Dive into the heart of Vietnam through a complete 19-day authentic journey that combines spectacular landscapes, cultural richness, and genuine human encounters. From the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the terraced rice fields of Sapa, from traditional villages in the Mekong Delta to the emerald waters experienced during a scenic cruise in Ha Long Bay, this itinerary offers a deeply immersive and memorable experience. Staying with local families, exploring ethnic markets, and taking part in everyday activities allow travelers to discover Vietnam in its most authentic form. Gentle hiking routes through rural areas and meaningful encounters with local communities reveal the country’s living heritage, shaped by tradition, nature, and time.
Authentic encounters: share meals and everyday moments with local families in traditional villages such as Mai Chau, Mu Cang Chai, or Ben Tre, creating genuine connections rooted in local life and tradition.
Unforgettable landscapes: terraced rice fields, northern mountains, rolling green hills, and southern lagoons reveal Vietnam in its most authentic and unspoiled beauty.
Cultural immersion: visits to ethnic villages, traditional craft workshops, and vibrant local markets offer deep insight into Vietnam’s living heritage.
Diverse activities: enjoy scenic hiking trails, leisurely cycling routes, relaxing cruise experiences on the Mekong River and the Perfume River, as well as a classic junk boat cruise in Ha Long Bay.
Off-the-beaten-path experience: discover a side of Vietnam that few travelers get to see, through an authentic, preserved, and meaningful journey beyond the usual tourist routes.
Day 1: Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Capital City Tour
Day 3: Mai Chau
Day 4: Nghia Lo
Day 5: Mu Cang Chai
Day 6: Sapa
Day 7: Giang Ta Chai – Bac Ha
Day 8: Bac Ha Market – Hanoi
Day 9: Ha Long Bay
Day 10: Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue
Day 11: Hue – Imperial Citadel
Day 12: La Chu Village – Hoi An
Day 13: Hoi An – UNESCO-listed Ancient Town
Day 14: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Ben Tre
Day 16: Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 17: Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Arrival at Hanoi International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver, followed by a transfer to the city center. Check-in at the hotel and receive general information about the journey.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to rest or take your first personal walk around the hotel area. This is an opportunity to sense the authentic atmosphere of Hanoi, where lively traffic, small local shops, and peaceful lakes coexist in a unique rhythm.
Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Capital city tour (B)
After breakfast, depart for a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), one of the country’s most insightful museums, dedicated to the cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. This visit offers valuable insight into the nation’s cultural diversity and living heritage, providing meaningful context before exploring rural regions later in the journey.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and scholars, a powerful symbol of Vietnamese education and intellectual tradition. Then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, beautifully located on West Lake.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a guided stroll through the Old Quarter. Here, the city reveals its most authentic and vibrant character through narrow streets, daily life, and traditional trade activities.
To conclude the day, attend a traditional water puppet show, an iconic expression of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
Depart in the morning for the Mai Chau Valley, nestled in a mountainous region mainly inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Along the way, several stops allow you to admire rolling hills, rice fields, and peaceful rural villages that reflect the country’s rural heritage.
Arrive in Mai Chau around midday. Lunch is hosted by a local family in a traditional stilt house, offering an authentic moment of sharing and cultural exchange. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle hiking walk or a leisurely cycling ride through Thai villages, discovering local architecture and engaging with residents to better understand their way of life.
In the evening, savor a dinner featuring local specialties, followed by a traditional folk dance performance.
Overnight at a homestay in Mai Chau.
Day 4: Mai Chau – Nghia Lo (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for Nghia Lo, crossing the Moc Chau Plateau, a region known for its tea plantations and mild climate. Several stops are planned to visit Thai, Muong, and Hmong villages, offering deeper insight into ethnic traditions and cultural heritage.
The journey continues through scenic landscapes of rice paddies and mountains, including a crossing of a large reservoir by local ferry, providing a brief and relaxing cruise experience amid tranquil surroundings. Arrival in the Muong Lo Valley in the late afternoon.
