Vietnam trip: Pu Luong hidden treasures

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter for check-in. Begin your Vietnam travel with a relaxed cyclo ride to Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple and the Huc Bridge, then continue past the historic Hanoi Opera House and the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, sample classic beef noodle soup in the lively Old Quarter, and soak up local nightlife along Ta Hien Street.

Your guide collects you in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a scenic drive to Hoa Lu. Explore the ancient citadel and Dinh King Temple before enjoying a lunch of regional specialties.

Continue to Tam Coc for a peaceful sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding past Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, with rice fields framed by dramatic karst peaks.

Finish with a climb to the Mua Cave summit for sweeping views over the valley before returning to Hanoi.

Drive from Hanoi along a scenic mountain pass into Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for unspoiled nature and tranquility.

Arrive at a peaceful retreat overlooking sweeping valleys, enjoy a leisurely lunch at your own pace, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surrounding grounds.

Begin with a gentle walk from Pu Luong Retreat into a valley of cascading rice terraces, following shaded paths to Uoi village set beneath a towering mountain. Pause often for panoramic views and unhurried photo moments.

Descend to a local home for a short rest, then continue by bicycle through Lan village, crossing rice paddies and small village bridges.

Visit a local family to learn the art of traditional brocade weaving, then continue to Hieu Village to enjoy the cool waters of Hieu Waterfall. Return by car to Pu Luong Retreat in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, take a short drive from the retreat to Dong Dieng village, set in one of Pu Luong’s most beautiful valleys. Walk scenic trails through terraced rice fields and dramatic mountain scenery, meeting villagers and visiting family homes to learn about local customs and daily life.

Return to the retreat to check out in the afternoon, then transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Travel east from Hanoi through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin. Board a comfortable cruise to explore towering limestone karsts, visit Surprising Grotto, swim or kayak in emerald waters, and pass floating fishing villages before approaching Titov Beach.

An English-speaking cruise manager and attentive crew will look after you on board, with the itinerary adjusted as needed for weather conditions.

Wake early to watch the sunrise over Ha Long Bay’s sculpted limestone islets on a private boat, passing iconic formations such as Fisherman’s Head, Turtle, the Sail, Incense Burner, and Cock Fighting Rocks.

A memorable highlight of your Vietnam itinerary, this morning cruise is followed by a shuttle transfer back to Hanoi and onward to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a short transfer to Hoi An.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure. At 15:00, meet your guide in central Hoi An for a tailored walking tour, beginning at the bustling market and continuing into the Old Town. Visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, explore Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, and cross the centuries-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

Wander through handicraft shops, art galleries, and quiet lanes to experience everyday local life, then end the afternoon with a peaceful boat ride and the release of flower lanterns along the lantern-lit river.

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, join a tailor-made city tour visiting the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the historic Notre Dame Cathedral area, along with the Old Post Office, with expert local insight into the city’s history, architecture, and wartime stories.

Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation until 2027 and will be viewed from the exterior.

End the day at a local market, practicing bargaining while sampling street food and browsing for souvenirs.

Depart Saigon for My Tho and visit the serene Vinh Trang Pagoda before cruising along the Mekong River to see stilt houses, fruit orchards, and fishing villages. Enjoy lunch in a garden orchard on Tortoise Islet, then continue to Ben Tre.

Glide by hand rowed sampan through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms, sample seasonal fruit and honey tea while listening to Southern Vietnamese folk music, and visit a family-run coconut candy workshop.

Take time to soak in the peaceful rhythms of village life before returning to the city.

Morning visit Cu Chi Tunnels, a moving monument to the Vietnam War. Explore passageways dug by hand and crawl a short section to experience guerrilla life underground. Afternoon free time for shopping in downtown Saigon.

Find handicrafts and street food at Ben Thanh Market, bargains at Saigon Square, local textiles at An Dong Plaza, and branded goods at Diamond Plaza and Thuong Xa Tax.

Enjoy a final morning in Saigon, Vietnam’s vibrant commercial hub. Spend the time your way, browsing local handicrafts at Ben Thanh Market, sipping coffee in a tucked-away café, or sampling favorite street food specialties.

When ready, your private driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.