3 weeks: Vietnam Nature, Culture & Beaches in a Slow Pace

Arrive in Hanoi, where your friendly driver will greet you at the airport for a smooth transfer to your hotel. After settling in, the evening kicks off with a "Real Hanoi Street Food Experience." Venture through the city's bustling streets, savoring iconic dishes like Pho, Banh Cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake), Banh My (Bread), and more. This is your introduction to Hanoi's vibrant food culture—an adventure in itself!

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure in Hanoi. Whether you choose to visit the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Old Quarter, or sip coffee at a local café, the day is yours to immerse in the charm of Vietnam’s capital.

In the morning, board a shuttle bus for a scenic drive to Pu Luong, a remote and serene region known for its lush valleys and traditional village life. After arrival, enjoy free time to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise over the misty valleys. Then head to Hieu Waterfall for a refreshing swim. Afterward, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along Cham River, where you'll learn traditional paddling techniques. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour trek through terraced rice fields, small villages, and lush landscapes. Experience the daily life of the locals as you pass by their homes and fields.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Pu Luong, taking in the serene surroundings or simply relaxing. In the afternoon, a private car will transfer you to Ninh Binh, offering scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind for the evening, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Take a free day to explore the beauty of Ninh Binh at your own pace. You can cycle through the picturesque countryside, passing by lush rice fields and charming villages. Visit the historic local temples to learn about the region's rich culture, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the stunning caves of Tam Coc, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts. This is the perfect chance to connect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh.

For those wanting to explore further, an optional group tour of Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave is available. Begin by discovering Vietnam’s early history in Hoa Lu, exploring its ancient temples and historical sites. Next, take a scenic boat ride through the picturesque Tam Coc, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Finish with a hike up Mua Cave, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning landscape below.

Embark on a journey to the beautiful Lan Ha Bay with a pick-up from your hotel in Ninh Binh. After boarding the luxurious Peony Cruise, enjoy a delectable seafood lunch while cruising past the stunning limestone islands. The afternoon is free for kayaking in the picturesque Tra Bau area, followed by a cooking demonstration and a sunset on the deck.

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on deck, followed by breakfast. Explore the serene Viet Hai Village by bike or e-cart, learning about local traditions and daily life. The afternoon features kayaking and swimming in the quiet lagoon, followed by another beautiful sunset over the bay.

In the morning, visit the Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, before enjoying a delicious brunch aboard the cruise. After checking out, travel back to Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, a transfer will take you to Hoi An, your home for the next few days.

Enjoy a free day to explore the ancient town of Hoi An. Wander through its charming streets, visit historic sites, or shop for souvenirs in the local markets. Hoi An is also known for its beautiful beaches, so a day of relaxation is always a great choice.

Enjoy a half-day biking and boating tour through Hoi An’s countryside. Start with a cycle through the Old Town, then take a boat to Cam Kim Island, exploring village roads and rice fields. Pass local boat builders, ancient pagodas, and duck farms before enjoying a break with bananas. Hop back on the boat to Cam Thanh Village, where you can opt for a basket boat tour through the Bay Mau coconut swamps. Finish with a bike ride through Tra Que vegetable village, returning to Hoi An.

Today is yours to enjoy the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Relax, wander the ancient streets, or perhaps enjoy some beach time. Visit the town’s historic sites, explore local markets, or treat yourself to a spa day.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in this bustling metropolis.

Start your afternoon with a guided city tour to explore Ho Chi Minh’s historical gems, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, and the Reunification Palace. Afterward, enjoy a delightful dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Sail through the city while enjoying a buffet dinner and live music. The panoramic views of the skyline make for a truly memorable experience.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Can Tho, where you'll stay in a tranquil riverside homestay. After arriving and enjoying a delicious lunch by the river, embark on a boat trip through the local canals. Visit two floating markets, local fruit orchards, and a noodle factory. Experience the unique life of the Mekong Delta through this private tour.

Start your day early with a boat ride to the Phong Dien Floating Market, a peaceful spot away from tourist crowds. Enjoy a traditional local breakfast and explore the lively market, before cruising through smaller canals and visiting a fruit orchard. Next, head to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the region, where boats display their goods on poles. End your boat adventure with a visit to a local rice noodle factory before returning to the homestay for some relaxation.

After breakfast, check out from your homestay and begin your journey to Rach Gia, where you’ll board a ferry to Phu Quoc Island. The scenic 2.5-hour ferry ride offers views of the Gulf of Thailand as you cruise toward Vietnam’s largest island. Upon arrival, a comfortable transfer will take you to your beach resort, where you can settle in and soak up the laid-back island atmosphere. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure—whether it’s unwinding by the pool, walking along the sandy beach, or simply relaxing in your tropical surroundings.

Today is a full day of leisure in beautiful Phu Quoc, giving you the chance to unwind and enjoy the island at your own pace. Soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, swim in the clear turquoise waters, or simply relax by the resort’s pool with a good book. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll through the vibrant local markets or explore nearby fishing villages. For ultimate relaxation, consider indulging in a spa treatment or massage to round out your island escape.

Enjoy another full day to relax or explore the natural beauty of Phu Quoc Island. You may want to spend time unwinding on the beach, swimming in the clear sea, or reading under a palm tree. For those looking to explore more, optional activities include snorkeling trips, visits to local pepper farms or fish sauce factories, or a scenic ride to the southern tip of the island. As the day winds down, consider enjoying fresh seafood at the Duong Dong night market while watching the sun set over the ocean.

Make the most of your last full day in tropical Phu Quoc. Whether you choose to stay by the beach, indulge in a local spa treatment, or venture out to sights like Suoi Tranh Waterfall or Ho Quoc Pagoda, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Phu Quoc’s mix of nature, relaxation, and island charm provides the perfect setting to reflect on your journey through Vietnam. Don’t miss one more sunset over the Gulf of Thailand before departure.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Phu Quoc Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, connect to your international flight home. Your 22-day Vietnam adventure comes to an end today—taking with you unforgettable memories of nature, culture, and coastal beauty. Safe travels!