Spend 7 action-packed days exploring Vietnam’s rich history, local culture, food, and breathtaking natural beauty from Hanoi to Hoi An on the awesome Buffalo Run!
The Buffalo Run has been designed by travellers, for travellers. It showcases some of the most spectacular “off the beaten track” destinations, through the lens of knowledgeable local guides while keeping a fun and relaxed atmosphere, all being enjoyed with a bunch of like-minded souls.
The Buffalo Run: 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Trang-An – “Halong Bay On Land”
- Depart from our Downtown hostel at 9am and begin your journey South on a private mini-bus.
- First stop: the amazing Ninh Binh and Tam Coc Village, also known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’ due to the amazing limestone formations that rise from the waters.
- Dig into a delicious local lunch in Tam Coc with scenic views.
- Explore natural spring-fed rivers, limestone karst caves, and a 10th-century pagoda and temple; by bicycle and boat!
- Enjoy a shower and dinner in central Ninh Binh Town.
- Boarding a comfortable overnight sleeper bus to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the Dark Cave
- Today’s agenda is jam-packed with adventure, spent discovering the stunning scenery of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, one of Vietnam’s largest National Parks!
- Zip-line into the Dark Cave, get down and dirty in the mud baths, and grab a kayak and a dip in the lake, before feasting on a hard-earned lunch!
- Visit the atmospheric Eight Lady Cave, a poignant relic of the war-torn era.
- Cap off the day with a drink in hand watching the sunset over the rice paddies at the legendary Phong Nha Farmstay.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3: Phong Nha National Park
- Make the most of your free morning to do some self-guided exploring of the area or just relax by the swimming pool at the farmstay.
- With the rest of the Buffalo Run crew, head out on an “off-road” bike ride through the villages to a local treasure, the Pub with Cold Beer!
- Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and an ice cold bottle of Nam’s finest.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 4: Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Spend the day discovering the rich war history of the area.
- Go deep underground into the fascinating Vinh Moc Tunnel System, built as a shelter from the bombings during the American war.
- Visit the Mine Action Visitors Centre in Dong Ha and learn about the lasting effect of the war that still lingers today.
- Finally, make your way to our Hostel in Hue for some cold beers and a warm welcome.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 5: Hue – Thien Mu Pagoda & Beach Day
- In Hue, you will visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest temple in Vietnam, and immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture.
- Head to a secluded beach for some much-needed relaxation, lunch and cocktails.
- Go for a swim in the sea and soak in the sun before watching it set from one of Hue’s real hidden gems!
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 6: Hai Van Pass, Hue to Hoi An
- Ride in style in an old-fashioned, open-air Russian Army Jeep to travel the most iconic stretch of Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass.
- Take a dip in the ocean and set up on the sand for a seaside lunch with locals.
- Pile back in and make your wind-blown way to the peak of the pass, visiting French and American bunkers, bullet holes and all.
- Finish your epic journey arriving into our Hostel in Hoi An for a poolside beverage with new friends.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 7- Hoi An: UNESCO Old Town & An Bang Beach by Bicycle (B)
- Discover Hoi An’s highlights by bicycle in the UNESCO Old Town, including its renowned tailor shops, bustling markets, and hidden street food spots.
- Get creative in the City of Lanterns with a workshop to make your own.
- In the afternoon, sunbathe in the beauty of An Bang beach or, relax by the pool and plan your local activities for the following days in Hoi An!
FAQs
What should I bring on the trip?
- Your passport.
- Comfortable walking shoes/trainers.
- Comfortable light-weight clothes.
- Swim-stuff.
- Towel.
- Sunscreen.
- Toiletries.
- Raincoat.
- Warm clothes for the cooler months (Nov – March).
- Mosquito repellent.
- Camera.
- Flashlight/head torch.
- Extra spending money.
- Also, bring your appetite and a sense of humour!
How much luggage can I bring?
Your vehicle has limited space so please try to keep your luggage to a maximum of 15kg in a backpack. As well as your larger luggage, bring a small day pack for daily activities (cycling, trekking etc.) for easy access to camera, sunscreen, water etc.
Where do I meet the trip?
The trip departs from Vietnam Backpacker Hostels Downtown at 9 Ma May Street, Hanoi at 9am on the day of departure. If you’re not there when we leave, we’ll regard it as non-attendance. You won’t be able to join the trip, and will not be refunded.
How do I book and pay for the trip?
To reserve your place on this trip, you will need to pay a deposit of 15% on this web page. Once your date is confirmed, you will need to visit one of Vietnam Backpackers’ Hostels in Hanoi, check-in with the crew and reconfirm your details at the Travel Desk at least 24 hours before departure.
What do we eat on the Buffalo Run?
Our emphasis is on fresh, healthy food wherever possible. If you are vegetarian or do not eat seafood we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking.
How fit do I have to be to join this trip?
This is an active trip so a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is needed. If you enjoy climbing through caves, swimming in beautiful jungle rivers or just being in pristine national parks and directly experiencing the environment then this trip is perfect for you. If you have any doubts about your suitability for this trip, please check with us before making a booking.
Do I have to participate in all of the activities?
Part of the enjoyment of this tours is bonding with a group of like-minded adventurers so we make them active and hands on. Full involvement is normally one of the highlights of the trip but no one will force you to do something you don’t want to do. All of the activities are optional.
Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included; we strongly recommend that passengers have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed departure date.
Operator
Vietnam Backpackers
South East Asia Backpacker has tried and tested adventures across the region and handpicked a selection of only the BEST companies to work with.
Why we chose Vietnam Backpackers Hostels?
Vietnam Backpacker Hostels are legendary on the Southeast Asian backpacker trail for one reason. They provide so much more than just a bed. The second a backpacker arrives at one of their hostels or signs up for a trip – they become part of a huge family that looks out for one another – meaning that it’s impossible to ever be lonely again!
Their value for money trips are designed for backpackers who are wanting to cram in as many activities and meet as many people as possible. Be prepared for non-stop fun when booking a trip with these guys!
We first met the Aussie owners of the hostel chain, Max and Mick, almost 10 years ago when they only had one hostel in Hanoi. They now have several all across the country and their success is a testament to the fact that they understand backpackers and know how to organise some the best trips in the country! Having been backpackers themselves back in the day, they know what a backpacker wants and how to provide it to them.
With their awesome team, you’ll get to visit exclusive and off the beaten track destinations, hang out with like-minded travellers, enjoy incredible activities and feel safe in the hands of a professional tour operator and Vietnam’s best guides!
All trips offered by Vietnam Backpackers —> Castaways Island Halong Bay Tour | The Buffalo Run | Mai Chau Valley Trip | SUP Monkey Tour.
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