Northern Vietnam
1/ Sapa – Bac Ha 3 Days - 2 Nights (Depart from Hanoi)
Sapa and Bac Ha are small, poetic and graceful towns nestled in the mountainous North-West region of Vietnam. Everything about those two towns is enchanting and serene: cool climate, warm people, lush terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainsides, vibrant hill tribe market showcases the colorful cultures of various ethnic groups. Mountainous but unchallenging, the optional tour in Sapa and Bac Ha can now be experienced with lux and comfort, allowing yourself to immerse in the relaxation of nature. Special Optional Tours
Day 1: Ha Noi - Sapa
Breakfast at hotel
Pick up at hotel and transfer to Sapa (400km away/ aprox. 6 hours) in Lao Cai Province in the mountainous North-West region of Vietnam via Viet Tri and Yen Bai towns and on the way sightseeing around Lao Cai town as well as visit outside Ha Khau Border Gate of Vietnam – China on the bank of Red River which serves here as a natural border line.
Hotel check-in in Sapa and relax
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 2: Sapa – Ta Van – Ta Phin - Sapa
Breakfast at hotel
Excursion in Sapa to visit Muong Hoa Valley, a home to ethnic minorities such as H’mong, Dao, Zay and Xapho, and enjoy the beautiful scenery with terrace rice fields and local homes scattered on the mountain side. Walk to visit Ta Van Village of Zay people.
Afternoon drive to the vicinity of Sapa and enjoy some more walk to visit Ta Phin Village of Zao and H’mong ethnic minority people.
Overnight in Sapa
Day 3: Sapa – Bac Ha - Hanoi
Breakfast at hotel
Early morning drive to Bac Ha (106 km away) which is approximately 2 hours by car.
Explore Bac Ha market, one of the most colorful and biggest market of ethnic minority peoples, only opens on Sundays.
* If this day falls in Tuesdays or Saturdays, you can visit Coc Ly market or Can Cau market which is also ethnic minority people’s market
Visit Ban Pho Village and H’mong King’s House (Hoang A Tuong).
Drive to Hanoi afterwards
2/ Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh 3 Days - 2 Nights (Depart from Hanoi)
A short but refreshing trip. Mai Chau and Pu Luong’s charm isn’t about the overwhelming grandeur landscape, but an invitation to the ease of the tasteful and gentle side of nature, where panoramic paddy fields - the very grain that nurtured our civilization - whisper a breeze. The lush green change to a rustic and majestic green of the emerald rivers and mountains in Ninh Binh, where boat rides and temples visit set in a humbling and mindful experience.
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Breakfast at hotel
Morning drive to Mai Chau which is situated in the valley surrounded by high mountains. This mountainous area in the north-western region of Vietnam is also a home of many ethnic minority people such as Thai, H’Mong, Muong.
Cycling around the village paths upon arrival in Mai Chau to visit ethnic villages of White Thai and Muong people as well as the spectacular scenery of Mai Chau
After that, proceed to Pu Luong about 2 hours and check in on arrival and relax
Overnight in Pu Luong
Day 2: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
Breakfast at hotel
Walk around tumbling rice terraces and small villages to see the daily life and culture of local ethnic people
After that, drive to Ninh Binh (137km / 3 hours) to enjoy the hand-rowed sampan ride to visit Trang An Caves in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - the World’s Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong (or Hanoi)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to the wonderful Halong Bay (205km / 3 hours), the UNESCO World Heritage Site, via northern provinces such as Nam Dinh, Thai Binh etc and express way or back to Hanoi
Central Vietnam
1/ Phong Nha Exploration with Hang Tien Cave 4 Days - 3 Nights (Depart from Hanoi)
A refined schedule to the niche exploration for adventure seekers with commodities. Phong Nha complex is world famous, but Hang Tien cave offers a less commercialized and no less excitement and awe-inspiring experience. Feel the creation of the dazzling stalagmite in the course of millions of years within the reach of your hand, submerge in the ancient waters of the natural pools and constantly recharge your energy with the crystal air settling in the typical tropical jungle.
Day 1: Hanoi – Dong Hoi
Breakfast at hotel
Evening pick up at the hotel and transfer to the train station for the night train to Dong Hoi (estimated SE19 HAN – VDH 20.10 – 5.59+ or SE3 HAN – VDH 19.30 – 5.21+) (without guide)
Overnight on train
Day 2: Arrival Dong Hoi – Phong Nha
Morning pick up at the train station in Dong Hoi and transfer to Chay Lap Farmstay in Phong Nha (50km/1 hour) for breakfast (early check in subject to availability) (without guide)
Free time in Phong Nha for relax or cycling along the village paths and mountain roads to visit Paradise Cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes.
