Arrival in Hanoi, pick up at airport, and transfer to hotel. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our driver waiting at Column 11 outside the arrival hall. You'll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi , passing over the Red River , where you can catch a glimpse of the city's unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter , the driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

35km – 0.75h

Explore the temple of literature Van Mieu, museum of ethnology, Hanoi's Old quarter, and enjoy water puppet show.. 9:00 AM: We begin our discovery of Hanoi with 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: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Travel to Ha Giang, enjoy a scenic drive, and take a stroll to visit Tay villages.. 8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel in Hanoi to Ha Giang via the highway to Phu Tho. Stop to visit the Dao village in Ham Yen , Tuyen Quang. First, discover the houses on stilts, a typical style of ethnic groups in this undulating region. Arrive in Ha Giang in the middle of the afternoon, beginning a trek to the Me – Lup – Tha villages . Featuring serene beauty, these villages are made up of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts covered by palm leaves. In front of the houses, there are small ponds for raising fish and water hyacinth cultivations for pigs. You will be welcomed by big smiles from the villagers testifying to their legendary hospitality. Visit a typical house and discover the local daily life. Arrive in Tha Village, a village on the palm hills with rice fields where you can rest in the serenity. Finally, check in your accommodation and free to stroll around to catch the rhythm of daily life in the mountain before sunset.

280km – 5h

A scenic drive to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Fairy Mountain, the homeland of Hmong & Bo Y ethnic people, and the Hmong King's Palace.. 8:00 AM: Travel to Dong Van with the magical landscapes of this region present along the route. Before arrival at the Quan Ba pass , we will stop to visit a village of Bo Y people in the Quyet Tien Commune. Their origin is from China. The Bo Y is a small community of 2000 people who populate in the mountainous parts of the north. Stop at the Quan Ba pass and take a short break to admire Quan Ba town with the famous Twin Fairy Mountain (Nui Co Tien). Continue drive to the Limestone rock plateau zone , considered as mountainous Halong Bay. This majestic natural treasure has been listed in the World Geological Park book. On the way, you will discover " Nha Trinh Tuong" (a special type of house) by a walking to the Lung Hoa Village. This is the typical house of Hmong people in the village which is built on sticky ground. Next, visit the Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo). Dating back 100 years ago, far from the plain, the regions of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac created an autonomous zone with their own king. They cultivated poppies and their economy was based on the opium business with China. Arrive in Dong Van, check in accommodation and relax.

Stay: Hoa Cuong Hotel ★★★ (Double Room) *or similar hotel

150km – 5h

From Dong Van to Bao Lac: Crossing Ma Pi Leng Pass and Visiting the Lo Lo & H'mong Minorities. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set off from Dong Van toward Meo Vac, crossing the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass . Here, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views of limestone mountains, the winding Nho Que River , and traditional H'mong village nestled along the slopes. From there, we'll continue to Bao Lac , a region renowned for the Black Lo Lo ethnic community . The area gained prominence through the French documentary, "The Journey into Unknown Land", filmed in Khuoi Khon village-just 9 km from Bao Lac town-by rugby player Frédéric Michalak. We'll enjoy lunch in Bao Lac town before heading to Coc Xa village in Na Van commune. This Lo Lo village retains a more authentic charm compared to Khuoi Khon, which has become a popular tourist spot since the documentary's release. Here, you'll stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visit local homes, and have meaningful exchanges with the residents, giving you a deeper understanding of their way of life and traditions. Later, we'll return to town, where you'll stay overnight in a local hotel.

Stay: Duc Tai Hotel ★★ (Twin Room) *or similar hotel

130km – 3h

Encounter the San Chi in a Hidden Hill Village, Then Continue to Cao Bang. We'll set off for Cao Bang, traveling along National Road 4A . Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes featuring limestone mountains, blue rivers, and beautiful rice fields sprawled across picturesque valleys. Our journey will take us through the Khau Coc Cha Pass . Although it stretches just 2.5 kilometers, this pass boasts a remarkable steep slope with 15 levels and 14 sharp bends. After navigating the pass, we'll arrive in the Xuan Truong Valley , a breathtaking area filled with expansive rice fields and charming stilt houses. Here, we'll pause to visit a local family, giving you a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life and rich culture. Continuing our adventure, we'll follow the road through the Na Tenh Pass , which offers impressive vistas of the lush green mountains and the surrounding valleys. Our final destination for the day will be Pac Bo Cave , a significant historical site set in a captivating location. This is where President Ho Chi Minh lived for seven weeks in February and March of 1941 after returning to Vietnam from 30 years of exile. At last, we'll arrive in Cao Bang city and check into a cozy local hotel.

