Trails of Vietnam: A 24-Day Tour Beyond the Classics

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and recover from your flight. Take some time to settle into your room or, if you feel up to it, take a gentle stroll through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and enjoy your first taste of the city.

Overnight in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city of tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and centuries-old temples. Today, explore some of the capital’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, before heading to West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest pagodas.
Later, take a 1-hour cyclo ride through the historic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, passing narrow lanes and traditional shophouses while experiencing the everyday rhythm of the city.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings folk stories and village life to the stage.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, depart from Hanoi for a scenic 2.5-hour drive via the highway to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the harbor, board your cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and settle into your cabin as the vessel begins sailing into the bay. Lunch is served on board while cruising past the iconic limestone karsts and islets.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay, with vast chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Ti Top Island, where you can climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the bay or relax and swim on its crescent-shaped beach. Later, enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through calm waters surrounded by limestone cliffs.

As evening approaches, return to the cruise and watch the sunset over the bay. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck and learn how to make traditional spring rolls, followed by dinner on board. Spend a peaceful night on the bay with optional evening activities such as squid fishing or relaxing on the deck.

Overnight on cruise.

Start the morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast with pastries, tea, and coffee in the dining room.
After breakfast, visit a floating fishing village by traditional boat and see the pearl farms and fisheries while learning more about life on the water. Return to the cruise, pack your luggage, and complete check-out procedures.
Enjoy a hearty brunch on board as the vessel cruises back toward the main harbor, passing the limestone islands and islets along the way. Upon disembarkation, meet your private driver at the pier for the transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau Valley. As you leave the city behind, the road winds through the countryside and mountain landscapes. Stop along the way at Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass-Đèo Đá Trắng) for photos and panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Arrive in Mai Chau around noon and enjoy lunch featuring traditional dishes of the Thai ethnic community. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walking or cycling tour through peaceful villages such as Lac and Poom Coong. Pass rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and small workshops where local artisans make handmade textiles.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner featuring regional specialties, followed by a Thai cultural music and dance performance. You will also have the chance to try ruou can, a traditional rice wine enjoyed through bamboo straws.

Overnight in Mai Chau (stilt house homestay or eco-resort).

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the Mai Chau Valley, passing rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and peaceful village roads. You can also take a short walk around the valley and enjoy the mountain scenery before leaving Mai Chau.

After lunch, depart for Ninh Binh, a journey of approximately four hours. As you travel east, the landscape gradually changes from the green valleys of Mai Chau to the dramatic limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, often known as “Halong Bay on Land.”

Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Start the morning with a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, set among the limestone mountains of the former imperial capital.
Then begin your cycling journey from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc, riding through peaceful countryside, rice fields, small villages, and dramatic limestone peaks. The route offers a closer look at everyday life in rural Ninh Binh.
Arrive in Tam Coc and enjoy lunch near the boat pier before taking a scenic 3-hour sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River. Cruise through the river surrounded by towering limestone karsts and pass through the famous Tam Coc caves.
After the boat trip, continue cycling through the countryside to Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful temple complex built into the limestone mountains.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, depart Ninh Binh and travel south toward Dong Hoi, a coastal city in Central Vietnam. Along the way, stop at the Ho Dynasty Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most remarkable historical monuments.
Built in the late 14th century, the citadel was the capital of the Ho Dynasty for a short period and is known for its massive stone walls and impressive construction.
Continue the journey through the countryside toward Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

In the morning, head to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient limestone karst formations and extensive cave systems. Board a boat at the pier for a scenic ride along the Son River toward Phong Nha Cave.
As you enter the cave by boat, admire the dramatic rock formations, ancient stalactites, and illuminated chambers along the underground river. Afterwards, climb the stone steps to Tien Son Cave for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and limestone peaks.
After lunch at a carefully selected restaurant, depart Quang Binh for a scenic drive south toward Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Spend a full day exploring Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Royal Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors and their royal court lived and worked for more than a century.
Next, take a peaceful boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s iconic seven-story landmark overlooking the river. Enjoy lunch featuring traditional Hue specialties at a carefully selected restaurant.
In the afternoon, drive into the surrounding countryside to explore two of Hue’s most remarkable Royal Tombs – Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb. Admire the peaceful gardens and lotus ponds at Tu Duc Tomb, then discover Khai Dinh Tomb, known for its distinctive blend of Vietnamese and European architectural influences.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart Hue for a scenic 3–4-hour drive to Hoi An. The journey takes you along Lang Co Beach before climbing over the famous Hai Van Pass (Pass of Ocean Clouds), offering beautiful views of the coastline, mountains, and surrounding bays.
Continue to Da Nang and visit the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone hills with natural caves, Buddhist sanctuaries, and panoramic viewpoints over the city and coastline. Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant in Da Nang or near Hoi An.
Arrive in Hoi An in the early afternoon and check in to your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town as the lanterns begin to light up the historic streets, old shophouses, and riverside pathways.

