Off the Beaten Path: A 16-Day Vietnam Discovery Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure 

Today board your departure flight to arrive in Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi (GP, D)

You’ll have time to unwind before enjoying a welcome dinner at a charming restaurant housed in a colonial building. In the evening, you’ll attend a performance of traditional Water Puppetry, a unique art form native to northern Vietnam, offering a fun and insightful glimpse into the country’s rural culture. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 3: Discover Hang Village (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Mai Chau, enjoying scenic views of the mountainous landscape along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch in a traditional stilt house in Lac Village, home to the Thai ethnic minority. Afterward, you can explore the village and observe the local way of life. The villagers are skilled in weaving brocade products and are happy to share their craft with visitors. The village operates as a community co-op, established by the villagers themselves.

Next, you’ll continue your journey for another 15km to board a sampan on the Ma River, with stops along the way to visit several ethnic minority villages. Later, you’ll dock and hike to Hang Village, where you’ll spend the night in a stilt house.

In the evening, we’ve arranged a traditional folk song and dance performance by the locals. This is not a typical tourist show – the performers are farmers who work the fields by day. Expect a lively and informal experience, where you can interact with the villagers, learn about their traditions, and enjoy the festivities. And, of course, there will be plenty of rice wine, so the performance may extend into a fun, informal celebration!

Day 4: Hike to Ethnic Minority Villages (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll take a leisurely stroll through Hang Village, a small Thai minority community. Here, you can visit local families in their traditional stilt houses and enjoy a cup of green tea. Next, you’ll embark on a hike through pristine landscapes to Eo Ken village, a remote settlement perched high on a mountain slope. The hike is challenging, but the spectacular views make it well worth the effort. Upon arrival, lunch will be served by a local family. Afterward, a short hike will lead you to a waiting land cruiser for a one-hour drive.

When you arrive, a relaxing downhill walk will take you to Kho Muong village, where you’ll spend the night with a local family in a traditional stilt house, complete with a natural stream for your bathroom.

Eo Ken village is tucked away from the usual paths, requiring a strenuous climb to reach it. We’ll ensure you have plenty of time for the journey, and your guide will assist you. However, if at any point you feel the hike is too challenging, just let us know, and we’ll arrange for you to return to the lower slopes.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of the villagers and their skill in preparing meals. This is a result of a successful partnership between foreign NGOs, such as Flora and Fauna International (FFI), local authorities, and the community. This collaboration has helped the villagers transform their homes to host visitors, while also teaching them cooking techniques, hospitality skills, and recipes. We are proud to support this community-based development initiative.

Day 5: Pu Luong (B, L, D, G)

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out to explore a large limestone cave near the village. The route can be challenging in some areas, so caution is advised. Your guide will be there to ensure a safe and smooth journey, as the cave is truly worth the effort!

Following the cave visit, you’ll continue your trek through the forest, passing through several villages along the way. A picnic lunch will be served en route. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional stilt house.

Day 6: Thanh Hoa (B, L, G)

This morning, you’ll drive through several villages to visit a local market, where you’ll observe the daily life of the people as they shop and go about their business. From the market, you’ll continue on to a small town for lunch. On the way, you’ll have the chance to admire the impressive water wheels used by the Muong people.

After lunch, you’ll take a ferry across the Ma River, followed by a short 1-kilometer walk to Cam Thuy’s “Sacred Fish Stream.” Here, you’ll not only see the friendly fish in the shallow waters but also have the opportunity to paddle alongside them. Afterward, you’ll head back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Pleiku and Kon Tum (B, D, G)

Enjoy some free time until your car arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to Pleiku. Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Kontum, where you can freshen up and enjoy dinner before continuing on to Konkotu village for a restful night in the village’s Rong house.

Konkotu village, where you’ll spend the night, is located beside a wide river, perfect for bathing – though be cautious as the current can be strong in some areas. The surroundings are stunning and pristine, with an inviting village atmosphere and friendly locals. You’ll sleep in a traditional communal Rong house, offering an authentic and unique experience. 

Day 8: Hiking and Rafting (B, L, G)

In the morning, you’ll embark on a gentle six-kilometre hike along the riverbank to the source of the DakBla River, where you’ll have the chance to observe ethnic minority communities at work, visit their rice fields, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Central Highlands.

Afterward, you’ll hop into a dug-out canoe to ‘raft’ down the DakBla River, stopping along the way for a riverside picnic lunch. You’ll continue your journey down the river for a couple of hours before returning to Konkotu village. From there, you’ll be driven to Kon Tum City for an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 9: Kontum City Tour (B, G)

After breakfast, you’ll have the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to visit a charming wooden church, and if time allows, you may also stop by a nearby orphanage. Following that, you’ll take a motorbike ride to the outskirts of Kon Tum to visit several ethnic villages, including a Jarai village. You’ll arrive just before sunset when the villagers return from their farms and plantations. You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Kon Tum.

