17 days - 16 nights
Discover the beauty and culture of Vietnam on this immersive 17-day adventure from north to south. Start in Hanoi, wandering the lively Old Quarter and savoring local flavors. Head to Sapa, trekking through scenic valleys and visiting ethnic minority villages. Continue to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land,” with limestone karsts, rivers, and ancient temples.
Cruise the serene waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and hidden caves. In Hue, explore the ancient Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and peaceful pagodas. Stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, take part in a countryside cooking class, and cycle through lush rice paddies.
Wrap up in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, where floating markets, waterways, and a local homestay offer a perfect, authentic ending to this unforgettable journey.
Vietnam
Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay Cruise is a must-do experience, sailing through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Enjoy breathtaking views, explore hidden caves, kayak in secluded lagoons, and savor fresh seafood onboard. A perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Saigon Food Tour
Saigon Food Tour offers a delightful culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls while exploring vibrant markets and hidden local eateries. Experience the city’s rich food culture with every bite.
Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and most lively floating market in the Mekong Delta. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as boats brimming with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts gather for trade. Witness the authentic daily life of locals and enjoy a bowl of hot noodle soup right on the river.
Hue Historic Citadel
Hue Historic Citadel is a walled fortress that served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam, from 1802 to 1945. It is situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River, covering a total area of 520 hectares. The citadel in Hue Vietnam was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993 thanks to its significant architectural and historical values.
Hoi An Wet Rice Farmer
This unique activity immerses visitors in the authentic world of wet rice farming, offering a hands-on experience alongside local farmers. You’ll have the chance to ride a water buffalo, plant rice, and learn about the entire cultivation process — from preparing the fields to harvesting and even cooking the rice. It’s a meaningful and memorable way to connect with rural Vietnamese life.
Sapa's rice fields
Let’s embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking rice terraces of Sapa. Nestled amidst stunning mountain landscapes, Sapa lies just a short distance from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Discover the timeless charm of this famous destination in Northwestern Vietnam, where the natural beauty of terraced fields blends seamlessly with the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
As the oldest continuously developed area in Vietnam, Hanoi’s Old Quarter boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years, representing the enduring soul of the city. Nestled between the Lake of the Restored Sword, the Long Bien Bridge, an ancient city rampart, and a citadel wall, the Old Quarter began as a swampy land teeming with snakes and alligators. Over time, it transformed into a cluster of villages with houses built on stilts. Later, Chinese administrators unified the area by constructing ramparts around their headquarters, naming it “Dominated Annam” or “Protected South.”
Ninh Binh "Halong Bay on Land"
Far too few travelers make their way to Ninh Binh, a captivating region often called “Ha Long Bay on Land” for its enchanting landscape of winding rivers and dramatic limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies. The best way to experience this UNESCO-protected wonder is by taking a serene paddleboat tour along its shimmering waterways and hiking to the summit of its legendary peaks for breathtaking views.
Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes an outside view of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum — the final resting place of the beloved national hero, Uncle Ho — and his simple stilt house, where he lived intermittently from 1958 to 1969.
At 09:30, continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple built over a square lotus pond, renowned for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.
Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully set by the shore of West Lake. From there, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076 and dedicated to Confucius and scholars of old.
After lunch, enjoy a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow lanes rich in history and local life. Conclude the day with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Returned Sword, and the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple.
Overnight in Hanoi
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for an overnight cruise on the stunning waters of Halong Bay. The journey takes you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, offering glimpses of traditional village life along the way.
Arrive in Halong City by late morning and board your boat for an unforgettable overnight voyage through the bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise past the bay’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters.
In the late afternoon, the boat will anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, savor a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood, salads, and tropical fruits.
Overnight on board in Halong Bay
For early risers, complimentary tea and coffee are served on the sundeck, followed by a relaxing Tai Chi session against the backdrop of the bay’s morning calm. As the boat makes its way back to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch while cruising past the bay’s uniquely shaped limestone formations.
Upon disembarkation, your guide will meet you and provide a private transfer to Ninh Binh. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Ninh Binh
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 8:30 AM, your guide will pick you up for a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you’ll explore the famous temples of the Le and Dinh Dynasties.
Afterward, transfer by car to Tam Coc, where you’ll take a scenic boat trip along the river, gliding past dramatic karst formations and through limestone caves carved by nature.
Following the boat trip, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Hanoi. In the evening, board the overnight train to Lao Cai.
At 6:00 AM, arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, where you’ll be picked up by car. Reach Sapa around 8:00 AM and check in to your hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower.
The road from Sapa winds through scenic hilly terrain, passing terraced rice paddy fields on the way to Cat Cat Cultural Village, just 3 km from town. Take a leisurely walk through this traditional village to get an overview of the customs and daily life of the ethnic Black H’mong people. Stop by a beautiful waterfall and visit the remnants of a hydroelectric power station built by the French during the colonial era.
