ITA Travel - Vietnam 14D/13N : HARD ADVENTURE - CENTRAL VIETNAM : QUANG BINH NATIONAL PARK - TU LAN & HANG EN EXPEDITION

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam (D)

Welcome to Hanoi ! You've just landed in this vibrant city, and it's time to acclimate to the tropical weather and the local time zone.

Day 2: Hanoi | Explore Culture, History, and Cuisine  (B, L)

Your exploration of Hanoi begins today, and it's a journey that touches on various facets of this captivating city. First, you'll visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh to pay your respects to Uncle Ho. Following that, embark on a culinary adventure in the Old Quarter. As you delve deeper into its charming alleyways, a local insider will be your guide, helping you discover hidden gems.

After a satisfying lunch, you'll get a glimpse into the rich and diverse lifestyles of ethnic minority groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Then, immerse yourself in the culture and history of Hanoi with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Along the way, you'll pick up practical skills such as how to identify the best spot for egg coffee, how to choose the freshest mangoes, and even how to customize your Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) fillings. Of course, you won't leave without learning the art of capturing the perfect "Phở"  photo for your Instagram. 

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay | Beautiful Days in Halong Bay (B,L)

After breakfast, you'll take a shuttle transfer to Halong Bay and board your cruise. Your Halong Bay adventure will introduce you to the wonders of Cua Van Fishing Village, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Me Cung Caves, Virgin Cave, Surprise Cave, and enchanting islets like Flight Cock Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet, among others (itinerary may vary depending on your cruise).

In the evening, your cruise will anchor in a tranquil, less-crowded area, allowing you to sleep under the starry night sky.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi – Hue (B)

Your memorable cruise concludes around noon with a delicious brunch. You'll then meet your tour guide and driver at the pier, heading to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 5: Hue | Citadel, Palace, and Lagoon Fishing Ride  (B,L)

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the elegance of the ancient city of Hue. Your journey begins with a visit to the Imperial City and Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Perfume river to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and King's tomb nearby, Dong Ba Market. 

Day 6: Hue - Dong Hoi | Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (B,L)

After breakfast, your private tour guide and driver will take you to Quang Binh, a region blessed with lush forests, serene seas, winding rivers, and breathtaking coastlines. Along the way, you'll visit significant sites from the American Wars, including the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Ben Hai River, and Hien Luong Bridge.

Arrive  Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park  - UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Relax & ready for a real adventure tour !

Day  7 – 9 :  Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

OPTION 1 : TU LAN CAVE ENCOUNTER 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS  

Day 7. Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Ken Cave - Tu Lan campsite (B, L, D)

Hike around 2.5km through corn and peanut fields to reach the Rao Nan River bank. From there, you will need to cross the river and climb over a small hill (around 50 m) which is rocky in places. Continuing down the other side the group will reach the flat Hung Ton Valley. After crossing the valley, the group will rest and enjoy lunch at the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. After lunch the trek is a bit more challenging with some steep hills leading to the Tu Lan Valley campsite by the waterfall.

Afternoon activities include swimming and exploring Ken Cave, which is located close to the campsite. Then return to the campsite and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared for you by the chefs. As you immerse yourself in the peaceful natural scenery of mountains and forests as well as the sound of the waterfall, you will feel calm and have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 8. Tu Lan cave - Kim Cave - Hung Ton Cave - Tan Hoa (B, L, D)

The next day, you will trek, explore and swim through Hang Tu Lan and Hang Kim to reach To Mo Valley, two spectacular caves. You will have lunch at To Mo campsite before swimming into Hung Ton Cave, at the side of the waterfall. Inside the cave, the group will have to climb up a 10m high ladder with safety harnesses. A short hike leads to the cave entrance. In front of the cave entrance is the beautiful scene of the Hung Ton Valley, a great spot for beautiful photos. From there the group will return to Oxalis Tan Hoa office along the Hung Ton Valley, crossing the Rao Nan River and the peanut corn fields one last time. Back at Tan Hoa office, the group will check in to Rural Homestay in Tan Hoa to shower and relax.

Around 6:00 pm, the group will walk to the porter’s house for dinner and interact with the villagers. You will not only have the opportunity to try some delicious local food but also learn more about the living condition of the people here. After dinner, the group will come back to Rural Homestay for a restful night.

