8-Nights Vietnam Mountains & Bay Multi-Adventure — CALL

MT Sobek

OFFER ID 1479532

Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure! Savor delicious street food in historic Hoi An before exploring rice fields and tranquil villages by bike. Then gear up for an epic hike in Bach Ma National Park, where scenic trails ascend through majestic mountains. In Hanoi, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter and try your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking. Delight in the lush green landscapes and ancient UNESCO-listed temples. End your adventure with an overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Highlights:

Hike, bike, explore, and more on this true multi-adventure — includes overnight junk cruise!
Immerse yourself in the cultural and historic wonders of Hoi An, Hanoi, and Hoa Lu
Feast on delicious Vietnamese food, and enjoy warm hospitality at comfortable and authentic hotels

Important Trip Details:
Easy to moderate hiking and biking, with some potentially slippery and exposed hiking trails in Bach Ma National Park. Cultural touring of historic sights includes walking on narrow, sometimes muddy, paths.

Minimum Age: 9

8 nights | Call for pricing

Itinerary

MT Sobek: Vietnam Mountains & Bay Multi-Adventure

Day 1 Arrive in Danang & Hoi An Street Food Tour
45-minute private van transfer
3-hour street food tour
Meet your guides in Danang and transfer to your hotel in historic Hoi An. Explore the atmospheric narrow streets of the city's UNESCO-listed old town and marvel at the mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture. Enjoy views from the famous Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple and Tan Ky trading house, and savor gastronomical delights on an evening street food tour. Try delicious Hoi An specialties, from white rose dumplings to green bean cakes, and wash it down with a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Expect warm welcomes on this immersive insider experience. Relax at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
(D)

Day 2 Explore Hoi An by Bike
45-minute boat ride
1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride
Start your morning with a bicycle ride across Cam Kim Bridge to a small village on the other side of Thu Bon River. Here, amidst peaceful rice fields and bamboo groves, you'll visit a Vietnamese family in their ancestral home. Learn about their genealogy and traditions, including sedge mat weaving. Continue cycling among nut trees and sedge fields on shady paths that meander through quiet villages. Take a break and enjoy lunch at a local house, before cruising back to Hoi An. The afternoon is free to explore Hoi An at your leisure.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
(B, L)

Day 3 Hike in Bach Ma National Park & Travel to Hue
3.5-hour private van transfer
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 515' elevation gain and 240' loss
Wake for an early drive up to beautiful Hai Van Pass (1,627') and on to Bach Ma National Park, where the mountains reach 4,750 feet. Follow scenic trails to Hai Vong Dai and enjoy stunning panoramic views of majestic mountains, lagoons, and quaint local villages. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before trekking into the jungle to explore the Five Lakes. Immerse yourself in serene nature and take a dip in the cool water of lake number five. Next it's on to the pretty Do Quyen Waterfall set in a dense forest. From here, head back to the start and continue your trip to Hue — your home for the night.
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel
(B, L)

Day 4 Explore Hue’s Ancient Past & Fly to Hanoi
1-hour flight
This morning explore the majestic Imperial Citadel of Hue, built in 1804 and perched along the Perfume River. Inspired by French military engineer Vauban, it originally encompassed the capital city (Kinh Thanh), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). Though largely destroyed during the Vietnam War, parts have been restored allowing visitors to imagine its former glory. This afternoon, visit an impressive private collection of ancient ceramic artifacts pulled from the Perfume River and other antique treasures at an enchanting garden house. Cap off your visit with a tea tasting in this serene setting before heading to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B)

Day 5 Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Experience
Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a chef-led cooking class. First stop is the local market, where you'll meet your chef and wander the stalls in search of the freshest ingredients. With the shopping done, you'll be ready to head to your chef's kitchen and learn how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Wrap up your epicurean adventure by eating your tasty lunch! Bid farewell to your chef and host before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Ba Dinh square, center of the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex. See the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace. Then go back in time on a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where artisans have sold their crafts for over 500 years!
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B, L)

Day 6 Discover Ninh Binh’s Natural Wonders
3-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours hiking with various options
Journey to Ninh Binh and experience the region's majestic landscapes. Head to Cuc Phuong National Park, the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam! Immerse yourself in rare and remarkable wildlife on a jungle walk. Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam and part of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Marvel at Hoa Lu's ancient temples with their scenic mountain backdrop.
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
(B, L)

Day 7 Cruise Lan Ha Bay
2-hour private van transfer
Short cycling and kayaking options while on cruise
Start the day with a journey to Hai Phong, where you'll embark on an epic cruise of must-see Lan Ha Bay, part of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in lush green vegetation. Experience it up close with a magical night aboard a traditional junk! Dine on freshly caught seafood and let the motion of the bay rock you to sleep in your well-appointed cabin.
Accommodation: Orchid Trendy Cruise
(B, L, D)

Day 8 Morning Cruise & Return to Hanoi
2-hour private van transfer
Wake for sunrise over the aquamarine waters of La Ha Bay and enjoy a morning cruise. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and relax in the afternoon. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B, L, D)

Day 9 Depart from Hanoi
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B)

Featured Destinations

Lan Ha Bay

Hanoi

Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.

Excursions

Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port

Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)

Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi

SHORE EXCURSION HAI PHONG - HANOI

Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: 05 hours

Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Hai Phong where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 2.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes Begin your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour to the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to Hai Phong and board the ship.

Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi

SHORE EXCURSION HALONG - HANOI

Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: 05 hours

Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Cai Lan where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 3.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming capital city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Begin your tour of the highlights of Hanoi with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to the Port of Cai Lan and board the ship.

Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hue

Hue is at the heart of central Vietnam. The landscape – with its misty Perfume River and pagodas – has long been a source of poetry and paintings. Always an important cultural, intellectual and historical city, Hue remains one of Vietnam’s main attractions.

Excursions

Hoi An’s Countryside & Ancient Town – 8 hours - Hue

Hue - Full Day Hue Classic Tour / Chan May Port

FULL DAY HUE CLASSIC TOUR / CHAN MAY PORT

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port) disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Upon arrival Hue, enjoy a short cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored.

Lunch is on your own.

After lunch, drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognizable icons.

Continue to visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Make a stop for a drink at Vong Canh hill which offers an amazing view of breath-taking scenery and ancient relics. The hill itself is now covered with pine trees and daisy.

Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.

Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hue - Royal Culinary & Historic Landmark

ROYAL CULINARY & HISTORIC LANDMARK

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 05 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port), disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The delicate ingredients, preparation, and presentation of Hue Royal cuisine have long been considered cultural hallmarks of the ancient imperial city. It is considered not only a sophisticated work of culinary art but the embodiment of the philosophy of the ancestors. Hue royal food not only has a delicious taste but is also eye-catching. It creates a harmony between color, and taste, between yin and yang, between hot and cold. Meet your experienced chef in her late 60s who was born and grew up in a Royal family. Stroll through a fresh market. Learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the Royal cuisine and watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. Then get to her home for a hands-on cooking class of the food of the Imperial Court. Share her life and experiences, and enjoy what dishes you have made. Then enjoy an electric cart ride through the Imperial Citadel, once the exclusive residence of the royal family and its entourage. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily during the 60's and 70's, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.

Notes:
• Availability: Morning, Afternoon
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hue - Home Hosted Lunch & Historic Landmark

HOME HOSTED LUNCH & HISTORIC LANDMARK

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 05 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port), disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. There is nothing more interesting than visiting a local family in Hue which still preserves the traditional virtues dating from the feudal time under the Nguyen Emperors. Meet and greeted by your host to learn about traditional culture and lifestyle of people at the former Royal land. Visit the family ancestral temple to learn about the customs associated with ancestral worship. Optional accompanying the hosts to a fresh market to purchase ingredients and help them to prepare lunch. Then enjoy a home-hosted meal in the cozy family setting over interesting life stories shared by the hosts. Then enjoy an electric cart ride through the Imperial Citadel, once the exclusive residence of the royal family and its entourage. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily during the 60's and 70's, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.

Notes:
• Availability: Morning, Afternoon
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient port town that was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the rare places in Vietnam to discover genuine Vietnamese architecture. Walk through the Old Quarter and get a glimpse of a medieval Vietnam that no longer exists in the other areas of the country. Visit the Phuc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful bazaar

Excursions

Hoi An - Full Day Hoi An Town with Lantern Making

FULL DAY HOI AN TOWN WITH LANTERN MAKING

Destination: Hoi An
Tour Duration: 08 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival in Danang (Tien Sa port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive for 1 approximately hour to the ancient town of Hoi An. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Lunch is on your own.

After lunch, meet with Mr. Huynh Van Trung who was born in a traditional lantern making family and learn about the silk lanterns. Silk lanterns, the simple yet colorful handicraft is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It has really made a comeback thanks to an experienced man - Trung inherits valuable skills in making lanterns from his father - the well-known artisan Huynh Van Ba. Chat with him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir. Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with Local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and boat rides if any
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips & gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hoi An Culinary Experience at Market Restaurant

Ninh Binh

The provincial capital of Ninh Binh, 62 mi/100 km south of Hanoi, is worth a two- or three-day visit on its own, rather than the usual day trip from Hanoi. It is a bit off the trodden tourist trail, and there the life of contemporary Vietnam is visible without the prepackaged spin that most resorts put on the traveler's experience.

The haunting landscapes of Tam Coc are 6 mi/9 km from Ninh Binh. In scenery reminiscent of classic Chinese scroll painting, tiny wooden rowboats will take you on a river journey through brilliant green rice fields farmed by men and women wearing the traditional Vietnamese conical straw hats and country dress. Rising from the fields are sheer-sided limestone karsts very similar to those found in Halong Bay, but hung with tropical vegetation and home to darting cliff swallows. Three of the karsts are so large that naturally occurring caverns pass through them, and the effect of the vibrant landscape framed by the arched openings of the tunnels is breathtaking.

This is no commercial conceptualization—it is the real, rural life of Vietnam happening alongside the narrow river. At the end of the journey, your oarsman will most probably offer you examples of the high-quality local embroidery on tablecloths, napkins or T-shirts—at amazingly low prices, though as always, a certain amount of bargaining is expected.

Cuc Phuong National Park is 28 mi/45 km from central Ninh Binh, measures 106 sq mi/275 sq km, spans three provinces and protects some of the oldest forests in Vietnam. An hour's trek takes you to the Big Tree, an ancient forest giant with roots so widespread, 16 people must join hands in order to circle it.

Up several steep flights of stairs is the vast Cave of Prehistoric Man, where an estimated group of 25 protohumans lived together at the edge of the sea. Dinh May Bach (Silver Cloud Peak) has rugged hiking trails up its 2,125 ft/648 m height.

The Endangered Primate Resource Center near the entrance is a kind of mental and physical rehabilitation center for gibbons, several kinds of languars and lorises, all of which have been rescued from cages or illegal traders. The center's breeding program has been a great success, and infant monkeys are a common site as they cling to their mother's fur. The park has basic cabins for rent within the grounds, where visitors can experience the vibrant, complex life of the jungle at length.