Trekking in Northern Rice Terraces and Boat Trip in Mighty Mekong Delta | Vietnam Authentic Tour – 14 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Continue the day with an walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

End at your hotel.

Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

9:00 AM: Move from your hotel and head to the Temple of Literature, an 11th-century gem founded by the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and educate royal offspring. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the temple grounds, taking in the serene ambiance and the iconic Khue Van Cac, the city’s emblematic pavilion. Admire the revered "stone steles" inscribed with the names of distinguished scholars and explore Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first national university, renowned for its historical significance.

Continue your exploration at the Ethnology Museum, which offers a captivating insight into Vietnam's diverse cultures. Closed on Mondays, the museum showcases traditional homes, artifacts, clothing, and musical instruments from various ethnic groups. Allocate about two hours to fully appreciate this rich and immersive experience.

In the afternoon, journey to Hanoi’s French Quarter, often referred to as the city's "little Paris." Stroll through grand plazas, admire stately government buildings, and meander along tree-lined boulevards. Visit Ho Chi Minh's tomb from the outside, and enjoy a peaceful walk through the botanical gardens to view the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and workplace. Next, head towards the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique and historic landmark. Depending on the group size, this exploration can take between one to two hours.
Return to the city center for a brief rest before diving into an enchanting evening of water puppet theater. Dating back to the 11th century, these performances bring to life Vietnamese culture, daily life, and beliefs with puppets dancing on water, often accompanied by traditional music.

Conclude your day with a return to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on a day full of cultural discovery and historical insight.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Visiting Muong village, scenic views at Thung Khe pass, exploring Thai culture in Mai Hich then overnight in homestay

8:00 AM: Arrive in the tranquil Mai Chau Valley and meet your driver and tour guide. Begin your journey with a visit to a traditional Muong village, where you’ll get a glimpse into the rich local culture. Continue your drive to Thung Khe Pass, a spectacular vantage point offering panoramic views of the lush valley below. Your destination, Mai Chau, is nestled 145 kilometers from Hanoi, surrounded by verdant mountains, terraced rice paddies, and charming White Thai villages.

Upon reaching Mai Hich, check into your cozy accommodation and savor a delicious meal of home-cooked local dishes. After lunch, you have the option to either stroll along the scenic concrete paths or rent a bike to explore Mai Hich’s picturesque landscape. The region’s enchanting blend of villages, rice fields, mountains, and meandering streams creates a serene and captivating environment.

Take time to engage with the friendly locals, who will warmly welcome you into their homes for a traditional cup of tea. As the afternoon winds down, return to your lodging to relax and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
Bike: Mai Chau
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam

Enjoying an excursion to Muong homeland from Eo Ken to Ban Hang village, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Chieng Lau discovery

Leave Mai Hich and travel directly to Eo Ken, 30 km away, where the Muong ethnic community lives. Descend the slope to enjoy breathtaking views of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, terraced rice fields, and mountains. Visit a Muong family in Eo Ken village to learn about their traditional lifestyle.
Continue your walk through the beautiful landscape, crossing a stream to reach Hang Village.

You will be picked up by your driver for the transfer to Pu Luong, where you'll check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, visit Chieng Lau, a scenic area famous for its vibrant rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Take a leisurely walk to interact with locals and see the bamboo water wheels in action, used for irrigation.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Pu Luong Home(Double Room (Shared bathroom))
Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam

Trekking in the rice terraces, exploring the Thai culture in Chom Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages and transferring to Ninh Binh

8:00 AM: Depart from your lodging and embark on a picturesque hike into the stunning valley. As you descend, you'll pass through breathtaking rice terraces and charming paths leading to the serene villages of Chom Uoi and Chom Lan. Use your camera to capture the scenic beauty of verdant rice fields, quaint villages, tranquil ponds, and meandering streams set against a backdrop of rolling mountains.

Continue your trek until you reach Pho Doan, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of the region.

