Vietnam Hidden Harmony – 14 Days

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exhilarating journey to Ba Vi, a breathtaking mountainous area on the outskirts of Hanoi. Upon arriving at Ri village, you'll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink at the house of your host. Meet Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner, who will captivate you with intriguing historical stories from his own experiences. Follow Mr. Duoc to his expansive tea farm and learn the art of harvesting tea leaves. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the village while taking in its picturesque beauty. You'll have the opportunity to assist in picking tea leaves and discover the secrets of selecting the finest tea tree parts to create Vietnam's most delightful beverage - traditional tea. Witness the meticulous tea-making process at Mr. Duoc's small workshop, where craftsmanship prevails. A short 10-minute drive will take you to Moc village, where Mrs. Chin will conduct an enjoyable cooking class. You'll master the preparation of some Vietnamese dishes and relish in a delightful lunch with the food you have helped to cook. Stroll around the village, visit local families, and gain insights into rural living, discovering how tofu, conical hats, and other regional products are crafted. As you cycle through picturesque paddy fields, serendipitous encounters with local farmers will enrich your experience. Conclude your countryside adventure with a traditional foot bath in warm, herb-infused water, following the ancestral recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. This soothing ritual will relax both you and your feet, recharging you after the cycling expedition. Next, we'll transfer you to Dac Bac in Hoa Binh province, where you'll experience an authentic homestay. Overnight in Dac Bac (homestay) NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 10 hours Biking distance: 5-7km (4mi) Grade: Easy

Following a delightful traditional breakfast at your homestay, immerse yourself in the local way of life and actively contribute to the community through meaningful community-based work. Depending on the season, you'll have the opportunity to partake in diverse farming activities, assist with environmental protection efforts, and support the local school by joining the team in renovating the playground and green areas for the children. If time allows, interact with the kids, learning and singing traditional Vietnamese songs with them. Overnight in Da Bac.

After enjoying a delightful traditional breakfast at your homestay, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and actively contribute to community-based initiatives. Depending on the season, you can participate in various farming activities, assist in environmental protection efforts, and collaborate with the local school's team to renovate the playground and green spaces for the children. If time allows, you can also engage with the kids, learning and singing traditional Vietnamese songs together. Overnight in Da Bac.

After a hearty breakfast and bidding farewell to Dac Bac, we embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive southwest to Mai Chau, nestled in Hoa Binh Province. This charming region boasts picturesque landscapes of mountains and valleys, adorned with lush countryside and stilt houses predominantly inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you can opt for a leisurely bicycle ride or a pleasant walk to Lac Hamlet, where a delightful traditional home-cooked lunch awaits. Continue the cycling journey, immersing yourself in the beauty of Mai Chau's valley for a few more hours. Your knowledgeable guide will facilitate engaging interactions with local hill tribe people, offering insights into their daily lives, from rice planting and buffalo herding to the construction of traditional houses. Later, we will take you to a homestay, providing an authentic overnight experience with ample leisure time to savor the ambiance. Overnight in Mai Chau NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:30 Tour duration: 04 hours Trekking or cycling distance: 7km (4mi) Grade: Medium The homestay offers a basic standard, immersing you in an authentic local environment. The beds come with mosquito nets, but there are no air conditioners, only fans.

Enjoy a relaxing morning, exploring the village at your own pace. Afterward, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, savor a delectable lunch before proceeding to Tam Coc, famously known as "Halong Bay on Land." Here, a skilled rower will guide you on a leisurely 2-hour journey along the winding river and canals, presenting breathtaking views of mesmerizing karst formations and natural caves formed beneath the hills. Following the boat trip, climb Mua Mountain, resembling a bell shape with an 800 square meters base. The staircase leading to the cave is adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes. Zigzagging through the karst landscape, the stone staircase comprises nearly 500 steps, leading to a simple altar dedicated to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Afterwards, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Duration: 9 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a 4-hour journey to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a mesmerizing vision with thousands of limestone islands rising majestically from the emerald sea, creating a truly iconic scene of Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the perfect way to experience this must-see destination. Arriving at the jetty in Halong City around noon, complete the check-in formalities and enjoy a warm welcome onboard. Savor a delicious lunch while cruising through the bay's captivating landscapes. In the afternoon, engage in various visits and activities, depending on each boat's itinerary, or simply unwind and relax on board. As the day winds down, the ship anchors amidst the stunning karst formations, providing a unique opportunity to participate in the "Action for a Green Ha Long" initiative, where you'll help clean up waste from two secluded beaches at the bay's edge. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner served on board. Overnight in Halong Bay.

