15-Day Discovery and Hidden Paths Tour to Vietnam

Highlights of the Trip 

Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience during your holiday to Vietnam? Discover the beauty of the country’s natural landscape and discover stunning ethnic villages while taking in the culture. Follow our suggested itinerary for the perfect 15-Day holiday in Vietnam that will leave you with incredible memories.

The tour to Vietnam will explore the lush beauty of the countryside and the ethnic locals in the Country. travelling from North to South in lesser-known areas such as Mau Chau, Pu Loung village, caves and national park, Thanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Buon Ma Thuot and the islands of Con Dao.

All this will be experienced passing through the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Hiking will be an important part of travelling through the less used paths on this holiday and there will be many villages visited including Kontoku, Don, Jarai, and A Co Thon villages.

Other activities include boat cruises on Con Dao as well as snorkelling, diving, and swimming. Enjoy a Ma River trip and visit to local Ethnology museums. Waterfalls, forests, national parks, and valleys allow you to explore the beauty of the landscape depths during your Vietnam travel.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Hanoi

• Experience a traditional Water Puppet show.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

• Explore limestone caves and serene waterfalls here.

Kon Tum

• Kon Tum City tour. 
• Ethno-Museum: The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Lahu people.

Buon Ma Thuot

• Gia Long Waterfalls: A series of three tiers, with the first and largest tier standing at an impressive height of over 200 feet.

Ho Chi Minh City

• Explore District One: Home to some of the most important and historical landmarks of the city.

Con Dao

• Relax and explore this beautiful island. Visit Sharp Cape.
• Local Prison Complex: Embrace the history this landmark offers.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Water Puppet Show: During your holiday to Vietnam, experience a fascinating display of puppetry and folk music, performed entirely on water. The show takes place in a large pool of water, with a traditional puppet stage set up at one end. The stage is often decorated with vibrant colours and traditional decorations, creating an enchanting atmosphere even before the show begins.

Ethnic Villages and Hiking: Uncover traditional villages and observe local life in Pu Luong. You can also hike through the natural beauty of this destination.

Overnight stay in Stilt House: Embrace local life with an overnight stay in this traditional accommodation.

Ja Rai Village: This village offers a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the country.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your tour to Vietnam, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a steaming bowl of broth, rice noodles, and tender meats like beef or chicken, topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. Another popular dish is banh mi, a baguette filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and pâté, often accompanied by spicy chili sauce.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Rafting in Kon Tum.

Visit Con Dao Island/Ong Dung Bay. 

Accommodation of this Tour

Hanoi: Bendecir Hotel & Spa.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve:  Pu Luong Eco Garden.

Kon Tum: Villages traditional Song House.

Indochine Hotel.

Buon Ma Thuot: Saigon Ban Me Hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City: Sanouva Saigon Hotel.

Con Dao: Saigon Con Dao Resort.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Hanoi and experience traditional water puppet show

Upon arriving into Hanoi, Vietnam, you have the opportunity start your holiday to Vietnam with a traditional Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. These puppet performances are a fun entertaining way to experience Vietnamese culture.

✓ Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi to Mau Chau via Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Leave Hanoi and head to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a gorgeous area of lush green terraced hills that are sometimes referred to as the “Little Sapa”. During your Vietnam travel, you’ll uncover various different ethnic villages, each offering their own unique culture and traditions, before stopping in Pu Luong to spend the day exploring.

Day 3: Pu Luong Village Hiking

Take the morning during your tour to Vietnam to spend hiking around the village of Pu Luong, taking in its picturesque natural beauty. You’ll be able to explore various limestone caves as well as tranquil waterfalls before returning to your guesthouse for an evening of relaxation.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Pu Luong Hiking

Hiking to the local caves that are full of limestone karst interiors is a must during your holiday to Vietnam. The paths will take you through wild forest landscapes that can be only sampled in this unique way with the help of your expert guide. you will pass through some local villages along the way and stay in one of the villages unique stilt houses for the night.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Day 5: Pu Luong to Thanh Hoa via the Ma River to Hanoi

Retrace your steps back to Hanoi, taking in the beautiful natural countryside, the ethnic villages and the incredible scenery along the way. The Ma River is a great chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including the rare Black breasted Bulbul. You’ll get back to the capital in time to explore the ancient city during your Vietnam travel, before heading to bed.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 6: Hanoi to Pleiku via Kon Tum

Venture further into the imposing Central Highlands, and make your way to Pleiku during your tour to Vietnam. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the fields and mountains that surround the city. Stop off in Kon Tum to visit a local Kontoku village and to experience the unique culture.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7: Kontum, Rafting and Hiking

Spend the morning of your holiday to Vietnam in Kontum indulging in a spot of rafting and hiking around the area. You’ll get to experience the stunning views that the area is famous for, before returning to your guesthouse for the night.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 8: Kontum, Ja Rai Village and city tour

Set off on a city tour to explore the vibrant town of Kontum in the morning, before continuing on to Ja Rai Village to learn more about the local culture and to visit the brilliant ethno-museum in the afternoon.

