Admiring the citadel at Hue - Hero image

International Multi-day Tour

Vietnam Active Adventure

Experience the best of northern and central Vietnam on an immersive two-week journey. Venture beyond the highlights to connect with local communities, discover fascinating traditions and experience the country at a slower pace.

Book Now

Destination Vietnam

Duration 14 Days

Price From $3,990

Departs 19 Oct 2027

Group Size 14 Max

Overview

Explore Vietnam with AW

Journey from the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An on this memorable two-week adventure through northern and central Vietnam. Along the way, discover the dramatic limestone landscapes of Cao Bang, the tranquil waterways of Ninh Binh and a rich tapestry of history, culture and local traditions.

Travel beyond the well-known sights to meet skilled artisans, hike through areas of immense natural beauty and stay in welcoming family homestays. With time to slow down and immerse yourself in each destination, you’ll take part in experiences that offer a deeper connection with Vietnam and its people.

Each day reveals a different side of this remarkable country, shared with a group of like-minded women who value connection and unforgettable experiences.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip is suited to women with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy being active outdoors. While it isn't a hiking trip, expect to spend lots of time on your feet during the day (often on uneven terrain), some longer travel days and a night spent on an overnight train. You'll need to be independently mobile, comfortable carrying your own luggage and ready to embrace the adventure with a positive, flexible attitude.

There are two longer hikes of 6 and 10 km that are achievable for active women and a 2-3 hour bike ride over flat terrain. These activities can be skipped, should you wish, but they are a memorable part of the overall journey.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Hanoi streets — Explore Hanoi's historic landmarks and vibrant culture

Day 1 Tue 19 Oct Hanoi Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Vietnam! Arrive at any time today and check into the hotel from 2pm onwards.

At 5:30 pm, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a trip briefing, where we'll run through the adventure ahead and answer any last-minute questions.

Afterwards, we'll head out for a delicious welcome dinner, the perfect opportunity to get to know the group while sampling some of Vietnam's incredible cuisine.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 2 Wed 20 Oct Hanoi: Exploring the Capital

After breakfast, we’ll meet with our local guide and set out to explore vibrant Hanoi. We start with a walking tour, discovering the atmospheric lanes of the Old Quarter where traditional shops, street food stalls and everyday local life come together. We'll also visit iconic landmarks including Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful green oasis in the centre of the city.

Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum for fascinating insights into Vietnam’s history, culture and the role of women throughout the country’s development.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 3 Thu 21 Oct Hanoi - Bat Trang - Hanoi

Today we venture beyond Hanoi to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a traditional craft village renowned for its pottery. Meet local ceramic families, learn about their techniques and try your hand at creating your own piece of pottery.

After lunch, we’ll return to Hanoi where there is more time to explore the vibrant capital on your own.

Driving time: 45 minutes each way

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 4 Fri 22 Oct Hanoi-Cao Bang: Trek & Homestay (6km)

Leaving Hanoi behind, we travel north towards the spectacular landscapes of Cao Bang, passing through scenic countryside, mountains and rolling hills along the way.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Thang Hen Lake, where our trek begins. We’ll hike approximately 6 kilometres through forest trails to Na Ma Valley, where tropical limestone karsts create a stunning backdrop.

Upon arrival at our homestay, there is time to settle in and relax before enjoying a family-style dinner.

Distances: Driving time 6 hours; Hiking 6km (1-2 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay, Na Ma

Day 5 Sat 23 Oct Hike to Khuoi Ki Village (10km)

We start with a transfer to Trung Khanh District, winding through the spectacular limestone landscapes and rolling hills of the border region.

From the trailhead, we begin a scenic 10 km hike along the emerald waters of the Quay Son River, passing through peaceful villages and beautiful rural landscapes. Depending on seasonal water levels, there may be opportunities to enjoy a refreshing wade across shallow sections of the river along the way.

After lunch, continue hiking to Khuoi Ki Stone Village, a Tay ethnic village known for its centuries-old stone houses. We’ll drop our bags at the homestay and take some time to relax.

