Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi - the one-thousand-year-of-culture-of-Vietnam
Welcome to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of culture of Vietnam.
Founded over 1,000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. However, today’s Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. From ancient temples to buzzing markets, Hanoi’s got it all. It’s basically the cultural heartbeat of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to your hotel on your private vehicle. Airport fast track services included to help you check-out quickly.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Half day Hanoi’s backstreets exploring by Jeep
Hop on a classic Minsk motorbike with an experienced driver and wind your way through Hanoi’s hidden backstreets, where every turn reveals the city’s raw, vibrant soul. This immersive journey awakens your senses with the sights, smells, and tastes of daily life—from sizzling street food to the scent of incense drifting from small neighborhood temples. It’s a rare chance to experience the good, the bad, and the weird of the city with all senses heightened. Also, meet people in their daily lives, work, and places of worship. You’ll explore places most visitors never see, including the maze-like alleys, the peaceful Red River countryside, and the lively Train Street.
Along the way, savor Hanoi’s most beloved dishes and drinks while taking in iconic landmarks like the French boulevards, Old Quarter, West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, Long Bien Bridge, Ba Dinh Square, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It’s not just a tour—it’s a deep dive into the flavor, rhythm, and hidden heartbeat of Hanoi. Back to hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Pu Luong: a symphony orchestra of nature
Breakfast at hotel. From Hanoi, embark on a road trip from Hanoi to Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa province. Upon arrival, welcome and check in your hotel in Pu Luong. Pu Luong is a nature reserve with an area of 17,600 hectares, located in the Northwest of Thanh Hoa province in the two districts of Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa. This place is endowed by nature with primeval tropical closed-type forests that are green seasonally and beautiful terraced fields.
Make a visit to the iconic waterwheels along the Cham stream. These are traditional constructions, completely made of bamboo and wood—an example of very clever ways in which Thai and Muong have watered their rice fields for centuries. Has to see how waterwheels begin to turn—it is something like a spectacle or even a water ritual dance. You not only enjoy the magnificent scenes but also learn more about the sustainable agricultural practices that have kept this local community going for many generations.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 4: Hiking the picturesque Uoi - Lan - Hieu villages of Pu Luong
Start the day with a common and easy walk around the most beautiful valley of rice terraces in front of the retreat. Begining by descending into the valley facing the retreat where you can see the tumbling rice terraces. Then walk through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. You will be amazed by the panorama view of the village from above. After that, continue walking downhill to a local home where you can rest and take a cycle to go cycling around Lan village.
If time permits, visit a local family and learn about their traditional brocade weaving (not guaranteed). Then cycle through the rice paddies and village to village, bridge to bridge, to explore more of the scenic landscapes surrounding the area. End up at Hieu Village, the stunning village in the area, have a good chance to enjoy the Hieu waterfall, the only one in the reserve. Have lunch at a local home and ride back to the pick-up point. A car will take you back to Puluong retreat for dinner.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 5: A cruise day in the ancient Tonkin of Ninh Binh
From Pu Luong Retreat, depart for Ninh Binh and check-in Emeralda Resort, which is located next to Van Long Nature Reserve – the largest pristine wetland reserve in the Northern Delta. At Emeralda, each room is meticulously designed with skillfully carved wooden ceilings, red roofs covered with moss, each detail in the room has a unique beauty of an old house in the Northern countryside.
Visit Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh. In 2014, UNESCO listed Trang An’s limestone karst peaks with sheer vertical walls 200m (656ft) above the surrounding land and water. The terrain is a harmony of rice paddies, streams, and dense rain forest clinging to cliffs and mountains. Admire Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state from the late 10th century, in the complex. Despite the fortress’s destruction, Dinh and Le dynasty temples remain amid the rice paddies.
