Green Rhythms of Vietnam

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a unique city known for its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and ancient oriental temples.

The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, meet your guide and continue exploring Hanoi. Begin the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the nation’s founder.

Located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, the mausoleum is one of Vietnam’s most important historical monuments, where Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. (Open Tuesday–Thursday and weekends from 08:00–11:00.)

Continue to the nearby Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Built in 1958 as a birthday gift for Uncle Ho, the stilt house reflects his modest lifestyle and personal philosophy.

Close to this complex stands the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus rising from a square pond. Originally constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, it was destroyed in 1954 and later restored in 1955.

The tour continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This historic site offers valuable insight into the country’s educational traditions spanning over a thousand years.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel for a short rest before enjoying a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter. Each street is traditionally associated with a specific craft, such as Silk Street, Shoe Street, and Banner Street, before reaching the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, the social heart of the city.

Later in the day, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance, a unique Vietnamese art form originating from the Red River Delta.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

In the morning, depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh by private vehicle, then continue to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park.

Upon arrival, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about the park’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.

From the Bong Center of Cuc Phuong National Park, begin an approximately 18 km trekking adventure through dense tropical rainforest, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of pristine jungle landscapes.

A picnic lunch is served beneath the shade of a giant ancient tree deep in the forest. After around 6 hours of trekking, including several ascents and descents along jungle trails, make the final downhill walk into a peaceful valley.

Arrive at Khanh Village, home to the Muong ethnic minority. Check in at a traditional stilt-house homestay, where the host family warmly welcomes you. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with the family and free time to relax and chat with your hosts.

Overnight at a traditional stilt house.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and enjoy a pleasant 7 km walk through the countryside to the main road, passing expansive rice paddies and sugarcane farms. Meet your bus and transfer to Hoa Lu.

Hoa Lu was the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le Dynasties in the 10th century. Once covering an area of nearly 300 hectares, today the site preserves two important temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

Continue with a memorable boat trip to Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic limestone landscape.

Spanning over 1,500 hectares, Trang An features 31 valleys, more than 50 water caves, and a rich ecosystem of hundreds of plant and animal species, all surrounded by spectacular forested mountains.

Transfer back to your hotel in Ninh Binh for relaxation.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, transfer to Nam Dinh City. Upon arrival at Vi Khe Village, one of the largest and most renowned bonsai villages in Vietnam, explore impressive creations shaped by skilled artisans into symbolic forms such as dragons, phoenixes, horses, unicorns, and designs inspired by the Temple of Literature.

Continue to visit a Countryside Museum, offering valuable insight into the traditional lifestyle of Vietnamese farmers. In the afternoon, head to the salt fields for a hands-on experience, where you may take part in daily activities as a local salt farmer or fisherman.

Later, transfer to EcoSea Center to relax and enjoy a BBQ dinner featuring fresh local seafood. In the evening, delight in a traditional music performance including Cheo, Van singing, or Quan Ho folk songs — iconic cultural expressions of the Red River Delta and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Overnight at a homestay, living alongside warm and welcoming local families.

Wake up to the calm and refreshing atmosphere of the countryside and enjoy a relaxed morning. After breakfast, begin the day with a leisurely cycling tour around Giao Xuan Commune, soaking in the rural scenery and the peaceful rhythm of local life. Along the way, visit a traditional fish sauce workshop to learn about time-honored production methods and discover an essential element of Vietnamese culinary heritage.

Return to EcoSea Center for check-out, then continue cycling along scenic country roads toward Xuan Thuy National Park, passing through lush rice fields and tranquil villages of Nam Dinh Province. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat excursion through the national park, a Ramsar-listed wetland area renowned for birdwatching and rich biodiversity. Stop at a clam hut to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in a unique riverside setting.

In the afternoon, visit Phu Nhai Church, one of the earliest Catholic churches in Vietnam and an important historical landmark reflecting the introduction of Christianity to the country. Later, transfer by private vehicle to Hai Phong Province.

Overnight in Hai Phong.

After breakfast, transfer to Hai Phong port city to take a hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island, with a journey time of approximately two hours.

Cat Ba is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and is home to a wide variety of natural ecosystems. The island offers both relaxation and adventure, promising visitors an unforgettable experience.

Upon arrival, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel on Cat Ba Island. Enjoy free time to relax on the beach or explore the island at your own pace.

Overnight at the hotel on Cat Ba Island.

This morning, visit Cat Ba National Park. Along the way, stop to explore the old military hospital cave, which was used by the North Vietnamese Army during the American War.

Upon arrival at the park entrance, begin a scenic trek of approximately 3 km up to Ngu Lam Mountain, where you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Cat Ba Island and its surrounding landscapes.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure—swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cat Ba Island or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel on Cat Ba Island.

Rising early in the morning, transfer to Gia Luan Harbour to take the ferry to Tuan Chau Harbour. Upon arrival, wait for cruise check-in at around 12:00 noon.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. Located nearly 200 km from Hanoi, the bay is famed for its breathtaking seascape of over 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

Board a traditional wooden sailing junk and begin cruising through the dramatic limestone karsts and tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch served on board while admiring the stunning scenery.

