MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1479532
Discover the wonders of Vietnam on this action-packed adventure! Begin in historic Hoi An, where you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy a serene boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Next, cycle through peaceful villages and indulge in delicious local street food. Hike scenic trails in Bach Ma National Park and experience the charm of ancient Hue. In Hanoi, see the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, and try your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking. Delight in the lush green landscapes of Ninh Binh, where karst cliffs rise from rice paddies, and cap off your adventure with a magical overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Highlights:
8 nights from $3,495 per person
MT Sobek: Vietnam Mountains & Bay Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Danang & Begin Exploring Hoi An
45-minute private van transfer
Sunset boat cruise and cultural show
Welcome to Vietnam! Meet your guides at the Danang airport and transfer to your hotel in historic Hoi An. Spend the afternoon gliding along the Thu Bon River aboard a traditional wooden boat, the golden light playing on the water and the UNESCO-listed city coming to life as dusk falls. Disembark to experience a magical evening performance. Teh Dar fuses acrobatics, tribal music, and bamboo artistry, capturing the cultural spirit of Vietnam's indigenous people. After the show, stroll lantern-lit streets to a local restaurant and savor a flavorful feast of traditional dishes.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
(D)
Day 2 Bicycle Between Villages, Marvel at Architecture & Savor Street Food
45-minute boat ride
1-2 hours/6-7 miles biking on paved roads or optional cyclo ride, 3-hour street food tour
Cycle across the Thu Bon River and ride through serene rice fields and bamboo groves to reach a quiet village. Visit a Vietnamese family in their ancestral home and learn about their genealogy and traditions. Continue cycling on shady paths that meander through quiet villages and stop for a home-cooked lunch. Pedal back to Hoi An and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where centuries-old Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences meet. Wander through storybook streets, enjoying ancient temples and monuments, then dive into a street food adventure, sampling white rose dumplings, green bean cakes, and rich Vietnamese coffee—an authentic Vietnamese experience and a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike in Bach Ma National Park & Travel to Hue
3.5-hour private van transfer
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 515' elevation gain and 240' loss
Wake for an early drive up to beautiful Hai Van Pass (1,627') and on to Bach Ma National Park, where the mountains reach 4,750 feet. Follow scenic trails to Hai Vong Dai and enjoy stunning panoramic views of majestic mountains, lagoons, and quaint local villages. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before trekking into the jungle to explore the Five Lakes. Immerse yourself in serene nature and take a dip in the cool water of lake number five. Next it's on to the pretty Do Quyen Waterfall set in a dense forest. From here, head back to the start and continue your trip to Hue — your home for the night.
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Explore Hue's Ancient Past & Fly to Hanoi
1-hour flight
This morning, visit an impressive private collection of ancient ceramic artifacts pulled from the Perfume River and other antique treasures at an enchanting garden house. Taste family recipes over lunch, then explore the majestic Citadel of Hue. Built in 1804, the former imperial capital is a walled fortress encircling three nested cities, with the Purple Forbidden City at its center. Abandoned by the Nguyen dynasty, it was heavily damaged during the Indochina wars and is now slowly being restored. Walk through one of the citadel's massive gates and step into a grand palace among the atmospheric remains of the royal city. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Experience
Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a chef-led cooking class. First stop is the local market, where you'll meet your chef and wander the stalls in search of the freshest ingredients. With the shopping done, you'll be ready to head to your chef's kitchen and learn how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Wrap up your epicurean adventure by eating your tasty lunch! Bid farewell to your chef and host before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Ba Dinh square, center of the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex. See the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace. Then go back in time on a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where artisans have sold their crafts for over 500 years!
