Vietnam Explorer 12 days - One Life Adventures

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Vietnam Explorer 12 days - One Life Adventures

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Vietnam Explorer 12 days - One Life Adventures

13.04.2026

€1.545,00

Secure your place now with a small deposit.

Overview

Get ready to experience the best Vietnam has to offer as you step off the beaten track and immerse yourself in local life. Discover unseen parts of vibrant cities, take a crash course in their national sport, help local NGOs create a better future and explore all the sights, smells and flavours of this incredible destination. From accommodation in a village in the remote Pu Long National Park to rooftop cocktails overlooking the vibrant cities or exploring the lesser-known Bai Tu Long Bay at the tip of Ha Long Bay by traditional-style boat. This is Vietnam, but not as you know it. The best 12 days of your life.

You'll stay in a family home in a local village, take a crash course in the national sport, help local NGOs to create a better future and explore all the sights, smells and tastes of Vietnam.

Detailed information about the tour and accommodation can be found below and in the tour PDF. This can be found further down on this page.

Do you have more days? This tour is also available as a 15-day extension. (Vietnam Explorer 15 days).

Duration of the journey: 12 days / 11 nights

Start: Ho Chi Minh City

End: Hanoi

Transport: All transport from day 1 to 11, from airport pick-up to local vans, night trains, bicycles, jeeps, buses and boats.

Meals: 9x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner

Group size: max. 22 travellers

Accommodation: Hotels, authentic homestays (multi-bed rooms with curtains on the bed, overnight stays on a boat, night trains)

Single room supplement: 300,00 EUR - 4 nights are in homestays and shared rooms (please specify in notes; availability must be checked)

Age range: 18-45+ years

International flights to and from the destination are not included in the price. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding flight offer. Simply send us an enquiry.

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Languages

English

Group Size

22 people

Included/Excluded

11 overnight stays
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Da Cao Foot Badminton with a local team
Unseen Saigon Walking Tour
2x overnight stay in a sleeper train
Kayaking in Hoi An
Historical walk in Hoi An
Hoi An beach time
Cycle tour through a rural village with rubbish collection
Visit to the Ngo eco-brick factory, which produces bricks for local community projects from collected rubbish
Over the Hai Van Pass in an open army jeep
Visit to the imperial city and historical walk through Hue
Garden cookery course on the banks of the Perfume River
Host family and village life in Ban Hiue
Mountain trekking
Visit to waterfalls
Swimming in the Bamboo Lakehouse
Local family picnic in Pu Luong
Guided walk through the old quarter of Hanoi
Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise
Hanoi Street Foodie Tour

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa
some meals

Worldwide adventure travel & backpacking tours

Tour PDF

Included/Excluded

11 overnight stays
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Da Cao Foot Badminton with a local team
Unseen Saigon Walking Tour
2x overnight stay in a sleeper train
Kayaking in Hoi An
Historical walk in Hoi An
Hoi An beach time
Cycle tour through a rural village with rubbish collection
Visit to the Ngo eco-brick factory, which produces bricks for local community projects from collected rubbish
Over the Hai Van Pass in an open army jeep
Visit to the imperial city and historical walk through Hue
Garden cookery course on the banks of the Perfume River
Host family and village life in Ban Hiue
Mountain trekking
Visit to waterfalls
Swimming in the Bamboo Lakehouse
Local family picnic in Pu Luong
Guided walk through the old quarter of Hanoi
Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise
Hanoi Street Foodie Tour

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa
some meals

Tour Itinerary

Arrival in Vietnam!

Good morning Vietnam! On day 1, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in HCMC. After checking in, you are free to explore the city or relax until you meet the rest of your group at a welcome dinner with your new friends. Take a dip in the rooftop pool overlooking the city and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Alagon City (or similar)

Activities: Welcome dinner

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Dinner:

Physical rating: Low

Ho Chi Minh City, city tour & night train

After breakfast, get ready for a cultural experience like no other: You will learn about the national sport Da Cao! It's also called "foot badminton" and you'll see it played in every park in the country. Learn the basics from one of the local teams we support as part of our community projects. Afterwards, we'll head out to explore the sights and hidden gems of this incredible city. Refresh at the hotel before travelling to the train station to catch the overnight train to Da Nang.

