14D Off the Beaten Track

Price from $5191 per person on Twin sharing + domestic flights from $519 per person

Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Lao Chi – Hanoi – Cat – Ba – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
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Embark on a 14-day journey to discover some of Vietnam's most popular cities and rustic remote villages and hilltribe regions . Explore the bustling metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, trek through the mountainous northwest to visit ethnic minority villages, and cruise through stunning limestone formations to reach Cat Ba Island. Additionally, experience life across the country by sailing along the Mekong river.

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Hanoi (B)

Morning city tour with breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, Temple of Literature, catch a glimpse of ancient Hanoi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture. This evening, visit perhaps Vietnam’s most famous performing art form, the Water puppet theatre for a one hour show. During a performance the puppets are directed by puppet masters who stand submerged in the water behind a screen and direct the puppets through the use of long sticks. Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany the story.

Day 3

Hanoi – Tu Le (B/L)

Drive to Tu Le with photostops enroute. Experience the natural hot mineral spring and enjoy the great view of the surrounding villages with a lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 4

Tu Le - Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge (B/L/D)

Depart for Cao Pha pass and enjoy mountainous scenery with a photo stop at Lim Mong village. Admire the landscape from the top of Cao Pha Pass, continue drive to Mu Cang Chai. Trek up to La Pan Tan village to view the scenic rice terraces and explore several H’mong hill tribe villages. Visit traditional houses on stilts and interact with locals. Drive back to Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge.

Day 5

Nam Khat - Sapa (B/L)

Drive to Pung Luong and take 2.5 hrs trek to My Hang A through rice paddies, with opportunities to interact with Hmong people. Finish the trek at My Hang Tua Chu Bridge. Drive to Sapa via Than Uyen Town with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Drive up to Hoang Lien Son Pass via Tram Ton before proceeding to Sapa.

Day 6

Sapa (B)

Morning drive to Y Linh Ho for a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley's terraced paddies. Choose from a 1.5 to 4-hour trek along the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. Then head to the Lao Cai for a panoramic view of the valley before walking to Ta Van and returning to Sapa.

Day 7

Sapa – Bac Ha (B/L)

Drive to Pho and Thai Rang Pho to visit a Hmong village. Drive to Bac Ha in the late afternoon.

Day 8

Bac Ha - Hanoi (B/L)

Explore the local market where many ethnic groups gather to trade their produce. Continue driving journey to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi.

Day 9

Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay (L/D)

Drive through rice paddies to Tuan Chau to board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Lan Ha Bay while enjoying lunch. Overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Day 10

Lan Ha Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi (B)

Cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay before returning to the dock. Drive back to Hanoi Airport for flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An.

Day 11

Hoi An (B/L)

Enjoy a boat cruise to Kim Bong Village and drive to Tra Que Herb Village with stops along the way to visit old Japanese tombs. On arrival, watch the local water and tend to their gardens and sample local delicacies such as Tam Huu spring rolls. Drive back to Hoi An.

Day 12

Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh (B)

Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. City tour visiting the War Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, photo stop at the Reunification Palace and a local market.

Day 13

Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

Take a day trip to Mekong Delta. Cycle on the island roads to a farm that grows Suong Sam, a desert jelly - learn how to make Suong Sam. Enjoy a lunch served at a villager’s house. Enjoy a sampan ride through a canal lined with water coconut palms. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14

Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Transfer to HCMC Airport.

This is a private program and can be customized.

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotel, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2025. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information