Vietnam Highland Trek & Culture Odyssey

In the morning, have breakfast, then experience the best of Hanoi on a scooter adventure that immerses you in the rich culture, history, and charm of Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Riding on a vintage Vespa, you’ll explore hidden gems away from the usual tourist trails, beginning with a traditional Vietnamese coffee experience in the heart of the Old Quarter. The tour takes you to iconic landmarks like the French colonial-era St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the historic Long Bien Bridge, while also diving into Hanoi’s dynamic art scene with stops to admire both traditional and contemporary street art. Along the way, stroll through a bustling local market, visit a historic temple, and see remarkable war relics, including a downed B-52 aircraft from the Vietnam War. Adding a truly local touch, you’ll also have the chance to meet a Hanoi resident—perhaps a kumquat farmer or a Vietnamese tea master—offering a genuine connection to the city’s seasonal rhythms and daily life.

Embark on an unforgettable afternoon street food tour, starting at either 12:00 PM or 6:00 PM, based on your choice. Meet your enthusiastic guide at the hotel for a delightful transfer to the vibrant center of Hanoi. 

As you wander through the enchanting Old Quarter, let the narrow lanes, winding backstreets, and hidden alleys ignite your sense of adventure. Explore countless vendors showcasing their culinary masterpieces along the roadside, and immerse yourself in the lively sights and sounds of the city. Relish a steaming bowl of pho at one of Hanoi’s finest shops, as your guide unveils the cherished secrets behind this iconic noodle soup.

Continue your journey of flavors with other local delights, such as banh cuon—steamed rice papers filled with savory pork and mushrooms—and crispy nem chua ran. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner featuring perfectly grilled meats and vegetables at a beloved local restaurant.

Conclude this culinary experience by unwinding with a refreshing beer at a bia hoi, where draft beer flows in a warm atmosphere, or at a quaint café. Savor every sip of beer or coffee while absorbing the vibrant street scenes, embracing the spirit of Hanoi before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (or dinner)

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Depart early from Hanoi by private vehicle and head southwest toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Thanh Hoa Province, known for its terraced rice fields, limestone mountains, and traditional Thai ethnic villages. The scenic drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, offering a gradual transition from urban bustle to peaceful countryside.

Enjoy a simple, home-cooked lunch in the village or a picnic en route, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Start your trek with a descent through terraced rice paddies and bamboo forests, eventually reaching Kho Muong Village, a charming settlement of the Thai ethnic minority nestled in a secluded valley. Here, you’ll witness traditional stilt houses, daily farming life, and may even have the chance to explore the nearby Kho Muong Cave, a hidden limestone cavern with impressive formations.

Continue your trek for another 2–2.5 hours along forested trails and undulating terrain, heading toward Ban Bang Village, a lesser-known yet equally authentic community nestled among rice fields and jungle-clad hills. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Pu Luong landscape and insight into the sustainable way of life practiced by the local villagers.

After your trek, your driver will meet you at a road-access point near Ban Bang. Relax and take in the surrounding views as you begin the return to your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Pu Luong

Duration: Full Day (Approx. 6–7 hours trekking)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Authentic Thai villages, rice terraces, jungle trails, Hieu Waterfall

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your eco-lodge or homestay in Pu Luong, surrounded by panoramic views of rice terraces and misty mountains. At around 8:00 AM, meet your local trekking guide and begin your full-day adventure into the heart of the reserve.

Your trek begins with a gentle descent into Don Village, one of the most picturesque Thai ethnic minority villages in the region. Wander past traditional stilt houses and terraced fields, where you’ll catch a glimpse of daily rural life—women weaving textiles, farmers tending water buffalo, and children playing by the stream.

From Don, continue on foot through narrow trails and terraced slopes to reach Long Village, known for its peaceful setting and friendly locals. The route offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during planting or harvest season when the rice fields are at their most vibrant.

The trail then leads through shaded bamboo forests and valleys to Doc Village, a small, quiet hamlet perched among the hills. Here, you can take a short rest, refill your water, and enjoy a light local snack while soaking in the serenity of the Pu Luong landscape.

From Doc, the path descends deeper into the reserve, following a lush forested trail alongside streams that eventually bring you to the day’s highlight—Hieu Waterfall. This multi-tiered cascade is one of Pu Luong’s most beautiful natural attractions, nestled beside a quaint village of the same name. Take time to relax, dip your feet in the refreshing water, or enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your host or guide.

