Deep Dive into Vietnam: 22-Day Culture & Landscapes Expedition

• Route: Hanoi City Tour

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel

Today, we dive deeper into Hanoi's rich history and culture. Our first stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, built in the 11th century. You’ll explore the well-preserved courtyards and admire the World Heritage stone steles, which honor outstanding scholars from centuries past. Next, we visit the Museum of Ethnology , a fascinating place that offers deep insights into Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through traditional costumes, musical instruments, and authentic houses.

In the afternoon, we explore the elegant French Quarter, often called "Little Paris" for its tree-lined boulevards and grand colonial buildings. We'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, then take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he lived and worked. The day concludes with a visit to the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of the city. To cap off the day, you'll be enchanted by a traditional water puppet show, a one-of-a-kind art form that brings Vietnamese folklore to life on water.

• Route: Hanoi - Ha Giang (280km / 5h)

• Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr Toi)

Today, we leave the city behind and travel to the majestic mountains of Ha Giang. The scenic drive takes us through rolling hills and picturesque villages. We'll make a stop to visit a Dao village, where you can see their traditional stilt houses and learn about their unique lifestyle.

Upon arriving in Ha Giang, we'll begin a gentle trek to the beautiful villages of Me, Lup, and Tha. These serene communities are nestled among palm hills and terraced rice fields. You'll be warmly welcomed by the villagers, known for their legendary hospitality. We will visit a typical house and get a glimpse into their daily life, offering a truly authentic cultural exchange. The day ends with a peaceful sunset stroll before checking into your homestay.

• Route: Ha Giang - Dong Van (150km / 5h)

• Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Hotel

Today is a day of breathtaking landscapes as we travel to Dong Van. The scenery along the route is magical, and we will make a stop to visit a village of the Bo Y people, a small ethnic community with Chinese origins. We'll then pause at Quan Ba Pass to admire the famous Twin Fairy Mountain before continuing to the Limestone Rock Plateau, a UNESCO-recognized World Geological Park. Along the way, we'll discover the unique "Nha Trinh Tuong" houses of the H'mong people in Lung Hoa Village and visit the historic Palace of the H'mong King. We'll arrive in Dong Van, a town filled with charm and history, to relax for the night.

• Route: Dong Van - Bao Lac (130km / 3h)

• Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel

After breakfast, we set off from Dong Van towards Meo Vac, crossing the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of limestone mountains and the winding Nho Que River. From there, we’ll continue to Bao Lac, a region renowned for the Black Lo Lo ethnic community. We’ll enjoy lunch in Bao Lac town before heading to Coc Xa village, a more authentic Lo Lo village. You’ll stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visit local homes, and have meaningful exchanges with the residents, giving you a deeper understanding of their way of life and traditions. Later, we’ll return to Bao Lac town for the night.

• Route: Bao Lac - Cao Bang (130km / 4h)

• Accommodation: Thanh Loan 2 Hotel

Today's journey to Cao Bang is filled with spectacular landscapes. We'll travel along National Road 4A, navigating the remarkable Khau Coc Cha Pass with its 15 levels and 14 sharp bends. The views of limestone mountains, blue rivers, and lush rice fields are unforgettable. We will stop to visit a local family in Xuan Truong Valley to learn about their daily life. Our final destination is Pac Bo Cave, a significant historical site where President Ho Chi Minh lived after returning to Vietnam from exile. Finally, we'll check into our cozy hotel in Cao Bang city.

• Route: Cao Bang City

• Accommodation: Phia Thap Homestay

Get ready to be amazed by Vietnam's most beautiful waterfall, Ban Gioc . After a two-hour drive, you'll arrive at this magnificent 30-meter high and 208-meter wide cascade on the Vietnam-China border. In the afternoon, we transfer to Nguom Ngao Cave, a stunning natural masterpiece filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. On the way back, we’ll visit Phuc Sen, a blacksmith village, where you can watch the skilled artisans at work. The day concludes with an overnight stay at a homestay in a Nung ethnic village, where you will experience their friendly atmosphere and authentic lifestyle firsthand.

• Route: Cao Bang - Ba Be (140km / 4h)

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay

This morning, we'll embark on a 2-hour trek to a Nung village, famous for its traditional paper and incense stick craft villages. You'll be astonished by the picturesque landscape of rice paddies, limestone peaks, and the warm hospitality of the Nung people. This is one of the most wonderfully authentic experiences of the trip. After the trek, we meet our driver and transfer to Ba Be, a region of magnificent natural beauty. We will visit Pac Ngoi village, a typical village of the Tay people, before checking into our homestay for the night.

• Route: Ba Be National Park

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay

Today is dedicated to the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake. We will take a relaxing boat trip along the Nang River, passing through Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats, and arriving at the beautiful Dau Dang waterfall. After a delicious lunch by the waterfall, we'll cruise back to the lake, stopping at the enchanting Fairy Pond. You'll have time to relax and even swim in the lake before returning to the village to enjoy the sunset over the mountains.

• Route: Ba Be - Hanoi (210km / 5h)

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel

In the morning, we'll explore the national park by bicycle, cycling through several Tay ethnic villages. We'll make our way to the impressive Hua Ma Cave, a popular spot with incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations. After our morning adventure, we'll meet our driver and begin our transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll check into your hotel and have some free time to relax after your mountain getaway.

