9, 12 or 21 days Vietnam

The 9 and 12 day travels are identical to the itinerary of the 21 day travel, split in two parts. The 9 day travel will take you from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Hoi An. The 12 day travel will take you from Hoi An to Hanoi.
For departure from and arrival in Hoi An, the international airport of Da Nang (the 3rd largest airport in Vietnam) is conveniently located 45 min from Hoi An.
For the 12 day travel itinerary, scroll down this page.

Itinerary for the 9 day travel

The 9 day travel will start in the morning of the first day in Saigon. If you have not spent the night in our hotel in the city center, you are expected to arrive there no later than 09.00 h for an introduction and to meet your fellow travelers. It is your choice to arrive in Vietnam early in the morning or one or more days before the start of the Travel. We will gladly help you to arrange a hotel room for you.

Day 1 & 2 – Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

After a brief introduction where you can meet your tour leader and fellow travelers, we will start exploring the city on foot. The official name of the city was changed to Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, but most people still call it Saigon. The city center itself is actually still called Saigon as you will be seeing in signs everywhere.

Saigon has an ideal layout to explore on foot. It is a city of contrasts, you can wander through beautiful lanes and avenues with colonial French architecture but also explore flashy skyscrapers and luxury malls. Most people in Saigon will use a moped for transportation, these are omnipresent and will present a particular challenge when trying to cross the street. For lunch we will of course select a nice restaurant with great vegan food. You are also free to choose your own place to have lunch.

The second day in Saigon is free for you to do whatever you want. Your tour leader can assist you by making recommendations for places to visit, ranging from temples, parks, malls or museums. If you want to visit places further away from the city center you can use a taxi or public bus. Or you can join a karaoke session, just out on the street.

Day 3 – Mekong Delta

By bus we will make our way South toward the Mekong Delta, the so called 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. In this most densely populated part of Vietnam we will discover the area on a boat, floating around the numerous waterways, canals and streams. Everywhere you look food is being grown on the fields and being sold on the water in floating markets. At the end of the day we will make our way back to Saigon.

Day 4 – Saigon to Da Lat

From Saigon we will drive North up into the mountains that make up the border area with Laos. The final destination today is Da Lat, a colonial town with elegant French colonial villas. Da Lat is also the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. Our hotel is close to the city center.

Day 5 & 6– Nha Trang

Today we will drive a few hours to get to Nha Trang, the beach capital of Vietnam. The remainder of the day and the next day are for you to enjoy the kilometers of beaches, the turquoise sea, the palm trees and the impressive shore-front with numerous restaurants, clubs and resorts. The inland streets house an array of fine restaurants including a number of vegan restaurants. You can spend you time relaxing on the beach, take a mud bath in a luxurious spa or take a nice long walk on the beach. Our hotel is not far from the beach.

Day 7 – Nha Trang to Quy Nhon

We will continue our way further North with our own bus and we will spend the night in Quy Nhon, a prosperous seaside city with a great sandy beaches.

Day 8 & 9 – Hoi An

At the end of the bus ride we will have arrived in Hoi An, a graceful and beautiful old town with a beautifully restored (with help of UNESCO) old town. At set times the waterfront is made moped free which makes walking around even more enjoyable. Hoi An has a very large culinary variety and plenty of vegan restaurants to enjoy a nice meal. If you are interested in joining a cooking class (vegan, of course), this will be the place to do it. Because of its beauty and possibilities for exploring, we will spend another full day in Hoi An. In the old town you will find numerous Japanese merchant houses, ancient temples, houses and of course art centers and boutiques. For the surrounding areas it is best to take a bicycle and just roam around, or follow one of the designated routes.

This is the final day of our 9 day travel. Depending on the timing of your departing flight you can make your way to the airport or enjoy the rest of your time in Hoi An.

Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, for example an upcoming typhoon, a broken bus or delayed train, it is possible that the travel program must be adjusted. The final decision will be made by the tour leader.

Itinerary for the 12 day travel

Day 1 – Hoi An

After a brief introduction where you can meet your tour leader and fellow travelers, the rest of the day is dedicated to explore Hoi An, a graceful and beautiful old town with a beautifully restored (with help of UNESCO) old town. At set times the waterfront is made moped free which makes walking around even more enjoyable. Hoi An has a very large culinary variety and plenty of vegan restaurants to enjoy a nice meal. If you are interested in joining a cooking class (vegan, of course), this will be the place to do it. In the old town you will find numerous Japanese merchant houses, ancient temples, houses and of course art centers and boutiques. For the surrounding areas it is best to take a bicycle and just roam around, or follow one of the designated routes.

Day 2 & 3 – Hue

Hue is only a few hours north of Hoi An, our hotel is right in the city center. Once the political capital of Vietnam, it houses the beautiful Citadel, located on the Perfume River. In Hue you will find a mixture of traditional and modern day buildings, temples, pagodas and palaces. Take time to explore the city center and Citadel on foot, or take bicycle to get further away, with some nice temples and pagodas along the Perfume River.

Day 4 & 5 – Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

From Hue it is a few hours drive to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, which houses the larges cave systems on the planet. The largest cave of them all, Son Doong, was only discovered in 2009. The small town of Phong Nha is a little of the beaten track and does not offer all the amenities that the tourist hotspots have, but it is certainly worth it. There are plenty of activities to choose from, ranging from visiting one of many caves (of course) to strolling or cycling around to discover the natural beauty of the landscape. The national park, which borders on Laos, houses the oldest karst mountains in Asia. Depending on availability we will either take the night train, or will be leaving by bus the next morning.

Day 6 & 7 – Tam Coc

If we take the train from Phong Nha, we will arrive in Tam Coc in the morning. Otherwise we will take a bus and will arrive in the afternoon. Another place to discover more natural beauty in the form of karst mountains and waterways is Tam Coc. Our hotel is in the town center from where you can take a little boat that will take you an a beautiful tour, the boats are powered by women paddling with their feet (so they have their hands free to update their Facebook page).

Day 8 - Endangered Primate Rescue Center

On day 8 we will visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park, where we will also be doing some volunteer work. We will receive a special tour around the park where all activities will be explained to us. After that we will prepare enrichments for the primates. After lunch we will have the opportunity to put our best effort in by doing some volunteer work in the park.

Day 9 & 10 – Hanoi

After only a few hours in our bus, we will reach the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. In comparison with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi has stayed more traditional and authentic. The skyline is certainly not dominated by flashy high-rise buildings. The atmosphere is relaxing, it is a great city to explore on foot.
On day 10 we will organize a walking tour around the city center where we will be visiting interesting sites but also to soak up the atmosphere. The next day will be free for you to enjoy, there is plenty to choose from, depending on what you are interested in.

Day 11 – Halong Bay

Departing from Hanoi in the morning, a bus will take us to the boat for our cruise through Halong Bay, a unique and spectacular World Heritage site with thousands of limestone islands and rocks rising up from the sea. We will be cruising along and will be stopping along the way for a swim or to explore a cave. Lunch is included in this trip and will be served on the boat.

At the end of the day we will make out way back to the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 12 – Hanoi

This is the final day of our Travel. Use it to visit the sights you have missed out on before, or for buying those last minute souvenirs. Depending on the timing of your departing flight you can make your way to the airport or enjoy the rest of your time in Hanoi.

Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, for example an upcoming typhoon, a broken bus or delayed train, it is possible that the travel program must be adjusted. The final decision will be made by the tour leader.

What is included in the price?

• Transport according to program
• 20 Overnight stays (possibly one on a night train) for the 21 day travel
• 8 Overnight stays for the 9 day travel
• 11 Overnight stays (possibly one on a night train) for the 12 day travel
• All breakfasts (except if we take the night train)
• Dutch+English+German speaking tour leader
• Boat trip on Halong Bay (including lunch) for 12 and 21 day travel only
• Visit and entrance to the bear sanctuary or Turtle Rescue Center or Endangered Primate Rescue Center (depending on season) > for 12 and 21 day travel only
• Walking tour in Saigon > for 9 and 21 day travel only
• Walking tour in Hanoi > for 12 and 21 day only
• Boat trip on the Mekong Delta > for 9 and 21 day only

What is not included?

