Essence of Vietnam
International Multi-day Tour

Vietnam Active Adventure

From cycling through rice paddies to kayaking in Halong Bay, this two-week adventure showcases Vietnam in all its colour, flavour and energy. Designed for curious and adventurous women, it’s a journey filled with unforgettable shared experiences.

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Destination Vietnam
Duration 14 Days
Price From $4,290
Departs 06 Mar 2027
Group Size 16 Max
Overview

Explore Vietnam with AW

Join us on a two-week journey through Vietnam, travelling from north to south to experience the country far beyond the usual highlights. This is a land of striking contrasts- from emerald rice paddies and peaceful waterways to bustling cities alive with energy and movement.

Along the way, we’ll explore ancient towns, visit small farming villages, cruise through the winding canals of the Mekong Delta, and share meals that reveal Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions. We’ll also gain insight into the country’s complex history while experiencing the warmth, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that define modern Vietnam today.

What makes this journey special is not just where we go, but how we travel: with knowledgeable local guides, immersive cultural experiences, and a supportive group of women sharing every moment of discovery together. Expect meaningful connections, unforgettable landscapes, incredible food, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This is an active trip, covering a lot of ground over the course of two weeks. It’s suitable for anyone with an active lifestyle. You’ll need to be comfortable spending several hours on your feet each day, getting on and off transport and carrying your bag short distances.  There are a few opportunities for longer walks, short bike rides and kayaking that are not technical. Moderate activity and mobility are all that’s needed.

Highlights

Things you'll love about this trip

  • 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
Day-by-day

Daily itinerary

Day 1 Sat 06 Mar Hanoi - Group meeting and welcome dinner

The adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Early evening (5pm) meet in the lobby of the hotel for introductions and a group meeting to chat about the trip.
Afterwards, we'll head out to a local restaurant to enjoy our first group meal together.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 2 Sun 07 Mar Hanoi - Pu Luong

Leaving the city behind, we travel through a dramatic mountain pass into the lush landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. 
By late morning, we arrive at our accommodation: a converted traditional stilt house in the heart of Don Village, set amid sweeping views and a tranquil rural setting.

After lunch, there’s time to wander the village, walk among rice fields and farmland, and connect with local life and culture, before returning to the retreat to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Communal stilt house, Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Day 3 Mon 08 Mar Pu Luong: Village Walk

This morning begins with a gentle walk through the stunning rice-terrace valley below the retreat. We descend along narrow paths winding through layered paddies and lush vegetation, gradually revealing Uoi Village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain. Continuing downhill, we pause at a local home before walking on through Lan Village and surrounding farmland. If time allows, we may visit a local family to learn about traditional brocade weaving.

We then walk back through rice fields to our pick-up point and return to our accommodation for lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Communal stilt house, Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Day 4 Tue 09 Mar Pu Luong - Hanoi: City Tour

After breakfast, we return to Hanoi by road (approximately four hours). On arrival, we enjoy lunch at a social enterprise supporting the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth.

This afternoon we explore Hanoi’s cultural highlights, beginning with the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. We then visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the traditional stilt house, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hanoi

Day 5 Wed 10 Mar Hanoi - Halong Bay: Overnight Cruise

After breakfast, we travel by road to Halong Bay, one of northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. From the harbour, we board our private boat for the night and cruise through emerald waters dotted with dramatic limestone karsts. Along the way, we stop to explore a grotto filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

The afternoon is at our leisure giving us the opportunity to relax and really immerse ourselves in the tranquillity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Private boat, Halong Bay

Day 6 Thu 11 Mar Halong Bay - Hanoi - Overnight Train to Hue

Begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast of tea, coffee and pastries. After a leisurely brunch on board, we disembark late in the morning and return to Hanoi. Day-use hotel rooms will be available to freshen up and re-pack before our journey south.

This evening, we transfer to Hanoi Railway Station to board the overnight train to Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea

Accommodation: Sleeper trains typically have four berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travelers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Food is best purchased before boarding the train. Your Adventurous Women Tour Leader will explain how best to go about this.

Day 7 Fri 12 Mar Hue: Arrival & City Tour

After an overnight train journey, we arrive in Hue around midday. Following lunch at a local restaurant (not included; on own account), we check into our hotel before heading out with a local guide to explore the Imperial Citadel, once home to Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). We also visit the Hue Royal Antiques Museum, showcasing ornaments and artifacts from the royal era.

The day concludes with a visit to An Cuu Market, where stalls brim with local produce, handmade goods and tempting street food - including royal-era specialties such as banh khoai. 
We then return to the hotel to relax, with time to unwind or enjoy a swim.

Meals: None included

Accommodation: Hotel, Hue

Day 8 Sat 13 Mar Hue: Free Day

Today offers a choice of optional activities, allowing you to enjoy Hue in a way that suits your interests. 
All experiences are at your own expense, with your Adventurous Women Host and local guide available to assist with arrangements.

One popular recommendation is spending the day riding pillion on the back of a motorbike with your own driver. The day includes a ride around the Imperial Citadel, a visit to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, and a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River.

Lunch is a vegetarian feast at a convent, followed by a visit to the tranquil royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set among lakes, frangipani and pine trees.