This afternoon, we transfer to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive natural wonders. Enjoy time to explore and take in the views before returning to our homestay for dinner.

Distances: Driving time 1 hour; Hiking 10 km (3-4 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay, Khuoi Ki village

Day 6 Sun 24 Oct Khuoi Ki - Nguom Ngao Caving - Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast in Khuoi Ki before packing up and continuing our journey back towards Hanoi.

After a short scenic drive, we arrive at Nguom Ngao Cave. Following a safety briefing and gearing up, we’ll explore this incredible underground world on a guided 2-hour walk through vast chambers filled with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

After our cave adventure, we’ll continue our journey back to Hanoi, stopping for lunch along the way. We’ll arrive in the city in the early evening and check into our hotel.

Distances: Driving time 6 hours; Caving 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 7 Mon 25 Oct Hanoi - Thai Binh silk village- Ninh Binh

We leave Hanoi behind and travel to Thai Binh, home to traditional silk villages and generations of skilled artisans.

Visit a local silk village and spend time with the women of the community, learning about the fascinating process of silk production. From visiting the farm to seeing traditional techniques in action, you’ll have the chance to gain insight into this important craft and try your hand at some of the processes yourself.

Enjoy a local lunch in the village before continuing to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Distances: Driving time 4.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Ninh Binh

Day 8 Tue 26 Oct Ninh Binh: Tam Coc by boat and Hang Mua - Overnight train to Hue

Today we explore the spectacular landscapes of Ninh Binh, often known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’.

Begin with a peaceful sampan journey through Tam Coc, gliding along the Ngo Dong River and surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush countryside.

Later, we hike 500 stairs to the Hang Mua viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views across the limestone mountains, rice fields and winding river below.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before some free time to relax, explore or enjoy an optional massage.

This evening we’ll transfer to Ninh Binh Railway Station and board our overnight sleeper train to Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train

Day 9 Wed 27 Oct Hue: Perfume River cruise and Introduction to Buddhism

We arrive in Hue and transfer to our hotel for an early check-in and breakfast. After the overnight train journey, there is time to rest and recharge during a relaxed morning.

This afternoon, we’ll cruise along the peaceful Perfume River before visiting a local pagoda. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to meet with a Buddhist nun and learn more about Buddhist traditions, beliefs and daily life.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner at the Buddhist pagoda. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the tranquillity and mindfulness practices.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hue

Day 10 Thu 28 Oct Hue: Discover the Imperial City

Today we’ll immerse ourselves in the history and charm of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. We’ll begin with a traditional rickshaw ride through the city, taking in the sights and sounds of this atmospheric riverside destination.

Our exploration continues at the magnificent Imperial Citadel, the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty for over a century. Wander through its grand gates, ancient courtyards and historic buildings as we uncover stories of Vietnam’s royal past.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hue

Day 11 Fri 29 Oct Hue to Hoi An

After breakfast, we leave Hue behind and travel south to the enchanting riverside town of Hoi An.

Along the way, we’ll visit the Green Youth Collective, where we’ll learn about inspiring recycling initiatives and community-led efforts to create a more sustainable future.

After arriving in Hoi An, check into our hotel. The evening is free to explore the charming streets, lantern-lit lanes and riverside cafés of Hoi An.

Distances: Driving time around 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 12 Sat 30 Oct Hoi An: Cycle the countryside, Free afternoon

Today we’ll experience a different side of Hoi An as we hop on our bikes and cycle through the peaceful surrounding countryside. Pedal along quiet paths, passing rice fields, waterways and local villages while gaining a glimpse into everyday life beyond the historic town centre.

We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Hoi An, where the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

This evening, you may choose to join an optional Teh Dar Show (subject to performance schedule), a captivating showcase of Vietnam’s indigenous culture through music, dance, and storytelling.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 13 Sun 31 Oct Hoi An: Tam Ky Tunnels- Nature Walk- Farewell dinner

This morning we’ll venture beyond Hoi An to discover the stories and landscapes of the surrounding region. We’ll visit the Tam Ky Tunnels, learning about local life, resilience and the experiences of communities during the Vietnam War.

