Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

13 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

24 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Highlights

Halong Bay – Cruise around the picturesque bay in a deluxe Junk Boat, kayak, swim and explore the remarkable caves

Hanoi – Ride on a rickshaw around Vietnam’s capital and visit highlights including Ly Thai To Park, the Opera House and the "36 Streets"

Mekong Delta – Sail aboard a traditional sampan and explore the vibrant Cai Rang floating market

Hue – Take a guided tour of this imperial city, including the famous seven story Thien Mu Pagoda and the Purple Palace

Ho Chi Minh City – Discover the highlights of the city on our walking tour and learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum

Tra Que Farm Experience – Cycle through lush countryside and experience tending the fields like traditional Vietnamese farmers

Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge

Hai Van Pass – Admire the stunning scenery as we drive along the famous “Road of the Ocean Clouds”

Mai Chau Valley – Trek through picturesque countryside and enjoy lunch in a Vietnamese home

Tra Que Farm Experience – Cycle through lush countryside and experience tending the fields like traditional Vietnamese farmers

Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge

Hai Van Pass – Admire the stunning scenery as we drive along the famous “Road of the Ocean Clouds”

Mai Chau Valley – Trek through picturesque countryside and enjoy lunch in a Vietnamese home

Itinerary

Set off from Hanoi and journey south on the 13-day 'Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond' tour, blending culture, natural beauty, and gentle adventure. Perfect for seniors and experienced travelers, this guided trip takes you trekking through Mai Chau Valley’s ethnic villages, cruising the karst-studded waters of Halong Bay, and navigating the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.

You’ll also uncover imperial wonders in Hue and vibrant cityscapes in Ho Chi Minh City. The USP: a harmonious mix of authentic village encounters, scenic cruising, and the best of Vietnam’s cultural and natural treasures, all at an accessible pace.

day 1 - Hanoi

Wednesday. Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel, where the rest of the day is free to explore Hanoi at leisure. Perhaps visit the Presidential Palace or Ho Chi Minh’s famous House on Stilts.

For those arriving early or the day before the tour begins, consider our Backstreets of Hanoi add-on. Explore the lesser-visited districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc. You’ll also get to ride behind a driver on taxi motorbikes through the narrow streets of the city and along the shore of Ho Tay Lake.

OverNight:Hanoi

day 2 - Mai Chau Valley

Hanoi - Mai Chau. Leaving bustling Hanoi behind we drive to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley this morning, which is home to the White Thai ethnic minority group. Lunch is served at a traditional family-run guesthouse on stilts in the charming village of Mai Hich and this afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk through the back roads and rice fields of the valley for our first encounter with the Thai people, going about their daily lives. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. You can relax by the swimming pool at the lodge or there are bikes you can hire to explore more of the countryside.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Mai Chau

day 3 - Trek through H'mong ethnic lands

Today we drive to the H’mong ethnic lands in the mountainous province of Hoa Binh and the rocky plateau of Hang Kia. Meet the colourfully dressed locals and eat lunch in a traditional wooden home. This afternoon we enjoy an easy-paced trek downhill to Mai Chau Valley, admiring the picturesque scenery as we go. We'll then be transferred back to our lodge in the valley.

Please note: If you prefer not to trek, we can transfer you by road back to the lodge, where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Mai Chau

day 4 - Muong Culture Museum

Mai Chau - Hanoi. There’s the opportunity to visit the local Mai Chau market this morning, before we continue to the town of Hoa Binh. Explore the charming Muong Culture Museum to see women in traditional dress and authentic Muong stilt houses, as well as a collection of fascinating artefacts. After our visit we enjoy a traditional Muong lunch, before returning to Hanoi.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hanoi

day 5 - Junk boat cruising in Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.

This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Deluxe Junk Boat

day 6 - Hanoi Old Quarter

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.

Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.

Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Sleeper train

day 7 - Imperial Hue

Arrive in Hue today and enjoy a guided tour of this former imperial capital of Vietnam. Discover the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue’s most famous landmark and home to the oldest monastery in the city. We’ll also explore the Imperial Purple Palace, heavily bombed during the 1968 TET Offensive. Later, visit the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The Emperor spent much of his reign living at this lavish site but was actually buried elsewhere in the city. His final resting place remains undiscovered to this day. This evening, there’s an optional long boat excursion on the Perfume River. Marvel at the rugged mountain scenery as we cruise along.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Hue

day 8 - The Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we drive along the famous Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), one of the most beautiful coast roads in the world. Enjoy the striking views before we stop for a walk and a quick swim at My Khe beach - famous for appearing in the blockbuster film ‘Apocalypse Now’. Continue to the charming port city of Hoi An for a guided walking tour. Explore highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda and the iconic Japanese Bridge. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the cobbled streets and bustling waterfront of the city. You may also wish to consider our Hoi An Street Eats add-on. Hop on a vintage Vespa motorcycle and ride with a driver to several local restaurants. Try delicious all-you-can eat local cuisine and enjoy free-flowing drinks.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hoi An

day 9 - Tra Que farm experience & bike ride

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride into the countryside this morning to visit a local farm in Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we learn about traditional farming methods and medicine, don conical hats and have a go at farming the fields ourselves. We’ll then enjoy a tasty lunch, but not before we cook it ourselves during a fun and interactive cooking demonstration.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Hoi An

day 10 - Free time in Hoi An

Today is free to enjoy in Hoi An at leisure. Consider taking a rowboat along the river, relax on the beach or do some shopping. Alternatively you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hoi An

day 11 - Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning we fly to Ho Chi Minh City (included) and drive to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan at Cai Be and cruise down the canals, enjoying the stunning scenery as we sail. Watch the locals go about their daily lives and stop at some of the home factories where local people produce popcorn and sweets. We’ll enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Can Tho

day 12 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early this morning we visit the Cai Rang floating market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital of South Vietnam and take in highlights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the sobering War Remnants Museum.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ho Chi Minh City

day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

Monday. This morning is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City as you please, before our tour ends with a departure transfer to the airport.

