Vietnam Off the Beaten Path Journey in 14 Days

After meeting your guide at the hotel, embark on a journey through Hanoi's rich history and culture. Begin by driving through Ba Dinh Square, a place of great significance where President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Marvel at the splendid architecture and the lively atmosphere surrounding the square. Next, stroll through Lenin Garden and observe the daily activities of the locals. Journey through the winding alleys of Hanoi, where tailor shops have been handed down from generation to generation, and experience the authentic way of life of the local people. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university constructed in the late 11th century, and learn about its role in the country's past. Savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant before taking a walk through the charming old quarter of Hanoi, exploring the captivating labyrinth of backstreets. Take a break at the old French house of a Hanoian, enjoy some tea, and chat with him to gain further insights into life in Hanoi. Wrap up the day with a water puppet show, a unique art form that originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. Departure Time: 08:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise and shine early in the morning and prepare for a scenic 4-hour drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a stunning destination nestled amidst mountains and valleys adorned with verdant landscapes and charming stilt houses primarily inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Upon arrival, drive another 45 minutes to Xa Linh village, a quaint little hamlet where Hmong hill tribe families reside. After the drive, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and take a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely 2-hour walk through the lush mountain trails and relish the refreshing cool breeze and picturesque views of the surrounding scenery. You may also visit the Pa Co primary school, and if it's open, consider bringing some local gifts for the students. On Sundays, visit the bustling Pa Co hill tribe market to witness the local culture and traditions. Along the way, keep an eye out for interesting local customs and practices. In the late afternoon, return to Mai Chau village for some free time to unwind and relax. Overnight at Mai Chau Departure: 08:00 am Trekking distance: 2km Level: easy Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast and check-out, embark on a picturesque 1.5-hour drive from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. Upon arrival at your accommodation, take some leisure time before indulging in a delectable lunch. In the afternoon, we will venture into a local village to interact with hill-tribe locals and gain insight into their daily life. Traverse working rice fields and encounter farmers, while immersing in the local culture. Next, cross a suspension bridge over the Cham River, from where you begin a scenic walk to locate beautiful water wheels. Approach each wheel and discover the intricate constructions of all sizes, which transport water from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts. Then, visit a local fisherman’s abode, where you rest before gearing up for the highlight of the day - bamboo river rafting. Drift along the serene river, marvel at the spectacular views, and learn how to steer and paddle your handcrafted raft. Upon reaching the picturesque Tan Lap bridge, disembark and transfer back to the hotel for some relaxation. Overnight at Pu Luong. Departure: 09:00 am Trekking distance: 5km Level: Easy Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The morning begins with a refreshing trek through a breathtaking valley, where you will be surrounded by endless rice terraces tumbling down the mountainside. Take in the beautiful scenery as you walk along winding paths that weave their way through verdant vegetation, leading to a charming village nestled at the base of a towering mountain. This idyllic spot provides the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, you'll pass by Uoi village, where palm trees sway in the breeze, and continue on to Lan village, where wisps of smoke curl up from the valley's cozy cottages. Enjoy the ever-changing views until you reach a stunning location. Afterward, return to your hotel for lunch and freshen up before the 4.5-hour drive back to Hanoi. Departure: 08:30 am Trekking distance: 5km Difficulty: Moderate Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your morning with an unforgettable 5.5-hour drive southwest from Hanoi to Sapa. En route, relish the stunning natural landscapes that unfold before you, including Sapa’s awe-inspiring terraced rice fields. Upon arrival in Sapa, delight in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on an exciting exploration of the picturesque local villages. From your hotel, set off on a leisurely walk or take a minivan for 2km (1mi) along winding, hilly roads past lush, green paddy fields to the charming Cat Cat Village. Embark on a gentle, yet scenic 3km (2mi) trek through the village and gain an appreciation of the ethnic Black Hmong minority's traditional customs and way of life. Discover the beauty of a cascading waterfall and nearby remains of a hydroelectric power station constructed by the French during the colonial era. Follow a dirt trail that snakes through the mountains along a narrow river, taking in the breathtaking views of terraced fields, vegetable patches, and verdant hills. Arrive at the Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong, and observe their stunning traditional clothing made from hemp cloth, dyed a rich indigo blue, and adorned with batik flowers. Take a break by the river before trekking back to the road, where your driver will take you back up to Sapa, arriving in the afternoon. Departure: 7:00 am Trekking distance: 5 km Level: Easy Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On Day 7, we will take a 30-minute scenic drive south of Sapa to the stunning Muong Hoa Valley, which is famous for the largest terraced rice fields in Sapa. If you visit between May and October, you will have the opportunity to witness the local farmers planting and harvesting, giving you an authentic glimpse of their daily life. We will begin our trek in the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, from where we will hike to Ta Van Village, where we will meet the Zay ethnic minority known for their vibrant, colorful clothing. You can observe their unique customs and way of life while enjoying the magnificent views of the terraced fields and the towering Mount Fansipan. We will take a break from trekking for a delightful picnic lunch on the way to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dzao village. You will notice a square piece of fabric on the back of the shirts worn by both men and women, which is a symbol of their belief that they are God's children. The Dzao women wear red turbans decorated with silver coins and red tassels, making them stand out from the crowd. Afterward, we will return to Sapa by car and spend the night there. Departure: 08:00 am Trekking distance: 10km / 6mi Difficulty level: Moderate Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a 3-hour drive from Hanoi to Bac Ha's bustling Sunday market, located in the heart of Vietnam's picturesque countryside. The journey is along well-maintained roads and offers spectacular scenery along the way. Bac Ha market is renowned for being the biggest and most colorful in the region, attracting a wide array of ethnic groups, including the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities. This market is a melting pot of local culture and traditions, where vendors offer a diverse range of local products, from intricate embroidery to locally-made rice wine and tobacco. The market is also a gathering place for locals to catch up over rice and wine at the end of the week. After lunch, head back to Hanoi and spend the night. Departure: 07:30 am Tour is only available on Sundays Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you'll be picked up by the cruise team and driven to Halong Bay. Along the way, you'll make a 20-minute stop to take in the stunning views. Halong Bay is a breathtaking destination, where thousands of limestone islands rise out of the emerald waters, shaped into peculiar formations that are synonymous with Vietnam. Spending a night on a boat is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this must-see location. You'll arrive at Halong City's pier around midday, where you'll board a boat for your cruise. Upon checking in and receiving a warm welcome, you'll be served lunch while the boat navigates through the maze of islets. In the afternoon, you can participate in various activities such as swimming, kayaking, visiting caves (depending on the boat's itinerary), or simply relax on board and take in the sights and sounds of the bay. As the day comes to an end, the boat anchors in a tranquil location, providing a stunning sunset backdrop for your dinner. Overnight on board. Departure: Your exact departure time will be confirmed by your travel consultant one day prior to the tour, between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: In the event of bad weather, the itinerary may be altered or cancelled if the boats are unable to leave the port. In such cases, your travel consultant will make alternative arrangements for you.

