Day 1. Hanoi Arrival in Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Our friendly and professional tour guides will welcome you at the airport and will be at your disposal throughout your trip. We will take care of all transportation matters and ensure a smooth check-in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine on your first day. Day 2. Hanoi City Tour Hanoi is known for its tree-lined streets and French colonial mansions. Familiarize yourself with the city by taking a traditional cyclo for a slow Ride and visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, drive to Dao Thu village, home to the unique folk art of water puppetry unique to Vietnam. Meet an artisan who has mastered this ancient craft and learn how he and his family carry on the tradition. Then enjoy a outdoor water puppet show on a village pond, accompanied by a live traditional music performance. Day 3. Hanoi - Mai Chau (4 hours) Early morning, leave Hanoi and drive 4 hours to Mai Chau, 150 km southwest of Hanoi. Just an hour beyond Hanoi, after Hoa Binh Town, the road winds through mountains, fertile valleys, and traditional villages. You will reach the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by spectacular karst rocks and rice paddies. Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, home of the Thai people. The Thai are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam among over 50 different ethnic groups and have their own Sanskrit-style writing system used in many written works on history, traditions, customary laws, and literature. Immerse yourself in this local subculture and spend the night in this valley. Day 4. Mai Chau to Hanoi (4 hours) Short drive to Mai Hich, then start with an easy hike or walk through one or more other villages. After lunch in Mai Chau, begin the journey back to Hanoi. On the way, keep a camera handy to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mai Chau Valley peaks next door. You will continue the journey and reach Hanoi in the late afternoon. *If you are in Mai Chau on a Sunday, visit the weekly market in Xa Linh village, home to the Green Hmong hill tribe. Please note that this is an optional extra, please ask your guide for more details. Day 5. Hanoi - Sapa (5 hours) This morning, depart Hanoi for a five-hour drive to Sapa. Be impressed by the wilderness and picturesque mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch before driving outside Sapa to a village of ethnic Hmong mountain tribes, set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan. You will be welcomed into one of the village's households to experience the ethnic technique of indigo dyeing with a hill tribe family. Get acquainted with the weavers who will demonstrate the unique indigenous art of Hmong hand textiles. For hundreds of years, the Hmong people of northern Vietnam have grown and woven hemp for their ethnic costume. After harvesting rice on the terraces, the Hmong traditionally spend most of their time making garments. Join us for an interactive experience to see how the traditional process works - from the raw product, to making the yarn, spinning the fabric on the loom, dyeing it with fresh leaves of the indigo plant, and finally embroidering it. The motives used represent different aspects of the community, from family life to rice and spiritual symbols. After learning about the dyeing process and technique with a hill tribe family and their daily life, you will drive back to Sapa. In Sapa, appropriate footwear must be worn. Note that in wet conditions, programs may be diverted. Overnight stay in Sapa. Day 6. Sapa Trekking Today's tour starts earlier, and we drive about 6 km south of Sapa town to Hang Da village to learn about the unique culture, customs, and way of life of the Black Hmong, the second largest ethnic minority in Sapa. Along the way, you will stop at viewpoints where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Hoang Lien Mountain range before arriving at a small hamlet at 1,572m (5124 feet) overlooking the Muong Hoa valley. Leave the vehicle for an easy walk through this charming Black Hmong hamlet. Follow a lesser-known village trail that gradually descends through the stunning Sa Seng Valley, passing several Hmong villages along the way. A typical Hmong village consists of houses with wooden roofs surrounded by rock walls. Here and there, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, and water buffalo roam while children play with makeshift toys. Then sit down on a picnic blanket laid out near the hill tribe village. Enjoy your picnic lunch with a glass of wine in rustic but peaceful surrounding overlooking the valley. Afterwards, stroll through Hau Thao and, if you're lucky, you'll have the opportunity to watch Hmong women spinning and weaving hemp fiber into traditional costumes before returning to a meeting point and transferring back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Note: In case of fog or bad weather, the itinerary may be changed. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Sapa. Day 7. Sapa - Hanoi After a quiet breakfast, you will make your way back to Hanoi. The afternoon will be at leisure. Our guides will be happy to help you plan or look for referrals to the best restaurants in town for an unforgettable dinner. Day 8: Hanoi - Ninh Binh | Exploring Van Long Nature Reserve Depart Hanoi on a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, a province known for its spectacular scenery of rice fields and limestone karst. Visit the ancient Dich Long cave and pagoda, a remarkable series of temples and Community houses that are hundreds of years old. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic boat ride through the wetlands of Van Long Reserve with spectacular views of its 32 stunning grottoes. This area has recently become famous as one of the filming locations for the blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island". Day 9. Ninh Binh - Hanoi | Experience Life in the Countryside Experience life in the countryside on a leisurely 7km bike ride through picturesque villages and agricultural fields. Stop along the way to chat with the Locals and observe their way of life. Cycle to a farm where you will spend the afternoon with a local family. Take a tour of the farm and hear about the family's daily chores and duties. Enjoy a home-cooked meal for lunch and have a lively conversation with the family. Day 10. Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise The landscape of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise in bizarre shapes from the emerald sea, is truly an icon for Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see. After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3-hour, 30-minute drive to Halong Bay, making a brief stop along the way. Around noon, you will reach the pier in Halong City and complete the check-in formalities. After a welcome on board, lunch will be served as you sail towards the bay itself. Sail through the stunning limestone karsts, visit hidden caves, and engage in exciting activities such as kayaking or swimming in the emerald waters. Our experienced guides will make sure to make the most of your experience in Halong Bay. In the afternoon, you can do some sightseeing and/or activities (depending on each ship's itinerary) or just relax on board. Towards the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night amidst the karst formations. Dinner will be served on board, and you can spend the night in the bay. Day 11. Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue Continue your cruise in the morning and explore more natural wonders of Halong Bay. After disembarkation, we will arrange a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former imperial city. Rest at your hotel knowing that our team has already taken care of all the travel arrangements for you. Day 12. Hue City Tour Discover the cultural and historical sights of Hue with our expert guides. Explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site with its sights such as Hue Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City and the ornate Royal Tombs. Gain insight into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and marvel at the sophisticated architecture. Our guides will provide you with in-depth knowledge and ensure an unforgettable experience. Day 13. Hue - Hoi An You will depart Hue and enjoy a scenic drive over the picturesque Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Our team will take care of all the logistics, including comfortable. Explore the well-preserved ancient city of Hoi An, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with our knowledgeable guides and hear stories about the city's rich trading history and cultural significance. Day 14. Cycling through the countryside of Hoi An Embark on a delightful bike tour through the picturesque countryside around Hoi An. Our experienced guides will take you off the beaten path to rural villages, rice paddies and picturesque landscapes. Interact with friendly locals (with translator, of course, unless they speak fluent Vietnamese), learn about their traditional way of life, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Day 15. Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City Fly to Ho Chi Minh City where our team will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Our expert guides will be on hand to make recommendations and assist you with any additional arrangements you may need. Explore the city's vibrant streets, famous landmarks, and lively markets. Day 16. Cu Chi Tunnel Embark on a fascinating excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where our guides will give you detailed explanations of the historical significance of the tunnels and the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through the tunnels yourself for a deeper understanding of this impactful aspect of Vietnamese history. Day 17. Mekong Delta Day Trip Embark on a fascinating day trip to the Mekong Delta, also known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Our experienced guides will accompany you as you travel the winding waterways in a traditional boat. You will pass through lush green landscapes and observe the daily life of local people. Visit floating markets, where locals sell a variety of fresh produce as well as local handicrafts from their boats. Taste tropical fruits, see traditional handicrafts being made and enjoy a traditional lunch in the Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region and gain insights into the importance of the Mekong Delta's agricultural economy to all of Vietnam. Day 18. Can Tho Embark on a cruise to Ba Long Lake. Here you will disembark and cycle 7-14 km (depending on your fitness) through a chilled landscape on a local bicycle. The highlight of this trip is riding the local shuttle ferry and crossing the wooden bridges. You will see rice fields, orchards, and daily life. Stop at a local's house for a cup of tea and talk with your host. Cycle back to Ba Lang pier, return the bike and head to Ninh Kieu pier. You will spend the night in Can Tho. Day 19. Can Tho In the early morning, experience a motorboat ride to Cai Rung, the largest floating market in the Delta; see boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and fish; vendors advertise their products by shouting across the water or tying their products to a pole so they can be seen from afar. Next, disembark the ship for a city tour. Visit the Can Tho Museum, which houses more than 5,000 Mekong objects and relics; learn about agricultural life along the river; see how ethnic Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer people live together; head to Binh Thuy Ancient House, which features French architecture and valuable antiques. Day 20. Ho Chi Minh City Exploration. Enjoy a full day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure. Our team can provide personalized recommendations for additional attractions, shopping destinations, or cultural experiences based on your interests. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city, sample the diverse cuisine, and explore the hidden treasures that make Ho Chi Minh City unique. Day 21. Departure On the last day of your trip, you can use the time until your departure for last explorations in Ho Chi Minh City. Afterwards we will bring you back to the airport and you can say goodbye to Vietnam and its unique culture until next time.