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Explore Central Vietnam on this 8 day journey. A perfect blend of adventure, admiration and relaxation; trek, cycle and kayak among stunning farmlands, through temperate jungles, magnificent valleys, beautiful mountains and culturally significant destinations.
Central Vietnam is home to some fascinating cities, packed with historic sights, cultural interest and natural beauty. Cycling Hue, and explore its Imperial Citadel, royal tombs. Paddling Hoi An, and savour the unique heritage grace of riverside of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Beyond Hue and Hoi An, the adventure tour reveals the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in central Vietnam, such as the extraordinary Phong Nha region, home to three gargantuan cave systems (including the world’s largest cave).
Stay in a combination of luxury and rustic accommodations selected for their high quality, location, and character and enjoy unique and delicious ...
Stay in a combination of luxury and rustic accommodations selected for their high quality, location, and character and enjoy unique and delicious cuisine.
This is a truly all embracing itinerary that will see you make the most of your journey to central Vietnam.
Dates or itinerary don't fit?We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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On arrival in Dong Hoi by train or flight today, you’ll be met by the local guide and be transferred to Phong Nha.
Check-in hotel and relax.
Distance and time for Day 2 & 3:- Approx. 12 km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain- Approx. elevation change up to 150 m (between valley and top of the mountain)- Approx. 1 km swimming in caves (from 200m – 500m each cave)- Approx. 3 km caving
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and venture to the village of Tan Hoa, located 70 km away. After a safety briefing and gear check, you’ll embark on a full day trekking.
The trek begins with a 2.5 km walk across peanut fields, giant water buffaloes, towering corn stalks before arriving at the Rao Nan River.
The trek accelerates with a 30 metre climb up a rocky hill to a small jungle opening. Take a break before going on a 100 metre descent to Hung Ton Valley. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Hung Ton Cave opening.
Then head off for some more challenging trekking from Hung Ton Valley and over to Mango Mountain. Then, take another 3 km hike back down to Tu Lan Valley.
By mid afternoon, Tu Lan campsite will be seen on the horizon.
Take a relaxing swim in the beautiful waterfall or take part in activities including exploring and swimming through Ken Cave located next to the campsite.
Return to the campsite for a delicious BBQ dinner.
Sleep in comfortable hammocks or wilderness tents set up amongst the trees.
After a hearty breakfast, you begin exploring the maze of Tu Lan Cave system.
Start with a brief swim across the river into the heart of Tu Lan Cave system. Take a break to enjoy the blue lagoon entrance before swimming a further of 180 m downstream to the cave’s entrance.
Explore the dry area of the cave with some climbing and squeezing, at which point, arrive at the dry exit and trek a short way through the valley into the dry entrance of Kim Cave. Take a rest and observe the natural window of light that illuminates Kim Cave. Then, another swim (450 m) and trek (500 m) through Hang Kim to To Mo Valley.
A picnic lunch will be served next to a stunning waterfall by Hung Ton Cave mouth. Then, try to follow a dry path before swimming out through Hung Ton wet cave.
Following this is the exploration of a dry passage, and then a trek down into Hung Ton Valley approximately 800 metres.
Arrive in Tan Hoa, taking in the scenery with a cold drink in hand.
Showers are available for those who would like to clean up and change, and then departure back to Phong Nha is at around 4:00 pm, with arrival in Phong Nha by 5:30 pm.
Depart early morning, heading south to go to Hue.
On the way, the first stop located approximately 1 hour from Dong Hoi is the childhood house of the General Vo Nguyen Giap, born in the village in 1911. He started to participate in revolutionary activities from the age of 14 and became one of the most excellent students of Ho Chi Minh, fighting during both French and American wars. You’ll host by Mr. Ham, the grandson of the General Vo Nguyen Giap, who will show the memorable pictures and books.
Transfer. The route is scenic passing through quaint villages and skirting along Cua Tung Beach. In order to escape heavy bombardment during the war, the villagers constructed approximately 2.8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Explore the tunnels and enjoy the beautiful sea view upon exit.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Dong Ha.
In the afternoon, drive around 30 min to the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich, famous for its pottery. The village has dozens of homes that are from 100 to 200 years old and several old temples, pagodas, worship halls and communal houses still remain. Many imprints of Champa and ancient Viet cultures are still preserved such as lingas (a very complex symbol of Hinduism).
Following the visit, take a one hour drive to Hue and arrive in the late afternoon.
Cycling distance: up to 30 km. Difficulty: easy
Begin today’s cycling tour from the hotel. You’ll explore some of Hue’s most important cultural sites.
The first stop is at the Imperial Citadel, which is modelled after the Forbidden City in China.
After exploring the ruins, cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, continuing the cycling to Minh Mang mausoleum.
Return to your accommodation.
Cycling distance: up to 60 km (up to 100 km if cycling over Hai Van pass). Difficulty: moderate - hard
Ride on an off-the-beaten-track for 40 km along a picturesque, narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc.
From here, you have the choice of car transfer or continuing cycling to the starting point of today’s climbs.
After the first two moderate climbs of 2 - 3 km a piece, cruise down to stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/swim before tackling the final hill of the day – the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds.
With a new tunnel now cutting through the mountain, the 11 km of uphill cycling will be on a quiet section of road. The gradient is manageable and the views are breathtaking.
Upon descent, a transfer will be provided all the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check in to your accommodation.
Kayaking: approx. 2 - 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy
Enjoy the morning at leisure.
At 3:00 pm, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred for a sunset kayaking adventure.
Gear up before starting to paddle to the palm islands where the most well-grown plants, Nipa palms, are seen. It is a unique and scenic mangrove ecosystem for Hoi An. The palm forest provides the locals with products such as fish, shells and Nipa leaves which can be seen used commonly for roofing for homes. Enjoy amazing landscapes while paddling along before arriving at the ancient town.
Stop at a local shop for a coffee break before continuing your journey. Experience the sights of Hoi An’s Lantern Town from the unique perspective of the water. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles. Catch the reflection of the old houses of the Ancient Town on the water and enjoy the sunset while floating in the kayaks. Arrive at Hoi An’s old town pier at approximately 6:00 pm then be transferred to the hotel.
Relax in your accommodation.
You’ll be transferred to the airport to meet your departing flight for the next destination.
You can extend the tour to enjoy well-earned downtime on the golden sandy beach in Da nang. Please contact us if you would like to customise the itinerary.
Daily departure on request. Please enquiry group bookings or private departures.
- The departure point is Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), Vietnam- The finish point is Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), Vietnam- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), Vietnam*Note: please refer to the airline websites for scheduling your flight.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.