Vietnam Path Least Travelled 15 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (GP, D)

Upon arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transported to your hotel where you can settle in and unwind after your flight. As the evening unfolds, you’ll be treated to a welcome dinner in a beautifully restored colonial building, offering a selection of exquisite Vietnamese dishes that set the tone for your culinary journey. After dinner, the cultural immersion continues with a performance of traditional Water Puppetry, a unique art form that originated in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam over a thousand years ago. This delightful show provides a playful and light-hearted introduction to Vietnam’s rural traditions and folklore. The first day culminates with an overnight stay in Hanoi, setting the stage for the adventures to come.

Day 2: Hanoi to Mai Chau to Pu Luong (Hang Village) (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast in Hanoi, your journey leads you to the scenic landscapes of Mai Chau, a serene town nestled in a valley that’s famed for its breathtaking views and cultural richness. During the drive, you’ll pass through mountainous landscapes that offer a glimpse of rural life away from the bustling city.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you will dine in a traditional stilt house in Lac Village, home to the Thai ethnic minority. This experience not only allows you to enjoy authentic local cuisine but also offers an opportunity to learn about the community’s way of life and their skilled brocade weaving. Post lunch, the journey continues with a 15km drive to the Ma River, where you board a sampan for a river cruise, visiting remote ethnic minority villages along the way.

The day’s adventure concludes with a hike to Hang Village, where you will be greeted with a traditional folk song and dance performance by the local villagers. The cultural exchange, complemented by local rice wine, ensures a memorable evening. Overnight, you will stay in a stilt house in Hang Village, experiencing firsthand the local lifestyle.

Day 3: Exploring Pu Luong (B, L, D, G)

Your third day begins with a leisurely stroll around Hang Village after breakfast, allowing you to further engage with the Thai minority community. You will have the opportunity to visit local families in their homes, share a cup of green tea, and gain deeper insights into their daily lives and customs.

Following this intimate cultural exchange, you embark on a hike through pristine scenery towards Eo Ken village. This journey, although challenging, rewards you with stunning vistas and a rare glimpse into the remote highland life.

A local family in Eo Ken will host your lunch, offering dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, a short hike and a drive in a land-cruiser will take you to Kho Muong village. Here, you’ll spend the night in a traditional stilt house by a natural stream, immersing yourself completely in the tranquility of rural Vietnam.

The day is not only about scenic hikes but also about understanding the successful collaboration between local communities and international NGOs, which have transformed these villages into sustainable tourism destinations.

Day 4: More Hiking in Pu Luong (B, L, D, G)

Day four is dedicated to exploring more of Pu Luong’s natural beauty. After an early breakfast, your guide leads you to a nearby large limestone cave, offering a fascinating look at geological formations and an adventurous start to the day.

The trek to the cave can be challenging and requires careful navigation, but the awe-inspiring interiors make it well worth the effort. From the cave, you continue your hike through dense forests, enriched by the diversity of flora and fauna and passing through several local villages. This gives you further insights into the lives of Pu Luong’s ethnic communities.

A picnic lunch will be served en route, allowing you to enjoy local flavours amidst the natural beauty of the landscape. The day ends with another night in a stilt house, where you can reflect on the experiences of the day and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts.

Day 5: Pu Luong to Thanh Hoa to Hanoi (B, L, G)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Hanoi, passing through the picturesque countryside of Thanh Hoa. En route, you’ll stop at several local villages, where you can witness the daily routines of the villagers and visit a vibrant local market.

Here, the colourful displays of fresh produce and handicrafts offer a glimpse into the rich agricultural life of the region. You will then continue to a small town for lunch, enjoying typical regional dishes that reflect the local flavours and culinary traditions.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to see the remarkable water wheels used by the Muong people, an ingenious traditional method for irrigating their crops. Your journey will also include a visit to Cam Thuy’s ‘Sacred Fish Stream’, where you can paddle among friendly fish in the shallow waters, a unique and peaceful experience.

The day concludes with your return to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Day 6: Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot (B, DP in Hanoi, GP in Buon Ma Thuot)

Following breakfast in Hanoi, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Buon Ma Thuot, a city known for its vibrant history and culture in the Central Highlands.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a tour of the city, including a visit to the local Ethnology Museum which provides insights into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam.

You will also visit A Co Thon village, home to many of the Ede ethnic minority people, offering a firsthand look at their traditions and way of life. The day is rounded off with checking into your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures of the next day.

Day 7: Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake (B, L, G)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll drive to Lak Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, framed by rolling hills and traditional stilt houses.

Your morning will be spent exploring Jun village, where you can interact with the local M’Nong people and learn about their lifestyles and cultural heritage. Following a boat trip on the lake, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Bao Dai’s house, situated on the hillside of the lake.