If you wish, extend your tour with a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, vital to the Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Crawl through a section of the tunnels and fire assault weapons at the firing range.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

10 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)

Meals

Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 1 dinner

Transport

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

Others

Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)Guided sightseeing - Mai Chau Valley, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh CityTrekking in Mai ChauHalong Bay Junk boat cruiseBicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstrationSampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 78+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 812 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

12 hours ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days that you might like.

Journeys: Explore Vietnam

5.0(11 reviews)

Traverse the emerald mountains of northern Vietnam to the sunlit beaches in the south on the "Journeys: Explore Vietnam" tour, a 13-day exploration for those craving immersion in culture and history. Begin in Hanoi, wind through the idyllic Mai Chau Valley, and uncover UNESCO sites like Hue and Ha Long Bay. The journey includes everything from cyclo rides through city heartbeats to walking the storied tunnels of Cu Chi. Small group camaraderie and included accommodations, transport, and meals mean you can focus on soaking up each experience. The USP? The tour offers a seamless blend of rural charm and urban intrigue, giving travelers a deep, nuanced look at Vietnam’s past and present.

13 days

Vietnam Family Adventure

5.0(8 reviews)

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, the "Vietnam Family Adventure" tour packs 12 days of discovery and delight for families eager to explore together. Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, step back in time at the Imperial Citadel, and hop aboard a boat to the floating markets—this wildlife trip offers a captivating blend of culture, nature, and hands-on fun. With accommodation, transport, and meals all sorted, there’s plenty of room for spontaneous moments and relaxation. The unique selling point? A thoughtfully crafted itinerary that balances must-see sights and authentic experiences with family-friendly activities and just the right amount of downtime, making smiles and memories a guarantee.

12 days

Best of Vietnam - Premium Adventure

5.0(1 review)

Savor the wonders of Vietnam on a 14-day premium adventure tour specially crafted for seniors seeking cultural depth and comfort. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient heritage of Hue and Hoi An, you’ll discover iconic sites, sample Michelin-starred cuisine, and cruise the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay. The journey continues through the vibrant Mekong Delta, with each night spent in premium accommodations for relaxation after a day of exploration. The highlight of this trip is its luxurious blend of guided cultural experiences and comfortable stays, making Vietnam accessible and rewarding for mature travelers.

14 days

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

Travelers seeking to fully embrace Vietnam’s vibrant spirit will find the Best of Vietnam - 13 Days tour an ideal fit. This easy-paced cultural, religious, and historic sites trip leads you from Hanoi’s bustling streets to the imperial grandeur of Hue, the breathtaking karsts of Halong Bay, and the lush expanse of the Mekong Delta. End your journey in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, with a memorable visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Accommodations, transport, and meals are all handled, ensuring comfort throughout. The tour’s unique selling point is the comprehensive journey from city to countryside, offering a panoramic view of Vietnam’s history and landscapes. For those who crave a thoughtfully organized, immersive trip, this package delivers an enriching experience.

13 days

Journey to Angkor Wat - 14 days

Journey through Vietnam and Cambodia on this 14-day adventure from Hanoi to Siem Reap. Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, explore imperial Hue and charming Hoi An, and wind through the Mekong Delta before taking in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant energy. Cross into Cambodia to uncover Phnom Penh’s royal landmarks and tragic history, then head to Siem Reap to marvel at the majestic temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm. With a mix of scenic cruising, cultural encounters, and fascinating history, this tour showcases the very best of Southeast Asia.

14 days

Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia

5.0(8 reviews)

Vivid markets, mystical temples, and jungle-clad ruins—Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia is a 13-day odyssey blending culture, history, and hands-on fun. From Hanoi to Siem Reap, families will explore ancient palaces, marvel at the wonders of Angkor, enjoy Vietnamese water puppetry, and even tumble with circus performers. The itinerary is packed with experiences that fascinate both adults and children, making it ideal for multigenerational travelers. The unique selling point is the balance of enriching cultural activities and engaging adventures, ensuring Southeast Asia’s magic captivates every traveler’s imagination.

13 days

Vietnam Explorer For Teenagers - 12 days

Ignite your family’s sense of adventure on the Vietnam Explorer For Teenagers - 12 Days, a dynamic group tour designed for families with teens and pre-teens aged 10 and above. Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, traversing stunning landscapes and vibrant cities such as Hoi An, Mai Hich, Hue, and beyond. Experience action-packed days with trekking and cycling in Mai Chau Valley, cooking alongside local families, exploring Ninh Binh’s picturesque Tam Coc, and cruising the world-famous Halong Bay. Delve into Hue’s imperial heritage and get your hands dirty farming in Hoi An. The unique selling point of this tour is its teen-focused itinerary, blending physical activity with cultural encounters and hands-on experiences. It’s the ideal trip for families seeking meaningful adventure, bonding, and discovery across Vietnam’s most captivating destinations.

12 days

Keep Exploring Vietnam

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights