Vietnam Adventure Holiday: Beyond the Highlights

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!

A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International Airport; your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day is at leisure.

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check-in time is at 14:00; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, with the help of your private guide and driver, you’ll uncover Hanoi’s top attractions and savor authentic local dishes, dining street-side alongside the locals.

Morning

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a full-day tour to discover the city, taking in sights including Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where Vietnam honors its ‘Great Father.’ Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed afternoons, Fridays, and Mondays) to see his embalmed body, his House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic 11th-century Buddhist temple.

Next, visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton), once used by French colonists and later for U.S. prisoners of war.

Today, you will enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, located on one of Hanoi’s most well-preserved ancient streets. Beautifully presented and rich in Vietnamese culture, their dishes, complemented by the ‘secret’ sauce, provide an authentic culinary experience.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the home of Hanoi’s last traditional mask-making artisan. Entirely handcrafted and imbued with the nostalgic scent of paper and glue, these masks have been a cherished part of childhood for generations of Hanoians, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when children wear them to celebrate the full moon night. This meaningful visit not only offers a glimpse into a fading craft but also serves to raise awareness about preserving this centuries-old art form.

Attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique northern Vietnamese art form, at a nearby theater.

This evening, embark on a walking tour of Hanoi’s best culinary spots. Start with a short walk to Thanh Ha market, a busy, eclectic market alive with the sounds and smells of Hanoi. Here you will capture the essence of Vietnamese culture while browsing the food stalls, hearing about local culinary culture, and sampling unusual Hanoi delicacies.

Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage), and the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles). Continue to see ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special Vietnamese dessert.

Return to your hotel with a deeper understanding of local life.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, you will leave behind the bustling streets of Hanoi and embark on a journey to the peaceful highlands of Sapa, where nature, culture, and tranquility blend in perfect harmony.

From 6:30 – 7:00, you will commence from your Hanoi hotel with Topas Mountain Express for a 5-hour transfer to Topas Ecolodge. Topas Ecolodge, set deep in the Hoang Lien National Park, 18 km from Sapa town, offers you an ideal stay during your hiking tour into the Sapa Mountains.

After checking into your cozy hilltop bungalow, take a moment to unwind and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and peaceful valleys from your private balcony. Let the fresh mountain air and serene landscapes ease you into a slower pace of life.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight in Sapa.

Today’s trekking trail offer breathtaking scenery of mountains and rice valleys as well as the chance to visit the ethnic villages of the Black H’mong and Red Dao ethnic groups. You will start at one side of the mountain and finish at the other end of the valley, enjoying the beautiful views, meeting friendly local villagers and visiting their homes to experience a little of their culture along the way.

Enjoy a great breakfast and prepare for today´s adventure.

You first start with a short transfer from Sapa will take you along the mountainside to Hau Chu Ngai village, where the trek starts.

You’ll soon arrive at a traditional Black H’mong village, perched on the hillside. Here, you can interact with locals and gain insight into their daily life. The trek continues through bamboo forests and expansive rice fields, where farmers may be tending their land with time-honored methods.

During the journey, you’ll be invited into a H’mong home — a special opportunity to learn about their unique lifestyle, customs, and architecture.

From here, the trail climbs across Mount Silverstone and descends into a neighboring valley, home to the Lech Dao village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. The Red Dao are known for their vibrant traditional clothing, distinctive red headdresses, and unique customs, such as shaving their eyebrows and part of their hair after marriage.

As you walk deeper into the village, take in the serene atmosphere and meet locals who are happy to share stories of their heritage.

Your trek concludes at the bottom of the valley, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa.

Approx: 12.7 km trekking/ 5.5 hours; 1 hour for lunch.

The morning is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You can either relax or borrow free of charge high-quality mountain bikes from the lodge for an exploration to the surrounding areas.