Accommodation: Overnight train to Da Nang

Activities: Da Cao, HCMC hike

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast

Physical assessment: Medium

By kayak to Hoi An

On arrival, you will be picked up by the team and taken to the banks of the Thu Bon River where we will have lunch before kayaking to the majestic old town of Hoi An. After a short walk to your hotel to freshen up, you can take a dip in the pool and then explore the area. Close to our hotel is Hoi An's famous night market, where you can buy your own customised clothes.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Hoang Trinh (or similar)

Activities: Kayak trip in Hoi An

Optional extras: Visit to a tailor

Meals: N/A

Physical rating: Medium/High

Enjoy the unique Hoi An

Today you will become custodians of Vietnam's natural beauty. Hop on your bike and cycle through picturesque villages and past emerald-green rice fields to a quiet riverbank. Here you'll take part in an important environmental mission, collecting plastic waste and turning it into eco-bricks at a local NGO. It's a hands-on way to make a difference while exploring off-the-beaten-track Hoi An.

The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach or explore further - the perfect reward for your morning's environmental endeavours.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Hoang Trinh (or similar)

Activities: Bike tour, visit to the Eco Brick NGO, local agriculture

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast

Physical assessment: Medium

To Hue & Hai Van Pass

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel in style to Hue (the imperial city)! First, we'll head up the famous Hai Van Pass! On the way we pass a beautiful waterfall, stop for lunch and drive through enchanting country roads. In the afternoon we reach the historic city of Hue, the ancient seat of the Nguyen dynasty.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Alba Hue (or similar)

Activities: Visit to a waterfall, ride in an open jeep

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Physical rating: Low

The imperial city, Hue

This morning you'll travel back in time as you board an ornate dragon boat and cruise along the poetic Perfume River like ancient royalty. You'll dock at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda before immersing yourself in the flavours of Vietnam in a cooking class. The afternoon is free for you to explore the imperial wonders of Hue before boarding the overnight train to Ninh Binh, the next stop on your Vietnam journey.

Accommodation: Overnight stay on overnight train to Ninh Binh

Activities:Dragon boat, pagoda, cookery course

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Physical rating: Low

To Pu Luong Park

Today you will venture into the breathtaking Pu Luong National Park. Your journey will take you to the beautiful Chua Ngoc Chau temple before you arrive at a traditional homestay nestled between rice fields and misty mountains. Hike to a secret waterfall and then join your host family for a meal where you can experience genuine Vietnamese hospitality.

Tonight you'll sleep in a local house surrounded by some of Vietnam's most breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation: Shared room - Local host family

Activities:Unique stay, temple visit, waterfall visit

Optional extras: Temple

Meals: Dinner

Physical rating: Low

Discover Pu Luong Park

After breakfast with a marvellous view of the valley, we start with a hike to a beautiful, traditional bamboo lake house, where you can go bamboo rafting or swim in the crystal-clear water. Lunch will be served by a local family in the middle of the beautiful nature. After lunch you will have time to relax or help the family with their daily chores before we enjoy a great family dinner.

Accommodation: Shared room - Local host family

Activities: Bamboo rafting, trekking

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Physical rating: Medium/High

It's off to Hanoi

Today you say goodbye to your host family and leave Pu Luong for Hanoi after a leisurely morning and breakfast. After arriving in the afternoon, you check into your boutique hotel in the city centre. In the evening, you will experience Hanoi's renowned culinary scene on a guided street food tour, where you can sample local specialities and hidden treasures.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Golden Legend Diamond Hotel (or similar)

Activities: Street Food Tour

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Physical assessment: Low/medium

Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay

Today you'll swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a view of the bay. You will board a traditional boat and sail into the famous Halong Bay. Your Halong Bay cruise will take you north to the less crowded area of Bai Tu Long, where unspoilt wonders await you. Grab a paddle and explore the breathtaking scenery of Cap La Island by kayak. Fancy a dip? There is the option of visiting a secret beach on Cong Do Island. At the end of the day, toast your new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Renea Cruise (or similar)

Activities: Ha Long Bay Cruise, Bai Tu Long Bay, kayaking

Optional extras: N/A

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Physical evaluation: Low/medium

Thien Cave & Hanoi

Start the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sun deck or simply enjoy the morning view of the bay. Next, explore Thien Canh Son, the most famous cave system in Halong Bay, known for its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.

