11 Day Vietnam Explorer History Trekking and Hidden Gems

Welcome to Hanoi! We’re thrilled to have you here. Upon your arrival at Hanoi Airport, a friendly local driver will be there to greet you with a warm smile and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Your room will be ready for check-in from 2:00 PM onwards, so you can settle in comfortably. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Whether you choose to relax and unwind after your flight, take a stroll to explore the vibrant neighborhood, or simply enjoy some downtime at the hotel, it’s all up to you. Meals today are on your own, but don’t hesitate to ask us for recommendations to find some great local spots nearby. Wishing you a restful evening and a wonderful first night in Hanoi!

7:00 AM – Your adventure begins! Our friendly guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, and we’ll set off for Ninh Binh—a scenic 120 km journey through the Vietnamese countryside. 9:00 AM – Time for a quick 20-minute break to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or snap some photos of the beautiful landscapes along the way. 10:30 AM – Explore the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia! Marvel at its impressive records, including the 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a breathtaking 100-ton Buddha statue.

10:30 AM – Explore the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia! Marvel at its impressive records, including the 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a breathtaking 100-ton Buddha statue. 12:30 PM – Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring local specialties like goat meat, fried rice, and more. Vegetarian options are always available!

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Discover the stunning Trang An Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Famous for its mesmerizing caves and waterways, this area was even featured in the movie Kong: Skull Island! Hop on a boat and glide through enchanting caves like Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave), surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil rivers. 4:00 PM – Take a leisurely 45-minute bike ride through the peaceful countryside, getting a glimpse of local village life and the serene beauty of rural Vietnam. 4:45 PM – Hop back on the bus for a comfortable ride back to Hanoi.

4:45 PM – Hop back on the bus for a comfortable ride back to Hanoi. 7:00 PM – Arrive back in Hanoi, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel or our office, wrapping up an unforgettable day of culture, nature, and adventure!

6:00 - 6:30 AM: Meet at the bus station and board our comfortable sleeper bus to begin your Sapa adventure. 7:30 - 11:45 AM: Travel along the highway to Lao Cai, with a rest stop for refreshments and relaxation.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM: Ascend into the mountains toward Sapa, enjoying panoramic views of lush valleys and stunning terraced rice fields. 1:00 PM: Arrive in vibrant Sapa Town, where H'Mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic communities greet you in their colorful traditional attire. - Refresh with a welcome drink while your guide outlines the itinerary. - Enjoy a delicious local Vietnamese lunch featuring regional specialties.

2:15 PM: Take a short transfer to Y Linh Ho, then begin your 9 km trek (approx. 3.5 hours) through: - Golden rice terraces - The Muong Hoa Stream - The Black H'mong village of Lao Chai, with breathtaking views of Hoang Lien Son Mountain - Arrive at Ta Van village, home to the Dzay ethnic minority, by late afternoon.

5:45 PM - Check into your homestay and meet your welcoming Dzay family. - Relax and soak in the serene mountain sunset. - Optional: Join a cooking session to learn traditional recipes. Savor a homemade dinner in the cozy family atmosphere. Evening: Unwind at a local bar (if you wish), mingling with fellow travelers before resting for the night.

8:00 AM: Wake up to a homemade breakfast prepared by your host family, fueling up for another day of adventure. 8:45 AM - Continue your trek through vibrant rice paddies - perfect for stunning landscape photos. - Walk through a peaceful bamboo forest - Stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dzao ethnic group. 11:00 AM - Cross the picturesque Giang Ta Chai Bridge to meet your bus. - Trekking details: ~4 km (about 2 hours) of moderate walking. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Return to Sapa Town where you'll enjoy: - A refreshing welcome drink at your hotel - A delicious Vietnamese lunch - Time to check-in and freshen up

2:30 PM: Take a leisurely walk to Cat Cat Village (home of Black H'mong people), nestled in a valley below Fansipan Peak. Your guide will introduce you to: - Traditional local lifestyles and crafts - The historic French hydroelectric station - A charming waterfall - great for photos! Note: Includes some uphill walking to meet your return transport.

4:30 PM: Arrive back in Sapa Town. Enjoy free time to explore before dinner. Overnight at your hotel with optional evening activities.

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM: - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Use this free time to: - Stroll through the charming streets of Sapa - Shop for last-minute souvenirs - Visit the local market - Complete your hotel check-out by noon 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: - Gather for a final group lunch in town. Afterwards, take some personal time to relax before departure. 1:30 PM: - Meet your group in the hotel lobby and prepare for the journey back to Hanoi. 2:00 PM: - Board the comfortable bus to Hanoi. There will be two rest stops along the way for you to stretch and refresh. 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: - Arrive back in Hanoi. We’ll say our fond farewells at the bus stop, marking the end of your memorable Sapa adventure

Enjoy some free time until our driver arrives at your hotel to take you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our car will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Your room will be available from 2:00 PM onwards. Meals today are at your own arrangement. Overnight stay at the hotel.

