Coffee, Caves, and Countryside – A Backpacking Trip to Vietnam

Dates: Announcing Soon

Coffee, Caves, and Countryside - Vietnam
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Overview

  • Duration:11 days 10 nights
  • Maximum Members:5 - 10
  • Experience Type:Backpacking, Culture, Explore Together
  • Language:English, Hindi
  • Areas of Interest:Culture, cuisine, nature, architecture, heritage
  • Accommodation:Homestays/Dormitories
  • Travel Type:Backpacking
Note: This page is currently being updated. Information here is not final.

A fine mix of warm hospitality, rich culture, and everyday street-life, Vietnam is where your days begin with a cup of coffee and end with lantern-lit streets. Rich history, mesmerising landscape, beautiful architecture, delicious street food - Vietnam has a lot to offer the curious.

Join Poets And Pilgrims on an 11 days backpacking adventure where we explore parts of north and central Vietnam on a budget. We will go for hikes to connect with nature, hop on a scooter or bicycle and explore the countryside, indulge in diverse street food options, and of course visit important sites. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the calm countryside of Ninh Binh, from beautiful temples to the depth of caves - we will truly experience the beauty Vietnam has to offer.

Like all Poets And Pilgrims travel experiences, this trip is designed to be slow. No rushing between places, no tourist cliches, no bucketlist urgency. Take your time, immerse yourself in what attracts your attention, and enjoy the moment. To keep things in budget, we will stay in homestays / dormitories and travel by public transport. Small family-run diners and street food joints will be our go-to places to eat.

Whether you are seeking adventure, spirituality, or simply a retreat from the hustle and bustle of life – we will get a chance to experience Vietnam in a way that will make you want to stay just a little longer.

Note: The itinerary is just an overview of what our experience will look like. There are planned places and activities that are not mentioned to avoid information overload. Trust the process and let Poets And Pilgrims craft an experience you will love.

Highlights

  • 11 days of epic backpacking adventure
  • Take it slow, live in the moment: flexible plans, no rigid itinerary
  • Get introduced to traditional Vietnamese coffee
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Visit historic temples, pagodas, and a 19th century neo-gothic cathedral
  • Take a scooter or bicycle ride through rice fields around the countryside
  • Hop on a boat and go deep in the caves
  • Walk by the river in Hoi An as the sun goes down, take a lantern-lit boat ride (optional)
  • Embark on a day hike to stay close to the nature

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi

Standard check-in time 2p.m.

We are taking it slow today and go for a stroll around Hanoi. Time to get introduced to Vietnamese coffee!

Day 2: Hanoi

Temples, pagodas, a neo-Gothic cathedral, markets - we are exploring the best of Hanoi today

In the evening, we are going to a weekend market where we will indulge in street food

Highlights: Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc pagoda, One Pillar pagoda

Day 3: Ninh Binh

Leave for Ninh Binh in the morning

Later in the day, hop on a bicycle and explore the countryside through the rice fields

Day 4: Ninh Binh

Rent a scooter and further explore Ninh Binh

An ancient town, temples and pagodas, tomb of an emperor who founded the Lê dynasty in late 900s, sit by a lake and enjoy being at peace and a lot more!

Leave for Phong Nha in a night bus. Sleeper buses of Vietnam is something you must experience once

Day 5: Phong Nha

Reach Phong Nha in the morning and get some rest

Later in the day, we will hop on a boat and explore the Phong Nha cave

Day 6: Hoi An

Take a bus to Hoi An

Later in the day we will go for a stroll around the Hoi An ancient town, visit some temples, walk by the river, and enjoy as the beautiful lanterns get released in the water

We sit at a cafe/bar and relax in the evening

(Optional) How about a boat ride on the Hoai river as the sun goes down, eh?

Highlights: Sông Hoài Square, Pagoda Bridge

Day 7: Hoi An

Time to visit the Thanh Ha pottery village and terracotta park

(Optional) Want to get your hands on pottery? This is your chance!

There are other things planned for today and in the evening we are back at the river for a stroll. Sit at a cafe, let the conversations flow!

Day 8: Huế

A day trip to Huế - visit the Hue Historic Citadel, An Dinh palace, Thien Mu pagoda and other places

Back to Hoi An in the evening

Day 9: Da Nang

Leave for Da Nang

Explore Da Nang - visit the Dragon Bridge among other places

Day 10: Da Nang

Visit Marble Mountains - time for a hike!

If time permits and everyone's up for it, we continue to Son Tra peninsula

A relaxing evening to recount our experience in Vietnam. Let the conversations flow!

Day 11: Departure - Da Nang

It's hard but today we say our goodbyes. How about one last cup of coffee together before we do so?

What's Included/Excluded

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • Breakfast and one cup of coffee everyday (except on arrival day)
  • All entry fees per the planned itinerary
  • All domestic transport in bus. If we take taxi or other mode of transport, we share the cost
  • Boat ride and entry to a cave in Phong Nha
  • Any expense not mentioned before
  • Travel expenses to and from Vietnam, visa costs, airport pickup/drop
  • Drinking water, extra meals and drinks
  • Activities marked as optional or any extra activities
  • Camera fees, if any
  • Insurance and healthcare. Emergency expenses
  • Tips, gratuities etc.

FAQs

Why should I travel to Vietnam with Poets And Pilgrims?

Poets And Pilgrims focuses on travelling as a life experience. We travel slow and do not rush between places. Even with a group, you get to experience things as your pace. We work with people to organically cultivate relations and human bond. If your goal is to simply tick checkboxes, take some pictures and come back, a Poets And Pilgrims trip might not offer a suitable experience for you.

Why are meals not included in the cost?

Meals are not included to give you the flexibility to try various foods based on your interest, budget, and diet preference. Suggestions to try local cuisine will be offered.

Wha's the cost of Vietnam e-Visa and how much time does it take to receive a response?

It currently costs 25 USD for up to 90-days, single entry visa. Usually you should receive a response within 3 to 5 days.

How do I apply for Vietnam e-Visa?

Vietnam visa applications are done online. Apply only at the official website - https://evisa.gov.vn/

Can you apply for my Vietnam visa on my behalf?

You must apply for your visa yourself but we are here if you need assistance in filling up the form.

What are some extra expenses involved and mow much money should I carry?

Extra costs include meals, drinking water, drinks, shopping, optional boat ride and other unplanned/optional activities. Count on an average INR 1000 per night as an extra expense.

Can I use UPI, credit or debit card in Vietnam?

Vietnam is cash-friendly country and it's the most preferred payment method. Currently UPI doesn't work in Vietnam. Credit/debit cards work, although it may attract extra charges.

What should I carry with me?

A list of recommended things to carry will be shared with registered members before the trip.

What are the payment terms and how do I pay?

You pay a deposit (booking amount) to reserve your spot. Upon paying the remaining amount, your spot is confirmed. The remaining amount can be paid in two parts, considering the time left before the trip commences (ask for more details). Payments can be made using UPI, credit or debit card, digital wallets or net banking.

What's your refund policy?

Please read our refund policy here for more details - https://poetsandpilgrims.com/refund-policy/