Topas Mountain Express departs from Topas Ecolodge at 14:30 and returns you to your hotel in Hanoi at around 20:00. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, our private tour guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Tuan Chau Marina, where you board Peony Cruis,e which is your home for a lovely night.

You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. The itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

Welcome, fresh drinks, wet towels, and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Enjoy the delicious lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha Bay with the breathtaking scenery.

15:30 Visiting Tra Bau area, which is known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands. Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.

17:30 – 18:30 Joining us for a cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of the cruise, where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19.30 Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef. This is a delightful meal in an intimate, romantic setting.

21:00 – 22.00 Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with a surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.

Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.

Overnight on board.

6:00 Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sunrise over the bay.

6:45 – 7:15 Breakfast is served at the restaurant.

8:00 – 8:30 The guests are transferred to a day trip boat and set sail for the further Lan Ha Bay – cruising along the peaceful and quiet nature of the bay. Or you are free to relax on a cruise if you do not like to move for a day trip.

10:30 – 11:00 After reaching Viet Hai jetty, the guest will have a great experience in cycling or having a ride on an e-cart to Viet Hai village through the tropical rainforest canopy and towering limestone mountains, also surrounded by the green.

Learn about the villagers’ daily life and how people built and lived in the bamboo thatched houses; the earthen walls are made of straw and mud covered with trellis, forming walls to block rain and wind.

12:15 – 13:30 Return to the day trip boat and enjoy lunch at the restaurant while the boat is cruising to the kayaking and swimming spot.

13:30 Explore the secluded and quiet lagoon by kayaks or have a swim off the boat is great fun.

16:30 Head back to the Peony Cruises to relax. Have a soak in the Jacuzzi pool. Enjoy the music and your favorite drinks by the pool.

17:30 – 18:30 Enjoy “happy hour” on the deck and BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. Watch the sunset falling on the bay. Attend the cooking demonstration to learn the different types of Vietnamese spring rolls.

19:30 Dinner is served at the Peony Cruises‘s restaurant.

21:00 – 22:00 Enjoy the nightlife of the bay from the deck. Immerse yourself in music. Taste a cocktail at the bar. Otherwise, you can go for the squid fishing with the sailors or simply relax in the room and watch Halong Bay from the balcony.

Overnight on board.

Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.

6:45 – 7:15 Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may be adjusted and follow the real itinerary)

7:30 – 9:00 You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang Cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30 Return to the main boat from the cave, and the guests will do the cabin check-out. Luggage is placed outside the cabin. Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)

10:30 – 11:00 Disembark the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Block #34, Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.

Your private guide and driver take you back to Hanoi, enjoy your own time to explore the surrounding area.

At the appointed time, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station, where you can take the overnight train to Dong Hoi, the gateway to the legendary Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Accommodation on the train will be on a basis in a four-berth soft sleeper compartment with air-conditioning. The train leaves around 19:20 and arrives in Dong Hoi at 05:30 the next morning.

Overnight on the air-conditioned train.

Upon your early morning arrival at Dong Hoi Railway Station, you’ll be warmly greeted by your new private guide and driver. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant to recharge after the journey.

Then, enjoy a scenic transfer to Tan Hoa Village, located about 70km from Phong Nha. You’ll check in and get ready for your thrilling 3-day, 2-night Tu Lan Cave Expedition—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure deep into one of Vietnam’s most stunning and remote cave systems.

At the office, your guide will provide a short briefing on your upcoming 3-day, 2-night trekking adventure, including an overview of the itinerary and important safety regulations. You’ll then pack your bag, sign the Release Form, and receive all necessary safety equipment for the journey ahead.

The journey will begin by hiking approximately 2.5 km through scenic corn and peanut fields to reach the banks of the Rao Nan River. From there, you’ll cross the river and ascend a small hill (about 50 meters high), with some rocky sections along the way. As you descend the other side, the trail opens into the flat and picturesque Hung Ton Valley. After crossing the valley, you’ll take a well-earned rest and enjoy lunch at the entrance of Hung Ton Cave.

