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The Buffalo Run - The North
The Buffalo Run
Spend seven action-packed days exploring Vietnam's rich history, local culture, food, and breathtaking natural beauty from Hanoi to Hoi An.
The Buffalo Run has been designed by travelers, for travelers.It showcases some of the most spectacular "off the beaten track" destinations through the lens of knowledgeable tour guides, while keeping a fun and relaxed atmosphere, all being enjoyed with a bunch of like-minded souls.
What's Included?
All of your accommodation, transport, one of our awesome local guides and all entrance fees. Please check the itinerary for included meals - the few that aren't are meant to maintain flexibility.
What's not Included?
Drinks, Travel Insurance and Personal Expenses.
Itinerary
Day 1
TRANG-AN - "HALONG BAY ON LAND"
We depart from our downtown hostel at 9am and head south west to Trang An, or commonly known as "Halong Bay on land". After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will take a boat up the beautiful river fed by natural springs and through caves that cut their way through amazing limestone Karst mountains to visit an ancient 10th century pagoda and temple. We will have dinner and a shower in central Ninh Binh town before boarding the overnight bus to Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park.
Day 2
DARK CAVE & PHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARK
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. Zipline 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 eight lady cave, a poignant relic of the war torn era before capping off the day with a drink in hand watching the sunset over the rice paddies at a nearby farmstay.
Day 3
PHONG NHA
Make the most of your free morning to do some self-guided exploring, before heading out on a short "off-road" bike ride through the villages to a local treasure, the pub with cold beer. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and an ice cold bottle of Nam's finest.
Day 4
DEMILITARIZED ZONE (DMZ) AND VINH MOC TUNNELS
Spend the day discovering the rich war history of the area. Go deep underground into the Vinh Moc tunnel system, built as 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.
Day 5
HUE: THIEN MU PAGODA & BEACH DAY
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest in Vietnam, and immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture. Head to a secluded jungle bar for some much needed relaxation, lunch and cocktails. Go for a swim and soak in the sun before watching it set from one of hue's real hidden gems.
Day 6
HAI VAN PASS
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 friends.
Day 7
HOI AN: UNESCO OLD TOWN & AN BANG BEACH BY BICYCLE
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, and sunbathe in the beauty of An Bang Beach at our very own Kahuna's Hoi An Beach Club. Relax by the pool or beach and plan your local activities for the following days or prepare to embark on the next chapter of your legendary journey down Vietnam with a visit to Ninhvana and 4 days of adventure through the Central Highlands finishing in Saigon.
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