Vietnam Off the Beaten Path

Xin Chào! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Upon arrival, your personal guide and driver will be waiting to greet you at the meeting point outside the airport – Column 24 in T3. Look out for a welcome sign with your names on it. From there, you’ll be comfortably transferred to your centrally located hotel.

While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 02:00pm; 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.

After check-in, feel free to relax and settle in. Take this time to soak in the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by the locals.

Important: Your travel documents include a Vietnam eVisa (unless other arrangements have been made). The Evisa must be presented to Customs upon arrival.

Rise early this morning (avoid the crowds) to enjoy an insightful tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Experience some of the city’s hidden treasures as your travel by cyclo (rickshaw) and private car with your personal guide who will get you off the crowded tourist trail.

Hop on your cyclo and begin with a leisurely ride through the quiet streets while the traffic is more sedate. Pause to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel) as the streets start to stir.

Next is the local park of Tao Dan. In this vibrant metropolis, green spaces are cherished and locals flock here each day to relax and enjoy nature. Hop off your cyclo and enjoy a cup of coffee while being serenaded by beautiful bird calls in a special section of the park where ornithologists congregate with their prized birds.

From the park, you will head to the memorial site dedicated to the Buddhist monk, Thich Quang Duc. During the ride, your guide will take you to one of the best places in the city to eat Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup), usually a well-kept secret.

Pick up the pace when you swap your cyclo for your private car and travel along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street to visit a traditional wet market. This is a fascinating window into the local culture. Continue to visit a secret weapons bunker which was used to hide the arsenal of Sai Gon Commandos. Among them are about 2 tons of weapons, which were prepared for the Tet Offensive (January 1968).

End your fabulous morning tour with a fragrant stroll around Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the city’s hidden gem. Here you will be lost by a hundred kind of flower and amazed by their beautiful colours.

After the market, you will get back to the hotel where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in HCM City.

Depart for Coco Riverside Lodge, located in Trung Nghia – Vung Liem. The journey takes approximately three hours via Ben Tre or three and a half hours via Vinh Long City.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a local representative who will guide you to the lodge nestled by the river. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you check in and settle into your peaceful surroundings.

After lunch at the lodge, take some time to relax before selecting your bicycle for a leisurely village cycling tour. Your first stop will be Mr. Cong’s home, where you’ll observe the traditional process of making pop rice and learn more about this age-old craft. Experience daily rural life and gain insight into local traditions.

Continue to another local household to harvest and weave water coconut leaves, materials commonly used in Mekong Delta house construction. Here, Mrs. Chien will also demonstrate how to make poon sticks (traditional bamboo torches). Along the way, your guide will explain local practices such as animal raising and biogas collection.

Cycle through tranquil village paths, passing lush rice paddies and dragon fruit plantations. You can discuss with your guide if you’d like to extend the ride. As the day winds down, enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up.

In the evening, visit the home of Mr. Hai Luong, a war veteran who will share his memories of life during the Vietnam War in his village. Enjoy traditional military-style folk music performed under the soft glow of poon candles. At the end of the show, walk back to the lodge carrying torches made from dried coconut leaves, a charming local nighttime custom.

Conclude your evening with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), followed by dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.

Overnight in riverside lodge.

After breakfast, board a motorboat to visit a local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and observe the daily life of the Mekong Delta community.

Continue your journey to a Cao Dai temple, followed by a stop at a riverside coconut workshop, where you’ll see how coconuts are skillfully crafted into ropes and rugs. This traditional craft mainly serves international buyers, particularly from Korea.

Return to the lodge to relax or enjoy a refreshing swim before checking out.Afterward, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your afternoon flight to Da Lat.

Upon arrival in Da Lat, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver, who will take you to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Da Lat.

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day at Datanla Falls — Da Lat’s most exciting adventure! Guided by professional instructors, you’ll learn the basics of canyoning before taking on a series of thrilling descents, slides, and jumps through the waterfalls. No experience needed — just your adventurous spirit!

After a short 15-minute drive from your hotel, start with a safety briefing and practice session. Then, tackle seven exciting challenges, including an 18-meter rappel into a pool, a zipline across the canyon, natural water slides, and a 25-meter waterfall descent known as “The Big One.” Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest before testing your courage with a 10-meter jump and finishing with the thrilling “Washing Machine” rappel through swirling water.

Afterward, take a 20-minute scenic hike through the rainforest to meet your driver and return to the hotel. The tour starts at 8:30 AM and ends around 2:00–4:00 PM, depending on group size.