Then continue to a nearby lagoon and wetland area for a guided nature walk, discovering the region’s unique ecosystem and keeping an eye out for native birdlife.

After lunch, we return to Hoi An. This evening, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories from our journey through Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 14 Mon 1 Nov Hoi An- Departure day

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. There are no scheduled activities or services included today, so you may depart at your convenience.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
10 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin/share basis with optional single rooms at a surcharge
2 nights’ accommodation in homestays
Overnight sleeper train Ninh Binh-Hue (4-berth cabins)
A Vietnamese guide for the duration of the tour plus a hiking guide in Cao Bang
Private transportation for all activities and transfers in the itinerary
Excursions as stated in the itinerary, including entrance fees
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"What an amazing tour - Vietnam is a pretty special place with spectacular scenery, fabulous food and lovely people"

Helen Vietnam

"Simply the best! Well planned with ability to tweak on the run if required. The leadership was second to none"

Jill Vietnam

"This was a wonderful trip. There were so many fantastic experiences and excellent food. It was well organised and we had excellent tour leaders and a terrific group of ladies to be with"

Sharon Vietnam

"Thankyou to the amazing Adventurous Women Team for a truly memorable trip to Vietnam. From start to finish it was professionally organised conducted by knowledgeable guides giving a deeply authentic experience which I will treasure for the rest of my life, every aspect was amazing thank you :)"

Jodie Vietnam

Good to know

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way.

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

International flights
Arrival/departure airport transfers
Drinks other than water at meals
Meals and activities other than listed in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Expenses of a personal nature
Travel Insurance (mandatory)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

When on the tour , we have you sharing with different women from the group at different times - great for group bonding and also for alleviating any potential annoyances that may occur as a result of travelling with the same person throughout a tour. Or, if you’d prefer your own room on the trip, this is available for an additional supplement. You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival & Departure Details

The tour starts in Hanoi on 19 October, with the nearest airport being Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). We recommend arriving by the afternoon of Day 1 to allow time to settle in before the welcome meeting.

The journey ends on 1 November in Hoi An, with the nearest airport being Da Nang International Airport (DAD), approximately 30 kilometres away.

Who will be leading the tour?

All AW tours are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

You’ll also be joined by local Vietnamese guides, who will share insight into the local culture and history along the way.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies wherever possible. Please ensure any dietary requirements are advised in advance so we can confirm what can be accommodated and let you know of any limitations before you travel.

Accommodation

During the tour, two nights will be spent in homestays in the northern region. These are simple, authentic stays with large open rooms featuring 4-12 mattresses on the floor and shared bathroom facilities.

One night will be spent aboard an overnight sleeper train from Ninh Binh to Hue in four-berth cabins. We aim to arrange cabins for AW group members only; however, in some cases, another traveller may share the cabin.

The remaining 10 nights will be spent in comfortable 3-star hotels.

The tour price is based on twin-share accommodation. A single room supplement is available for the 10 hotel nights, subject to availability. Single rooms are not available for the homestay nights or overnight train journey.

How will we be travelling?

This is an overland journey with some longer travel days. We’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned bus or van on all road sections, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. The exception is the journey from Ninh Binh to Hue, which will be by overnight sleeper train.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is mandatory for AW's international trips. We recommend taking out a policy early. Most good travel insurance policies offer an upgrade option to cover trip cancellation and interruption, which can come in handy.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through an affiliation with this insurer, AW receives a financial benefit. As a way of passing value back to our guests, if you purchase a policy for an AW trip through Go Insurance using this link, you may be eligible for our rebate offer. You can learn more about this offer by clicking here.

Do I need a visa?

Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. While obtaining this document and covering the associated fees is the traveller’s responsibility, we will provide clear instructions and helpful reminders in the lead up to the trip.