If you think of yourself as a traveller rather than a tourist, you’ve probably got a dog-eared Lonely Planet Guide tucked away in your olde worlde library. You may have been a fan of the Lonely Planet TV show (AKA Pilot Guides or Globetrekker) or a current devotee of their website, lonelyplanet.com but one thing is certain, they know their destinations inside out.
To get your imagination running riot, take a look at these Japanese travel tips, curated by Lonely Planet’s Destination Editor, Zara Sekhavati, with (unsponsored) links to Lonely Planet’s booking system.
You’ve heard all the clichés about Japan: the people are polite, it’s where old meets new, it’s a country of contrasts. Having lived there, I can wholeheartedly say that these clichés ring true. I’m thinking of the low bows of a pristine-looking bullet train conductor and the oldest temple in the capital, Sensō-ji, sitting so close to the modern Tokyo Skytree tower. One day you’re awash in the ferocious lights and loud cries of the Akihabara arcades, the next you’re taking a peaceful stroll in Hakone while gazing upon majestic and magnificent Mt Fuji. (My biggest regret from my time in Japan is not climbing it.)
But where to go in Japan? There are the all-time favorites of Kyoto, with its stunning temples such as Kiyomizu-dera, and Osaka, a pulsating city with edgy nightlife and an impressive culinary scene. Then there’s Tokyo, one of the most intoxicating places on earth, where I learned one of life’s greatest lessons: to really take in your surroundings and to be truly present.
To create your own unforgettable journey around Japan, meet Elsewhere by Lonely Planet’s local expert Venese Lau, who will help plan the perfect itinerary.
Here are some of the things you’ll experience when Elsewhere by Lonely Planet’s local expert Venese Lau plans your trip.
Enjoy a stroll in peaceful Nara Park where you will be greeted by some of its friendly deer population. Discover Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in the ancient city of Nara.
Visit the incredible wooden temple Kiyomizu-dera, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Located on a hillside, the temple offers magnificent views of the city below.
Head to Dotonbori, an energetic street, in Osaka. Indulge in tasty local specialities such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Visit the pretty coastal town of Ito, where you can enjoy the beach, beautiful views and hot springs. Wander through Ito’s historical district, home to traditional wooden buildings, local shops, boutiques and cafes.
Admire Kumano Nachi Taisha, an important shrine in the Kumano region. You may even see traditional ceremonies take place here at certain times of the year.
Plan with a local hero
Trip planning with a local like Venese Lau allows you to dig deeper into a destination. She will give you an insiders view of her home country, beyond its major cities. We asked her all about her homeland.
What are your basic tips for travellers to Japan?
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are fantastic places, but think about exploring other destinations too, such as the Izu Peninsula, which offers a beautiful coastline. When planning your trip, don’t limit yourself to cherry blossom season. It’s expensive and busy during this time. It’s undoubtedly beautiful, but so many different trees blossom at different times. No matter which season you come, there is something to do.
What attracts visitors to Japan?
Anyone interested in video games, manga and anime is instantly drawn to Japan. Then there’s the culture. Japan feels like its own planet as it’s so different to the rest of the world. And of course the food is what brings people to Japan. Everyone has to try proper Japanese food – the options are unlimited.
“The people are key to making Japan great” — Venese Lau
What can you expect on a visit to Japan?
Friendly people. Most people who go to Japan have an encounter with someone, and they’re like “woah”! Most of the time, when you look lost, people will help you find your way. The people are key to making Japan great, and they give it that extra oomph.
Can you describe the Japanese food scene?
A lot of guests who come to Japan want to go to expensive restaurants. My advice would be to book one or two high-end places, but then let yourself get lost in the city. Head to random places that you stumble across and try the amazing street food. There’s so much to try, from sushi to udon. In Japan, you can’t really go wrong with food.
Are there any cultural dos and don’ts?
Don’t talk on trains, everyone is quiet on them. (Unless it’s the last train of the day when everyone has been drinking!) Japanese people love that travelers love their culture, but, it goes without saying, do be respectful of it.
Spring is in the air and as you look forward to six months of searing Aussie sunshine, summer holidays, and swimming with sharks, you could, if you think you can handle it, cap it off with a Northern hemisphere spring cruise for the ages.
How does cruising around the magical Mediterranean in May sound? Classic cruising on one of Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s smaller and more intimate ships, that is. You can visit those smaller, unspoilt ports the big boys can’t reach. Then it’s off to the Emerald Isle, maybe to look up your rels and ancestors, sip Jameson and Baileys at the source or just let the scenery and history wash over you.
