Adventure Vietnam Journey - Private - 12 Days

Your Vietnam adventure commences as you arrive in Hanoi. A private driver will greet you at the airport, signboard in hand, to accompany you to your accommodation located in the vibrant city centre. With the captivating Old Quarter just a stone's throw away, you have the freedom to explore Hanoi's bustling streets or unwind at the hotel after your journey.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to Sapa by limousine bus. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and check in at our hotel.

Our afternoon will be spent visiting Ta Phin village, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains and lush pine forests. This village is home to the Red Dzao and Black Hmong communities, each with distinct cultures: the Hmongs are known for their cheerful and hospitable nature, while the Red Dzaos are more reserved and thrifty.

A short drive brings us to the valley centre, where a leisurely walk awaits. We’ll follow the village path, exploring Hmong hamlets scattered from the valley floor up the mountain slopes, offering stunning panoramic views. Our walk continues to the Red Dzao village, where local women craft intricate embroidered clothing and handbags.

After our visit, we’ll transfer back to Sapa. Please note that the walking tour is approximately 1.5 hours long.

Our day begins with an invigorating hike through the stunning Sa Pa valley. We embark on a scenic path, where early morning mist unveils the majestic rice terraces—a truly remarkable sight. Our trail crosses the Muong Hoa River, guiding us past meticulous rice fields to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.

Continuing amidst vibrant terraces, we arrive at Ta Van Giay village. As our trek follows the river, we cross a small suspension bridge approximately 2km from Ta Van Giay. Here, you have the opportunity to explore intriguing rock carvings depicting humans, stilt houses, and intricate patterns.

Lunch is served in a local home, offering a taste of regional hospitality. Post-lunch, we trek through a bamboo forest to the village of Giang Ta Chai, home to the Red Dao ethnic group. A refreshing break by a waterfall prepares us for the ascent to the road, where transport awaits to take us back to Sapa.

This itinerary includes roughly 4 hours of walking and a 1-hour drive.

Today, leave the hustle and bustle behind with a serene walk in an off-the-beaten-path area. After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver to embark on a journey north of Sapa. We'll make several stops to admire the stunning landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley, and the vibrant flower and vegetable farms.

Travel along a narrow road, driving through a rugged region where lush rainforests cloak the mountains. En route, you'll pass by several waterfalls before reaching Ban Khoang. This village is home to the Red Dao ethnic group, who proudly uphold their traditional customs. The community thrives on wet rice cultivation in terraced fields, complemented by cardamom farming beneath the forest's canopy. Spend over an hour exploring this remote village to gain insights into local life.

From Ban Khoang, continue for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, inhabited by the Black Hmongs. Their small villages are dotted along a tranquil stream. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the water before walking the village path. Observe daily life, including fieldwork, rice and vegetable harvesting, and household tasks. During leisure months, men often gather to build new homes or repair old ones, while women craft traditional clothing.

Our walk concludes in the mid-afternoon, followed by a return drive to Sapa. Today's activities include approximately 2 hours of driving and 4 hours of walking.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a period of leisure time to relax or explore as you wish. Later, we will travel back to Hanoi in comfort by limousine bus, leaving you with the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace.

In the morning, we will check out of the hotel and be collected by the Cruise team. We will take a scenic route to Halong Bay, traversing the Red River Delta, where emerald green rice paddies extend as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival at Halong, we will board the cruise ship, offering magnificent views of limestone rocks and karst grottoes. We will enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and spend time on the sundeck exploring the bay.

The cruise will anchor at a secluded spot, allowing you to kayak or swim, offering a closer look at the impressive karst formations. As evening approaches, we will return to the boat for an early dinner, after which you have free time. Participate in onboard activities or unwind as you wish.

Start your day early to witness the sunrise at a Natural Wonder of the World, followed by breakfast in the dining room. We will energise both mind and body with a Tai Chi session on the sun deck.

Afterwards, explore a limestone cave adorned with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. Return to the boat to check out and savour a brunch as we cruise back to the harbour. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Savour your final moments in Hanoi before our private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Begin your day by visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. This historic temple offers insight into the country's cultural heritage. We then proceed to Thuy Bieu Village, where you'll receive a warm welcome with a refreshing drink at a local residence.

Embark on a cycling tour around the village to experience the daily lives of the locals. During the ride, we'll stop at family-run workshops specialising in incense-making, joss-paper crafting, and paper painting, where you can admire countryside-themed artworks by young local artists.

Afterwards, return to the local house for a relaxing foot massage. Then, under the guidance of our chef, participate in a cooking class where you'll prepare popular local dishes like fig salad with shrimp and pork, Banh Ram It, and Banh Khoai. Savour the meal you’ve prepared for lunch.

Enjoy some leisure time before we transport you back to your hotel in Hue.

Savour your final moments in Hue before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you'll be greeted by your driver, who will transfer you to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Today, embark on a unique military-style Jeep tour of Ho Chi Minh City. After breakfast at your hotel, our guide and driver will collect you for this exciting adventure.

Our first stop is the historic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This site marks a significant moment in history, as North Vietnamese Army tank 843 famously breached its gates on 30th April 1975, signalling the end of the Vietnam War.

We'll then visit the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City's most visited museum. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of military machinery, weapons, photographs, and documents from Vietnam's wars.

Next, we'll admire two of Saigon's architectural gems: the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Situated in the city centre, these iconic landmarks reflect the charm of old Saigon.

Our journey continues with a drive along Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Streets, leading us to Ben Thanh Market in District 1. This bustling market offers a lively atmosphere where our guide can assist you with bartering for local goods. Finally, we drive through Bui Vien Street before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the final day of your Vietnam trip. After checking out of the hotel, take the opportunity to explore the local markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping. A private driver will then transport you to the airport for your flight home.