Embrace Vietnam: 24-Day Journey of Timeless Authenticity & Natural Wonders

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Today, we dive into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Our first stop is the Independence Palace, a symbol of South Vietnam's past. We’ll explore its preserved rooms and underground bunker, gaining a fascinating insight into a pivotal moment in the country's history. A leisurely walking tour will then lead us to the stunning Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent example of French colonial architecture, and the beautiful Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Next, we’ll drive to the bustling Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, the city's largest market, where you can witness the vibrant energy of local life. Our cultural journey continues with a visit to the serene Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest in the city, before a final stop at the Museum of Traditional Medicine (FITO) to learn about ancient healing traditions.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre (150km / 3h)

Escape the city's hustle as we travel to the tranquil Mekong Delta. Our destination is Ben Tre, a region famous for its coconut palms and candy. We’ll board a boat at Hung Vuong Pier, cruising along the Ben Tre River to observe the daily rhythms of local life. We’ll continue down a small canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you can taste fresh fruits and take a relaxing bike ride (or tuk-tuk) through picturesque villages, surrounded by coconut groves and vibrant rice fields. A traditional lunch of elephant ear fish awaits, followed by a serene boat ride shaded by wild palm trees. In the evening, we’ll arrive at your homestay in Cai Lay, where you will be warmly welcomed. You’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare a local dish, Banh Xeo Nam Bo, before a delicious home-cooked dinner.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, boat, transportation, tuk-tuk, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Hai My's Homestay (Standard Room) or similar

• Route: Ben Tre - Long Xuyen (90km / 2h)

Wake up to a fresh country breakfast before a peaceful bike ride through the lush gardens of Dong Hoa and Tam Binh. You'll pass by durian, sapota, and longan orchards, with opportunities to meet friendly locals and explore a traditional village market. We then transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec, a town filled with charm and history. Here, we'll visit the stunning Kien An Cung Pagoda and the famous Huynh Thuy Le's House, which inspired Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover'. We'll also explore the bustling local market before continuing to Long Xuyen, with stops at a local Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm along the way.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, bike, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Long Xuyen - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (190km / 4h)

Experience the authentic spirit of the Mekong this morning with a visit to the lively Long Xuyen floating market. We'll take a boat to observe the animated daily life on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Our journey continues to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful bike ride and visit a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang. Take in the serene landscapes of the island before we begin our scenic drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, checking back into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, boat, transportation, bike, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

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

An unforgettable day awaits. We'll depart from the hotel to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground city that was a vital part of the Vietnam War. You can crawl through a section of the tunnels to truly understand the resilience of the Viet Cong soldiers. Optional: Guests can try firing real guns at the on-site shooting range (at your own expense). We’ll then visit the spiritual Cao Dai Temple to witness its unique midday mass, a beautiful blend of multiple religions. After a local lunch, we’ll transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our guide will transfer you to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An, where you can relax for the rest of the day.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, flight ticket (SGN - DAD), 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Hoi An

Today, we dive into the rural and cultural soul of Hoi An. We'll begin with a walking tour of the town, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the preserved Quan Thang Ancient House. After, we'll take a short ferry ride across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, a renowned wood carving community. Here, you'll bike around the village, admiring the skilled artisans at work. The journey continues to Tra Nhieu Village for an immersive countryside experience, where you'll meet locals skilled in traditional crafts like mat weaving and bamboo boat making. We'll then take a boat to Cam Thanh Village, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing herbal foot massage. After a hands-on cooking class, we’ll board a traditional round bamboo basket boat for a relaxing cruise through the stunning water palm forest.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, boat, transportation, entrance fees, bike, foot massage, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (40km / 1h)

Our journey back in time continues with an excursion to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sacred valley was the religious and intellectual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Your guide will walk you through the jungle-covered ruins of brick and stone temples, explaining their unique architectural and cultural significance. You'll feel a sense of wonder as you explore this historical treasure. The tour also includes a captivating traditional Champa dancing show before we return to Hoi An.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Hoi An - Hue (125km / 3h)

Today, we journey from Hoi An to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. Our scenic drive takes us along the stunning coastline, over the famous Hai Van Pass for breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. Along the way, we’ll stop in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to a vast collection of Cham sculptures. Upon arrival in Hue, we’ll enjoy lunch before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda with a magnificent view of the Perfume River. Our final stop is the grand Hue Citadel, the only remaining vestige of Vietnam's imperial city. You'll explore the Forbidden Purple City, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Dynasty temple area, immersing yourself in the rich history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

