G Adventures is renowned for authentic, small-group travel that prioritises local communities and sustainable exploration. Their National Geographic Expeditions take this philosophy and refine it for the discerning traveller who seeks greater comfort and a deeper understanding.

National Geographic’s legacy of exploration and storytelling comes together with G Adventures’ expertise in meaningful, community-focused travel to create a collection of truly enriching trips. The range of trips now includes three distinct styles: Journeys, Family Journeys, and the refined National Geographic Signature with G Adventures.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi at a time that suits your schedule. Your private transfer will be ready to whisk you away to your accommodation, ensuring a seamless start to your journey.

Day 2: Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley

Your exploration begins with a guided tour of the capital’s history. You’ll visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and the French colonial Presidential Palace, followed by a sobering look at the Hoa Lo Prison. Later, switch gears with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter before you drive out to the Mai Chau Valley. Here, you will settle in for a two-night stay amidst the rice paddies and hills of this peaceful region.

Day 3: Mai Chau Valley

Today offers a chance to experience rural Vietnam at a relaxed pace. You can walk through the countryside, meeting local tribes and learning about their customs, or perhaps visit a rural market to sample fresh local fruit. For lunch, there is an option to dine at a village home for genuine, home-cooked regional cuisine.

Day 4: Mai Chau Valley to Hanoi

Return to Hanoi today, pausing at KymViet Enterprise en route. This inspiring initiative supports people with disabilities through craft, and you’ll have the opportunity to tour the workshop, meet the team, and even learn a little sign language. Once back in Hanoi, the rest of the day is yours to spend exactly as you wish.

Day 5: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

After breakfast, transfer to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise on a traditional-style junk boat. Sail into Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter, more exclusive section of this World Heritage site, where you glide past limestone karsts away from the main crowds. A local guide will also take you to explore the Me Cung cave.

Day 6: Ha Long Bay to Hue

Enjoy an early lunch on board before disembarking and returning to Hanoi for a short flight to Hue. This former imperial capital is rich in architectural history and was the setting for significant events during the Vietnam War.

Day 7: Hue

A guided tour takes you into Hue’s Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, which once housed the emperor’s private quarters. You will also venture out to the Perfume River to see the elaborate tombs of past emperors. The day includes a visit to a Buddhist nunnery for a lunch prepared according to traditional vegetarian customs.

Day 8: Hue to Hoi An

This morning, take a drive to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading port. You can stroll through the pedestrianised Old Town, noted for its merchant houses and silk lanterns. You’ll even have the chance to craft your own lantern as a keepsake. Later, you might choose to visit a local tailor for a bespoke fitting, taking advantage of the town’s renowned sartorial skills.

Day 9: Hoi An

Delve into the local culinary scene with a market tour led by guides from Oodles of Noodles, a project training local youth in hospitality. After selecting fresh ingredients, you’ll head to their training kitchen to prepare - and then devour - your own noodle dishes for lunch.

Day 10: Hoi An

The day is entirely yours to enjoy Hoi An or its surroundings. You might opt for a trip to the My Son temple complex, a collection of ancient Hindu temples, or perhaps head to Cua Dai beach. Alternatively, simply relax poolside at your hotel.

Day 11: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic powerhouse. You have a variety of options here: explore the city’s French colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral on a cyclo tour, or delve into history at the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the Cu Chi tunnels to explore the vast underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers. You’ll see the subterranean hospitals and supply routes that were critical during the conflict, gaining a practical understanding of the area's history.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Your tour concludes today, and you are free to depart whenever you are ready.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: Internal flights, all transport between destinations and to/from included activities, arrival transfer, 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners, Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Lantern Making Experience, Hoi An Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Oodles of Noodles Local Market Excursion, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Kym Viet Local Enterprise Visit, Hanoi Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An Your Discover Moment: Kym Viet Craft & Lunch, Hanoi. Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Mai Chau Countryside Hike. Cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Overnight on a junk boat on Halong Bay, guided tour of Emperor's Tomb and Imperial Citadel Hue, lunch at a Buddhist Nunnery, walking tour of Hoi An Old Town, guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

13 Days From R41,299 per person sharing