Insights into Vietnam

Insider’s Vietnam

Discover the essence of Vietnam with our special "Insights into Vietnam" tour, crafted to reveal the hidden facets of the country and offer a deep understanding of local life. Dive into the allure of lesser-known gems as we lead you through quaint communities set against the breathtaking scenery of rolling countryside and vibrant cityscapes. This distinctive journey effortlessly combines new explorations with moments of serene reflection, providing you with a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Dive into rural village life
  • Bike to hidden beauty spots
  • Relax and enjoy the rural vibes of Mai Chau valley
  • Cruise by sampan to explore atmospheric caves
  • Witness the sunrise over Halong Bay from a junk boat
  • Taste street food in Hanoi
  • Savor tropical sunsets on Phu Quoc's beaches

Ky Son, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Cruise, Hanoi, Phu Quoc


Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Hanoi - Ky Son

On arrival in Vietnam, you'll be met by your private guide and driven out of the city to Ky Son.

Upon reaching Ky Son, take a leisurely walk through the village, experiencing the traditional North Vietnamese culture. Join your host in preparing lunch. Choose a bike route, from 6-12 km on local trails, enjoying beautiful views, picking herbs, visiting temples, chatting with locals, and exploring the village market. Head back for a soothing herbal bath and a delicious home-cooked meal.

Day 2
Village stroll & local bike ride.

After your morning cup of tea, engage in traditional Yi Jin Jing exercises to invigorate your body and mind. Explore Ky Son Village, visiting the bee house, kindergarten, and local market. Opt to assist farmers with tasks like ploughing, marking rice beds, or harvesting, or attend a cookery class. Relax with a traditional herbal hand massage post-lunch, followed by a chat with your host family to learn some useful Vietnamese phrases. In the afternoon, embark on a bike ride along local paths, pausing to converse with villagers you encounter.

Day 3
Drive to Mai Chau

Capture the beauty as you venture into the rural scenery around Mai Chau. Engage in light trekking, discover local villages, explore caves, or simply unwind in one of Vietnam's most picturesque regions. If time allows, cycle through the rolling hills and traditional stilt-house settlements to build up an appetite. Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy a traditional dance performance by members of the local Thái tribe.

Day 4
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trek

Discover the hidden gem of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a well-kept secret away from the usual tourist path. Traverse its forested hillsides and rice paddies on foot, immersing yourself in the ambiance of timeless traditions and the everyday routines of the local Thái and Muong tribal communities. Trek alongside the Cham Stream, observing traditional wooden water wheels still in use for irrigation. Later, return to Mai Chau with ample time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5
Drive to Ninh Binh, Sampan cruise

Following a morning's journey east, you'll arrive in Ninh Binh just in time to visit the Ben Dang River and embark on an afternoon sampan cruise. Explore the enchanting grottos of Thien Ha Cave on foot and by boat along underground waterways. Continue the adventure by sampan to the But Cave for further subterranean exploration.

Day 6
Bike, farm, and sampan cruise

Explore the outskirts of Ninh Binh by cycling through paddy fields, pagodas, and small hamlets. Take a break at a morning market and, upon reaching Vuon Thi village, meet your hosts for the day. Join the local family, guided by your guide, in a hands-on morning to learn about their daily routines. Collaboratively prepare lunch and savor typical rural dishes while chatting with the help of your guide's translation. Venture into the fields to discover traditional rice cultivation and fishing techniques. Conclude with a short journey to the Van Long River, where you'll board another sampan for a reservoir cruise through the Van Long Nature Reserve. This hidden gem, home to over 70 species of birdlife, including egrets, storks, and kingfishers, is as beautiful as the more popular Tam Coc but with fewer crowds.