Check in with a local family and enjoy free time for an authentic walk through the village or a warm moment of exchange with your host family.
Overnight at a homestay in Nghia Lo.
Day 5: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai (B, L, D)
Depart in the morning for Mu Cang Chai, one of Vietnam’s most renowned regions for its spectacular terraced rice fields. The road winds through the mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range, offering impressive scenery along the way.
Cross the Khau Pha Pass, one of the highest and most breathtaking mountain passes in northern Vietnam, with panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding valleys. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking excursion in the La Pan Tan area, at the heart of terraced rice fields recognized as a national heritage site.
Meet local Hmong communities and learn about their traditional way of life.
Overnight at a homestay in Mu Cang Chai.
Day 6: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for Sapa, following the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Along the way, make stops in small towns and tea plantations, particularly in the Than Uyen region.
Cross the O Quy Ho Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, offering impressive views of Mount Fansipan. Arrival in Sapa around midday.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking excursion through the villages of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, surrounded by terraced rice fields.
Overnight at a homestay or hotel in Sapa.
Day 7: Sapa – Giang Ta Chai – Bac Ha, hiking and ethnic diversity (B)
After breakfast, continue exploring the surroundings of Sapa through a gentle hiking route linking several ethnic villages. Walk through beautiful terraced rice fields, lush bamboo forests, and cross suspension bridges offering stunning views over deep valleys.
Visit Giang Ta Chai Village, mainly inhabited by Red Dao and Black Hmong communities. Here, you will discover their traditional houses, colorful costumes, and a way of life closely connected to nature. After lunch, travel by road to Bac Ha, a peaceful small town nestled in the highlands of Northeast Vietnam.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy a walk through nearby villages for a first authentic introduction to this culturally diverse region.
Overnight at the hotel in Bac Ha.
Day 8: Bac Ha Ethnic Market – Red river landscapes – Hanoi (B)
Early in the morning, visit the weekly Bac Ha Market, one of the largest and most authentic ethnic markets in northern Vietnam. Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, Phula, and Dao minorities gather in their traditional attire to trade goods, livestock, and agricultural products, while sharing lively moments of social exchange.
After this colorful immersion, depart for Hanoi. The journey passes through the varied landscapes of the Red River basin, alternating between mountains, cultivated valleys, and rural villages. Arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy free time to relax.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay, Cruise through an iconic landscape (B, L, D)
Depart in the morning for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed natural heritage site and one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. Upon arrival, board a charming traditional junk boat and settle into your private cabin.
The cruise begins through a maze of limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald waters. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board in an authentic setting that reflects local life on the bay. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring spectacular caves, discovering floating fishing villages, or enjoying activities such as swimming or kayaking, depending on weather conditions.
Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay on the junk boat, offering a peaceful and authentic atmosphere in the heart of the bay.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay – Return to Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B, L)
Early in the morning, enjoy sunrise over the bay, a magical moment when morning mist drapes the limestone islets. The cruise continues at a gentle pace while brunch is served on board.
Disembark in the late morning and return by road to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Free time for a first authentic exploration of this former imperial capital, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
Day 11: Hue – Imperial splendors and spiritual traditions (B)
After breakfast, visit the Imperial City of Hue, a vast complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its ancient ramparts, palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City, all bearing witness to the authentic refinement and grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the city’s most iconic spiritual symbol. Continue with a visit to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a harmonious blend of architecture and nature set amid tranquil surroundings.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 12: Hue – La Chu village – Road to Hoi An (B, L)
Depart for an eco-friendly excursion to La Chu vegetable village. Enjoy a leisurely cycling ride through vegetable fields, lotus ponds, and rural hamlets. Visits to local craft workshops and time spent with residents provide an authentic glimpse into traditional countryside life. Gentle hiking walks through the village paths allow for closer interaction with daily agricultural activities and local customs.
