Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Vietnam - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. After settling into your room, spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the Old Quarter, where each street is named after the goods traditionally sold there, such as silk and silver. Hop on a cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle) or wander past lively markets, artisan shops, and street food stalls for a glimpse into local life. Stop to try Vietnamese dishes like bun cha (noodle soup with grilled pork) or goi cuon (fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, and noodles).

Then, continue to Hoan Kiem Gölü, a pristine lake surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque walkways. Stroll across the charming red bridge to get to Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the middle of the lake. Admire the intricate carvings, vibrant decorations, and panoramic views of the water. If you're visiting on the weekend, return to the Old Quarter to peruse the Hanoi Night Market. The streets are closed to traffic and filled with vendors selling a variety of goods, like handmade jewelry, silk, and street food, so you can shop for souvenirs or get something to eat for dinner.

Day 2: Half-Day Tour of Hanoi, Street Food Walking Tour

Start your first full day in Vietnam with a city tour, starting at the 11th-century Temple of Literature. This ancient complex dedicated to Confucius served as the country's first university. Wander through the intricate gate and step inside to discover the serene gardens, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and stone tablets honoring past scholars. Then, admire the outside of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the country's founding father rests in peace. Stop at the stilt house, where he lived and worked and marvel at the traditional architectural style.

Your next attraction is the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar above a serene lotus pond. End the tour at the Hanoi Train Street, where a narrow stretch of railway runs through bustling neighborhoods. Visit one of the cafés lining the tracks and wait for the train to glide past just feet away. Return to your hotel to relax before this evening's food tour. The menu changes daily, but you may sample classic Vietnamese dishes like pho (noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken), bánh mì (crispy baguette filled with meat and vegetables), and bánh cuon (steamed rice pancake).

Day 3: Eco-Tour of Ba Vi with Bike Ride

Leave the bustling capital behind for the day as you set off on a guided eco-tour of Ba Vi, a lush region known for its untouched greenery, diverse wildlife, and dramatic mountain views. Your first stop is Ri Village, where you'll enjoy welcome drinks and snacks with Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea plantation owner. Listen to his stories about life during the war as you tour his workshop and tea plantation. While you stroll through the rows of tea plants, learn about the tea-growing process and how to pick the best leaves. 

Then, continue to Moc Village to meet Mrs. Chin, who'll teach you how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. Sit down to enjoy lunch in her tropical garden before joining her on a walk around the village. Observe the daily lives of the villagers and discover how to make regional products like tofu and conical hats from local families. Thank Mrs. Chin and the villagers for their time, then hop on a bicycle for a leisurely ride through the surrounding rice paddies. End the tour with a Muong herbal foot bath to unwind and alleviate fatigue before returning to the city.

Day 4: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Board a Three-Day Indochina Cruise

Trade Vietnam's capital for one of its most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ha Long Bay, where you'll board a three-day cruise. After the 2.5-3-hour transfer, you'll hop on a smaller boat to get to the "junk" cruise ship, characterized by its classic wooden structure and elegant sails, where you can enjoy a welcome drink and briefing. Settle into your cabin before making your way to the outdoor dining room for lunch featuring fresh seafood dishes of Ha Long. Take in views of the limestone karsts and clear waters as you cruise to the lesser-known gem, Bai Tu Long Bay.

Stop at the Cap La area, home to a navy base, rugged rock islets, and untouched nature. If weather conditions permit, you'll switch to a kayak for a close-up look at the hidden caves and quiet lagoons that are inaccessible to the larger boats. Return to the ship for some free time to relax and enjoy the view. In the evening, choose between the outdoor or indoor dining room for a delicious dinner while the sun slowly sets over the bay. When you're done eating, return to you cabin for the night or opt for a squid fishing experience to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Day 5: Cruise to Cong Dam & Cong Do

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board while you cruise across Bai Tu Long Bay to Cong Dam. When you arrive, switch to a kayak to discover the dam's hidden lagoons. As you paddle through the tranquil waters of Bai Tu Long National Park, you'll be surrounded by dramatic limestone formations and vibrant green foliage. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like schools of fish darting among the rocks, small crabs hiding in the mangroves along the shores, and plenty of bird species flying overhead, including kingfishers, herons, and storks.

Around noon, you'll stop at a picturesque beach for a barbecue lunch prepared right in front of you. Return to the ship at 3:00 pm for some free time to relax while you cruise to Cong Do, a tranquil island known for its untouched beaches and crystal-clear waters. Sit down for dinner near the window or in the outdoor dining room for views of the limestone karsts and lush green islands dotting the water. After dinner, head up to the sundeck to admire the sky full of stars, thanks to the national park's remote location, before retiring to your cabin.

Day 6: Visit a Fishing Village, Transfer to Hanoi, Train to Dong Hoi

Your final morning on board begins with a visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, home to local fishermen and their families who have lived in harmony with the sea for generations. Switch to a rustic bamboo boat captained by a local fisherman to learn more about the day-to-day lives of the villagers. Meet the locals and tour the charming village, passing through the floating school and fish farms. Thank the villagers for their warm welcome and return to the ship for a premium buffet lunch or set menu while you cruise slowly back to port.

Around noon, wave goodbye to the Indochina Junk and its friendly crew and meet your driver at the harbor for a 2.5-3-hour transfer back to Hanoi. From there, you'll catch a nine-hour overnight train to Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province. When you arrive at the station in the early morning, meet your driver for a one-hour transfer to your hotel in the small town of Phong Nha, known as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Grab breakfast at the hotel before settling into your room to relax after the long journey.

Day 7: Guided Tour of Paradise Cave & Dark Cave 

Spend the day exploring two iconic caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, starting at Paradise Cave. Follow your guide into one of the longest dry caves in Asia, named after its otherworldly atmosphere and awe-inspiring formations. Walk along the wooden boardwalks lined with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. Pass through expansive chambers illuminated by soft lights and listen to the gentle drip of the water. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Dark Cave, aptly named as you'll be enveloped in darkness as soon as you enter.

Don your headlamp and walk through the narrow cavern to get to the underground Chay River. Jump into the water and float in its cool, clear waters surrounded by impressive rock formations formed over thousands of years. The river is lined with mud rich in minerals, so you can give yourself a natural mud bath to enjoy skin benefits like exfoliation and hydration. If you want a little more adventure, you can also zipline, kayak, and traverse the high wires within the cave. After a full day of cave exploration, transfer back to your hotel in Phong Nha. 

Day 8: Transfer to Hue, Enjoy a Free Day in Vietnam's Former Capital

Say goodbye to Phong Nha this morning as you transfer four hours to the city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. When you arrive, check in at your hotel before exploring the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the Perfume River for a leisurely stroll along the water. As you walk, you'll be treated to views of the shimmering water and colorful boats adorned with fishing nets gently gliding by. Take a break at one of the city's many cozy coffee shops before continuing to the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, housed in a beautifully restored 20th-century building. 

Peruse the remarkable collection of artifacts, including royal garments, intricate ceramics, ceremonial objects, and ancient manuscripts. As you explore the exhibits, you can learn about the daily lives of the emperors and the customs that defined the imperial era. If you're not into museums, visit one of the city's mausoleums instead, like the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Pass colorful pavilions and courtyards to get to the mausoleum decorated with elegant carvings. Each element of the tomb reflects the emperor's life, beliefs, and artistic sensibilities, so get a close look. 

Day 9: Visit the An Dinh Palace, Boat Tour of Tam Giang Lagoon

Enjoy a free morning to relax at the hotel or wander the city on your own. Just be sure to return to the hotel in the afternoon as a driver will be picking you up in the early afternoon for a tour of Tam Giang Lagoon, just 45 minutes outside of the city. On the way, stop at An Dinh Palace, built in the 20th century for the Nguyen Dynasty. Admire the blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese design before continuing to the Ru Cha Mangrove Forest. Walk along the wooden pathways and marvel at the intricate mangroves while learning about their vital role in coastal protection and ecosystem health.

Back in the car, complete the drive to the lagoon, where you'll board a boat and glide across the calm waters. Look out at the surrounding rice paddies, floating houses, and mangroves, or participate in activities like beating the water, pulling fishing nets, and catching fish to experience life as a fisherman. If you want a closer look at the lagoon, jump in for a swim or switch to a kayak and watch the sun slowly set around you. End the tour at a local's house or restaurant for an authentic Vietnamese dinner before returning to Hue.

Day 10: Half-Day Tour of Hue, Transfer to Hoi An

Before leaving Hue later today, join your guide on a sightseeing tour, starting at the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City. The sprawling complex features intricate palaces, serene gardens, and sacred temples, all surrounded by formidable walls and a moat that once protected the emperors. After exploring the citadel, enjoy a bike ride through the city's rural areas. As you pedal along the winding paths, you'll be surrounded by lush green rice paddies, vibrant flower gardens, and quaint villages where life unfolds at a gentle pace. 

Stop at a traditional home to see the meticulously arranged garden that aligns with the principles of geomancy. As you wander through the garden, you'll notice carefully placed trees, ornamental plants, and water features, all designed to enhance the tranquility of the space. Continue to the Perfume River for a peaceful boat ride to the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the lush countryside before ending at Dong Ba Market to shop for souvenirs and local delights. After the tour, meet your driver for a three-hour transfer to the city of Hoi An on Vietnam's central coast.

Day 11: Bike to the Picturesque Villages Surrounding Hoi An

Start your day with a leisurely bike ride to the pier, where you can hop on a ferry and cross the Thu Bon River to get to Kim Bong Carpentry Village. The village is renowned for its skilled artisans who have been crafting intricate wooden products for generations. As you cycle through the village, you'll see carpenters at work, expertly shaping wood into beautiful furniture, carvings, and sculptures. Stop at the different workshops to admire their talent and shop for souvenirs. Then, pedal through rice paddies, over bamboo rides, and along the river to Tra Nhieu Fishing Village.

