Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond

Leaving bustling Hanoi behind we drive to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley this morning, which is home to the White Thai ethnic minority group. Lunch is served at a traditional family-run guesthouse on stilts in the charming village of Mai Hich and this afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk through the back roads and rice fields of the valley for our first encounter with the Thai people, going about their daily lives.

The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. You can relax by the swimming pool at the lodge or there are bikes you can hire to explore more of the countryside.

There's the opportunity to visit the local Mai Chau market this morning, before we continue to the town of Hoa Binh. Explore the charming Muong Culture Museum to see women in traditional dress and authentic Muong stilt houses, as well as a collection of fascinating artefacts. After our visit we enjoy a traditional Muong lunch, before returning to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hue today and enjoy a guided tour of this former imperial capital of Vietnam. Discover the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue's most famous landmark and home to the oldest monastery in the city. We'll also explore the Imperial Purple Palace, heavily bombed during the 1968 TET Offensive.

Later, visit the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The Emperor spent much of his reign living at this lavish site but was actually buried elsewhere in the city. His final resting place remains undiscovered to this day.

This evening, there's an optional long boat excursion on the Perfume River. Marvel at the rugged mountain scenery as we cruise along.

Today we drive along the famous Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), one of the most beautiful coast roads in the world. Enjoy the striking views before we stop for a walk and a quick swim at My Khe beach - famous for appearing in the blockbuster film ‘Apocalypse Now'. Continue to the charming port city of Hoi An for a guided walking tour. Explore highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the cobbled streets and bustling waterfront of the city. You may also wish to consider our Hoi An Street Eats add-on. Hop on a vintage Vespa motorcycle and ride with a driver to several local restaurants. Try delicious all-you-can eat local cuisine and enjoy free-flowing drinks.

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride into the countryside this morning to visit a local farm in Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we learn about traditional farming methods and medicine, don conical hats and have a go at farming the fields ourselves. We'll then enjoy a tasty lunch, but not before we cook it ourselves during a fun and interactive cooking demonstration.

Today is free to enjoy in Hoi An at leisure. Consider taking a rowboat along the river, relax on the beach or do some shopping. Alternatively you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).

This morning we fly to Ho Chi Minh City (included) and drive to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan at Cai Be and cruise down the canals, enjoying the stunning scenery as we sail. Watch the locals go about their daily lives and stop at some of the home factories where local people produce popcorn and sweets. We'll enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Early this morning we visit the Cai Rang floating market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital of South Vietnam and take in highlights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the sobering War Remnants Museum.

Please note: Itinerary change from 01 July 2026 onwards - the visit to Cai Rang floating market will be replaced with a visit to Con Son Islet floating fish farm. After breakfast we take a short cruise to Con Son Islet, where we visit the fascinating floating fish farm, set on the Hau River. Here, local families raise a wide variety of fish species that thrive in the region's rich waterways. Stroll along the floating bridges and see these unique fish up close. Watch fish leaping from the water during feeding time and for a fun experience, dip your feet into the water for a fish massage!