Vietnam Nature Trails 9 Days
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – First Impressions of Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative holding a personalised welcome sign. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel located in the heart of the city.
Once checked in, you are free to relax after your journey or begin your self-guided exploration of the charming capital. Wander the bustling Old Quarter with its labyrinth of streets, discover hidden cafes, or take a slow stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. The day is designed to let you settle in gently while soaking up the first sights and sounds of northern Vietnam.
Meals: — | Service: Guide Pick-up
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour by Motorbike – Culture & Street Life
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, prepare for an exhilarating full-day motorbike tour that lets you experience the city like a true local. With an experienced driver-guide, hop on the back of a motorbike and feel the pulse of Hanoi up close.
Your first stop is the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a peaceful sanctuary showcasing ancient Vietnamese architecture. Then, delve into Vietnam’s creative soul at the Fine Arts Museum, home to relics, wartime sketches, and avant-garde works.
Continue on to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, beautifully situated on West Lake, offering panoramic views and a peaceful ambience.
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Old Quarter, where you’ll weave through narrow alleys and discover family-run eateries. Taste famous Hanoi street foods such as the globally loved Pho, smoky grilled Bun Cha, and silky soft Banh Cuon. Between bites, your guide will share the stories behind each dish and the traditions surrounding Vietnamese cuisine.
Cross over to the historic Long Bien Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and visit the floating communities living beneath its arches — an often unseen side of Hanoi life. Conclude your cultural immersion with a Water Puppetry Show, a traditional art form born in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta.
If you prefer, a private car option is available to substitute the motorbike experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 3: Hanoi to Pu Luong – Into the Green Heart of Vietnam
Leave the city behind and set off on a scenic 4.5-hour drive to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The route winds through lush valleys and limestone mountains, offering picture-perfect panoramas and opportunities to stop for local encounters.
Upon arrival at your eco-lodge, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring local ingredients, followed by time to relax, take in the views, or wander the property.
In the afternoon, set off on a light trek to nearby Thai ethnic villages. Learn about traditional stilt house architecture, rice farming, and bamboo weaving. This is a unique opportunity to connect with villagers who live in harmony with nature, untouched by mass tourism.
Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by nature’s serenity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 4: Trekking Through Pu Luong – Caves, Jungles & Hidden Villages
Today is dedicated to a full-day trek through the heart of Pu Luong. After breakfast, descend into the fertile valley below your retreat, passing rice terraces, water wheels, and water buffalo grazing lazily in the fields.
Your journey covers around 13 km, winding through forest paths, wooden bridges, and bamboo groves. Reach Kho Muong Village, one of the most scenic and culturally rich communities in the area. Visit the fascinating Bat Cave, a geological marvel surrounded by legend.
Lunch will be served at a traditional stilt house with a local family. Afterwards, continue trekking through jungle trails, with moments of calm broken only by birdsong and the rustle of trees.
Pass through Uoi Village, where children play along the riverbanks and elders dry rice on woven mats. Return to your eco-lodge in the late afternoon for a well-earned rest and dinner.
Start time: 09:00
Duration: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Grade: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 5: Sacred Streams & Back to Hanoi
This morning, take a leisurely drive through several rural villages to witness authentic daily life in action. Visit a colourful local market, where locals barter over fresh produce, spices, and handmade wares.
Continue along a scenic route past ancient Muong water wheels, ingenious bamboo structures used to channel mountain spring water to the rice fields. Stop for lunch in a local town before reaching the Sacred Fish Stream in Cam Thuy. Here, hundreds of large, protected fish gather peacefully in a shallow stream. Locals revere the fish and believe they bring good fortune — feeding them is encouraged, but harming them is forbidden.
After this tranquil interlude, return to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your final evening in the capital with suggestions from your guide on where to eat or explore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 6: Hanoi to Nam Cat Tien National Park via Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival, meet your southern guide and driver and embark on a 4-hour road journey to Nam Cat Tien National Park, a protected haven of tropical biodiversity.
Cross the Dong Nai River by ferry and check into your eco-lodge nestled within the forest. Surrounded by 720 square kilometres of jungle, this park offers a complete contrast to Vietnam’s urban centres. Spend the evening listening to the chorus of insects and frogs while dining under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Service: Driver Pick-up (Hanoi), Guide Pick-up (Ho Chi Minh City)
Day 7: Trek to Crocodile Lake – A Day in the Wild
After an early breakfast, embark on an adventurous full-day trek to Crocodile Lake, one of the park’s most pristine and remote corners. Begin with a short drive to the trailhead, then trek 5 km through dense lowland rainforest. Along the way, your naturalist guide will point out exotic plants, butterflies, and birds.
This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a chance to spot rare species such as the Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, and the flamboyant Siamese Fireback. The melodic sounds of the jungle create a natural symphony unlike anything else.
Enjoy a packed lunch at the lake’s edge before returning on foot through another stretch of rich forest. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 8: Gibbon Dawn Chorus & Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Wake before sunrise and quietly follow your guide into the forest to witness the enchanting dawn chorus of the gibbons — a haunting, ethereal experience that few are lucky enough to hear.
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once in the city, check in to your hotel and enjoy your last evening in Vietnam. You may wish to stroll along Nguyen Hue walking street, enjoy a rooftop cocktail, or reflect on your journey over a memorable farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 9: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City – Until Next Time
Savour your final breakfast before your driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home or onward destination. As your journey concludes, take with you not only souvenirs but also unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s wild beauty, warm hospitality, and timeless traditions.
