Vietnam Off the Beaten Path Tour 21 Days: Authentic & Breathtaking Adventure

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Saigon. The tour begins at 9:00 AM with a visit to the Independence Palace, a significant landmark where the Vietnam War officially ended. You'll see the preserved rooms and the iconic North Vietnamese tank outside.

Next, you'll embark on a leisurely walking tour to see some of the city's most famous French colonial architectural gems. Admire the striking Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive Saigon Central Post Office, a working post office designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, you'll drive to Binh Tay Market in Saigon's bustling Chinatown. As the city's largest market, it's a sensory feast with stalls offering everything from clothing to local street food. The tour continues to the tranquil Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples. Your final stop is the FITO Museum of Traditional Medicine, where you'll discover ancient herbal remedies and traditional tools. At the end of the day, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

• Included: English-speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Meal: Breakfast (B).

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

Your Mekong Delta adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a transfer to Ben Tre, a picturesque region known for its coconut candy. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier, you'll board a boat to explore the local river life on the Ben Tre River. The boat trip continues on a smaller canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you'll enjoy a taste of fresh tropical fruits.

Next, you'll hop on a bicycle (or a tuk-tuk) for a gentle ride through the villages, admiring the lush coconut groves, vast rice fields, and vibrant vegetable gardens. A traditional lunch featuring the local specialty, elephant ear fish, will be served. A short walk will offer a deeper look into village life before you take another boat ride through a serene, palm-shaded canal. Finally, you'll transfer to Cai Lay to meet your homestay host and participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a traditional southern pancake. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the homestay.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L, D), boat trips, transportation, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a relaxing 1 to 1.5-hour bike ride, passing through a variety of fruit gardens including durian, sapota, and longan. You'll have the opportunity to interact with local villagers and visit a bustling local market. (Alternatively, for those who prefer not to cycle, a motorbike ride can be arranged with your guide.)

The journey continues to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. Along the way, you'll visit the beautiful Kien An Cung Pagoda and the famous Huynh Thuy Le's House, which inspired Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover'. You'll also get a glimpse of a vibrant local market. The tour concludes with visits to a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm before checking into your hotel in Long Xuyen for the night.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

The day begins with a transfer to the unique Long Xuyen floating market, a lively and authentic hub of commerce on a small tributary of the Mekong River. You'll witness the daily lives of people living by the water. A boat trip will then take you to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island, where you'll find a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang. You can explore the peaceful island by bike, enjoying the tranquil landscapes.

In the afternoon, you will begin your scenic drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon for some well-deserved rest.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), boat trip, transportation, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

This morning, you will travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network built by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. You will have the opportunity to crawl through some of the tunnels and learn about the ingenious guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Vietnamese. (An optional shooting range experience is available at an extra cost.)

Afterward, you'll visit the stunning Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, where you can observe a midday mass and learn about this unique Vietnamese religion, a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Da Nang (VN138, 16:00 - 17:35). Upon arrival, a guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, flight ticket (SGN - DAD), 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

Your day begins at 8:00 AM with a visit to Cam Pho Communal House, one of the oldest in Hoi An. From there, you'll take a leisurely walk to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the preserved Quan Thang Ancient House. You'll also visit the Fujian Assembly Hall before taking a ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village, a place famous for wood carving. You'll cycle through the village, visit a carpenter's workshop, and even have the opportunity to purchase some unique wooden souvenirs.

Continuing your cycling journey, you'll head to the rural village of Tra Nhieu, where you'll meet artisans who specialize in traditional crafts like mat weaving and bamboo sampan basket making. Next, a boat trip will take you to Cam Thanh Village, a beautiful water palm forest. You'll relax at a fisherman's house with green tea and a herbal foot massage. After preparing dishes like crispy pancakes and spring rolls in a cooking class, you'll enjoy a meal of your own making. The day concludes with a relaxing bamboo basket boat ride through the forest before returning to your hotel.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), boat trips, transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, foot massage, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

At 8:00 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up for a half-day excursion to the mystical My Son Sanctuary, located 40km from Hoi An. This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site was once the most important religious and intellectual center of the Champa Kingdom. You'll explore the ruins of 70 brick and stone temples, built between the 7th and 13th centuries, as your guide explains their historical and cultural significance. The tour also includes a traditional Champa dance performance. Afterwards, you'll be transferred back to Hoi An.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

Your journey to Hue begins at 8:00 AM. You will drive along the coast, stopping in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Cham sculptures. You'll also get to enjoy the views from My Khe Beach and take photos of local fishermen. The drive continues to Hue, with a breathtaking stop at the top of the Hai Van Pass for panoramic ocean views.

Upon arrival in Hue, you'll enjoy lunch and then visit the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city's oldest and most spiritual sites. Finally, you will explore the magnificent Hue Citadel, the imperial city of Vietnam inspired by Vauban fortifications. You'll wander through its three sections: the Capital city, the Imperial city, and the Forbidden City. You will then check into your hotel in the ancient capital for the night.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

The day starts at 8:00 AM with a royal boat trip on the Perfume River. You'll disembark at Tien Non village for a bike ride through the peaceful countryside, passing through Thanh Tien and Sinh villages. In Thanh Tien, you'll meet artisans who make traditional paper flowers and learn the craft yourself. In Sinh village, you'll visit the home of a traditional printmaker to learn about this 400-year-old art form.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a unique mausoleum that blends oriental and western architectural styles. You'll climb the hundred steps to the top for a panoramic view and see the stunning decorations inside. In the evening, you will be transferred to the train station for your overnight journey to Hanoi on the SE2 train (16:22 - 05:55) in a deluxe cabin.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meal (B), boat trip, transportation, entrance fees, bike usage, night train ticket (Hue - Hanoi), 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: Overnight on the train.

Upon arrival at Hanoi railway station, your guide and driver will pick you up. After a local breakfast and some rest, you'll begin your city tour at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. You'll explore the ancient gardens and the famous "stone steles" that honor past scholars.

Next, you will visit the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays) to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups. In the afternoon, you'll explore the French Quarter and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. You'll also see the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda. The tour continues with a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, where you'll discover traditional medicine shops, metalworking streets, and the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market. You'll end the day with a fascinating water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meal (B), transportation, entrance fees, water puppet show, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

At 8:00 AM, you'll be picked up for the journey to Nghia Lo. On the way, you'll stop to visit a green tea plantation and walk through the stilt-house villages of the Muong ethnic group. Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, you'll have the option to walk or bike around the peaceful Thai villages, admiring the beautiful rice fields and interacting with the friendly locals.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L, D), transportation, bike usage, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: Nghia Lo Homestay (Shared).

After breakfast, you'll visit a local market in Nghia Lo before heading to Mu Cang Chai, a region famous for its spectacular rice terraces. You'll pass through hilly areas inhabited by the Dao ethnic group and have a chance to take photos and meet local people. In Tu Le, you can trek to a valley where the Thai people live and immerse yourself in their authentic lifestyle. The drive continues over the Khau Pha Pass, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the terraced valleys. You'll then explore the legendary photographer's route to Mam Xoi to admire the stunning terraces created by the Hmong people. You will check into your accommodation at the end of the day.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Shared).

Today, you'll embark on a trek from Ban Thai to the hillside village of Hang Dang De, home to around 100 H'mong families. This trek offers a great opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle of one of Vietnam's largest ethnic groups. You'll visit a local family and learn about their daily life. The journey continues to the Kim Noi viewpoint for sweeping views of the rice terraces and valleys below. After a short break, you will follow a narrow road to Che Cu Nha, another picturesque H'mong village, before being transferred back to your accommodation in Mu Cang Chai.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L, D), transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Shared).

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sapa. The scenic landscape of the Mu Cang Chai terraces will follow you along the way. You'll make a stop at Na Tam Village to visit the Laotian and Lu people, known for their traditional black teeth and indigo clothing. You can take a leisurely walk through the tranquil village and meet the locals.

The journey continues as you cross the majestic Hoang Lien Son Pass (O Quy Ho Pass), Vietnam's longest and highest pass. You'll stop at the summit for a stunning photo opportunity before arriving in the misty town of Sapa, discovered by the French in 1903. You'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

Today is for the adventurous soul. At 8:00 AM, you'll start an off-the-beaten-path trek from Sau Chua hamlet. Your challenge will be a 15km uphill-downhill trek that rewards you with incredible views. You'll visit the Sa Seng village of the Black H'Mong people and enjoy a picnic lunch.

You'll continue trekking along the mountainside to get the best views of the Muong Hoa Valley from an elevation of 1,800m. The trek descends into the valley to the small village of Hau Thao, offering spectacular scenery of rice terraces and the immense Hoang Lien mountain range. If the weather is clear, you might even spot the peak of Fansipan, the "Roof of Indochina." You will be transferred back to Sapa at the end of the day.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

Today, you'll travel a less-touristic road to the isolated village of Ban Khoang. You will embark on a 12km trek through corn farms and rainforests, with stunning views of rice terraces, to explore the culture of the Red Dao people, famous for their beautiful traditional attire. You'll have a picnic lunch in the village and get a glimpse into their daily life. You can also visit orchid gardens and experience a traditional herbal bath in Ta Phin village.

After the trek, your driver will transfer you to Bac Ha, a town known for its vibrant weekly markets and wild, beautiful scenery. It is home to several ethnic groups, including the colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. You'll check into your homestay and prepare for the next day's market visit.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

At 7:00 AM, you'll visit a typical mountain market in Bac Ha. Depending on the day of the week, you'll visit either Bac Ha Market (Sundays), Coc Ly Market (Tuesdays), or another local market. You'll be immersed in the lively atmosphere, where ethnic groups in their colorful attire trade a wide variety of goods. It's best to arrive early to experience the market at its most vibrant.

After the market, you'll take a walk through idyllic villages, passing by cornfields, cassava hills, and traditional clay houses, surrounded by beautiful plum gardens. After returning to town for lunch, you will be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving around 6:00 PM.

• Included: English-speaking guide, meals (B, L), transportation, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

• Accommodation: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar.

This morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter at 8:00 AM for a 3-hour drive to Bai Tu Long Bay. The journey will take you through the serene villages and rice fields of the Red River Delta. After a short stop, you will arrive at Ha Long International Cruise Port, where you'll be welcomed aboard a luxurious cruise.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a welcome drink and a safety briefing before checking into your cabin. A delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch will be served as you cruise deeper into the bay. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at Cap La Island for kayaking and swimming. Afterward, you'll enjoy a Sunset Party on the sundeck and participate in a cooking demonstration to learn how to make a Vietnamese dish. A sumptuous dinner will be served onboard, followed by free time for games, squid fishing, or simply relaxing under the stars.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide on board, meals (B, L, D), entrance fees, kayaking, swimming, cooking class, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.

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

Start your day with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a Western-style breakfast. At 7:45 AM, you'll explore the beautiful Thien Canh Son Cave. Afterward, you'll return to the boat to freshen up and finish packing. A traditional Vietnamese lunch will be served on board as you cruise back to the harbor. At 11:15 AM, you will disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide on board, meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person.