After a well-earned break, begin your return trek, taking an alternate trail back through the hills and rice terraces. The route loops you gradually uphill, bringing you back to your hotel or homestay by late afternoon (approximately 4:30–5:00 PM).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Pu Luong

After breakfast at your eco-lodge or homestay in Pu Luong, depart by private vehicle toward Mai Chau Valley, a picturesque destination known for its rolling rice paddies, stilt houses, and welcoming local communities. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through lush hills, traditional hamlets, and scenic mountain passes.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check into your lodge or traditional stilt house accommodation nestled in the valley. After a short rest, enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring specialties such as grilled pork with bamboo shoots, sticky rice, and mountain herbs.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely guided bicycle or walking tour through the valley, heading toward Lac Village, one of the most vibrant Thai ethnic villages in the region. Explore the stilt houses, interact with local artisans, and learn about traditional weaving techniques still practiced by hand. You may wish to shop for handwoven textiles and handmade souvenirs directly from the villagers.

As the sun sets over the valley, return to your accommodation to relax and refresh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Mai Chau

After breakfast at your lodge in the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, begin your overland journey to Mu Cang Chai—one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking highland destinations (approx. 6–7 hours by road). The scenic drive takes you through a dramatic landscape of terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and winding mountain passes.

Along the way, pause at local viewpoints and charming towns such as Moc Chau or Son La, depending on the route, where you can stretch your legs and sample local snacks or fresh mountain fruits.

Continue your journey deeper into the northwest highlands, gradually ascending to higher altitudes where the air turns cooler and the landscape becomes increasingly majestic. Break for a local lunch at a roadside restaurant or a small ethnic village, where you can enjoy authentic mountain cuisine and learn more about the traditions of the Thai or Hmong communities.

Arrive in Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon and check into your eco-lodge or homestay, nestled amid the famed rice terraces.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Mu Cang Chai

Embark on a gentle yet deeply enriching journey through the heart of northwestern Vietnam, where rolling rice terraces, emerald valleys, and quiet ethnic villages await. This full-day light trek offers a perfect blend of cultural connection and natural discovery, taking you from the serene landscapes of Mai Chau Valley to the pine-covered ridge of Han Cuon Dua Pine Hill, and deeper into the peaceful Pu Luong Bamboo Forest—a hidden treasure within the reserve.

Your adventure begins in the peaceful setting of Mai Chau, where stilt-house villages are framed by golden rice fields and dramatic limestone cliffs. Walking out from your homestay or lodge, you'll follow a network of village trails shaded by acacia and banana trees. Along the way, you'll encounter local Thai villagers going about their daily lives—tending to their fields, weaving brocade by hand, or leading water buffalo through narrow paths. It's a living portrait of rural Vietnam.

As you gently ascend, the path opens to Han Cuon Dua Pine Hill, a highland ridge where tall pine trees sway in the wind and the valley stretches out below in all directions. This scenic spot offers a refreshing change of atmosphere and a chance to rest beneath the cool shade, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take in the panoramic view. With birdsong echoing through the trees, it’s a tranquil setting for light meditation, photography, or simply being present with nature.

From the pine hill, your journey continues by vehicle or foot—depending on your pace and interest—toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to some of Vietnam’s most pristine ecosystems. Passing through local villages, the landscape begins to transform: rice terraces give way to bamboo groves, and the air grows cooler as you approach one of the area’s most enchanting natural features—the Pu Luong Bamboo Forest.

Tucked away on a gentle slope, this forest is a quiet haven of tall, arching bamboo, where filtered sunlight creates a calming green glow. Walking beneath the canopy, you’ll feel a distinct sense of peace as you listen to the wind rustling through the leaves. This forest is not just beautiful—it’s an essential part of the local ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and sustaining traditional livelihoods.

At midday, pause for a picnic lunch in a clearing or enjoy a locally prepared meal in a nearby village, featuring dishes made from ingredients gathered from the surrounding hills—like bamboo shoot soup, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, and grilled mountain pork.

The return route takes you along scenic trails back to Mai Chau, offering one last look at the valley's quiet beauty. You may pass children riding bicycles home from school, or farmers gathering produce at the end of the day. Arriving back at your accommodation, you’ll carry with you a deep appreciation for the landscapes and people that make this region so special.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Mu Cang Chai

Begin your day in Mu Cang Chai, a region famed for its magnificent rice terraces carved into the mountains by generations of Hmong and Thai ethnic communities. As you leave Mu Cang Chai, you’ll ascend into the highlands, crossing breathtaking passes such as Khau Pha Pass—one of Vietnam’s most legendary mountain roads. The journey to Sapa takes approximately 5–6 hours by private car, but the ever-changing scenery of valleys, streams, ethnic villages, and cloud-covered peaks makes every moment memorable.

