Day 1 : Arrive Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Depending on your arrival time, you may have a chance to begin exploring Hanoi - a lively capital known for its ancient temples, colonial architecture, and fascinating cultural blend. Wander through the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter, or unwind by the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers before setting out on an orientation walk to discover some of the city's key highlights.
Inclusions: Orientation Tour
Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 : Hanoi
Spend the day diving deeper into the charm of Hanoi at your own pace. From centuries-old pagodas to buzzing street markets, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Food lovers are in for a treat - whether it's a sit-down meal at the historic Restaurant 69 or sampling street food from a tiny plastic stool, the local flavours won’t disappoint. Pro tip: The smaller the stool, the cheaper (and often better) the beer!
Inclusions: Free day
Meals: (B)
Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel
Meals :Breakfast
Day 3 : Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Today we’ll make our way to Ninh Binh, the home of the stunning Trang An Grottoes. On arrival, we’ll venture out in traditional canoes to discover the caves in the mountains where we’ll see stony outcrops and dramatic karst formations towering above flat tranquil waters and rice paddies. This evening we’ll enjoy Ninh Binh which is nestled amongst rice paddies, rural plains and massive mountains creating a picturesque landscape to enjoy.
Inclusions: Trang An Grottoes Boat Tour
Meals: (B)
Accommodation: Yen Nhi Hotel
Meals :Breakfast
Day 4 : Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Today we’ll depart rural Ninh Binh and make our way to the world famous Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic limestone pillars and tiny islets topped with lush forest. On this overnight boat we’ll cruise along emerald waters and enjoy the peace and beauty of this stunning natural wonder of the world.
Inclusions: Overnight Cruise
Meals: (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Boat Cabin
Meals :Breakfast
Day 5 : Halong Bay - Hanoi
This morning we’ll wake on the boat in paradise. After spending the morning in Halong Bay, we’ll make our way back to the mainland and back to Hanoi where we’ll board the overnight train to Phong Nha Ke National Park.
Inclusions: Overnight Train.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Overnight Train Cabin.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 6 : Arrive Phong Nha
Today we’ll arrive in Phong Nha where we’ll enjoy the spectacular rural area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This area has pristine rivers (perfect for a refreshing dip or kayak) and boasts a number of impressive caves, including the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and a limestone waterfall. This afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave’, suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the cave’s darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.
Inclusions: Thien Duong Cave + Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Phong Nha Farm Stay.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 7 : Phong Nha - Hue
This morning we’ll depart the stunning National Park and make our way to Hue, a gorgeous city located on the Perfume River. Surrounded by rolling hills, Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Alba Spa Hotel.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 8 : Hue
Today we’ll take a motorbike tour around Hue where we’ll get to explore this stunning area. We’ll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. We’ll also get to see a little bit of the ‘real’ Vietnam, motoring through quaint villages and lush rice paddies, we’ll see the historic and picturesque Japanese covered bridge, hear about our future from a local fortune teller, have a go at making incense sticks and learn about the rice growing process at the Rice Museum. We’ll also visit the home of a conical hat maker and explore an Emperor's Tomb and the Citadel's Forbidden City.
Inclusions: Motorbike Tour + Citadel & Forbidden City.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Alba Spa Hotel.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 9 : Hue - Hoi An
Our drive today takes us to the popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, a must-see destination with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious beaches so close nearby, this is paradise! A great spot to enjoy the local nightlife, try local delicacies (and beers), then meander home through the motorbike free streets.
Inclusions: Orientation Walk.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Emm Hotel Hoi An.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 10 : Hoi An
Take time today to explore this charming town’s many offerings. When the sun goes down is when Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the historical French Colonial architecture in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town, and try a local delicacy called the ‘White Rose’ - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently, the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supply all the restaurants around town.
Inclusions: Free day.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Emm Hotel Hoi An.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 11 : Hoi An
Hoi An is full of so many options to experience and enjoy. Rent bikes and cycle down to relax at the beach, visit some of the many talented tailors and purchase some clothes, take part in a cooking class or enjoy some sweet Vietnamese coffee in a riverside cafe.
Inclusions: Free day.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Emm Hotel Hoi An.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 12 : Hoi An - Bai Xep
Today we’ll leave Hoi An and make our way to the gorgeous fishing village of Bai Xep. On our way, we’ll make a stop to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates an event that marked a turning point in the American War. Our destination for the next few days is Bai Xep, located along a stretch of sandy white beach. Kick back and relax in this peaceful village setting well off the beaten tourist track and as yet untouched by rampant tourism. Don’t be surprised when the locals wave and greet you with welcoming smiles.
Inclusions: My Lai Memorial.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Mira Bai Xep.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 13 : Bai Xep
Today you are free to enjoy this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Swim, snorkel and take long walks on the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, go fishing and cook your catch for tea, or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse.
Inclusions: Beach day.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Mira Bai Xep.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 14 : Bai Xep
Today you have another full day to enjoy some beach time. Wander the village and get to know the friendly locals or partake in some delicious cocktails at your accommodation.
Inclusions: Beach day.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Mira Bai Xep.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 15 : Bai Xep - Ho Chi Hinh City
Today we’ll enjoy our final morning in Bai Xep, go for a last stroll around the village, say goodbye to the locals and make the most of the beach. This afternoon we’ll make our way to Dieu Tri where we’ll board the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City, our last destination in Vietnam.
Inclusions: Overnight train
Meals: (B)
Accommodation: Overnight Train Cabin
Meals :Breakfast
Day 16 : Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we’ll arrive in lively Ho Chi Minh City. Head to the War Remnant Museum and learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War, visit the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or go and see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people.
We recommend taking a trip out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of over 200kms of tunnels used by the Viet Khong in the war against the US. Discover how the people lived and survived in these tunnels, built schools and hospitals underground and eventually gained victory. This evening enjoy a traditional performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, or dine out on delicious street food at one of the city’s many restaurants or bars.
Inclusions: Free Day.
Meals: (B).
Accommodation: Queen Ann Hotel.
Meals :Breakfast
Day 17 : Ho Chi Minh City Departure Day
Today your journey with Stray comes to an end. Whether you’re spending some extra time in Vietnam or
travelling onwards to your next destination, we hope you’ve had a blast on your great Stray adventure
and that you’ve made friends and memories to last a lifetime!
Meals: (B)
Meals :None
