Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrival at Hanoi Airport on flight xx. You will be welcomed by your guide and driver from Tonkin Voyage Travel and transferred to the city center.

Departure for a 45-min cyclo tour (rickshaw) to discover the French Quarter through colonial monuments: the Opera House, the Pagoda of Ambassadors, the Indochina Bank, the former Governor’s Residence of Tonkin (Sofitel Metropole Hotel), and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Check-in at the hotel (room available from 1:30 PM).

The rest of the day is free for you to rest. Meals on your own cost.

Meals Included: None

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)

After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, named for the beloved father of modern Vietnam. This famous complex is home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays, outside visit), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honors the eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates that each passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Next stop, lunch!-which will be served at a popular local restaurant on your own cost.

In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology (or Hoa Lo Prison if you visit on Monday) dedicated to Vietnam’s fifty-four officially recognized ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.

Then, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. Then we go back hotel for relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Mai Hich / Homestay (B/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, the guide welcomes you at your hotel in downtown Hanoi and drives you to Mai Chau (180 km – 4 hours), the valley of the White Thai ethnic group, who live in large traditional stilt houses. Stop on the way to visit a Muong village at Thung Khe.

Then, drive to Mai Hich, a commune located 13 km southwest of Mai Chau district. This is a new destination notable for harmonizing humans and nature: fatigue, stress, and daily worries seem to vanish as visitors are immersed in the magnificent mountain landscape, amid songs and folk dances performed by the youth of the village…

The afternoon is dedicated to a 3-hour hike in nearby villages, including Mai Hich and Mai Ha, through rice fields and small minority hamlets such as Sam Khoe. The peaceful life and lush landscapes, along with the kind and welcoming locals, will surely leave unforgettable memories.

Late afternoon, your children can fly kites with the host village children.

Dinner with the host family in Mai Hich or Sam Khoe. Overnight in a stilt house.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau

Optional: Participate in a local folk dance and music performance with villagers (cost for the evening: USD 35 per group).

Day 4: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh (B)

Breakfast with the host family.

Departure to the Mai Chau valley.

The morning is dedicated to walking and cycling through villages around Mai Chau and exploring their local crafts. The peaceful life and lush landscapes, along with the kind and welcoming locals, will surely leave unforgettable memories.

During your walk, you can go down to the field and participate in farmers’ work. You will discover all the stages of rice cultivation or harvest (depending on the season and period) using local techniques, for example:

Weeding and plowing the soil with the buffalo.

Searching for rice seedlings.

Transplanting rice, etc.

You can also try all these tasks with the farmers according to your interest.

Lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, depart Mai Chau towards Ninh Binh (200 km / 4-hour drive) to discover Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s most renowned sites, also nicknamed the “Terrestrial Halong Bay” due to its limestone hills covered in lush vegetation, forming natural amphitheaters connected by tunnels carved by erosion.

Then, visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu to discover its temples dedicated to Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968–980) and Le Dai Hanh of the Le dynasty (980–1009).

Arrival in Ninh Binh and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay on land (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

A full day to explore Terrestrial Halong Bay.

First, transfer to the village of Tho Ha where you will have lunch at your leisure in a local restaurant before taking a 2-hour sampan ride among the limestone peaks towards Thung Nham Valley. You will discover a stunning natural landscape, another site as beautiful as Tam Coc but much less touristy.

During the tour, start by boating from Tho Ha village through rice fields to But Cave (Fairy Cave, 500 m long) and two other caves (option to replace with a Tam Coc cruise if desired). Then, enjoy a cycling or buffalo cart ride around Hai Nham village, ending at the beautiful Bich Dong amphitheater. Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda.

Then, head to Hang Mua site, climbing the 486 stone steps to the summit of the bell-shaped mountain near Tam Coc. At the top, enjoy a fantastic panorama of the “Terrestrial Halong Bay.”

Late afternoon, free time for personal exploration.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay, Cruise and Overnight on Board (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, depart without a guide to Halong, arriving around noon (200 km – 4 hours).

Immediate embarkation for a 23-hour cruise on Halong Bay aboard a beautiful wooden junk, Amira 3 cabins.

Welcome by the boat guide.

Welcome drink, introduction of the crew, and program presentation before settling in your cabin.

Lunch featuring seafood as the boat begins sailing in Bai Tu Long Bay, surrounded by thousands of sugar-loaf shaped islets rising from turquoise waters. The scenery makes you feel like you are entering a legendary world.