Here, you can relax and enjoy a traditional gong music dancing show performed by the M’Nong people. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the top of the biggest elephant rock, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The day ends with a drive back to Buon Ma Thuot for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Buon Me Thuot to Dray Nur Waterfalls to Pleiku (B, L, G)

The day starts with a morning visit to Dray Nur Waterfall, located in Kuop Village about 25 km south of Buon Ma Thuot. This magnificent waterfall, spanning 250m in length and 30m in height, is one of the largest and most beautiful on the Serepok River. From a distance, Dray Nur presents a breathtaking panorama, and you can swim in the shallow waters of the first lake.

As you move to the second and third lakes, the waters deepen and the surroundings become more dramatic, with sharp rocks and deep pools. A walk along the rocky bank leads you to a cave with a stunning view of the waterfall.

After soaking in the natural beauty, you will return to Buon Ma Thuot for lunch before proceeding to Pleiku, a journey of approximately four hours.

Arriving in the evening, you will have free time to explore Pleiku, a city known for its unique volcanic landscape and vibrant local culture, before spending the night.

Day 9: Pleiku to Kon Tum to Pleiku (B, L, G)

After breakfast in Pleiku, your journey continues with a drive to Kon Tum, approximately 50 km away. This part of the Central Highlands is rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty.

In Kon Tum, you will first visit a village of the Jrai minority, Pleikep, known for its communal graves—a unique cultural feature of the Jrai people. Here, you can stroll around the village, interacting with locals and gaining insight into their traditional way of life.

Next, you will visit the iconic Catholic Wooden Church, built entirely from wood without the use of nails, which showcases exquisite craftsmanship and a deep religious heritage. The KonKlor suspension bridge is another highlight, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.

After these visits, you will drive back to Pleiku to explore a local tea plantation and T’Nung Lake (Volcanic Lake), renowned for its ancient volcanic origins and serene beauty.

The day concludes with an overnight stay in Pleiku, allowing you to reflect on the rich cultural tapestry and natural splendor of the region.

Day 10: Pleiku to Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island (B, DP)

Your day begins with a free morning in Pleiku, giving you some leisure time to explore or relax. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, a timely connection will take you to your next flight bound for Con Dao Island. Once you arrive at Con Dao, you will be greeted and driven to your chosen resort.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind and settle in, with the peaceful surroundings and pristine beaches of Con Dao providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Your overnight stay on Con Dao Island promises a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life.

Day 11: Con Dao Free Day (B)

This day is entirely at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Con Dao. The island, known for its stunning beaches and rich history, offers a variety of activities. You can choose to relax on the white sandy beaches, dive into the crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs, or visit historical sites such as the Con Dao Prison museum.

The island’s lush national park and diverse marine life make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Overnight, you’ll stay in Con Dao, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s serene and natural beauty.

Day 12: Half Day Hiking Ma Thien Lanh National Park – Our Lady’s Cave – Heritage Tree (Breakfast, Guide)

Your day starts with an early pickup from your hotel, followed by a check-in at Ma Thien Lanh bridge in Con Dao National Park. From there, you will embark on a guided walk through the forest to visit several significant sites including the Environmental Education Centre, Our Lady’s Cave, and a Heritage Tree.

This trek provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural ecosystem of Con Dao, learn about its rare flora and fauna, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. After your hike, a car will take you back to your hotel.

The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore more of Con Dao at your own pace, with another peaceful night on the island.

Day 13 – Day 14: Con Dao Island Free Days (B)

Days 13 and 14 provide two full days at your leisure to soak up the serene beauty of Con Dao Island. These days are designed for you to relax and engage in activities at your own pace.

You can spend your time lounging on the island’s pristine beaches, known for their clear waters and fine, golden sand, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For the adventurous, there are options to explore more of the island’s natural beauty through snorkeling or scuba diving, where the rich marine life offers a dazzling display of corals and tropical fish.

Alternatively, you might choose to trek through the dense tropical forests of the island, which are home to a variety of wildlife and offer panoramic views of the surrounding areas. If you prefer a more cultural experience, you can visit local villages to interact with the island’s residents and learn about their way of life.

Each night, you’ll return to your accommodation in Con Dao, where you can relax and unwind in comfort.

Day 15: Departure from Con Dao Island to Ho Chi Minh City (B, DP)

On the final day of your tour, you’ll have some free time in the morning to enjoy your last moments on Con Dao Island. Take a final stroll along the beach, pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy a quiet breakfast at your resort.

Later, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City. This flight is scheduled to allow ample time for you to connect with your international departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to your journey.

As you leave Vietnam, the memories of the tranquil beaches, rich history, and the warm hospitality of the locals will accompany you home.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up