The Ultimate Vietnam Tour: 24 Days of Hidden Highlights & Authentic Adventures

• Route: Hanoi

At 9:00 AM, our guide will pick you up for a day of cultural discovery. Our first stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, where you can walk through its tranquil gardens and admire the World Heritage “stone steles” dedicated to outstanding students. Next, we’ll visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), a truly insightful experience that offers a deep look into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures through traditional costumes, instruments, and houses. In the afternoon, we explore the elegant French Quarter, a "Little Paris" with its tree-lined boulevards and historic government buildings. We'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and stroll through the botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s humble house on stilts, where he lived and worked. The final stop in this complex is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. The day culminates 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: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

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

At 8:00 AM, we depart from Hanoi for Muong Lo, traveling via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is one of the Northwest's most important fertile valleys and home to the Thai ethnic group, with hundreds of their traditional stilt houses dotting the landscape. We’ll follow the Da River on national road number 32. In Thanh Son, we’ll stop to visit a beautiful green tea plantation before taking a walk through villages of the Muong ethnic group, a community considered to be among the most authentic Vietnamese and immune to Chinese influence. Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, you’ll have the option to walk or cycle around a Thai village, discovering stunning rice field valleys and traditional hamlets, and meeting friendly locals who will welcome you with open hearts.

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

• Accommodation: Nghia Lo Homestay (Sharing homestay).

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

After breakfast, we'll visit a local market in Nghia Lo before transferring to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is world-renowned for its magnificent rice terraces, and in 2007, the terraces of Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh, and La Pan Tan were recognized as national heritage sites. We'll cross a hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group, stopping for photos and to interact with locals. In Tu Le, you can trek into a valley where Thai people live in traditional stilt houses. In the afternoon, we'll continue to the Khau Pha Pass for a spectacular panoramic view of the valley. Then, we’ll head to La Pan Tan, a legendary route for photographers, where you’ll admire the stunning rice terrace masterpieces created by Hmong peasant artists for generations, following the route to Mam Xoi.

• 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)

After breakfast, we transfer to Than Uyen, a beautiful Thai rice valley. The stunning rice terraces will accompany you along the way. Before heading to Sapa, we'll stop to visit Na Tam Village, home to the Laotian and Lu people, where you can take a leisurely walk through this peaceful landscape. We’ll then drive to Sapa, crossing the Hoang Lien Son Pass (O Quy Ho Pass), the longest and highest pass in Vietnam. Here, you'll stop to soak in the grandiose views and take breathtaking photos. We arrive in Sapa, a town famous for its temperate climate, beautiful valleys, and diverse minority tribes, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay.

• 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)

At 8:00 AM, we’ll take a scenic 5km drive to the west of Sapa to begin a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. You’ll follow a downhill path, meeting friendly H'mong locals along the way. We'll cross a serene cable bridge and, for the adventurous, there's an uphill trek along a buffalo path for breathtaking views. A leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River is also an option. We'll head to Lao Chai village, following a small path through the rice fields to a charming hamlet where you can meet a grandmother who is the last craftsman using beeswax for traditional Hmong clothing. We'll continue to Ta Van village, a beautiful land of the Dzay people, for stunning views. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll transfer to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu, enjoying majestic views of mountains and rivers.

• 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 (40km / 2h)

At 7:00 AM, we’ll start our day by exploring one of Bac Ha's vibrant ethnic markets (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, or other weekly markets on different days). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with colorful attire, a variety of goods, and centuries of cultural exchange. The market is most lively in the early morning, so an early start is best! After the market, we’ll take a walk through idyllic villages with their cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Next, we depart for Xin Man, a border town, with a trip to the center of Lung Cai - Lan Ma communes. You'll have the chance to hike down the Lan Ma pass, passing through authentic Hmong villages and admiring magnificent rice terrace fields. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch before meeting our driver and continuing to Xin Man, a hard-to-access town that hosts a beautiful and well-preserved Sunday market.

• 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 - Ha Giang (150km / 5h)

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our host and travel to Ha Giang via the stunning Hoang Su Phi district. This part of the journey will surprise you with its breathtaking rice terraces and green tea hills. You’ll have opportunities to encounter colorful ethnic groups along the way and take incredible photos. We arrive in Ha Giang in the afternoon and begin a trek to the tranquil villages of Me, Lup, and Tha. These villages are home to hundreds of traditional wooden stilt houses and small ponds for raising fish. You’ll be welcomed by the warm smiles of the villagers, a testament to their legendary hospitality. We will visit a typical house to understand their daily life before arriving in Tha Village, where you can relax in the peaceful serenity of the palm hills and rice fields.

