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Vietnam Youth Adventure & Sapa

New Tour

15 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 45): Embark on this 15-day tour of Vietnam. Discover the bustling streets and historic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, experience the scenic Hai Van Pass, and enjoy a unique kayaking journey into Hoi An. Immerse yourself in local life with eco-projects, traditional cooking classes, and homestays in picturesque settings like Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Sa Pa. Cruise the stunning Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, trek through lush rice terraces, visit enchanting waterfalls, and marvel at Vietnam’s natural beauty and heritage. This unforgettable adventure offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor exploration.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.

Download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

15 days

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City

Ends

Hanoi

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide with specialist local guides for some sightseeing

Group Size

Min 6 / Max 24

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

45

Departs

Mondays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels & homestay

Countries

Vietnam

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 7, Dinner: 6
Adults (18+)
Per Person From
NZD

$3,155.00

Deposit From
Final payment
NZD

$1,000.00

$5,310.00

Tour Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City - Explore the city’s famous sights and hidden gems on a walking tour, learn the national sport Da Cao (foot badminton)
Da Nang to Hoi An - Kayak along the Thu Bon River towards Hoi An’s historic old town, experiencing the city from a unique perspective, and visit the vibrant Night Market
Hoi An - Cycle through the countryside, pass rice fields and villages, and participate in an eco-brick project to clean the river and support a local NGO
Hue - Drive through the scenic Hai Van Pass, visit the Imperial City, take a boat ride on the Perfume River, and join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class
Pu Luong - Travel to Pu Luong National Park, visit Chua Ngoc Chau Temple, and explore a nearby waterfall surrounded by breathtaking landscapes
Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Trek to a bamboo lake house, enjoy bamboo rafting or swimming, and chase waterfalls through forest trails to immerse in nature
Hanoi - Walk through the lively streets of Hanoi, join a food tour to sample local delicacies, and experience the city’s vibrant culture
Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay - Cruise through Ha Long Bay to Bai Tu Long, kayak around Cap La Island, visit a secluded beach on Cong Do Island
Hanoi - Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck in Halong Bay, explore the Thien Canh Son Cave, and participate in a cooking class before taking a walking tour of Hanoi
Sapa - Trek through the rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley and visit Ta Van village, then explore the Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall amidst lush landscapes

Included

10 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 6 dinners
13 nights' accommodation in hotels & homestays (1 night in a twin/double room in 4-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh, 2 nights in a twin/double room in a 3-star hotel in Hoi An, 1 night in twin/double room a in 4-star hotel in Hue, 2 nights in Multi Share local homestay in Pu Luong Park, 2 nights in a twin/double room in a 3-star hotel in Hanoi, 1 night in Multi Share local homestay in Sa Pa, and 1 night in a twin/double room in a mid range Boutique hotel in Sa Pa)
All transport from Day 1 to 14 in cars, vans, and jeeps
Escorted by a tour guide, with the services of specialist, English-speaking local guides for some sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hanoi, and Halong Bay
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Unseen Saigon Walking Tour
1 overnight Train ticket Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang
1 overnight cruise Hanoi - Halong Bay
Da Cao Foot Badminton with our local team
Kayak Into Hoi An
History Walk Of Hoi An
1 overnight Train ticket Hue - Ninh Binh
Rural Village Bike Tour with Trash Collection
Visit To Eco-brick Ngo with Collected Trash to Make Bricks for Local Community Projects
Open Top Army Jeep Through the Hai Van Pass
Imperial City Visit & History Walk Around Hue
Garden Cooking Class on the banks of the Perfume River
Village Experience In Ban Hiue
Mountain Trekking
Waterfall Visits
Bamboo Lakehouse Swim
Local Family picnic in Pu Luong
Guided Walk Through The Old Quarter Of Hanoi
Hanoi Local Foodie Street Food Tour
Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Tai Chi lesson
Explore Thien Canh Son (cave)
Cooking Class – fruit carving & making spring rolls
Scenic transfer to Sa Pa
Rice Terrace Valley Trek
Trek to Giang Ta Chai Village
1 overnight Train Sa Pa - Hanoi
Visit Silver & Love Waterfalls
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture
Optional Activities
Departure Airport Transfer

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Ho Chi Minh!

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. After checking in, feel free to either explore the area or relax until it's time to join your group for a welcome dinner, where you can meet your fellow travelers.

Later, you can enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool with views of the city and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Overnight Train

Ho Chi Minh City - Danang. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a walking tour to explore our city’s famous sights and hidden gems. We’ll then prepare for a unique cultural experience by learning our national sport, Da Cao, or “foot badminton.” This energetic game is a favourite pastime, played in parks across the country.

We’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics from one of our local teams, supported through our community projects. After the lesson, we’ll return to our hotel to freshen up before heading to the train station for our overnight journey to Da Nang.

Overnight: Overnight train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Danang to Hoi An & Kayaking

Danang - Hoi An. Upon arrival, our team takes us to the banks of the Thu Bon River, where we enjoy a quick lunch before setting off on our kayaks. As we paddle through the river, we make our way toward Hoi An’s historic old town, getting a unique view of the city that most visitors miss. Slowly, the town comes into view, its streets and buildings gradually revealing themselves.

Once we dock, we walk to our hotel to freshen up. In the evening, you can relax by the pool, explore the Night Market, or visit one of the local tailors to have something custom-made.

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 4 - Cycling and Eco Projects

Today, we start our morning by cycling through the peaceful countryside, passing small villages and lush rice fields, until we reach a quiet riverbank. Here, we’ll begin our mission to collect plastic waste that has been carelessly discarded along the river.

Once there, we will sort through the collected trash to create eco-bricks for a local NGO. An eco brick is a plastic bottle filled with used plastic to a specific density, turning it into reusable building blocks. This initiative not only helps clean the riverbank but also contributes to producing a significant number of eco-bricks for construction projects in remote areas of Quang Nam province, such as building playgrounds and schools.

The afternoon is at your leisure to further explore or perhaps some time at the beach!

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Hai Van Pass to Hue

Hoi An - Hue. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off for Hue, also known as the Imperial City, in style! Our journey will be in open-top jeeps, beginning with the scenic drive up the renowned Hai Van Pass. This iconic route offers us stunning coastal vistas and sharp hairpin bends that will take our breath away.

Along the way, we’ll pass by a stunning waterfall, stop for lunch, and navigate through enchanting rural backroads. We’ll arrive in the historic town of Hue, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Imperial Hue & Culinary Delights

Hue - Ninh Binh. In the morning, we’ll board a dragon boat and make our way to the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda before heading to a local garden along the banks of the Perfume River. There, we’ll have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. After the class, you can choose to relax or explore the imperial city before we transfer to Hue Train Station for our overnight journey to Ninh Binh.

Overnight: Overnight train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Ninh Binh - Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Today, we prepare for our journey to one of Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes! We’ll board a bus to Pu Luong National Park, pausing along the way for lunch and a visit to Chua Ngoc Chau Temple.

Our accommodation will be at a local homestay in Ban Hieu, surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. Before dinner with our host family, we can explore a nearby waterfall. We’ll immerse ourselves in the stunning, less-travelled scenery around us and spend the night in a local home.

Overnight: Local homestay
Meals: Dinner

Day 8 - Trekking & Pu Luong

After enjoying breakfast with a stunning view of the valley, we will embark on a short downhill trek to a picturesque traditional rural bamboo lake house. Here, we have the option to go bamboo rafting or swim in the crystal-clear water. A picnic lunch will be provided by a local family in a breathtaking natural setting. After lunch, we’ll prepare for an exciting waterfall-chasing adventure.

Our guide will lead us along a secret path to discover a spectacular waterfall nestled within the valley, accessible via narrow forest trails. As we traverse past local farms and villages, we’ll immerse ourselves in the tranquil scenery. This is truly a place to disconnect and embrace our surroundings. The trek back will take us through rice fields and farms, returning to the homestay for dinner and drinks.