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

• Route: Hue - Hanoi

Embark on a unique Royal boat trip on the Perfume River this morning, exploring local life in the villages along its banks. We'll disembark for a bike ride through the villages of Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh, where you’ll witness the daily rhythm of rural life. In Thanh Tien, you'll have the chance to learn how to make traditional paper flowers with a local artisan, and in Sinh, you'll meet a master of folklore prints. In the afternoon, we visit the remarkable Khai Dinh King's Tomb, a magnificent fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. In the evening, you will be transferred to the railway station to board an overnight train to Hanoi, an authentic and memorable way to travel.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, boat, transportation, entrance fees, bike, train tickets (Hue - Hanoi, Deluxe 4-berth cabin), 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Route: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi this morning, where our guide will meet you at the railway station. After a local breakfast and some time to freshen up, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. You'll then get a deep insight into the country's diverse culture at the Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, we explore the elegant French Quarter, with its grand buildings and tree-lined boulevards, and visit the serene Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside view). A leisurely walk through the bustling Old Quarter will immerse you in the authentic atmosphere of Hanoi's narrow streets, where you can explore traditional medicine and metalwork shops. Your day concludes with a captivating water puppet show, a unique art form that dates back to the 11th century.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, entrance fees, water puppet show, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Route: Hanoi - Nghia Lo (200km / 5h)

Today, we begin our adventure into Vietnam's northern highlands. The scenic drive to Nghia Lo takes us along the winding Black River. Our first stop is a lush green tea plantation, where you can walk through the hills and meet the Muong ethnic group, who are known for their traditional stilt houses. Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, we’ll take a bike ride or a walk through a traditional Thai village. Here, you'll witness the beautiful rice field valleys and meet friendly locals, experiencing a truly authentic side of rural life.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, bike, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Nghia Lo Homestay (Sharing homestay).

• Route: Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (100km / 2.5h)

Get ready for some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. After a visit to the Nghia Lo local market, we’ll travel to Mu Cang Chai, famous for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. The landscapes are so stunning that Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh, and La Pan Tan are recognized as national heritage sites. We'll cross the Khau Pha Pass, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the terraces, and follow the legendary route to Mam Xoi, a photographer's paradise. Along the way, you'll have the chance to meet people from the Dao and Hmong ethnic groups, whose artistry has shaped these landscapes over generations.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Sharing homestay).

• Route: Mu Cang Chai - Lai Chau - Sapa (160km / 5h)

We continue our journey toward Sapa, with a stop in Na Tam Village, a beautiful, tranquil place where the Lu and Laotian people live. You'll take a leisurely walk to explore their unique culture and daily life. Next, our driver will take you over the Hoang Lien Son Pass (O Quy Ho Pass), the longest and highest pass in Vietnam. From the top, you can enjoy a grandiose, breathtaking view of the mountains. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Sapa, a town known for its stunning rice valleys and the vibrant culture of its ethnic minority tribes.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Sapa Elegance Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Route: Sapa - Bac Ha (100km / 2.5h)

Today, we embark on an immersive trekking adventure through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. The journey begins with a scenic transfer to the west of Sapa, where we start our trek from Y Linh Ho village. You'll follow a winding path downhill, interacting with friendly H'mong villagers. We'll cross a picturesque cable bridge and, for the adventurous, climb a buffalo trail with breathtaking views. Our trek leads to Lao Chai village, where you’ll meet a H'mong grandmother, one of the last artisans to use traditional beeswax techniques to create unique indigo-dyed clothing. This is a truly authentic cultural encounter. We'll continue to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay people, nestled on a hill overlooking the river and terraced rice fields. After lunch, we transfer to Bac Ha, a charming town at 1000m altitude, known for its colorful ethnic markets and the vibrant communities of the Hmong, Phu La, and Tay people.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) or similar.

• Route: Bac Ha - Xin Man (50km / 2h)

Our day starts early with a visit to a lively Bac Ha ethnic market. Depending on the day of the week, we’ll visit the vibrant Bac Ha, Coc Ly, Sin Cheng, Lung Phinh, or Can Cau Market. These markets are not just for trading goods; they are a cultural hub where various ethnic groups gather in their colorful traditional attire. After, we’ll take a peaceful walk through idyllic villages with cornfields and plum gardens. We then depart for Xin Man, a remote town on the Vietnam-China border. En route, we’ll visit the communes of Lung Cai – Lan Ma, and you'll have the opportunity to interact with teachers and students at a local boarding school. We'll hike down the Lan Ma pass, a beautiful route with stunning rice terraces, before arriving in Xin Man for the night.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Phu Cuong Guest House (Standard Room) or similar.

