Compare Luxury Georgia & the Carolinas self-drive by Audley Travel vs Northern Vietnam Adventure in 12 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1 : Atlanta

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Atlanta. Make your way from the airport to Buckhead, the heart of Atlanta's buzzy entertainment district and relax in your hotel. Buckhead's dining is amongst the best in the South if you feel like heading out for dinner.

Day 2 : Atlanta

Atlanta's glittering skyscraper core is testament to the fact it is the commercial heart of the South. Here mega-corporation Coca-Cola shows its PR side at World of Coca-Cola, a museum where you can learn their history and taste their range of over 100 products.

Day 3 : Asheville

Pick up your convertible car, drop the top and head out of the city towards North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The roads are winding, so take it slowly so you can admire the views.

Day 4 : Asheville

The Biltmore Estate was the summer retreat of George Vanderbilt, part of the dynasty that was at one time the richest in America. Biltmore House remains the largest privately-owned in America. It's easy to spend hours exploring the grand rooms of this chateau-style mansion and manicured gardens.

Day 5 : Charleston, SC

Leave the mountains behind and descend to the coast, where Charleston sits at the confluence of several rivers. Your hotel is one of the grandest in the historic district so it's worth spending time relaxing there before heading out for a look around the streets lined with mansions in all hues.

Day 6 : Charleston, SC

Charleston is both historic and very walkable so join a local for a stroll around the oldest parts of the city, including to places you would never find on your own.

Day 7 : Savannah

Charleston's big rival for most charming small city of the South is Savannah. The drive down passes many barrier islands where you could stop for a walk or swim.

Day 8 : Savannah

Savannah's squares and Spanish moss-draped oaks form its most enduring image, creating a picturesque downtown as well as providing some respite from the sun as you wander around. Savannah is also home to a small but good quality food scene, so a walking tour of the city with stops various restaurants provides a great introduction.

Day 9 : Jekyll Island

Just a short drive from Savannah finds you on the beaches of the barrier islands. On Jekyll Island you can spend time watching sea birds, strolling along the beaches looking for shells and enjoying the facilities of the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort.

Day 10 : Jekyll Island

Day at leisure: explore the natural side of Jekyll Island with a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or on a ramble around the maritime forest with the resort's park ranger. At Horton Pond you can spot turtles and alligators.

Day 11 : Jekyll Island

Day at leisure: there are numerous activities to get involved with, from croquet on the lawns to cycling the miles of trails around the island - or you could just lie back by the pool.

Day 12 : International return flight

Spend the final few hours on Jekyll taking in the sea air and views before driving south to Jacksonville and state number four of the trip, Florida, where you can put the top back up on your convertible and hand it back before flying home.

Day 13 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1 Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi - Travel To Bac Ha - Trekking To Ta Van (B/L)

In the morning, travel by private car from Hanoi towards Bac Ha in the Sapa region. The drive will take approximately 5 hours. Press on along the winding road before taking your first glimpse of Bac Ha village, sitting in a valley with cleared hillsides and rustic farmland. Stretch your legs as you walk off the bus, then begin a trek to your homestay in Ta Van (approximately 10 km/6 mi). Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. Arrive at the homestay, which is comfy, quiet, and surrounded by pristine farmland. The rest of the day is a relaxing time.

Overnight in Ta Van.

Day 3 Bac Ha Village - Explore the Ethnic Market (B/L)

After breakfast at your homestay, visit the Bac Ha fairground market. This is a great place to pick up locally dyed fabrics, hemp plants, and handmade textiles. Depending on the availability, you can witness the extraordinary atmosphere of the ethnic markets around this region:
Tuesday: Coc Ly market
Wednesday: Sin Cheng market
Thursday: Cao Son market Lun Khau Nhin market.
Saturday: Can Cau market
Sunday: Bac Ha market

Then trek approximately 5 to 6 hours to the hill tribe village and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. Push on through terraced farmland and bamboo scrub for excellent views of emerald valleys, superb rice terraces, and spectacular mountains.
In the evening, settle into your homestay in Bac Ha for the night.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 4 Bac Ha - Travel To Ha Giang (B)

In the morning, take a long drive to the Ha Giang province. This is a highland region of forests and terraced rice and corn paddies, with the mountains of Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba pass) soaring in the background. The Ha Giang province also shares a border with southern China and is known as Vietnam's final frontier. After relaxing and getting to know your surroundings, visit the local markets and shop fronts, which are relics of a bygone era. Afterwards, venture to the local museum and explore Cuom Village, witnessing the colorful traditional dress of the local people. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 5 Ha Giang - Travel To Dong Van (B)

Today, leave for the first of many scenic mountain drives throughout Ha Giang province. Stop to browse Minh Tao Market before wandering through the village of Nam Luong. Afterwards, pass through Lung Tam textile village and the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin commune, built in the shape of a royal Manchu palace. This is known as the former palace of the Hmongs’ King before continuing to Dong Van where you'll spend the night.

Overnight in Dong Van.

Day 6 Exploring The Beautiful Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B/L)

This morning, we take the most spectacular road in all of Vietnam, which winds for 15 km to the top of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a hulk of desert peaks and unique canyons in the world. We then descend on Meo Vac for lunch. Visit the Meo Vac market before setting off on a trekking loop that starts and finishes in Dong Van. The trek (approximately 4 hours in total) is moderate and suitable for those with an average fitness level. Wind your way through the spectacular landscape, where you can expect to witness glorious views and capture some amazing pictures of lush valleys and rice paddies.

After that, drive past terraced rice farms on the road to Bao Lac (approximately 4 hours), a small town in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam. The area is home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, who are well known for their colorful attire and finesse in making bronze drums. The bronze drums hold a special place in Lo Lo customs, being used at funerals and important family events. In Lo Lo culture, only the sound of the drums can help the souls of the dead find their way to the birthplace of their ancestors.

Overnight in Bao Lac.

Day 7 Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake (B/L)

Today you will travel to Ba Be Lake (approximately 4 hours). Once there, head down the river by boat on an exploration of Ba Be National Park, visiting the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Disembark for some light walks along the way, visit the impressive waterfalls that feed the lake and observe the natural flora and fauna.

Return to land in the afternoon, and head to a family-owned guesthouse in Pac Ngoi village where you will spend the night. The family you’re staying with will prepare lunch for you, and the rest of the day is free to explore the surrounding area. In the evening sit down for a delicious dinner with your hosts. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into their lives and culture.

Overnignt in Pac Ngoi.

Day 8 Ba Be - Back To Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, have a boat trip to explore the lake and the Nang river to the Dau Dang waterfalls. Stroll around to admire the waterfall, then embark on the boat to go up the river and cross the lake from north to south. Then head back to your homestay and get ready to transfer to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9 Immerse Yourself Into The Beauty of Ninh Binh (B/L)

Today you will experience the ancient culture and history of Vietnam together with seeing the stunning landscape and beautiful scenery when we travel to the Ninh Binh Province. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30-8:00 am and depart to Ninh Binh.
The first destination to visit is Hoa Lu ancient capital. Here you will explore the outstanding architecture of King Dinh and King Le temples, the first emperors of ancient Vietnam.

Then move to Tam Coc wharf, where you will have lunch with Vietnamese food. And then board the rowing boat and cruise along the river through the limestone caves. After the boat trip, you will take a cycling trip around the idyllic village through the rice fields to explore the surrounding sceneries.
Then come back to the shuttle bus to return to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Overnight On Cruise

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.
On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 11 Cruising in Ha long Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12 Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Trip Ends.