Name: Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Vietnam
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
13 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: AOS

Trip Overview

Break away from the backpackers’ trail for an immersive adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Get to know the real Vietnam on this 13-day journey through the landscapes and cultures most tourists whizz straight past. Starting in the absorbing capital Hanoi, we head out of the city to meet and stay with families in the hill village of Ta Phin and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the rural landscapes around Hoi An. We also trek through the rice fields of Sapa, cruise the secluded Lan Ha Bay – a less touristy (but no less beautiful) alternative to the ever-popular Ha Long Bay – and experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By the end, we will have experienced the full spectrum of life in Vietnam – a fascinating, rewarding adventure.

At a Glance

Seven nights in comfortable hotels, two nights at lake resort and one night at an ecolodge
One night in a hill village homestay to experience local hospitality
One day boat trip on Lan Ha Bay with lunch and kayaking
One night on a sleeper train with soft-bed berths
Travel by private air-conditioned bus, boat, sleeper train and internal flight
Reasonable fitness required
Remote and city locations visited
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader
Angkor Wat Extension (trip code: XOF) from Ho Chi Minh City available to book post tour

Highlights

Stay overnight at a hill village and hike through Sapa's terraced rice fields
Stay at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island
Kayak secluded Lan Ha Bay
Discover underground rivers and caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Visit the historic trading town of Hoi An and explore on a leisurely bike ride
Enjoy a cyclo adventure through the streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City

Is This Trip for You?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

This is an adventure-packed trip with activities including hiking, kayaking and leisurely cycling, so a good level of fitness is required. The weather can be hot and humid, particularly in the south when cycling, yet cold in the winter in the north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Some days can be fairly long with early starts. Travel time is kept to a minimum, although there are a few longer drives with time for sightseeing. Please note, some accommodation will be basic but clean.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Hanoi
End City: Ho Chi Minh City

Land Only Itinerary

The adventure starts in the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. If you have time after your flight, familiarise yourself with the city by wandering the tree-lined avenues. There will be a welcome meeting this evening with your leader, followed by an optional group dinner.

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel (or similar)

We depart Hanoi early this morning and drive north (approximately six hours) through scenic countryside and mountainous terrain to the remote town of Sapa in northwest Vietnam.

It overlooks a beautiful valley and is known for its cool mountain atmosphere, while the surrounding region of picturesque hills, terraced rice fields and villages are home to many different ethnic minority communities.

Upon arrival in the early afternoon, we have time to explore the town. We visit the lively market: a maze of stalls where local people buy and sell handicrafts and fresh produce. Make sure to sample the delicious street food.

Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we hike to the traditional hillside village of Ta Phin. Accompanied by a local guide, we follow a scenic route through lush forests and terraced rice fields, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. The hike takes four to six hours and will be adjusted by the local guide and leader to suit the group’s pace and fitness. The terrain is mainly flat and covers approximately 8mi (13km) with occasional uphill and downhill stretches. There will be plenty of stops along the way to admire the views.

Upon reaching Ta Phin, we learn about the sustainable practices of the local Hmong and Red Dao communities on a village walk, where we see how they live and work in harmony with nature. This evening, we experience the warm hospitality of the villagers with an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce and spend the night in a homestay.

Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Phin village

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we bid farewell to our hosts and drive back to Hanoi (approximately six hours).

After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi, the fascinating capital of Vietnam. You may wish to wander through the Old Quarter, where the 36 Streets are named after the product in which each specialises, such as Silk Street, Gold Street, Paper Street, and Tourist Souvenir Street. Or perhaps take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a favourite pastime for many Hanoi residents.

You may have the choice this evening to see a water puppet performance, which your leader can arrange (subject to availability).

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We rise early and transfer to Cat Ba Island by road and a short ferry transfer (approximately four hours in total).

After arrival, we board our boat and spend the afternoon cruising Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known Ha Long Bay. The tour includes kayaking for those who wish to participate, allowing us to get up close to the towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and tranquil beaches of the bay. We also enjoy an included lunch on the boat.

Following the trip, we transfer to Cat Ba Ecolodge, a sustainable eco-resort in the heart of Cat Ba Island. The resort offers beautiful mountain and forest views and is the perfect place to unwind following an afternoon of adventure. In the evening, we have a barbecue dinner at the resort featuring locally sourced ingredients allowing us to taste the unique flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Accommodation: Cat Ba Ecolodge

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Cat Ba Island after breakfast and head back to Hanoi (approximately four hours). There will be a bit of free time in the afternoon and early evening in the capital. You might like to join the local people by pulling up a plastic stool and sampling one of the many street food offerings; the bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs) is particularly delicious. In the evening, we transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Dong Hoi, 310mi (500km) south of Hanoi.

Accommodation: Overnight train

Meals included: Breakfast

Arriving early in Dong Hoi, we stretch our legs and stop for breakfast in town before we take a transfer (approximately one hour) to Phong Nha where we spend the next two nights at an eco-resort. Phong Nha is located in the Quang Binh province, a true beauty and relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism. It’s home to a wide range of natural wonders, including the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to remarkable caves and rivers.

