Vietnam active & soft adventure – 15 days southbound

Kickstart your new day with tasty foods for better stamina and more energy. A daily hot breakfast is prepared and served at the hotel’s restaurant.

At 8:30, meet up with your tour guide in the hotel’s lobby for a full-day city tour of Hanoi. On this tour, you will explore many ancient architectures, delectable cuisine, and picturesque natural landscapes. The first attraction is Ba Dinh Square, where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence, declaring the birth of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. To learn more about Vietnam’s history, you will visit some of the architecture in this area, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s stilt house, and the one-pillar pagoda.

Next, you take a short drive to the outskirts of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology. From the outside, you will be attracted by the presentation and layout, from the form to the displayed content, which is very scientific and logical. It involves grasping the cultural colors of each ethnic group.

It’s lunchtime! You will enjoy Chả Cá Lã Vọng, Hanoi’s specialty since 1871. Chả Cá is a perfect combination of fresh noodles, grilled fish, sweet and sour sauce, and fresh vegetables. For vegetarian travelers, you have Bún Đậu (Fresh Noodles, tofu, soy sauce and fresh vegetables) instead. Following Lunch, you visit Hidden Gem Coffee Shop, 95% of the items in the shop are recycled to protect the environment. A cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee, especially coffee with eggs, is highly recommended there.

Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, known as the first university in Vietnam, famous for its beautiful architecture and provide a lot of information about the Vietnamese education system.

Another exciting activity awaits you! Our guide and driver will take you to Long Bien Bridge to admire the panorama river view. While walking on the 120-year-old bridge, your tour guide will tell you some stories about history, Red River Delta culture, and local daily life; the walking tour also includes a discovery of Banana Island right at the foot of the bridge.

Embark on a fun cyclo to end up the full-day tour. The riding is a chance to explore 36 streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. While sitting swaying on a Cyclo, you can enjoy the cool air, admire the Old French-style villas, observe people’s activities, listen to the sounds of vehicles… all create a unique experience in the journey to discover Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Anatole Hanoi 4* Hotel or Grand Peridot 5* Luxury Boutique Hotel

Ha Noi Bun Cha street food

The Mai Chau valley, which is surrounded by hills and situated in a picturesque area, is a world away from the bustle of Hanoi. Mai Chau town has a unique attraction, it is surrounded by a patchwork of rice fields and smaller Thai villages where guests can spend the night in traditional stilt homes and awake to the sounds of trickling irrigation streams and birdsong. You can also observe how nearby farmers work in the rice fields.

You will meet your tour guide after breakfast at the hotel, and go straight up to Mai Chau. Visit the Muong tribe along the route, and then stop at Thung Khe Pass for a breathtaking vista of Mai Chau Valley. Have a traditional lunch with a White Thai Tribe family and use your free time to get to know the other villagers.

Afternoon, ride a bicycle to the remote villages, discovering the natural beauty of the valley and the culture of the ethnic minority Thai people on our visits to the Pom Coong and Na Phon villages. Return to your stay for relaxation. Have dinner and then enjoy a traditional dance and music performance by the villagers (if any).

Overnight at a homestay in Mai Chau.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge 

Get up early to greet the day with the soothing rhythm of nature. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and fuel up with a delicious breakfast accompanied by a warm cup of coffee. After bidding farewell to your host, embark on a journey to Ninh Binh, a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking karst scenery.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the beauty of Tam Coc, a must-visit attraction. Board a boat and cruise along the serene Ngo Dong River, winding through three enchanting caves and deep gorges. As you navigate the tranquil waters, witness the awe-inspiring karst formations that rise majestically from the landscape.

Disembarking from the boat, continue your exploration with a leisurely bike ride. The gentle, flat path is ideal for all ages, allowing you to leisurely meander through picturesque rice fields. Encounter local farmers tending to their crops with water buffalo and soak in the serene beauty of the Northern countryside.

Your cycling adventure culminates at Hang Mua Mountain. Embark on a moderate climb to the summit, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the karst landscape. Often dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this vista showcases towering mountains, lush green fields, and a sparkling river gracefully meandering through the dramatic terrain. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sunset that casts a golden glow over the landscape.

Check into the cozy resort. Spend the remainder of the day unwinding and recharging your energy for the next day’s adventures.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort Or Tam Coc Garden Resort

One of Vietnam’s most symbolic images is the landscape of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands protrude bizarrely from the emerald sea. To experience this beautiful Halong Bay, taking an overnight cruise is the best idea. 

The day begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in your hotel at 7:45. Upon arrival at La Regina Royal’s waiting lounge in Bai Chay-Ha Long at 11:30 AM, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a swift check-in process.

At 12:30 PM, embark on your cruise adventure with a refreshing welcome drink from the crew while the manager provides a safety briefing. As the boat sets sail, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay.