On Day 10, we bid farewell to Halong Bay and set our sights on Hoi An. As the sun rises over the bay, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board our vessel while it makes its way back to the port. We savor an early lunch before disembarking and being transferred to the airport in Hanoi for our flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival in Hoi An, we are greeted by our driver who takes us to our hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at our leisure to explore this charming town on our own. We spend the night in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Start the day with a scenic drive to Vong Nhi village, where you will embark on a bicycle adventure to explore the idyllic countryside (approx. 6 km). On the way, immerse yourself in the beauty of the lush greenery, serene water coconut forests, and fish farms. Continue to Thanh Dong organic farm, a 10,000 sqm organic garden that supports 10 local families for life. Take a leisurely stroll around the lush vegetable garden while listening to the inspiring stories of the farmers who have adopted the organic method of cultivating herbs. Participate in the farming activities alongside the friendly farmers before embarking on a delightful basket boat ride along the Do River to The Field Restaurant. On the way, admire the picturesque scenery or observe the daily lives of the local fishermen. Disembark and attend a short cooking class with a local family, where you will learn to prepare a traditional Vietnamese family-style lunch using fresh ingredients from the garden. Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the ancient town of Hoi An on foot. Hoi An, formerly known as 'Faifo,' was a thriving trading port attracting ships from China, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and other countries between the 15th and 19th centuries. Today, this World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and unique local cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into its illustrious past. Follow your guide through Hoi An's narrow alleys to visit its many atmospheric sights, including the old merchant houses reflecting the influences of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. Admire the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, originally built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Then visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, known for its intricate woodcarvings. Conclude your walking tour with a visit to the vibrant market filled with stalls brimming with local specialties such as silk, which can be transformed into fashionable garments within a day or two. Overnight in Hoi An. Departure: 8:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver who will transfer you to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh at your leisure. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a bustling metropolis filled with contrasts, where ancient and modern cultures blend seamlessly together. You may want to take a stroll through the bustling streets of the city and discover its many hidden treasures, including colorful markets, vibrant nightlife, and delicious street food. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Departure: Flexible Meals: Breakfast

Today, we depart from Saigon for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Cai Be, located in the picturesque Mekong River Delta. As we leave behind the bustling city, we enter a tranquil landscape of verdant rice paddies and fruit orchards. Upon arrival at the pier, we embark on a captivating motorboat cruise, beginning with a visit to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. From there, we take a rowing boat deeper into the heart of the countryside through charming small canals. Next, we head to An Binh Island, where we will be treated to a sumptuous lunch at Ut Trinh Homestay. Following lunch, we will enjoy a leisurely walk through the orchard and sip on fragrant tea while listening to traditional music in the ancient house. We will then stroll around the village to visit local workshops, where we can observe and learn how rice paper, coconut candies, and pop-rice are made. Additionally, we will partake in a cycling tour along village paths to see the local daily life, including the orchard, school, church, pagoda, and traditional houses. A visit to the brick kilns provides insight into how the local people craft beautiful pottery from clay. Our idyllic cruise ends in Vinh Long City before we drive back to Saigon. Departure: 8:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Saigon, a bustling metropolis of over eight million people and four million motorbikes, is a city that never sleeps. But behind its modern facade, Saigon is a city rich in history and culture, waiting for you to explore. The day begins with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of Saigon's most iconic landmarks. With its striking red brick exterior and twin spires constructed from materials imported from France, this cathedral is a testament to Saigon's French colonial past. Next, head across the square to the Central Post Office, a stunning architectural masterpiece built in 1891. From there, you'll visit the former Presidential Palace, the former headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Learn about the turbulent history of the city and the country at the War Remnants Museum, where you'll gain a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Note that some of the displays can be quite graphic. To experience the true essence of Saigon, you'll also get to enjoy its famous street coffee culture. Your guide will provide you with a brief language lesson and insights into the daily life of a Saigonese while you sip on some delicious Vietnamese coffee. In the afternoon, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight back home. If your flight is scheduled in the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore Saigon on your own. Alternatively, please check with our consultants for alternative arrangements. Departure: 8:30 am Meals: Breakfast