17-Day Vietnam North to South Marvels Tour

Experience: Today is a deep dive into Vietnam's history and intellect. Begin your conquest of knowledge at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university dating back to the 11th century. Walk through its peaceful courtyards, admiring the World Heritage "stone steles" honoring ancient scholars. Next, experience a profound cultural understanding at the Ethnology Museum, exploring the diverse lives and houses of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The afternoon is a journey through time in the elegant French Quarter—Hanoi’s "Little Paris." Take a reflective walk through the botanical gardens past the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts. Cap off your day with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that brings ancient folklore to life on water, accompanied by traditional music.

• Accommodation: Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show

Experience: Leave the city behind for the mountains! Our scenic drive to Mai Chau offers glimpses of rural life before pausing at a traditional Muong village. The true spectacle begins at Thung Khe Pass, where you stop for magnificent, panoramic views of the valley below—a vista that inspires a true sense of conquest over the terrain. Arrive in Mai Hich and check into your authentic homestay, instantly feeling the warmth of local hospitality as the host prepares a delicious lunch. Later, achieve true closeness to nature by walking or cycling along the trails, absorbing the perfect harmony of villages, rice fields, and mountains. This evening, you share a genuine local dinner and connect with the friendly White Thai people.

• Accommodation: Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Bike rental, Authentic Cultural Dinner

Experience: Today is dedicated to the ultimate authentic adventure in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Drive to Eo Ken, the starting point for your immersive trek through Muong homeland. Walk down the slope, greeting the spectacular view of the tiered Hoang Su Phi-style rice terraces that define this region. Visit an ethnic Muong family in Eo Ken village to discover their resilient, authentic life. The journey continues through stunning landscapes, crossing a stream to reach the secluded Hang Village. After checking into your jungle retreat, explore Chieng Lau in the afternoon, renowned for its lush fields and iconic bamboo water wheels. Take a scenic walk, watching this ingenious local irrigation system at work—a moment of peaceful closeness to nature.

• Accommodation: Pu Luong Home (Double Room - Shared bathroom) or similar

• Meals: B, L, D

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees, Bamboo Rafting

Experience: Start the morning with a final, scenic trekking conquest through the valley. Hike down from your accommodation, following small paths through fields to the picturesque Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will work hard to capture these unforgettable moments as the landscape shifts: terraces, fields, ponds, and streams blending seamlessly. After this final embrace of the jungle, you transfer to Ninh Binh, the land often called "Halong Bay on Land." The three-hour scenic drive offers a peaceful transition back to the Red River Delta, setting the stage for the dramatic karst formations awaiting you.

• Accommodation: Nep House (Double Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L, D

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport

Experience: Embrace an active morning! Choose a challenging 20 km round-trip bike ride or a scooter journey along the scenic dyke, offering unparalleled views of rice fields and limestone mountains—a personal conquest of the landscape. Visit the ancient Thung La Temple (11th century) and enjoy a unique traditional musical instrument performance. Next, embark on a tranquil sampan boat trip through the magnificent Van Long Nature Reserve. Paddle gently among the towering karsts, keeping watch for the rare white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs—a moment of serene closeness to nature. The afternoon offers a final taste of local warmth at an embroidery workshop, where you practice the delicate traditional craft under a local artisan's instruction. Finally, return to Hanoi, rejuvenated and carrying the peaceful spirit of the countryside.

• Accommodation: Palago Boutique Hotel (Executive Room) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat trip, Entrance Fees, Bike rental, Embroidery Workshop

Experience: The journey transitions to the magnificent sea. Enjoy the scenic drive from Hanoi to Hai Phong and the Tuan Chau Port. You are welcomed aboard the luxurious Peony Cruise and set sail into the pristine waters of Lan Ha Bay—a less-traveled gem offering true serene bay escape. Enjoy a gourmet lunch as the dramatic karst scenery unfolds. The afternoon is for active exploration: kayaking to discover hidden lagoons in the Tra Bau area. As the day concludes, participate in a cooking demonstration (learning Vietnamese spring rolls) and savor the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin during Happy Hour—a truly joyful and emotional end to the day.

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

• Meals: B, L, D

• Included: Shuttle Bus, English-speaking Guide (on board), Cruise Activities (Kayak, Cooking Class, Squid Fishing)

Experience: Start your day with an energizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. After breakfast, you'll transfer to Cat Ba Island to explore Trung Trang Cave—one of the most impressive limestone caves in the area, offering a moment of geological awe. Return for an early lunch before disembarking. Your driver meets you at the port for the return journey to Hanoi. From Noi Bai Airport, you board a flight to Da Nang, marking your arrival in Central Vietnam. A short transfer takes you to Hoi An, where you check into your hotel and have the evening free to explore the enchanting, lantern-lit town.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Flight (Hanoi - Da Nang), Entrance Fees, Morning Tai Chi