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

• Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr Toi) (Sharing homestay)

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

At 8:00 AM, we travel to Dong Van, a journey through landscapes that feel almost magical. Before reaching the Quan Ba pass, we'll stop to visit a village of the Bo Y people, a small community with origins in China. From Quan Ba Pass, you'll take a short break to admire the famous Twin Fairy Mountain. We continue to the Limestone rock plateau zone, a majestic natural wonder and a World Geological Park. Along the way, you'll discover “Nha Trinh Tuong,” a special type of house, by walking to Lung Hoa Village. We’ll also visit the impressive Palace of the H'mong King, a century-old site that tells the story of an autonomous zone that once flourished here. We arrive in Dong Van in the afternoon to check into our accommodation and relax.

• 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'll set off from Dong Van toward Meo Vac, crossing the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass. You’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of limestone mountains and the winding Nho Que River. From there, we continue to Bao Lac, a region famous for the Black Lo Lo ethnic community. We’ll enjoy lunch in Bao Lac town before heading to Coc Xa village in Na Van commune. This Lo Lo village retains an authentic charm, offering a chance to stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visit local homes, and have meaningful exchanges with residents, giving you a deeper understanding of their traditions. Later, we’ll return to town for the evening.

• 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 via Tinh Tuc. About 30km from Bao Lac, in Hung Dao commune, lies a beautiful village of the San Chi ethnic group, a truly hidden gem. We’ll stop here to discover this secluded village, nestled behind a hill with hundreds of traditional stilt houses. To reach it, you'll walk up a 2km steep incline, which rewards you with stunning views of the valley. We’ll visit a local family to learn about their authentic way of life. We then continue to Ba Be, where the magnificent mountains gently meet valleys of rice terraces. Upon arrival in Pac Ngoi Village, you'll check into your homestay and go cycling to Hua Ma Cave (5km away), where you'll be amazed by its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

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

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing homestay).

• Route: Ba Be - Hanoi (230km / 5h)

In the morning, we'll take a leisurely walk to the pier to enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Ba Be Lake, a truly wild and peaceful experience (swimming is optional). We'll stop to discover the Fairy Pond in the middle of the pristine forest before moving to the Nang River. We'll walk along the river bank to Dau Dang Waterfall and continue our boat trip in the opposite direction, passing through Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats. The boat will then take you to Buoc Lom Pier, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. We will arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon. You'll check back into your hotel and have free time to relax after your mountain getaway.

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

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar

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

At 9:00 AM, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Lan Ha Bay. The journey takes you through the lush Red River Delta. Around noon, we'll arrive at Tuan Chau Port and be welcomed aboard Peony Cruises. A delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies will be served as we set sail into the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the secluded Tra Bau area, where you can kayak to discover the hidden beauty of the limestone islands or simply relax in the Jacuzzi pool on the deck. Later, you can join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make spring rolls or enjoy a cocktail during the Happy Hour while watching the magnificent sunset. Dinner is a romantic affair with delicious local food. The evening is yours to relax at the sky bar or try your hand at squid fishing.

• Included: Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau, English-speaking guide on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, kayaking, swimming, cooking class, squid fishing, 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Balcony Cabin).

• Route: Lan Ha Bay - Hai Phong - Hue

Start the day with a Tai Chi session as the sun rises over the bay. After a light breakfast, we’ll take a tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere, visiting Trung Trang Cave, one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island with its thousands of stalactites. Afterward, we return to the main boat, check out of our cabin, and enjoy an early lunch. We'll disembark and a driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. In the evening, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a transfer to Hanoi Train Station, where you will board an overnight traditional train journey to Hue, ready for the next part of your adventure.

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

• Accommodation: Train: SE3 (Hanoi - Hue) / Deluxe (4 berths / cabin).

• Route: Hue (25km / 1h)

Upon your morning arrival at Hue railway station, your guide and driver will be there to welcome you. Our exploration of Hue begins with a royal boat trip on the scenic Perfume River to visit the eastern villages of the city. You'll have a chance to observe daily life along the riverbanks. We'll disembark at Tien Non village for a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, visiting Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages. In Thanh Tien, a village known for its 400-year history of making artificial paper flowers, you'll meet a local artisan and learn this unique craft. In Sinh village, the cradle of 400-year-old folklore prints, you'll meet Mr. Phuoc to learn about traditional printing techniques. After a rewarding day in the countryside, we'll visit the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's oldest, and then explore the magnificent Hue Citadel, a symbol of Vietnam's imperial past.

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

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

• Route: Hue - Hoi An (125km / 3h)

At 7:30 AM, we’ll visit the Tomb of King Khai Dinh, a striking mausoleum that blends Oriental and Western architectural styles. A hundred-step climb will reward you with a panoramic view and a closer look at the intricate porcelain decorations inside. We’ll then drive to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, where you'll stop at the top for breathtaking views of the ocean and Da Nang City. In Da Nang, we'll visit the Cham Museum, which houses the world's most important collection of Cham culture artifacts. We’ll also pass by My Khe beach before continuing our drive to Hoi An Ancient Town. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a former trading port. We'll visit Cam Pho Communal House, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient Quan Thang House, and the beautiful Fujian Assembly Hall, all of which showcase the town's rich cultural exchange.

