodia.
• Eo Gio Visit: Take a walk to explore the beautiful Eo Gió (translated as “Windy Waist”) coastline. Admire the jagged cliffs, hidden caves, and deep blue water as it smashes into the massive rocks. Swimming is not allowed, but you can cool off your feet in the rushing waves and keep your eyes open for fish and marine wildlife.
• Ky Co Beach Visit: Visit beautiful Ky Co beach (Bãi Kỳ Co) considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam (known as the “Maldives of Vietnam”). Walk along the white sand and dive in to the crystal-clear blue water. Choose to do some snorkelling where you can view massive corals and colourful fish.

Settle in to your private ride for a bit of a drive today. Catch up on your feeds, take a nap but get ready for a gorgeous stop along the way. Gành Đá Dĩa, known as the Giant’s Causeway of Vietnam offers amazing views and angles for your pics–snap away! Next stop is the Mud Baths in the resort city of Nha Trang. Climb into the mud and mineral pools and soak away. The evening is then yours–ready to party? There are a gazillion options and your CEO will suggest the best of the best nightclubs and beach bars for your enjoyment. Really hope you had a nap on the bus.

Included Experiences

• Ganh Da Dia Visit: Stop at Gành Đá Dĩa, known as the "Giant’s Causeway of Vietnam." This unique landscape is a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago where lava flows reached the sea, solidified and cracks formed the stunning basalt columns. Erosion over thousands of years did the rest, creating unique shapes and forms seen today.
• Mud Bath Visit: Take a relaxing dip in the therapeutic mud baths of Nha Trang. Thought to possess healing properties, the mud baths are the perfect place to unwind.

Freedom! The day is yours to enjoy Nha Trang's many beach options. Find a spot and stretch out on your towel to catch some rays and play in the surf. Stroll the extensive promenade for shopping, bars and fun. Why not channel your inner child at the waterpark or jump on a boat for a snorkelling tour–the choice is yours! Tonight brush off the sand and hop back on the train for your overnight journey back to the big city.

On the overnight train we use 4 x birth soft sleeper - Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door. Compartments may be mixed gender.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a full free day in Nha Trang. Choose to hit the beach, go snorkelling, or visit local shops, beach bars and markets.
• Overnight Train (beds): Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Nha Trang Street Food Crawl: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
• Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling: Board a boat in the morning at Nha Trang's harbour for hours of fun. Begin with a visit to an island fishing village to take in daily life by foot, then take a ride in a basket boat. Afterwards, go for a swim or snorkel. Relax on the beach before heading back to Nha Trang.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City–this thriving metropolis will not disappoint! Head out on a walking tour visiting bustling Ben Thanh market, Reunification Palace and the French quarter. Hungry? Your CEO will order up HCMC's most famous dish; pho–the breakfast of champions. After slurping up your noodles, you are free–why not hop on a cyclo or motorbike tour, visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels or head back to the hostel to relax. Whatever you do, don't forget to warm up your vocal cords and throw on your most outrageous frock because it's time for karaoke. You'll have a farewell party like no other in one of the city's top sing-along bars. Neon lights, blaring tunes and roaring crowds will entice you to the stage. Get ready–you're next. Own it!

Included Experiences

• Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: Walk to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, filled with everyday goods, handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and lively hawkers trying to win over a customer. Continue to the Reunification Palace and learn about the power struggle between Vietnam's North and South regions. Continue to the French Quarter and admire its colonial architecture. See the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Central Post Office, City Hall and the Opera House, before ending the tour at the quirky Cafe Apartments.
• Ben Thanh Market: Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.
• Free Time: The afternoon is yours, get out and explore this bustling city.
• Ho Chi Minh City Karaoke Night: Enjoy a night out at one of Ho Chi Minh Citys' most popular karaoke bars!

Optional Experiences

• Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour: Hop on a scooter and take a tour through vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Learn how to make the iconic Bahn Mi sandwich and enjoy six delicious Vietnamese street food dishes, three drinks and one dessert.
• Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour: Take a city tour on a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) – a great way to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of Ho Chi Minh City while keeping your hands free for that camera action.
• War Remnants Museum Visit: Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.
• Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces. (25-27 USD per person)

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading through the Mekong delta into Cambodia on the next leg of this epic adventure.