Australian small ship cruising specialist, Cruise Traveller has coupled the emerald shades of Ireland and the glossy blues of the Mediterranean in a new, fly cruise and tour package that offers a relaxed, Guinness-imbued tour of Ireland’s beautiful scenery and an even more relaxing journey by sea through the Med with boutique line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Created exclusively for Australians, Cruise Traveller’s new 26-night package in May, 2024 –‘Morocco, Spain, Italy, Ireland & England’ – includes savings for bookings made by September 30, 2023.
The trip begins on May 5, 2024, with an included flight from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to London for a two-night, pre-cruise. Guests then take a first class rail trip to Liverpool where they will board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ stylish, 1338-guest flagship, Bolette, for a 17-night round-trip voyage from Liverpool through the Mediterranean.
Bolette will take guests to Morocco, Spain, the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, the Italian towns of Sorrento and Salerno and the tiny territory of Gibraltar with its famous rock which towers above the entrance to the Mediterranean. Don’t feed the Barbary Apes though because if you’re that close they may relieve you of some possessions too!
The voyage ends back in Liverpool where guests will fly to Dublin for a night’s stay before beginning a six-night, escorted land tour of southern Ireland for a maximum of only 18 guests. The small group adventure takes in medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, cosy Irish pubs filled with Guinness and Irish stew, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, cobbled hamlets, the rocky island of Skellig Michael, where an abandoned 7th-century monastery lies, and the charming waterfront village of Cobh. All that action should have you telling tales like you’ve kissed the Blarney Stone.
After a night’s stay back in Dublin after the tour, guests will be flown back to Australia.
Inclusions and features
26 nights from May 5, 2024
Flight to London from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, and back from Dublin
Two-night stay in London pre-cruise with full day tour
Train to Liverpool and 17-night round-trip Mediterranean cruise from Liverpool aboard Bolette, including onboard drinks package
Flight to Dublin and six-night, small group, overland tour of southern Ireland, including nine meals
One night in Dublin and flight back to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth,
The 26-night fly, cruise and tour package is available from A$17,395 per person, twin-share, in an Inside Cabin – a saving of A$390 per person. In an Oceanview Cabin, the package is from A$18,410 per person, twin-share – a saving of A$415. Book with Cruise Traveller by September 30, 2023.
We are big fans of Wendy Wu tours here at Mildrover, having used the company to organise a small-group Tunnel Rats tour many years ago and then, a couple of years later, being a special guest on one of her three-country tours of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
So I am envious of anyone who can get on to her 25th anniversary Mekong-to-Halong VIP tour later this year.
It’s not just that it looks like a fantastic trip, over 18 days with a maximum of 24 guests, but the legendary Wendy Wu herself will be on the Mekong River cruise part of the tour too.
Wendy Wu’s company has been taking Aussies to Vietnam and other parts of South-East Asia for quarter of a century, so they know what they are doing.
This will be a VIP version of one of their tried and tested itineraries. Starting in Cambodia at the breath-taking temples of Angkor Wat, you will then fly down to the capital, Phnom Penh where you can join a tour to the confronting “Killing Fields” and notorious S21 prison and torture chambers.
After that you need to chill out so you will join Wendy on a three-night river cruise down the Mekong, complete with shore excursions designed to give you an authentic glimpse of local life as you sail into Vietnamese waters, with the option of a special mindfulness session along the way.
In Saigon, it’s a case of close your eyes and let your other senses take over at Noir restaurant, where blind and sight-impaired waiters deliver the best food you’ve ever tasted (but never seen).
You can chase that down with a cocktail at Bitexco Tower’s 49th-floor sky bar while next day you can share a dinner with a Vietnamese family in Saigon.
Then you’ll head north to Da Nang and Hoi An where you can join a morning market trip before a serious lesson in Vietnamese cuisine, cooking the fresh produce you have bought in the morning. There’s also a unique ‘Farmer & Fisherman’ experience in nearby Cam Thanh.
Hanoi and Halong Bay await – including an optional scenic seaplane flight over the bay made famous in the movie Indochine.
Wendy Wu has pulled out all the stops for this special VIP package and added a number of inclusions that are completely exclusive to this anniversary tour.
