Discover Vietnam: Nature's Symphony - Hike, Bike, and Kayak Expedition

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This ultimate adventure combines the best of outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience for adventurers seeking to uncover the true essence of this captivating country.

Embarking on a thrilling journey through the heart of Vietnam, we present to you "Discover Vietnam: Nature's Symphony - Hike, Bike, and Kayak Expedition."

This ultimate adventure combines the best of outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience for adventurers seeking to uncover the true essence of this captivating country.

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the majestic waters of Lan Ha Bay, every step of this expedition will leave you breathless with wonder. Immerse yourself in the local traditions and hospitality, challenge yourself with exhilarating treks and cycling routes, and connect with nature as you kayak through breathtaking limestone karsts.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of Vietnam's natural wonders on this extraordinary journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Join us on this remarkable expedition, where every day brings new adventures and endless possibilities.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Vibrant Hanoi

Welcome to the captivating city of Hanoi, Vietnam! As you arrive, you will be greeted by your private tour guide who will accompany you throughout your journey.

Check into your luxurious 4-star hotel and take some time to unwind. In the evening, venture out to explore the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the magnificent Ngoc Son Temple, and delight in the mouthwatering street food offerings. You can also choose to visit the Museum of Ethnology to gain insights into Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities.

End the day with a delightful optional dinner at one of Hanoi's finest culinary establishments.

Day 2

Khau Pha: Embracing the Authenticity

After a sumptuous breakfast, depart from Hanoi and embark on a private journey to Khau Pha, an enchanting village nestled beneath the awe-inspiring Khau Phạ Pass. This community-based tourism project aims to empower Vietnam's ethnic minorities and offers an authentic and exclusive experience for your private group.

As you arrive, bask in the breathtaking beauty of emerald green terraced rice paddies, pristine streams, and majestic hills. Explore the village on a relaxed walk, immersing yourself in the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of Khau Pha. Witness the intricate process of traditional Thai fabric and cloth-making during a private demonstration.

Later, savor a delectable traditional dinner prepared exclusively for your group. As the night falls, retreat to a beautifully redesigned stilt house, providing you and your group with a unique and luxurious nature-inspired homestay.

Day 3

Sapa: Trekking through Breathtaking Landscapes

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a private transfer to the iconic town of Sapa. Today's adventure will take you on a private trek through the captivating landscapes of Vườn Quốc gia Hoàng Liên State Park. Follow your knowledgeable local guide as you traverse terraced farms adorned with golden fields of corn and rice, cross bubbling brooks, and pass through idyllic villages.

The highlight of your trek is the journey from Lao Chai to Ta Van, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of rural Vietnam.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings and soak up the tranquility of nature. Arrive at Ta Van village, where a local family will warmly welcome you to their private homestay. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner prepared exclusively for your group, indulging in the authentic flavors of the region

Day 4

Sapa: Immersed in Nature's Serenity

Awaken to the serene surroundings of Ta Van village and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your hospitable hosts. Today's adventure takes you on a captivating trek to Su Pan, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Afterward, take a leisurely bus ride back to Sapa, where you'll have some time to relax and rejuvenate.

In the afternoon, embark on a journey back to Hanoi, enjoying the picturesque landscapes and countryside vistas along the way.

As you return to the vibrant capital, treat yourself to panoramic views of the city from a rooftop bar while sipping a refreshing iced coffee, the perfect way to unwind after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Day 5

Hanoi: Exploring Hanoi's Charm on Two Wheels

Today, discover the captivating charm of Hanoi as you embark on a cycling adventure through the city.

Begin with a fascinating cycle around Hanoi's picturesque West Lake, enjoying the refreshing breeze and scenic beauty. Continue your journey to the enchanting Temple of Literature, a sanctuary dating back to the 11th century, dedicated to Confucius.

After lunch, you will embark on a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, immersing yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit the renowned Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the final resting place of Vietnam's revered revolutionary leader can be found.

The evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 6

Mai Chau: Majestic Landscapes

Leave the bustling city behind as you embark on a private vehicle journey to Mai Chau, a captivating valley surrounded by verdant landscapes (approximately 60km / 37mi). Marvel at the stunning views along the way, capturing the beauty of Mai Chau and its diverse minority groups.

Upon arrival, your local guide will introduce you to the village of Pom Coong, where you'll be welcomed by your gracious hosts for a traditional lunch. Gain a deeper understanding of the region's people, their customs, and their captivating culture. Indulge in local cuisine, savoring the flavors that represent the essence of this picturesque region. After lunch, take a leisurely cycle trip to nearby villages, immersing yourself in the local way of life.

As the sun sets over the tranquil mountains, relax with a refreshing drink, relishing the beauty of your surroundings. For those passionate about food, join your host and participate in preparing a delicious dinner.

Special Information: At the homestay, you'll enjoy a comfortable communal sleeping arrangement with provided bedding and mosquito nets. Basic shared toilet and bathroom facilities are available.

Day 7

Ninh Binh. Cycling amidst Splendour

After a delightful breakfast, say goodbye to your host and we will transfer from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is renowned for its captivating green valleys, karst mountains, and protected areas, offering a visual feast for nature enthusiasts.

Arrive in Ninh Binh, known as the "Halong Bay on Land," and check into your hotel. On arrival, you’ll head straight to the Dinh and Le Temples which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the kings of Vietnam. After exploring the ancient temples, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy their Vietnamese delicacies... think everything from grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, to spring rolls, to fried fish with tomato sauce.