Following lunch, the trek becomes a bit more challenging, with steeper climbs that lead you deeper into the heart of Tu Lan Valley. Your destination: a peaceful campsite set beside a beautiful waterfall.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a swim and explore nearby Ken Cave — just a short walk from the campsite.

Afterward, return to your base to enjoy a delicious dinner, freshly prepared by the local chefs.

As the day winds down, let yourself unwind amidst the tranquil embrace of nature. Surrounded by mountains, forest, and the soothing sounds of cascading water, you’ll drift into a restful night’s sleep under the stars.

Overnight in Tu Lan Valley Campsite.

Today is all about adventure, nature, and discovery, as you explore deeper into the stunning Tu Lan Cave System.

After breakfast, set off on an exhilarating trek that takes you through Tu Lan Cave and Kim Cave — two of the most awe-inspiring caves in the area — leading you to the hidden gem of To Mo Valley. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and untouched jungle, this valley offers a raw, majestic beauty.

Followed by a lunch at To Mo campsite before swimming into Hung Ton Cave, at the side of the waterfall. Inside the cave, you will have to climb up a 10m high ladder with safety harnesses. A short hike leads to the cave entrance. In front of the cave entrance is the beautiful scene of the Hung Ton Valley, a great spot for beautiful photos. From there you will return to the office along the Hung Ton Valley, crossing the Rao Nan River and the peanut corn fields one last time.

Then, you’ll check into your Rural Homestay for a refreshing shower and a bit of rest.

Around 18:00, you will walk to the local’s house for dinner and interact with the villagers. You will not only have the opportunity to try some delicious local food but also learn more about the living conditions of the people here.

After dinner, you will come back to Rural Homestay for a restful night.

Overnight Rural Homestay in Tan Hoa Village.

Wake up early to the peaceful rhythms of rural life in Tan Hoa village. From your cozy homestay, step outside to catch the golden sunrise rising gently over the lush paddy fields and cornfields.

For an immersive start to the day, hop on a bicycle and meander through the quiet village paths for a refreshing and serene experience.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Tu Lan Lodge Restaurant.

One of the highlights of the morning is the Countryside Cycling Tour: Explore Tan Hoa Farms.This enriching experience takes you through winding village roads lined with verdant cornfields, peanut gardens, and charming local homes. Along the way, you’ll:

• Meet local farmers and learn about their daily routines
• Visit a small honey farm and taste the region’s famous honey ginger tea
• Discover the VAC farming model – a sustainable Vietnamese practice combining garden (Vuon), pond (Ao), and livestock (Chuong)
• Sample local treats such as boiled corn, roasted peanuts, and seasonal fruits right at the farm

After the experience, you’ll return to the lodge to freshen up, then begin your scenic transfer to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Spend a day relaxing at your leisure in the Royal City of Hue.

In the evening, at 18:00, explore slow living through slow food and a slow evening tour on a cyclo. Your guide will give a basic introduction about Hue cuisine, as well as teach you some survival Vietnamese phrases, before moving to a vegetarian restaurant, where you can see Buddhist traditions imprinted in Hue’s food art.

Farther and farther away from the tourist quarter, in a laid-back cyclo, the night tranquility will show you the inner soul of Hue. Suddenly, the street food stalls come into sight, and a crispy Hue-style pancake or lemongrass skewers will be worth a try with both your hands and your tongue. Enjoy some chilling time over a glass of savory specialty drinks or local beer at a charming bar-coffee house while sharing more about Hue’s eating habits. Sweet soups may not be your favorite desserts, but Hue’s varieties of colors and flavors will be a promise of a sweet ending for a sweet night! Take it easy and make it funny!

Overnight in Hue.

Nature lovers will find Bach Ma National Park a “must-do” nature retreat for at least one day from Huế city. With stunning scenery, temperate temperatures, and a diverse forest embracing everflowing streams and cascading waterfalls, Bạch Mã National Park is an ideal place for nature immersion and learning about the region’s endemic fauna and flora.