• Route: Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang (157km / 5h)

After breakfast, we begin a great scenic journey to Ha Giang via the Hoang Su Phi district. This route will surprise you with its breathtaking landscape of rice terraces and lush green tea hills. You'll have the chance to encounter colorful ethnic groups and take incredible photos of the majestic scenery. Upon arriving in Ha Giang, we'll begin a trek to the tranquil villages of Me, Lup, and Tha. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by the local villagers, famous for their hospitality. We’ll visit a typical stilt house and learn about their daily life, surrounded by peaceful palm hills and terraced rice fields. The day concludes with check-in at our homestay, offering a serene and authentic overnight experience.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr Toi, Sharing homestay) or similar.

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

Today, we travel to Dong Van, exploring the magical landscapes of this incredible region. Our first stop is a village of the Bo Y people, a small community with a unique history and culture. We will then stop at Quan Ba Pass to admire the famous Twin Fairy Mountain. The journey continues to the Limestone Rock Plateau, which has been recognized as a World Geological Park. We'll explore a typical H'mong house, known as "Nha Trinh Tuong," in Lung Hoa Village. We will also visit the Palace of the H'mong King, a historical site that tells the story of the region's past. We'll arrive in Dong Van, a town filled with charm and history, for the night.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room) or similar.

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

After breakfast, we depart for Meo Vac, crossing the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass. This is one of the most breathtaking passes in Vietnam, offering panoramic views of limestone mountains and the winding Nho Que River. From there, we continue to Bao Lac, a region home to the unique Black Lo Lo ethnic community. We’ll have lunch in Bao Lac town before heading to Coc Xa village, a more authentic Lo Lo village. You'll take a leisurely stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visiting local homes and having meaningful exchanges with the residents, gaining a deeper understanding of their traditions. Later, we'll return to Bao Lac town for the night.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel (Twin Room) or similar.

• Route: Bao Lac - Ba Be (165km / 5h)

We depart for Ba Be, making a special stop at a hidden village of the San Chi ethnic group. To reach this secluded village, you will take a scenic 2km uphill walk, which rewards you with spectacular views of the valley. This is a rare opportunity to visit a community largely untouched by tourism. We'll continue to Ba Be, where the mountains gently meet tranquil valleys. Upon arrival, we’ll cycle through the villages of the Tay ethnic group to the impressive Hua Ma Cave, filled with incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations. Finally, we'll check into our homestay in Pac Ngoi Village, a serene haven by the lake.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, entrance fees, bike, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing homestay).

• Route: Ba Be - Hanoi (230km / 5h)

This morning, we'll take a relaxing boat trip on Ba Be Lake, a tranquil oasis in the middle of a primitive forest. You'll discover the enchanting Fairy Pond and glide along the Nang River to the Dau Dang waterfall. The boat will also take you through the incredible Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats. After our serene cruise, we will meet our driver and begin our journey back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. You will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the vibrant city after your mountain getaway.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, boat, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Route: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay (160km / 3h)

An unforgettable cruise awaits! After a three-hour drive from Hanoi, we will arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay. Upon boarding, you will be welcomed with a drink and a safety briefing before a delicious Vietnamese lunch. We will cruise through the stunning limestone formations to Cap La Island, where you can enjoy kayaking and swimming in the calm waters. In the evening, you can join a cooking demonstration to learn a simple Vietnamese dish and participate in a sunset party as the cruise sails to its overnight anchorage. The night ends with a sumptuous dinner and free time for fun activities like squid fishing or board games.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide (on board), breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, kayak, swimming, cooking demonstration, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Swan Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin) or similar.

• Route: Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi (160km / 3h)

Start your morning with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. After a Western-style breakfast, we will explore the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave, a hidden gem within the bay. Following the cave visit, you will have time to pack and check out before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. We will then return to the harbor, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city or relax.

• Included: English-speaking guide (on board), breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, Tai Chi session, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Route: Hanoi

Today marks the end of your extraordinary journey. After a final breakfast at your hotel, our driver will pick you up and provide a smooth transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to your next destination. We hope you leave with cherished memories of Vietnam's timeless beauty and authentic culture.

• Included: Breakfast, transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.