In the afternoon, visit Tam Coc, famous as “Ha Long Bay on Land”, and spend two calm hours floating down the river and through the canals with a seasoned rower. Enter three of the highlands’ many natural caverns to see karst architecture.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay: overnight cruise on unspoiled waters
Depart Ninh Binh for a scenic drive to Halong Bay by new high way. Ha Long Bay cruises are generally considered safe and enjoyable for solo female travelers. A reputable and women-led cruise like Orchid will cater to your free spirit and take you through the best and most hidden part of Halong Bay to immerse in tranquility and nature’s embrace.
As a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay covers an area of 43,400 ha (168 sq mi) including over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Board your cruise ship to admire the stunning islets that soar from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest along with wind and wave-eroded grottoes add to the enchantment of this breathtakingly beautiful region. Stop to visit the caves, islets, enjoy kayaking and swimming over the turquoise water of the bay.
Optional to join in a cooking demonstration and cocktails.
Overnight on board as the ship dock in the quiet bay overlooking to the starry night.
Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Quang Binh - Phong Nha
Begin the day with a sunrise Tai Chi session on deck, as the first light casts golden hues across Lan Ha Bay. After breakfast, journey to Cat Ba Island to explore Trung Trang Cave, a stunning limestone formation adorned with ancient stalactites. Return to the cruise for cabin check-out and a final onboard lunch before bidding farewell to the bay. Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, drive back to Hanoi and transfer to Noi Bai airport to take flight to Quang Binh.
When it comes to Quang Binh, tourists cannot miss the famous tourist destination, the World Natural Heritage Phong Nha – Ke Bang. This is considered one of the 238 important ecological regions in the world, with limestone mountain ranges developing almost continuously and relatively homogeneous composition, a typical example of the Karst geological process. Phong Nha – Ke Bang is a region with geology and geomorphology with complex geographical structure, formed about 400 million years ago.
Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to your hotel in Phong Nha to check-in. Phong Nha Lake House is a multi-functional resort with facilities for both relaxation and fun. Spend your days out on our fresh-water lake or relax by the pool. With a wide range of facilities, the choice is up to you!
Day 8: Exotic cave & jungle trekking in Phong Nha - Hang En
The journey 2 days 1 night Hang En Adventure brings customers to the fairyland in the Hollywood movie (Pan: The Neverland 2015), and where ABC News made the live broadcast for Good Morning America program. Hang En cave is part of the famous Son Doong expedition tour.
On the morning of the departure, the car will come to pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha from 7:30 to 8:00 am, and bring you to the Oxalis office. There you will listen to the safety briefing, sign the release form, pack your bag and receive the necessary safety equipment.
After departing from Oxalis Phong Nha office, the group starts with a jungle trek, hiking down a steep hill to reach a branch of the Rao Thuong Stream leading to the only village located in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. After about 1 and a half hours of walking and wading through streams, the group will arrive at Doong Village – the home of the minority ethnic community living deep in the jungle. The group will stop for lunch at the village and learn about the life of the people here before continuing the trek to Hang En camp. Continuing walking through the jungle, crossing the river many times, the group will reach Hang En after about 3 hours. There everyone will be equipped with helmets, turn on the headlamps and start climbing the rocky section to explore the cave. Standing on the top of the rocky slope, you will see the entire Hang En Cave camp and the mesmerizing surrounding scenery. After receiving your tent, you can enjoy swimming in the turquoise lake next to the camp, before enjoying delicious food right in the cave. That’s the first camping day!
NOTICE
- Oxalis offers free dorm room service with 6 comfortable beds for customers at Oxalis Home (Oxalis Office, Quang Binh).
- Guests arriving in Phong Nha early on the morning of the Oxalis Adventure tours departure day may rest a little before the start of the caving trip to Hang En. Please notify us in advance if you want to use the service.
Camping overnight in Hang En.
