Day 1 – Arrive in Vietnam!
Good Morning Vietnam! Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from the airport and a smooth ride to your hotel in HCMC. Once you're checked in, you've got the whole day to explore or chill out. Later, meet your crew for an epic welcome dinner with new friends. Cap it all off with a dip in the rooftop pool, taking in those stunning city views.
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City, Walking Tour & Overnight Train
The former city of Saigon is a city that never slows down, but today you'll uncover its historic heart. Along the way, you will visit the grand General Post Office, a true colonial-era gem and one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful post offices. Stroll down Rue Catinat, where you’ll pass elegant French colonial buildings, admire the restored Opera House, and see the Reunification Palace with its bold 60’s design. You’ll also stop by the People’s Committee Building and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its Parisian namesake. After a refresh at the hotel, you’ll head to the station and board your overnight train to Da Nang.
Day 3 – Kayak into Hoi An
Upon arrival, you'll be whisked away by our team to the banks of the Thu Bon River for an unforgettable adventure. After a quick lunch, get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind experience - kayaking directly into the heart of Hoi An! This extraordinary entrance to the ancient town sets the tone for your entire visit. As you paddle through the waterways, you'll witness the town's beauty from a perspective few travellers ever see. The majestic old town will slowly reveal itself as you glide closer, offering a magical first impression that you'll remember forever.
Once you've docked, you'll take a short walk to your hotel to freshen up. Then, the evening is yours to explore - take a refreshing dip in the pool, wander through the enchanting Night Market, or even get fitted for some world-famous tailored clothes.
Day 4 – Enjoy Hoi An
Rise and shine! This morning, you’ll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island, passing lush rice paddies and farmlands at your own pace. Stop for photos or keep pedalling, the choice is yours. Along the way, you’ll join a meaningful hands-on workshop that turns used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap. You’ll learn how this simple yet powerful initiative prevents pollution, supports local women and youth with extra income, and protects Hoi An’s natural environment. After experiencing the impact for yourself (and even washing your hands with your creation), the afternoon is all yours. Hit the beach or keep exploring Hoi An’s charms.
Day 5 – To Hue & Hai Van Pass
Fuel up with breakfast, then get ready for a road trip to Hue in true style. You’ll journey up the iconic Hai Van Pass, famous for its sweeping coastal views and winding mountain roads. Along the way, stop at a hidden waterfall, enjoy lunch, and cruise through charming countryside backroads. By afternoon, you’ll roll into Hue, the historic Imperial City and former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Day 6 – The Imperial City, Hue
This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and head to Thuy Bieu village, taking in Hue’s beauty from a fresh perspective. Wander through the village, visit Luong Quan communal house, and explore the hundred-year-old garden home of Ho Xuan Dai, where you’ll join a hands-on cooking class. After a stop at the local market to learn about traditional ingredients, your host will guide you through preparing Hue’s signature dishes before you sit down to enjoy your creations. In the afternoon, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue’s most enduring symbols. Return to the hotel for a short rest before boarding the night train to Ninh Binh.
Day 7 – To Pu Luong Park
Today, you’ll travel to Pu Luong National Park, one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landscapes. Along the way, stop at the peaceful Chua Ngoc Chau Temple where you'll have some lunch before continuing to Don village, where you’ll settle into your traditional homestay. After a short rest, take a guided walk through the village, meet friendly locals, and visit the nearby embroidering village to see skilled artisans at work. This is rural Vietnam at its most authentic and tonight, you’ll experience it firsthand with a cosy homestay in the heart of the mountains.
Day 8 – Explore Pu Luong Park
After breakfast, you will trek through Pu Luong's lush landscapes to a hidden gem – a traditional bamboo lake house where crystal-clear waters invite you for a swim. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Spend your afternoon learning about rural life or simply soaking in the tranquility before a final family style dinner.
Day 9 – To Hanoi
Today you'll say goodbye to your homestay family and depart Pu Luong for Hanoi after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Upon afternoon arrival, check into your boutique hotel in the city center. In the evening, experience Hanoi's renowned culinary scene on a guided street food tour, sampling local specialties and hidden gems.
Day 10 – Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay
Today, you’ll leave the city behind and journey to the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay, a World Heritage-listed wonder that’s every bit as magical as its reputation. From the harbour, board your boat and cruise between towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. You'll also make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? As the day winds down, you'll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.
Please note: We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with only the essentials, as storage space on board is limited. Don’t worry about the rest of your luggage, it will be securely stored at your hotel in Hanoi, ready for you when you return after your overnight stay.
Day 11 – Bai Tu Long Bay to Hanoi
Start your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, accompanied by tea, coffee, and light pastries as the bay drifts by. Spend the rest of the morning soaking up the scenery or simply relaxing on deck before enjoying brunch on board. Around 11.30am, you’ll return to Hanoi and have some time to refresh at Hanoi Sky Hotel before being trasferred to Hanoi Railway to take the overnight train to Lao Cai tonight.
Day 12 - Arrive in Sa Pa
Arriving in Sa Pa in the early morning, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel to drop off your main luggage, bringing only a small overnight bag for your homestay. From there, meet your local guide and head straight to Ta Van Trek Point. Trek through the lush rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley and discover Ta Van village, where rural life moves at a slower pace, and friendly locals welcome you with warm smiles. After checking in at your homestay, enjoy some free time before sharing a delicious dinner with your hosts and experiencing an authentic night in the heart of Sapa.
Day 13 – Ta Van to Giang Ta Chai
Wake up to a delicious breakfast at your homestay. Around 9:00 AM, you’ll set out on a trek to Giang Ta Chai Village. Hike uphill to discover a beautiful waterfall and soak in breathtaking views. Giang Ta Chai is home to the Red Dao people, known for their distinctive black attire with embroidered details. You’ll enjoy lunch in the village before a steep descent.
Back in Sa Pa town, you’ll check into tonights accommodation. The afternoon is yours to explore Sa Pa Town and browse the local market, immersing yourself in the local culture.
*Please note, that we advise guests to wear hiking shoes rather than trainers on this walk.
Day 14 – Sa Pa & Chasing Waterfalls
Today’s your final day in Sa Pa. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out with your guide and car to an altitude of 1700m to visit the mesmerizing Silver Waterfall, where the Muong Hoa stream begins. Snap some stunning photos before continuing your journey through a wild forest road for about 3 km, reaching a red dirt path that winds through lush green bamboo forests. At the end of the bamboo forest, you’ll follow the stream to the breathtaking Love Waterfall. The waterfall resembles a hat from a distance, creating a picturesque scene in the vast space of mountains and forests. After soaking in the beauty of Love Waterfall, you’ll return to your car and head back to Sa Pa town to enjoy your final lunch in town.
We’ve arranged a late check-out of your accommodation today, so after lunch, you’ll have time to return to your room, freshen up and get your belongings together before your overnight train.
As the evening approaches, transfer to Lao Cai Train Station for your overnight journey to Hanoi. Grab some snacks for the night train and enjoy sharing a cabin with your travel mates.
Day 15 – Farewell to Vietnam
Your Vietnamese adventure comes to an end as you arrive in Hanoi around 5-5:30 AM. As you say goodbye at Hanoi Train Station, you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories of your journey.
If you are planning to join this tour before or after your volunteer program, please note that the tour dates may not align exactly with your project start or end date. You may need to arrange and cover the cost of additional accommodation and transport (such as flights, trains, or transfers) to get to your project meeting point or return location. Our team will be happy to advise you on what’s needed, but all extra arrangements are your responsibility to book and pay for.
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