Experience: Embrace the charming pace of Hoi An with a leisurely morning walking tour, visiting the historic Cam Pho communal house and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge—a preserved architectural marvel. Feel the town's history come alive as you explore the Quan Thang ancient house. The true authentic adventure begins in the afternoon as you cycle into the rural countryside. Cross the Thu Bon River by ferry to Kim Bong village, famous for its wood carving, and continue cycling along scenic trails to Tra Nhieu village. Here, you meet local artisans—Ms. Duoc (mat weaving) and Mr. Kha (bamboo sampan basket making)—feeling the warmth of local craftsmanship. Conclude your day in Cam Thanh village with a relaxing foot massage using local herbs, followed by a hands-on cooking practice of local dishes. The final highlight is an unforgettable ride in a small, round bamboo sampan basket boat through the water palm forest.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trips, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Foot Massage, Cooking Class

Experience: Today is a spectacular journey of geographical and historical contrast. Drive along the coastal road to Da Nang, stopping at the Cham Museum to appreciate this ancient culture. The pinnacle of the drive is the climb over the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds). Stop at the summit to capture the breathtaking view of the ocean and coastline—a peaceful moment of conquest over the clouds. Arrive in Hue, the Imperial Capital. In the afternoon, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest spiritual highlight. Conclude your day with a deep connection to history at the Hue Citadel, exploring the vast complex of the Capital, Imperial, and Forbidden cities.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees

Experience: Start your day with a peaceful Royal boat trip on the Perfume River (Huong River), discovering local life on its banks. Disembark for a leisurely bike ride through three distinct craft villages. In Thanh Tien, you'll visit Mr. Hieu’s family to learn the 400-year-old tradition of paper flower making. Then, meet Mr. Phuoc in Sinh village, the cradle of traditional folklore prints. This deep cultural immersion offers unique souvenirs and lasting memories. In the afternoon, visit the astonishing Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a unique architectural marvel that is a blend of Oriental and Western styles. The final descent offers a panoramic view before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), arriving as the city's kinetic pulse awakens.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trip, Flight (Hue - HCMC), Entrance Fees, Bike Rental

Experience: Dive into the energetic capital of the South. Begin at the Independence Palace, witnessing the preserved history of the Vietnam War and the North Vietnamese tank that ended the conflict—a moment for solemn reflection. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of iconic French colonial architecture, including the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the stunning Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel). The afternoon delivers a sensory overload at Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, a hub of commerce and street food. Take a spiritual pause at the ancient Quan Am Pagoda, before concluding at the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), exploring the legacy of Vietnamese herbal remedies.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees

Experience: A day of profound contrast. First, confront the chilling history of the Vietnam War with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore this 250km network of underground tunnels, dug entirely by hand, and feel the incredible ingenuity and resilient spirit of the Viet Cong—a personal conquest of the past. Afterwards, experience an architectural and spiritual marvel: the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Attend the midday mass and witness the unique, colorful blend of world religions (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism) that define Caodaism. This visit is a powerful moment of cultural immersion and understanding.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Entrance Fees

Experience: Journey deep into the lifeblood of Southern Vietnam: the Mekong Delta. Your first stop is Cai Be, where a boat trip takes you to Tan Phong Island. Walk through lush fruit gardens, meet welcoming locals, and enjoy lunch featuring local specialties. Continue your drive to Sa Dec for a pilgrimage to the legendary Huynh Thuy Le's House, made famous by the French novel 'L’Amant – the Lover'—a captivating connection to literary history. Visit the vibrant Kien An Cung Pagoda before settling into Long Xuyen. Enjoy free time to absorb the slow, authentic rhythm of this Delta town.

• Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel (Standard Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trip, Entrance Fees

Experience: Experience the quintessential authentic adventure of the Delta with an early breakfast and boat trip to the animated Long Xuyen Floating Market. Witness the daily commerce and the resilient life lived on the water. Take a short walk or bike ride on Cu Lao Ong Ho Island for peaceful views. Continue to Chau Doc, where a boat takes you to the unique floating fish village and the traditional Cham village. The afternoon is dedicated to the ecological wonder of Tra Su Reserve, an exceptional biodiversity ecosystem featuring a stunning cajuput forest and famous bird park—a moment of true closeness to nature. Conclude your day with the spiritual ascent (walk or motorbike taxi) of Sam Mountain to enjoy an awesome sunset over the Vietnam-Cambodia border, visiting the colorful temples and pagodas (Xu Lady, Tay An).

• Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel (Superior Room) or similar

• Meals: B, L

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport, Boat Trips, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental

Experience: Enjoy a final breakfast in the tranquil Delta. You have a choice:

1. Return to Saigon: Embark on a reflective six-hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City via ferry and scenic roads. Use this time to process the incredible journey, from the northern mountains to the southern delta.

2. Adventure to Phnom Penh (Optional): Take the exciting high-speed boat (7:00 AM departure) from Chau Doc directly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, seamlessly continuing your Southeast Asian odyssey. (This option is at an extra cost and not included). For those returning, enjoy a final evening in Saigon.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Transport

Experience: After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at your leisure, perhaps reflecting on the memories of conquest, cultural immersion, and local warmth you've experienced over the last 17 days. Our driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure, carrying with you the heart and soul of Vietnam.

• Accommodation: None

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Included: Transport