Greet the morning with the rising sun in Halong Bay as you enjoy breakfast on the boat (or brunch on some vessels) while leisurely cruising back to the port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi city center. Today, explore the captivating city of Hanoi in an eco-friendly manner, using Electric Cars to preserve the city's environment. Often referred to as the 'Paris of the East,' Hanoi boasts yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and serene lakes, offering an enchanting atmosphere. Begin your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university built in the late 11th century. This picturesque temple exemplifies well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is depicted on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to Ngoc Son Temple, a stunning exemplar of Vietnamese traditional design. Embark on a walking tour through the renowned Old Quarter, famous for its '36 streets of 36 wares,' named after the original 36 artisan guilds dating back to the 13th century. Conclude the day with a hotel check-in and leisure time to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, you'll have the privilege to join the esteemed Blue Dragon Foundation in their admirable farming activities, focusing on growing fruits and vegetables for children in need. This engaging experience will provide insights into organic agriculture practices in Vietnam while contributing to a meaningful cause. Blue Dragon is a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting children in crisis situations. Over the years, they have made a significant impact in rescuing victims of human trafficking, lifting hundreds of families out of poverty, providing a safe haven and educational opportunities for homeless children, and instilling hope for a brighter future. We'll begin the day by taking you to Blue Dragon's farm in the scenic and rural Long Bien district of Hanoi. Here, you'll witness how locals cultivate tropical fruits and grow chemical-free vegetables. Join in on the gardening activities, such as planting, watering, and harvesting, while connecting with like-minded volunteers who share your passion for sustainability. The produce from this farm is distributed to underprivileged families with children, disabled children, and children residing in Blue Dragon's shelter. Any surplus is sold in the market to generate funds for further support for these children. Overnight in Hanoi. Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 07 hours

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, you'll have some leisure time until our driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, our team will be there to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An. In the afternoon, your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a delightful walk around the captivating ancient town of Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its remarkably preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and unique local cuisine, offering glimpses of its illustrious history. The narrow lanes of Hoi An provide the perfect setting for a guided walking tour, where you'll discover the town's atmospheric sights, including the old merchant houses showcasing a fascinating blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles. During the tour, you'll visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, originally constructed in the 1590s by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarters across the stream. You'll also explore the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, adorned with intricate woodcarvings, and the vibrant market filled with stalls brimming with local specialties, silk, and clothing. Overnight in Hoi An.

Today, we'll introduce you to a locally sustainable method of recycling kitchen waste through vermicomposting. This eco-friendly process involves using red worms to decompose organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. The end product serves as an excellent plant growth promoter, enhancing plants' resistance to pests and unfavorable conditions. Moreover, we'll demonstrate how this vermicomposting technique can be effectively implemented at home or in community gardens, promoting environmentally friendly waste management practices. Witness the inspirational impact of this low-resource input method, which yields substantial benefits for both livelihoods and the environment. Overnight in Hoi An. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 14:00 Tour duration: 04 hours

In the morning, embark on a journey to Da Nang City, where you'll unite with the "Zero Waste Community" team. This remarkable initiative, led by GreenViet NGO (Vietnam) and GSI Institute (Germany) under the "Conservation Fund" framework, advocates for environmental protection and encourages an eco-friendly lifestyle. Together with passionate activists, you'll participate in cleaning up tourist areas and exchange ideas on making our planet a better place. Later, head to their workshop, where you'll discover the art of crafting local crafts and artwork using recycled materials. Witness the transformation of discarded materials into useful and beautiful creations, showcasing the power of creativity and sustainability. Engage in a day filled with like-minded individuals, sharing your experiences and insights on sustainable living. Afterward, check in at your hotel in Da Nang and take some time to rest. In the late afternoon, we recommend a visit to My Khe Beach, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Walk along the fine sandy shore, swim in the gentle sea, or participate in various beach activities. Overnight in Da Nang. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:30 Tour duration: 06 hours

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some leisure time until you are transferred to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, embark on an enchanting cyclo journey to explore the most charming corners of Ho Chi Minh City. With its bustling streets and a vibrant atmosphere, Saigon, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, never ceases to amaze. Despite its modernity, the city retains a strong connection to its history. During our city tour, you'll visit some of Saigon's most significant historical landmarks, including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (please note that entry is only allowed when no services are being performed). Next, head across the square to the Central Post Office, a masterpiece completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue your exploration at the War Remnants Museum, offering a powerful perspective on the American War from the Vietnamese viewpoint (please be aware that some displays may depict violent imagery). Immerse yourself in Saigon's renowned street coffee culture while your guide imparts language lessons and provides insights into the daily life of the locals. After this enriching experience, return to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 13:00 Tour duration: 04 hours

Indulge in a delightful breakfast on the last day of your journey. Complete the hotel check-out process, and if time permits, explore the local markets to find souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, prepare for departure and board your flight back home. End of the trip.