Vietnam

April 7-21

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About the trip

April 7 – 21: A two-week expedition in Vietnam, full of natural wonders, history, and culture!

You’ll experience all of Vietnam and visit the country’s most breathtaking places: from the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon to the serene natural oasis of Phong Nha. Sail through Ha Long Bay, marveling at the impressive limestone formations, gaze over the sea of coffee and tea plantations from the peaks of Da Lat, and explore the famous Phong Nha caves, which have limited visitor access each year to protect their unique environment and have been featured in numerous Discovery and National Geographic documentaries.

Expect unforgettable hikes with stunning views, underground river cruises, and tranquility on beautiful beaches. You’ll experience authentic local culture, sampling Vietnam’s most famous dishes. You’ll visit the most iconic cities, see UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy both the hustle and bustle of city life and the peace of nature. Each day will be filled with amazing flavors, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable experiences. These two weeks will stay with you for a lifetime!

**Day One:**
Arrival in Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, rich in history and culture. We will all meet at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring Hanoi. We’ll visit the famous Old Quarter, known for its narrow, bustling streets filled with local vendors and street food stalls. We’ll also see the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a central gathering spot for locals. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner, tasting the famous dish “pho,” and discuss the plans for the rest of the trip. After a long day, we’ll return to the hotel for some rest.

**Day Two:**
In the morning, a bus will pick us up and take us to one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural wonders – Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, we’ll board a cruise and sail through the limestone rock formations that Ha Long Bay is known for. You’ll witness breathtaking scenery, and for those interested, kayaking between the islands and cliffs will be an option. We’ll visit a few small, isolated islands and caves. After a spectacular day on the bay, we’ll return to Hanoi in the evening and stay overnight.

**Day Three:**
After an early breakfast, we will head to Hanoi’s airport for a flight to Cam Ranh. From there, we’ll drive to Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s most famous seaside resorts, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have a free evening to walk along the Nha Trang coastline or visit local restaurants and cafes. It’s highly recommended to try the fresh seafood, as Nha Trang is renowned for its top-quality fish dishes.

**Day Four:**
In the morning, we’ll depart for Da Lat, a unique city in Vietnam nestled in the mountains, known for its cool climate and stunning nature. On the way, we’ll enjoy scenic views of mountains and rivers, and upon arrival, we’ll dive into exploring Da Lat. We’ll also visit the night market.

**Day Five:**
This day will be dedicated to hiking in the mountains around Da Lat. A 6-hour hike will take us through local coffee and tea fields, up to the mountains, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and rolling hills. After the hike, we’ll return to the city and spend the evening at leisure.

**Day Six:**
In the morning, we’ll travel back to Nha Trang for another chance to enjoy the beach. The evening is free to relax on the beach or explore the city further. You’ll have the opportunity to visit ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples that are nearly 1,500 years old. After a busy day, we can unwind in the streets of Nha Trang, try street food, or take a relaxing walk along the shore.

**Day Seven:**
This day is reserved for relaxation on the beaches of Nha Trang. We’ll soak up the sun, enjoy the warm sea, and the white sandy beaches. In the evening, we’ll head to the airport and fly to Da Nang, another beautiful coastal city in Vietnam, where we’ll spend the night.

**Day Eight:**
We will dedicate this day to exploring the city of Da Nang. In the morning, with the help of a local guide, we’ll explore the temples hidden in the caves of the Marble Mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the beach to enjoy another stretch of tranquility and relaxation by the tropical sea.

**Day Nine:**
We’ll depart from Da Nang and travel to Phong Nha, a town famous for its cave system and national park. In the evening, you’ll have the chance to walk around the town, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for the next day’s adventure in the caves.

**Day Ten:**
We will sail along the Son Trach River to reach the stunning cave system. We’ll visit the most famous caves – Phong Nha and Tien Son – and marvel at the incredible limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The evening is free for leisure.