Follow a dirt trail that snakes through the mountains, enjoying spectacular scenery as you trek along a narrow stream to reach Y Linh Ho Village, another community of the Black H’mong minority. Continue toward Muong Hoa Valley.
Descending into the valley, you’ll witness the largest terraced rice fields in the Sapa region. (If visiting between May and October, you’ll have the chance to observe or even join the local people as they plant and harvest rice.)
The trek continues from Lao Chai Village, home of the Black H’mong, to Ta Van Village, where the Giay minority reside. Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local house before returning to Sapa.
Overnight in Sapa.
Start the morning by driving down to the lowest valley of Sapa, with about two hours of travel through the descending valley. Along the way, you’ll have many opportunities to admire breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and cornfields — home to the largest terraced paddies in Sapa District.
Pass by Ban Ho Village before your car ascends toward My Son Village and then Nam Cang Village, where several ethnic minority groups such as the Xa Pho, Red Dao, and White H’mong live. Stop at Nam Than Village to visit a local minority house and experience daily village life. From here, you’ll begin a scenic trek across a suspension bridge.
Your first impression will be a small, breezy waterfall offering a cool, refreshing atmosphere. As you continue trekking, you’ll encounter several more charming waterfalls. The trail reveals stunning views of the valley below, with terraced rice fields and traditional buffalo houses on stilts scattered across the landscape. Adding to the serene experience is the natural soundtrack of birds singing from the surrounding forest.
After around two hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Thanh Phu Village, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional stilt house belonging to a local minority family.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Sapa, with the chance to admire the sunset over the mountain scenery.
Overnight in Sapa.
At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive you back to Hanoi via the Lao Cai – Hanoi highway. A picnic lunch will be arranged along the way.
Arrive at Hanoi Airport around 2:30 PM and take a domestic flight to Hue at 4:30 PM. Upon arrival in Hue, your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy some free time to relax.
Overnight in Hue.
At 8:30 AM, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty. This impressive structure features a unique blend of European modernity and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Next, continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic religious landmarks. After exploring the pagoda, enjoy a 1-hour boat ride along the picturesque Huong River, heading toward the Imperial City.
Have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Imperial City, Hue’s most famous and historically significant site. Recognized as one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City is a must-visit destination for those discovering the hidden charm of Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. At 8:00 AM, depart from Hue for Hoi An. Along the way, stop for sightseeing at the scenic Hai Van Pass, where you can admire panoramic views of Lang Co Beach, the peaceful lagoon below, and the city of Da Nang in the distance.
Arrive in Hoi An around 1:00 PM and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
At 2:30 PM, begin exploring the ancient town of Hoi An — formerly known as Faifo — a historic trading port where Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese communities once lived together. Highlights of your visit include the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Ancient Trading House, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, Hoi An’s silk street, and various temples and pagodas reflecting Chinese influence.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll embark on a unique and hands-on adventure in Hoi An with a Rice Farm Experience. Learn about the entire process of rice cultivation, from planting to producing the final product.
Start the day by cycling to the rice farm, where you’ll have the chance to ride a water buffalo before joining local farmers in traditional activities such as ploughing, raking, sowing, transplanting rice seedlings, grinding, separating the husk, and making rice flour.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to cook and enjoy delicious, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, served with a refreshing drink. This unforgettable experience takes place on a family-run farm and promises plenty of fun — just be ready to get a little muddy!
Return to the hotel around 2:00 PM.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, head out to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend time exploring this fascinating underground network, which includes countless trap doors, storage rooms, weapons workshops, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. These interconnected tunnels were ingeniously designed, making them a functional living space for extended periods during wartime.
At 4:00 PM, drive back to Saigon and conclude the Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to rest and relax.
Overnight in Saigon.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a visit to The Reunification Palace, one of the most historically significant landmarks in Saigon. Continue to Central Post Office, one of the finest examples of classical French colonial architecture in the city, followed by a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum, formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes.
Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau Pagoda, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Saigon, and then explore the bustling Binh Tay Market in the heart of Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown). Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM.
At 5:30 PM, a guide from the Food Tour will pick you up at your hotel for an exciting evening adventure — exploring Saigon by night on a scooter while sampling local street food.
Overnight in Saigon.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Cai Be, located about a 2-hour drive from Saigon. Upon arrival, visit a rice factory in An Cu, then hop on a boat to explore the rice floating market — the largest of its kind in the Mekong Delta. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet local rice traders and learn about their daily work.
Next, visit an ancient house in Dong Hoa Hiep Hamlet before continuing to the Cai Be floating market. After leaving the market, stop by a bee farm and Hai Yen flora garden, where you’ll learn about the process of harvesting honey, pollen, and royal jelly — with an opportunity to sample them. You might also want to try lifting a fishing net or walking across a traditional “monkey bridge.”