Our accommodation by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake is the perfect place to recharge after the overnight train ride. The day is free for you to kayak on the lake, swim or soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)

Following a relaxed breakfast, we start our day of adventure with a short transfer to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, the national park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia. Home to hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers, this is an area very new to tourism but sure to impress.

We begin at Thien Duong Cave, also known as Paradise Cave, which was only discovered in 2005. It is known for having intricate and unique rock formations, while the colours and patterns within the cave are truly awe-inspiring.

Our next stop is a boat trip to the Phong Nha Cave. This journey takes us along the Son River, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs; an excellent opportunity to take in the serene beauty of park.

Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Departing after breakfast, we transfer south to Hoi An. Although the journey will take approximately six hours, our drive passes a wide range of scenery along the way. The route between Phong Nha and Hoi An is among the most scenic in Vietnam, encompassing majestic mountains, verdant forests and serene waterways.

After checking into our hotel, we embrace the sleepy ambience of Hoi An on an orientation walk around the old town: the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples displaying Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences.

It is also a marvelous place to wander around, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we have a leisurely half-day bike trip through the Hoi An countryside including a stop at Can Kim Island.

Upon arrival at Cam Kim Island, we receive a warm welcome into a local family’s home and learn the secrets behind my quang. This traditional rice noodle dish is one of the most popular meals in the region and often served on special occasions, including at parties, anniversaries and during Tết (Vietnamese New Year). During the demonstration, we learn about the ingredients and cooking techniques used and then roll up our sleeves to make the dish ourselves under the expert tutelage of the family.

We then return to Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a town that has become a favourite for so many travellers to Vietnam.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we transfer to Da Nang Airport for the flight (approximately 1hr 25min) to Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). This is an exciting, absorbing metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. The Saigon River and Ben Thanh market are within walking distance and are highly recommended.

After arrival, we take a short, leisurely orientation walk passing sites such as Bach Dang Wharf, Bitexco Tower, Ton That Dam old market and Ben Thanh market.

Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we jump into a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle-taxi) for a two-hour tour, a unique, immersive experience through the markets and streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Our first stop will be the energetic Hoa Ho Thi Ky market, where we stroll around and get a feel for the bustling atmosphere. We then hop back on our cyclo and make our way to Nhật Tảo market, a paradise for tech enthusiasts. Next, we visit Thiếc market, which specialises in fresh vegetables, fruits, and some types of jewellery. Finally, we visit Thien Hau Pagoda, a spiritual landmark dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The colourful interior and intricate decorations of the pagoda provide a peaceful respite from the electric city.

The remainder of the day is free for your own independent exploration. You may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum, which has an extensive photographic record of the Vietnam-American War. Please be aware that some images at the museum are very graphic. Alternatively, other popular sites to visit are the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Reunification Palace.

Accommodation: Acnos Grand Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our Vietnam tour ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about joining our four-day post-trip excursion to Angkor in Cambodia, the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia.

Meals included: Breakfast

Post-trip Extensions

Angkor Wat Extension (from Ho Chi Minh City)

Rediscovered enmeshed in the Cambodian jungle in 1860, Angkor, the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer empire, is one of the finest archaeological sites in the world. Built between the ninth and 13th centuries, the wonderfully preserved sprawling complex of temples and palaces is on a par with any world monument, with magnificent towers, sculptures and bas‐reliefs. During this four-night extension, you will also see all the key sites of Phnom Penh, a fascinating city undergoing a huge amount of change. You travel between the sites in a private car or minibus, depending on how many people take part in the extension, accompanied by an English‐speaking local guide. In the evenings, you are free to enjoy the town. The detailed itinerary can be found here.

Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.

Price per person

£ 1,379

Mandatory Single Supplement

£ 490

Accommodation

Hotels, Homestay, Eco Resort, Lodge & Sleeper Train

The accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend seven nights in comfortable hotels, two nights at a lake resort, one night at a lodge on Cat Ba Island. We also spend one night in a homestay in the hillside village of Ta Phin near Sapa. Finally, we have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi.

The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay.

Ta Phin: Homestay (night 3)

During our time in the village of Ta Phin, we are looked after by local ethnic communities. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts and being able to experience an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce.

Cat Ba island: Cat Ba Ecolodge (night 5)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

We overnight at the Cat Ba Ecolodge, ideally situated in the heart of Cat Ba island. Surrounded by nature, it sits in a secluded setting featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a variety of locally grown Vietnamese meals.

Reunification Express: (night 6)
Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.

Phong Nha: Phong Nha Lakehouse (nights 7-8)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

This resort is located by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake and only a 10-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The Lakehouse is a multi-functional resort with facilities catering for relaxation and fun, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and the option to kayak on the lake. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets.

Worth knowing

Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay in Ta Phin village or the overnight sleeper train.
The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Single supplement from £ 345

Food & Drink

There are 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners included.

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch.

Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup).

Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.

Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam.

Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Transport

Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic.

The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private.

There is one domestic flight included from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year)

During Tet (9-15 February 2024) and two weeks either side, our itinerary is subject to minor change as (despite booking hotels and trains in advance) rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely changes will occur and if they do it is likely we just need to use alternative accommodation.

Weather & Seasonality

With the exception of Sapa, the weather will be hot and humid with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night.

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant any time of year. However, it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire duration of the trip due to the shape of the country.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April, then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).

Due to its northern location, Sapa is much cooler and the weather different to the other locations on this trip. Traditionally, the driest months in Sapa are October to mid-April, but rain can still occur at this time. Mid-April to September is considered monsoon season. However, weather patterns have been less predictable in recent years. December to February are the coldest months, usually 13C-18C (55F- 65F) with lows around 10C (50F). Mid-year usually experiences the warmest temperatures: 23C-25C (73F-77F). Sapa is well-known for its picturesque rice terraces, but they aren’t always bright green due to the climate. Generally, the best time to see the rice terraces are during their peak season, which is also the rainiest time of year. However, the landscapes and scenery are rewarding no matter what time of year you visit.

Please note, the Lan Ha Bay boat trip and ferry access to Cat Ba Island can be subject to short-notice change if adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October-April). Boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension after this trip finishes, the weather is hot and humid year-round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season has hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hoa Binh Hotel, 27 P. Lý Thường Kiệt, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Phone: +84 24 3825 3315
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Hanoi
Location end: Ho Chi Minh City

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Casual clothes. Light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be much cooler in Sapa (anytime of year you visit) and Hanoi (between November and early March). Bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, some warm layers and trousers (pants) if you are travelling at that time
A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters (band-aids) and a blister-treatment kit
Insect repellent
Overnight bag: In Hanoi (Day 2) you will need to leave your main bag at the hotel and bring along an overnight bag and pack just enough for 2 nights in Sapa. For Lan Ha Bay (day 5) and the Mekong Delta, you need to leave your main bag at the previous hotel for the night.
Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train, especially in the cooler months
Large refillable water bottle
Light waterproof or an umbrella
Torch (flashlight)
Swimwear
Sunscreen

For the trek:

Lightweight walking boots or comfortable strong trainers (sneakers) with proper ankle support
Insect repellent
Torch (flashlight)
Daypack with your necessities for the trek. Overnight bags can be left in the bus and retrieved at the end of the trek when you reach the homestay in Ta Phin.
Towel

There will be opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so it’s fine to pack light.

Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 44lb (20kg). As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline website for the latest information prior to your departure. Please remember you are expected to carry your own luggage at times, so don’t overload yourself.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Practical Information

Passport

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:

An expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive
A minimum of two blank pages
No water damage

Visa

Vietnam

UK passport holders normally do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for visits up to 45 days, while those with a US or Irish passport normally do need a visa to enter. Visa requirements for EU citizens vary by country.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

Vaccinations and Health

Vietnam

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to speak to your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may want to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Similarly, dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Vietnam. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Vietnam's time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (UTC +07:00)

Electricity

Vietnam's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Vietnam's currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widespread in Vietnam and are the easiest way of obtaining money. It is possible to withdraw a maximum of 2m Vietnamese dong (US$85) in major cities in one go. Credit card acceptance is now widespread in Vietnamese cities in restaurants and shops catering for tourists.

If you would like to bring cash, there will be ample opportunity to change this. US dollars and British pounds are both easily exchanged. As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need about 7m-8.5m Vietnamese dong (US$300‐US$360) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.

Tipping

Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Vietnam. To remove the hassle, the leader will suggest you contribute approximately 1.4m dong (US$59) per person to a tipping kitty. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, hotel and boat staff etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute, you are, of course, free to decline.

In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 70,000-140,000 dong (US$3-US$6) per day for your leader.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
We spend a night near Sapa in traditional hill community houses in Ta Phin village, hosted by local families. This provides support and helps to improve the livelihood of the Red Dao and Hmong ethnic minority families.
In Hoi An, we stop by a shop called Reaching Out, which sells gifts handmade by artisans with disabilities, helping them to develop their talent and independence.
There is also the option to see a traditional folk dancing or water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This encourages local customs to continue and creates employment opportunities.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. On this trip, part of the itinerary is spent in the Sapa region staying with hill communities.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to sites such as the Lan Ha Bay and the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
We provide clients with a reusable, locally made tote bag at the start of the tour, offering an alternative to single-use plastic bags and a souvenir to take home.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We spend one at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island; this locally owned, family-run lodge strives to minimise their carbon footprint through the implementation of various sustainable practices in their waste, water, chemical, noise, product use and energy management policies.
We choose to travel on the overnight train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi as opposed to taking an internal flight.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect:
- You will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to temples and sacred sites so packing a sarong or other suitable clothing is recommended. Also remember to remove hats when visiting a sacred site.
- Do not rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this symbolises the burning of incense (which is usually reserved for times of mourning).
- One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How To Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.