Vietnam Explorer Trail

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the Old Quarter. After check-in and some rest, your introduction to the city begins with an immersive evening adventure.

Hop on a vintage-style motorbike with a local guide and explore Hanoi after dark. This is not your typical city tour — you’ll venture into narrow backstreets, crumbling French-era apartment blocks, and local night markets that tourists rarely see. Visit hidden wartime sites, ride across the historic Long Bien Bridge, and discover secret rooftops overlooking Hanoi’s railway corridor.

Along the way, you’ll stop to taste Hanoi’s most iconic street foods — from grilled pork noodles to crispy pancakes — and finish with traditional egg coffee or a cold local beer at a tucked-away café. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, continue your urban exploration with a deeper dive into Hanoi’s complex character. Travel through different districts by open-top vehicle or bike, starting in the French Quarter with its colonial architecture, then crossing the Long Bien Bridge into the rural Banana Island.

You’ll visit local neighborhoods, hidden wartime relics like B52 Lake, and active street markets to experience real everyday life. Stop for tea or snacks with a local family and learn how people adapted during difficult historical periods.

Lunch is served at a family-run eatery known for authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or simply enjoy a slower walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, a province famous for its towering limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, and rural charm. Upon arrival, hop on a bicycle and ride along quiet village paths, passing through endless rice paddies, lotus ponds, and local homes. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century, where you’ll explore the stone temples dedicated to emperors Dinh and Le. After a local lunch, continue to the scenic waterways of Trang An, where a traditional sampan boat awaits to take you on a serene journey through caves and past dramatic karst cliffs rising from the rice fields. Late afternoon, ascend the 500 steps to Hang Mua Peak for one of Vietnam’s most stunning panoramic views. 

This morning, depart for the coast to begin your journey into the UNESCO World Heritage wonder of Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a beautifully crafted wooden boat and settle in for a memorable overnight cruise through the iconic seascape of limestone pillars and emerald waters. Enjoy a welcome drink and fresh seafood lunch as you glide past fishing villages and dramatic islets. In the afternoon, take part in kayaking or a bamboo boat ride to explore hidden lagoons or visit a limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat in time for sunset on the deck, followed by a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and a multi-course dinner. Enjoy optional evening activities such as squid fishing or stargazing. Overnight on board in the calm waters of Halong Bay.

Start your day early with tai chi on the sundeck as the bay comes alive in the morning light. After breakfast, continue cruising through quiet areas of the bay and visit a floating village or secluded beach, depending on the route. Brunch is served on board as you make your way back to the pier. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi for a short flight to Da Nang in central Vietnam. From the airport, it’s a scenic drive to Hoi An — a beautifully preserved trading port town known for its lanterns, tailor shops, and historic architecture. Check in to your boutique hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the riverside cafés and night market of Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin the day with a guided walking tour through the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit traditional merchant houses, colorful temples, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Stop by a local workshop for a hands-on experience such as lantern-making or traditional wood carving. After lunch at a charming local restaurant, hop on a bicycle and ride through the quiet countryside. Pass through lush vegetable gardens, rice fields, and small hamlets. Visit a local farming family to learn about their daily life and agricultural practices. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, travel to the My Son Sanctuary, an atmospheric complex of ruined Hindu temples nestled in a lush jungle valley. Built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries, these towers offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural history. Wander among the red brick structures and learn about the site’s architecture and its destruction during the Vietnam War. Return to Hoi An in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience in a nearby fishing or farming village. You might ride in a basket boat through coconut groves, help locals plant vegetables, or try traditional net fishing. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, drive directly to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of Vietnam’s most significant historical sites. This vast underground network was used extensively by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. With your guide, explore hidden entrances, narrow passageways, and reconstructed living areas that reveal the harsh conditions of wartime life underground. Learn about the tunnel’s role in guerrilla warfare, view ingenious trapdoor systems, and optionally experience crawling through a short section yourself. Afterward, enjoy a traditional southern-style lunch before returning to the city. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, journey into the lush Mekong Delta, a region defined by winding rivers, floating villages, and fertile farmland. From Ben Tre or Cai Be (depending on logistics), board a private boat and cruise through narrow canals lined with coconut palms. Visit traditional family-run workshops producing coconut candy, rice paper, and bricks, and enjoy local snacks along the way. Savor a delicious lunch at a rural home featuring regional specialties. In the afternoon, ride a bicycle or take a xe loi (motorized rickshaw) through village paths, meeting friendly locals and observing rural life up close. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin your final day with a guided city tour showcasing the dynamic energy and historic character of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office — beautiful remnants of the French colonial era. Stroll along bustling Dong Khoi Street, explore a colorful local market, or enjoy a last cup of Vietnamese coffee at a rooftop café with panoramic city views. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time for some last-minute shopping or relaxation before transferring to the airport for your international departure. Tour ends.