A journey from North to South for a full immersion into the daily life of the Vietnamese people: walks through lush green valleys and along the Perfume River, visits to major cultural sites (temples, pagodas, the old quarters of Hanoi and Hoi An, the former imperial palaces of Hue…), and meaningful encounters with the local population in places off the beaten path.
Brief itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi arrival
Day 2 : Hanoi city tour
Day 3 : Hanoi – Mai Chau
Day 4 : Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Day 5 : Pu Luong – Tam Coc
Day 6 : Cruise and overnight in Halong bay
Day 7 : Halong bay – Hanoi – night train to Hue
Day 8 : Hue city tour
Day 9 : Hue – Da Nang - Hoi An
Day 10 : Ecotour à Hoi An – flight to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 11 : Ho Chi Minh city tour – Ben Tre
Day 12 : Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 13 : Can Tho – Cai Lay – Ho Chi Minh
Day 14 : Ho Chi Minh departure
Highlight
A walk through the Mai Chau valley to meet local inhabitants
Pleasant hikes in the Pu Luong nature reserve
Discovery of the culture of ethnic minorities
A memorable cruise and an unforgettable night in Halong bay
A local sampan ride on the Perfume River (Hue) and a cooking class in a rural setting
Historical monuments in Hue and old houses in Hoi An
A local sampan excursion and a visit to a floating market in the Mekong delta
Full itinerary
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
Open and close
Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The check-in will be available at 2 pm. The rest of the day is free to rest or discover the city at your own pace. Car: 20km Night: hotel
You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00 am, starting the day trip with a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays) and his former stilt-house residence. We will continue with the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigorous exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring one luck. Its peaceful green compound and its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well-documented displays on the country’s 54 ethnic groups cultures, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. Then back to the Old Quarter for a one hour and a half walking tour to give you a deeper insight of local daily life. Head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike. Car: 20km Night: hotel
Depart at 8h00 am from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, predominantly inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon and transfer to your hotel, then lunch will be followed by a short break. In the afternoon, we will make a nice bike ride to discover an authentic and uncharted country, unspoiled by mass tourism. You’re gonna be charmed by the traditional houses on stilts, the Thai’s friendly smiles and greetings, vegetable gardens, green rice and bamboo forests along the way, crossing many villages of different ethnic groups: Chieng Sai, Cha, Cha Long, Na Tang, Tong Dau ... Return to the lodge to admire its natural surroundings. After dinner, enjoy the traditional music show. Car: 150km/3h Bike: 2h Night: homestay
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Pu Luong. You enter Pu Luong nature reserve via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. Stop in Co Luong to visit a bamboo chopstick workshop, then take a short walk through the villages of Duom and Eo Ken to soak up the daily life of the Thai and Muong people. You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by some free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. In the afternoon, walk in the Ban Don village to discover the daily life of the Thai ethnic group. Car: 50km /1h Night: hotel
You will leave the pretty nature reserve of Pu Luong to reach Tam Coc - nicknamed "The Halong Bay on land". The Ho Chi Minh track will cross a huge region dominated by the Muong. On your way you will see the beautiful limestone mountains. Upon arrival, bike to the Bich Dong Pagoda located on the hillside. In the afternoon go on a sampan to discover this magnificent region dotted with limestone peaks and rice fields. You will pass by the three caves of Tam Coc which cross the mountains… a spectacle at the same time sublime and soothing! Overnight at the hotel. Car: 150km / 3h Boat: 2h Night: hotel
After breakfast, depart to Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh, passing a peaceful countryside typical of the Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers. We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark on an elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. A fresh seafood dinner will be prepared by an experienced chef and served on deck. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin. Car: 190km / 3h30 Night: on the boat
Awakening to the tranquil beauty of the bay, you have time for an early morning dip while the sun rises, followed by breakfast on board. We will sail through the bay all morning to explore more secluded areas. The junk will stay close at all times serving as a backup vessel for those who require it. Around midday we will return to the main harbor and drive back to Hanoi. Transfer to Hanoi station and take the night train to Hue. Car: 150km/3h Night: hotel
In the morning, we will take a boat trip on the poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601, the symbol of Hue city. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village on the bank of the Perfume River, well known for its green tea fruit orchards. In the village, join our cooking class to prepare Hue’s signature dishes under our chef’s instructions, then enjoy your creations in the open air riverside restaurant surrounded by lush trees. The afternoon is reserved for walking through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue. Soaking your feet in medicinal herb water followed by an excellent blind massage will refresh them after a day of sightseeing. The afternoon will be spent visiting Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful architectures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. Car: 30km Night: hotel
After breakfast, drive on the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. On the way, take some pictures at Danang Beach and visit Marble Mountains and the Cham Museum. In Hoi An, check-in at your hotel and have lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s ancient town visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, ever more sparkling. Following the tour, you will stop over at Reaching Out tea house, a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An. Car: 140km/3h Night: hotel
After breakfast, you will begin a bike ride toward the village of Tra Que (located 5 km – about 15 minutes from Hoi An). Tra Que is renowned for its aromatic herbs, especially mint and basil. The basil leaves grown in Tra Que are smaller than usual and have a particularly strong fragrance. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the daily life of the farmers and learn about their cultivation techniques. Feel free to take a short ride on the back of a water buffalo, then enjoy a trip in a traditional woven bamboo basket boat to Cam Thanh village — known as the capital of water coconut palms. You will be accompanied by a local fisherman who will invite you to try catching crabs and fish using his traditional cast net. Lunch on a boat or in a local riverside restaurant, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the city center. Overnight at the hotel. Car: 40km/1h Night: hotel
