Active Vietnam Adventure - 16 Days

Highlights

• Visit Hanoi's 11th-century Imperial Citadel after dark on a special tour
• Explore the scenic landscapes and villages of Mai Chau with guided hikes
• Board an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay to enjoy dramatic landscapes
• See My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An and ride in a traditional basket boat
• Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat from Ho Chi Minh City

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, After-Dark Tour of the Ancient Imperial Citadel

Xin chào! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital. A private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and refresh before venturing out to explore its tree-shaded avenues lined with a mix of centuries-old architecture, from ancient temples to French colonial buildings. While there are newer parts of Hanoi, most visitors are drawn to the charms of the Old Quarter, where you can stop for a Vietnamese coffee and watch roving local vendors go about their day.

Then grab a jacket before this evening's special after-dark tour, held on Friday and Saturday nights. Spend 90 minutes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage area of the 11th-century Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Here you can take pictures with the palace maidens and guards in ancient costumes, and watch art display across the millennial archaeological remains. You'll attend an incense offerings ceremony in memory of the ancestors at Kinh Thien Palace, draw lucky water from the King’s well, and enjoy lotus tea under a lucky ancient Bodhi tree.

Day 2: Transfer to Mai Chau, Cycling in Mai Chau Villages

Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast, then pack your bags for the 3.5-hour transfer northwest to Mai Chau. Take in the rapidly changing scenery as the cityscape gives way to a variety of landscapes. After passing Hoa Binh, the van will enter the mountainous areas and homeland of the Muong minority and White Thai people. This rural area is filled with lush rice paddies and traditional stilt houses surrounded by mountains and forests. Here the locals live a traditional way of life, and the region is a calm breath of fresh air after the buzz of Hanoi.

The afternoon is yours to relax and slow down. Choose to walk or borrow bikes and cycle to Lac Hamlet, where you'll enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch. Continue cycling on a two-hour tour through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Your local guide will connect you with the local hill tribe people so you can learn about their daily lives including planting rice, herding buffalos, and building traditional houses. Seek out beautiful fabrics made from the White Thai people—look for looms out the front of shops where you'll see locals weaving.

Day 3: Full-Day Guided Hike to Kho Muong & Uoi Villages

Lace up your hiking boots for a full-day guided hike. Along with your hiking guide you'll descend into the valley and its tumbling rice terraces for an 8-mile (13 km) hike. After following small paths shrouded in vegetation, the view will open up to a picturesque village at the base of a mountain. This is Kho Muong, a settlement of stilted houses in the central valley. You'll have chance to interact with locals here and see their rural way of life. There'll be time to visit the Bat Cave, where the first ancestors of the Muong ethnic group once lived.

After lunch in one of the homes on stilts, your trek continues 4 miles (7 km) through the jungle, where your guide will share details about the abundance of flora and fauna. The winding trail around lush mountains will take you to the village of Uoi, in the middle of the forest. Weave between farmland and villages, ponds and rivers, mountains and open pastures, savoring the ever-changing scenery with every step. Once you reach the final destination, you'll be transferred back to your homestay.

Day 4: Morning Hike to Pa Co Village, Afternoon Hike to Thai Villages

After yesterday's long hike, today you'll take it a little easier. After breakfast, pile into a vehicle for the half-hour drive to Xa Linh. If it's a Sunday, you'll experience the weekly market as a bonus! From here you'll set off on a light guided trek, taking between two and four hours, to reach Pa Co village, which is home to the Green Hmong hill tribe. The ethnic Hmong people live in regions of Southern China, Vietnam, and Laos, and there are different groups that all have their own customs and traditions.

On your trek you'll get to know more about their colorful and unique culture, and if it's spring you'll wander among blossoming peach and plum trees. Along the way you'll pause for a picnic lunch. Then, in the afternoon, enjoy hiking through peaceful Thai villages to learn about the daily life of local people before transferring back to the accommodation. 

Day 5: Transfer to Ninh Binh, Trang An Boat Ride, Explore Hoa Lu

Early this morning, a private transfer will take you three hours east toward Ninh Binh, one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and a place that is often called "Ha Long Bay on Land." Set on the Red River Delta, this lush area offers both natural beauty and rich historic sights. You'll head straight to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an extended boat ride across the natural reserve. Here you'll float through limestone grottoes and see spiritual sites like Dia Linh mountain among the dramatic karst scenery.