 

Day 7
Halong Bay Cruise

After an early breakfast, enjoy a four-hour drive to Halong Bay, passing through typical North Vietnamese towns and villages. According to local legend, dragons were sent to Halong by the gods to defend the country, and their gemstone spits turned into islands, creating a protective wall. The truth is nearly as captivating as the legend, with the bay showcasing one of the most enchanting natural scenes. Cruise at a leisurely pace, hop onto smaller boats to explore grottos and caves, visit floating fishing villages and scenic lookout points, and indulge in freshly prepared seafood. Each junk offers a slightly different itinerary and onboard amenities, so feel free to chat with us to pick the one that suits you best.

Day 8
Continue your junk cruise

Savor another day aboard your Halong Bay junk. A two-night cruise provides the chance to delve deeper into the bay, discovering caves, islets, and fishing villages away from the day-trippers, resulting in a quieter and more serene experience.

 

 

 

Day 9
Halong Bay - Hanoi

Rise early to the calls of Halong's seabirds nesting among the limestone karsts. Begin your day with a Tai Chi or cooking class on deck as the sun rises. During brunch, the junk will gently turn back toward the mainland. You will then be driven to Hanoi, where you can spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 10
Street food & city tour

Experience a unique full-day tour in Hanoi, blending the city's main attractions with a delightful foodie adventure. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature throughout the day while immersing yourself in the charm of the Old Quarter. Hanoi's locals are renowned for their passion for local cuisine, and on this journey, indulge in delicious seafood, try bánh cuon noodles, and savor some of the world's best pho.

Day 11
Fly to Phu Quoc

Head to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, you'll be driven to your beach resort. It's time for some serious rest and relaxation!

Day 12
Enjoy a few days on the beach.

Enjoy leisurely days to unwind on the beach and take advantage of the hotel's amenities.


Day 13
Enjoy a few days on the beach.

Enjoy leisurely days to unwind on the beach and take advantage of the hotel's amenities.

Day 14
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City & depart

Head to the airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward connecting flight.

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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on firsthand knowledge of the destionation.
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Authentic Experience
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing you destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible Travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that priorities travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
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What our clients say about us

Zeev
Dec 2023
star star star star star
We took a 16-day private tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The tour company suggested a detailed itinerary, and we accepted it with minor changes. We had three domestic flights, and on every landing were met by our local guide on arrival. All guides spoke fluent English and were very knowledgeable. This was a trip of a lifetime. Dont miss the Red Bridge cooking school class in Hoi An - the chef has created a phenomenal program that starts with the tour of the local market and explanation of the vegetables and spices used in local cuisine. Highly recommended!
Daniel
Oct 2023
star star star star star
My family and I completed a 12 day cycling trip with Vietnam Private Tours, and we had a blast. Our route started in Saigon, rode along the Mekong river, discovered Mekong delta, and relaxed on the Phu Quoc beaches is southern Vietnam. We loved the adventurous off-road routes, and we were comfortable the whole way thanks to the excellent support staff. We also loved supporting Vietnam Private Tours because of the amazing work they do with many charities, especially the incredible children’s hospital in Mekong delta.
Richard
July 28, 2023
star star star star star
We just finished a 14-day cycling tour from Saigon to Siem Reap, spending 7 nights on board the Mekong River. We rode bikes 30k to 70 km daily, to the Mekong Delta rice fields. My Way Travel really understood that not everyone would will to ride, so they already made provision for people who didn’t ride with us. The guides were excellent and so was the trip. We really loved the boat, it had everything we needed on it. A group of 16 people were accommodated in 8 cabins, which means there were 2 people in a cabin. The food and drinks were all in abundance. Free Wi-Fi and laundry service were available too. The local people were amazingly friendly, and the environments really gave us a sense of relief. The hotels at either end of the trip were exemplary. Above all, we have made our minds to always use My Travel on every trip occasion, due to the great experience we had with them.
Ani
Dec 2023
star star star star star
Had an awesome time biking to Mekong Delta from Saigon last week. Beautiful views, peaceful rural paths, and lots of cool stops. The guides took great care of us. Definitely recommend VPT for biking in Mekong Delta and other tours in Vietnam.
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