Then, swim in the turquoise waters and relax on the beach.

You can enjoy the beach (weather permitting), kayak in the sea, or watch the sunset. Return to the boat and free time.

Dinner with seafood and overnight on board in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom.

In the evening, you can try squid fishing from the boat.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on boat

Day 7: Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br)

We recommend an early wake-up to enjoy the bay and sunrise.

Breakfast on board while the crew raises the anchor for navigation towards the floating village of Vung Vieng. Visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng in a small rowboat. Continue the cruise in the bay, and lunch à la carte is served on board while the boat heads towards the pier.

At noon, disembark at Hon Gai port and return to Hanoi (180 km – 3h30 drive). Then transfer to Hanoi airport to take the flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, welcome by the driver and transfer without guide to the hotel (20 km – 40 min drive).

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Meals Included: Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue - Full Day Sightseeing (B)

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore Hue’s famous highlights, starting with a boat trip along the Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for a well-deserved lunch on your own cost!

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and Nine Dynastic Urns to name a few. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do some shopping at the Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialities of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Countryside Life by Bike - Hoi An (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by private car to La Chu village, located 9 km north of central Hue. This village is known for vegetable and herb cultivation (onions, chives, coriander, basil, etc.).

Meet at the village entrance for a bike ride through Hue’s charming countryside.

First stop to visit a family-run paper offering workshop (a strong and popular belief in Vietnam).

Continue to a small daily local market. Explore the market stalls of meat, spices, fresh vegetables, and fruits, under the curious and friendly gaze of local women.

Next, explore the vegetable fields, meet villagers, and chat with them. They will be very happy to take photos with you – a great memory!

Typical countryside landscapes include rice fields, banana plants, rivers, lotus ponds, and mountains, which still bear the traces of Agent Orange sprayed by the US Army over forty years ago.

Of course, it’s impossible to leave without visiting a family specialized in making “Banh Loc,” a small cake made from rice flour mixed with shrimp. Interact with the family and try making these dishes yourself.

Arrive at a family-run restaurant amidst rice fields for a fresh and typical lunch. After lunch, relax and soak your feet in a hot herbal bath.

Then, depart for Hoi An via Danang (150 km – 3h30 drive), passing the Hai Van Pass with a superb panorama of the central coast.

In Danang, stop at Lang Co Beach to visit fishing villages.

Arrival in Hoi An in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Bicycle Ride - Cooking session (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning starts with a bike ride to Tra Que vegetable village (5 km from Hoi An). This village is famous for its aromatic herbs, especially mint and basil.

Introduction to the village’s history, vegetable cultivation, and use of herbs in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

After touring the gardens, join farmers to prepare the soil and fertilize it with algae from the nearby pond. Participate in activities such as raking, sowing, watering, harvesting plants, and other gardening tasks.

Then, prepare lunch with a local family. The menu includes various local specialties, including “Tam Huu” spring rolls (shrimp, pork, and herbs) and other regional specialties like Banh Xeo (traditional pancakes of Central Vietnam). After lunch, enjoy a foot bath with medicinal herbs, a traditional therapeutic practice.

Next, go on a “thung chai” cruise – a round bamboo basket boat, surprisingly stable – and local fishermen will teach you traditional fishing. Lots of fun!

Return to Hoi An. Free time for rest.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An - Free Day at the Beach (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to a hotel near the beach.

Full day free to relax at the beach.

Meals at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Buon Me Thuot (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Buon Me Thuot.

Arrival in Buon Me Thuot, VN 1021 Danang – Buon Me Thuot (13:20 – 14:35).

Welcome at the airport by the local guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel.

A short walk in the city to visit the Ako Dhong village where the EDE ethnic group lives, including the Trung Nguyên coffee village with its old coffee trees. Tourists can enjoy a cup of coffee in the shade of the trees.

Meals at your leisure. Overnight at Dakruco Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dakruco Hotel in Buon Me Thuot

Day 13: Buon Me Thuot - Lak Lake (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive (50 km – 1h) to Yok Don National Park, the largest park in Vietnam, for a walking tour in the forest, observing its diverse flora and fauna. You may spot several orchid species along the way.

Then, take a motorized boat along the Serepok River to visit the Ede ethnic group. Visit Ban Don, the elephant village, including a stilt house over 120 years old, and learn the legend of the king of elephant hunters. Cross the 750 m long bamboo suspension bridge over the Serepok River.

Then, drive to Lak Lake (45 km – 1h) with a stop at Jun Village. Visit coffee plantations along the way.

