Vietnam Uncovered
Vietnam Uncovered
Vietnam Uncovered
13 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Vietnam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AOS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Get to know the real Vietnam on this 13-day journey through the landscapes and cultures most tourists whizz straight past. Starting in the absorbing capital Hanoi, we head out of the city to meet and stay with families in the hill village of Ta Phin and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the rural landscapes around Hoi An. We also trek through the rice fields of Sapa, cruise the secluded Lan Ha Bay – a less touristy (but no less beautiful) alternative to the ever-popular Halong Bay – and experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By the end, we will have experienced the full spectrum of life in Vietnam – a fascinating, rewarding adventure.
Highlights
What's Included
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11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
There are 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup).
Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam.
Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend seven nights in comfortable hotels, two nights at a lake resort, one night at a lodge on Cat Ba Island. We also spend one night in a homestay in the hillside village of Ta Phin near Sapa. Finally, we have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi.
The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay.
Ta Phin: Homestay (night 3)
During our time in the village of Ta Phin, we are looked after by local ethnic communities. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts and being able to experience an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce.
Cat Ba island: Cat Ba Ecolodge (night 5)
We overnight at the Cat Ba Ecolodge, ideally situated in the heart of Cat Ba island. Surrounded by nature, it sits in a secluded setting featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a variety of locally grown Vietnamese meals.
Reunification Express: (night 6)
Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.
Phong Nha: Phong Nha Lakehouse (nights 7-8)
This resort is located by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake and only a 10-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The Lakehouse is a multi-functional resort with facilities catering for relaxation and fun, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and the option to kayak on the lake. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets.
Worth knowing
Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay in Ta Phin village or the overnight sleeper train.
The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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