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, take a scenic 1-hour drive (about 40 km) southwest of Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in a lush valley. Explore the historic red-brick towers and temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries, and learn about Cham culture, religion, and architecture.
Return to Hoi An in time for lunch at a carefully selected restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town. Discover its well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and traditional wooden merchant houses. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with time to explore the lantern-lit streets, browse the shops, or relax at a café.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, leave Hoi An behind and set off on a scenic drive south to Quy Nhon, a relaxed coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and unspoiled coastline. Covering around 300 km, the journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, offering a glimpse into the quieter side of Central Vietnam.
As you travel south, watch the landscape change from rice fields and countryside villages to fishing communities, coconut groves, and stretches of coastline. Stop along the way for a carefully selected lunch and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.
Arrive in Quy Nhon in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax by the beach, enjoy the hotel facilities, or take a leisurely walk along the coast.

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Quy Nhon at your own pace. Take your time over breakfast, unwind by the beach, or enjoy the resort facilities and the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
For those who would like to explore, optional excursions can be arranged upon request. Visit Ky Co Beach and Eo Gio for beautiful coastal scenery, take a boat trip to Hon Kho Island for swimming and snorkeling, or discover Quy Nhon’s Cham heritage at the Twin Cham Towers (Thap Doi). A visit to a nearby fishing village can also be arranged for a glimpse of local coastal life and fresh seafood.
Whether you choose to relax by the sea or explore more of Quy Nhon, your guide and driver are available to help arrange your day.

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

After breakfast, leave the coast of Quy Nhon and travel inland toward Pleiku, entering the lush landscapes of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The journey takes around 4 hours, with scenic mountain roads and countryside views along the way.
Stop at a coffee plantation to learn about coffee cultivation and the agricultural traditions of the region. Continue to Pleiku and enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Dektu and Dekcop villages, home to the Bahnar ethnic community. Walk through the quiet village lanes and see the traditional Rong house, the communal stilt house with its distinctive high-pitched roof.
Experience a traditional Bahnar gong music performance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and learn about the role of gong music in community life. You may also have the chance to try ruou can, a traditional rice wine enjoyed through bamboo straws.
Check in to your hotel in Pleiku in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Pleiku

After breakfast, depart Pleiku for a scenic drive south toward Buon Ma Thuot, following historic stretches of the Ho Chi Minh Highway through the landscapes of the Central Highlands. Along the way, pass basalt hills, rubber plantations, and pepper farms near the Cambodian border.
Upon reaching the Buon Ma Thuot area, visit Dray Sap Waterfall, where water cascades over ancient basalt rocks surrounded by forest. Take some time to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and capture a few photos before continuing your journey.
Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant featuring regional Highland specialties.
In the afternoon, visit Ako Dhong Village, a traditional Ede ethnic village on the outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot. Walk along its quiet lanes, see traditional wooden longhouses, and learn more about the culture and daily life of the Ede community.
Check in to your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

After breakfast, depart Buon Ma Thuot and drive along scenic Highway 27 toward Lak Lake. Upon arrival, stop at Jun Village, a traditional settlement of the M’Nong ethnic community located along the lakeshore.
Board a traditional wooden dugout canoe (thuyen doc moc) and glide across the lake toward Mlieng Village. Spend time walking through the village lanes, seeing traditional wooden longhouses, and learning about the daily life, customs, and handicrafts of the M’Nong and Ede communities.
Enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties at a carefully selected lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon, take a gentle walk through the surrounding countryside or simply relax by the lake before checking in to your resort or lodge.

Overnight by Lak Lake.

