Vietnam Classic – 12 Day Tour

Kick off your Vietnam adventure with an orientation walk through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Take in the energy of Saigon as you wander busy boulevards, explore local markets, and start uncovering the hidden corners that make this city so exciting. It is the perfect way to settle in and get a real feel for life here.

Later, join the locals at Le Van Tam Park for a relaxed game of foot badminton. Jump in for some laughs, light movement, and easygoing fun. No experience needed, just good vibes and a great way to connect with people and the city.

After freshening up at the hotel, head to the train station and board your overnight sleeper train to Da Nang, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.

Accommodation: Overnight Train to Da Nang
Activities: City Orientation Walk, Local Foot Badminton
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium

After your overnight train, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation to freshen up before the afternoon’s adventure.

Start with a pickup from your hotel and a short safety and paddling briefing at the kayak station in Cam Thanh. Then hop in your kayak and glide past lush greenery, local fishing boats, and riverside homes, soaking up the calm rhythm of life along the river.

After paddling, enjoy some free time to take in the atmosphere. Wander through Hoi An Market and browse the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its local tailoring, so you can visit a tailor or craftsman to have custom clothing or bags made, creating a unique keepsake from your trip.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Visit a Tailorshop, Kayak into Hoi An: Unique One Life only experience ?Impact Moment 
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Rise and shine! This morning, you’ll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island, passing lush rice paddies and farmlands at your own pace. Stop for photos or keep pedalling, the choice is yours. Along the way, you’ll join a meaningful hands-on workshop that turns used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap. You’ll learn how this simple yet powerful initiative prevents pollution, supports local women and youth with extra income, and protects Hoi An’s natural environment. After experiencing the impact for yourself (and even washing your hands with your creation), the afternoon is all yours. Hit the beach or keep exploring Hoi An’s charms.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoi An Rose Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Cycling tour, Soap making workshop
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium

Fuel up with breakfast, then get ready for a road trip to Hue in true style. You’ll journey up the iconic Hai Van Pass, famous for its sweeping coastal views and winding mountain roads. Along the way, stop at a hidden waterfall, enjoy lunch, and cruise through charming countryside backroads. By afternoon, you’ll roll into Hue, the historic Imperial City and former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Park View Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Nhi Ho Waterfall Visit
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Low

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and head to Thuy Bieu village, taking in Hue’s beauty from a fresh perspective. Wander through the village, visit Luong Quan communal house, and explore the hundred-year-old garden home of Ho Xuan Dai, where you’ll join a hands-on cooking class. After a stop at the local market to learn about traditional ingredients, your host will guide you through preparing Hue’s signature dishes before you sit down to enjoy your creations. In the afternoon, step into history at the Imperial Citadel, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue’s most enduring symbols. Return to the hotel for a short rest before boarding the night train to Ninh Binh.

Accommodation: Overnight train to Ninh Binh
Activities: Garden House Visit, Cooking Class, Imperial Citadel visit, Thien Mu Pagoda visit
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Low

Arrive at the train station and head straight into one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural regions. Travel by bus toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, known for its terraced rice fields, peaceful valleys, and strong local traditions. Along the way, stop at the tranquil Ngoc Chau Pagoda, a scenic temple set among rolling hills, before continuing on to Pu Luong.

Once in Don Village, settle into your local homestay and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, head out to Hieu Waterfall, one of Pu Luong’s standout natural highlights. Walk through bamboo forests and rice terraces before reaching the cascading falls tucked into the limestone hills, an ideal spot to cool off, unwind, and soak up the calm of nature.

Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Local homestay
Activities: Ngoc Chau Pagoda Visit, Trekking to Hieu Waterfalls, Waterfall swimming
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium

Transfer to Ban Cong and set off on a 2 km walk. Cross a suspension bridge to reach one of Pu Luong’s most scenic villages, where the largest stream flows. Stroll along the river and take in the beautiful rice fields, calm village life, and the iconic giant water wheels, an impressive invention of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities.

Continue on an easy loop trail through more rice fields and villages. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to local herbs and plants, from sweet leaf vegetables and jackfruit to pickled eggplant, betel leaves, and areca nuts.

Next, join a Com Lam Cooking Class at a local home. Learn how to prepare this traditional bamboo sticky rice: measure the rice, fill the bamboo tubes, roast them over the fire, and enjoy your creation with Muoi Vung, a beloved Vietnamese sesame, peanut, and salt dipping mix. Your guide will also share the significance of bamboo, a symbol of the Vietnamese spirit and a vital part of life in Pu Luong.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the main road for a short transfer back to your homestay. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace, getting a closer look at village life. Walk through working farmland and rice fields, chat with locals, and discover more about the traditions and daily routines that shape life in the hills."

Accommodation: Multi-share Rooms - Local homestay
Activities: Ban Cong Village Walk - Rice fields & water wheels, Com Lam Cooking Class
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Today you'll say goodbye to your homestay family and depart Pu Luong for Hanoi after a leisurely morning and breakfast. Upon afternoon arrival, check into your boutique hotel in the city center. In the evening, experience Hanoi's renowned culinary scene on a guided street food tour, sampling local specialties and hidden gems.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Hoa Binh Hotel(or similar)
Activities: Street Food Tour
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Today, you’ll leave the city behind and journey to the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay, a World Heritage-listed wonder that’s every bit as magical as its reputation. From the harbour, board your boat and cruise between towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. You'll also make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? As the day winds down, you'll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.

Please note: We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with only the essentials, as storage space on board is limited. Don’t worry about the rest of your luggage, it will be securely stored at your hotel in Hanoi, ready for you when you return after your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Renea Cruise (or similar)
Activities: Ha Long Bay Cruise, Kayaking & Bai Tu Long Bay ?Impact Moment
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Around 11.30am, you’ll return to Hanoi and check into your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation:Twin/Double Rooms – Hoa Binh Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Tai Chi, Thein Canh Son Cave
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating:  N/A