Uncover the balmy highlands of Vietnam on an active adventure
From hidden highland villages to intricate underground tunnels, there’s more to Vietnam than meets the eye. Join us on an exploration of southern and central Vietnam and uncover a country filled with intrigue, rich culture and an eclectic mix of Eurasian cuisine. Encounter the extraordinary war remnants and tantalising street food of Ho Chi Minh City, the French charisma of Dalat, and the folk history of Buon Ma Thuot. Take a healthy dose of adventure with your history too, with motorbike rides around the Forbidden Purple City of Hue and spelunking through the underground caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. With surprises waiting in just about every forest, market and pagoda, this is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
TRIP CHANGES FOR 2018:
Due to flight schedule changes, we will now be staying overnight in Buon Ma Thuot on Day 7 and flying to Danang on Day 8.
Discover a slice of Paris in the East in the picturesque town of Dalat. Explore the opulent summer palace of Bo Dai and stop in at the mouth-watering local market.
Trek through the lush forests of the Central Highlands, where homestays in tiny villages give you a rare insight into rural life and ethnic minority cultures.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the atmospheric streets of Hoi An's historic Old Town, one of Vietnam's most charming destinations
Learn the ways and history of the ethnic Co Tu people during an overnight stay in the highland village of Bho Hoong
With its sprawling array of attractions, the imperial city of Hue is best explored from the back of a motorbike and with a dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River
Sample the literal underground life on a two-day spelunking adventure through the enormous caves and subterranean rivers of the Tu Lan Cave system, just outside of Phong Nha
There is a considerable amount of walking and trekking involved on this trip, and a good level of fitness is required. For Tu Lan trek and caving from Phong Nha this includes a moderately demanding hike through remote and rocky terrain with over a 30 m (100 ft) ascent and then descent. In addition you will be swimming in rivers through subterranean caves sometimes against the current, and climbing up into natural caves
You will stay in simple homestays for two nights in multishare accommodation, with shared bathroom facilities. The experience of spending time with the local people will be more than worth it, not to mention the home cooked dinners prepared by your hosts.
This is South East Asia, so be prepared for some balmy conditions. Dalat tends to to be cooler, however the central highlands where your hiking takes place and Ho Chi Minh City can be really hot. At any rate, be sure to drink plenty of water and use adequate sun protection.
There is one night of camping in the forest with no facilities. Please be prepared for a camping expedition, although all the camping gear will be carried by porters.
In some parts of the Tu Lan Cave system you will swim through subterranean rivers surrounded by limestone formations, and climb, squeeze up into completely enclosed sections of dry cave with no natural light sources. If you suffer from claustrophobia perhaps reconsider if this is suitable.
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1. Passport Details: Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for internal flights and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket
2. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes nights 6 and 7 (homestay) and 15 (camping) where you will be in shared accommodation.
3. Minimum age is 16 due to included trip to caves in Phong Nha.