**Day Eleven:**
In the morning, a bus will take us to Khe Bang National Park, one of Vietnam’s most important natural parks. This is the largest cave complex in the world – a unique ecosystem. Researchers from all over the world work here year-round, discovering new species of animals and plants each year. This park was also the filming location for the Hollywood movie “King Kong” and numerous documentaries. A team of professional guides will lead us on a trek through the jungle, into the cave complex, a boat ride on the underground river, and we’ll have lunch in the jungle. This will be one of the most memorable days of the entire trip.

**Day Twelve:**
After an intense adventure, we’ll return to Da Nang. The evening will be spent leisurely, either walking around the city or simply relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the last moments of peace before the end of the trip.

**Day Thirteen:**
In the morning, we’ll head to Hoi An – one of Vietnam’s most beautiful cities, famous for its old town and lantern-lit nights. Here, we’ll visit ancient temples and stroll through narrow streets that transport you back to ancient Vietnam. It’s an ideal place to buy souvenirs and relax before returning to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

**Day Fourteen:**
A flight to Ho Chi Minh City – the largest and most urbanized metropolis in Vietnam. We’ll visit the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Independence Palace and Ben Thanh Market. We’ll soak in the city’s energy and explore how modern architecture blends with colonial-era buildings. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a restaurant.

**Day Fifteen:**
In the morning, we’ll have a farewell breakfast and share memories of this unforgettable journey through Vietnam.

The price for the two-week expedition is €1980.

A deposit of €380 is required to confirm your registration.

Please note that throughout the entire two-week journey, alcohol and other intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited.

Included in the price:

– All accommodations in 3-4 star hotels (most with breakfast included).
– Three internal flights (Hanoi – Cam Rahn, Cam Rahn – Da Nang, and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh).
– Cruise in Ha Long Bay, including kayaking and meals.
– Private bus with a driver in Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phong Nha.
– Hiking in Da Lat’s mountains.
– Scenic boat tour to Phong Nha caves.
– Entrance to Phong Nha National Park.
– Jungle trek and exploration of the world’s largest cave system with professional guides, including meals.
– Da Nang city tour, including the Marble Mountain temples.

Not included:

– Flights to Vietnam.
– Lunches and dinners.
– Insurance.
– Visa.

FAQ

Is a visa required?

An electronic visa is required to enter Vietnam. The application process is very simple, costs $25 USD, and the visa is issued within three days.

How much do flights to Vietnam cost?

Flights from Europe to Vietnam cost between €600 and €1000.

Is this trip alcohol-free?

Yes. In all Trip Extreme journeys, alcohol and other intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited.

How much extra money will I spend?

You will have very few additional expenses (aside from personal purchases), as food in restaurants is quite affordable (3 – 10 euros), and everything else will be taken care of.

Should I bring cash?

It’s best to bring cash, as ATMs that accept European cards can be difficult to find outside major cities (there won’t be issues in big cities). It’s most beneficial to bring US dollars, ideally in newer and larger bills, as the exchange rate depends on this.

Will there be internet access?

Vietnam has good connectivity with widespread 5G coverage, and all hotels will offer free Wi-Fi. You can purchase a SIM card with data at the airport upon arrival. It will be two euros more expensive than in the city, but the seller will install and configure it for you right away. You can also install an eSIM via apps like Airalo or Saily, though this will be slightly more expensive.

Is Vietnam a safe country?

Vietnam is very safe for tourists, but as always, common sense should be applied.

How many participants will be in the group?

The group size is up to ten participants.

Is it safe to eat in public places?

Eating at public restaurants, or even street food, is generally safe (much safer than, for example, in India). However, during the first few days, I wouldn’t recommend street food, as your body needs time to adapt. In my fourteen trips to Vietnam, I’ve never experienced food poisoning, but I always carry a first-aid kit with anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medication.

Are there any required vaccinations?

There are no mandatory vaccinations, but it’s recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis.

Is it worth shopping in Vietnam?

Vietnam manufactures clothing and footwear for many well-known brands, making it an excellent place for shopping. Some of these products end up in specialized markets, where they can be up to ten times cheaper than in European stores. However, you need to be cautious, as there are many counterfeit goods on the market.

Do you want to join?