Prices for the 18-night tour start at $8,800 and honestly, if I didn’t have teaching commitments in October, I would be signing up for this tour now.
If you are interested, you should read all the details, check the prices and availability and download the detailed itinerary on this website.
You have to plan ahead if you want to make the most of your Christmas break – but 18 months?
That’s how far ahead you should be thinking if you want to be sure of sailing to New Zealand on a luxury Christmas package that includes drinks, excursions, private transfers, tips, Business Class flights, and even a butler at your beck and call.
That’s all on the menu and you get a US$200 spending credit if you book by July 31 THIS YEAR. Admittedly it’s a very luxxy package and you have a year and a half to look forward to it.
Small ship cruising specialist, Cruise Traveller, is promoting this five-star, 16-night ‘Tasman Sea Tinsel’ package. Here’s what the sales pitch says – we take no responsibility for festive season hyperbole.
Cruise Traveller’s special Christmas and New Year escape begins on December 20, 2024, when guests will board Silversea’s luxurious, boutique ship, the 596-guest Silver Muse, for a festive, 16-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland.
Interstate guests in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth will also receive an executive, private car transfer from their home to the airport (within 80km) and a Business Class flight to Sydney.
Decked from bow to stern with Christmas sparkle, Silver Muse will treat guests to a spectacular sailaway out of Sydney Harbour bound for Eden, Melbourne and Burnie and then across the Tasman to New Zealand’s majestic Fjordland and the rarely visited port of Bluff at the bottom of New Zealand – famous for the world’s best oysters.
The journey then traces the South Island to the ports of Dunedin, Christchurch and Picton and then to Napier, Gisborne and Tauranga on the North Island before reaching Auckland where the cruise ends.
Christmas will be celebrated in the Tasman Sea and New Year’s Eve off the coast of NZ, with all the festive traditions and no cooking or cleaning up required!
After disembarking in Auckland, guests will be flown back to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth in Business Class, with an executive, private car transfer back home again (within 80km).
Onboard the cruise, all guests will enjoy the services of a personal butler, an open bar throughout the cruise and complimentary excursions ashore, adding to the non-stop indulgence.
Guests can choose from a range of included excursions such as Larnach Castle from Dunedin, the famous Marlborough wine region from Picton and a visit to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders from Tauranga.
Snapshot of inclusions and features – ‘Tasman Sea Tinsel’ package
* 16-night package from December 20, 2024
* Executive, private transfers at the start and end of the holiday
* Business Class flight from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Sydney
* 16-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland aboard Silver Muse
* Onboard beverages, Wi-Fi, excursions and gratuities during the cruise as well as stateroom butler service * Business Class flight from Auckland to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth
The all-inclusive, fly and cruise package is available from A$16,800 per person, twin-share, in a Vista Suite. A bonus US$200 per twin suite onboard spending credit is available for bookings made by July 31, 2023.
Discovering great new walks and public spaces across NSW is as easy as a tap on your smartphone with the launch of a new online tool to connect people to iconic locations, including parks, beaches, libraries, museums, and lively streets.
The free Walks Near Me interactive digital map has thousands of opportunities to discover great public spaces across the state and create your own walking itineraries to visit them.
The tool brings together geographic data from across the state into a single digital tool, optimised for mobile phone use and which can be found on the nsw.gov.au website.
Using the app, people can create personalised routes, then save and share their favourites with their friends and family.
The new tool is home to more than 800 walks and offers a range of resources, including sharing the stories and history of a park or region, discovering events, and informing people about the amenities and experiences available.
The Walks Near Me digital map will be updated regularly on points of interest and route options.
Walks Near Me was developed in partnership between Transport for NSW and the Department of Customer Service’s OneCX Program, which makes it easier to find, use, and understand information from the NSW Government.
“This isn’t just about highlighting great places to visit, it’s about customising an exciting walking experience for each individual, so they can not only see these sights but enjoy every step along the way,” NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
“The NSW Government is committed to making it easier for people to get out and walk and discovering new places to enjoy, like the Western Sydney Parklands and Callan Park, or hidden gems like the beautiful Dangar Falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.”
NSW Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib agreed. “There are so many advantages to enjoying a good walk and a tool like this makes it easier than ever for people to get outside, get active and get the most out of this beautiful state we live in,” he said.
“Whether you want to explore parts of the state you’ve never seen before or discover secret spots in your own neighbourhood, Walks Near Me brings together information from parks, gardens, landmarks and places of interest from across the State into a single digital tool to help plan your next adventure with just a few taps.”
