
PERFECT FOR:
- Families and Active Travelers
- Nature Lovers
- Foodies &
- Those seeking Unique Cultural Experiences
- First time and returning travelers of Vietnam or Southeast Asia
An Uncommon Vietnam Tour of Nature, Culture & Adventure – Hanoi, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City
13 Days / 12 Nights – Tour Code (VNP) – Private Tour – Daily departure
This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you off the tourist path to some of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes – boasting a myriad of sights and sounds designed for those seeking an uncommon travel experience. From sampling Hanoi’s robust food scene to trekking Pu Luong’s breathtaking rice terraces, cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay to strolling the cobbled streets of UNESCO Hoi An. Catching mud crabs with local village kids to soaking in Saigon’s city vibes. This tour overloads the senses!
Starting from the north, we touchdown upon Vietnam’s charming capital of tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes and colonial-era architecture. Visit several of the city’s famous landmarks while discovering its local scene – everything from wet markets to coffee shops to street food stalls that are ingrained in every Hanoian. Then, leave the last traces of civilization behind as we continue north to the almost untouched mountains of Pu Luong. This pristine region is known for its lush rice terraces, remote villages, and warm-hearted ethnic communities. Trek through the picturesque landscapes, interact with locals, and savor traditional meals. Pu Luong offers an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of nature.
We continue our scenic adventure to the serene countryside of Ninh Binh. Often referred to as “Dry Halong Bay”, this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Embark on a day of enchantment as you pedal through this surreal natural canvas, venturing into rustic villages to engage with local farmers, drifting serenely on a hand-rowed sampan along tranquil rivers, and discovering a few of the countless caves sprinkled across the region.
After a few days in the mountains, it’s time to get on water. Set sail on a luxurious cruise through spectacular Halong Bay. As you cruise among the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Explore mysterious caves, kayak through secluded lagoons, and relax on pristine beaches. Each day brings new adventures and breathtaking vistas.
We slowly re-introduce ourselves to civilization starting with beautiful Hoi An. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Hoi An exudes unparalleled charm, with its cobbled streets adorned by art galleries, quaint restaurants, and vibrant shops. Amidst well-preserved ancient buildings, it embraces a rural lifestyle reminiscent of Old Vietnam. We end our Vietnam expedition in Ho Chi Minh City, forever known as Saigon and the “Paris of the East”. This dynamic metropolis has emerged as a thriving hotspot in Asia, boasting Vietnam’s finest cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and top-notch accommodations.
As you bid farewell to Vietnam, you’ll carry with you a treasure trove of memories, from the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh and Pu Luong to the mystical beauty of Halong Bay and the vibrant culture of Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. This 13-day tour is an immersion into the heart and soul of Vietnam, a country that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with natural wonders, ensuring an adventure of a lifetime.

- Tour Overview
- Tour Itinerary
- Price Chart
- Gallery & Blog
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy class domestic airfares per itinerary
- Private ground transportation throughout
- 12 nights Superior and Deluxe hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary (food only)
- Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional Guides (Except Halong Cruise)
HANOI (2 nights)
- 2 nights at MELIA HANOI (Superior) | GRAND MERCURE (Deluxe)
- Hanoi City Tour
- Night Foodies Tour
PU LUONG / MAI CHAU (2 nights)
- 2 nights at PU LUONG RETREAT (Superior) | AVANA RETREAT (Deluxe)
- Full day countryside expedition including cycling, cave exploration and boat rides
NINH BINH (2 nights)
- 2 nights at TAM COC GARDEN RESORT (Superior / Deluxe)
- Full day countryside excursion (cycling, fishing & crabbing with local farmers, local village visits, cave explorations, river trip by sampan)
HALONG BAY (1 night)
- 1 night onboard ORCHID CLASSIC | PARADISE SAILS (Superior) OR ORCHID PREMIUM | GINGER BY HERITAGE LINE (Deluxe)
- Shore excursions & on board activities (join basis)
- All meals on board
HOI AN (3 nights)
- 3 nights at HOI AN BOUTIQUE RESORT | LA SIESTA RESORT (Superior) OR HOTEL ROYAL HOI AN (Deluxe)
- Half Day walking tour of UNESCO Hoi An
HO CHI MINH CITY (2 nights)
- 2 nights at CARAVELLE SAIGON (Superior) | JW MARRIOTT SAIGON or HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON (Deluxe)
- HCM City Tour including Night Street Food Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels



Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. (B)
Day 2 Hanoi
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Hanoi. We’ll start with the Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built in the 1970s followed by Hoa Lo Prison where the late John McCain was held captive for 5 years. Continue to Train Street and enjoy a bit of interaction with local street vendors before sitting down to enjoy a cold drink. Cap off the morning with a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the famed Old Quarters, a local market place that dates back to the 13th century that comprises of a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, each named after the goods that were traditionally sold there, such as silk, silver, or herbs. Today, these streets are still bustling with activity, with vendors selling all kinds of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to food and household items. We’ll Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to freshen up or explore the lively area around your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We’ll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city’s famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try some Vietnamese snacks starting with the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals. Then, it’s time for dessert. Venture down a small alley and try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Stop a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) before ending your foodies adventure of Hanoi. (B,D)
Day 3 Hanoi / Pu Luong (or Mai Chau*)
This morning, leave civilization behind on a 4-hour drive through breathtaking sceneries for Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Check-in at your mountain retreat for lunch followed by some free time to relax and soak up the region’s stunning panorama. Afterwards, venture out to the surrounding villages to catch a glimpse of the traditional Vietnamese way-of-life, stroll through rice fields, and get to know more about their local culture. Return to your hotel for overnight. (B,L)
**Note: passengers staying at Avana Retreat will have a similar program in the Mai Chau area.
Day 4 Pu Luang (or Mai Chau)
This morning, discover breathtaking scenic beauty as you descend into the captivating valley below. Here, meander through vast rice terraces, a sight that changes with the seasons, painting a canvas of evergreen landscapes or golden harvests. Follow narrow pathways cloaked in lush vegetation, gradually unveiling the charming Uoi village nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain that boasts panoramic views of the village from an elevated vantage point.
