Wild Vietnam

Example Itinerary

Overview

This active journey not only encompasses some of the main highlights of this most diverse and enchanting of countries, but also introduces you to some of Southeast Asia’s most striking scenery and wildest adventures. Discover Vietnam’s more off-beat national parks where you’ll navigate hidden waterways and jungle caves, exploring by bicycle, local boats, and of course on foot. Beginning in Hanoi, enjoy some time exploring Vietnam’s bustling capital, with its traditional ...

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Meet the Experts

Speak to Marianne to start planning your trip to Vietnam

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Head deep into the jungle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, swimming through caves and camping next to hidden waterfalls
  • Soak up the karst mountain landscape of Ninh Binh, and enjoy the diverse birdlife of Cuc Phuong National Park
  • Travel along one of Asia’s most stunning roads as you cycle from the imperial city of Hue to the colourful streets of Hoi An
  • Enjoy backstreet adventures by motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue and discover Vietnam’s culinary delights
  • Explore the islands and waterways of the Mekong Delta and learn about life in this colourful region
  • Relax on the white sandy beaches of Con Dao and fill your days with snorkelling and searching for turtles

How Tailor-Made Works

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Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.

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Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.

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At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.

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Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.

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Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.

Example Itinerary

This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.

Day 1 ARRIVE HANOI

On arrival into Hanoi you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, take a one-hour cyclo tour of this charming capital city. Your guide will tell you about the places you are passing amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life that will surround you.

La Siesta Classic Ma May

Day 2 HANOI: CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Spend this morning exploring some the city's fascinating sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, the Hanoi Hilton Museum where John McCain and other prisoners were held during the war, the Temple of Literature, and Ethnology Museum. Enjoy walks around Hoan Kiem Lake, where Hanoians enjoy their early mornings with Tai Chi and 'Vietnamese style' aerobics, as well the eclectic Old Quarter where streets are named after the trades practiced here since the 15th century. In the evening attend a traditional water puppet show unique to Vietnamese culture, before enjoying a delicious dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.

La Siesta Classic Ma May Breakfast

Day 3 HANOI: HISTORY AND CULINARY ADVENTURE

Today you will get to explore beyond the highlights and delve deeper into Hanoi's past as you set off around the ancient Nom village and the surrounding rural area. This is a wonderful opportunity to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and traditions as you meet with local villagers and explore ancient houses and communal places of worship. This afternoon, go where local people shop and eat. Explore and visit local markets, food stalls and “specialty” restaurants or cafes to learn about and taste some of the everyday ingredients, drinks and dishes and see how locals engage in their routine of price negotiating.

La Siesta Classic Ma May Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 HANOI – NINH BINH

Ninh Binh is considered the Halong Bay on land because of the amazing limestone cliffs rising up out of the rice paddies. After transferring from Hanoi and settling into your hotel, set off on a brief bike ride to the base of Hang Mua mountain. While it is 500 stairs up, the climb is worth it for the magnificent views over Tam Coc and the surrounding rice paddies and mountains. Enjoy the sunset before heading back down and returning by bike to your hotel for the evening.

Tam Coc Garden Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 NINH BINH - VAN LONG

Today is an early start as you explore this stunning landscape at its most interesting time of day. Weave between rice paddies, karst mountains and hidden waterways and observe daily life as you go. Navigate river pathways on your bicycle and enjoy floating down river on a local sampan as you pass through caves to find a beautiful cave temple. This afternoon you will then discover Vietnam’s first capital – Hoa Lu. Here you can explore temples as well as the foundations of the old citadel, built more than 1000 years ago. Continue by road to Van Long Nature Reserve, where you will stay for the evening.

Emeralda Resort Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 CUC PHUONG

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam and boasts wonderful cultural and wildlife heritage and some truly enchanting scenery. Covered in a dense forest, it forms a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species; it’s no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world. You can visit the Animal Rescue Center, the Prehistoric cave and trek to an ancient tree, as well as enjoying good walks throughout the park.

Emeralda Resort Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 VAN LONG – PHONG NHA

This morning is free to relax or explore at leisure. This afternoon you will then be transferred to Hanoi airport in time to catch your onward flight to Dong Hoi, the gateway to the stunning Phong Nha National Park. On arrival you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative who will transfer you to your guesthouse for the evening.

Chay Lap Farmstay Breakfast

Day 8 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE

Today begins your epic cave adventure as you set off with your expert guide deep into the national park, trekking through valleys and jungle as you discover magical caves that were lost to nature until only recently. Finish the afternoon with a swim in the waterfall followed by a BBQ dinner around the campfire before settling into your tent or hammock for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE

This morning brings another full day of adventure as you swim and climb through the stunning Tu Lan cave system before reaching your second camp, where a delicious BBQ dinner will await, and you can settle in for the night and enjoy the sounds and smells of the jungle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 PHONG NHA: CAVE ADVENTURE

Enjoy a final morning of adventure as you swim further into the stunning cave system, exploring dry passages within the caves which eventually lead you back out into the jungle. Trek for a few more kilometres before stopping for lunch and finally arriving back at the base, from where you will be transferred back to your guesthouse.

Chay Lap Farmstay Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 PHONG NHA – DMZ – HUE

From the national park, you will head south to the imperial city of Hue, stopping along the way to visit the infamous DMZ where some of the most notorious battles were fought during the Vietnam War. Cross the Ben Hai River, used to demarcate the division between North and South Vietnam, before arriving in Hue for a late lunch.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 HUE: BACKSTREETS BY MOTORBIKE

Relax as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike for a journey through the backstreets where you will gain insight into both past and present cultural traditions in and around Hue, exploring the less-visited outskirts of the city as you meet locals and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by the resident Buddhist nuns in a local village.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 HUE: CITADEL

This morning you will get the chance to delve deeper into the heart of Hue’s fascinating history as you explore the beautiful 19th century Citadel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore independently.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 HUE – HOI AN BY BICYCLE

Get ready for a demanding but rewarding day as you cycle from Hue to Hoi An. Whilst a physically challenging biking day trip, it affords those that make the effort with some fantastic views throughout the ride and a variety of terrain. Enjoy dramatic scenery as you pass by the Bach Ma National Park and the Annamite Mountain range where it meets the coast, over the impressive Hai Van Pass, past beaches, rivers, forest and small country farms. Your cycling guide will take you off the beaten path wherever possible, to avoid the traffic and provide you with as much local insight as possible along the way.

La Siesta Hoi An Hotel Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 HOI AN: KAYAK TO THE ANCIENT TOWN

After your active day yesterday, enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore independently. Make sure to find time to wander around Hoi An’s magical Ancient Town, where you’ll discover ancestral homes and lovely hidden pagodas. This afternoon is a wonderful way to discover Hoi An's surroundings, as you transfer to a nearby village to begin your kayaking adventure. After a detailed safety briefing, take to the water and slowly make your way through countryside and villages until you reach the colourful lanterns of Hoi An's ancient town, viewing this magical town from a very unique perspective, as the sun sets and the lanterns twinkle in the calm river waters.

La Siesta Hoi An Hotel Breakfast

Day 16 HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY

Transfer this morning to the airport in time to catch your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Early evening, you will be taken to the private home of a local family of musicians, where you will hear stories of Vietnamese history and culture, before enjoying an intimate concert of traditional Vietnamese melodies.

Fusion Suites Saigon Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17 HCMC: CULTURE AND CULINARY ADVENTURE

Enjoy this afternoon exploring the vibrant and bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike and wind your way through backstreets as you travel between the classic historical highlights of the city. Meet with locals and learn about daily life, sampling many culinary delights as you go.

Fusion Suites Saigon Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 HCMC: MEKONG DELTA

Up early this morning you will be driven into the fascinating Mekong Delta area, where you will board a small private boat and explore backwaters and islands, passing rice paddies and pottery factories, and meeting the friendly local villagers as you go. Enjoy a special lunch with a local family in the setting of a beautiful traditional garden house, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Fusion Suites Saigon Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19 HO CHI MINH CITY – CON DAO

This morning transfer to the airport in time to catch your domestic flight to Con Dao, where on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax at leisure.

Poulo Condor Con Dao Breakfast

Day 20 CON DAO

Today is free for you to enjoy this peaceful area at leisure. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, make sure to ask about the turtle nesting season as well as the hatching season. You can learn about the conservation work that goes on at the nearby Turtle Sanctuary and if timed correctly, witness some of nature’s most wonderful handywork.

Poulo Condor Con Dao Breakfast

Day 21 CON DAO

Enjoy another day at leisure.

Poulo Condor Con Dao Breakfast

Day 22 CON DAO – HO CHI MINH CITY

Catch your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your final evening in Vietnam.

Fusion Suites Saigon Breakfast

Day 23 DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Breakfast

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

23 days from £6,275

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers, unless otherwise stated.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 11494 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

Making a Difference

Community Tourism

People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.

Conservation and Climate Action

As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.

Wild Frontiers Foundation

The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

OTHER ITINERARIES IN VIETNAM

Check out our group tours in Vietnam

As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Vietnam. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.

View Group Tours in Vietnam