After the spectacular boat ride, stop for a traditional Vietnamese lunch and then make a short transfer to Hoa Lu. This site was Vietnam's capital in the 10th and 11th centuries and it features decorative temples built in honor of former emperors and queens. You'll have plenty of time to explore the historic ruins and temples before finally transferring to your accommodation for the evening.

Day 6: Bike Ride in Tho Ha Village, Boat Ride to Galaxy Grotto

Skip the typical tourist route today, instead learning about the life of local farmers and taking a boat into one of the most beautiful caves in Ninh Binh. You'll first drive to Tho Ha village in Nho Quan where you'll swap to bicycles for a short and leisurely ride past sleepy villages and countryside landscapes. From here, continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to participate in agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing, transplanting, and watering vegetables.

At the hamlet you'll also join a cooking class with a local family, where you'll make sweet potato cakes and grilled fish for lunch. In the afternoon, board a rowboat at the Nha Le Pier and enjoy a trip to the 2,953 foot (900 m) deep Galaxy Grotto. The ceiling is covered in a sea of stalactites, appearing like stars. The grotto is also home to a large bat colony. 

Day 7: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise

It's time to venture toward the coast! This morning a transfer will take you 2.5 hours east where you'll board a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Here you'll float among thousands of spectacular limestone islands that make up this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. This special place is where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin and more than 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters. Part of it resembles the spine of a giant reptile, gaining it the name Ha Long, which means "descending dragon".

After arriving at Ha Long’s tourist wharf around noon, you'll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour. Relax and tuck into a lunch of fresh, local seafood while cruising past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from sea. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails to the most secluded corners of the bay. Stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes. Return to the ship for a mini cooking masterclass, then sit down for dinner. After, you could relax or board a small boat to go night fishing with the locals.

Day 8: Disembark Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi, Fly to Hue

Wake early to enjoy the cool morning air of Ha Long Bay at sunrise. Enjoy breakfast on board, then squeeze in one last swim. This morning you'll cruise around the bay, exploring another magnificent limestone sea cave and towering karst islets before returning to the port. A transfer will take you 3.5 hours to the airport in Hanoi, where you'll board a flight to Hue, Vietnam's Imperial Citadel.

Hue was created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and it was the capital from 1802 until 1945. Tomorrow you'll explore the city's sights, so this evening you can rest. On arrival at Hue airport, take a private transfer to your hotel. This evening, you could take a sunset cruise on the Perfume River or visit a night market and try local street food or dishes, such as bún bò (beef noodle soup).

Day 9: Full-Day Imperial Capital Sightseeing Tour

Hue's citadel is one of the most important structures of the Nguyen Dynasty, and it holds memories of a powerful feudal era in Vietnam. Today you'll explore the past with a local guide. Start your full-day tour with a boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you'll also visit the Royal Antiques Museum. After pop into the bustling Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, you'll visit the elegant Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, whose architecture combines the elements of Eastern art and Western design. The small tomb is very flamboyant, with giant dragons forming the side walls, a blackened concrete exterior, and colorful mosaic interior with elegant murals. Then continue to Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. No one actually knows where King Tu Duc is buried, as all the servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret. 

Day 10: Hue Countryside & Tam Giang Lagoon Tour

Today you'll leave the city behind and venture into the countryside. Meet your guide for the day and mount your bicycle. You'll start by cycling along canals, bordered by rice paddies, and over Thanh Toan Bridge. Stop at Thuy Thanh village to browse the market and tour the Agricultural Museum, which displays traditional farming tools. Then stop for lunch at a homestay, where you'll be invited to cook with your hosts Nua and Sy, who are passionate gardeners and chefs.

In the afternoon, visit Vietnam's largest cemetery, An Bang, known as the City of Ghosts. The tombs here are meticulously cared for, as villagers believe this will bring the family good fortune. Continue to An Truyen Village, where you'll take a motorized sampan ride across the water to Dam Chuon in Tam Giang Lagoon, South East Asia's biggest lagoon system. Enjoy the tranquil scenery and learn Vietnamese fishing techniques, then drop into a restaurant on the lagoon, where the chef will cook up your catch. Enjoy your seafood feast before returning to the hotel.

