15 days The Depth of Vietnam 

Hanoi, Mai Chau, The Red River Delta, Bai Tu Long Bay, Hoi An, My Son Temples, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi
Upon our arrival our driver greets us and transfers to our hotel. In the afternoon, we get acquainted with the city by strolling among the local people and the Old Quarter.

Day 2 Hanoi / Mai Chau
Departing from Hanoi we head to Hoa Binh province, there is plenty of incredible mountain scenery.

We arrive in the remote region of Mai Chau, a magical valley, full of rice fields and serene villages which are perfect for exploring, we hike about 8 km along tracks and paths used by the locals and descend to the village of Van, home to White Thai minority people.

After dinner we stay overnight as guests in a traditional Thai wooden stilt-house. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 3 Mai Chau / The Floating Village of Kenh Ga / Trang An 
We hike around cornfields, across hills and through rice terraces, past several White Thai hamlets. Later in the morning, we drive to Ninh Binh province. This is followed by a leisurely boat ride across the Hoang Long River. 

Here, we explore the floating village of Kenh Ga, set among stunning limestone scenery and a network of peaceful backwaters, we walk around scenic outcrops and open rice fields.

We stay in a local family in a peaceful village in Ninh Binh. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 4 Trang An / The Red River Delta
This morning we explore Trang An, an area which is well-known for its beautiful limestone mountains. Here, we take a stroll around villages.

This is followed by a delightful bicycle ride through beautiful rock formations and peaceful villages before we enjoy a boat trip along the river of Trang An.

Next, we settle in with a local family. Here, we learn how to make rice noodles and spring rolls and other typical dishes in the Red River Delta. The night is spent in a local family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 5 The Red River Delta / Bai Tu Long Bay 
Driving east we arrive in Ha Long City where we board our boat and embark on a boat trip amongst 3000 spectacular limestone peaks, whilst having lunch on the boat.

Those who are energetic and relish a close view of stunning limestone outcrops can climb aboard our kayaks for a leisurely exploration of the bay.

On Quan Lan Island we settle in with a delightful local family for the night to experience their way of life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 6 Bai Tu Long Bay
After breakfast we spend the morning cycling on Van Don Island and relaxing on the beautiful beach.

A few hours of boating and kayaking follows – time to appreciate the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay as we progress further around the bay, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque.

Arriving in Cai Rong Island we spend the night in a relaxing and comfortable hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 7 Cai Rong Island / Hanoi
This morning it is time to return to our starting point 6 days ago. With Hanoi only 4 hours away, we depart Cai Rong for some exploration of a local market and a fishing village.

After lunch in Hon Gai town we drive to Hanoi. On the way we have a refreshment stop at Dong Trieu, a traditional ceramics village. We arrive back in Hanoi at around 5 pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

Day 8 Hanoi Explorer
After breakfast we take a short drive to Ho Chi Minh Complex. From here we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his lush living quarter. Time is also spent strolling around the One Pillar Pagoda and its surroundings, before we drop into the serene Temple of Literature and Vietnam's first University.

Let us sample delicious local food. Afternoon finds us in the Museum of Ethnology. A colourful and comprehensive museum and dedicated to Vietnam’s more than 50 ethnic minority people. We see its beautiful indoors and outdoor exhibits and learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam.

Following that we wander through the most fascinating portions of Hanoi's Old Quarter. We pass through some guilded streets and to the colourful and bustling local market of Dong Xuan.

An ideal way to spend the rest of afternoon is to admire the city's French-colonial architechture and stroll along the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by ancient trees and Buddhist temples.

We conclude our day with attending an incredible water puppet show. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes. (Breakfast and lunch are 
included).

Day 9 Hanoi / Take an overnight train to Danang
Today you use free time to shop, explore the sights or relax. Late tonight we board an overnight train bound for Danang. (Breakfast is included).

Day 10 Arrive in Danang / Hoi An 
We arrive in Danang at approximately 12:30pm. Our driver picks us up for a transfer to our hotel. Hoi An is home to a World Heritage site. We take an easy stroll through the Old Town and visit a handful of the city's major attractions.(Breakfast and dinner are included).

Day 11 Hoi An sightseeing / My Son Temples
Today we visit My Son Temple, the very former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second century and the thirteenth century.

There is something in Hoi An for everyone, from historical architecture to art galleries and excellent shopping. Weather permitting, there will be time for you to relax on the beautiful beach. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

Day 12 Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City / Cu Chi Tunnels
Today we take a short early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, we journey to Cu Chi Tunnels.

Here, we wander around and spend time interacting with the local people, before we visit the tunnels which stretched over 250 km from Saigon to the Cambodian border.

At the height of its existence, the tunnel system was three levels deep. Arriving back to Ho Chi Minh City for our accommodation for the night. (Breakfast and lunch and are included).

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta
From Ho Chi Minh City we travel to the loating market of Cai Be and enjoy a boat trip that enables us to view the amazing waterways where we observe the floating markets and learn about the way of life in the delta. 

We reach Ben Tre province, home to lush fruit orchards, rivers and a former stronghold of Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

This evening we settle in with a hospitable and friendly local family for a dinner and an overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 14 Mekong Delta / Ho Chi Minh City 
We continue our discovery of the delta by boating along the Hau River, passing through mango groves and fruit orchards, stopping at our pleasure to savour the delta's succulent crops and bring us into contact with the local people.

Following that we board our vehicle for our return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. The night is spent in a hotel. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City
We can depart at any time today. (Breakfast is included).

The facts…

Physical activities: 

Our itinerary includes bicycle rides, walks, hikes and kayaks with:

- a 6-10 km walk and hike on Day 2.

- a 6-9 km walk and hike on Day 3.

- a 9-11 km bicycle ride on Day 4.

- a 1-2 hour kayak ride on Day 5.

- a 9-12 km bicycle ride on Day 6.

- a 1-2 hour kayak ride on Day 6.

From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

Transport: 

- train.

- kayak.

- plane.

- boat.

- bicycle.

- vehicle.

Tour Guides: 

Our experienced and friendly tour guides speak fluent English. They are knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation: 

- hotels (7 nights). 

- homestays (6 nights).

- overnight train (1 night). 

Clean and welcoming homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Meals:

We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, homes or markets. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

Trip cost: 

- $986USD per person for a group of 2 to 7 people. 

- $875USD per person for a group of 8 to 12 people.

The cost of the trip includes: 

- all accommodation.

- transportation.

- meals listed on the itinerary.

- tour guides.

- all entrance fees.

- two bottles of mineral water.

- permits during guided excursions.

The cost of the trip does not include: 

- travel insurance.

- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol and bottled water).

- other personal expenses.

What to take: 

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, small daypack for cycling, walking and hiking, passport, comfortable walking shoes, personal articles, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat.