Authentic Vietnam 15-Day Journey: Ethnic Culture, Natural Landscapes & Mekong Delta Life

Cultural Pillars and Colonial Grandeur: Dive deep into Vietnam’s history, beginning with the elegant Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam’s First National University).

• Marvel at the ancient stone steles inscribed with the names of outstanding scholars.

• Next, explore the nation's rich diversity at the Museum of Ethnology, gaining profound insight into Vietnam's many ethnic groups.

• In the stately French Quarter, admire the architecture before a peaceful walk through the botanical gardens leading to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s simple House on Stilts.

• Conclude your day with the unique, mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a magical tradition that brings Vietnamese folklore to life on water.

Journey to the Land of Mountain Harmony: Bid farewell to Hanoi and travel to the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau.

• The scenic drive includes a stop at a traditional Muong ethnic village before ascending the Thung Khe Pass.

• From this summit, prepare for magnificent panoramic views of the lush valley sprawling beneath you.

• Upon arrival in Mai Hich, a delicious local lunch awaits, prepared with genuine warmth by your host.

• The afternoon is dedicated to cycling (or walking) through a landscape of perfect harmony—green mountains, streams, and pristine rice fields.

• This evening, experience the sincere hospitality of the White Thai ethnic group during your cozy homestay, enjoying a traditional dinner.

The Trekking Reward in Pu Luong's Sanctuary: Today is an authentic adventure day in the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

• Start your rewarding trek from Eo Ken, offering spectacular, unspoiled views of the tiered rice fields.

• Visit a Muong family in Eo Ken village to discover their simple, genuine way of life.

• Continue your hike to Hang Village.

• In the afternoon, explore Chieng Lau, renowned for its iconic bamboo water wheels. Witness this ingenious, ancient irrigation system up close and engage with the resilient locals whose lives are entwined with the land.

Final Mountain Vistas & Karst Transition: Begin your morning with a final, memorable hike down the valley.

• Pass through Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages, where you can capture stunning, unforgettable photos of the changing landscapes—rice terraces, fields, streams, and mountains blending seamlessly.

• After lunch, we transfer to Ninh Binh (approx. 3 hours). This scenic drive transitions from the winding mountain roads of the North to the peaceful, flat terrains of the Red River Delta, offering a picturesque glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Van Long Serenity & Creative Craftsmanship: Embrace an active and enriching morning!

• Choose to cycle the 10-20km dyke road for stunning views of rice fields and limestone karsts, or take a scooter/car to Thung La Temple, an 11th-century spiritual site where you can enjoy a performance of traditional musical instruments.

• Next, board a traditional sampan boat for a serene trip through the Van Long Nature Reserve. As you glide among the towering mountains, keep a keen eye out for the rare white monkeys and egrets!

• The day culminates in an embroidery workshop with local craftswoman Mrs. Lam, giving you a chance to practice this delicate, traditional craft.

• In the afternoon, we transfer back to Hanoi.

Secluded Serenity on the Emerald Bay: Escape the city once again for the quiet natural landscapes of Bai Tu Long Bay.

• Our comfortable shuttle takes you from Hanoi to Ha Long City.

• Board the Garden Bay Cruise and enjoy a delicious set-menu lunch as you cruise into the quieter, more secluded, and utterly stunning part of the bay.

• The afternoon is dedicated to deep nature immersion: kayak into hidden lagoons, swim, or simply relax on the beach at Cap La.

• As the sun sets, join the Sunset Party (Happy Hour) before savoring a delicious BBQ dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting).

Tai Chi, Floating Villages & Coastal Flight: Greet the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises over the limestone karsts.

• Enjoy a light breakfast before taking a bamboo boat to explore the charming Vung Vieng Fishing Village, gaining a heartfelt glimpse into the daily lives of the local fishing community.

• After a final lunch aboard, we disembark and return to Hanoi, where you'll catch a direct flight to Da Nang.

• Upon arrival, a quick transfer takes you to the magical, lantern-lit Hoi An Ancient Town, ready for tomorrow's exploration.

400 Years of Culture & Rustic Countryside Charm: Begin your day by immersing yourself in the town's history, starting with the Cam Pho Communal House and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge—a 400-year-old architectural marvel.

• Wander through the charming streets and visit the authentic Quan Thang Ancient House.

• Then, venture into the surrounding countryside! Take a boat to Kim Bong Carpentry Village to admire their carving talent, then cycle through rice paddies to Tra Nhieu Village.

• Here, meet local artisans like Mrs. Duoc (mat weaving) and Mr. Kha (bamboo sampan basket making).

• Finally, in Cam Thanh Village, enjoy a refreshing green tea and herbal foot massage before participating in a fun, hands-on cooking class.

• Conclude your relaxing day with a ride in a round bamboo sampan basket boat through the peaceful water palm forest.

The Majestic Hai Van Pass & Imperial Grandeur: Embark on a spectacular drive to Hue, tracing the coastline through Da Nang.

• Stop to visit the Cham Museum, preserving the most important collections of Cham culture.

• The high point of the drive is the Hai Van Pass—prepare for breathtaking views of the ocean and the dramatic coastline.

• In Hue, the Imperial City, start your cultural deep dive with the Thien Mu Pagoda, known for its majestic tower and poetic view of the Perfume River.

• Conclude the day exploring the imposing Hue Citadel, the magnificent former symbol of imperial Vietnam.

Poetic River, Craft Villages & Royal Splendor: Board a Royal dragon boat trip on the Perfume River to discover local life along its banks.

• Disembark at Tien Non Village for a picturesque bike ride through three distinct craft villages: Tien Non (vegetable gardens), Thanh Tien (the 400-year-old artificial paper flower village—try your hand at making one!), and Sinh Village (cradle of traditional folklore prints).

• In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a stunning East-meets-West architectural masterpiece. Climb the hundred steps to the worship palace and marvel at the dazzling porcelain decorations.

• Afterward, we transfer to the airport for your flight to the dynamic, sprawling southern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Saigon's History and Vibrant Contrasts: Begin with a poignant look at history at the Independence Palace, where the Vietnam War famously ended in 1975.

• Next, walk through the colonial heart, admiring the stunning French architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the elegant Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel!).

• Later, plunge into the sensory explosion of Chinatown with a visit to the sprawling Binh Tay Market—a bustling hub of activity.

• Conclude your cultural exploration at the sacred Quan Am Pagoda and the insightful Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), where ancient herbal remedies are preserved.

Mekong Delta: Slowing Down to Real Life: Transfer from the busy city to the lush, tranquil world of the Mekong Delta.

• In Cai Be, immediately board a boat to experience the rhythm of life on the canals. Witness local crafts being made, such as rice popcorn and coconut caramel.

• Take a gentle bike ride or walk to the serene Phu Chau Pagoda and meet the friendly locals.

• For lunch, savor the famous local specialty: elephant ear fish.

• The afternoon’s highlight is rowing a small, intimate boat along shaded canals, sampling delicious, fresh tropical fruits. We then transfer to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong, for a relaxing evening.

Sunrise at the Floating Market & Historic Elegance: Rise early for an unforgettable experience: a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Delta.

• Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, surrounded by hundreds of sampans laden with goods—a true sensory feast!

• Continue cruising through the canals to visit a local fruit garden.

• Before heading back to Saigon, stop at the magnificent Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautifully preserved colonial home famous as a film location. We return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Departure from Saigon: Enjoy your final Vietnamese breakfast.

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your onward flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s ethnic culture, natural landscapes, and authentic real life.