Included: Professional guide, all safety equipment, permits, first-aid kit, fruit snack, drinking water, and picnic lunch.
What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, swimwear, insect repellent, camera, and sport sandals or water shoes.
Not Included: Personal insurance (recommended) and guide tips.

A perfect mix of nature, excitement, and challenge — this canyoning adventure promises one of the most unforgettable days of your Vietnam journey!

Arrive at the hotel around 16.00 where you will spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. You can go for a wander through the streets for a better feel of the city or find a café for a cup of artichoke tea, a regional specialty. A visit to Da Lat Night Market is highly recommended. Here you can sample many street food offerings; barbecued pork, grilled vegetables and especially Da Lat pizza, a round rice paper, covered in egg-bound toppings, and grilled over charcoal.

Overnight in Da Lat.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel or our office for an unforgettable journey through the Central Highlands. The scenic route takes you past coffee plantations, lush tropical forests, and majestic mountains on the way to Lak Lake.

Along the way, stop to explore some of the region’s highlights: the Elephant Waterfall, a cricket farm where you can try fried crickets, a rice wine-making farm to taste local rice wine, and a weasel coffee farm to sample Vietnam’s most unique coffee. You’ll also visit vegetable and flower farms, a silk factory, and the serene Linh An Pagoda with its impressive Happy Buddha statue.

Continue through picturesque tea and coffee plantations before reaching Lak Lake. Here, take a boat trip across the tranquil waters to reach the beautiful Lak Tented Camp, nestled on the far shore.

In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour walk around a M’nong ethnic minority village, where you’ll have a chance to observe their traditional lifestyle and daily activities.

Spend the night in a comfortable tent at Lak Tented Camp, surrounded by peaceful nature and the calm of the lake.

Overnight in Lak Tented.

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Lak Lake, a serene and breathtaking start to the day. Enjoy some free time for kayaking or biking before having breakfast at Y Lak Restaurant.

Afterward, embark on a trekking adventure to Bim Bip Waterfall, where you’ll savor a picnic lunch by the cascading falls, featuring traditional dishes wrapped in banana leaves. Take a refreshing dip in the natural “pool” before returning to Lak Tented Camp.

In the late afternoon, relax with a cocktail while watching the sunset over Chuo Sun Stork Island, then enjoy an evening of gong music, Ruou Can (rice wine), and a BBQ dinner by the campfire.

Overnight at Lak Tented Camp.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a garden tour and M’nong coffee experience before checking out.

Take a boat ride across Lak Lake, soaking in the peaceful scenery. Afterward, visit the former summer palace of Emperor Bao Dai and then continue your journey to Buon Me Thuot.

Arrive before lunch and savor the local specialties of the Central Highlands. In the afternoon, cool off with a refreshing swim at Dray Sap Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Vietnam.

Overnight in Buon Me Thuot.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing at 08:00 AM for Don Village, a charming cultural hub of the Central Highlands. Visit the Elephants’ Cemetery, walk across the Suspension Bridge, and explore the Ede traditional longhouse-on-stilts (Communal House). Learn about the fascinating cultures of the M’nong Pre, Ede, and Laotian communities.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant around 12:00 PM.

At 13:00, choose one of the two experiences below:

• Option 1 – Yok Don National Park Exploration:
  Embark on a 2-hour trek through the park to discover its rich flora and fauna, followed by a 7 km boat trip along the scenic S’repok River.
• Option 2 – Elephant Care Tour:
  Take an electric car ride deep into the forest (about 10 km) to locate elephants in their natural habitat. Enjoy a 3-hour experience learning about elephant behavior, conservation efforts, and the park’s diverse ecosystem.

Return to Buon Ma Thuot around 16:30 PM.

In the morning, visit the Museum of Ethnic Minority Cultures, housed in the former residence of the French Consul (built in 1927). The museum showcases an impressive collection of traditional costumes and ethnological artifacts from the region’s ethnic communities, including the Ede and M’nong. You’ll also find fascinating exhibits on the revolutionary history of the Central Highlands.

Continue to the Buon Ma Thuot Market to observe the vibrant daily life of the locals before driving through pepper farms and rubber plantations on the scenic journey to Pleiku, a town renowned for its volcanic Sea Lake (T’Nung Lake) and historic battlefields.

Overnight in Pleiku.

Depart from Pleiku and enjoy a scenic drive along picturesque road to Kontum. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour to discover the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Visit the nearly 100-year-old Wooden Church, an architectural gem blending Western and local styles, followed by the Bishop’s House and Kontum Orphanage.