• International flights
• Meals, unless mentioned otherwise (but we will direct you to vegan restaurants)
• Entrance fees (unless mentioned otherwise)
• Visa for Vietnam
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Cancellation insurance (optional)
• Spending money
• Tips

For spending money you should count on an average of € 125,- per person per week. In this amount are included costs for food and drinks, entrance fees, additional excursions and personal tips. Souvenirs are not included in this amount as this very much depends on the person.

Tipping in Vietnam is common and often a necessary part of peoples income. For common expenses such as tipping in hotels and our bus driver and guide, a joint pot will be used for which a contribution is requested from all participants. For this 21 day journey to Vietnam this will be € 40,-, for the 9 and 12 day travels this will be € 18,- and € 22,- respectively. When you are satisfied with your tour leader, a tip will be very much appreciated.

Personal health

On a Travel to an exotic country like Vietnam it is important to prepare yourself well. For a thorough advice on required vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, contact your family doctor or a clinic specialized in vaccinations. Travelers who reside in The Netherlands can find relevant information on thuisvaccinatie. Starting well on time with a vaccination program is essential as some vaccinations have to be repeated one or more times to be sufficiently effective. Make your 1st appointment at least 6 weeks before departure.

Necessary protection

In general, you are advised to protect yourself against the following diseases:

• Hepatitis A
• DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio)
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Malaria (advice on malaria prophylaxes for Vietnam varies, depending on itinerary but also country of residence, please show you doctor your travel itinerary)
• Dengue (no vaccination possible, protection from mosquitoes is advised)

Check with your health and/or travel insurance if costs for travel vaccinations and malaria prophylaxes will be reimbursed.

Travel medication

You are also advised to bring a modest travel pharmacy containing painkillers, diarrhea tablets, ORS (Oral Re-hydration Salts), disinfectants, anti-histamine tablets and motion sickness tablets of your sensitive for that.

If you are bringing other medication into the country, ask your pharmacy to provide you with a list of subscribed medication.

Insurance

The costs of health care abroad or an unexpected repatriation can be huge, even in a country like Vietnam. To prevent these high costs, a travel insurance will be required. Samsara Vegan Travels obligates its travelers to obtain an adequate a travel insurance for the full coverage of medical assistance and repatriation and can ask for proof of this insurance. Failure to comply with this requirement can be cause for cancellation in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

For your benefit you may choose to have a cancellation insurance.

Safety and travel advice

For up-to-date information about the security situation in Vietnam, please visit the website of your national government. Travelers who reside in The Netherlands can find relevant information on Nederland Wereldwijd.

Intensity of the journey

With good health you can easily participate in this journey. Long walks and bike rides are all optional. In the locations where we spend the night we are within walking distance of the town/city center and restaurants, but taxis are also available everywhere. Due to the active nature of the trip this journey is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Travel guidance

All travels to Vietnam will be accompanied by a Dutch+English+German speaking tour leader. The tour leader is the first point of contact during the journey. The tour leader has a lot of experience with traveling and gladly answers all your questions, but he is not a walking encyclopaedia. Also bring your own travel guide for additional information.

Your tour leaders

For more information on our tour leaders, click here.
See the Dates & Prices tab which guide is accompanying you on your tour.

Travel companions

We always travel in small groups, minimum 6 and maximum 16 travelers. Our travel groups consist of a mixture of people from different nationalities. The Travel is confirmed to depart if at least the minimum number of travelers have made a booking. In some cases Samsara Vegan Travels can decide to confirm the departure, even if the required minimum number of travelers has not been reached.

Money

The Vietnamese currency is the Dong. Money can be obtained by exchanging euros or dollars at banks, exchange offices or in the hotel. Credit cards are also widely accepted. Taking money from cash machines is also possible, especially in larges cities, with a debit card with Maestro or Cirrus symbol.

We recommend to bring with you a smaller amount of cash in euros or dollars for emergency purposes and to take out most of the money on arrival. You can best do this immediately after arrival at the airport or near the hotel. If possible bring an additional credit and/or debit card for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Travel documents

You are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after departure from Vietnam.