• Route: Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay (140km / 2.5h)

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise - 2D1N

Today, we'll trade the bustling city for the serene beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi for the scenic drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed aboard the Peony Cruise. After a special lunch, we'll set sail into the bay. We'll visit the Tra Bau area, where you can enjoy kayaking through the limestone karst formations or take a refreshing swim. In the evening, you can join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls or simply relax and enjoy the Sunset Party on the top deck. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and optional activities like squid fishing.

• Route: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi - Hue

• Accommodation: Overnight Train

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session as the sun rises over the bay. After breakfast, we'll explore Trung Trang Cave, one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island, filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. We’ll then return to the boat for an early lunch and disembark at Tuan Chau port. Our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. In the evening, you will be transferred to Hanoi Train Station for an overnight train journey to Hue, an exciting and unique way to travel through the country.

• Route: Hue

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel

Arrive at Hue railway station and be greeted by our guide and driver. We'll embark on a unique royal boat trip on the Perfume River, discovering local life on its banks. We’ll disembark in Tien Non village for a bike ride through the countryside, visiting traditional paper flower and folklore print villages. You’ll have the chance to meet local artisans and even try making paper flowers yourself.

In the afternoon, we will visit the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most spiritual sites in Hue. Finally, we'll explore the magnificent Hue Citadel , a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Vietnam's imperial past. You'll discover the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the Imperial City before returning to your hotel.

• Route: Hue - Hoi An (125km / 3h)

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa

Our day begins with a visit to the Tomb of Khai Dinh King, a unique architectural masterpiece that blends Oriental and Western styles. We then embark on a scenic drive to Hoi An via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass , offering panoramic views of the ocean and Da Nang city. We’ll make a stop at the Cham Museum and take a walk on My Khe Beach before continuing our journey. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the well-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town. We'll visit highlights like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and a historic old house, immersing ourselves in the town's rich history and cultural fusion.

• Route: Hoi An Countryside

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa

Today is a fantastic day to connect with the local life of Hoi An. We begin by cycling to the pier and taking a short ferry ride across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong village. This village is famous for its intricate wood carving. We'll cycle through the village to a local workshop to admire the artisans' talent, which has been influenced by both northern Vietnamese techniques and Chinese and Japanese styles.

Our journey continues to Tra Nhieu village, where you'll meet local craftsmen like Ms. Duoc, a master of mat weaving, and Mr. Kha, who makes bamboo sampan baskets. We'll then enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village, known for its beautiful water palm forests. Here, you'll board a traditional round bamboo basket boat for a fun crab-catching session. Afterward, we'll relax with a refreshing green tea and a herbal foot massage. The day culminates with a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to make classic dishes like crispy pancakes and Hoi An spring rolls, which you'll get to enjoy for lunch.

• Route: Hoi An - My Son - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel

We begin our day with an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Just 40km from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the sanctuary preserves the unique brick and stone architecture of the 7th to 13th centuries. Your guide will explain the cultural and historical significance of each ruin. You'll also be treated to a captivating traditional Champa dance show before we transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel

Today, we explore the vibrant city of Saigon. Our first stop is the historic Independence Palace, once the home and office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. We'll then take a leisurely walk to the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive Central Post Office, both stunning examples of French colonial architecture.

Afterward, a short drive takes us to Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, a bustling hub with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing to fresh food. We will continue to Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest pagodas, dedicated to the deity Guan Yin. Our final visit of the day is the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), which showcases ancient medicinal herbs, potions, and tools, offering a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's rich medical history.

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Ho Chi Minh City

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel

Today is dedicated to two of Southern Vietnam's most iconic sites. Our first destination is the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network spanning over 250km where the Viet Cong conducted their resistance against American troops. You'll have the unique opportunity to enter some sections of the tunnels and experience this incredible piece of history firsthand.

Next, we visit the sacred Cao Dai Temple, a unique religious site that combines elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Roman Catholicism. We'll have the chance to attend the midday mass and witness the fascinating rituals of this uniquely Vietnamese religion. After a local lunch, we'll transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre

• Accommodation: Hai My's Homestay

We begin our journey into the lush Mekong Delta today. Our destination is Ben Tre, a region famous for its coconut candy. We’ll take a boat trip on the Ben Tre River to witness the daily life of locals and then take a bike or tuk-tuk ride through small village paths, admiring the coconut groves and rice paddies. A special lunch with "elephant ear fish" will be served, followed by a serene boat ride through a small canal shaded by wild palm trees. We'll then transfer to Cai Lay, where you will be warmly welcomed by your host for an authentic homestay experience. You'll even get to participate in making Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a traditional crispy pancake, for dinner.

• Route: Ben Tre - Long Xuyen

• Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a scenic bike ride (or a motorbike ride for those who prefer) through the paths of the Mekong, passing by vast durian, sapota, and longan gardens. We'll stop to interact with locals and visit a vibrant village market. Afterward, we'll transfer to Long Xuyen, with a stop in Sa Dec to visit the beautiful Kien An Cung Pagoda and the historic Huynh Thuy Le's house, made famous by the novel 'L’Amant – the Lover'. We'll also explore the bustling local market and a crocodile farm before arriving in Long Xuyen for the night.

• Route: Long Xuyen - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel

This morning, we'll take a boat trip to the authentic and animated Long Xuyen floating market and floating village. You'll witness the daily activities of people living and trading on the river. Our boat trip continues to Cu Lao Ong Ho island, where you can visit a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang and enjoy a bike ride around the peaceful island. In the afternoon, we will take the road back to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon for a final night in the city.

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Accommodation: N/A

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will pick you up and provide a smooth transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to your next destination. We hope you leave with cherished memories of your incredible journey through the heart of Vietnam.