Start off with a morning one-hour transfer (40km) from Hue city to Bach Ma National Park. Stop by the Visitor Centre to receive an introduction to the national park and its biodiversity before continuing with a 19km uphill drive along the twisting yet scenic road.

Take an introductory walk to Hai Vong Dai (Seaview Summit) at 1450m ASL. Embrace the breathtaking panoramic view extending as far as Tam Giang lagoon, Lang Co Beach, and the East Sea. Walk up some stairs to enjoy a nice view and browse through the old French villa and the remains of the wartime helicopter military base.

On the descent, take your first hike along the Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) trail (1.5km downhill). At some slippery and rocky sections, safety instructions and safety support (poncho, rope, and gloves) will be provided.

Stop for a break at the nicest spot, the Tortoise natural pool, where you can enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in the tranquil scenery amidst the evergreen forest. Follow the medicinal plant trail along the streams leading to Do Quyen (Rhododendron) waterfall. It is a good time for breathing, indulging in the natural beauty, and swimming from the top (and experiencing self-purifying forest bathing).

Hike back to the main road by mid-afternoon for a car pickup to transfer back to your hotel by late afternoon.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning

Your day will start with a short visit to Thanh Toan Village, where you can see the lively morning market. This is where the locals come to buy their daily food. Nearby are the 300-year-old Thanh Toan bridge and a Cultural Museum where you can visit and talk to the locals.

Then continue to the Royal Complex, former home to the Nguyen Dynasty, the last Monarchy of Vietnam from 1802 – 1945. You will explore the ancient and atmospheric walled Citadel, which contains the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City.

Enjoy lunch aboard the Ngu Thuyen Heritage, where fine dining meets cultural immersion. More than just a culinary experience, this journey offers guests a deeper understanding of Hue’s rich heritage. As you savor the refined flavors of local dishes, you’ll also be invited to explore the stories, traditions, and artistry that define the soul of this former imperial city.

Afternoon

After lunch, we will depart Hue and head to Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town (approximately 4 hours). Today the drive over the Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones on your trip. En route, you will stop to visit Lang Co Beach and the Marble Mountain.

Arrive in Hoi An and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning

Spend the morning at your own pace.

Afternoon

Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Old Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Continue to visit the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. While transporting you to the furthest reaches of Vietnam, the collection will unveil the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic tribes.

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old Quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated to delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.

Move on to the house of a lantern craftsman. There, you can observe the lantern craftsman’s technique before hands-on work through each stage of lantern-making under the guidance of the enthusiastic craftsmen: from bending it into the frame, cutting cloth, gluing, to completing lanterns. Before this trip concludes, you will have created your own lantern by hand.

Now, it’s time for your Hoi An street food discovery tour. With your guide, you will weave in and out the tiny alleyways, get to chow down with the locals at stalls you’d never discover on your own. Every day at 4 pm, Hoi An’s streets are filled with a myriad of street food carts, stalls, and vendors. The street food tour is a great introduction for you to enjoy a few of the Hoi An specialties cooked up by the locals, to introduce you to the faces behind the stock pots and to teach you how the Hoi An locals deal with those condiment trays!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend your full day relaxing at your leisure in this UNESCO heritage town, which has some of the best food, architecture, and shopping in all of Vietnam. Hoi An is the perfect place to potter around, shop at the many tailor stores, and dine at the town’s fabulous restaurants. In this town, you can get a suit/ tuxedo made within 24 hours at a reasonable price. You can also take an opportunity to join a cooking class to learn about the art of Vietnamese cuisine; visiting the local market, choosing ingredients ,and preparing and cooking Hoi An’s special dishes. This is great fun.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning

This trip will provide you with insight into rural life in Cam Kim, a village located just outside of Hoi An. We’ll set off from your hotel by motorbike. After crossing the Thanh Ha bridge to Cam Kim Commune, we’ll drive to Mr. Huynh Ri’s ancient house, which is over 100 years old. Take a visit and engage in a conversation with him about the house.

