Ho Chi Minh City arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You'll then be transferred to your hotel in the city.

Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine. 9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to Independence Palace , once used as the home – office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay. 8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre , a beautiful region in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, take a boat trip on the Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village . This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits. Take a bike ride (or tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch with elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees. Disembark Ben Tre for a 1-hour transfer to Cai Lay . Upon your arrival, get warmly welcomed by the host of homestay. Take part in making Banh Xeo Nam Bo (a traditional dish in the region) with your host. Have dinner and stay overnight in Cai Lay.

Stay: Hai My's Homestay (Standard Room) *or similar hotel

150km – 3h

Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house. Have breakfast at the homestay and enjoy a bike ride (1-1.5 hours) on the path from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh, passing the durian gardens, sapota gardens, and longan gardens . Encounter with the local people then visit the local village market. Return to the homestay for refreshments. (Extension: Go for a 1 hour walk along the trail with a local and cycle to Ngu Hiep Island where the alluvium of the Mekong River has formed a fertile garden. These are unusual excursions in a luxuriant and authentic place.) For those who do not wish to ride a bike, it is possible to ask our tour guide for a motorbike and ride pillion. Transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec where we can visit Kien An Cung pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le's house from the novel by Marguerite Duras 'L'Amant – the Lover'. Discover the local market in Sa Dec which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish. Continue to Long Xuyen and visit Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm on route. Stay overnight at a hotel in Long Xuyen.

Stay: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel ★★★ (Standard Room) *or similar hotel

90km – 2h

Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, transfer to the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our famous president Ton Duc Thang. Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes. Take the road back to Saigon and check in your hotel in late afternoon.

Stay: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

190km – 4h

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple, flying to Danang, Hoi An. 7:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. Option: At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It's a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Discovering Hoi An rural by cycling and city walking tour. 8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel to Hoi An town center. Our first stop is Cam Pho – one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture. 8:00 AM: Pick up by tour guide and driver from your hotel. Spend a half-day exploring the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son Sanctuary was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the ancient kingdom, and a revered burial place for Cham monarchs. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, this sanctuary preserves around 70 ruined brick and stone architectural works built between the 7th and 13th centuries. During the visit, the rich cultural, historical, and architectural values of each relic will be fully unveiled as you leisurely wander through the ancient complex . The experience is further enriched by attending a traditional Champa dance performance before leaving the sanctuary.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

40km – 1h

Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel. 8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

125km – 3h

An amazing day tour to explore Perfume River by boat trip, excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh village, Khai Dinh King's Tomb. Night train to Hanoi. 8:00 AM: Firstly, transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages. In Tien Non village , meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village , an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years . Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu's family , one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village , a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip.

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town. Arrival to Hanoi railway station, get pick up by tour guide and driver. Enjoy local breakfast and rest before transfer to Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city's symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "s tone steles " which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

0h

Enjoying a day to tea plantation, Muong & Thai culture regions. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is known as one of the four most important fertile valleys of the Northwest (Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen and Muong Than in Than Uyen) in which the Thai ethnic group predominates. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts and Thai people cultivate the water rice. Drive to the national road number 32 along the black river (Da River) one of the most important rivers in the Northwest. In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill then walk through the stilt-house villages. It belongs to the Muong ethnic group , considered as Authentic Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of few northern communities that is immune to Chinese influence. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Arrive in Nghia Lo , walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valleys and hamlets that still preserve the authentic houses on stilts and meet the friendly locals.

200km – 5h

Exploring the best of terrace in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Tu Le, immersing into Thai, Dao, Dzay culture. Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo then transfer to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well known for its marvelous rice terrace widely considered as the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the list of national heritage. At the exit of Nghia Lo, you will cross the hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group on the hills. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people on the way. Arrive in Tu Le . It is possible to trek to the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts and have some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself into the authentic local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha pass which offers you a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces. Then the car will take you to La Pan Tan which is a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by the Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi . End of the day, check in your accommodation.