Meals: Breakfast | Service: Driver Pick-up
Price
The prices for this private tour are per person in US dollars:
These prices are valid until March 31, 2025. Please note that bank transfer fees are not included.
| Number in group | 2 | 3 – 4 | 5 - 8 | 9 - 12 | Supplement for single hotel room occupancy* |
|
Superior (four stars) |
1,670 | 1,488 | 1,270 | 1,181 | 434 |
Note:
Price is not valid for the Peak season, please contact us again for price checking and availability
Peak season: Dec 20th, 2024- Jan 10, 2025, and TET (Jan 26 – Feb 10, 2025)
* ‘Single room occupancy’ refers to the accommodation element of the programme only, and applies to someone who is travelling with others but requires an additional room for him or herself. Single traveller prices are available on request.
Inclusions
- Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
- Domestic flight tickets: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, including domestic airport taxes.
- Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Jeep transfer in the Nam Cat Tien National Park
- Boat cruises and rowing boat as programme.
- The use of bicycles
- The services of one of the park’s English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
- Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available, and in the park’s canteens
- VAT and other taxes
Exclusions
- International flight tickets and airport tax
- Visas
- Lunches and dinners, except as specified above
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
- Camera fees (if any)
- Insurance
- Surcharges for peak season (if any)
- Compulsory Christmas Eve’s dinner and Gala dinner (if any)
Hotel List
- Hanoi: MK Premier Boutique Hotel (a Vietnamese style hotel, located in the Hanoi Old quarter – Luxury City View room)
- Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat (bungalows and villas with stunning panoramic view to the terrace rice fields, valleys and superb mountains…all are at your disposal to discover - Deluxe New Wing)
- Nam Cat Tien National Park: Jungle Lodge (***+, well-appointed resort in Nam cat Tien area – Studio River view)
- Ho Chi Minh City: EdenStar Saigon hotel (**** city centre location, nicerooftop swimming pool – Premium Deluxe room)
Tour FAQ's
1. What are the visa requirements for this tour? Visas are required for most foreigners entering Vietnam. We offer a free visa service for our clients, which can be arranged in advance or upon arrival. The visa stamp fee varies between US$45 and US$90, depending on your nationality and entry point.
2. What is the best season to undertake this tour? Vietnam can be visited year-round, but the best time for this tour is from October to April when the weather is typically cooler and dryer, especially in northern regions like Hanoi and Pu Luong.
3. What types of accommodations are provided? Accommodations vary from luxurious hotels in major cities to charming homestays in rural areas like Pu Luong. All accommodations are selected to provide a comfortable and authentic experience, reflecting the local character and hospitality.
4. How physically demanding are the activities? The tour includes various activities such as city tours on motorbike and trekking in Pu Luong. The trekking can be moderately challenging, especially in hilly areas. However, alternatives such as car tours are available for those preferring less physically demanding options.
5. What should I pack? Pack light and bring comfortable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Essentials include a good pair of walking shoes, rain gear, sun protection, and any personal medication. Don’t forget your camera and an extra battery to capture the stunning scenery!
6. Is this tour suitable for children or elderly guests? The tour is designed to cater to guests of all ages. Specific needs can be accommodated, and activities can be adjusted to suit the comfort and safety of children and elderly travelers.
7. Are meals included? Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner). We focus on providing local cuisine experiences, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
8. What are the safety measures for the motorbike tours? Safety is a priority, and all motorbike riders are experienced and trained. Helmets are provided and must be worn at all times during the motorbike tours.
9. Can I extend my stay or customize the tour? Yes, we offer flexible itineraries that can be customized according to your interests and schedule. Additional nights and destinations can be added to enrich your experience.
10. What are the emergency protocols? All tour guides are equipped with mobile phones, and vehicles are well-maintained to ensure reliability. In case of emergency, local contacts and healthcare facilities will be readily accessible.
This FAQ is designed to address common queries and help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure across Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Tour Map
Vietnam Nature Trails – 9 Days of Wild Beauty, Cultural Depth & Hidden Treks
Step away from the ordinary and journey deep into the natural and cultural heart of Vietnam.
Designed for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers, Vietnam Nature Trails is a 9-day expedition that takes you through the diverse ecosystems, ancient traditions, and off-the-beaten-path wonders of Vietnam — from the highland terraces of Pu Luong to the tropical rainforests of Nam Cat Tien.
Your adventure begins in Hanoi, where the pulse of the city comes alive beneath your feet — or wheels, as you explore its ancient pagodas, museums, street food corners, and floating neighbourhoods on a motorbike tour like no other.
From there, trade urban energy for the untouched beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Trek among cascading rice terraces, bamboo forests, and limestone valleys. Stay in eco-lodges, meet ethnic Thai villagers, and explore mystical caves as you immerse yourself in Vietnam’s quiet, soulful countryside.
The journey continues south to Nam Cat Tien National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Vietnam’s last strongholds of lowland tropical rainforest. Here, your days begin with the haunting dawn chorus of gibbons, and your hikes lead to crocodile lakes, birdwatching hotspots, and deeply immersive wildlife experiences — all set in an ancient and lush ecosystem alive with sound and movement.
Along the way, you’ll dine on local cuisine, cross rivers by ferry, sleep in nature lodges, and engage with communities who have lived in harmony with their environment for generations.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a trail — a journey into the soul of Vietnam’s landscapes and the resilience of its people.
🔍 Highlights of the Journey
- Explore Hanoi’s culture, cuisine, and hidden neighbourhoods by motorbike
- Trek through the terraced rice fields and ethnic villages of Pu Luong
- Visit sacred sites, bat caves, and ancient bamboo waterwheels
- Witness the Sacred Fish Stream — a unique spiritual natural site
- Fly south to tropical rainforests and biodiversity in Nam Cat Tien National Park
- Spot rare bird species, gibbons, and reptiles in their natural habitat
- Camp-style picnics, local meals, and eco-conscious accommodations
- A perfect blend of nature, culture, soft adventure, and storytelling
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