Next, proceed to the place where basket boats are crafted. Along the way, we’ll make stops to observe ship construction and repair, and you’ll have the opportunity to join a local in experiencing the process of weaving a basket boat.

Our next stop will be a mat-weaving location, where you’ll join a local family to learn the art of weaving a reed mat. The final destination will be a wet rice paper maker’s place. Join a local family to discover the process of making wet rice papers and sample some “Bánh Đập” made from wet rice paper and rice crackers.

We’ll return to Hoi An via the Cam Kim metal bridge and proceed to The Field restaurant, located by riverside roads and rice fields, for lunch. After lunch, we’ll transfer back to the hotel, concluding the morning activities.

Afternoon

After lunch, return to your hotel to collect your belongings, then transfer to the Da Nang airport for your late afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. It is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a new private driver and English-speaking guide who will drive you to the hotel in the city centre for check-in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, you will embark on a journey through time that unveils diverse historical epochs, from vibrant Chinese heritage to enduring French influences and the transformative American era, painting a vivid portrait of Saigon’s past.

After breakfast, meet your personal guide and driver and transfer to Cho Lon, Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown, where history and culture converge.

Upon arrival, stroll through its captivating streets on a leisurely walking tour, unveiling hidden gems and local life. You will start at Fabric Streets, a kaleidoscope of textiles and hues. Marvel at the bustling energy as vendors trade meters of fabric, a visual delight even for non-enthusiasts.

Continue on to Aquarium Street, a marine haven. Immerse yourself in diverse aquatic life, a captivating and educational experience.

Next, discover the world of sewing accessories on the next street. Unearth a treasure trove of creative possibilities, where imagination knows no bounds. Then explore the mysteries of Chinese medicine as you wander through herbal medical centers.

Conclude your morning at Lady Thien Hau Pagoda, a prominent Chinatown temple. Admire intricate woodcarvings, delicate porcelain figurines, and ornate altars celebrating Chinese heritage.

Return to the city center for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Then, you will continue to discover the remains of Saigon, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural marvel built by French colonists, followed by a visit to the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical gem that stands as a prominent city attraction. These remarkable landmarks stand as enduring testaments to the enduring French influence in Vietnam.

Navigate your path to the Reunification Palace, once the official residence of the President of South Vietnam throughout the tumultuous War period. If you wish, continue your journey with a visit to the War Remnant Museum, a poignant repository of history’s truths.

Wrapping up your day, you’ll visit Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in HCM City.

Morning

After breakfast, your personal guide awaits to take you on a 1.5-hour journey to the lesser-known section of Cu Chi – the Ben Duoc tunnels. Fewer visitors tread upon this site, offering you the chance to savor an unparalleled, personalized experience as you venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Arriving at Ben Duoc, immerse yourself in history through a documentary. Gain profound insights into the tunnels’ past and the remarkable stories they hold. With your experienced guide by your side, navigate the labyrinthine passages that once sheltered brave Viet Cong soldiers, functioning as their fighting bunkers, meeting room, kitchen, hospitals, and more. For those seeking an authentic connection, embrace the opportunity to crawl through a section, reliving the soldier’s experience. As we wrap up the walking tour, indulge in a taste of history by savoring cassava, a staple of the Viet Cong Soldiers’ diet, accompanied by a refreshing, tangy tea.

As the morning journey draws to a close you’re escorted back to the city and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Afternoon

This evening, at 18:00, join us on a Saigon After Dark by Vespa.

Discover the vibrant energy of Saigon by night on an exhilarating vintage Vespa tour. Begin your evening at a stylish, top-rated venue in the city center, where you’ll sip refreshing drinks, savor tasty snacks, and soak in a breathtaking sunset over Saigon’s skyline.

