For those who go beyond the ordinary.
Sleep inside Hang En
The Ha Giang Loop
Adventure Vietnam is designed for travellers who crave remote landscapes, meaningful experiences and a little adventure along the way. This journey takes you deep into the remote north of Ha Giang — the province bordering China — winding through dramatic mountain passes and hidden villages, before the once-in-a-lifetime experience of hiking through and sleeping inside Hang En Cave, part of the world’s largest cave system, famously featured on BBC Earth. It’s an exclusive experience only a limited number of travellers get to do each year.
This is not your typical Vietnam tour. It’s for those ready to hop on the back of a motorbike, share authentic local meals, travel by overnight train and venture far beyond the well-worn tourist trail. It’s also a wonderful journey for adventurous families. And, as always with Live the Journey, adventure never means compromising on comfort — expect carefully selected experiences, quality accommodation and the high standards that make every journey exceptional.
Please note: This tour includes a hike requiring a moderate level of fitness. If you enjoy being active and being in nature, you’ll be fine. Minimum age for the hike is 16 and maximum age is 70.
Highlights
- Hanoi & the Old Quarter
- The legendary Ha Giang Loop
- Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park
- Hue & the Imperial City
- Vinh Moc Tunnels & the DMZ
- Hai Van Pass
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Hang En Cave overnight hike
Fifteen days through northern and central Vietnam.
Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, settle into the Old Quarter and gather for a welcome dinner as your journey begins. (Dinner)
Hanoi like a local
Explore the city by motorbike, then sample seven authentic northern dishes and a hands-on coffee workshop. (Breakfast, lunch)
Into the mountains
Leave the city behind and head north to Ha Giang, where the legendary loop and its breathtaking mountain scenery begin. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The Ha Giang Loop
Travel deeper into the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau to Lung Cu and the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, overnighting in a mountain homestay. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Life in the mountains
Take a boat ride on the Nho Que River and visit remote Hmong villages before continuing to Du Gia. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Ha Giang to Phong Nha
Return to Hanoi and board an iconic overnight sleeper train south to Phong Nha. (Breakfast, lunch)
Welcome to Phong Nha
Slow down at the legendary Phong Nha Farmstay — cycle, swim or relax before tomorrow’s expedition. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The Hang En expedition
Trek through jungle and rivers to Hang En, the third-largest cave on Earth, and sleep inside beside an underground lake. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Exploring Hang En
Venture deeper into Hang En’s vast chambers, then trek back to Phong Nha for a celebration dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Wartime history
Journey south via the moving Vinh Moc Tunnels and the former DMZ, arriving in the imperial city of Hue. (Breakfast, lunch)
The Imperial City of Hue
Explore Hue’s magnificent Imperial Citadel and taste the royal cuisine that made it Vietnam’s culinary capital. (Breakfast)
Over the Hai Van Pass
Cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass and Da Nang’s Lady Buddha en route to lantern-lit Hoi An. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Lose yourself in Hoi An
Enjoy a free day to explore, relax, hit the beach or have clothing tailor-made. (Breakfast)
Cook, taste & celebrate
Wander the market and join a cooking class and basket-boat ride, ending with a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Until next time
Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to the airport and the journey home. (Breakfast)
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Included
- Meet and greet on arrival
- A South African guide fluent in Afrikaans, Vietnamese and English
- All meals as indicated
- All accommodation
- All transport to and from airports, scheduled activities and accommodation
- All scheduled activities and sightseeing entrance fees as per the itinerary
Not included
- All international flights
- Optional extras such as spa treatments or additional activities
- Transport not part of the tour schedule, for personal use
- Visas
- Drinks
- Telephone, laundry and items of a personal nature
- Comprehensive travel insurance
One scheduled 2027 departure.
Currency used is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Per person sharing 110 000 000 VND (± R68 400); per person single 128 500 000 VND (± R80 000). Use a currency converter for an approximate figure in your local currency, noting that the final cost is determined by the exchange rate at the time of confirmation and payment. Flights excluded; international flights from South Africa are estimated between R18 000 – R24 000, depending on your route and airline.