Other optional experiences may include visiting Hue’s ancient royal tombs, joining a street food tour or taking part in a Hue specialties cooking class.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hue

Day 9 Sun 14 Mar Hue to Hoi An: Walking tour

This morning, we travel by road to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, pausing to take in panoramic views of the central coastline. On arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a short break before heading out on a walking tour of the ancient town.

Once a major trading port, Hoi An is celebrated for its well-preserved streets and historic homes influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture. We wander cobblestone lanes, visit highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and have time to stop by a local tailor if you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 10 Mon 15 Mar Hoi An - Free day

We've purposely included two free days into the itinerary while based in Hoi An, given previous guest feedback received.  Hoi An is such a lovely place to while away time, relax and explore at your own pace.  Of course your Adventurous Women Tour Leader and Local Guide will always be there to offer you support and advice on things to do.

Here are a few optional activities you may wish to sign up for.  Note that all activities are at your own expense- your Adventurous Women Tour Leader can assist with arrangements.

Market Tour & Hands-On Cooking Class: Visit a local market with a chef to source fresh ingredients before heading to their home for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn the principles behind Vietnamese home cooking, then enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together.

Biking Tour to Tra Que Village: Cycle through the countryside to Tra Que vegetable village, just outside Hoi An, where you’ll experience daily life in this peaceful farming community.

My Son Sanctuary: Travel inland to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed complex of ancient Champa temples set in a mountain valley. Explore the atmospheric ruins with a guide before returning to Hoi An for the remainder of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 11 Tue 16 Mar Hoi An - Free Day

Today is another free day to explore on your own and the last day to have pick-up any garments, shoes or leatherwork you may have had made.

Later in the afternoon, you may wish to chill out around the pool or take a swim at An Bang Beach, before we regroup again and head out for dinner in the evening (own account)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hoi An

Day 12 Wed 17 Mar Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City: city & food tour

After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival around midday, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel (rooms available from 2.00pm).

This afternoon, we visit the War Remnants Museum, home to a powerful collection of photographs and artefacts from the Vietnam War, followed by a stop at the historic Central Post Office, a fine example of French colonial architecture. We then return to the hotel for a short rest.

In the early evening, we head out on a Vespa foodie tour, riding through Saigon’s lively backstreets to sample local street food and drinks while soaking up the city’s vibrant nightlife. The tour finishes with views over the Saigon River and a rooftop bar overlooking the city at night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:  Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13 Thu 18 Mar Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Trip

This morning, we head out on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Travelling by boat to Ben Tre, we visit coconut gardens and a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut treats. We then paddle by sampan through shaded waterways lined with coconut palms, before taking a tuk-tuk ride through nearby villages to learn about rural life and the local coconut-based industries.

Lunch is enjoyed at a riverside restaurant in the heart of the Delta, featuring regional specialties such as elephant ear fish. After cruising the main waterways back to the pier, we return to Ho Chi Minh City by road.

This evening, we gather for our final group dinner, a chance to reflect on the journey and say farewell.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14 Fri 19 Mar Ho Chi Minh City Departure

There are no activities planned for our final day. After breakfast, you’re free to enjoy the morning at your own pace before checking out. Hotel rooms are available until midday, allowing time to relax before making your own onward arrangements for departure.

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 travellers 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.

Included

What's Included

  • Adventurous Women Tour Leader
  • English Speaking Local Tour Guide/s
  • Accommodation (9 nights in comfortable hotels, 2 nights in a stilt house in Pu Luong, 1 night in an en-suite cabin on Ha Long Bay, and 1 night on an overnight train)
  • Transport throughout, including domestic flight and train
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Activities & entrance fees as per itinerary
Where you'll go

Route at a glance

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

2-3
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Take the full itinerary with you

Drop your email and we'll send you the day-by-day itinerary as a PDF - perfect for sharing with a travel buddy or printing for the plane.

Good to know

Additional Details

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 and travelling with AW

Exclusions

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

  • International Flights
  • Arrival and Departure transfers
  • Any visas required
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips for local guides and drivers
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Personal Travel Insurance (compulsory)
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 6 March at 5.30pm and ends on 19 March in Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast.

If possible, we recommend booking flights that arrive in Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and depart from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN).

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips 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 supported by a local Vietnamese tour leader for much of the trip as well as a few specialist guides along the way.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour.  There may be times when options are limited but we’ll be sure to inform you in advance.

Accommodation

We will be staying in a mix of comfortable hotels and charming guesthouses for 9 nights of the trip and one night on a private boat on Halong Bay with ensuite rooms.

In Pu Luong, the group stays for two nights in a communal stilt house which is a wonderful experience (we have this to ourselves and will not be sharing with anyone else).  Again you will twin share in your allocated 'space' with another Adventurous Women group member here but toilet and shower facilities are shared.

There is also an overnight train adventure. You will be in a cabin with other Adventurous Women and you could be bottom bunk or top bunk - these are sleeper compartments and are pretty cosy.  Toilets are separate and basic.

How will we be travelling?

While the bulk of our sightseeing and transfers are done by private bus/van,  we will travel by a mix of boat, train, scooter and plane on this trip!  Please note that with this style of travel comes a few special considerations for packing- we’ll provide detailed information and suggestions in advance of the trip.

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.

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.

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