7:45 AM – 8:15 AM - Pickup from your hotel in Da Nang. Begin your journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. 8:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Scenic Coastal Drive via Hai Van Pass - Travel along Vietnam’s most dramatic coastal route – the legendary Hai Van Pass (21 km of breathtaking views). - Stop at the historic Hai Van Gate for sweeping photo opportunities. - Continue with a photo stop at Lap An Lagoon, a peaceful saltwater lake framed by mountains. - Enjoy a break at Lang Co Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.

10:45 AM | Khai Dinh Tomb - Explore the fascinating tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, where East meets West in a fusion of imperial Vietnamese and European architecture. 12:00 PM | Lunch in Hue - Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional Hue royal cuisine. - Don’t miss the famous “Bún bò Huế” – a spicy beef noodle soup.

1:00 PM | Imperial Citadel Visit - Step into history at the UNESCO-listed Imperial City of Hue: - Ngo Mon Gate – the grand entrance - Thai Hoa Palace – the emperor’s throne hall - Nine Dynastic Urns – bronze symbols of royal power 3:00 PM | Thien Mu Pagoda - Visit Hue’s most iconic pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River. Its seven tiers are steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition.

3:45 PM | Return to Da Nang - Sit back and relax on the drive back through scenic landscapes. 6:00 PM | Hotel Drop-off - Arrive at your hotel in Da Nang. End of a culturally rich and memorable day.

8:00 AM | Hotel Pickup in Da Nang - Your friendly local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to begin your adventure. 8:30 AM | Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain - Ascend to this 693-meter-high national park for sweeping views of the coastline. After that, visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to: - The tallest Lady Buddha statue in Southeast Asia (67 meters) - 21 beautifully crafted Buddha sculptures - A serene lotus-shaped courtyard overlooking the sea 10:00 AM | Marble Mountains Exploration - Climb into Am Phu Cave and visit ancient Buddhist pagodas tucked into the marble cliffs. - Gain insight into Vietnam’s spiritual traditions—Buddhism and Hinduism intertwined. - Stop by Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village to admire or shop for traditional stone handicrafts. 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Local Lunch Experience - Enjoy a delicious, authentic Vietnamese meal at a handpicked local restaurant.

1:00 PM | Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle Adventure - Hop on a bamboo basket boat to explore the lush water palm forest. - Try your hand at local fishing techniques like round-net and cast-net fishing. - Soak in the tranquil beauty of this eco-village setting.

2:15 PM | Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour - Wander through the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site: - Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – a masterpiece of Chinese architecture - Japanese Covered Bridge – an icon of Hoi An’s multicultural history - Phung Hung Ancient House – a preserved merchant home Hoi An Market – a vibrant hub for local crafts and souvenirs - Discover how Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences blend seamlessly in this old town. 6:00 PM | Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoai River - Drift down the river in a traditional wooden boat surrounded by glowing lanterns - Take part in a peaceful flower lantern ceremony - Enjoy free time exploring the night market and soaking in the magical ambiance

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before making your way to Danang International airport for a quick flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city in Vietnam. Although a tour guide will not accompany you during the transfer, we will ensure that you're well taken care of. Once you land, our friendly driver will be waiting for you at the airport. They will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel for check-in, making sure you arrive safely and comfortably.

06:45-07:00 - Morning pickup from your Ho Chi Minh City hotel (Exact time depends on your hotel location) Morning: Historic Cu Chi Tunnels 07:00-08:30 - Scenic drive to Cu Chi district 08:30-09:00 - Introductory documentary about tunnel construction 09:00-11:30 - Tunnel exploration featuring: - Underground living quarters (kitchens, bedrooms) - Military facilities (field hospitals, command centers) - Hidden trap doors and defensive systems - War-era snacks: tapioca & herbal tea tasting 11:30-12:30 - Local Vietnamese lunch

Afternoon: Mekong Delta Experience 13:00-16:30 - My Tho river adventure: - Scenic boat cruise on Tien River (Dragon/Unicorn/Phoenix/Tortoise islands) - Traditional sampan ride through narrow canals - Village bicycle tour (optional) - Visit coconut candy workshop - Seasonal fruit tasting with honey tea - Southern Vietnamese folk music performance Evening Return 17:00-19:00 - Comfortable transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy your free time at leisure until it's time for your airport transfer. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your departure flight. (Please note: no tour guide is provided for this transfer.) Meals today are at your own arrangement. End of services.