On the return journey, you will have the unique opportunity to try your hand at Vietnamese fruit carving and spring roll making and learn about the intricate techniques and culinary traditions of the region.

Back in Hanoi, you can stretch your legs on an optional walking tour and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and history. Tonight we celebrate with some members of your tour group, who will end their Vietnam Classic Tour tomorrow.

Accommodation: Twin/double room - Golden Legend Diamond Hotel (or similar)

Activities: Tai Chi, Thien Canh Son (cave), hiking tour

Optional extras: Hiking tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Physical assessment: Low/Medium

See you soon! :)

Today it's time to say goodbye! Your tour guide will help you organise your onward journey.

Tour Highlights

Historical walk in Hoi An
Over the Hai Van Pass in an open army jeep
Visit to the imperial city and historical walk through Hue
Visit to waterfalls
Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise
Hanoi Street Foodie Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many of our participants are travelling alone. When you join our trip, you immediately become part of a group and have the opportunity to meet other adventurers. It's a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable experiences together!

You can secure your tour with a deposit of 200€. The balance is only due 45 days before the start of the tour. However, if you book within 45 days before the start of the tour, the full tour price is payable immediately. This allows you to plan your trip flexibly and look forward to your adventure!

If you make an enquiry, we will then contact you by phone to discuss all the details for preparing the offer. For example, we will clarify whether you need a flight offer and discuss all the important travel topics with you. You will then receive a personalised offer from your travel consultant by email. This ensures that all your wishes are taken into account and that you are well informed.

After your booking, you will receive a tour confirmation and your flight documents if you have booked the flight through us. You will be given access to a packing list and to online groups where you can exchange ideas with other participants. Your tour guide will contact you around 2-4 weeks before the start of the tour and provide you with final details about your journey and the start of the tour. This way you are well prepared and can network with your fellow travellers in advance.

As the group participants are travelling from many different countries, the flights to and from the tour are booked individually and are not included in the tour price. We will be happy to create and send you a suitable flight offer. Simply make a non-binding enquiry or let us know in the notes when booking and we will send you a flight offer once your booking has been finalised. This way you can ensure that you get the best possible flight for your needs and that your journey goes smoothly.

Where should I fly to:
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (SGN)

Latest arrival time:
Arrival on the first day of the tour is possible at any time. However, a welcome dinner is planned in the evening, which is why you should be at the airport before 4 pm if possible so as not to miss it. This way you can get to know the other participants right at the start and have a relaxed start to your adventure.

Airport transfer:
The airport transfer on your arrival is already included in the price. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your first accommodation in comfort. So you can start your trip relaxed and don't have to worry about organising transport. This is only possible if you arrive on day 1. If you arrive earlier, you can take a shuttle or taxi into the city for little money.

Where should I take off:
Hanoi (HAN)

Earliest departure time:
9 am, as we will be back in Hanoi around 6 am.

Airport transfer:
The airport transfer after the end of the tour is not included in the price, as many participants travel on individually within the country. However, your guide will be happy to organise a transfer for you on site for a small fee. This way you can finish your trip relaxed and worry-free. Simply speak to your guide to clarify the details and book the transfer.

Yes, we can arrange this for you. An extra night in a single room costs EUR 50.00. This way you can start your journey relaxed and feel comfortable from the very beginning. You can also get to know other travellers beforehand.

Yes, this is possible. Please make an enquiry and indicate in the notes that you would like a single room. We will then check availability and let you know the exact price.

Otherwise, you may share a room with another participant. Some rooms may be triple rooms and in rare cases quadruple rooms. You can find more information about the accommodation in the tour PDF.

Care is taken to ensure that, if possible, you are allocated to a room with a person of the same sex.

Our tour participants come from all over the world! On our trips, you will meet adventurers from different countries and cultures, which makes every tour a unique and enriching experience. This diversity makes for exciting conversations and new friendships that last beyond the trip.

As a rule, 20-30% of participants come from German-speaking countries. Other frequent countries of origin are the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Yes, you can get in touch with other participants before the trip via various online platforms. You will be given access to these platforms after your booking or around 4 weeks before the start of the tour. This allows you to exchange ideas in advance and maybe even find travel partners for the journey!