Continue to the Ba Na Village, one of the earliest ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands, where you can admire the impressive Rong House, symbol of communal life. Then, visit the Iron Suspension Bridge and the Kontum Prison, both important historical landmarks.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Cambodian border, then spend the evening at leisure, exploring Kontum at your own pace.

Overnight in Kontum.

Depart from Kontum, and enjoy a scenic drive along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, descending gently through lush jungles and rolling mountains toward the ancient town of Hoi An.

Along the way, stop to explore notable natural and historical sites, including the Dakto battlefield, Charlie Hill, picturesque waterfalls, vast rice fields, and ancient Cham towers that reflect the region’s rich heritage.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey through the beautiful countryside, arriving in Hoi An around 16:30, where you’ll check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin your culinary adventure at 8:15 AM with a welcome drink at the meeting point for today’s tour. From there, stroll through Hoi An’s colorful main market, where you’ll experience the lively atmosphere, vibrant stalls, and enticing aromas. Interact with friendly local vendors and discover the wide variety of fresh ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, board the boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Cooking School, passing by scenes of local river life — so have your camera ready! Upon arrival, explore the school’s herb and vegetable garden, then join a two-hour hands-on cooking lesson led by Red Bridge chefs. Each dish is first demonstrated before you try your hand at recreating it yourself. You’ll also enjoy a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration.

After class, sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve prepared, including:

1. Fresh rice paper
2. Fresh rice paper rolls with shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An pancakes with shrimp, herbs, and peanut sauce
4. Seafood salad with Tra Que herbs
5. Mi Quang chicken noodles
6. Food decoration – tomato rose & Vietnamese cucumber hand fan

A BBQ lemongrass beef dish will also be served (not included in the demonstration). Vegetarian and special dietary options are available upon request.

The class concludes around 12:30 PM, with a transfer back to central Hoi An, arriving at approximately 1:00 PM.

Afternoon

Your tour guide will take you to the Ancient 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 with 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 your own lantern created by your own hands.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend your full day to relax 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 arts of Vietnam culinary; visiting the local market, choosing ingredients and preparing and cooking Hoi An special dishes. This is great fun

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. On arrival, meet your local guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. Take a little time to rest before your evening adventure begins.

Evening (17:00 – 21:30)

As the sun sets, hop on a vintage USSR Minsk motorbike and dive into the rhythm of Hanoi’s buzzing streets. With over five million motorbikes weaving through the city each day, this is the most authentic way to experience its pulse.

Ride through a maze of hidden alleyways, colorful markets, and historic quarters, where every corner tells a story. Feel the breeze as you pass French colonial landmarks, serene lakes, and iconic sites like the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, and Train Street.

Cross the legendary Long Bien Bridge to Middle Island, a peaceful oasis on the Red River dotted with banana plantations and vegetable gardens. Meet local farmers and glimpse a slower, simpler way of life — a striking contrast to the city’s energy.

Throughout the journey, your local guide will lead you to authentic street eateries, where you’ll taste Hanoi’s favorite dishes and hear the stories behind them. (Vegetarian options available.)

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi behind as you embark on a scenic drive to the peaceful valley of Mai Chau, located approximately 3.5 to 4 hours southwest of the capital. Along the journey, enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, with glimpses of terraced rice fields, rural villages, and lush mountains.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you’ll be welcomed by the refreshing air and tranquil beauty of this ethnic Thai minority region. Settle into a traditional stilt house or a charming lodge surrounded by rice paddies and rolling hills. Take a rest this evening.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Morning

Your guide will take you on a walking tour (or cycling if you wish) of Pom Coong and Lac villages. With stilt houses and lush, green rice paddy fields, Ban Lac and Pom Coong are quaint and serene ethnic Thai villages with many lovely and hospitable inhabitants. During the walk, you will be introduced to a local family. Have conversations on their life, festivals, and culture of the natives.

You also pay a visit to Thai ethnographic museum. More than 1000 items on display are closely tied to the Thai’s everyday life. You will get to see hunting tools, ritual costumes, bowls, dishes, antique coins, musical instruments, hundreds of years old books, and so on. These authentic pieces of history represent the development of Thai culture over centuries.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

After a hearty breakfast, then transfer by car to Hang Kia (approximately 45 minutes), passing through scenic mountain roads and villages inhabited by the Muong and Dzao ethnic communities. Along the way, make brief stops at Pa Co and Xa Linh communes—home to the vibrant H’mong people. If your visit falls on a Sunday morning, don’t miss the chance to explore the colorful Xa Linh ethnic market, where locals gather to trade handmade goods, fresh produce, and traditional textiles.