“This is a wonderful example of how digital technology can make our everyday lives a little easier.”
I have just returned from three trips to Europe in the last 10 weeks – yes, that’s THREE – all via Hanoi.
And, at the risk of shooting myself in the foot and never being able to book a room there again because too many people have taken my advice, I want to tell you about the best little hotel in Vietnam’s capital, certainly in terms of three-star bang for fewer bucks.
Now, is it the most luxurious? No. Is it the cheapest? Not that either (but it isn’t expensive – far from it). Does it have the most facilities? Uh-uh! Gym? Nope. Swimming pool? Nuh! Massage? No-o-o-o. It’s pretty basic.
So why is it my favourite hotel? Because of the location, the super-friendly staff, the bargain price and the giant bed (in a relatively small room). It’s clean, comfortable and totally functional.
The first time I travelled, looking to make the most of an enforced lay-over in Hanoi, I found the De La Soie (pronounced “swah”) on Booking.com where it receives 9.2/10 from almost 400 reviews. Pretty good for a three-star hotel.
FYI: If you want to know why I went to Europe via Hanoi, read this.
The De La Soie is at 111 Hàng Đào on a busy corner, near the spectacular red bridge leading to the temple on Hoan Kiem lake.
It’s also at one end of the weekend night market which runs along the street outside the hotel for a couple of kilometres on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
The hotel, squeezed into a busy corner of the Old Quarter of Hanoi
The view from my balcony … a lot less noisy than you might imagine
The weekend night market starts just outside the hotel
One street away, a vendor bakes hot fresh Vietnamese roti (half bun, half donut).
Just around the corner – one of the famous original egg coffee cafes.
Cross the road, walk through a clothes shop, start climbing and you will find an amazing little hidden cafe.
Egg coffee – more of a dessert than a drink
However, the excellent double glazing on the French windows to my small balcony reduces the street noise to a murmur, so you know you’re in the city but it’s not intrusive.
So why is it less than $50 a night? Maybe it’s because the rooftop cocktail bar isn’t operating yet and neither is the ground floor restaurant, as the De La Soie, like all the hotels in Hanoi, recover from the Covid lockdowns that brought tourism to a standstill a couple of years ago.
But, hey, who wants to eat a tourist buffet breakfast when one of the best Banh Mi takeaways joints is right next door and you can go one step further to Caphe Cong for a coconut iced coffee and croissants dipped in condensed milk?
Oh, and the desk staff will go and get you whatever you want from local stalls and shops. It’s like street food meets UberEATS. And they’ll sell you a chilled beer or fix you a cocktail, too.
I stayed there three times in just under three months, so trust me, these guys really look after you, including organising personalised tours to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa and even going with you to local shops to bargain for you.
So now, I’ve gone and ruined it for myself the place will be booked out, as it deserves to be, and the rates will rise. Friends have already booked in and you should too if you’re going to Hanoi and don’t need extravagant luxury in your hotel room, if only because you will be out all day anyway.
Next time I go, they promise me the rooftop bar will be open. If I check in, I might never leave. And if you do go, tell Mi and Tracey that Jimmy sent ya.
Jimmy Thomson stayed at the De La Soie hotel at his own expense, on every occasion.
First up, an apology. This website has been a bit neglected recently and that’s partly because (ironically) I have been travelling.
However it hasn’t exactly been fun trips: I have been flitting back and forth to Europe because of family dramas.
On the plus side, I did learn quite a lot about travelling to the other side of the world, having done it twice in as many months.
Firstly, all my UK friends who tried to warn me not to trust EasyJet with my connecting flights in and out of the UK were 100 percent right.
There was I boasting about how I had found a better, much cheaper way to get from Sydney to Scotland, by travelling to Paris via Vietnam Airlines.
Cheaper and better? Vietnam’s Premium Economy seats cost less than $200 more than Qantas cheapest economy tickets to London and back.
With flights from Paris to Glasgow costing little more than they’d cost from Heathrow, it was a no-brainer. But that didn’t take EasyJet into account.
First of all, I discovered they didn’t fly from Paris on Fridays, the day I was originally due to arrive. OK, I juggled some flights and it was all good.
Then the family dramas came along and I needed to get to and from Glasgow many weeks earlier than I had planned. It turned out Glasgow was not an option but Edinburgh was. It’s only 20 km farther from Dumfries, my ultimate destination, so it was no biggie. The brother-in-law met me from the airport and it was all good.
