Get ready for the ultimate Vietnam adventure where we'll venture off the beaten path and immerse ourselves in authentic local life. Over 11 unforgettable days, we’ll journey from the dynamic rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the historic charm of Hue, the peaceful rice terraces of Pu Luong, the vibrant pulse of Hanoi, and the quiet emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

This isn't your typical tourist trail. We’ll kayak through hidden canals and bays, learn to cook traditional dishes in a century-old garden house, trek and cycle through remote rice terraces, indulge in authentic street food, and wander the streets of both bustling cities and small countryside towns.

Along the way, we’ll connect with Vietnam not just through what we see, but through how we experience it. Travel with like-minded adventurers who'll make this journey unforgettable.

Our trip includes 10 nights of carefully selected accommodation, from boutique hotels with rooftop pools to overnight trains and authentic oasis retreats. Plus 23 included activities and all transport between destinations. Whether we're watching trains skim past shops on Train Street, cooling off under Hieu Waterfall, or sampling street food on a guided foodie tour, this is Vietnam as it's meant to be experienced—real, raw, and absolutely unforgettable.

Your airport transfer on day 1 is included at any time upon arrival.

Check into the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore on your own or relax until dinner.

Get to know your group and toast to the adventure ahead at a local restaurant.

• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head out for a walking tour of the Saigon District, the vibrant and historical heart of Ho Chi Minh City, which is the primary hub for business, tourism, and nightlife.

More than a place of worship, Thien Hau Temple is known as a timeless cultural emblem in the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown. With over 260 years of history, this sacred sanctuary tells a living story of faith and identity.

Continue your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic colonial-era landmarks, where French architectural influence remains beautifully preserved. Visit the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, with its distinctive red-brick façade and twin bell towers, and the adjacent Central Post Office, a masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel featuring an elegant vaulted ceiling and intricate interior details.

Make brief photo stops outside the People's Committee Building and the Saigon Opera House to admire their striking French colonial architecture. Your guide will share the historical significance of these landmarks and their role in shaping the city's cultural identity.

Then we'll head to the Café Apartment for a late lunch, with time to explore boutique cafés and shops.

We'll finish the day with happy hour on Bui Vien Beer Street, soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere. Here you'll find bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops.

The rest of the evening is yours to explore on your own or head back to the hotel and relax.

• Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll check out and head to the airport.

We’ll take a short flight to Danang. This flight is included.

Upon arrival, we'll make our way to Hoi An. There we will participate in a hands-on experience at a community workshop where we’ll learn how solid soap is made from used cooking oil. This eco-friendly initiative helps reduce household waste while supporting local women and youth with additional income opportunities. We’ll even get to try the finished soaps and gain insight into how the project is protecting the natural environment.

Later in the afternoon, experience the magic of Hoi An from a whole new perspective as we paddle along its tranquil rivers at sunset. Our adventure begins at the kayak station in Cam Thanh. From there, paddle past lush greenery, local fishing boats, and riverside homes, connecting with nature and the calm rhythm of local life along the way. We'll glide through the peaceful coconut palm mangroves and quiet village waterways before reaching the Ancient Town.

After checking into the hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore on your own.

• Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out for the day.

We'll set off on a cycling ride towards the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island. The route will lead us through lush sceneries, rice paddies and farmlands.

Next we'll travel to Hue, the Imperial City, making our way up the famous Hai Van Pass. On the way, we'll pass a beautiful waterfall, stop for lunch along the way, and drive through magical country backroads.

We'll arrive in the historical town of Hue, the old seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore on your own.

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out for the day.

We'll travel to the peaceful Thuy Bieu Village and enjoy a scenic introduction to Hue from a new perspective. Visit a local market to learn about regional ingredients before stopping at Luong Quan Communal House, an important village gathering and worship site.

We'll continue to the historic Ho Xuan Dai Garden House, where we’ll join a hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Hue dishes. We get to sit down and enjoy our freshly cooked lunch that we prepared ourselves.

In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, once home to Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, followed by a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue.

We'll return to our hotel to relax before transferring to the Hue Train Station for our overnight train to Ninh Binh. This is travel the local way, rocking gently through the Vietnamese countryside, waking up to sunrise views.

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Lunch at the cooking class

Upon arrival at the train station, we'll have a short rest in Ninh Binh for breakfast and time to freshen up. Then we'll travel by bus towards Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

We'll trek a gentle 1.3 mile walk across a suspension bridge into one of Pu Luong’s most scenic villages, Ban Cong. Stroll past flowing streams, terraced rice fields and iconic giant water wheels, while our guide introduces us to native plants and village life along the way.

Visit a local home to join a Com Lam (bamboo sticky rice) cooking class, where you’ll prepare and enjoy this traditional dish with Muoi Vung dipping salt, while learning about the cultural importance of bamboo in daily life.

After, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant nearby.

We'll settle into our retreat hotel and take some time to rest.

We will have the rest of the evening to relax or explore on your own. Dinner is at your leisure onsite at the homestay.

• Dinner at a local restaurant or at the retreat hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at the retreat hotel.

We'll take a gentle trek through bamboo forests and rice terraces that leads us to cascading waters hidden among the limestone hills. Thac Hieu Waterfall is one of Pu Luong’s most stunning natural highlights. A perfect spot for a refreshing dip or quiet reflection.

We'll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the retreat hotel.

We will have the rest of the evening to relax or explore on your own. We'll have a chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in the hills. Dinner is at your leisure onsite at the homestay.

• Breakfast at the retreat hotel

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Dinner at the retreat hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set off for the vibrant capital city of Hanoi.

We'll arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, you'll have time to relax or explore on your own.

As a group, we'll set off on a city walk and progressive street food tour for dinner.

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Street food tour for dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to Bai Tu Long Bay.

A World Heritage-listed wonder, this bay is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. From the harbor, we'll board a boutique wooden boat for a cruise among the numerous limestone karst rising from the emerald water.

We'll spend the day eating lunch aboard, leisurely cruising further into the bay, kayaking, swimming, and soaking up the sun on the beach.

We'll toast to a gorgeous sunset and then a delicious Vietnamese meal will be served onboard. Relax or mingle with fellow travelers and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Lunch on the cruise

• Dinner on the cruise

Enjoy a light breakfast of tea, coffee and pastries on the sundeck.

After feel free to join a Tai Chi session, an ancient martial art combining slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and focused, meditative intention. Then enjoy your time to sunbathe and relax in the fascinating background of the bay.

Before departing, we'll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese brunch on the boat.

We'll head back to Hanoi to check into the hotel with the rest of the day is at your leisure.

• Breakfast on the cruise

• Brunch on the cruise (lunch)

Enjoy a slow final morning to reflect on the journey and exchange goodbyes with your tour mates before heading home.

• Breakfast at the hotel

Please note that even if you sign up for a private room, this cabin will be shared with another traveler