100km – 2.5h

Passing Black & White Thai minority, Visiting historical relics in Dien Bien Phu. 7:30 AM: Depart to Dien Bien Phu via Tuan Giao, a beautiful landscape of rice terraces and mountains that follow you along the way. From Than Uyen, we turn on to the quiet national road 279 to Tuan Giao. On arrival at Ban Chat reservoir , a large reservoir that will accompany you for 20km, stop for a short walk to enjoy the tranquility and spectacular landscape. Keep driving to Pa Uon Bridge in Quynh Nhai, crossing Da River , one of the most important rivers in the north. Stop again to take great photos and meet the local people. Arrive in Tuan Giao at noon and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Dien Bien Phu, crossing the region of Black Thai and White Thai ethnic groups. Dien Bien Phu is located strategically near the borders of three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and China. This is an 18km long, 6km wide valley surrounded by 1000m high mountains. The valley was the main battlefield between Viet Minh and the French expeditionary force in 1954. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu at 15:30, then visit the War Museum , A1 hill which offers a panoramic view of the basin, De Castries' command post and the memorial to the soldiers of the French expeditionary force, built 1992, and a symbol of reconciliation between Vietnam and France. Check in to your hotel and relax.

Stay: A1 Hotel ★★★ (Double / Twin Room) *or similar hotel

220km – 5.5h

Scenic driving to visit Kho Mu people, Thai minorities. Have breakfast then visit local market near historical Muong Thanh Bridge before depart to Lai Chau , 210 km from Dien Bien Phu and home to numerous ethnic groups including Kho Mu . Originally from Northern Laos, there are 60,000 Kho Mu people living on the hill slopes between the Hmong in the upper and Thai in the lower. You will find yourself in a land of colorful Hmong people. Crossing Muong Cha, Muong Lay meet the local women in their colorful traditional dresses, wearing silver or golden jewelry. Stop at the villages to meet the locals and discover their authentic lifestyle. Arrive in Muong Lay – a relocation place for hundreds of Thai villagers. Previously, they lived in the valleys flooded by the reservoir for hydroelectricity Lai Chau – Son La. You can stop here if you would like a tea break. The journey is accompanied by the Nam Na River and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Discover Thai and Hmong villages on the way before your arrival in Lai Chau City in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax.

Stay: Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

210km – 5h

Easy trekking in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people. Depart to Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. At the exit of Tam Duong , we will turn to visit Na Tam Village where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by black teeth and indigo colored clothing encrusted with silver coins. Take a short walk to visit the village and meet the locals. Meet our driver for a transfer to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son pass (O Quy Ho pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, 54km in length and 2047m in height. Stop to relax at the top of the pass and soak up the grandiose landscape. This is also a great place for photos. In the afternoon, arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, with a temperate climate, Sapa has become an attraction for holidaymakers because of its beautiful rice valley, and Black Hmong, Red Dao and the Dzay Ethnics.

Stay: Sapa Elegance Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

70km – 2.5h

Trekking through rice terrace in Muong Hoa valley, visiting H'mong, Dzay people, transfer to Bac Ha. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and enjoy 5km scenic transfer to the west of town. We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village . Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H ' mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River .

Stay: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) *or similar hotel

100km – 2.5h

Exploring a typical mountain Bac Ha Maket, back to Hanoi. 7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups. Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am . To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

320km – 6h

Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat. 8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay . Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

Cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N

160km – 3h

Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi. 06:00 : Sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or catch a morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee. 06:30 : Breakfast is served in Western style to fulfill energy for another exploring day. 07:15 : Explore Thien Canh Son Cave . 08:30 : Upon return to the boat, have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. 09:30 : Check out. Please take all personal belongings out of the cabin, heavy luggage can be left outside the cabin door (staff will transfer it directly to the port). 09:45 : Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. 10:30 : Back to the harbor. 11:00 – 11:15 : Disembark at Ha Long cruise port .

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

160km – 3h

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations. Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport . The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

35km – 0.75h