On the way back, having stopped over in Glasgow so I wouldn’t miss my flight, I got an email from EasyJet telling me that my flight from to Paris had been cancelled. Whoops! But that was OK, I could get a bus at 3am the next morning, get a flight from Edinburgh and still make the connecting flight to Hanoi.
Bleary-eyed on the bus the next day, I checked my phone and the same email popped up. Except it wasn’t the same – they had also cancelled the Edinburgh flight.
So there I am, panicking, at 5am on a freezing Edinburgh morning, calling my wife (who happened to be on a train on her way back from Katoomba) and asking her to call Flight Centre in Sydney.
Meanwhile, just in case, I called the Flight Centre emergency line. I soon had two Flight Centre operatives trying to get me home, playing duelling banjos with their computer terminals (sorry about that, folks!).
OK, there was an Air France flight to Paris but they had just bumped the fare from $250 to $1400 or thereabouts, one way, economy and anyway, it wouldn’t get in on time.
Plan B emerged. I would fly to Heathrow, stay overnight in a hotel there and catch the midday flight to Hanoi the next day. Between EasyJet and my travel insurance, the cost would be minimised, although I did lose a day in Hanoi and a trip to Sapa.
So what prompted me to fly Vietnam Airlines via Paris. My good friend and colleague Will Davies runs World War I battlefield tours to France and he said if I was ever going over there I should fly via Vietnam and use Paris as my hub.
It just so happened that I had scored a hike in Northern Provence so this seemed a smart move. Then life intervened and I needed to get to the UK in a hurry – a couple of times – and it all made sense.
All except for EasyJet, that is. So that’s my excuse for not attending to this website as diligently as I should.
But it’s OK. I’m back in the saddle and it all gets better from here on in. And hey, you can’t edit a website for “seasoned travellers” without having had some salt rubbed in your wounds.
When you travel, it’s not just where you go, it’s who you go with. And if sailing to Antarctica wasn’t attraction enough, how about making the voyage with one of Australia’s legendary singer-songwriters Paul Kelly on board.
Paul Kelly, who will be performing, will also be joined on Chimu Adventures exclusive Antarctic charter next January by special guests Ben Quilty, Andrew Denton, and Jennifer Byrne.
Paul Kelly
Songs in the South is a 21-day voyage departing January 8, 2024 onboard Chimu’s polar vessel, the Ocean Endeavour. This immersive journey will depart from Ushuaia, then crossing the famous Drake Passage before discovering the magnificent South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic peninsula itself.
Guests will then explore South Georgia, renowned for its significance to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition and the world’s largest king penguin colony, then visiting the Falkland Islands, known for its rugged beauty and unique birdlife.
This unique adventure will also have a focus on the arts. Guests will be joined onboard by incredible special guests, all renowned and accomplished in their creative field, who will inspire, educate, and entertain as travellers discover the beauty and wonder of Antarctica together.
Paul Kelly is one of Australia’s most beloved singer-songwriters who needs no introduction. Kelly’s songs dig deep into Australia: how it feels, looks, tastes, sounds. In the 40 years since releasing his first album, the human condition has been his special subject and he’s thrilled to be joining Chimu on this journey, which will include an exclusive performance onboard the Ocean Endeavour, available only to Chimu travellers.
Ben Quilty
Ben Quilty is an acclaimed Australian artist, renowned both here and internationally. His bold and evocative work is designed to challenge assumptions and has been featured in major public, corporate and private collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and QAGOMA. Quilty will also be running a two-part art workshop onboard.
Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne are considered one of the most creative Australian television and radio forces and have a true passion for Antarctica, travelling many times to the continent with Chimu Adventures. Andrew is a multi-Logie award-winning television presenter, having presented some of Australia’s most loved programs of the past few decades.
Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne
Jennifer Byrne is a celebrated Australian journalist and broadcaster and has become one of Australia’s most respected and recognisable media personalities. Now on their 4th visit to Antarctica with Chimu, Denton and Byrne look forward to sharing their knowledge and love for the continent with their fellow passengers.
“At Chimu we have had the privilege of working with some of Australia’s best-known personalities over the years, but nothing compares to this trip. In January ’24 we will be ticking off the all-star locations of Antarctica, being the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, all while we travel and are entertained by living Australian legends! This is set to be an unparalleled journey.” Said Chad Carey, Chimu’s Managing Director.