The morning is dedicated to exploring Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon — a name still commonly used by the locals. This city, a witness to its colonial past, will charm you with its many well-preserved historical buildings, bustling markets filled with all sorts of local goods, street food stalls, and even barbers who set up their salons right on the sidewalks. You may visit the Cho Lon district, the Thien Hau Temple, the Central Post Office, and Saigon Cathedral — remnants of both French and Chinese influence. In the afternoon, depart for Ben Tre. The road takes you through a vast green region filled with rice fields, fruit orchards, and colorful villages. Around 5 p.m., you will arrive at Coconut Homestay, where you will spend the night. Car: 100 km/3h Night: homestay
After feasting on a homemade breakfast, you will first cross an arm of the Mekong in a sampan boat. Then take on a bike ride that will allow you to discover the local daily life. The path winds gently through pretty traditional houses. Stop several times along the canal to observe coconuts workers. Leave the sampan crew near the town of Cho Thom and take the road back to Can Tho. The day will continue with a visit to Binh Thuy's old house, scenery where the movie “L'amant” was shot in 1992, an adaptation of the famous novel of Marguerite Duras. Rest of the afternoon is free so you can explore the shops near the port. Car: 120 km/3h Night: hotel
In the early morning, go on an excursion to the floating market of Cai Rang, the largest one in the region, where boats full of fruits and vegetables gather every day. Then take a walk in one of the orchards of Mr. Tu Dung, where you will be able to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and visit a vermicelli factory. Stop at Mister Hai My in the village of Tam Binh. Visit his large vegetable garden and have lunch with this great farmer with traditional dishes from the South. Arrival in Sai Gon at the end of the afternoon.
70-year-old Hai My is the oldest child in the family. This excellent cultivator has spent his life planting many varieties of fruit trees and bonsai in his garden: sapodos, rambutans, longaniers, mango trees ... Stop at home to meet his daughters and his wife, and savor the delicious local cuisine. Nothing better to understand the daily life of the South as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants!
Car: 170km/ 3 h Night: hotel
Free time then transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Car: 10km
$ 1,090USD/personUSD
The price includes
þ Accommodation and breakfasts in hotels on the accommodation list
þ Meals clearly mentioned in the program: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
þ The entrance fee to the sites
þ Competent English–speaking guides throughout the trip except the free days when it is mentioned clearly: without a guide
þ Private air – conditioned car for all land transport except free days when it is mentioned clearly: without driver
þ One litre of drinking water per person per day
þ Domestic flight Hanoi - Hue and Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh in economy class
þ All logistic services necessary for the program
The price does not include
ý International flights and airport taxes from/to your country
ý Bank commission
ý Means of transport not mentioned in the program
ý Meals not mentioned in the program
ý Tipping for services: local guides, crew members, drivers, porters…
ý Drink, telephone, linen or all personal expenses not mentioned in the "price includes" section
You need to know
Trip price
All prices mentioned in the quotes provided to clients are in US Dollars (USD). Euros are accepted, but the exchange rate will be determined by the international website https://www.xe.com/ on the date the payment is made. iLOTUS TOURS guarantees the rates mentioned in the quotes, invoices, or documents given to the client. Upon payment of the deposit or the full price, we guarantee the price of your trip (excluding changes made by you). However, certain force majeure situations may require us to adjust our prices to meet the travel conditions described in the quote. These force majeure situations may include: • An unpredictable and significant increase in the rate of our local providers (hotels, trains, planes, junks, boats, road vehicles...) • A significant currency fluctuation that has a considerable impact on the exchange rate • The introduction of a new tax imposed by the government Proof of these force majeure events will be provided to the client. In these cases of force majeure, even after the deposit has been paid, the client may refuse these increases and cancel their trip. We commit to refunding the deposit you have paid.
Reservation and Confirmation
All reservations must be sent to iLOTUS TOURS by email at: contact@ilotustours.com • Registration must be accompanied by a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip and 100% of the cost of international flights. • The deposit required for trips lasting less than one week is 50% of the total trip cost. • A larger deposit may be required in the case of last-minute bookings or depending on the specific requests of certain high-category hotels or airlines. • The balance must be paid upon your arrival, without any reminder from our side. • Upon confirmation of the booking, an invoice will be sent to the client by email.
Payment
The trip can be paid for in cash, by bank transfer, by credit card, or through an application (Wise, Revolut, One Pay...): • Cash payments must be made at the iLOTUS TOURS office located in Hanoi, and the client will not be charged any payment fees. • Credit cards: we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB. Any bank fees are the responsibility of the client. • Bank transfer in US dollars or euros.
Cancellation by the Client
In the event of trip cancellation, all cancellations must be confirmed by email. The client must pay cancellation fees corresponding to the following rates: • 25% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 30 days before the trip start date. • 50% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 10 days before the trip start date. • 75% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 3 days before the trip start date. • 100% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS 2 days before the trip start date or in case of no-show. For trips to Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, your travel advisor will provide you with all the information regarding the deposit and cancellation fees.
Cancellation by iLOTUS TOURS
iLOTUS TOURS reserves the right to cancel trips agreed upon with clients for reasons related to a force majeure situation: war or the threat of war, riots, a natural or nuclear disaster, a port blockade, looting, fires, and any terrorist activity, adverse weather conditions, an epidemic, quarantine, or any similar event. In all these cases of cancellation, iLOTUS TOURS will deduct the amount of these penalties from the deposit paid by the client but will refund the remaining amount to the client by bank transfer, with the client covering all bank fees.