For obtaining a tourist visa for Vietnam you have two options:

Option 1: Apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy in your country. You can do this directly by visiting the Vietnamese Embassy's website and filling out or downloading the appropriate forms or by using one of many commercial visa offices you can find online. More information about what type of visa you need, and the costs involved, you can use the following link for Vietnam Visa. Please ensure yourself of the through time for this application, we recommend to submit your request at least 4 weeks before departure. For travelers who reside in The Netherlands, forms can be found at Visumcentrale.

Option 2: Get your visa on arrival at the airport in Vietnam (Visa on arrival). This is the easiest and cheapest way to obtain your visa. Keep in mind though that you have to queue at the airport, which can take more than an hour at busy times. You can apply for your visa on arrival using the following link.

As a traveler you are responsible for having the right travel documents.

Climate

The climate in Vietnam is very dependent on where you are, because the country is elongated, there can be big differences between the north and south. The rainy season runs from May till October but it rarely rains all day, the rain is often limited to 1 to 2 hours a day. The climate in the north is subtropical, in the south it is tropical. In October and December typhoons can occur with abundant rainfall, this may possibly affect the itinerary.

Transport

Most local transport is done by a private bus. Keep in mind that this is Vietnam and levels of comfort can deviate from what you are used to in your country, caused by factors such as road conditions, weather and local customs. As Vietnam is a very long stretched country, distance are quite long between destinations. This will result in some long days of driving, but we will make plenty of stops for photographs, stretching the legs and possible attractions. To give you an impression of the distances we will be covering, have a look at the table below. Driving times do not include stops.

In the Mekong delta we will make use of local boats that will transport us around the canals.

The boat we will use to explore Halong Bay might be shared with other tourists, depending on the size of our group.

If an overnight train is included in the itinerary, we will try to arrange 4-person couchettes, if available. Because train tickets can only be bought 60 days before departure, and preference is given to travelers that take the entire stretch from Saigon to Hanoi, this cannot be guaranteed. We will inform travelers as soon as possible if the train will be included in the itinerary.

Luggage

From a practical point of view, it is best not to bring a hard suitcase, these do not fit well in the luggage compartments of the bus and train (if applicable). The best is to bring a backpack or flexible holdall. Take a careful look at what you want to bring with you, experience shows that you usually have too much with you. You do have to carry your own bag from the bus to the hotel, so do not make it too heavy.

Evenings in Vietnam can be a bit chilly, especially in the northern regions, pack something warm to wear or use several layers of clothing.
In Buddhist temples, access is not permitted with bare shoulders and knees, dress appropriately.

Accommodation

If you would like to arrive 1 or more days early, or would like to extend you stay after the tour has ended we can arrange a room for you in the hotel we are using for the tour. The daily rate for this is € 38,- for Saigon,  € 40,- for Hoi An and € 40,- for Hanoi. This rate includes the occupancy for 1 or 2 people, and breakfast. For booking extra nights, you can use the section 'extra nights' in our booking form.

Emergencies

In case of an emergency, both travelers and those who stay at home can reach the tour leader of Samsara Vegan Travels using any of the following media:

+46 705 975 950
Samsara Vegan Travels
+31 636 515 427
stefan@samsaravegantravels.com

If the tour leader is not available or responding, please use these emergency numbers:

+31 640 999 410
SOS@samsaravegantravels.com

We will respond to your call as soon as possible.

For emergency purposes make a scan of your passport, visa, and other important documents and mail them to yourself, or put them online in the cloud. So, in case of theft or loss during the journey, you always have copies of your important papers on hand.

Booking process

The first step to book a Travel is to fill out the booking form as shown on our website. After we have received your application we will send you a confirmation by e-mail as soon as possible, but no later than within 72 hours. The booking is agreed with the submission of the booking form, cancellation is no longer possible without incurring cancellation costs.

All details regarding payment of deposit and the remainder of the travel sum are giving on the booking page.

The Travel is confirmed to depart if at least the minimum number of travelers have made a booking. Do not book your international flights before you have received a message from us that the departure of the journey is confirmed.

9, 12 or 21 Days Vietnam

These travels are covered by STO Garant (Foundation Take Over - Travel Guarantee) for EU residents. The information on this website is in Dutch only, for a detailed description in English of the Travel Guarantee, refer to Terms and Conditions.