Vietnam's Landscapes
Rice-terraced mountains like giant, green staircases. Jagged limestone pinnacles towering over dark, tangled jungle. Palm-fringed deltas filled with coconut groves, fruit orchards, rice paddies and mangrove swamps.
Vietnam’s geography is brilliantly diverse, and this itinerary makes the most of it – dipping into the cites but focusing firmly on rural culture and the great outdoors. Think plenty of active experiences – but more Ray Mears than Bear Grylls.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
Most journeys will be by private car, with the exception of one internal flight (between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City)
What's great
The sheer diversity of the landscapes is stunning – it's perfect for photographers (or anyone who likes a good view, for that matter)
The pace is energetic but not rushed, so you’ll have enough time to explore each destination fully
This itinerary doesn’t follow the usual tourist route, so you’ll get to see a side of the country away from the crowds
With lots of adventure activities included, it’s perfect for anyone active
It’s easy to extend this trip with some beach time in the south or a few days at the temples of Angkor in Cambodia
Things to consider
This is a physically active trip, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues
Central Vietnam doesn’t feature on this itinerary
There are a few longer road journeys which, though scenic, might not be for everyone
Vietnam's diverse geography means it’s usually raining somewhere! You’ll need to be prepared for all weathers.
The experience
This itinerary showcases some of our favorite adventure activities, but we can customize it to suit you. Want something more challenging? Less challenging? Bike-focused? Hike-focused? Try us and see what we can do.
Day 1-2
Hanoi
This itinerary is all about the countryside, but if you need to stop in the city – why not make the most of it? This is our favorite alternative introduction to the capital, taking you away from the usual tourist trail and into the heart of Hanoi. Starting in the higgledy-piggledy streets of the Old Quarter and passing by an imposing Gothic Revival Cathedral, you’ll then visit a family who’s been living in the same French-colonial house for generations, wander a street painted with murals, and rub shoulders with commuters on a ten-minute train ride. Not your usual city tour, this one’s all about getting beneath the surface of the local culture to find out what makes Hanoi tick.
Highlights
Experience the many sights, sounds and smells of the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s historic city center
Visit the home of a local family to hear stories about life in Hanoi over the generations
Visit an open-air art gallery at Phung Hung Street, where the walls are covered in murals
Travel like a local with a short train ride through the city
Day 3-4
Pu Luong
Picture emerald-green rice paddies rippling down mountainsides, lapping around stilt villages like ocean waves, with lush, forested mountains as a backdrop. That’s Pu Luong. With a local guide to act as navigator, translator and general font of local knowledge, explore Pu Luong on two different treks – each showcasing a different side of the area. Walk through rice fields to learn about traditional farming methods, visit a cottage workshop to see colorful textiles being woven, and stop in minority villages to see how rice wine is made. All this while staying in a boutique eco-retreat complete with infinity pool and spa.
Highlights
Trek through the lush rice terraces of Pu Luong, one of Vietnam’s most idyllic rural settings
Swim in an infinity pool with spectacular views over the valley and distant mountains
Meet people of the Thai ethnic minority and learn about their traditional way of life
The finer detail
What's included
- Breakfast every day
- Eight lunches: two in Pu Luong (one at the lodge and one picnic); one at the Cuc Phuong National Park Headquarters; one at a restaurant in Ninh Binh; one on the Lan Ha Bay cruise; three in the Mekong Delta
- Five dinners: two in Pu Luong at the lodge; one on the Lan Ha Bay cruise; two in the Mekong Delta
- Six half-day experiences: one city tour of Hanoi; two guided treks in Pu Luong; one guided trek in Cuc Phuong; one guided tour of Ninh Binh by sampan boat and bicycle; one city tour of Ho Chi Minh City with egg coffee workshop
- Overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay with activities
- Mekong Home activities
- All accommodation
- All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
- All domestic transfers and transport
Logistics and journey times
Day 3:
Car transfer from Hanoi to Pu Luong (4.5 hours)
Day 5:
Car transfer from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh (4 hours)
Day 7:
Car transfer from Ninh Binh to Lan Ha Bay (3.5 hours)
Day 8:
Car transfer from Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi Airport (2 hours)
Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (2 hours)
Day 10:
Car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta (2.5 hours)
Day 12:
Car transfer from Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City (2.5 hours)
What's not included
- International flights
- Any necessary visas
- Any lunches or dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
- Tipping and personal expenses