Backpacking Vietnam: Northern Adventures (15 days)

Take in the sights of Vietnam’s 1000-year-old capital city! Explore all the must-see sights of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ngoc Son Temple, and One Pillar Pagoda. Finish your day of exploring with the perfect post-sightseeing activity -- a one-hour, traditional Vietnamese massage.

Cruise on our privately reserved sleeper boat as we voyage through this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunset cocktails from the top deck - just in time for happy hour - is a can't-miss experience. Sit down for a never-ending feast afterward that gives way to nighttime festivities including your first Vietnamese cooking lesson of the tour. Consider this something like a cocktail cruise with a world-class view.

Good morning, Vietnam! Catch sunrise on the top deck with your morning cup of coffee before we set out to explore Halong's Thien Canh Son Cave. Then, enjoy a lunchtime feast aboard the boat before heading to Tam Coc to kick back and relax at our ever-welcoming countryside resort - pool table, fishing pond, and stunning scenery included.

Climb the 500 steps of Hang Mua - Lying Dragon Mountain - to the picturesque view of the elaborate system of mountains, caves, and rivers below. Unsurprisingly, this was once the choice spot of Vietnam's former King where he held days-long celebrations that included dancing, feasting, and drinking rice wine. Afterward, we cycle our way through ricefields before taking a ride down the river (and through the caves) in a traditional sampan boat.

Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and come face to face with some of the world’s most critically endangered primates! Many of these species have been pushed to the brink of extinction - some being one of less than 100 left in the entire world - making the work of this incredible rehabilitation organisation that much more important. But first, a jungle trek through the surrounding National Park. Then hop on the sleeper bus and wake up in the lazy town of Phong Nha.

Explore the beauty of Phong Nha or post up by the hotel pool! This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia - clocking in at over 400 million years old. There are many caves and waterfalls to explore for the restless. Paradise Cave is the longest cave is part of the longest cave system in the world and makes for an unforgettable day trip! For the not-so-restless, we suggest poolside beverages.

Ziplining, kayaking, and caving knee-deep in mud. What to expect? Start with the longest zipline in Vietnam before heading in for some fun in the mud. The natural mud bath is thousands of years old; you can even see ancient fossils on the cave walls. After your mud bath, kayak adventures before we finish with a refreshing swim, obstacle course above the water (optional but highly suggested), and float in the Chay River.

Early bus down to Vietnam's Ancient Capital of Hue! En route, we stop off for a recharge with some much-needed beach time. Sunbathe, swim, and soak in the first of several beach stops on your journey. Then we weave our way into Hue for two nights in the centre of a historic, vibrant city. For evening times, there are many markets with much to explore, eat, and drink just near the hotel.

For a century, Hue was the capital of Vietnam. Spend the day seeing the remnants and relics of those times at this UNESCO World Heritage Site -- such as the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City. Afterward, we volunteer some time at a local school to play games, help out with English-speaking lessons, and experience an entire different side of Vietnamese culture. Then, a Backpacking Tours exclusive experience as we stop at a local nunnery for a full vegan lunch prepared by the welcoming women who explain life here and their fascinating life stories. Finish up poolside with a beverage!

The Hai Van Pass: 19 kilometres of roadway that towers above the dramatic coastline of Central Vietnam. Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC's Top Gear praised this drive as "...a deserted ribbon of perfection -- one of the best coast roads in the world." Photo stops will be made! Plus, a pitstop for a swim and stretch at a little-known natural spring along the way with some of the most underrated views in all of Vietnam. Final destination: Hoi An - the City Of Lanterns.

Explore the uniqueness of this ancient port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site… or just enjoy the white sands and warm waters at An Bang Beach. Bamboo raft rides are also a cultural experience not to be missed. Time to hit the brakes on the bus rides and enjoy five days experiencing the eclectic charm of The City of Lanterns - Hoi An's well-deserved nickname. Chilling out at the hotel pool is also an option! But free time is your time - we suggest, you decide.

Bike to the beach for some group bonding (and beach beverages). The quick, flat ride brings us through the vibrant city centre of Hoi An, through the rolling ricefields, to the sea. Catch some sun, rent a paddleboard, sample the local seafood, and enjoy Hoi An's most stunning beach. Not feeling beachtime? The tailor-made clothing is world-famous (and incredibly affordable) or you can just hang by the hotel pool.

Cycle through the ricefields to the organic farm for a day of unique cultural experiences with the farmers who call this home. Stop by a local farmer's market for an ingredient lesson, make rice paper from scratch, get in the garden alongside local farmers, and learn to make four mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes from scratch! And don't forget the well-deserved foot massage to finish off your day of adventure.

Enjoy a final breakfast together and say your goodbyes and until-next-times before heading to Danang airport or further on in your travels. Airport drop off is included in the tour and available throughout the day. The tour has finished but your Vietnam adventure will stay with you for a lifetime!