Classic Vietnam: Sapa to the Mekong

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Seeing all of Vietnam could take a lifetime, but this epic two-week adventure packs the country’s highlights into a journey you’ll never forget.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An Your Foodie Moment: Sa Pa Cooking Demonstration, Sa Pá Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Hoi An Your Local Living Moment: Cai Thia Mekong River Visit, Mekong Delta
Sa Pa Cooking Demonstration
Sa Pa trekking
Lao Chai Village
Supan Village
Ta Van Village cultural visit
Traditional Wax Technique workshop
Sin Chai Village and Red Dao ethnic village
Bamboo Paper Making
Free time in Sa Pa town
Free time in Hanoi
Halong Bay caves entrance
Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
Thien Mu Pagoda Visit
Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs
Free time in Hoi An
Oodles of Noodles cooking experience
Cu Chi Tunnels guided tour
Free time in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Tre Mekong River cycle
Cai Thia rice paper and cooking demonstration
Pottery Brick Village cycle
Free time in Mekong River Delta
Cai Rang Floating Market
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts), sleeper train (2 nts multishare), junk boat (1 nt).

12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Train, air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, cycling, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Ta Van Village cultural visit
2-day Sa Pa trekking
Bamboo Paper Making
Sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay
Explore romantic Hoi An
People-watch in hectic Ho Chi Minh City
Experience local living in the Mekong River Delta
Visit floating markets.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Train, air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, cycling, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finishes

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi/Sa Pá

Welcome to Vietnam! Join your group this morning for a welcome meeting before driving to Sa Pa, the trekking capital of Southeast Asia! This evening, join your group for a cooking demonstration and dinner.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join a hands-on cooking demonstration, then sit down and enjoy the meal!Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Sapa Eco Bungalow

Day 2: Sa Pá

Today starts your epic trekking adventure through Sa Pa. Trek for about 10 km today with a chance to rest and eat lunch part way. We'll hike through rice terraces, through local communities and have a chance to understand the unique way of life in Sa Pa. In the afternoon, we'll learn traditional wax and dying techniques used by the local villagers at Hmong Batik House.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Start trekking through the breathtaking view of Lao Chai Village, in the heart of Muong Hoa Valley. This picturesque village spans over 29 square kilometers and is considered one of the big villages in the region. We'll trek 6.5 km to Supan, stop for lunch, then continue on for 3.5 km to Ta Van Village. This community offers a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into the daily life of different ethnic people in Sa Pa.Activity - In Muong Hoa Batik House, learn the traditional technique of using bamboo tools in hot wax. Then, with time permitting, learn the natural indigo dying process used by the local villagers.Accommodation - Sapa Eco Bungalow

Day 3: Sa Pá

Start today with a visit to the Red Dao community in Sin Chai Village. We'll have a moment to admire this beautiful and unique community before starting today's trek. Have your cameras ready as we trek through this seemingly untouched landscape. After the trek, we'll drive to Nam Than Village for a hands-on bamboo paper making experience with the local community.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Start today at Sin Chai Village, a community of the Red Dao ethnic group at the far end of the Sa Pa valley. Witness the beautifully embroidered garments, silver jewelry and intricate head pieces. Trek four about 2 hours through spectacular landscapes with no other tourists around.Activity - Get hands-on and learn to make paper from bamboo with local villagers in Nam Than Village.Accommodation - Sapa Eco Bungalow

Day 4: Sa Pá/Hanoi

After breakfast, drive to Sa Pa Town where you will have the whole day at leisure to explore. Opt to enjoy the hot springs, get a massage, shop for souvenirs or visit the famous Fansipan Peak. This evening, catch an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day in this amazing place.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.Accommodation - Day Use Room: A25 Sapa Hotel

Day 5: Sa Pá/Hanoi

Rise early this morning as the overnight train pulls into Hanoi. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Hanoi. Meet up in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in Hanoi.Accommodation - Chalcedony Hotel

Day 6: Hanoi/Ha Long

Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise on a junk boat with visits to a cave and an island lookout. Savour a seafood lunch and dinner.
Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.