The standout feature of a Jarai village is its Rong House, a large communal structure of great ritual importance. Built on stilts with a unique thatched roof, the structure can rise as high as 20 meters from its wooden walls. Due to fire risks, many villages have replaced the thatch with corrugated iron, though the village you’ll visit retains its traditional construction.

The fascinating burial rituals of the Jarai people also deserve attention. These rituals involve placing the deceased in family tombs, surrounded by intricately carved wooden effigies. You’ll have the opportunity to see these effigies in the village cemetery during your visit.

Day 10: Buon Ma Thuot (B, L, G)

In the morning, your vehicle will take you to Buon Ma Thuot. Upon arrival, after checking in and having lunch, you’ll visit the stunning Gia Long Waterfall. Following your visit, you’ll cross to the opposite bank and take a walk through the ancient forest. After descending a slope, you’ll reach the ‘Fairy Pool,’ a serene natural lake with a sandy bottom, perfect for a refreshing swim. Later, you’ll return to Buon Ma Thuot for an overnight stay.

The Gia Long Waterfall is a breath-taking sight, surrounded by lush greenery. The remains of a bridge built by Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam, can still be seen among the foliage. The forest on the other side of the falls is old and teeming with birdlife, adding to the area’s allure.

Alternatively, you could visit the town’s small Ethnology Museum and then take a short walk to A Co Thon, a village of the Ede ethnic minority.

A Co Thon village is fascinating for its blend of tradition and modernity. Situated near the city centre and surrounded by Kinh ethnic households and farms, the Ede people have maintained their traditional architecture and customs. In the 1950s, French Catholic missionaries helped the Ede families improve their homes with modern conveniences and hygiene standards, as well as more efficient farming techniques, all while preserving their cultural heritage. This unique blend has allowed the Ede people to maintain their traditions while achieving a high standard of living within Vietnamese society. Ask your guide to let you hear some Ede music—its distinct sound is deeply connected to traditional rituals.

Day 11: Buon Ma Thuot (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll begin the day by visiting the local Ethnology Museum and A Co Thon village, home to many Ede ethnic minority people. Following this, you’ll continue your journey to Don Village, located about 45km from Buon Ma Thuot in Yokdon National Park. Here, you’ll visit the oldest house of the M’Nong people and the tomb of the famous elephant tamer and king.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Buon Ma Thuot for your overnight stay.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City (B, G)

You’ll have the morning free until your car and driver arrive to take you to Buon Ma Thuot airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a private car will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, you’ll have some free time to explore District 1. Your overnight stay will be in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: Con Dao (B, L, D, G)

In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Con Dao. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. From there, you’ll hop on the back of a motorbike to visit the Con Dao National Park headquarters. Afterward, you’ll head to Ong Dung Bay, where you’ll enjoy a half-hour hike along a small path through the rainforest, with the chance to spot some of the island’s native fauna. Following a picnic lunch, you’ll have time to relax, sunbathe, or snorkel off the beach. In the evening, you’ll return to the quiet town for dinner and an overnight stay.

Alternative activity at Ong Dung Bay: Instead of hiking, you’ll board a boat to Hon Tre Lon Island for scuba diving or snorkelling. This island is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant reef fish. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue your cruise to Ben Dam Bay, where you can enjoy the sunset, weather permitting. You’ll spend the night on the island.

Day 14: Con Dao (B, L, D, G)

In the early morning, you’ll ride a motorbike to Sharp Cape to witness the sunrise, weather permitting. If fortunate, you might capture the stunning island sunrise and watch fishing boats setting out, offering excellent photography opportunities. Following a light breakfast, you’ll enjoy a dive around the cape.

After a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll explore the town on the back of a motorbike. The highlight of the tour will be the island’s expansive prison complex, which was operational for over a century. You’ll also visit the infamous French Tiger Cages. Accommodation for the night will be on the island.

Optional if travelling between January – May:

In the early morning, you’ll travel by motorbike to Sharp Cape to enjoy the sunrise, weather permitting. If luck is on your side, you’ll witness breath-taking island sunrises and fishing boats departing, perfect for photography. Later, you’ll board a boat to Hon Bay Canh Island, a significant sea turtle nesting site, with a picnic lunch served onboard.

On the island, you’ll embark on a three-hour jungle hike. In the evening, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe mother turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. You’ll return to town for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Con Dao (B, L, D, G)

Next, you’ll explore the town while riding on the back of a motorbike. The highlight of the visit will be the island’s extensive prison complex, which operated for over a century, including the infamous American Tiger Cages. After enjoying a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of the afternoon will be yours to relax or take a refreshing swim.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B, DP)

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring you arrive with ample time to connect to your international departure.