Day 11: Transfer to Hoi An, Night Market & Boat Trip

After breakfast, a private driver will transfer you 2.5 hours south to from Hue to Hoi An, a former trading port with an incredible historic center. The drive will pass through one of the most spectacular routes in Vietnam, the Mandarin Road. You'll also take the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) and pause in Da Nang to take in panoramic views over China Beach. Finally, arrive in Hoi An, where you'll check into your accommodation and have free time to explore this charming town famous for its many tailor shops and the historic UNESCO-protected Ancient Town.

At the heart of the Ancient Town, Hoi An's night market is a highlight with colorful lanterns, street food, and boat rides. Take your time exploring the many stalls, shopping for clothing, shoes, handicrafts, trinkets, and accessories, and finding tasty food and snacks for a light dinner. After the market, step into one of the little wooden boats—lit up by silk lanterns—and take a trip on the Hoai River.

Day 12: Cam Thanh Fishing Village Tour & Basket Boat Ride

Start today by meeting your local guide, who will take you out to Cam Thanh Fishing Village. First you'll ride through the scenic countryside on a bicycle, weaving past lush rice paddies and charming local villages. Upon arrival at the village, you'll board a traditional round basket boat with local fishermen, who will demonstrate their age-old net fishing techniques. Then, you'll get to give it a go! After, you'll paddle along a peaceful channel lined with swaying coconut palms. You can try to navigate these round boats like the locals, and watch as they show you some fun dances they have invented!

The day concludes with a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, then you'll head back to town where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Hoi An is known for its tailor shops, so perhaps today you could have something custom made.

Day 13: Visit My Son Sanctuary, Thu Bon River Sunset Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An, then meet your guide in the afternoon for a tour of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient complex of Hindu temples. My Son was built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries and is set amid lush greenery about an hour from Hoi An. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage as it showcases impressive Cham architecture and intricate carvings, reflecting the region's historical and cultural ties to Hinduism. You'll have two hours to explore the archeological site, learning about its history and enjoying a traditional Champa show.

After, return to the car, where you'll transfer to the wharf. From here enjoy a relaxed boat trip back to Hoi An, soaking up cool breezes as you float down the Thu Bon River, the largest in central Vietnam. Here you'll take in a beautiful sunset and watch as locals go about their activities on the river banks.

Day 14: Transfer to Da Nang, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, City Highlights Tour

Rise early to stroll through the historic center during the more quiet hours, and sit down for a bowl of steaming pho at breakfast time (just like the locals). Soon it will be time to take a 50-minute private transfer to Da Nang for your 80-minute flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City might not be the capital but it is the most populated city in Vietnam, with around 10 million people calling it home. On arrival, take a transfer to your accommodation in the center.

In the afternoon, join a city highlights tour. You'll take in some of Saigon’s most historic landmarks including the red brick Notre Dame Cathedral, featuring twin spires constructed from materials imported from France, the General Post Office, completed in 1891, and the former Presidential Palace. You'll visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a vivid perspective of war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Afterward, experience the city's street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson and insights into daily life in Saigon.

Day 15: Speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Guided Tour

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a legendary underground system that stretch more than 136 miles (220 km) and are a must-see for anyone who is interested in Vietnam War history. These tunnels were created in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps, and they are now an important historical structure. This morning you'll transfer to the Tan Cang Jetty in Binh Thanh District, where you'll depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels by private speedboat. Watch the glittering skyscrapers give way to green fields and Saigon River stilt houses.

Arrive at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where you'll tour some of the tunnels and underground compounds to better understand how life was. The tunnels also served as living quarters, communication and supply routes, and housed hospitals, food, and weapons caches. After your visit, you'll return by private speedboat to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 16: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

It's your final morning in Vietnam! If you have time (and luggage space) pop out for some last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping. When the time is right, a private transfer will collect you for the drive to the airport in time for your departing flight home or onwards. Safe travels!

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