✓ Breakfast.

Day 9: Kontum to Buon Ma Thuot via Gia Long Waterfalls

Buon Ma Thuot is the third largest city in the Central Highlands. On route to the city, you will get the chance to visit the Gia Long Waterfalls- a great spot for a refreshing dip during your tour to Vietnam.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10: Buon Ma Thuot and Don Village

Spend the day in Buon Ma Thuot, explore the town and take in the stunning scenery of the Central Highlands. In the afternoon, head to the quaint town of Don, where you can go for an elephant ride along the riverside.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 11: Buon Ma Thuot to Ho Chi Minh City

Embrace rural Vietnam travel, outside of the large, bustling cities as you travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, you’ll be able to explore District One, the heart of the city.

✓ Breakfast.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao

Marvel at the stunning Con Dao Islands during your holiday to Vietnam. After arriving, take some time out to indulge in total relaxation- either lounge on the beach, go snorkelling or visit the vibrant town of Con Son.

Alternative activity at Ong Dung Bay of exploring the coral reefs and marine wildlife. 

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 13: Con Dao, Sharp Cape and Diving

Start your day with a magnificent sunrise from Sharp Cape before exploring the surrounding marine life. For those looking to take their sea-discoveries even deeper, there are numerous snorkelling and scuba diving possibilities.

Optional programs are available. Speak to your personal operator for details and prices during your Vietnam travel.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 14: Con Dao and the Prison Complex

Take the morning to explore the city of Con Dao and visit the local prison complex, where you can learn more about the country’s fascinating history. No day in Con Dao is complete without an evening swim in the sea and the wonderful sunsets across the waters off the islands.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 15: Ending the Trip

After breakfast say farewell to the stunning Con Dao Islands and make your way back to Ho Chi Minh City for your afternoon departure flight home. We hope your enjoyed your tour to Vietnam!

Price

£3,190

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.

Day 2: Travel to Mau Chau via Pu Luong Nature Reserve, explore ethnic villages.

Day 3: Hike around Pu Luong Village, discover caves and waterfalls.

Day 4: Continue hiking in Pu Luong, stay in a stilt house in a local village.

Day 5: Return to Hanoi via the Ma River, explore countryside and villages.

Day 6: Journey to Pleiku via Kon Tum, visit a Kontoku village.

Day 7: Rafting and hiking in Kontum, experience stunning views.

Day 8: Explore Kontum city and Ja Rai Village, visit ethno-museum.

Day 9: Travel to Buon Ma Thuot, visit Gia Long Waterfalls en route.

Day 10: Explore Buon Ma Thuot, take an elephant ride in Don Village.

Day 11: Head to Ho Chi Minh City, explore District One.

Day 12: Fly to Con Dao, relax on the beach, or explore Ong Dung Bay.

Day 13: Discover Sharp Cape, go diving or snorkelling in the surrounding area.

Day 14: Explore Con Dao city and the Prison Complex, enjoy sunset swim.

Day 15: Depart from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City for your return flight.

FAQs

1. What should I expect during the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi?
   • The Water Puppet Show is a traditional Vietnamese art form that combines puppetry, music, and water. You’ll see colourful puppets performing stories from Vietnamese folklore on a water stage.
2. What kind of activities are included during the Pu Luong Village Hiking days?
   • During the Pu Luong Village Hiking days, you’ll have the opportunity to hike through picturesque landscapes, explore limestone caves, and visit tranquil waterfalls while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
3. Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
   • Yes, there are optional activities available, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring coral reefs and marine wildlife at Ong Dung Bay. You can inquire with your tour operator for more details and prices.
4. What can I expect during the visit to Kontum and Ja Rai Village?
   • In Kontum, you’ll embark on a city tour to explore the vibrant town and visit Ja Rai Village to learn about the local culture and history. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit an ethno-museum.
5. What wildlife can I expect to see during the Ma River journey?
   • The Ma River journey offers a chance to spot local wildlife, including the rare, Black-breasted Bulbul. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic countryside views and observe the natural beauty of the area.
6. What is the significance of the Prison Complex in Con Dao?
   • The Prison Complex in Con Dao holds historical significance as a former prison used during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the complex to learn more about Vietnam’s history and the impact of the war on the country.
7. Is transportation provided between destinations?
   • Yes, transportation is provided throughout the tour, ensuring you have comfortable travel between destinations, including flights, coach rides, and transfers to explore various attractions.