Along the way, there are optional stops for photos and short walks through hillside hamlets or tea plantations. Your guide may also introduce you to local vendors selling handmade textiles and traditional snacks like grilled corn or sticky rice in bamboo.

Arriving in Sapa by early afternoon, you’ll immediately feel the refreshing mountain air and cool alpine climate. After a brief break, continue your adventure with a light guided walk down to Cat Cat Village, located just a few kilometers from Sapa town. This traditional Black Hmong village sits at the base of a deep valley where the Muong Hoa Stream flows through lush hillsides and cascading rice fields.

As you stroll through the cobblestone paths of Cat Cat, you’ll witness local life firsthand—women dyeing indigo fabrics, men forging tools by hand, and children playing beside wooden water wheels. Visit traditional stilt houses, learn about Hmong weaving and embroidery techniques, and enjoy the serene backdrop of waterfalls and terraced hills.

You can also stop by a local family home for herbal tea or opt to purchase beautiful handmade handicrafts directly from the artisans. The walk back up to Sapa offers a rewarding view of the surrounding mountains and rooftops tucked into the valley below.

Conclude your day with free time in Sapa town, where you can explore its charming streets, enjoy a warm cup of Vietnamese coffee, or relax at your hotel overlooking Fansipan Mountain.

Meals: breakfast

Stay overnight in Sa Pa

After breakfast, begin your day with a short scenic drive from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group. Nestled in a valley at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Cat Cat offers a glimpse into traditional H’mong life. Take a guided walk through the village to see traditional stilt houses, water wheels, and local women weaving cloth and dyeing with indigo.

Enjoy panoramic views of terraced rice fields and cascading waterfalls, and interact with friendly locals in their daily routines.

Continue your journey with a relaxing drive along a scenic mountain road toward the Muong Hoa Valley, with stops at picturesque viewpoints for photo opportunities. Arrive at Lao Chai Village, another Black H’mong settlement. Explore the village and observe how traditional culture is balanced with modern rural life.

A short drive onward brings you to Ta Van Village, home to the Giay ethnic minority, known for their stilt houses and unique customs. Walk through the village lanes, chat with locals, and enjoy the serene landscape of layered rice terraces and tranquil streams.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local guesthouse or small village restaurant, offering regional specialties such as spring rolls, grilled meats, local herbs, and sticky rice.

After lunch, travel by car to Ta Phin Village, a peaceful community inhabited by the Red Dao people, recognizable by their red headdresses and intricate embroidery. Visit a traditional herbal medicine house and learn about the Red Dao’s famous herbal bathing tradition. You may even try a short herbal foot soak, perfect for relaxation.

Stroll through the village to admire the terraced landscape and local markets, and explore the nearby Ta Phin Cave if time and interest allow.

After a rich day of cultural immersion and gentle exploration, return to Sapa Town by late afternoon. The rest of the day is free for leisure, spa time, or enjoying Sapa’s vibrant café scene.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Sa Pa

Begin your morning in Sapa, where the cool air and mountainous backdrop offer a calm and inspiring start. After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station. The ride itself is a highlight—gliding silently over lush forests, deep valleys, and cloud-covered slopes, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the grandeur of Vietnam’s northern frontier.

At the summit of Fansipan (3,143 meters), step out into a world above the clouds. Carved stone pathways and ancient-style pagodas line the ridge, leading you to the peak’s marker—a place where travelers pause to reflect and capture their final moments in the mountains. The panoramic views are breathtaking, with the Hoang Lien Son range stretching endlessly in every direction. It’s a moment of both stillness and triumph—a poetic farewell to the highlands.

Take time to breathe deeply, soak in the scenery, and perhaps light a small incense offering at the mountaintop pagoda. These are the final notes of your northern symphony—quiet, powerful, and unforgettable.

After descending via cable car, enjoy a final stroll or warm drink in Sapa town, perhaps picking up a handmade souvenir from a local market or enjoying a last taste of regional cuisine. Then, your private driver will meet you for the comfortable 5.5–6 hour transfer back to Hanoi. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be dropped off at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure—relax, enjoy a quiet dinner in the Old Quarter, or take a final walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to ease back into the rhythm of the capital city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Depart Hanoi in the morning with a private driver and local guide, heading south through the Red River Delta. As the landscape shifts from city streets to open rice fields and limestone peaks, you'll begin to see why Ninh Binh is considered one of Vietnam’s most naturally blessed regions.