Continue walking downhill to a local home before hopping on a bicycle to explore Lan village. Pedal through rice paddies and village-to-village in a picture-perfect setting before arriving Hieu Village. Take a break at the peaceful Hieu waterfall before heading back to your resort. (B,L)
Day 5 Pu Luang (or Mai Chau) / Ninh Binh
After breakfast, take a short ride to Dong Dieng village situated in the most beautiful valley in Pu Luong. Indulge your senses as you take in the beauty of lush rice terraces, rolling hills and heartwarming culture. After lunch, drive 2 hours on scenic country roads in Ninh Binh. Often referred to as “Dry Halong Bay”, this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Check-in to your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Day 6 Ninh Binh
Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride between 10-15km (can be adjusted based on your preference/energy level) to appreciate the immersed rice fields and agriculture life. Then roll up your sleeves, put in your boots, and take part in the fun daily life activities with local fishermen/farmers. Here, you’ll have a chance to catch crab and mudfish using traditional rattan tools, or try your hand at planting rice in the fields. Engage in a casual talk with the local farmer to get an insight into his family and lifestyle. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demo with the chef before enjoying some Ninh Binh specialties.
Later this afternoon, get on a row boat and glide along the tranquil river to Galaxy Cave. Recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size and hidden location, the cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors. Continue by riverboat along the tranquil river beautifully complemented with stunning views to die for. Overnight in Ninh Binh. (B,L)
Day 7 Ninh Binh / Halong Bay
This morning, travel by road (4-hours) for Halong Bay, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands in mesmerizing seascape. Here, we’ll enjoy a day of bliss aboard a small luxury ship for a tantalizing cruise around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (depending on ship). Highlights include shore excursions to several islands, cave exploration, kayaking and swimming. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)
**Note: cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by cruise company though experiences will be similar.
Day 8 Halong Bay / Hoi An
For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang. Transfer to your resort in Hoi An for your next 3 nights’ accommodations (B)
Day 9 Hoi An
Enjoy a morning tour of Hoi An’s beautiful Old Town. Located 30 km south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You’ll visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. During the walk, make a stop at a market to taste well-known local green leaf cakes in Hoi An. Wrap up the tour by visiting a Tea House before returning to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax and further explore Hoi An on your own. (B)
Day 10 Hoi An
Full day free at leisure to eat, enjoy the beach and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own. Optional excursions (My Son Ruins, River Cruise, Round of Golf, Cooking Lesson, etc.) are available upon request. (B)
Day 11 Hoi An / Ho Chi Minh City
Morning transfer for your 1-hour flight to HCM City. Affectionately known as Saigon and the “Paris of the East”, this dynamic metropolis has emerged as a thriving hotspot in Asia, boasting Vietnam’s finest cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and top-notch accommodations. We’ll tour the historic former Presidential Palace, walk pass some of the most impressive French-colonial architectures around town including Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Visit the Fine Arts Museum before heading to Ben Thanh market for some souvenir hunting.
After a brief rest at your hotel, we’ll head out this evening to hit some of the city’s street food spots. Stroll through hidden alleys and local residential areas for some local specialties including fried dough, grilled pork bread, Vietnamese Pizza and flamed grilled rice paper. Wander around hundreds of tiny food and drink stalls, observe and participate in modern-day Vietnam before stopping for dessert. Return to your hotel. (B,D)
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels)
This morning, a short drive outside the city takes you to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the Vietnam war. The tunnel system was improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters that extends for more than 200KM in length, stretching from Saigon to the Cambodian border which remained totally undetected until after the war. Here, You’ll have the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. Afterwards, return to the city and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and further explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 13 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)
****END OF PROGRAM****
2025 Price Chart (Prices Valid Thru December 31, 2025) | |||
Daily Departure | Hotels | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
January – April | S | 5,195 | 2,225 |
D | 5,725 | 3,185 | |
May – September | S | 4,825 | 2,195 |
D | 5,425 | 3,075 | |
October – December* | S | 5,275 | 2,225 |
D | 5,775 | 3,185 | |
S = Superior | D = Deluxe | |||
Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate |
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Prices include all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
- Price excludes transpacific air (i.e. flights to/from Vietnam), personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
- A visas is required for Vietnam. Not included in package.
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
Vietnam Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hanoi Night Foodies
- Rice Terrace Trek & Ethnic Minority Village Visits in Pu Luong
- Ninh Binh Countryside tour by bicycle & sampan
- Luxury Halong Cruise with Overnight
- UNESCO Hoi An
- Cu Chi Tunnels
Price Starting From:
$4,825
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