Overnight in Phong Nha
Day 3: Phong Nha – Hang Tien Cave – Phong Nha
Breakfast at Farmstay
07.00 – 07.30: shuttle van pick-up and transfer to the Oxalis office in Tan Hoa village (around 70km) which is recognized as the Best Tourism Village in the World by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community development.
There will be a safety briefing, and you will collect safety equipment and sign the release form. After the briefing, a short drive will bring you to the start of your one-day adventure. This Hang Tien exploration trek will begin by ascending a hill into the forest. The first 15 minutes will be mainly uphill but you will soon reach the top and start to descend to the river valley. You will then stop to have a quick snack here down the valley to get some more energy before exploring Hang Tien Cave. Reaching the valley floor, the group will hike over the dry rocky riverbed, with the spectacular entrance of Hang Tien enticing you. Trekking into the cave, you will be surrounded by calcite formations cloaked in green plant life. The striped limestone layers are clearly visible on the walls and roof. As you go further inside guests will see more amazing sites. Keep on going deep inside the cave and discover the mysterious attraction and impressive cave formations that mother nature created in Hang Tien.
On the way back, you have time to swim, take pictures, and enjoy lunch next to the natural pool in the heart of the jungle. Then, trek back over the hill and down to the road to board the van and return to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office for a shower and a cold drink. The van will then return the group to Phong Nha around 19:00–19:30
Overnight in Phong Nha
Day 4: Phong Nha - Hue
Breakfast at Farmstay
Drive back to Dong Hoi and continue to Hue which is 165km away and on the way visit the historic Hien Luong Bridge spanning Ben Hai River passing by the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during wartime with Quang Tri Citadel (without guide)
Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon
2/ Nha Trang Beach Extension 3 Days - 2 Nights
Nha Trang in central Vietnam is a name well-known to the travelers’ world, and a must to anyone who loves pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs offering a paradise for snorkeling and diving to explore the underwater wonders. It’s almost always sunny in Nha Trang, so if you enjoy relaxing at the beach and experience exquisite nightlife, then Nha Trang Beach Extension Tour is your perfect choice.
Day 1: Arrival - Nha Trang
Welcome at the airport on arrival in Nha Trang (flight time to be advised), sightseeing around the city and transfer to hotel check in for relax (early check in subject to availability) (without guide)
Overnight in Nha Trang
Day 2: Nha Trang
Breakfast at hotel
Free day in Nha Trang for own leisure at the beach
Overnight in Nha Trang
* Guests can extend their stay in Nha Trang for more days depending on their plan.
Day 3: Nha Trang - Departure
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport for international flight back home (flight time to be advised) (without guide)
Southern Vietnam
1/ Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh by water way 2 Days – 1 Night (Depart from Saigon)
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Mekong Delta, a labyrinth of waterways and lush landscapes. Immerse yourself in the heart of Vietnam's agricultural heartland, where vibrant floating markets buzz with activity, and serene canals wind through picturesque villages. And what more, you can travel to Phnom Penh on an enjoyable boat trip traversing the majestic Mekong River, making the trip an experience of its own.
Day 1: Saigon – Ben Tre – Chau Doc
Breakfast at hotel
Morning drive to the fertile Mekong Delta from which most of Vietnam’s rice is produced, thus this region is called the “rice basket” of Vietnam.
Arrive in Ben Tre city and get on the boat along the Ben Tre river exploring lively activities along the river such as fishing… and visit brick making workshop in traditional style as well as coconut processing workshop along the canal. Then turn on to natural scissor creeks to go to the village to visit family workshop making sleep mats and enjoy seasonal fruits and tea.
After that, take the local tuk tuk along the village paths to get to the local house for lunch, then enjoy the hand-rowed sampan along the small canal before going back to pier to drive to Chau Doc for overnight stay
Overnight in Chau Doc
Day 5
(29 Oct – Tue)
Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Breakfast at hotel
Morning take a high speed boat trip on Mekong river to Phnom Penh (about 5-6 hours), via Vinh Xuong (Vietnam - Cambodia border) (without guide)
2/ Phu Quoc Beach Extension 3 Days - 2 Nights
Phu Quoc, to both Vietnamese and travelers from around the world, is a must visit for its pristine beach. With an airport of its own, traveling to an island is made so effortlessly. Relaxing beach, high quality commodities, and never-ending breeze, it is recommended choosing Phu Quoc Beach extension before the departure back home to wind down and let the island ease you from any fear of missing out.
Day 1: Arrival – Phu Quoc
Welcome at the airport on arrival in Phu Quoc (flight time to be advised) and transfer to hotel check in for relax (early check in subject to availability) (without guide)
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 2: Phu Quoc
Breakfast at hotel
Free day in Phu Quoc for own leisure at the beach
Overnight in Phu Quoc
* Guests can extend their stay in Phu Quoc for more days depending on their plan.
Day 3: Phu Quoc - Departure
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport for international flight back home (flight time to be advised) (without guide)