After lunch, continue by road toward Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 13: Hoi An – Merchant heritage and a relaxed way of life (B)
The morning is dedicated to a guided visit of Hoi An’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses once belonging to Chinese congregations, the central market, and the historic port. This visit allows you to fully appreciate the city’s charm and unique atmosphere.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cycling excursion through the surrounding countryside, passing rice fields, traditional craft villages, and peaceful paths leading to the beach. Free time is provided for swimming or relaxing by the sea.
Return to Hoi An in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city (B)
Free time depending on flight schedule to enjoy Hoi An’s distinctive atmosphere one last time. Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and free time for an initial discovery of this dynamic southern metropolis.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre, Immersion in the heart of the Delta (B, L)
Early departure for Ben Tre, an emblematic province of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a local boat to cruise along shaded canals lined with coconut palms, offering an authentic and peaceful setting.
Visit a traditional brick kiln and a coconut candy workshop. Continue with a tuk-tuk ride through the countryside, followed by a rowing boat trip along narrow canals.
In the late afternoon, check in at a local homestay.
Traditional dinner and overnight in Ben Tre.
Day 16: Ben Tre – Delta countryside – Can Tho (B)
After breakfast, enjoy a cycling tour through rural villages to observe the daily life of delta residents. Ride through orchards, village schools, and small local markets.
In the early afternoon, travel by road to Can Tho, the economic center of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, stop at Cai Mon village, known for its plant nurseries and bonsai gardens, followed by a visit to the historic Binh Thuy House.
Arrival in Can Tho and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 17: Cai Rang floating narket – Return to Ho Chi Minh city (B, L)
Early in the morning, depart for a boat excursion to Cai Rang Floating Market. Observe commercial exchanges taking place on the water, a true reflection of daily river life in the Mekong Delta.
After the visit, discover a local orchard with a tasting of tropical fruits. Return to land and travel by road back to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch.
Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – History, modernity, and Cu Chi tunnels (B)
Explore Ho Chi Minh City with visits to the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior view), the former colonial quarter, and the Chinese district of Cho Lon, including Thien Hau Temple. These visits provide insight into the city’s history, cultural diversity, and local traditions.
In the afternoon, take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the war. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City – Final moments and departure (B)
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or a personal authentic stroll through the city, depending on your flight schedule. This is a final opportunity to reflect on the journey and the cultural heritage experienced throughout Vietnam.
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure.
End of our services.
From $ 1580 / person
Airport welcome service and all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
Domestic flights in economy class (Hanoi – Hue, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City).
18 nights of accommodation: charming hotels and homestays as indicated in the program.
Meals clearly specified in the itinerary:
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner.
All excursions, visits, and activities mentioned in the program, including walking tours, cycling excursions, cruises on the Mekong River and Ha Long Bay, cultural visits, and ethnic markets.
English-speaking guide throughout the entire journey to ensure a deeper cultural understanding and meaningful travel experience.
Entrance fees for all sites and monuments included in the itinerary.
International flights.
Beverages, meals not mentioned in the program, and optional meals.
Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff.
Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, optional activities not included).
Optional travel insurance (cancellation, baggage, and specific medical coverage).
Don’t let organizational details affect your enjoyment—here are a few simple tips to help you prepare your trip with peace of mind.
Best time to travel
March to May (late spring – early summer):
Pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes, ideal for exploring the highlights of Northern Vietnam and enjoying outdoor activities.
September to November (autumn):
Mild temperatures and limited rainfall, perfect for discovering mountains, terraced rice fields, and cultural sites.
Trip Price
All payments made in USD dollars are converted according to the exchange rate published on xe.com on the date of payment.
The price includes the full itinerary as indicated, accommodation, specified meals, transfers, and the services of an English-speaking guide.
Contact QASIA TRAVEL today for detailed information, a personalized quotation, or to reserve your authentic Vietnam tour designed around your travel style and expectations.
Whether you are planning a Vietnam cultural tour, an immersive journey through Northern Vietnam, or a tailor-made Vietnam travel experience, our team is here to help you create a meaningful and unforgettable adventure.
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