The details

Hanoi | Mai Chau | Nin Binh | Hoi An | Ho Chi Minh City

14-night trip: 11 nights in three-star hotels, one night in a homestay, one night on a boat 

13 breakfasts, six lunches, three dinners

2 domestic flights and all transfers and transport

You’ll spend the first three days in the country capital Hanoi, where a thrilling half-day jeep tour will plunge you into the daily life of the city as you weave through its labyrinth of backstreets and tiny alleys, seeing schools and markets. You’ll also take a walking food tour of the Old Quarter with an expert local guide; delicious local specialities include banh cuon Thanh Tri (steamed rice rolls).

From Hanoi you’ll venture through mountains, valleys, and traditional villages to reach Mai Chau village. In fact, you’ll spend the next two days totally immersed in local life in a way that few visitors to Vietnam ever are, exploring peaceful villages by bike and trekking through rice terraces. From Mai Chau you’ll be driven to Ninh Binh, to explore Dinh King Temple, take a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, and visit the Mua Cave.

The next day is even more exciting, as you’ll head into Cuc Phuong National Park, to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Turtle Conservation Center. There’s also a 7km loop trail to see a 1000-year-old tree and visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where 7500-year-old human skeletons and stone tools were discovered.

Your next stop is Hoi An, where we’ll show you a side of the city that most visitors miss out on with a countryside tour by Vespa visiting some local businesses to learn more about the way of life in this part of Vietnam. You’ll also get a free day to explore under your own steam or indulge in a massage – or both. Or we can suggest lots of local activities that might tempt you.

Last up is the thriving metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll take another Vespa tour and savour a five-course menu of Saigonese food and drink in what is Vietnam’s largest city – one known for its colourful food markets and fascinating war relics.

Included in your package are your Hanoi jeep tour and walking street food tour, a Mai Chau two-day tour, a Ninh Binh tour, a Cuc Phuong tour, a Hoi An Vespa tour, a Saigon street food tour by scooter, the service of English-speaking local guides, and entrance tickets.