Stay: Thanh Loan 2 Hotel ★★ (Double Room) *or similar hotel

130km – 4h

Admire Vietnam's most beautiful waterfall, Ban Gioc, and explore Nguom Ngao Cave and a Nung ethnic village.. Depart from your hotel to Ban Gioc waterfall located on the border between Vietnam and China. It is 30m in height and 208m in width and is the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. After 2 hours of driving through the magical limestone region, you will arrive at Ban Gioc waterfall and be amazed by this beautiful natural masterpiece. In the afternoon, transfer to Nguom Ngao cave , reached by walking a hundred steps. The cave is located in the maize valley and is 2km in length. It is filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. It was a shelter for thousands of local people during the Vietnam/China border war. On the way to Cao Bang we will visit Phuc Sen , a blacksmith village, where you will have an opportunity to burn your name into your souvenir knife. You will be one of just a few travelers who spend a night in the village. The comfort is limited; however, you will enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the legendary hospitality of the Nung ethnic group and their authentic lifestyle. Have dinner and stay overnight in a homestay.

Enjoy a beautiful journey while trekking to Nung Village, followed by a transfer to Ba Be.. In the morning, depart from your homestay for a 2-hour trek to Nung village . You will discover the craft villages specializing in the manufacture of paper and incense sticks . The landscape of rice paddies, the limestone peaks and the Nung ethnic group with their delightful hospitality will astonish you. According to our clients, this is one of the itineraries which gave them the most wonder. In the Canh Phung Tren village, meet our driver for a transfer to Ba Be . On the way, you will enjoy the magnificent landscape of the villages nestled in the flank of mountain. Stop on the way to meet the natives and take photos wherever possible. Arrive in Ba Be in the afternoon. Visit Pac Ngoi village , a typical village of Tay people.

140km – 4h

Relaxing Boat Trip to Puong Cave & Dau Dang Waterfall. In the morning, transfer from the village to Buoc Lom Pier to take a boat trip along the Nang river and enjoy the beautiful scenery of forests along the river. The boat will pass through Puong cave , home to thousands of bats, toward Dau Dang waterfall . Lunch will be served at a local restaurant by the waterfall. In the afternoon, take the boat back to the lake, stopping at the Fairy pond located in the middle of the primitive forest. Here, you will gently cruise around the lake and it's possible to swim if the weather permits. Disembark at around 04:00 PM . Rest of the day on your own free and easy, enjoy sunset over mountain ranges.

Cycling in the National Park to Visit Hua Ma Cave & Return to Hanoi. After breakfast, you can choose to travel by car or cycle from your homestay in Pac Ngoi , passing through peaceful Tay ethnic villages along the lakeshore and surrounding countryside, to reach Hua Ma Cave , located about 5 km from the village . Hidden within a limestone mountain, Hua Ma Cave is known for its impressive chambers and remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites , illuminated to highlight the cave's dramatic natural shapes. We take time to explore this fascinating site before returning to Pac Ngoi and your homestay.

Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

210km – 5h

Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha Bay: Swimming, Kayaking & Cooking Class. 9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter) . Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

Cruise: Peony Cruise – 2D1N

140km – 2.5h

Explore Trung Trang Cave, Visit Cat Ba National Park & Transfer Back to Hanoi for the Night Train to Hue. 6:00 AM : Begin the day full of energy with a Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun as it rises beyond the horizon. 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM : Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may be adjusted to follow the real itinerary). 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM : Join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem. 9:30 AM : Return to the main boat from the cave, and you will check out of your cabin. Luggage is to be placed outside of the cabin. Early Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle any bar bills at the restaurant's desk (if any). 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM : Disembark from the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau port. 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM : You should be ready at Tuan Chau port.

Cruise: Peony Cruise – 2D1N

Full-Day Hue City Discovery: Perfume River Cruise & Cultural Villages. Arrive at Hue railway station in the morning, where our tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you. Then, set off to explore the mystical city of Hue.

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

25km – 1h

A short visit to Khai Dinh Tomb before traveling to Hoi An, passing by Hai Van Pass and the Cham Sculpture Museum. Half-day Hoi An city tour.. 7:30 AM: We continue exploring Hue with a visit to Khai Dinh King's tomb , built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles . A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

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

125km – 3h

A Wonderful Day Exploring Kim Bong, Tra Nhieu & Cam Thanh Villages – Boat Trip & Countryside Biking with Local Interactions. Meet at your hotel, then cycle to Hoi An pier and board the ferry to cross the Thu Bon River towards Kim Bong village . On the boat, you will immerse yourselves into the comfortable fresh air and enjoy the idyllic landscapes on both sides of the river. This village has long been known for its wood carving . At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style. Bike around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products as souvenirs.

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

Explore My Son Sanctuary: Champa Culture & Unique Architecture, Then Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. 8:00 AM: 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: Sanouva Hotel ★★★ (Premium Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

Discover the best highlights of Saigon: Independence Palace, Binh Tay Market, Chinatown, Quan Am Pagoda, and the Fito Museum of Traditional Medicine.. 9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel and transfer 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 the Mekong: Boat Trip & Biking in Ben Tre, Visit Traditional Craft Villages, Meet Locals & Enjoy a Garden Tour with a Homestay Stay. 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: 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 – Return 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

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination.. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.