Arrive in Hang Kia, a quiet and authentic H’mong village nestled in a small valley at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Surrounded by misty hills and lush greenery, this remote village offers a unique window into H’mong culture and mountain life. Enjoy a local lunch with a welcoming host family, experiencing the flavors of the region.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the village, visiting homes, observing traditional architecture, and engaging with locals to gain deeper insight into their daily routines and long-standing customs.

In the early afternoon, transfer back to your lodge in Mai Chau, arriving around 14:00.

Unwind with a soothing traditional herbal massage at your lodge (approximately 60 minutes). Let the natural aromas and expert techniques ease any travel fatigue and rejuvenate your body and mind.

The remainder of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or explore the village at your own pace.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Morning

After breakfast and check out you are picked up by your private guide and driver for departure to the dramatic mountain scenery of Ninh Binh. Just four hours away from Mai Chau, Ninh Binh has remained relatively untouched offering striking limestone karst scenery and a myriad of underground streams and grottos.

After arrival, settle down at your hotel to have some rest before the journey in the afternoon.

Afternoon

Hop on a bike for a leisurely ride through the area, limestone karsts towering above you as you ride along backroads and beautiful scenery. Arrive at Mua Cave Mountain where you enjoy a short hike which leads you to an incredible viewpoint with a spectacular sight of the Ngo Dong River below that cuts its way around the towering mountains.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, begin your day with a your journey with a scenic boat trip through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking network of limestone karsts, emerald rivers, and mysterious caves. The 2.5-hour boat ride offers a tranquil and unforgettable experience through a maze of waterways, passing through dark, atmospheric caves, ancient temples, and lush landscapes. The natural beauty and cultural significance of Trang An make it a true highlight of Ninh Binh.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will continue to visit Hoa Lu, the location of the Ancient Capital of Vietnam dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.

On arrival, dive into the history at the remaining two temples of Dinh and Le Emperors. Restored in the 17th century but the temples are believed to be built on the original foundations of the old palaces from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Morning

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to Quang Ninh Province, passing through the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta with its lush rice fields and charming local villages.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina around mid-day, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the cruise staff before being transferred by a small boat to your main vessel. Once onboard, enjoy a welcome drink and a short briefing about the itinerary and safety guidelines.

A delicious lunch featuring fresh local seafood and Vietnamese delicacies will be served as the cruise sails toward the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay — a tranquil member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Relax and take in the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters as you dine.

In the afternoon, the cruise anchors at the Tra Bau area, famous for its pristine natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Here, you’ll have time to kayak through hidden lagoons, explore limestone caves, or swim in the crystal-clear water. Afterwards, unwind on the sundeck or soak in the Jacuzzi while admiring the panoramic view of the bay.

As the sun begins to set, join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, or simply relax with a drink on the deck during Happy Hour, the perfect moment to capture stunning sunset photos.

Dinner is served in an intimate setting, offering a variety of flavorful local dishes prepared by skilled chefs. The evening is yours to enjoy — sip cocktails at the sky bar, indulge in a spa treatment, or try your luck squid fishing under the starry sky before retreating to your comfortable cabin for the night.

Overnight on board in Lan Ha Bay

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and watch the sunrise over the bay, followed by breakfast as the boat glides through the calm waters.

Board a day boat for further exploration of Lan Ha Bay’s hidden corners, or simply relax onboard. Visit Viet Hai Village by bike or electric cart through lush jungle paths and limestone mountains, where you’ll meet friendly locals and learn about their traditional way of life.

Return to the boat for a seafood lunch, then enjoy kayaking or swimming in a quiet lagoon surrounded by dramatic karsts.

In the afternoon, relax by the Jacuzzi pool or join a Vietnamese cooking class. As the sun sets, take advantage of Happy Hour on the deck and soak in the golden scenery.

End the day with a delicious dinner, then unwind with a drink at the bar, try squid fishing, or simply relax on your balcony under the starry sky.

Overnight on board in Lan Ha Bay

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.

Begin your morning with an energizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, watching the first rays of sunlight rise over the tranquil bay. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the boat gently cruises back toward Jetty.

Later, transfer by small boat to Cat Ba Island and visit Trung Trang Cave, one of the most fascinating natural formations on the island. Explore its impressive limestone formations and shimmering stalactites that reveal the rich geological history of the region.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.

Return to the main boat for check-out and enjoy an early lunch before disembarking at Tuan Chau Marina.

Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi, where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight home or onward journey. Should you wish to continue exploring, we’ll be happy to assist with planning your next adventure.