Charming Vietnam North to South - 18 Days

Your Vietnam adventure kicks off as you arrive in Hanoi. Our private driver will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name, and escort you to your centrally located accommodation, placing you at the heart of the city.

Here, the vibrant Old Quarter is just moments away, inviting you to explore its bustling streets at your leisure or unwind at the hotel after your journey.

Our tour guide and bus will collect you from your hotel to commence our exploration of Hanoi. We arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Established in the 6th century, it is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi.

We visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the embalmed body of Vietnam's revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, often affectionately called 'Uncle Ho'. Stroll through the gardens to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. We then proceed to the unique One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Please dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees, when visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but you can still photograph the exterior and explore the surrounding area. The Mausoleum is also closed from 15th June to 15th August for annual maintenance.

Our next stop is the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, where you will learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, when the Ethnology Museum is closed, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at our restaurant. Vegetarian options are available. We continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, established in 1070 and one of Northern Vietnam's most intriguing attractions.

Our journey proceeds to Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French from 1886 to 1901 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. Known as Maison Centrale, it is now preserved as a museum depicting the country's struggle for independence.

Our bus will return you to your hotel, concluding the day's excursion.

We will collect you from your hotel in the Old Quarter and set off for Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The journey is approximately four hours with light traffic. Midway, we'll pause for a 15-minute break, giving you the chance to appreciate the picturesque village landscapes en route.

Upon arrival at Pu Luong Nature Reserve, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You can then check into your reserved room, with standard check-in available from 2:00 pm, and unwind at your leisure.

This afternoon, join us for a leisurely 2.5km walk starting from Ban Cong. We'll cross a suspension bridge leading to one of Pu Luong's most scenic villages, situated by the region's largest stream.

Alongside the river, you'll encounter breathtaking landscapes, lush rice fields, and vibrant village life. Look out for the impressive giant water wheels, a testament to the ingenuity of Vietnam's mountainous ethnic minorities. This walk is of moderate difficulty, rated 2/5.

Next, we arrive at Chieu Lau dam for a bamboo rafting adventure. Paddle upstream with local expertise and enjoy the fun.

After landing on the opposite riverbank, continue with a 2km trek through rice fields and local villages, completing our loop trail. Our transfer will meet us at the main road for a return to the hotel, where you'll have time to relax by 5:00 pm.

Explore the local cuisine at your own pace. For those interested, an optional cooking class is available. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm, followed by free time for relaxation. This wraps up your first day in Pu Luong.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Prepare for an adventurous motorbike ride through the verdant landscapes of Pu Luong, culminating in visits to the region's largest cave and waterfall.

Our journey starts with a drive to Kho Muong village, meandering through Bang village, and venturing into the jungle. Marvel at the stunning rice fields that stretch across Pu Luong. In Kho Muong, a secluded Thai village, accompany your rider to glimpse daily life and explore Bat Cave, the area's largest cave.

Depart from Kho Muong and ride towards Hieu village. Enjoy a peaceful ride along rural lanes, connecting with nature's tranquillity in Pu Luong. Stroll to a secluded waterfall within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve for a refreshing break. Relish a delightful lunch amidst the serene sounds of flowing water.

After lunch, take a dip in the clear waters or explore the local village life, absorbing the rustic charm of Pu Luong. Then, return to the hotel by motorbike, arriving by around 4:00 pm for some relaxation.

For culinary enthusiasts, an optional Vietnamese cooking class is available. Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by leisure time to relax at your own pace.

Begin your day with breakfast, ready for activities by 8:30 am.

Stroll leisurely through the valley to Don Village, the heart of Pu Luong. Walk along a winding road with expansive terraced fields, where the scenery unfolds beautifully at every turn.

You'll pass Uoi Hamlet, nestled humbly at the mountain's base. This picturesque landscape is sure to capture your interest and fill your camera with stunning images.

Descend towards Lan Village, known as the "Kingdom of Thai People in Pu Luong," home to around 100 Thai families. You can choose to explore by bicycle or on foot. Discover tranquil streams, lush farmlands, and lively ponds where ducks paddle cheerfully.

Interact with the welcoming locals and observe their daily lives, focusing on their traditional brocade sewing. Take this opportunity to learn about their craft and culture. Later, return to the accommodation for check-out by 11:30 am and enjoy lunch.

Get ready for the bus journey back to Hanoi. Expect to reach your hotel by 6:30 pm, traffic permitting. Your tour concludes upon arrival at your Hanoi hotel.

Our tour guide will collect you from your hotel. We will head to Ninh Binh Province, located approximately 120 km from Hanoi. Enjoy a 20-minute break to relax and refresh.

Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you'll discover the fascinating reasons behind the capital's eventual move to Hanoi. The remarkable architecture of the temples, dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, Vietnam's first and second emperors, dates back to the 17th century. Immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of this significant site.

Lunch is a buffet featuring a variety of local dishes, including goat meat and fried rice, with vegetarian options readily available.