Cabins are on sale now, but selling quickly, with high levels of interest anticipated for this expedition. Learn more or book now – Songs in the South.
If the last years’ travel restrictions have left you with a pent-up sense of adventure, our friends at KimKim travel have curated a trip to Ecuador in South America that will blow those cobwebs away.
Horse-riding, hiking, cycling, snorkelling and, of course, sight-seeing are all on the menu in this 10-day trip that takes in the Ecuadorian Andes and the natural wonders of Galapagos islands.
There are plenty of variations for tailor-made tours run by local operators, but if you are footloose and fit, this is a great taster for what could be the trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Quito, the capital ofEcuador! Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you for the one-hour transfer to your accommodation in the city center. You’ll get a short introduction to Quito’s history and a quick briefing on the next day’s activities.
The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat makers, and a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.
Day 2: Transfer to Baños via Quilotoa Lagoon
Join your driver/guide as you journey into the western Ecuadorian Andes, where you’ll visit the picturesque Quilotoa Lagoon. This spectacular crater lake was formed centuries ago by a massive volcanic eruption. Walk along the crater’s rim to take in splendid views or hike down a path to the edge of the turquoise waters. If you’re looking for a less adventurous trek, mules are available to rent for the return uphill hike. Afterward, get back on the road and continue to Baños, where you’ll settle into the night’s accommodations.
Ecuador’s capital Quito with the Cotapaxi volcano in the background
Enjoy the vistas of Quilotoa Lagoon in the Ecuadorian Andes
Take a scenic drive along the “Avenue of Waterfalls” to El Pailón del Diablo
Pinnacle Rock in the Galápagos Islands
See Humboldt penguins in the wild on Tintoreras Islet
Marine iguanas sunbathing on a rock
See giant tortoises up close in the highlands of Santa Cruz
A Last glimpse of Ecuador
Mangroves along the coast of Isabella Island
Day 3: Follow the Avenue of Waterfalls to Cotopaxi
Driving south from Baños this morning, you’ll follow the Avenue of Waterfalls, a 31-mile (61 km) stretch of spectacular jungle and mountain scenery dotted with countless dramatic cascades. Skirt the Pastaza River on its way through the scenic valley of the same name to reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to visit the well-known El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall. Your journey then continues toward Cotopaxi where you’ll get settled in for the night in a cozy hacienda.
Quito & Cotapaxi
Quilotoa Lagoon
Saddle up for a ride through Cotopaxi National Park
Avenue of Waterfalls
Penguin
Galapagos
Giant tortoise
Isabella Island
Iguanas
Baltra Island
Day 4: Explore Cotopaxi National Park on Horseback, Transfer to Quito
Rise early this morning to mount up for an epic horseback ride through Cotopaxi National Park. Setting out from your hacienda, you’ll be met with sweeping views of the páramo (typical Andean landscape) and the snowcapped peak of Cotopaxi. Gallop across windswept plains and explore the area’s native forests before returning to the hacienda, where you’ll have the option of sitting down to lunch before getting back on the road and heading north to Quito.
Day 5: Fly to the Galápagos, Arrive on San Cristóbal Island
The next phase of your adventure begins today as you transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands.
After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, visit the local Interpretation Center with your guide to learn everything about the history and future of the Galápagos. Afterward, you’ll take a short walk to Tijeretas Hill, where you can spot frigate birds nesting and spectacular views over the island. End the day with a stop at La Lobería, a scenic beach that hosts a thriving colony of sea lions. As evening falls, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 6: Fly to Isabella Island, Explore Tintoreras Islet
In the early morning, you’ll head to the airport to board a short flight to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.
After lunch, join a group tour to visit the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling. Here you can see Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows. Snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. The rest of your evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island in Puerta Villamil.
Day 7: Rappelling & Biking on Isabella Island
Your guide will pick you up early this morning for an excursion to Los Trillizos Volcano, a fantastic spot to try your hand at the sport of rappelling. Descend 493 feet (150 m) into the dormant volcano to explore the interior of this magical island from a unique perspective.
