Dates: May 13th – 26th, 2020
A locally-based, small group adventure that dives straight into the very heart of this wondrous country as you explore the magic of cities, villages, the countryside and stunning coastal regions over the course of 14 incredible days.
Hanoi – Bac Ha – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
The Wandering Earl Tour Experience
All of our unique tours focus on local interaction, local activities and education and we keep our itineraries flexible so that you always get the absolute most out of your trip! We also see the main stuff too, but these are not standard, cookie-cutter group experiences. Always small groups, always laid-back, always diving straight into the heart of every destination we visit!
May 13th: HANOI – ARRIVAL DAY
– Arrive in Hanoi
– Airport pickup and private transfer to our hotel (based on your arrival time)
– Evening tour orientation meeting
May 14th: HANOI
– Walking tour of the city
– Hanoi’s Old Quarter
– Local activities
– Evening food tasting tour through the city (North Vietnamese cuisine, local snacks, evening drinks)
Included meals: B D
May 15th: BAC HA
– Morning drive to the mountain village of Bac Ha (5 hour drive)
– Afternoon to enjoy the mountain scenery and laid-back atmosphere of the village
– Overnight in a local homestay
Included meals: B L D
May 16th: BAC HA
– Short drive to Can Cau Market
– Experience this remote, rural ethnic market where Flower H’mong, Black Zao and Phu La tribes gather
– 2 hour afternoon walk to Ban Pho village (Nung and Flower Hmong tribes)
– Visit with locals to learn about village life
– Castle of the former Hmong King
– Overnight in a local homestay
Included meals: B L D
May 17th: BAC HA / HANOI
– Bac Ha local Sunday market
– Time to explore the largest traditional ethnic market in the province
– Local lunch near the market
– Short 1 hour walk to Trung Do village, home to the Tay people
– 30 minute boat trip along the Chay River to soak in the beautiful scenery
– Return to Hanoi (5 hour drive)
Included meals: B L
May 18th: HALONG BAY
– Morning departure for Halong Bay
– Board our boat just after midday
– Bai Tu Long Bay
– Am Islet
– Thien Canh Son Cave
– Kayaking and swimming among the karst mountains
– Sunset party on the boat
– Overnight on the boat
Included meals: B L D
May 19th: HALONG BAY / OVERNIGHT TRAIN
– Early breakfast on board
– Vung Vieng fishing village
– Hon Gai Harbour
– Return to Hanoi
– Evening transfer to the train station for our overnight train to Hue
Included meals: B L
May 20th: HUE
– Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to the hotel and early check-in
– Half-day motorbike of Hue and its surroundings (you’ll ride as a passenger)
– Traditional lunch at a local Buddhist nunnery
– Explore canals, laneways, markets, tombs and pagodas
Included meals: B L
May 21st: HUE / HOI AN
– Awesome morning cooking class at a local family’s home
– Afternoon drive to Hoi An through rice paddies and over the spectacular Hai Van pass
– Arrival in the World Heritage town of Hoi An
– Evening wander through the old town
Included meals: B L D
May 22nd: HOI AN
– Walking tour of Hoi An
– Temples, markets, local lanes, food tasting and more
– AO Show evening performance (impressive cultural performance that really needs to be seen!)
Included meals: B
May 23rd: HOI AN
– Free morning to enjoy this beautiful town
– Afternoon local activities with your guide
Included meals: B
May 24th: HO CHI MINH CITY
– Flight from Danang Airport (45 minute drive from Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City
– Transfer to our hotel
– Evening out in central Hoi Chi Minh City
Included meals: B D
May 25th: HO CHI MINH CITY
– Walking tour of the city, focusing on the favorite local spots of your guide
– Lunch at a popular local eatery
– Food tour on the back of a motorbike (unique evening experience that takes you to several restaurants in different districts!)
Included meals: B L D
May 26th: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE DAY
– You’ll be transferred to the airport depending on the time of your departing flight
Included meals: B
INCLUDED
– Small group (max 10 participants)
– All accommodation (13 nights – 3* hotels and guesthouses, local homestays)
– Transportation in Vietnam (vans, train, internal flight)
– All activities, workshops, lessons mentioned
– All entrance fees for sights visited
– Local guides in each destination
– Breakfast every day, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
– Bottled water throughout the trip
– All airport transfers
NOT INCLUDED
– Flights to/from Vietnam
– Meals and activities not mentioned
– Passport/visa fees
– Travel insurance
– Other gratuities
TOUR COST
$2650 USD per person
*Based on twin share (2 people to a room; solo travelers will be paired together)
*Single supplement: $590 (for a single room throughout the tour)