Your first stop is Mua Cave (Hang Múa), one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic and photogenic locations. While the cave itself is small, the true highlight is the panoramic viewpoint atop the mountain. A climb of roughly 500 stone steps leads you to a breathtaking summit overlooking Tam Coc’s rice fields, winding rivers, and dramatic karst formations. It’s the perfect reward for a moderate hike, offering one of the best views in Northern Vietnam.

After descending, take time to explore the peaceful lotus ponds at the base and capture photos of the dragon statue-lined steps before enjoying a local lunch at a nearby garden restaurant. The cuisine here is simple, hearty, and often includes regional specialties such as goat meat, crispy rice, and stir-fried mountain vegetables.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Thung Nham Bird Park, located deep within the ecotourism core zone of Trang An. A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination, Thung Nham offers a gentle exploration of wetlands, fruit orchards, and forested limestone mountains. Take a small sampan boat through the flooded forest, gliding silently through bird sanctuaries where thousands of storks, herons, and other native species roost—especially beautiful in the late afternoon hours.

In addition to birdwatching, you can explore tropical gardens, ancient caves, and hidden grottoes, or relax in the stillness of this protected natural area. The combination of biodiversity, quiet waterways, and immersive nature makes Thung Nham a standout experience for travelers seeking serenity and ecological richness.

After a fulfilling day of nature and exploration, go to your accommodation in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon or early evening. Arrive back at your hotel with a camera full of stunning views and a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s rich natural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh

Depart from your hotel in Ninh Binh in the morning via private transfer. The drive to Ha Long Bay takes approximately 3.5–4 hours through rural villages, lush rice fields, and gently rising coastal hills. En route, enjoy glimpses of local life and landscapes as your driver and guide provide insights into the region’s geography and culture.

Arriving at the Ha Long Bay cruise port, you’ll be welcomed aboard your selected overnight cruise vessel. As you check in and settle into your private cabin—many with balconies and ocean-facing views—you’ll begin to leave the mainland behind.

The cruise sets sail into the maze of limestone islets, jade-green waters, and hidden coves that make Ha Long Bay one of the most beautiful seascapes on Earth. A gourmet lunch is served on board as you pass iconic rock formations.

In the afternoon, the cruise typically anchors near a quiet bay or floating village for optional activities such as:

Kayaking through hidden lagoons

Swimming in crystal-clear coves

Visiting a limestone cave or a pearl farm

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a sunset cocktail on the sundeck followed by a beautifully prepared dinner onboard. 

Spend the night surrounded by the quiet serenity of the bay, with only the sound of the water gently lapping against the boat. It’s a truly magical contrast to the mountainous beauty of Ninh Binh earlier that morning—a perfect day from inland charm to ocean elegance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise

After a refreshing night on board your Ha Long Bay cruise, wake up early to admire the magical sunrise over the limestone karsts, followed by a leisurely breakfast on deck. Take in the last moments of the bay’s tranquility as your cruise makes its way back to the pier. Disembark and meet your driver for a transfer by speedboat across the scenic Lan Ha Bay, arriving at Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the bay.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to relax after the journey. In the afternoon, set out to explore Cat Ba National Park with a guided trek through lush forest trails, where you may spot rare wildlife and panoramic viewpoints overlooking both the jungle and the sea. Alternatively, for a more relaxed pace, take a cycling trip around Viet Hai Village, a charming rural settlement surrounded by rice paddies and limestone mountains, offering an authentic glimpse into local island life.

As evening approaches, return to Cat Ba Town and enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant where fresh seafood is the highlight. End the day with a stroll along the harbor, where the relaxed island atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the bustling energy of Ha Long the day before.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Stay overnight in Cat Ba

After breakfast in Cat Ba, take some time to soak in the island’s serene charm. A morning stroll along the waterfront or a short hike to Cannon Fort offers sweeping views of Lan Ha Bay, dotted with limestone islets and fishing boats. Afterward, check out of your hotel and transfer to the pier where a speedboat awaits to bring you back across the bay to the mainland.

From Hai Phong, continue your journey by private car or comfortable shuttle towards Hanoi. The drive takes you through the Red River Delta, a landscape of rice paddies, small villages, and rural life unfolding along the way. Depending on timing, stop for a local lunch before reaching the capital.

Arrive in Hanoi by mid to late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

On your final day in Hanoi, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take the morning at ease, perhaps with a short walk through the Old Quarter or one last visit to a local café to savor a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Our driver will be ready to meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.

As you leave the city, take in the final glimpses of Hanoi’s lively streets, tree-lined boulevards, and lakeside scenes that have shaped your journey. Arrive at the airport in good time for check-in and departure formalities, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your trip.

Meals: Breakfast