After relaxing a little bit, ride a bike to Trang An and venture out to explore the captivating landscapes of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delight in a leisurely boat ride through the enchanting waterways, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush greenery.

Day 8

Cat Ba Island: Tranquility and Beach Bliss

Leave the mainland behind as you venture to the picturesque Cat Ba Island, nestled at the southeastern edge of Halong Bay. This idyllic island, surrounded by the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay, offers a serene and secluded paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. Hop on a comfortable bus from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong, and then board a ferry to reach the island.

Arriving on Cat Ba Island, you'll check into a the incredible 5 Star M Gallery Cat Bat Hotel - this is surely the highlight of your trip. Take a moment to soak in the tranquil ambiance and embrace the island vibes. The afternoon is yours to unwind and relax. Swing lazily in a hammock, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or embark on a rewarding hike to catch panoramic views of the island's captivating landscapes.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and let the serenity of Cat Ba Island rejuvenate your soul. As the day comes to a close, savor a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 9

Cat Ba Island: Kayaking Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating full-day boat trip to explore the enchanting Lan Ha Bay and its magnificent limestone karsts. Glide through the emerald waters on a thrilling kayaking adventure, marveling at the towering cliffs and hidden caves that dot the landscape. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this natural wonderland, capturing picture-perfect moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch as you soak in the breathtaking scenery.

After an unforgettable day of kayaking and discovering the beauty of Lan Ha Bay, return to Cat Ba Island for another relaxing evening. Take the opportunity to explore the local restaurants and bars, or simply unwind and soak up the peaceful ambiance of the island.

Day 10

Hanoi: Farewell to Cat Ba Island

Bid farewell to the captivating beauty of Cat Ba Island as you make your way back to Hanoi. Hop on a comfortable bus for the return journey, taking with you cherished memories and a sense of fulfillment from your time spent on this enchanting island. Arriving in Hanoi in the late afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping or visit the city's fascinating museums and historical sites.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, raising a toast to the end of your extraordinary adventure in Vietnam. Reflect on the incredible experiences you've shared and the bonds you've formed, knowing that this journey has left an indelible mark on your heart.

Day 11

Hanoi: End of Adventure

As your unforgettable Vietnam adventure comes to a close, there are no activities planned for the day. Take this opportunity to explore more of Hanoi's captivating sights and sounds at your own pace. Wander through the charming Old Quarter, sample delicious street food, or delve deeper into the city's rich history and culture.

If you wish to extend your stay or continue your explorations further afield, our travel experts are here to assist you in planning the next chapter of your journey.

Accommodation

Included

  • Private Guide & Tour Leader
  • Private Driver
  • All Meals Mentioned in Itinerary
  • VAT & Taxes
  • All Bikes
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
  • Street food tour
  • Traditional Thai Cloth making demonstration
  • Khau Pha Community Village Walk & Khau Pha Community Village Homestay
  • Trek from Lao Chai to Ta Van in Sapa
  • Ta Van to Su Pan trek
  • Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • West Lake bike ride
  • Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Excluded

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for Guides
  • Any visas required (Please bring one photo-passport)
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Late check out at hotels
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Optional activities

Essential Information

Visas:

If entering Vietnam by air, most nationalities will be granted a 30-day stay on arrival without needing a visa.

If you have a UK or US passport, you do not need a visa to enter Vietnam. You can stay for up to 30 days if arriving by air or up to 15 days if arriving by land.

This is referred to as a visa exemption. Upon arrival, you may be required to present your return ticket and complete a landing card.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa before traveling to Vietnam. It's important to avoid overstaying, as doing so may result in fines or detention. Double-check your departure date to ensure compliance. Please note that visa extensions can be obtained in Vietnam at any immigration office for a fee. We recommend verifying the latest entry requirements by consulting your national foreign travel office. For UK citizens, this information can be found in the Foreign Travel Advice section of https://www.gov.uk.

If you intend to enter Vietnam multiple times via land borders during your travels, it is advisable to obtain a multiple entry visa from your embassy or consulate before you travel. This is preferable to attempting to obtain a visa at the border on multiple occasions, as it may lead to being denied re-entry into the country.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, we suggest contacting the Vietnamese embassy in your country. You can find more information at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Tour leader/ local representative, who will take note of your insurance details and emergency contact number. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability of luggage, cancellation, curtailment and loss and personal effects, alongside covid-19 cover.

If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .

Click here to apply for travel insurance ONLINE

Covid-19:

Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.

  1. For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Cambodia, please click here

Addtionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon possible with all the relevant information.

Travel With Confidence:

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.

What does this new booking policy mean for me?:

Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.

Our flexible booking policy includes:

(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees

(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.

(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.

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Contact Details

Choose Your Tour Type

Join a Group Tailor a Tour
Group Tours

Choose Your Preferred Tour Date

Private Tour

Create the unique tour you've always dreamed of. A personal travel consultant will contact you directly to help you every step of the way.

Tour Availability

Dec
Available
Jan
Available
Feb
Available
Mar
Available
Apr
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May
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Jun
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Book with Confidence

  • Full Flexibility

    Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays

  • Your Money is Safe

    Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.

  • COVID-19 Commitment

    Full refund given if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.

  • Travelling Safely

    When you travel with us you can be confident that all of our holidays meet COVID-19 safety regulations.

Giving Back

As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".

The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.

Rainforest canopy viewed from above with river in the centre

Securing A Rainforest Reserve

Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.

Giant sea turtle swimming under water

Assisting Marine Conservation

With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.

Jaguar big cat looking at the camera

Creating New National Parks

By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.

Looking to Carbon Offset?

Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.

Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.

If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.

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