Upon arrival, check-in at the homestay by Lak Lake.

Meals at your leisure. Overnight at Lak Lake.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Homestay in Lak Lake

Day 14: Lak Lake - Da Lat (B)

Breakfast at the resort.

Morning elephant ride and rowing boat tour on Lak Lake. Visit the M’lieng village of the Mnong people to discover their daily life and culture. Explore the village and traditional longhouses housing several generations.

Then, transfer to Da Lat. On the way, visit Elephant Waterfall – one of Lam Dong’s most natural and majestic falls. Visit Linh An Pagoda with the large Happy Buddha. Visit a coffee plantation and a civet coffee farm. Arrive in Da Lat in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat

Day 15: Da Lat - Flight to Saigon (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet the guide to start sightseeing in Da Lat, the city of flowers! Visit Xuan Huong Lake and the Flower Garden. Visit the old colonial-era Da Lat train station.

In the afternoon, visit Bao Dai’s House, the last king of Vietnam, then take a cable car to Truc Lam Vien Thien Monastery and visit Tuyen Lam Lake.

Transfer to Da Lat airport for the flight to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

Meals at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 16: Saigon - Full Day City Tour (B)

Our guide will meet you at your hotel at 8:00am this morning and you will head out to visit Saigon’s many sites. Our first stop will be at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post office. Situated right across the street from one another they are prime examples of colonial architecture. Notre Dame Cathedral was constructed from 1877-1883, using bricks imported from France, and the General Post Office, finished in 1891, is still a functioning post office. We then walk past the Opera House, which served as the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam from 1956 to 1975. Our next stop is at the Reunification Palace. The former residence of South Vietnam’s President until April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic end.

Following lunch at a local restaurant on your own cost, we will visit the War Remnants Museum. We then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. While walking through Cho Lon, we visit Thien Hau Pagoda, an impressive structure with beautiful friezes carved on the front entrance. In the Ben Thanh Market you are free to do some shopping and snacking. The market is full of vendors selling souvenirs, dried food goods, household items, fresh produce, meat, fish, and prepared foods and drinks. It’s truly a site to be seen.

After visiting Ben Thanh Market, the tour will end and our guide will take you back to your hotel around 4:00pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 17: Saigon - Ben Tre - Vung Liem / Homestay (B/D)

Departure with guide to Ben Tre to explore the Mekong Delta, formed by nine arms of the river. Around 10:00 AM, upon arrival in Ben Tre, board a local boat to see daily life along the river. Visit a brick kiln, an old house, and a family coconut candy workshop. Taste these candies, honey tea, and seasonal fruits. The family workshop produces local coconut products.

Continue along the Cai Son River, disembark at Nhon Thanh village, known for mat-making. Then, cycle or ride a carriage through coconut fields and orchards. Arrive at a traditional home in a coconut orchard, where you will taste Mekong Delta specialties.

After lunch at leisure, a 10-minute walk to take a rowboat. Around 3:00 PM, visit the tropical fruit market, then drive to Vung Liem. After crossing the Quoi Thien ferry, bike or walk to the homestay. In the evening, you may help the family cook. Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay in Vung Liem

Day 18: Vung Liem - Long Xuyen (B/L)

Breakfast at the homestay. Bike ride to discover authentic life on Quoi Thien Island, passing through villages and lush orchards. Meet locals performing daily activities in the fields.

Leave the family, then drive back to Vinh Long. Visit an old Khmer pagoda. Lunch in Vinh Long, then transfer through Sadec, hometown of Marguerite Duras. Visit the House of the Lover Huynh Thuan. Continue to Long Xuyen. Cross a ferry with locals. Arrive in Long Xuyen. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner on your own cost and overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Long Xuyen

Day 19: Long Xuyen - Saigon (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, depart by boat to visit the Long Xuyen floating market, small and authentic, representing typical trade activities without being influenced by tourism. Explore the Long Xuyen market. Bike ride through village paths on Cu Lao Ong Ho Island to experience daily life, Khmer-style houses, and traditional trades.

Lunch at leisure on the island. Return to Ho Chi Minh City (220 km – 4h30 drive). On the way, stop to visit a crocodile farm. Arrive in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel in Saigon. Dinner at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 20: Saigon - Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning free without guide or vehicle. Check-out by noon.

In the afternoon, transfer with the driver to Saigon airport for your evening departure flight. End of our services here!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Check-out before 12:00noon.

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