Indulge in a delectable lunch set menu at 1 PM, kickstarting your culinary journey. At 3 PM, your first excursion awaits: a visit to Luon Cave, a serene spot perfect for kayaking or rowing boat. Afterward, explore Titov Island, where you can swim in its crystal-clear waters or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the bay.

Return to the cruise at 5 PM for relaxation. At 7 PM, savor a special dinner in the restaurant. Post-dinner, choose from a variety of activities: exciting squid fishing, rejuvenating spa treatments, lively karaoke sessions, or simply unwinding.

Overnight on the luxury cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: La Reginal Royal 4* Cruise Or The Au Co 5* Cruise 

Ha Long Bay landscape view in sunset

Begin your day with a serene tai chi session on the sundeck at 6 AM, greeting the sunrise over the stunning Halong Bay. A light breakfast awaits you at 6:30 AM in the restaurant, fueling you for the day’s adventure.

At 7:30 AM, embark on a captivating journey to the awe-inspiring Sung Sot Cave. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, a sight that will leave you speechless.

At 9 AM, bid farewell to your cabin and indulge in a delicious Vietnamese cuisine buffet at the restaurant as the boat cruises back to the harbor.

Your Halong Bay experience concludes at 11 AM with disembarkation at the harbor, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this natural wonder.

Meet your driver and transfer back to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by our local tour guide, who will take you 40 minutes to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Light breakfast, Brunch.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Hoi An 4* Hotel  OR Palm Garden Beach 5* Resort

Ha Long Bay Tai Chi Class

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee. At 8 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, providing a brief overview of the day’s activities. After a quick bike check, you’ll be equipped with a helmet and ready to embark on a scenic cycling tour.

Pedal through the ancient town and into the serene countryside. As you cycle, immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of red brick houses, winding rivers, coconut trees, and lush green fields. Observe the daily lives of locals as they tend to their farms and graze their water buffalo.

Your journey leads you to Cam Thanh Village, where you’ll board a traditional wooden boat for a tranquil ride through the enchanting water coconut palm forest. Afterward, continue cycling to Tra Que Village, renowned for its organic vegetables. Experience the rustic charm of the village and participate in authentic farming activities.

Culinary delights await at Kum Quat Restaurant, where you’ll join a cooking class with a local chef. Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes under expert guidance, then savor your homemade meal with fellow travelers.

In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Visit a centuries-old family home, the Sa Huynh Museum, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda.

Conclude your day with a creative experience: lantern making. Choose from a variety of colorful silks and craft your own unique lantern, a perfect souvenir to bring home.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Hoi An 4* Hotel  OR Palm Garden Beach 5* Resort

Hoi An Ancient House

Why Is Cham Islands? constitute a group of 8 small islands of Quang Nam, which form a part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, A world Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. Cham islands has simple beauty with blue sea, white sand, sunshine and stunning coral reefs. Cham island snorkeling tour is the great tour to relax with sea. Tour is organized every day by Sea Trek Viet Nam

Your adventure begins at 7:30 AM when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Hoi An. After a short transfer, you’ll board a traditional Vietnamese wooden boat at Cua Dai Wharf.

Set sail on a serene 1-hour and 10-minute boat trip, taking in the stunning coastal scenery. Upon arrival at Hon Nhon beach, indulge in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Around 11:00 AM, we’ll head to Bai Chong Beach, a unique ecological area. Here, you’ll savor a delectable seafood lunch while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. After lunch, relax in the hammocks or take another dip in the ocean.

At 2:00 PM, we’ll board the boat and cruise back to Hoi An’s main land, carrying with us unforgettable memories of this enchanting island paradise.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Hoi An 4* Hotel  OR Palm Garden Beach 5* Resort

Hoi An Cam Thanh Village

It is a free day, allows you to unwind and slowly absorb the charms of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Hoi An 4* Hotel  OR Palm Garden Beach 5* Resort

Your private driver & guide will pick you up at your hotel to start the Hue City Tour. Along the way, our professional driver will stop at some beautiful natural landscapes for you to capture photos such as:

• Lap An Lagoon– a large and beautiful brackish lagoon with fishing boats, a fishing village, and oyster farms.
• Lang Co Beach– a gentle and gorgeous beach in Lang Co Bay– is voted the most beautiful bay in the world.
• Hai Van Pass- the most beautiful and adventurous pass road in Vietnam with a rich history of how Vietnam expanded to the central and south since 1306.

At 10:30, you will admire the most expensive and fabulous royal tomb of the 12th emperor of the last monarchy in Vietnam, the Khai Dinh Tomb. You will surprisedly say WOW WOW WOW when visiting this AMAZING masterpiece made at the hands of Vietnamese talented workers.

At 12:00, It is time for lunch. Today, you will be introduced Hue specialties in a local restaurant with 5 dishes, including 1 unit of drink/ person at a local food restaurant. After lunch, we kept doing the tour.