After breakfast, leave Lak Lake and set off for Da Lat, traveling through the scenic landscapes of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The road winds through mountain scenery, coffee-growing areas, pine forests, and quiet countryside as you gradually ascend toward the cooler highlands.
Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant along the way before continuing the journey toward Da Lat.
Before arriving in the city, stop at Datanla Waterfall, located on Prenn Pass just outside Da Lat. Take some time to enjoy the surrounding pine forest and the waterfall before continuing into the city.
Arrive in Da Lat in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure. You may take a stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or explore the lively Da Lat night market.

Overnight in Da Lat.

Spend a full day exploring the highlights of Dalat, known for its cool climate, French colonial architecture, and peaceful mountain landscapes. Start the morning with a visit to the historic Dalat Railway Station, a remarkable example of French colonial railway architecture dating back to the 1930s. Continue to Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known for its intricate mosaic work made from colorful glass and ceramic pieces.
Next, visit Bao Dai Summer Palace (Palace III), the former summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor. Explore the preserved rooms and gardens while learning more about the royal history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Enjoy lunch featuring fresh highland produce at a carefully selected restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a cable car ride from Robin Hill for panoramic views over Dalat’s pine-covered hills and Tuyen Lam Lake, arriving at Truc Lam Zen Monastery, set on a forested hillside overlooking the lake. Continue to Lat Village, near the foot of Langbiang Mountain, to learn more about the culture, daily life, and traditional crafts of the K’Ho people.
Return to the city center in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Dalat.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Dalat. Take time for a slow breakfast, savor a cup of local highland coffee at a lakeside café, or enjoy a final walk through the fresh mountain air.
Around noon, check out of your hotel. Your private driver will transfer you to Lien Khuong Airport for a short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The direct flight takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. Relax at your hotel or begin exploring Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, depart the city center and drive northwest to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network spanning more than 250 kilometers. Used during the war, the tunnel system included living quarters, supply routes, hospitals, and command centers. Explore the tunnels with your guide and learn more about life and wartime conditions within this remarkable underground network.
Return to Saigon in the early afternoon and enjoy lunch featuring Southern Vietnamese specialties at a carefully selected restaurant.

In the afternoon, discover some of the city’s landmark historical and cultural sites. Visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, then admire the French colonial architecture of the Saigon Central Post Office and nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. These landmarks are among the key historic attractions in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Conclude the tour with some free time at Ben Thanh Market, where you can browse the stalls, shops, and food stands before returning to your hotel.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive south into the Mekong Delta toward Ben Tre, a province well known for its coconut groves and riverside countryside. Upon arrival, board a private motorized boat and cruise along the Ben Tre River, passing coconut-lined banks and getting a glimpse of everyday life along the waterways.
Disembark to explore local cottage workshops, where you can see how coconut candy and traditional crafts are made. Continue by xe loi or bicycle through quiet village lanes and lush coconut groves. Then board a hand-rowed sampan and glide through narrow, palm-shaded canals, offering a closer look at life in the countryside.
Enjoy lunch featuring Southern Vietnamese specialties, including the crispy deep-fried Elephant Ear Fish, at a local restaurant surrounded by the peaceful countryside. Fried Elephant Ear Fish is a classic Mekong Delta dish and a particularly well-known specialty of the region.
In the afternoon, visit Dong Tam Snake Farm before beginning the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax and experience Saigon at your own pace. After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, you may choose to revisit favorite spots in the city center, browse the boutiques and shops along Dong Khoi Street, or simply unwind at a classic sidewalk café while watching the city go by. Dong Khoi and the surrounding central area are well known for their cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and colonial-era architecture.
For food lovers, today is a chance to explore more of Saigon’s diverse culinary scene. Try classic street food such as banh mi, banh xeo, or com tam, enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee, or choose a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant for a more refined dining experience.
Whatever you choose, take the day at your own pace and enjoy the freedom to experience Ho Chi Minh City in your own way.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your hotel and spend your remaining time relaxing or picking up any last-minute souvenirs in central Saigon.
At the appointed time, your private driver and guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight home. The airport is about 8 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, although transfer time can vary considerably with traffic.
As your journey through Vietnam comes to an end, we hope you take home many memorable experiences and a deeper appreciation of the country’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam in the future.