Vietnam Rural and Cultural Immersion 13 Days / 12 Nights

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred directly to Moon Garden Homestay in the peaceful village of Ky Son. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome tisane made from fresh herbs grown on-site, followed by time to settle in and explore the tranquil garden and nearby village paths. Depending on the season, taste local treats like maize, cassava, or peanuts while waiting for your traditional steam bath—infused with fragrant herbs such as lemongrass, pomelo leaves, and holy basil. After a home-cooked dinner, you’ll be invited to observe the family’s evening worship ceremony, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese spiritual traditions. Before bedtime, relax with a warm herbal foot bath made with ginger, salt, and mugwort—a soothing ritual that promotes restful sleep.

The homestay, once a summer house built by a Hanoi architect, is now a cultural haven boasting century-old antiques, a bonsai garden, a pond, and a small church. It offers guests a restorative experience, combining elegant heritage design with authentic rural charm.

Begin your day with a session of Yijinjing, a form of traditional breathing and stretching exercise. After breakfast, hop on a bicycle for a guided ride through Thang Thac village, heading toward the well-preserved Duong Lam ancient village and Mia Pagoda. Along the way, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals. Stop for tea at a traditional house and chat with villagers about farming and daily life. Depending on the season, try your hand at agricultural tasks like plowing, transplanting rice, or harvesting sweet potatoes. Return to Moon Garden for lunch and a restful break.

In the afternoon, choose from a variety of relaxed activities: try fishing, stroll around the quiet lanes of Ky Son Village, or visit the local kindergarten (on weekdays). You can also unwind in a hammock, take photos in traditional Vietnamese attire, or simply enjoy the peaceful garden before dinner. This immersive day offers a rich cultural exchange and a true feel for life in rural Vietnam.

You may rise early to participate in a Buddhist prayer session—both a spiritual and meditative experience—followed by the ritual of burning votive money, a local practice honoring ancestors. After breakfast, transfer back to Hanoi for a city tour that highlights its rich cultural and historical tapestry. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, followed by a visit to the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which provides an excellent overview of the country’s 54 ethnic groups—ideal preparation for your time in Sapa.

Later, head to Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake, one of Hanoi’s oldest and most beautiful pagodas. Then, delve into the bustling maze of the Old Quarter, a hive of narrow streets, artisan shops, and colonial buildings. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration. In the evening, transfer to the Hanoi railway station for your overnight train journey to Lao Cai, marking the beginning of your mountain adventure.

Arriving at Lao Cai in the early morning, you’ll be met and transferred up the winding mountain roads to Sapa, perched on the edge of a valley opposite Mount Fansipan. After breakfast at your hotel, begin a trek into the scenic valley. Walk along terraced rice fields, interacting with H’mong villagers and learning about their traditions and lifestyle. A riverside picnic lunch adds a peaceful pause before continuing to a Day ethnic minority village. This evening, you’ll stay in the home of a welcoming local family, offering an intimate window into hill tribe life and hospitality.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Bac Ha, located about 80km from Sapa. From here, a mountain hike brings you to an idyllic picnic spot with expansive views across lush green fields. Continue through a cinnamon forest toward Nam Det village, home to the Black Dao people. This remote and seldom-visited community offers a rare opportunity to experience unspoiled tribal culture. Pause at a scenic stream near the Bamboo Bridge to relax before ascending further to reach a Dao village. Your accommodation tonight is at Nam Khanh Homestay, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and a quiet evening in the hills.

Following breakfast, leave the Dao village for a full day of trekking back to Bac Ha. Today’s route involves narrow trails along rice terraces and a steep ascent through thick vegetation, passing through serene Mong and Tay villages and even local schools nestled in the mountains. Arrive back in Bac Ha by afternoon where your driver awaits to transfer you to Lao Cai station for your return overnight train to Hanoi.

Alternative (Sunday only): Visit Bac Ha Ethnic Market

If your visit falls on a Sunday, consider exploring Bac Ha’s vibrant market—the largest and most colorful ethnic gathering in the region. Local H’mong and other groups bring handcrafted goods, fresh produce, and livestock to trade. The market is not only for commerce but also a social hub where villagers drink, laugh, and share stories. Let us know if you’d prefer this option so we can tailor the day accordingly.

Your train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning, where your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and freshening up. Then, begin the journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering limestone pillars and emerald waters. Upon arrival, board your traditional wooden junk, styled after ancient Vietnamese court vessels. The boat will cruise through the iconic karst formations and quieter corners of the bay.

Weather permitting, you can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, fishing, or climbing a small hill for panoramic views. There may also be opportunities to explore sea-level caves by sampan. Meals onboard feature freshly caught seafood, served in a relaxing dining setting. Tonight, you’ll sleep in a comfortable twin cabin with air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom, gently rocked by the waters of the bay.

Enjoy your morning on the bay with breakfast served as the boat cruises through new sections of Ha Long Bay. After an early lunch on board, the boat docks around noon and you’ll be transferred directly to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An.

Tonight, you’ll stay at Betel Garden Homestay, nestled in lush greenery just a short ride from Hoi An’s ancient center. Once a bustling international port, Hoi An is now a tranquil town, celebrated for its preserved wooden architecture, lantern-lit alleys, and riverside charm. In addition to exploring the town, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy nearby white-sand beaches, and may even consider getting tailor-made clothes from the town’s skilled artisans.

After breakfast, set out for a half-day journey through Hoi An’s countryside. Ride a bicycle along narrow village paths past rice paddies, water buffaloes, bamboo bridges, and farmers working their fields. Then board a boat cruising the Thu Bon Estuary to observe the lives of local fishermen.

Try your hand at casting a net while riding in a traditional Thung Chai basket boat. Continue paddling through the nipa palm forest, once a hiding place for Viet Cong fighters during the American War. You’ll also visit a fishing village before enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on the coast.

These basket boats, made from bamboo and waterproofed with tar, are a unique and practical part of central Vietnam’s fishing culture. They are lightweight, circular, and traditionally used to transport both people and goods. Life jackets will be provided to ensure your safety.

In the afternoon, enjoy your free time—wander through Hoi An’s atmospheric lanes, visit the market, or relax on the beach.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to Vinh Long in the heart of the Mekong Delta. This afternoon, settle into a peaceful homestay and enjoy dinner with your host family.

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s agricultural heartland—a maze of rivers, canals, and fertile fields. Staying with a local family offers an enriching glimpse into rural life, where traditions are still deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land and water.

Rise early for a boat cruise to the colorful Cai Be Floating Market. Witness local commerce unfold as traders barter produce and goods directly from their boats. Later, visit cottage industries producing items like rice paper, coconut candy, and fermented sauces.

Switch to a rowing sampan to weave through narrow canals shaded by palms, gaining intimate insight into life on the water. Visit the orchard of a renowned local farmer, Mr. Tiger, and enjoy a sampling of fresh fruits while listening to traditional Vietnamese music.

Return to your homestay to help your hosts prepare dinner or enjoy a walk through the garden under the soft Mekong twilight.

This morning, board a boat to explore clay kilns and pottery workshops along the Mekong. Disembark to wander through Vinh Long’s lively market before mounting your bicycle for a scenic ride through winding canals and verdant farmland.

Pass through villages and over quaint bridges, pausing at a vegetable farm where you may assist local farmers in their daily tasks. If your visit coincides with one of the rice harvest seasons (February, June, or October), you may even join them in harvesting.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City for your final night in Vietnam.

Today is at your leisure until your driver picks you up for your international flight departure from Tan Son Nhat Airport.