• 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

Today is dedicated to exploring the authentic rural life outside Hoi An. We begin by cycling to the pier and taking a ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, famous for its wood carving. You can bike around the village to see the daily life of artisans and visit a workshop. We continue cycling through rice paddies and bamboo bridges to Tra Nhieu Village. Here, you’ll meet local artisans and learn about their crafts, such as mat weaving and bamboo basket making. From Tra Nhieu, we’ll take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village, famous for its water palm forests. You'll get to ride in a small round bamboo basket boat and even try catching crabs! After a relaxing time, you’ll enjoy a foot massage with medicinal herbs and participate in a cooking class to prepare and taste local delicacies, such as crispy pancakes and spring rolls.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, boat, bicycle, entrance fees, 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 - Ho Chi Minh City

At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up for a half-day excursion to the sacred valley of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site. My Son was once the intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom and served as a burial ground for monarchs. The site contains the ruins of over 70 temples and towers, showcasing the unique architecture and religious significance of the Cham people. After exploring the sanctuary and immersing yourself in its history, you’ll transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, a local guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, entrance fees, domestic flight from Da Nang (DAD) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), 2 bottles of mineral water (500ml)/pax/day.

• Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint (Deluxe Room) or similar.

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Today, we delve into the dynamic and historically rich city of Ho Chi Minh. Our day begins at the Independence Palace, a symbol of South Vietnam's past. We'll explore the preserved rooms, the command bunker, and see the North Vietnamese tank that brought the Vietnam War to an end in 1975. Next, we'll take a leisurely walk to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning architectural landmark built by French colonists. The tour continues to the nearby Central Post Office, another iconic building designed by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, which is still a functioning post office today. After, a short drive will take us to Binh Tay Market in Saigon's Chinatown. This massive market is a bustling hub of commerce, offering a wide array of goods from clothing to delicious local street food. Our cultural journey concludes with a visit to the beautiful Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest temples dedicated to Guan Yin, and the Museum of Traditional Medicine (FITO), where you'll discover ancient herbal remedies and traditional healing tools.

• 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 - Tay Ninh - Ho Chi Minh City (100km / 2.5h)

At 8:00 AM, we depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, a truly striking location that played a critical role in the Vietnam War. This vast underground city, spanning over 250km, was dug by hand over two decades and served as a base for the Viet Cong. During our tour, you'll have the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience the conditions firsthand. Optional: For those seeking a thrill, a shooting range is available where you can try firing a variety of real firearms (at your own expense). Following this historical experience, we will visit the magnificent Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a unique Vietnamese religion that synthesizes elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. We will attend the midday mass to witness the vibrant and fascinating ceremony. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, 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)

Today, we escape the city and head to the beautiful Mekong Delta region of Ben Tre, famous for its coconut candy. We'll arrive at Hung Vuong Pier and embark on a boat trip along the Ben Tre River, observing the tranquil daily life of locals. We'll then continue along a small canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you can taste fresh, local fruits. A bike ride (or tuk-tuk ride) will take us through villages, past coconut groves, and rice fields. Lunch will be a local delicacy: elephant ear fish. In the afternoon, we'll take another boat ride along a small canal shaded by wild palm trees. We’ll then transfer to Cai Lay, where our homestay host will give you a warm welcome. You’ll participate in making the traditional Southern Vietnamese dish, Banh Xeo Nam Bo, and enjoy a 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)

After breakfast at the homestay, we’ll enjoy a relaxing 1 to 1.5-hour bike ride through lush fruit gardens filled with durian, sapota, and longan. You'll have the chance to meet local people and visit the village market. Afterward, we transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec, a town rich in cultural history. Here, we'll visit the stunning Kien An Cung Pagoda and the famous Huynh Thuy Le's House, which was the inspiration for Marguerite Duras' novel 'L’Amant – the Lover'. We'll also explore the bustling local market in Sa Dec, filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. Continuing to Long Xuyen, we'll make stops at a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm along the way.

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

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

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

In the morning, we'll experience the vibrant and authentic Long Xuyen floating market, a fascinating place where vendors on boats sell their goods. We’ll also visit the floating village on a small tributary of the Mekong. A boat trip will take us to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island, where we can take a peaceful bike ride through the countryside and visit a small museum dedicated to former President Ton Duc Thang. After enjoying the serene island life, we'll begin our journey back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. You will check back into your hotel and have the evening to relax or explore on your own.

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

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

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to your next destination. This marks the end of your incredible journey through Vietnam. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories!

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