Secret Vietnam
Kayak in beautiful Ha Long Bay, island-hop through the Mekong & take a vintage Vespa street food tour of Ho Chi Minh City
What's included
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
To the adventurers looking to get lost amongst unspoiled nature, to eat truly authentic Vietnamese fare and experience local living far from the crowds; this one’s for you.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, this nine-day group adventure will see you coast between Ha Long Bay’s soaring limestone peaks on a traditional junk boat. You’ll zip through Ho Chi Minh traffic on the back of a Vespa in search of incomparable street food, island-hop the Mekong Delta and chug through breathtaking landscapes on the ‘world’s best’ train ride. You’ll be invited into the home of more than one family and dine in Hue’s Dong Thien Pagoda with Buddhist nuns; all the while getting to know your like-minded group of solo travelers.
- Touch down in Hanoi where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you through the bustling streets to your central boutique hotel
- Be invited into a Hanoian family home for a traditional Cha Ca meal alongside three generations
- Enjoy an authentic feast of fish or vegetarian dishes that’s near-impossible to find outside of a family kitchen; your cultural immersion has begun
- Travel to Ha Long Bay where you’ll board a traditional junk boat to cruise through the emerald waters and towering karst islets of this Unesco World Heritage site
- Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to the isolated and lesser-explored Lan Ha Bay, where you’ll take a bamboo boat ride through the Dark and Light Cave
- Return to your junk boat for cocktails, a sunset dinner, and – if your vocals are up to it – a night of karaoke. When in Asia…
- Wake early for a sunrise tai chi class out on deck; the deep breathing and slow movement against such majestic scenery makes for a memorable group experience
- Take a kayaking excursion through idyllic Frog Pond Bay – the film location for Kong Skull Island in the King Kong movie – with towering sea cliffs and secret cave
- Paddle back to your luxury junk boat for brunch and breathe in the epic scenery as you cruise back to port for your onward journey to Hue
- Travel back in time to the Nguyen Dynasty, as you explore Hue’s imperial citadel with its sprawling network of temples and pavilions
- Enjoy a unique lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda, following Buddhist rituals and eating in silence to savor the flavors of this satisfying Vietnamese food
- Learn to make traditional paper flowers before ending your day at Tam Giang Lagoon, where a seafood feast awaits in a picturesque water hut
- Take one of the world’s best train rides (as voted by Condé Nast) from Hue to Danang, travelling through spectacular coastal scenery
- Soak up the views from your upper-class carriage, but be sure to hop across to the canteen cart to pick up some snacks and chat to the locals
- Transfer to the riverside city of Hoi An and take a tour of the Old Town, with its colorful clan houses and wooden-fronted shophouses
- Cycle through Hoi An’s countryside, past rice fields and swaying palms, soaking up scenes of everyday rural life
- Take a boat across the river to the tranquil island of Cam Kim for an authentic noodle-making workshop with the local villagers
- Spend an evening at the internationally acclaimed ‘bamboo circus’, where Vietnamese cultural stories are brought to life in the most evocative of ways
- Enjoy a free day in Hoi An, losing yourself in the winding alleys that thrum with market stalls, Chinese lanterns and rich architecture
- Tonight, meet local legend Mr Tu, for a unique tofu-making experience; listen to his fascinating stories and insights about life in Hoi An
- Sit down with your group to enjoy a sumptuous home-cooked meal, then Mr Tu and his friend will show off their guitar skills with some Vietnamese classics
- Leave the calm of Hoi An behind as you journey to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city; visit the deeply moving War Remnants Museum
- Ride past the city’s most famed monuments on a vintage Vespa food safari, stopping off for tastings at revered foodie haunts
- Spend your evening at an atmospheric bar for cocktails and live music with your group, soaking up the big city vibe
- Explore the Mekong delta on an island-hopping adventure, where traditional life continues frozen in time
- Visit village workshops where traditional crafts are made, join a local family for lunch and take a private sampan ride through the network of waterways
- Enjoy a farewell dinner of delicious Vietnamese food (with a modern twist) and enjoy a cocktail with your group as you take in the city panorama
- After breakfast, make your own way to the airport (your Pack Leader can help book a transfer) for your onward journey
- Arrive home from your Vietnam adventure feeling privileged to have enjoyed so many immersive and local experiences. Thanks to the people you’ve met along the way, you’ve uncovered some of Vietnam’s most beautiful secrets
As captured on Instagram
The latest from Flashpackers in Vietnam on #picsworthsharing
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Our favorite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Alba Spa Hotel, Hue
The serenity of Hue can be felt within the walls of this hotel, whose spa is its pride and joy. Rooms are bright and simply decorated whilst the location close to Imperial City means less-weary feet for you.
Hadana Belle Maison Hoi An Resort
Spacious rooms with balconies, a pool plus a stand-out location close to Hoi An’s Old Town. Make use of the free bike hire and end your days with a gin cocktail at the Terrace Cafe.
The Myst Dong Khoi
An oasis of calm just steps from the famous Dong Khoi Street. Expect ylang ylang-scented air and hushed modern facilities, including a tranquil spa and refreshing rooftop pool – a great spot to cool off with your group while overlooking the sprawling maze of Saigon.
Important notes
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Which airport do I fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Hanoi International Airport (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh International Airport (SGN).
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What time should my flight arrive? (to arrive in time for the welcome meeting)
Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 4:30 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 30 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
Check-out time is 11am but you can leave anytime that suits you. The airport is approximately 30-45 minutes away from the hotel, and your Pack leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which should cost around 150,000 VND / 7 USD.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10-15 USD per day
- Drivers: 4-5 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, waiters, porters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend budgeting approximately 500,000 VND, the equivalent of less than 30 USD per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed so only a moderate level of fitness is needed.
We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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When's the best time to go? What is the weather like?
March – April, and October – November are the best times to visit. However, the country is beautiful the whole year long.
If you want to have a beach break, April to September is the best moment for a quiet, sunny relaxing moment in the central part of Vietnam, known for beautiful natural beaches.
Vietnam has a diverse climate influenced by both tropical monsoons and its range of altitudes and latitudes.
The temperature in Hanoi may range from 16°C/61°F – 21°C/70°F from November to March and 24°C/75°F – 30°C/86°F from April to October.
Ho Chi Minh City is consistently warm and humid, averaging around 28°C (82°F) during the day and dropping in temperature overnight.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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