At 13:30, enjoy a 45-minute dragon boat trip on the Perfume River to admire the most sacred and ancient Buddhist temple in central and southern Vietnam, the Thien Mu Pagoda. Our local guide will reveal a lot of interesting ancient stories as well as the LOVE CURSE at Thien Mu.

Finally, your day trip will end with the 500-hectare complex of Hue Citadel, Hue Imperial City, and Forbidden City. Your local guide will tell you interesting information about the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors’ life, the concubines, and eunuchs. Some highlights in this area are the Nine Holy Cannons, The Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Hue Royal Family Temple, Hue Royal Garden, Duyet Thi Duong Theater, etc.

At 16:30, you’ll be checking into a downtown hotel and chilling by the pool for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Eldora Hue 4* Hotel OR Silk Path Grand Hue 5* Hotel

Da Nang Hai Van Pass

Today, you will take an one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, look for our driver and guide, who will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. The journey from the airport to your hotel will take approximately half an hour and is an entertaining experience full of chaotic traffic and millions of motorbikes. Dinner is your arrangement.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Eden Saigon Star 4* Hotel OR Mai House Saigon 5* Hotel 

Hue Conical Hat village

After breakfast, your private tour guide and driver will take you to the wartime legacy of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by the Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The Viet Cong’s success over the Americans was significantly assisted by taking control of a large rural area surrounding HCM City thanks to their vast network of tunnels.

Upon arrival, You will watch a brief introductory video at the Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by a walk through the reserve. Crawl inside the Cu Chi Tunnels to see how awful life must have been and explore the three below-ground levels. There will also be a chilling exhibition of the traps and weapons used against the American GIs. After the visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, head back to the city center for lunch.

In the afternoon, you start the city tour to explore the great architecture in one of our largest cities in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture is a beautiful fusion of French colonial mansions and contemporary steel and glass monuments, reflecting Vietnam’s historical background. The most popular tourist attractions were built when Saigon, the “Pearl of Indochina,” served as the nation’s capital. Since then, more artifacts have been added to the cultural heritage, and the future of modern architecture seems promising. Our guide would be more than happy to bring you to the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace. If time permits, you also visit the Saigon Opera House, Saigon’s city hall.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Eden Saigon Star 4* Hotel OR Mai House Saigon 5* Hotel 

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

The rice bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, is essential to Vietnamese agriculture. As the mighty Mekong River approaches the coast at the end of its journey from China, it begins to spread out into a myriad of tributaries that bring life to the whole region. Explore these tributaries, both big and small, and witness a life lived almost entirely on water!

Pick up at the hotel at 8 a.m., leave the busiest city, and start the trip to Ben Tre. On arrival at Ham Luong Pier (Ben Tre town), take a boat on the Ben Tre River – one of the tributaries of the Mekong River, and observe the lively activities along the river, such as fishing and water transfers.

Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in handy, traditional style by printing and baking. Visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Turn on the natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to the village. Take a walk to the family workshop to make sleep mats and enjoy some fruits and tea. Take a biking trip on shady paths, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch real life, and find out about tropical culture from peasants.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, take a row boat along Water Palm Creek and cruise back to Hung Vuong Pier. Disembark and drive through endless rice fields to reach Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Nam Bo Boutique 4* Hotel OR Victoria Can Tho 5* Resort

Ben Tre boat trip in palm trees village

Get up early and be ready to start a new day around 5:30am. Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and he will send you to Ninh Kieu dock, embark on a motorboat to visit one of the most vibrant floating markets in Mekong Delta. It takes around 40 – 45 minutes to arrive at the Cai Rang floating market. On the way, you will have a chance to watch the sunrise which makes you understand why it is special, famous and attracts many tourists every year.

At Cai Rang floating market, our boat driver will drive the boat slowly around the floating market for 1-2 rounds so that you can enjoy observing how local people trade products on their boats and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. There are hundreds of boats with many kinds of fruits, roots, and veggies such as pineapples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, watermelon, etc.

You will experience sitting on boats and having breakfast on the floating market which is a must-do when you visit the place. A miniature society will be shown in front of you through the image of the bustling Cai Rang floating market.

You will keep boating over to a noodle local house where you make your own rice paper and noodles guided by local people. Heading to authentic small canals – one of the tenth most beautiful small canals in Can Tho and also known for its peacefulness, unlike the busy tourist spots. It takes more than an hour on the canals which are very long and peaceful. Our boat driver will stop driving, but paddling slowly so that you can immerse yourself in nature with many green trees and bird songs which make you so relaxed and enjoy the fresh air.

You will see many fruit orchards along the canals and some local houses where local people are living. Sometimes you will see local people wave at you and say “hi”.

After a fulfilling morning of exploration, return to the hotel to prepare for your return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Eden Saigon Star 4* Hotel OR Mai House Saigon 5* Hotel 

Mekong Delta Phong Dien floating market

After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out by midday as this marks the end of your 15-day trip to Vietnam. Your private driver will pick you up and take you back to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight home.

Meals: Breakfast.

Ho Chi Minh city landscape view