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B, L)
Day 6 Discover Ninh Binh's Natural Wonders
3-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours hiking with various options
Take a morning bike ride through the sublime countryside of Ninh Binh, where limestone karsts rise above golden rice fields and narrow paths wind past lotus ponds and ancient temples. Pass water buffalo grazing lazily and locals tending crops, soaking in the scenery. Visit a local family for a home-cooked lunch and immersive insight into life in rural Vietnam. In the afternoon, step aboard a traditional sampan for a paddle-propelled ride through Tam Coc, listed by UNESCO for its spectacular landscape of dramatic karst towers, hidden caves, and lush rice paddies. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Accommodation: Le Clos Du Fil
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Cruise Lan Ha Bay
2-hour private van transfer
Short cycling and kayaking options while on cruise
Start the day with a journey to Hai Phong, where you'll embark on an epic cruise of must-see Lan Ha Bay, part of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in lush green vegetation. Experience it up close with a magical night aboard a traditional comfortable cruiser. Dine on freshly caught seafood and let the motion of the bay rock you to sleep in your well-appointed cabin.
Accommodation: Orchid Trendy Cruise
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Morning Cruise & Return to Hanoi
2-hour private van transfer
Wake for sunrise over the aquamarine waters of La Ha Bay and enjoy a morning cruise. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and relax in the afternoon. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Depart from Hanoi
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation: Hotel de l'Opera
(B)
The provincial capital of Ninh Binh, 62 mi/100 km south of Hanoi, is worth a two- or three-day visit on its own, rather than the usual day trip from Hanoi. It is a bit off the trodden tourist trail, and there the life of contemporary Vietnam is visible without the prepackaged spin that most resorts put on the traveler's experience.
The haunting landscapes of Tam Coc are 6 mi/9 km from Ninh Binh. In scenery reminiscent of classic Chinese scroll painting, tiny wooden rowboats will take you on a river journey through brilliant green rice fields farmed by men and women wearing the traditional Vietnamese conical straw hats and country dress. Rising from the fields are sheer-sided limestone karsts very similar to those found in Halong Bay, but hung with tropical vegetation and home to darting cliff swallows. Three of the karsts are so large that naturally occurring caverns pass through them, and the effect of the vibrant landscape framed by the arched openings of the tunnels is breathtaking.
This is no commercial conceptualization—it is the real, rural life of Vietnam happening alongside the narrow river. At the end of the journey, your oarsman will most probably offer you examples of the high-quality local embroidery on tablecloths, napkins or T-shirts—at amazingly low prices, though as always, a certain amount of bargaining is expected.
Cuc Phuong National Park is 28 mi/45 km from central Ninh Binh, measures 106 sq mi/275 sq km, spans three provinces and protects some of the oldest forests in Vietnam. An hour's trek takes you to the Big Tree, an ancient forest giant with roots so widespread, 16 people must join hands in order to circle it.
Up several steep flights of stairs is the vast Cave of Prehistoric Man, where an estimated group of 25 protohumans lived together at the edge of the sea. Dinh May Bach (Silver Cloud Peak) has rugged hiking trails up its 2,125 ft/648 m height.
The Endangered Primate Resource Center near the entrance is a kind of mental and physical rehabilitation center for gibbons, several kinds of languars and lorises, all of which have been rescued from cages or illegal traders. The center's breeding program has been a great success, and infant monkeys are a common site as they cling to their mother's fur. The park has basic cabins for rent within the grounds, where visitors can experience the vibrant, complex life of the jungle at length.
Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port
Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi
Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi
Hoi An’s Countryside & Ancient Town – 8 hours - Hue
Highlights:
Hue - Full Day Hue Classic Tour / Chan May Port
Royal Culinary & Historic Landmark - Hue
Hue - Home Hosted Lunch & Historic Landmark
Hoi An - Full Day Hoi An Town with Lantern Making
FULL DAY HOI AN TOWN WITH LANTERN MAKING
Destination: Hoi An
Tour Duration: 08 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival in Danang (Tien Sa port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive for 1 approximately hour to the ancient town of Hoi An. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Lunch is on your own.
After lunch, meet with Mr. Huynh Van Trung who was born in a traditional lantern making family and learn about the silk lanterns. Silk lanterns, the simple yet colorful handicraft is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It has really made a comeback thanks to an experienced man - Trung inherits valuable skills in making lanterns from his father - the well-known artisan Huynh Van Ba. Chat with him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir. Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with Local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and boat rides if any
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips & gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Hoi An Culinary Experience at Market Restaurant
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.