Highlights of Vietnam - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Xin chao! When you arrive in Hanoi, your guide will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring Vietnam's capital city. Set in the north of the country on the banks of the Red River, there is plenty to see and do. You'll see the main attractions on a guided tour tomorrow, but in the meantime feel free to wander around the lively streets on your own. For dinner try Hanoi's most famous delicacy, bun cha - a dish of grilled pork with noodles and herbs. 

Day 2: Village Visit and Hanoi City Tour

This morning you'll visit several villages just outside of the city. Learn about rural traditions and customs as you walk and cycle around the villages. Stop in at local markets and temples to catch a glimpse of daily life. Then you'll attend a cooking demonstration before joining a local family for lunch. In the afternoon return to Hanoi.

Visit some of the many museums and temples, and check out Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American POWs during the Vietnam War. Later in the day, you'll bike around the stunning Hoan Kiem Lake and the fascinating Old Quarter. There you'll attend a water puppet show, a quintessential Hanoi experience. Dinner tonight is up to you - check out some of Hanoi's bohemian cafes and bars. 

Day 3: Mai Chau and Hiking in Pu Luong

Today you'll leave Hanoi in the morning and drive west with your guide to the rural Mai Chau region, about four hours away. Mai Chau is known for its lush green valleys and is home to several ethnic Thai villages. You'll make your way to the Thai village of Pom Coong, where you'll meet some of the locals and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Then take a short drive to the trailhead for your hike through the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This three-hour intermediate-level trek covers just over 5.5 miles (9 km) and includes some uphill climbs. Along the way, you'll be treated to spectacular views of villages and terraced rice paddies. You'll arrive at your Thai stilt house homestay in the late afternoon, and have time to relax before eating a traditional dinner with your host family.

Day 4: Explore Pu Luong

Wake up early for breakfast and then spend the morning exploring the Thai village. You'll meet some of your neighbors and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Go for an easy hike along the rice paddies, if time permits, before lunch. Then return to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll have the rest of the evening at leisure, so head to the Old Quarter to explore the night market, and grab a drink and some street food at lively Bia Hoi Junction. 

Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

Set out for the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay this morning. Board a "junk" boat when you arrive around noon and settle into your cabin. You'll enjoy a lunch of fresh, local seafood on your cruise to neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay. On the way, stop for a swim and visit a cave amid the towering limestone karsts jutting out of the water. Later, relax on a secluded island beach, or explore the bay by kayak. In the evening watch the sunset over the stunning landscape as you eat dinner. You'll spend the night on the boat.

Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay

Spend the morning exploring Bai Tu Long Bay. It's far less crowded than Ha Long Bay but features equally dramatic limestone karsts. After an early breakfast, the locals will take you on a rowboat tour of the bay. Go for a swim in the lovely green waters before lunch back on the junk. You'll return to the harbor in the early afternoon, and drive back to Hanoi for the night.

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

You'll have the morning to yourself before you make your way to the airport in the afternoon. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel for the night. Formerly known as Saigon, the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with energy and offers an intoxicating blend of the old world and the new.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

This morning you'll go on a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City's highlights with an expert local guide. Visit the bustling Cho Lon Market, discover a hidden Chinese pagoda, and marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral built by French colonists. You'll see the historic Central Post Office and City Hall, too. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Stroll along the upscale shopping drag at Dong Khoi Street, sample rich Vietnamese coffee in one of the many cafes, or if you're interested in Vietnam War history, visit the War Remnants Museum or the Cu Chi Tunnels. 

Day 9: Departure 

On your last day in Vietnam, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and possibly some shopping, if you have time. Then make your way to the airport for your onward flight.