We will embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride on the scenic Tam Coc. You can admire the stunning landscape of rice paddies, rivers, and caves, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land" for its spectacular beauty.

Participate in a 45-minute cycling tour around the village, offering insights into the daily life of local residents. We will board the shuttle bus for our return journey to Hanoi.

In the morning, we'll check out of the hotel and transfer to the cruise ship. Our journey takes us on a picturesque route through the Red River Delta, where you'll witness vast expanses of vibrant, emerald-green rice paddies.

Upon arriving at Halong Bay, we'll embark on a cruise to explore the stunning limestone formations and karst grottoes.

After thoroughly exploring the bay, we'll indulge in a delightful seafood lunch. Post-lunch, we'll visit a renowned limestone cave in Halong Bay. Here, you have the opportunity to kayak or swim, allowing a closer look at the floating villages and shops.

As the evening approaches, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner. Afterwards, enjoy free time to either participate in the onboard activities or simply unwind as the day concludes.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast as we begin our journey back to the port. En route, we'll stop to explore the intriguing Limestone Cave, adorned with remarkable stalagmites and stalactites.

Following the cave visit, we return to Hanoi. After a brief rest, you'll head to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Once there, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.

Our local guide will collect you from your hotel lobby and take you to Cam Thanh fishing village. Arrive at Cam Thanh via car or boat. En route, meet local fishermen and gain insight into their daily lives.

At around 10:00 am hop aboard a bamboo basket boat to explore the Cam Thanh water coconut forest, accompanied by a brief historical introduction. Engage with local fishermen on the river for a hands-on experience with both round net and cast net fishing.

You’ll learn to paddle the distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and can join a basket boat race. Discover the tranquil coconut waterways, once a backdrop for conflict. Try your hand at crab catching.

Conclude the morning at a local fisherman’s house with a welcome drink and a traditional lunch.

Today is entirely yours. Hoi An's ancient town is one of the best-preserved in Southeast Asia, with its lantern-lit lanes, tailor shops, and riverside cafes drawing you in at every turn. Wander the market, try the famous Cao Lau noodles, or simply find a quiet spot and take it all in.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or delve into the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its mix of ancient pagodas and modern skyscrapers.

We begin with a visit to Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City stands on the site of the former Norodom Palace and was designed by renowned architect Ngo Viet Thu.

Next, we explore the elegant architecture from the French colonial era, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office.

Our morning concludes at the War Remnants Museum, where you'll discover comprehensive exhibits on both the First and Second Indochina Wars. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

We depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately a 90-minute drive away. On arrival, you'll be introduced to the complex through a briefing and an informative video, detailing the construction and use of the tunnels during wartime.

You are free to explore the remaining tunnel systems, which include ingeniously designed living quarters, kitchens, weapons storage, field hospitals, and command centres. Learn about the resourceful use of trap doors and other defence mechanisms that provided security during the war.

Conclude your exploration with a taste of traditional tea and cassava, reminiscent of the diet during the conflict. You may take a break to relax or opt to try your hand at firing a real gun.

Begin your day with a substantial breakfast before our journey to the Mekong Delta. Our guide will greet us in the hotel lobby around 7:15–7:30 am, from where we'll head to My Tho, located on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we'll board a sampan and cruise the river, passing the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. We'll disembark at Unicorn Island to stroll through scenic country lanes and visit the local orchards. Enjoy a taste of tropical fruits while listening to traditional folk music performed by local artists.

Afterwards, we'll glide through the Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, taking in the serene countryside views. Our journey continues with visits to family-run workshops and a honey-bee farm, where you can savour honey tea and coconut candies.

We will then pause for a Vietnamese lunch. Post-lunch, we can cycle around Tan Thach village, engaging with the villagers and experiencing daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, for those preferring relaxation, you can unwind in a hammock, enjoying the gentle breeze.

After a day of exploration and cultural immersion, we'll return to our accommodation.

Savour your final moments in Ho Chi Minh City before your private driver takes you to Mui Ne. Once there, you can unwind on the beach or explore the local food and culture at your own pace.

Mui Ne is renowned for its stunning beaches and exhilarating watersports, as well as its impressive sand dunes that offer spectacular sunset views. We recommend taking a jeep tour across the dunes or visiting nearby fishing villages to sample fresh seafood.

A full free day at Mui Ne. Swim, explore the dunes further, wander through the fishing village, try the local catch at a beachside restaurant, or settle into the easy rhythm of a resort day.

Another day to spend as you please at Mui Ne. Whether you're drawn back to the sand dunes, the water, or the waterfront food stalls, there's no agenda today - just the beach, the sun, and the pace of coastal Vietnam.

Enjoy a final leisurely morning on the serene beaches of Mui Ne before we set off in a private car to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and use the rest of the day to explore - the Ben Thanh Market, the rooftop bars of District 1, or a final bowl of pho on a street corner all make for a fitting send-off.

Start your final day with a wholesome breakfast. After checking out of the hotel, you have the opportunity to explore local markets and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, we head to the airport for your flight home.