After lunch, set out for Ninh Binh. En route, stop to explore Cam Luong's sacred fish stream, renowned for its mysterious fish that hold a revered status due to local legends and folklore.

Arrive in Ninh Binh and check into your accommodation, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Nep House(Double Room)
Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam

Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience

8:00 AM: Start your day with a refreshing 15-kilometer bicycle ride along the dike, where the landscape unfolds into a stunning panorama of limestone peaks, flowing rivers, and verdant rice paddies. Pause frequently to capture the picturesque scenery with your camera and enjoy friendly exchanges with the locals you encounter along the way.

Your cycling adventure leads to the ancient Thung La Temple, a revered 11th-century site. Here, take the opportunity to explore traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, which play a vital role in the country's cultural and spiritual traditions.

Next, set sail on a sampan boat through the tranquil waters of Van Long Nature Reserve. As you drift past towering limestone formations and serene waterways, keep an eye out for egrets and rare white monkeys gracefully perched on the rocks.

Following your boat excursion, visit a local embroidery village where you will be introduced to the delicate art of embroidery by Mrs. Lam, a skilled local craftswoman. Engage in a hands-on embroidery class and learn the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Return by bicycle to your homestay to bid a fond farewell. As you journey back to Hanoi through the Red River Delta, take in the scenic beauty of the lush rice fields and serene countryside, making the most of numerous photo opportunities along the way.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Van Long
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ninh Binh
Leisure: Thung La temple music
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat

8:00 AM: Pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel and enjoy a scenic three-hour drive to Bai Tu Long Bay, passing through idyllic villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Stop for a drink and restroom break before arriving at the harbor around noon, where you will be warmly welcomed at the cruise reception.

11:30 - 11:45 AM: Arrive at the Ha Long International Cruise Port lounge. Relax while our captain handles the registration process. Transfer by tender to board the cruise boat.

12:00 - 12:15 PM: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a safety briefing about the onboard activities before you check into your cabin.

13:00: Partake in a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch as you cruise deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00: Reach Cap La Island for kayaking amidst the karst formations. Enjoy swimming and relaxing in this picturesque location.

17:40: Return to the boat for a Sunset Party as we head to the overnight anchorage. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional dishes like Nem Cuon or explore fruit and vegetable carving techniques.

19:00: Enjoy a gourmet set dinner on board.

20:30 - 22:00: Relax and have fun with Vietnamese puzzle games, family or group board games, squid fishing, or simply unwind with a cocktail while appreciating the quiet, serene night on the bay.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Swimming,Squid fishing
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Boutique Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi for flight to Ho Chi Minh city

06:30 AM: Participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises, or take in the magnificent views of the bay with your morning tea or coffee.
07:00: Enjoy a hearty Western-style breakfast to prepare for the day's activities.

07:45 AM: Visit the remote Thien Canh Son Cave.

09:00 AM: Head back to the boat to freshen up and wrap up your packing in about 30 minutes.

09:30 AM: Check out of your cabin.

10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch onboard.

10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.
Your driver will meet you at the harbor for the drive back to Hanoi, including a rest break midway. You'll be dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

A private driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for a 45-minute drive to Noi Bai Airport (according to your preference for international or domestic terminals). Thank you for visiting our city.

Note: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.

Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, a tour guide and driver will greet you. During the 30-minute drive to the city center, your guide will provide information about the city's highlights, dining options, traffic, and cultural aspects.

Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Note: Hotel check-in time is 14:00.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN265 (HAN - SGN) - (Direct) / 20:30 - 22:30 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

9:00 AM: Head to the iconic Independence Palace, once the center of power for South Vietnamese presidents. Explore its impressive five-story structure, which includes rooms preserved from the 1960s and 1970s, and discover the historic North Vietnamese tank that made headlines in 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War. Don’t miss the intriguing bunker located beneath the palace.

Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, an exquisite example of French colonial architecture built between 1863 and 1880. This charming cathedral is a serene spot amidst the urban bustle, perfect for taking in its graceful design.

Continue your walk towards Nguyen Hue Walking Street to visit the splendid Saigon Central Post Office. Designed by the famed architect Gustave Eiffel, this beautiful structure features ornate interior décor and remains an operational post office, blending historical charm with everyday function.

Afterward, take a short drive to Binh Tay Market in Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown. This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of local life, with hundreds of stalls offering everything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs. Make sure to explore the food court, where you can sample a variety of street foods and traditional local dishes.

Next, visit the Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest temples. Dedicated to Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, this sacred site reflects deep Taoist beliefs and offers a tranquil retreat for reflection.

Finish your day at the FITO Traditional Medicine Museum, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of Vietnamese herbal medicine. Explore ancient potions, medicinal plant remedies, and unique historical medical instruments.

Return to your hotel in the evening, enriched by a day full of historical insights, cultural experiences, and local flavors.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple.

8:00 AM: Set off from your hotel to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant landmark from the Vietnam War.

The Cu Chi Tunnels form an extensive underground network, covering over 250 kilometers, where the Viet Cong conducted their resistance against American troops. Built over two decades using only pickaxes and shovels, these tunnels provide an intriguing look at wartime strategies. The tour includes entry into parts of the tunnels, and you'll also visit the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple nearby, a less frequented site established in 1993 to remember those who perished in Cu Chi.

Next, head to the Cao Dai Temple, one of Vietnam's most sacred sites. Caodaism, a distinctly Vietnamese religion, incorporates elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Roman Catholicism. You may witness the midday mass during your visit.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for the afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay

8:00 AM: Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation, setting the stage for a delightful day in Ben Tre, a captivating Mekong Delta region famed for its coconut candy.

Upon arriving at Hung Vuong Pier, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Ben Tre River, offering a glimpse into daily life along the water. Your journey continues with a serene boat trip through the lush canals leading to Nhon Thanh Village. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample an array of fresh, tropical fruits.

Explore the village further on a bike ride (or by tuk-tuk) along its picturesque lanes. Enjoy the scenic beauty of vibrant vegetable gardens, expansive rice fields, and lush coconut plantations.

Lunch will feature a local favorite: elephant ear fish, a unique and flavorful dish of the Mekong Delta. After your meal, take a leisurely walk to delve deeper into the rhythms of village life. Next, enjoy a tranquil boat ride through narrow canals shaded by dense, wild palm trees.

Depart from Ben Tre and head to Cai Lay for a one-hour drive. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with warm hospitality at your homestay. Join your host in preparing Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a delicious regional specialty.

Conclude your day with a restful overnight stay in Cai Lay, enriched by the charm of local traditions and the comfort of authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hai My's Homestay(Standard Room)
864 Provincial street, Dong Hoa hamlet, Tam Binh village, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house

Begin your day with breakfast at the homestay, then enjoy a bike ride (1-1.5 hours) from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh. The route will lead you through gardens of durian, sapota, and longan, allowing you to interact with locals and visit a village market. Return to the homestay for refreshments.

(Optional extension: Embark on an additional one-hour walk along a local trail and bike to Ngu Hiep Island, a fertile area shaped by Mekong River silt. This offers an unusual and authentic experience.) For those not wishing to bike, you can ask the tour guide to arrange a motorbike for a pillion ride.

In the afternoon, travel to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. Here, visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le's house, famous from the novel L’Amant – The Lover by Marguerite Duras. Explore Sa Dec’s local market, known for its abundant fruits, vegetables, and fish. Continue to Long Xuyen, where you will visit the Cao Dai Temple and a crocodile farm before staying overnight at a local hotel.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, transfer to the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our famous president Ton Duc Thang. Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes.

Take the road back to Saigon and check in your hotel in late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Long Xuyen
Private transportation
Bike: Long Xuyen
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day