With your expert driver at the helm, weave through the bustling streets, passing some of the city’s iconic landmarks illuminated under the night sky. Immerse yourself in local life as you indulge in fresh, authentic seafood dishes at a lively street-side eatery. Relish the flavors of Bánh Xèo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake beloved by locals.

As the night unfolds, head to a buzzing live music venue where the vibrant youth of Vietnam showcase their style and energy. Enjoy the electric atmosphere as you listen to talented musicians, embracing the city’s modern cultural flair.

This tour offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment, perfect for anyone with a hearty appetite and a sense of adventure. See Saigon come alive like never before on this unforgettable after-dark escapade!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, your private guide and driver will take you out of the bustling city and into the heart of the Mekong Delta, traveling along scenic country roads toward the peaceful Coco Riverside Lodge in Trung Nghia – Vung Liem.

Morning

After breakfast, get on a 3-hour drive via Ben Tre toward Coco Riverside Lodge. Along the way, enjoy views of lush coconut plantations, riverside villages, and vibrant delta life — a glimpse into the authentic rhythm of rural Southern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, meet a representative who will guide you to the lodge located by the river, where you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink.

Check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge, then take some time to relax before choosing bicycles for a village tour. Visit Mr. Cong’s home to observe the traditional process of pop rice production and gain insights into this age-old technique. Experience his daily life firsthand and learn about his craft.

Next, stop by another local home to harvest and weave water coconut leaves, used in Mekong Delta construction. Mrs. Chien will also demonstrate making ‘poon’ sticks. Further, your guide will explain animal raising and biogas collection.

Cycle along tranquil village paths, explore rice paddies, and take a longer ride to visit a dragon fruit plantation (you can discuss with your guide if you’d like to extend the ride). If you prefer, opt for a shorter ride around the village. Enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up.

End the evening with a cooking class where you’ll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes, followed by dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.

Overnight in Coco Riverside Lodge.

Morning

After breakfast, board a motorboat and head to the local market to immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture and daily life.

After that, you will take visit to Cao Dai temple and a nearby coconut factory along the river, where you’ll observe the handcrafting of coconuts into ropes and rugs. This artisanal process caters primarily to international buyers, particularly from Korea.

Afterward, return to the lodge to unwind or take a swim. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, start with a sampan ride through the canal to explore another village and experience its peaceful, simple life.

Visit the home of Mrs. Toa, a Mother Hero who sheltered communist comrades during wartime searches. After the war, these comrades, who later became government officials, helped build a memorial house for her. Today, her grandson continues the legacy by raising frogs as his main business. Enjoy snacks, food, and coconut juice while chatting with the family before returning to the lodge to relax.

Evening

Late evening, visit the home of Mr. Hai Luong, a war veteran, who will share his memories of the Vietnam War in this village. Enjoy traditional military music, illuminated by the soft glow of poon candles. At the end of the show, walk back holding torches made from dried coconut leaves, a traditional local custom for nighttime.

Morning

After breakfast, select bicycles for a morning ride to visit Chua Xu Temple. This historic temple, built 200 years ago, honors a landlord’s lady who played a pivotal role in caring for the village. The temple was established to ensure that Lady grants favorable weather, abundant harvests, protection from bandits, and freedom from disease.

Continue your ride along paths bordered by vegetable gardens and green fields. Stop at the home of Mrs. Hong, who crafts rice wine daily for village parties and weddings. Watch her winemaking process and enjoy a tasting session. Additionally, explore her diverse livelihood, including raising pigs, cows, frogs, crickets, and geckos. Stroll through her fruit garden, which features guava, star apple, dragon fruit, banana, and especially passion fruit, and savor these fruits at the table.

Afternoon

Back to the lodge with your bike, free at leisure. Check out and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh and head directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight back home.

Departure Flight: Guest’s own tickets.