Day 9: Exotic cave & jungle trekking in Hang En - Phong Nha
After breakfast, the group continues, climbing up the rocks behind the camp in a cave, exploring and learning more interesting facts of nature’s masterpiece in Quang Binh Province, and admiring the stalagmites and stalactites. At the back of the cave, a new view of the Hang En campsite opens up. Save some precious memories of this unique place.
After wading through the underground streams you will reach the large sandy floor of the gigantic cave exit. The group will return through the cave to the underground camp to have lunch and a short break. The group will then leave the cave, for the final challenge of wading through many streams and climbing a steep hill around 450m high. At the top of the hill is the road and a bus with cold beverages ready to welcome you back after all the challenges in your caving adventure to discover the wonderful Hang En.
The bus will take the group back to Phong Nha at about 18:00.
Day 10: Phong Nha - Vietnam DMZ (Vinh Moc tunnels) - Hue imperial city
Early in the morning, waking up from Phong Nha Lake House and enjoy the view of the nearby village. Breakfast at hotel.
Pick up at your hotels in Phong Nha village, then drive from Quang Binh to Vietnam DMZ (Demilitarized zone tours) in Quang Tri province. Vietnam War is one of the 10 Most Expensive Wars of US History and of the World. During the war, Quang Tri was the Border between North and South with Ben Hai River (Parallel 17th), Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels and many American Bases of McNamara Line. Today we will have chance to experience some relics left from the war and learn about the Vietnam War.
After that, continue to drive to Hue. Upon arrival, welcome and check in your hotel in Hue. Nestled along the tranquil Perfume River, Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, it enchants visitors with its rich royal heritage, legendary cuisine, moss-covered pagodas, art déco villas, and vibrant markets—all set against a backdrop of peaceful, leafy streets.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 11: Fisherman life on Tam Giang Lagoon with local lunch
Wake up early and take a short drive to Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and unquestionably the most beautiful place to visit. Explore the ancient village. Visit a friendly fisherman’s home and watch him weave traditional fishing tools and a bamboo sampan before joining him on a boat ride across the beautiful lagoon. Admiring the authentic lifestyle of boat dwellers, learning how generations of families “eat, pray, love,” and survive on a house-boat, is an eye-opening experience. Paddle gently alongside the unique aqua-culture farm system before beginning the original fishing techniques. Continue your visit to a vegetable farm for a special “farm to table” lunch cooked with the host. Return to Hue. Overnight in Hue.
Day 12: Royal back-in-time in Hue Imperial Citadel - Drive to Hoi An ancient town
Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and its magnificent emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel add to its undeniable royal charm. Explore the Imperial Citadel, which is located in the heart of the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As your guide explains the events and intrigue surrounding the former royal court, enter through the towering main gate and take in the magnificent architecture and gardens. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, some sections are incredibly well-preserved and others are being carefully restored.
Hue to Hoi An is 130 km away via the Hai Van pass. The route weaves along the coastline and through the jungle-covered mountains. It takes around four hours to complete. Upon arrival, transfer to your selected hotel in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 13: My Son, the lost Kingdom of Champa - Mindful moments while in Hoi An (walking tour)
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An flourished as a trade harbor, attracting merchant vessels from China, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Well-preserved buildings, lanes dedicated for foot traffic, and unique regional cuisine give modern visitors a taste of this historic town’s storied past, which has earned it World Heritage status. On a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s winding streets, you can see old merchant houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to connect them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market, with stalls selling a wide variety of goods.
After your stroll through Hoi An’s ancient streets, pause for a quiet moment at a hidden teahouse. As you sip pure Vietnamese ancient tea, let the stillness settle in. Here, tea is more than a drink—it’s a way to slow down, connect, and share a mindful moment rooted in Vietnamese tradition and care by a cup of tea.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 14: Meet dynamic Saigon, drive to Ben Tre & countryside stay in Mekong Home
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport to take domestic flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, welcome and drive to Ben Tre province.
