Kayak and Hike the Caves, Jungle and Coast of Vietnam

Get your first glimpse of Vietnam's vibrant capital as your host collects you at the airport and whisks you off to your hotel, in a pleasant neighbourhood near Truc Bach Lake. Buzzing with activity, Hanoi is a city of countless scooters, traditional shops, and faded colonial architecture. Depending on when you arrive, you can head out to sample some of the legendary street food, or hit the famous 'beer corner' in the Old Quarter.

Hang out with the locals this morning. After awakening the taste buds - perhaps sampling some pho noodles and egg coffee - circumnavigate Hoan Kiem Lake and raise the serotonin levels with laughing yoga by the King Le Thai To monument gardens. Head out of Hanoi for a road trip south to the historic city of Vinh. Hike Quyet Mountain (home to the ancient capital of Phuong Hoang Trung Do under the Quang Trung Emperor), explore the temple architecture and check out the views over the River Lam.

The road trip continues as you leave the cities behind and head into the verdant countryside. Stop for a dip in the sea at the secluded Ky Xuan Beach before continuing onwards to the Chay Lap region. Here, you'll jump in a kayak and hit the scenic Son River. Paddle towards the captivating mountains of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, passing Me and Chay villages and drifting by striking rock formations. There will be opportunities to get out of the kayaks and explore the surrounding farmland along the way.

Hike through the lush jungle into the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to the spectacular Elephant Cave. At 60m high and 300m deep, you'll delve into its depths to discover the unique rock formations of this ancient cave. Head back into the light and hike through the jungle, across rivers, and down through the Ma Da Valley to the blue waters of Ma Da Lake. Cool off with refreshing a dip, kick back with a barbecue dinner, then bed down in your tent pitched on the sandy bank.

Awaken to the exotic sounds of the jungle. After a tropical breakfast, hit the verdant, foliage-lined trail. Hike through watercourses until you reach a large bend in the river, which signals a scramble up limestone rocks to the enigmatic Tra Ang Cave. Take the plunge and swim along the dark cave’s 600m length, or explore the area on foot. Relax in the remote wilderness with a spot of lunch, then hike the Tra Ang River Trail back to civilisation. Dry off, tuck into dinner and relax at the hotel.

Head out on two wheels, cycling through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside. Ride through sleepy villages, visit Khoung Ha Market and pedal along peaceful riverside roads, soaking up the rural vibes. After your ride, head to Dong Hoi Railway Station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi. Munch on local fare in the dining carriage, or sit back and enjoy the scenery whizzing by your window, before you bed down, lulled by the gentle sway of the carriage.

After a brief stop in Hanoi to freshen up and have breakfast, the adventure continues - you'll head east out of the city towards Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago. At Tuan Chau, get your sea legs aboard an incredible boutique sailing boat, tonight's floating base from which you will explore. Kayak through this majestic landscape, discovering hidden beaches and marvelling at towering karst islands, before returning to the boat and kicking back on deck.

Rise early for a day packed with adventure. Beginning in the kayak, you'll paddle amongst the shadows of towering karst formations, silhouetted by rich shafts of sunlight. Transferring to a stand-up paddle board, you'll go on a self-propelled paddle around the bay. Later, you'll sail to the pier where an electric car will take you to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Refuel on a selection of delicious local dishes before lacing up your boots and hiking through the jungled, UNESCO-listed Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve to the magnificent viewpoint of Viet Ha. Come evening, take it easy after a full day with a barbecue at the ecolodge.

Set in a lush landscape, your ecolodge has nature on its doorstep - strike out on a hike through pine forest and tropical flora, discovering the island's diverse ecosystems. Head to Trung Tran cave, an extensive system of 150 caves of varying sizes and unique formations. Leaving the coast behind, you'll head back to the buzz of Hanoi for the evening.

After breakfast, say final goodbyes to your team, and you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.