In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.Transport - Skim across the water aboard this iconic traditional Asian sailboat.Activity - Board a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour and cruise out onto serene waters. Marvel at massive limestone karst mountains jutting out of the water, creating unforgettable spectacular scenery. Swim, kayak or go cave exploring on one of the islands, if conditions are right. Indulge in fresh seafood meals with a variety of dishes to sample. Drift to sleep in a cozy cabin on board. On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.Accommodation - Ha Long Bay Overnight Boat

Day 7: Ha Long/Huế

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before sailing back to the port and return to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.
Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page to include this optional on your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend a few hours exploring this beautiful capital city. Visit some shops, have a bia hoi on a street corner or grab a coffee in a lakeside café.Transport - Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.

Day 8: Huế

Pull into Hue early in the morning and dive right into the city, starting with a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. The rest of the day, you are free to explore the city how you'd like.
Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam's former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests.Activity - Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.Activity - Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River in Hue. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers.Accommodation - Asia Hotel

Day 9: Huế/Hoi An

Drive the Hai Van pass. Take advantage of Hoi An's many options over the 2.5 days in town. Opt for a cooking class, riverboat trip, bike ride, beach time, tailor visit or My Son ruins.
Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.

With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Use free time in this quaint town to explore any way you like.Accommodation - Uptown Hoi An Hotel

Day 10: Hoi An

Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.Free_time - Explore this charming city.Accommodation - Uptown Hoi An Hotel

Day 11: Hoi An

Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in this charming town.Accommodation - Uptown Hoi An Hotel

Day 12: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore this hectic and amazing city.
Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country's commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Amory Hotel

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. Use free time in the afternoon to explore sprawling Ho Chi Minh City.
With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces. Free_time - Get out and explore this frenetic city.Accommodation - Amory Hotel

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong River

Travel to the beautiful Mekong River Delta, south of Ho Chi Minh City, and experience the local way of living. Visit two of the main regions of the Delta, Ben Tre and Cai Thia. Cruise through the river in a traditional sampan boat, bike along the waterways and spend time with the family at your local guesthouse preparing a dinner of spring rolls and Banh Xeo before a lantern lit evening performance by the local villagers.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Ben Tre region of the Mekong River Delta. Visit a coconut plantation, row a sampan down the river and cycle along the waterways.Activity - Visit the Cai Thia community of the Mekong River. Arrive by boat to a local home to observe how a traditional rice paper is made. Have a chance to try to make one for yourself. Continue by boat to your local guesthouse. Make a home cooked local dinner with our hosts. After dinner, use a lamp to walk through the dark to watch the local villagers' traditional music and performance.Accommodation - Ut Trinh Homestay

Day 15: Mekong River

Depart your homestay after breakfast and visit the community riverside market. From there, board a boat to arrive to the Pottery Brick Village, known as the Red Kingdom, and explore by bicycle. Then drive to the last region we'll visit on the Mekong Delta called Can Tho. Enjoy a free afternoon at leisure to explore the area. Opt to do some bird watching or visit the local town.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a boat to the Pottery Brick Village, Mang Thit, known as the the Red Kingdom. The cycle though the beautiful river side town. Ride through rice fields, plantations and local factories.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in the Can Tho region of the Mekong River Delta.Accommodation - Mekong Silt Ecolodge

Day 16: Mekong River/Ho Chi Minh City

Wake up to watch the sun rise over one of the most unique parts of life on the Mekong River, Cai Rang Floating Market. Explore by land and boat before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Your tour finishes upon arrival to the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the ten most impressive markets in the world, characterized by colorful boats selling tropical fruits and vegetables that are tossed from craft to craft and a little coffee vendor boat bounces in and out of the gaps, serving strong iced coffee to both vendors and customers. This market is considered a special gem in Vietnam, boasting the uniqueness of life on the Mekong River.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3469

AUD $2,775

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 May, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Seeing all of Vietnam could take a lifetime, but this epic two-week adventure packs the country’s highlights into a journey you’ll never forget.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 30 Sep 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Book Now