Arrive in a charming village, hidden under hundreds of coconut palm trees. Welcome at Mekong Home, charming familial house composed of several bungalows, set in a tropical garden and on the Mekong river bank. Fresh coconut juice will be served, then check in your room. Take rest for a while then lunch will be served at Mekong Home open air restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will cruise along the Ham Luong River visiting small factories that provide an insight into how the local economy works. Stops include a coconut processing workshop where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products, and a broom making family, where brooms are making using a coconut leaves – you can even have a go at weaving yourself! Stop at a peaceful village for a short walk to see more of local life in the community before travelling by bicycle or xe loi, a design of cyclo used only in the Delta, before taking a rowing boat along narrow canals back to the main boat.
Return to the restaurant at the end of the afternoon and participate in a cooking class: “Bánh xèo” – Vietnamese pancake made from rice milk. Dinner is ready to serve with fresh dishes include local vegetable, ingredients and flavors cooked in local style such as: caramelized pork, fish soup, spring roll… After dinner, relax by lemongrass and ginger foot bath, a local therapeutic method to relieve the pain and fatigue of the legs.
Overnight in Ben Tre.
Day 15: Biking & sampan in coconut land - Back to Saigon & Lady night-out food tour on Vespa
Enjoy fresh air while breakfast is served. After that, start cycling trip (from 2 hours to 2.5 hours) to the island of Oc on a concrete track, lined with fruit trees and coconut trees. On the way, pass by the local market where various of local ingredients as vegetable, meat, fruits, are sold. Subject to availability, visit a workshop of baskets made of coconut stems and a coconut processing operation. You will have chance to interact with workshop owner on different braiding techniques.
Then return to the bicycles and cross a local Mekong River ferry to reach the island. From there, cycling on small paths dotted with small huts hidden in lush vegetation while seeing the daily life of the inhabitants of Mekong Delta, governed by artisanal and agriculture activities. Stop at a fish farm, to know more about two species of catfish: ca tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and ca ba sa (Pangasius bocourti), raised in ponds. These catfish are the two main species of fish
production in Vietnam. Continue biking and back to Mekong Home. Check out at around 12:00.
Drive back to Saigon.
The darker the night gets, the more vivid Saigon becomes! Get ready for a fascinating ride by vintage vespa tonight to discover busy Saigon after dark, together with fun street food tasting in the most authentic local restaurants. Make your first stop at a small yet popular Vietnamese bread stall, line up to get a fresh bread roll before heading to a vintage coffee shop tucked away in a back alley for a briefing. Then continue to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the streets and explore an old apartment complex that comes to life at night with hundreds of food and drinks stalls. Continue riding to a hidden boutique local restaurant to taste the freshest Southern Vietnamese courses. Take a break at a local dessert shop. Conclude your night at a speak easy bar tucked away in a quiet alley to taste their signature cocktails and have a chat with people here. Hop back on the vespa and ride back to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 16: Essential Saigon: A Journey Through Iconic landmarks and Cholon
Saigon is a dynamic city filled with culture and different lifestyles and enriched by its strong links to the past through its colonial landmarks. This morning, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then walk across to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. Continue to the Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Southern Vietnamese Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the history of the Vietnam War. Be a part of Saigon daily life by experiencing Saigon’s street coffee.
Drive out of the Saigon city center and into the historic Cho Lon – one of the oldest Chinatown in Southeast Asia. Cho Lon itself first emerged in 1779 around the time of the Tay Son rebellion. The ethnic Chinese settled in Cho Lon (which means big market), and it remained a city in its own right and a major business hub until 1932, when it begun to rapidly urbanize. Stroll around the traditional medicine streets and Binh Tay market and visit the Thien Hau temple, the most important temple in the area. Stop by the FITO museum to learn about how traditional Chinese medicine has been preserved and passed down through generations in Vietnam.
Day 17: Saigon departure
Enjoy Saigon at your own leisure until checking out. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport to take departure flight to your home country. Thank you very much for choosing us as your destinations.