Discover the village's colorful fishing boats, local fishermen, and bustling markets before jumping on a boat to get to Cam Thanh Village. When you arrive, you'll switch to a thung chai (traditional bamboo basket boat) to navigate the river like a local. Skilled fishermen often guide these rides, sharing stories about the village's history and fishing techniques while expertly maneuvering the boat. Try your hand at crab catching from the boat, then disembark and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After refueling, transfer back to your hotel in Hoi An for a free evening.

Day 12: Explore Hoi An at Your Own Pace

Your final day in Hoi An is free for you to spend as you wish. If you want to do a bit of sightseeing, head to the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Admire the beautifully preserved wooden houses, historic temples, and colorful storefronts adorned with traditional lanterns. Stop at landmarks like the 18th-century Japanese Bridge or Old House of Tan Ky, offering a glimpse into the lives of affluent trading families during the city's prosperous era as a bustling port town. As you walk, you'll likely pass plenty of tailors where you can get custom-made garments.

Those who are looking for a more relaxing day can head to An Bang Beach to soak up the sun. Lay on the soft golden sand or go for a swim in the clear turquoise waters. When you get hungry, visit one of the beachfront eateries for freshly caught seafood and refreshing drinks. In the evening, return to the Ancient Town and watch it come alive with colorful lanterns illuminating the streets. Visit the Hoi An Night Market and wander through the bustling aisles where local artisans showcase their intricate textiles, colorful pottery, and local delicacies like banh mi and coconut cake.

Day 13: Transfer to Da Nang, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Evening Performance

Today, you head to your final destination, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start with a one-hour transfer to Da Nang, where you can catch a 1.5-hour flight to Vietnam's largest city. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and relax. In the afternoon, transfer to the Saigon Opera House to watch the A O Show. This captivating show blends acrobatics, dance, and live music, all highlighting Vietnam's rich culture. Learn about Vietnam's transition from rural life to rapid urbanization through mesmerizing visuals and innovative choreography.

After the three-hour show, head to the Dining Room Restaurant, known for its sophisticated decor featuring a blend of modern and traditional elements. Choose from a range of authentic Vietnamese dishes artfully presented and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in flavorful specialties like braised pork belly, fragrant pho, and delectable seafood creations. If you're not too full, end the night with a sweet treat like che ba mau (layered dessert with mung bean, red bean, and coconut milk served over ice) or banh flan (Vietnamese-style caramel custard). 

Day 14: Discover Ho Chi Minh City's Backstreets by Scooter

Explore the city's backstreets in style today as you hop on the back of a scooter with an experienced guide. Complete a safety briefing, then hold on tight as your guide weaves through bustling alleyways and local neighborhoods. As you navigate the colonial-era streets, you'll pass lively restaurants, colorful pagodas, and plenty of guitar-maker stores. Disembark at Nguyen Thien Thuat Street for a closer look at the charming colonial buildings and street vendors displaying their wares. Stop at Ban Co Market to try chè (a combination of sweet ingredients like fruits and jellies served over ice).

Then, continue walking to District 10 and 5, two residential neighborhoods where you can experience authentic local life. Pass herbal medicine stores, ornate temples, and vibrant markets on your way to Hai Thuong Lang Ong and Trieu Quang Phuc. These lively streets are lined with traditional clinics and herbalist boutiques, reflecting the community's deep-rooted practices in health and wellness. Your last stop is Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Admire the intricate carvings and red and gold decorations before enjoying a local lunch and returning to your hotel for a free afternoon.

Day 15: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta 

Your penultimate day in Vietnam takes you on a three-hour transfer to the lush Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam," because it's the country's most productive agricultural region. When you arrive, board a boat and sail along the Ben Tre River, one of the Mekong's many tributaries. As you glide along the river, you'll pass coconut trees, fishermen casting their nets, and small villages on stilts. Visit different businesses along the way, like a brick workshop, honey bee farm, and coconut candy workshop, to learn about the local industries and culture.

Stop at a small riverside village for a cup of tea with a local family that makes handwoven rush mats. After learning about their livelihood, explore the village by bike or xe loi (motor cart) to observe the locals going about their business. Enjoy views of the emerald rice fields, vegetable farms, and exotic fruit orchards surrounding the village. Then, have lunch at a local restaurant on the banks of the river before trying your hand at rowing along a creek. Following the full-day tour, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City for a laid-back evening.

Day 16: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Now that you've spent 16 days exploring some of Vietnam's hidden gems, it's time to return home. If you have a later flight, you can discover a bit more of Ho Chi Minh City on your own. If you want to learn about the country's history, visit the War Remnants Museum. Peruse the extensive collection of photographs, artifacts, and military equipment to understand the horrors of the Vietnam war and the resilience of those who lived through it. 

Those who want to pick up some last-minute souvenirs can head to Ben Than Market. Browse the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and local handicrafts. You can also find an array of delicious street food here, like xoi (sticky rice topped with ingredients like mung beans or shredded coconut) or banh xeo (savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs). When it's time, return to your hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!