Yes, the tour offers a good mix of included activities and free time. You have the option of doing something either with the other participants or on your own. The guide always has great tips for your free time. If you don't want to take part in an activity, that's no problem. Just let the guide know. This way, you can organise your trip entirely according to your wishes.

Don't worry if your English is not perfect. The tour guides are used to working with participants whose native language is not English and will adapt accordingly. There are also often many participants from German-speaking countries, which can make communication easier.

You can find more useful information on this topic in our BLOG.

You have various options for the meals that are not included. You can join the group and go out to eat together. The guide always has excellent tips for restaurants that offer good value for money. Of course, you are also free to go out to eat on your own or with other participants. There are numerous inexpensive and good options on site to cater for you. This gives you the flexibility to organise your meals according to your own wishes and needs.

Yes, that's no problem. You will be asked about your dietary requirements during the booking process. We can cater for various dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and much more. Our guides are also trained to look out for allergies and take appropriate precautions. So you can enjoy your trip worry-free!

German nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 45 days. Austrian and Swiss nationals, on the other hand, must apply for an e-visa before entering the country. This can be done quickly and easily online. We will be happy to help you. It is important that the passport is still valid for at least six months upon entry. Citizens of other countries should contact the relevant Vietnamese ministry or the Vietnamese embassy in their home country to find out about the specific visa requirements.

Entry requirements are subject to change. Please check the current regulations under the following links or with your respective ministry before travelling:

German citizenship

Austrian citizenship

Swiss nationality

Yes, most accommodation offers fast Wi-Fi access. You can also buy a SIM card or eSIM to stay connected while travelling.

If you would like to secure eSIM access before you start your journey, you will find a link to our partner airalo under the link HERE.

So you're always online and can share your experiences!

Yes, the age limit for this tour is 18-45 years. This age restriction ensures that the group shares a similar life stage and interests, which strengthens the sense of community and dynamics within the group. Many of our activities are aimed at an active and adventurous audience that is flexible and open to new experiences. The age restriction helps to ensure that all participants have similar expectations and needs, making the trip more enjoyable and enriching for all involved.

If you are looking for a tour without age restrictions, you can find it in the tour overview or simply contact us. :)

Travel health insurance is compulsory on this tour to protect you. This can already be taken out at a reasonable price. We also recommend taking out travel cancellation, trip interruption and baggage insurance. These insurances offer you comprehensive protection and security during your trip.

You can conveniently calculate and take out these insurance policies online via our partners. You will find the corresponding link HERE.

We recommend a budget of around €30-60 per day for this tour, depending on your personal expenses. Additional costs may include some meals, drinks, souvenirs and other personal expenses. It's always a good idea to plan a little extra to stay flexible and cover unexpected expenses.

It is best to take a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card with you. A “normal” debit card will also work at most ATMs. There are many ATMs on site where you can withdraw cash. We also recommend taking a small cash reserve with you and exchanging it locally. We advise against exchanging into the local currency in advance or at the airport, as this is usually associated with higher fees. Your guide will be happy to give you tips on the best places to withdraw or exchange money.

For cash withdrawals abroad, we recommend a DKB debit or credit card. You can find a link and more information HERE.

We recommend travelling with a rucksack and packing light! 10-20kg should be enough. It's usually quite hot and it's no fun lugging around a huge suitcase. You can do your laundry or have it done for little money in most accommodation.
However, if you prefer a suitcase, that's no problem. You are also welcome to travel with a trolley or suitcase. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and can transport your luggage easily.

If you are still looking for suitable backpacks, you will find HERE our recommendations.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for this trip. However, we would like to point out that we are not allowed to make any vaccination recommendations. It is important that you speak to a doctor to find out which vaccinations are recommended in your particular case. Your doctor can give you the best advice to ensure that you are healthy and safe when travelling.

* Free change or conversion to an open-dated booking up to 35 days before the start of the tour.
* Cancellation fees of 200€ up to 35 days before the start of the tour, thereafter full tour price.

Requests for changes or cancellations must be made by email to info@triplanet.com.

These conditions ensure flexibility in travel planning and at the same time offer security for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Yes, together with the invoice you will receive a security certificate for your trip. This security certificate guarantees that the money you have paid is secured in the event of triplanet's insolvency. So you can book worry-free and look forward to your adventure.

Inquiry

Language

English

Countries

Vietnam

Operator

One Life Adventures

Tour duration

11 to 15 days