In the afternoon, take time to swim in the bay and explore fascinating limestone caves. As the sun sets, the junk drops anchor near a peaceful, remote island. Dinner is served on board, offering a memorable evening surrounded by nature.

Overnight on board the junk.

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of the bay and enjoy the fresh morning air. There is time for an early morning swim while watching the breathtaking sunrise over the sea, followed by breakfast served on board.

This morning, we continue cruising through Ha Long Bay, heading toward more secluded and peaceful areas. The junk remains nearby at all times, serving as a support vessel for guests who may require assistance.

Around midday, the cruise returns to the main harbor. Disembark and transfer by private vehicle back to Hanoi, with a journey of approximately 4–5 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today you have free time in Hanoi until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Saigon. In the afternoon, we pass the site of the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before visiting the historic Reunification Palace.

Reunification Palace is a unique architectural landmark originally designed for the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Visitors can admire both its distinctive design and the peaceful atmosphere created by surrounding gardens and greenery.

Continue the city tour with visits to classic French colonial landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office.

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings influenced by European architecture, notable for its red brick façade, stained glass windows, and elegant interior details.

After that, visit the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum.

The War Remnants Museum features exhibitions primarily related to the American phase of the Vietnam War, including historical photographs, documents, and military equipment displayed in both indoor galleries and an outdoor courtyard.

Our final stop is the lively Ben Thanh Market, where you can browse local goods, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, at 07:30, we leave the bustling city of Saigon and head toward a mountainous region lined with rubber plantations and lush green coffee farms. A scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours brings us to a former volcanic crater known as the Lava Tubes. After crossing the Dong Nai River, we officially enter Nam Cat Tien National Park, where our wildlife adventure begins.

For nature lovers, a journey to Nam Cat Tien National Park is an unforgettable experience. Here, visitors can explore pristine forests while also discovering the culture and traditional livelihoods of local ethnic communities through a visit to Ta Lai Village.

Lunch is served inside the park before we prepare for an exciting excursion to Crocodile Lake. A jeep takes us along a 10 km concrete road, followed by a 5 km trek deep into the forest. Along the way, the sounds of countless insects, the calls of grey monkeys, and the mysterious chirps of forest birds accompany us.

At the lake, a rustic forest ranger outpost provides basic accommodation. Though simple, the experience is truly rewarding—especially when spotting the glowing red eyes of crocodiles from a small canoe on the lake.

Tonight, enjoy a simple dinner prepared by the forest rangers.

Hike back out from the jungle to the main route, where our jeep awaits to transfer us back to the park headquarters. Accommodation is arranged in comfortable air-conditioned rooms with hot showers, located in the heart of the park.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour walk through the jungle leading to a bird watchtower, offering panoramic views over the surrounding forest and wetlands—an ideal spot for observing local birdlife.

After nightfall, embark on an exciting night spotting excursion by jeep, equipped with a spotlight to search for nocturnal wildlife. Species commonly seen include deer, civet, gaur, mongoose, macaques, snakes, and various small animals hidden within the forest.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

After breakfast at the park headquarters, we continue to Tien Island for further exploration of the park’s natural beauty.

We then make our way out of Nam Cat Tien National Park, where transportation is arranged for the return journey to Saigon.

Upon arrival in Saigon, enjoy free time at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Saigon.

The Mekong Delta is the region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea. This fertile and lush area is covered with vast rice fields and produces nearly half of Vietnam’s total agricultural output.

At 08:30, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the “rice bowl of Vietnam.” Upon arrival in Ben Tre Province, continue toward Tien Giang to board a local boat for a scenic cruise among the famous Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix Islands.

En route, visit a small workshop producing traditional coconut handicrafts, followed by a stop at Turtle Island to enjoy seasonal tropical fruits in a lush orchard.

After the boat trip, enjoy a leisurely ride on a horse-drawn cart along peaceful country roads to a local garden for a honey tasting session. Continue the adventure on a smaller rowing boat along Xep Canal, winding through shaded waterways lined with palm trees.

In the afternoon, return to Ben Tre for lunch before transferring back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you by car to the pier, where you will board your boat for a scenic journey departing Saigon toward the lush tributaries of the Mekong Delta.

A light breakfast of pastries or sandwiches, tropical fruits, and Vietnamese white or black coffee is served on board. Begin your exploration with a visit to Can Giuoc Market, a lively riverside market marking the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

As the boat continues, the landscape gradually changes from riverside water palms to dense mangrove swamps as you approach Can Gio Forest. Arrive at the Giant Bat Lagoon and explore the area by rowing boat, followed by a gentle trek through the mangrove jungle.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a private riverside location, featuring local specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish.

In the afternoon, continue to Vam Sat Eco Park to visit a crocodile reserve (with the opportunity to feed them), observe monkeys in their natural habitat, and take part in activities such as crab fishing and bird-watching for exotic resident and migratory species. You may also enjoy an additional walk through the mangrove forest.

In the early afternoon, depart the mangrove jungles of Can Gio and return by boat to Saigon. Upon arrival at the pier, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Today is at your leisure until check-out time. At the scheduled hour, you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.