Overnight: Local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Hanoi & Foodie Discoveries

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Hanoi. As we bid farewell to our homestay family and the scenic beauty of Pu Luong, after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Once we have arrived in Hanoi and checked in, we will join our group for a walk through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, followed by a delicious food tour featuring local delicacies. Prepare for an exciting culinary adventure!

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Halong Bay Cruise & Bai Tu Long Bay

Hanoi - Halong Bay. Today, we’re leaving the city's hustle behind for breathtaking bay views as we board a traditional boat to explore the renowned Ha Long Bay. Our cruise takes us north to the less-visited Bai Tu Long area, where pristine landscapes await. Experience the beauty of Cap La Island by kayaking around its stunning surroundings.

For those keen on a swim, there’s the option to visit a secluded beach on Cong Do Island. As the day ends, we’ll enjoy sunset drinks and a dinner on deck.

Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Tai Chi, Thien Cave, Cooking Class & Hanoi Exploration

Halong Bay - Hanoi. Today, you can start your day with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the morning views of the bay. Next, we’ll visit Thien Canh Son, the most renowned cave system in Ha Long Bay, celebrated for its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.

On our return journey, we’ll have the opportunity to try Vietnamese fruit carving and spring roll making, gaining insight into the region's intricate techniques and culinary traditions.

Once back in Hanoi, you can opt for a walking tour to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and history.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 - Sa Pa & Rice Terrace Valley Trek

Hanoi - Sa pa. Our adventure continues today with an early morning departure at 7 AM as we board a comfortable limousine for a picturesque 6-hour drive to Sa Pa. Once we arrive, we’ll meet our local guide and head directly to Ta Van Trek Point.

We’ll explore the vibrant rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley, where Ta Van village offers an authentic glimpse into the rural life of local tribes. We’ll immerse ourselves in the unhurried lifestyle, savor delicious meals, and engage with the curious and friendly locals.

As evening approaches, we’ll enjoy dinner with our local host and spend the night in a genuine homestay, fully absorbing the atmosphere of Sa Pa.

Overnight: Local homestay
Meals: Dinner

Day 13 - Trek to Giang Ta Chai & Explore Sa Pa Town

We’ll wake up to a delicious breakfast at our homestay. At around 9:00 AM, we’ll embark on a trek to Giang Ta Chai Village. We’ll hike uphill to encounter a stunning waterfall and take in breathtaking views. The village is home to the Red Dao people, recognizable by their unique black attire adorned with embroidered details.

We’ll enjoy lunch in the village before making a steep descent. Upon returning to Sa Pa Town, we’ll check into our accommodation for the night. The afternoon is free for you to explore Sa Pa Town and visit the local market, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Please note: That we recommend wearing hiking shoes rather than trainers for this walk.

Overnight: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 - Waterfalls in Sa Pa & Overnight Train to Hanoi

Sa Pa - Lao Cai - Hanoi. Today marks our last day in Sa Pa. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we’ll set off with our guide and driver to reach an altitude of 1,700 meters to explore the captivating Silver Waterfall, the source of the Muong Hoa stream. We’ll capture some beautiful photos before proceeding along a wild forest road for about 3 kilometers. This route leads us to a red dirt path that meanders through vibrant green bamboo forests.

At the edge of the bamboo forest, we’ll follow the stream to arrive at the stunning Love Waterfall. From a distance, the waterfall resembles a hat, creating a scenic view amidst the expansive mountain and forest backdrop. After taking in the beauty of Love Waterfall, we’ll return to our car and head back to Sa Pa town for a final lunch there.

A late check-out from our accommodation has been arranged, allowing us to return to our room after lunch, freshen up, and gather our belongings before our overnight train journey. In the evening, we’ll transfer to Lao Cai Train Station for our overnight ride to Hanoi. We’ll be sure to pick up some snacks for the train and enjoy sharing a cabin with our travel companions.

Overnight: Overnight train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 - Farewell to Vietnam!

Our Vietnamese adventure concludes as we reach Hanoi between 5 and 5:30 AM. As we bid farewell to our guide and fellow travellers at Hanoi Train Station, we wish you a safe onward journey.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accomodation Ho Chi Minh

Double

$55per passenger

Twin

$55per passenger

Single

$105per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Alagon Plus Hotel & Spa
Ho Chi Minh City

Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Alagon City Point Hotel & Spa offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, featuring cable TV, tea/coffee facilities, and en-suite bathrooms with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, unwind with massages at the spa, or exercise in the gym. Conveniently located, the hotel is 500 metres from Ben Thanh Market, Mariamman Hindu Temple, and the Fine Arts Museum, 700 metres from Reunification Palace, and 1.1 km from Notre Dame Church. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hoang Trinh Hotel
Hoi An

Located opposite a memorial park, this relaxed hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge, 6 km from An Bang Beach, and a 14-minute walk from the nearest bus station. The straightforward rooms feature minibars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi, with room service available. Amenities include a garden café, a casual restaurant/bar with a terrace, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, sports facilities, and a children’s playground. Event space is also available.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Alba Spa Hotel
Hue

Situated 500 metres from Huong River in Hue, Alba Spa Hotel provides comfortable accommodation in a serene setting. Guests can rejuvenate in the Alba hot and cool mineral spa pools, an age-old practice for health and vitality. The hotel is 810 metres from Notre Dame Cathedral, 1 km from An Dinh Palace and Trang Tien Bridge, 12 km from Phu Bai Airport, and 80 km from Da Nang International Airport. Rooms feature neutral décor, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safety deposit boxes, tea/coffee makers, slippers, and hairdryers for added convenience.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Lenid Hanoi Hotel
Hanoi

Set in the Japanese district and just a 2-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, this relaxed hotel is 2 km from Hoàn Kiếm Lake and 3 km from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The casual, airy rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, with room service available 24/7. The hotel features a casual restaurant serving a multi-cuisine menu, as well as a spa area and a business centre.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Renea Cruise
Halong Bay

Situated in Ha Long, 700 metres from Bai Chay Beach, Renea Cruises Halong offers beachfront accommodation with barbecue facilities. This 4-star cruise features a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, shared lounge, room service, and currency exchange. Some rooms offer sea views, and the on-board restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options available on request. The cruise also boasts a sun terrace and provides fishing activities. Ha Long Queen Cable Car is 1.1 km away, Vincom Plaza Ha Long is 6.5 km away, and Cat Bi International Airport is 45 km from the property.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Traditional Ship
The Gate Boutique Sapa
Sapa

Located around a 5-minute drive from Quang Truong Square, the 3-star Gate Boutique Hotel Sapa offers 20 rooms with garden views, making it an ideal base for exploring Sa Pa, including the Ham Rong flower garden just a 9-minute walk away. The hotel is also within walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral, Hanging Gardens Sapa, and Cat Cat Resort, with Sapa Express bus station a 10-minute walk away. All rooms are furnished with soundproof windows, free Wi-Fi, a cable flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle, as well as a separate toilet, bath, shower, hairdryer, and bath sheets for added comfort.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Mid-range Boutique Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 6 travellers. 'Dorm' prices are per person and include all accommodation in a mix of twin, triple and multi-share dorm rooms, shared with other travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices apply when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. Please note that if paying the 'Single' price, six nights will be shared with other travellers during homestays and when travelling by overnight train.

2025
Dorm
Single
Twin
17 Feb - 3 Mar
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
24 Feb - 10 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
3 Mar - 17 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
10 Mar - 24 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
17 Mar - 31 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
24 Mar - 7 Apr
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
31 Mar - 14 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
7 Apr - 21 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
2026
Dorm
Single
Twin
5 Jan - 19 Jan
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
12 Jan - 26 Jan
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
19 Jan - 2 Feb
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
26 Jan - 9 Feb
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
2 Feb - 16 Feb
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
23 Feb - 9 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
2 Mar - 16 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155
9 Mar - 23 Mar
$3,155
$3,835
$3,155

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