Day 9 : Explore Tan Hoa village and ATV tour - Phong Nha - -  Hue - Hoi An (B, L)

Early in the morning, waking up from your Rural Homestay, there will be a peaceful review of the lives of the villagers, guests can explore Tan Hoa village and enjoy the sunrise over the Tan Hoa paddy fields or corn fields by biking around the village. You can also enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge Restaurant.

Adventure enthusiasts can also join the ATV - Squat bike off-road tour to explore Lim forest and Kong's home, for two hours. This is a sporty driving tourism activity that takes you up hills, across streams, and through the beautiful Lim forest and Kong’s tunnel.

Homestay check-out time is 12:00 PM. After lunch, hit the road to Hoi An, with a picturesque stop at Hai Van Pass for some fantastic photo opportunities.

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OPTION 2 : HANG EN CAVE 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT

Day 7 . Phong Nha – Ban Doong village – Hang En cave (B, L, D)

Start with a jungle trek, hiking down a steep hill to reach a branch of the Rao Thuong Stream leading to the only village located in the core zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

After about 1.5 hr of walking and wading through streams, the group will arrive at Doong Village - the home of the minority ethnic community living deep in the jungle. The group will stop for lunch at the village and learn about the life of the people here before continuing the trek to Hang En camp. Continuing walking through the jungle, crossing the river many times, the group will reach Hang En after about 3 hours. There everyone will be equipped with helmets, turn on the headlamps and start climbing the rocky section to explore the cave. Standing on the top of the rocky slope, you will see the entire Hang En Cave camp and the mesmerizing surrounding scenery. After receiving your tent, you can enjoy swimming in the turquoise lake next to the camp, before enjoying delicious food right in the cave. That’s the first camping day!

Day 8. Hang En – Phong Nha (B, L, D)

After breakfast, the group continues, climbing up the rocks behind the camp in a cave, exploring and learning more interesting facts of nature's masterpiece in Quang Binh Province, and admiring the stalagmites and stalactites. At the back of the cave, a new view of the Hang En campsite opens up. Save some precious memories of this unique place.

After wading through the underground streams you will reach the large sandy floor of the gigantic cave exit. The group will return through the cave to the underground camp to have lunch and a short break. The group will then leave the cave, for the final challenge of wading through many streams and climbing a steep hill around 450m high. At the top of the hill is the road and a bus with cold beverages ready to welcome you back after all the challenges in your caving adventure to discover the wonderful Hang En.

Overnight at ecolodge  in Phong Nha.

Day 9: Quang Binh -  Hue - Hoi An (B)

After breakfast, hit the road to Hoi An, with a picturesque stop at Hai Van Pass for some fantastic photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Hoi An in the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore and unwind at your leisure. 

Day 10: Hoi An | Fun Cooking Experience (B,L)

Today, immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Hoi An. Your tour guide will lead you to key sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Old House of Tan Ky.

Enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Chen Family Chapel. Later, prepare for a delightful cooking session outside the ancient town at Hai Scout Café, led by a chef from Red Bridge Restaurant.

Day 11: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City  (B,L)

Enjoy some leisure time in Hoi An before catching your flight to Ho Chi Minh City via Danang. After checking in, the evening is yours to relax and explore at your own pace.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City | Unveiling the Mekong (B,L)

Embark on a journey to My Tho, a bustling town in the Mekong River Delta, just two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, your tour guide will provide insights into the life of this unique region.

Upon arrival, hop on a traditional sampan boat, expertly navigated by a local fisherman who knows how to maneuver through the canals. Visit local workshops to witness the craftsmanship of coconut candy, rice wine, and rice paper, all of which you used to make spring rolls a few days ago. Savor seasonal fruits fresh from the orchard, and engage in a heartfelt conversation with the garden host, learning about their philosophy of life.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City) | Discover Saigon (B, L)

Embark on a half-day exploration to discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Central Post Office.

Afternoon free at leisure for walking around the downtown of Saigon or shopping souvernir home.

Days 14 :  Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

On the last day, depart Ho Chi Minh City for your onward flight back. Home sweet home.