Vietnam is a country of contrasts, with a history that spans thousands of years, beautiful landscapes and traditions that remain part of everyday life. There's so much to see, experience and discover, making it one of Asia's most fascinating places to explore.
But there's much more to Vietnam than the familiar images of endless green rice paddies, floating markets and farmers in their traditional conical hats. Venture a little further and you'll find remote regions covered in dense jungle, nature reserves that remain largely unexplored and extraordinary cave systems, some of which have only been explored in recent years. Add thousands of years of history and one of Asia's most celebrated cuisines, and Vietnam becomes even harder to resist.
Stretching 1,650 km from north to south, Vietnam has a surprisingly varied climate, which means different parts of the country are best explored at different times of the year.
We've planned this trip for one of the few periods when conditions are favourable for travelling across Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam, giving us the chance to experience several sides of the country in a single journey.
We'll explore the lively streets of Hanoi, hike through the villages of Pu Luong and along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, and take in the beautiful landscapes of Ninh Binh. We'll cruise through Ha Long Bay, venture into the impressive caves of Phong Nha and discover the ancient town of Hoi An, the temples of My Son and the imperial city of Hue. We'll also visit the famous underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong, offering a glimpse into an important chapter of Vietnam's more recent history.
It's a trip that brings together everything we love about travelling: time outdoors, fascinating places, new experiences and, of course, good company along the way.
Highlights
Experience some of Vietnam's most iconic sights and must-do activities.
Hike through Pu Luong and along the Cham River, passing lush rice paddies, traditional wooden stilt houses and centuries-old waterwheels.
Walk a section of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail through the Ma Da Jungle and explore some of the spectacular caves in Phong Nha National Park.
Discover the landscapes of Ninh Binh and cruise through Ha Long Bay, both home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Explore the imperial city of Hue and the ancient temple complex of My Son, often compared to Cambodia's famous Angkor.
Enjoy cycling excursions along the way.
Venture into the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, once used by the Viet Cong.
Spend a day exploring the Mekong Delta.
Get a taste of Vietnam's incredible food culture and discover what makes its cuisine so famous.
We meet at Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, and begin our journey to Vietnam, a destination full of contrasts, history and authentic experiences.
Our flight with Air China takes us to Beijing, departing at 14:15 and arriving in Beijing the following morning at 05:05.
We depart from Beijing at 09:00 and arrive in Hanoi at 11:55. After completing the entry formalities, we'll transfer to our hotel in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and wander through the busy streets of the Old Quarter, filled with street vendors, local food and aromas.
We'll spend the night at the Hong Ngoc Dynastie 4*, located in the city centre, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Accommodation is in double rooms, with breakfast included.
Today, we get to know Hanoi a little better, starting with two of the city's most important cultural landmarks. Our first stop is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where we'll discover the history and traditions of the country's 54 ethnic groups. Next, we visit the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 in honour of Confucius and home to Vietnam's first university.
The afternoon is ours to explore Hanoi at our own pace! One spot worth checking out is the famous Train Street, where you can grab a coffee, try Vietnam's famous egg coffee and watch a train pass just a few feet away. Definitely not your everyday coffee break!
Overnight at the same hotel.
This morning, we set off for a two-day cruise through the spectacular Ha Long Bay, one of the highlights of our trip!
Once on board, we'll settle into our spacious cabins, each with a private bathroom and balcony, before setting sail among the towering limestone islands and amazing rock formations that make Ha Long Bay so famous.
We'll enjoy buffet lunch and dinners at the onboard restaurant, and in the evening, the boat will anchor in a sheltered bay, where we'll spend the night surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
Accommodation will be on board the Le Journey Elegance, a wooden boat with 22 cabins. Lunch and dinner are included.
Our day begins with sunrise over Ha Long Bay, which we enjoy from the deck of the boat during a morning Tai Chi session, surrounded by the bay’s impressive rock formations. After brunch, we return to the port, bringing our two-day cruise to an end.
We then leave Ha Long Bay behind and travel by road to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to villages inhabited by the White Thai and Muong communities.
Upon arrival in Pu Luong, we check into Pu Luong Eco Garden, a 3-star hotel (4.8), where we’ll spend the night in Bamboo Rooms with private bathrooms.
We set off early in the morning for a hike through bamboo forests, towering trees, traditional villages and terraced rice fields.
We will pass through the village of Kho Muong, with its traditional wooden stilt houses, and after enjoying our included lunch in one of the villages along the way, we will complete our hike along the rural trails of the Pu Luong Valley, with magnificent views over the rice paddies.