The tour continues to a local fruit orchard owned by a woman named Hang. Stroll through the orchard, pick fresh fruits, and enjoy them on the spot. Afterward, visit a local house to enjoy a performance of Mekong traditional music.
Then, take a peaceful rowing boat ride along a narrow canal to Mekong Ecolodge, where you’ll join a hands-on cooking session before enjoying a traditional lunch.
In the afternoon, transfer to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up, and you’ll hop on a boat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Operating daily from 5:00 AM to early afternoon, the market is a lively scene of local boats filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce. Cruise through the bustling market, weaving between boats, while learning about this unique and traditional way of life in the Mekong region.
(If you prefer a later start, there's the option to visit the market at 8:00 AM after breakfast.)
After the visit, return to your hotel to freshen up before checking out. Then, depart for Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You’ll have free time until your driver picks you up for your departure flight.
An air-conditioned vehicle is standing by, fully prepared to take you away on an unforgettable excursion. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the destination in style, with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
The included cold water & tissue, local snacks, and fresh fruit will keep your energy levels up while you enjoy the tour and ensure that you stay hydrated and well-nourished.
We organized and ran our trips to ensure they had a minimum impact on the environment and a positive impact on the local communities and cultures we operate in. Siem Reaper was founded not only to provide memorable and meaningful travel experiences for our guests but also to build a sustainable adventure-travel business that supports the local communities. We aim to support all of our local communities, whether it be through our unique educational tours, visits to nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, or by purchasing locally grown produce from farms in the region.
With us, we know very well where you stay is very much part of the experience. Wherever possible we select characterful accommodation to suit your budget, which we have personally tracked down and visited regularly. We selected best accommodation from eco-homestay to luxury hotels.
Meals are included as per the itinerary that we have mentioned. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups.
While traveling with us, you will have the opportunity to not just experience the wide variety of wonderful food available in Vietnam and Cambodia, Thailand, Laos but also get to try some of it too. Your guide will be able to suggest some great restaurants for you to try during your trip.
If you have any specific food requirements (vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies), please inform us in advance so that we can provide a notice to the restaurant or hotel where you will be served.
You will be led by an English-speaking guide who offers local insight, pursues great experiences, and makes every tour exceptional. Our guides are well informed about the local culture, history, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you.
Want to know more about this adventure and how to plan for your trip? Essential Trip Information is a one-stop resource that provides everything you need to know about this trip. Read about your destination country's requirements for passports, visas, vaccinations, baggage restrictions, packing lists, and tipping guidelines before you go.
Visitors to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos require a passport to enter the country, and all travelers must hold a passport with validity for 6 months after their planned exit from above countries
Citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and almost all other nationalities will require a visa. Non-UK residents should check with the Embassy in their country of residence for the most up-to-date information. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at airports without prior registration. A visa is issued on arrival for most nationalities for US $25/pax to $30/pax, and the visa has a one-month validity. You need to pay in cash and in US dollars and provide two recent, identical passport photographs.
Read more about applying for an eVisa here:
You will be met by your guide in the arrivals hall, after immigration and baggage reclaim. He/She will be wearing the Footsteps Indochina Travel logo and will be holding a meeting board displaying your name.
You will be met by your tour guide and driver at your arrival point. They will be holding a Footsteps Indochina Travel name board with your name on it. It is possible you will be a little bleary-eyed after a long flight and there are also likely to be a large number of meeting boards displayed, so please take your time to locate them.
Firstly, do not panic - let the crowds clear a little and stay with your luggage. After 15 minutes, if you still have not been met then one of you should locate the airport information point and check that you are in the correct place (many airports have several terminals and your guide will be waiting for you at the timetable arrival terminal).
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred insurance company. As medical facilities in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand & Laos are rather limited, it is imperative for you to take out a good medical insurance policy when traveling.
Although not mandatory, for the safety of travelers, we strongly recommend immunization against malaria, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria and polio. Travelers should visit their general practitioners for advice on the best pills to take for malaria prevention. Although it is not required in all circumstances, travelers may want to consider immunization against Japanese Encephalitis as an added precaution.
Meals are included as per the itinerary that we have mentioned. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups.
While traveling with us, you will have the opportunity to not just experience the wide variety of wonderful food available in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand & Laos but also get to try some of it too. Your guide will be able to suggest some great restaurants for you to try during your trip.
If you have any specific food requirements (vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies), please inform us in advance so that we can provide a notice to the restaurant or hotel where you will be served.
Keeping you hydrated is one of the most important parts of our tours. We provide cold water, as well as local fruit and soft drinks to keep you energized and refreshed during your trip. Beers and alcoholic drinks are freely available everywhere but are not included in the price.
At Footsteps Indochina Travel, we’re ensuring that we’re fulfilling the core values of our business. We operate in a responsible manner to protect our local culture and environment, as well as youth development in our community. We’ve made a commitment to be a responsible business and live up to this promise every single day.