Accommodation at the same hotel.
Before leaving Pu Luong Valley, we head out for a scenic hike along the Cham River, where we’ll get to see the area’s ancient giant waterwheels up close.
Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at a local home (included) before heading to Ninh Binh, a region known for its impressive karst landscapes.
Once we arrive, we explore Van Long Nature Reserve by bike and rowing boat, taking in the scenery of flooded rice fields and towering limestone peaks. We’ll also visit some of the area’s highlights, including Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and Bich Dong Pagoda.
We’ll spend the night at the 4-star Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort.
We set off early in the morning for Central Vietnam and Phong Nha National Park, making a few stops along the way for coffee and food.
Upon arrival, we check into the 3-star Đoàn Gia Resort Phong Nha, where we’ll stay in double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
In the afternoon, we head out to explore the impressive Phong Nha Cave, taking a boat trip along the Son River to reach the cave. Afterwards, we return to the hotel for some time to relax by the pool.
In the evening, why not try some local street food at one of the area’s open-air grills? Pair it with a two-litre beer to share with the group, and you’ve got a taste of an authentic Vietnamese night out!
Today is all about exploration and adventure! We start with a visit to the impressive Paradise Cave, one of the largest caves in Asia, stretching 31 km in length. Discovered by chance in 2005, the cave was so breathtaking that the speleologists who explored it named it “Paradise”. We’ll explore the first kilometre of the cave along an easy, well-maintained visitor route.
Next, we head into the Ma Da Jungle for a hike along part of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. Once we reach Crystal Lake, we’ll stop for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear blue waters and enjoy a BBQ lunch.
We return to the same hotel for another overnight stay.
We start the day by heading to Hue, where we’ll visit the magnificent Imperial Citadel, one of Vietnam’s most important historical landmarks.
Located in the heart of the city, the Citadel is known for its impressive fortified architecture, inspired by the military designs of Vauban. It consists of three main sections: the Capital City (Kinh Thanh), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). Although much of the complex was destroyed during the war in 1968, restoration efforts are ongoing to preserve this invaluable cultural heritage site.
We then continue our exploration with a visit to the Tu Duc Mausoleum, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and one of Hue’s most remarkable attractions.
In the afternoon, we travel by road to Hoi An, where we’ll spend the night at the 4-star Mulberry Collection Silk Eco.
We start the day with a bike ride to Tra Que village, known for the aromatic herbs grown in the area. Here, we’ll meet local farmers and get a closer look at their daily lives and farming traditions.
Afterwards, we sit down for lunch (included), sampling local specialities such as tam huu, small skewers of pork and shrimp, along with six other traditional dishes from the region.
After lunch, we head to My Son, the most important Cham archaeological site in Central Vietnam, before returning to our hotel.
In the evening, we head out for a stroll through Hoi An’s Old Town, which takes on a whole new charm after dark. The streets become one large pedestrian area, while colourful lanterns light up the narrow alleys and canals of the Thu Bon River, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Our journey continues in Southern Vietnam with a short domestic flight from Da Nang Airport to Ho Chi Minh City or, as the locals prefer to call it, Saigon.
Directly from the airport, we depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, dug into the compact clay by the Viet Cong during the war. Here, we will discover the complex underground network and see the ingenious traps they created for American soldiers.
After enjoying our included lunch, we head to the city centre, where we will stay at the Central Palace Saigon, a 4-star hotel.
Upon arrival, we will visit the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office and the Cathedral, before ending the day with a walk along the banks of the Saigon River.
Day’s journey: 137 km | 4 hours
Today, we head south to Tien Giang Province, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. At My Tho Pier, we board a traditional wooden sampan boat and set off on a scenic cruise between Long, Qui and Phung islands.
Along the way, we visit a local farming family, who will introduce us to the region’s traditional farming techniques. We’ll also have the chance to taste some locally grown fruits.
Our exploration continues with a short bike ride through peaceful villages, followed by a trip in traditional rowing boats. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch (included) before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Hanoi.
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our Air China flight to Beijing, departing at 13:25 and arriving at 18:15.
Once in Beijing, we’ll have the chance to experience another side of the city with an evening stroll through the famous Hutongs. These narrow alleyways are lined with traditional houses, shops, cafés and restaurants, making them a great place to wander around and enjoy dinner.
Shortly before midnight, we return to the airport for the final flight of our journey.
We take our return flight to Greece with Air China, departing from Beijing at 02:30 and arriving in Athens at 08:55.
Extra:
Single room supplement: 450€
To secure your place, you must first read the booking terms and, if you agree to them, proceed with the online booking process by clicking on “Book Now.”
The deposit payment is made during the booking process, either by credit/debit card or via IRIS.
An additional amount of €1,000 must be paid by January 24 2027, while the full balance of the trip must be paid by February 24 2027.
The deposit and the remaining payments should be transferred to the following Alpha Bank account:
IBAN: GR1001407960796002002013550
Account Name: OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE
Alternatively, payments can be made via the IRIS payment service using the company’s tax identification number (AFM): 800697728.
When making a bank transfer or deposit, please enter your full name and the trip title “VIETNAM – EASTER” in the payment reference/description field.
In case of cancellation, the following cancellation policy apply:
To enter the country, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure from the country, as well as a travel visa, which will be arranged by our office.
To process the visa application, you must send us a scanned copy of your passport in PDF format and a passport-style photograph taken by a professional photographer. Digitized photos or selfies that do not meet the required specifications will not be accepted. Instructions regarding the photo requirements will be provided to you.
The above documents must be sent to us no later than 30 days before departure. In the event of delayed submission, which may result in the visa not being issued in time, we accept no responsibility for any additional expenses incurred or for any inability to enter the country.
Accommodation is provided in 3* and 4* hotels, in twin rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
The main criterion for selecting the hotels is their location, ensuring convenient implementation of the itinerary and easy access to the local market.
The meal plan includes all breakfasts at the accommodation, 7 meals, and 1 brunch.
For the remaining meals, we can dine at local traditional restaurants, where, in addition to Vietnamese dishes, we can enjoy a wide variety of cuisine from across Asia.
Vietnam is renowned for its gastronomy, and it is well worth exploring its many different culinary experiences — from carefully selected street food spots, chosen based on popularity, high turnover, and freshness, to restaurants offering high-quality and refined cuisine.
Transfers are carried out by private air-conditioned vehicle.
Our tour leader or local guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary if required due to weather conditions or other local circumstances, such as strikes, political unrest or other unforeseen factors.
Any changes will be made with the smooth running of the program and the safety of participants as the main priority. Any additional costs that may arise from such changes are covered by the participants.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Vietnam. However, before travelling, please visit the official website of the Travel Medicine Department of the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) or consult your personal doctor, as requirements and conditions may change frequently. Additional recommendations may also apply depending on your individual medical history.
Information on the EODY website:
EODY – Vietnam
For your safety when moving around the cities, particularly when crossing roads at intersections in Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), please pay close attention to scooters and motorbikes.
Drink bottled or filtered water. If you plan to try street food, choose busy food stalls or places with a high turnover of customers, as this generally means the food is freshly prepared.
Always carry mosquito and insect repellent, as well as a waterproof rain jacket or poncho for sudden heavy rain.
Travel insurance is included in the cost of the trip through AddValue, under the BASIC coverage package.
This package covers travellers up to 65 years of age, with the option to extend the coverage for travellers up to 80 years of age.
Travel insurance is, however, a specialised service, and the accurate and comprehensive information regarding the available insurance options, coverage, and exclusions of each policy can only be provided by the insurance coverage provider.
We therefore recommend that you contact our insurance advisor to discuss your options and decide whether you would like to remain with the provided BASIC package or upgrade to a more comprehensive coverage plan.
Note: Any additional coverage or extension is at the participant’s own expense.
During the period of our trip, northern Vietnam will be in its dry season, with temperatures around 20°C.
Central Vietnam will be relatively warm and will be at the end of the rainy season, so some rainfall on certain days cannot be ruled out.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Indicative exchange rate in May: €1 = approximately 30,600 VND.
Euros are accepted at currency exchange offices in the capital, and ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals. We recommend informing your bank about your trip in advance.
For personal expenses and meals not included in the itinerary, around €300 is usually sufficient for the duration of the trip. However, it is advisable to budget extra for tips and personal purchases.
Before our departure from Greece, you will be invited to join a WhatsApp group, so please make sure you have the app installed on your mobile phone.
Through this group, you will receive daily updates about the itinerary, as well as other useful information during the trip.
To stay connected throughout the journey, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. Viettel is a recommended local provider, with good coverage.
Please also note that Wi-Fi is available at the accommodations, with the exception of the overnight stay on board the boat.
Tipping is optional, but it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation to the tour leader and local staff who help make the trip run smoothly and enjoyably.
For local tips, we recommend budgeting approximately €40–50 per person in total. For our tour leader, the amount is entirely at your discretion.
Air China
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