Return to the hotel for lunch, then head back out in the afternoon for a biking adventure that takes you to the top of the island and on to scenic highlights like Cave Sucre, Mango Viewpoint, and Campo Duro. At the latter, you can stop to observe the island’s giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Day 8: Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, Visit the Charles Darwin Station
Get an early start this morning to take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, roughly 2.5 hours away. Meet your guide at the dock, then head to the highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. Enjoy lunch at a local farm, then continue to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, and the effects of tourism on nature. Here you can pay a memorable visit to the turtle rearing station, where the animals are raised before being released into the wild. Keep an eye out for the many basking land iguanas that live around the station!
Day 9: Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island
Today, you’ll travel by yacht to an uninhabited island near Santa Cruz. Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the national park, you’ll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.
Day 10: Transfer to Baltra Island & Depart
If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and onward connection. Safe travels!
More Great 10-Day Ecuador Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 10-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. Or start planning your trip to Ecuador by chatting with a local specialist who can help organize your great adventure.
NB: Mildrover.com has not receive any sponsorship for promoting this trip – we just think it looks pretty awesome.
My co-pilot on this project Sue Williams and I both travel a lot and love it but we don’t travel together as often as we’d like. She takes a lot of trips as part of travel writing for the Sydney Morning Herald and Age travel pages. I tend to travel for research for my writing projects. So when we do take a trip together, we want it to be fantastic.
One of our best ever was a pre-Covid adventure in Cambodia which took us from Siem Reep (Angkor Wat) and from there on a long road trip to the capital, Phnom Penh. Not being familiar with the country, we contacted a travel company called Kim Kim and asked them to put together an itinerary that included everything we wanted to see and none of the parts that we didn’t.
They were amazing, adding in sights we hadn’t even thought of and checking out parts of the trip that we wanted but their clients had never done before.
Kim Kim is a global tour company that curates trips from local service providers in the countries where the operate. For seasoned travellers, as well as providing a great introduction to different lands and cultures, they are perfect for “second bite” tours, where you want to go back to places you’ve been to but just got a taste and want more.
By the way, while most of the following is a straight lift from their publicity people, we haven’t received any payment or incentive for running this material. We just think they’re pretty good at what they do and would happily go with them again.
This is a tour they are offering to Vietnam (a country I have visited many times) but, like us, you could contact them and say “more of this and less of that, please,” and end up with the Vietnam vacation of your dreams.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Optional Activities
Chao ban! Welcome to Hanoi! The capital of Vietnam has a long and storied history dating way back to 3000 BCE when the area was first inhabited. In the intervening millennia, both Hanoi and the country have seen dynasties rise and fall, the arrival of colonial rule, liberation, and devastating wars. Yet despite the turmoil and changing times, Vietnam has retained its cultural heritage—and one of the best places to see it on full display is in Hanoi.
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to explore Hanoi on a self-guided tour. Hit the streets of the Old Quarter and browse the silk shops on Hang Gai Street. Tuck into some Vietnamese street food staples like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwich), or bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles). Later, perhaps head to a rooftop bar in the trendy Tay Ho district for a sundowner complimented by views over West Lake.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Hanoi & Water Puppet Show
Leave the hotel at 8 am on a full-day guided tour to see Hanoi’s historic landmarks and experience the city like a local. It starts with a ride to historic Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Then head over to Lenin Garden, a park presided over by a bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin. This is an excellent place to people-watch, as the area is a popular local hangout.
Mai Chau Valley
The 11th century Temple of Literature, in Hanoi
The ancient water wheels of Pu Luong, still in use today
Local life in Pu Luong
Hike the mountains of Sapa
A family in the rice fields near Sapa
Hill tribe women at Bac Ha Market
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An’s riverfront
Village life around Hoi An
Street food feast in Saigon
The waterways of the Mekong
City Hall, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
From there, your guide will lead you down Hanoi’s alleyways, lined with family-owned shops that have been around for generations. Continue to the 11th-century Temple of Literature, an impressive architectural landmark that was Vietnam’s first-ever national university. To this day, students still pray at its altars for academic success. Next is the Museum of Ethnology, which preserves the cultural heritage of the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Afterward, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Now that you’ve refueled continue to Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter to explore its warren of backstreets. This will lead to Nha Chung Street, an area with food stalls and vendors. Here, you’ll visit a historic French-colonial home for afternoon tea. Your host has lived in the neighborhood all his life and has many stories about this remarkable city and its past. End the day with one of Vietnam’s more unique theatrical performances: a water puppet show. This cultural expression dates back over 1,000 years, originating in the Red River Delta rice fields. Afterward, return to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Mai Chau, Xa Linh Village & Nature Hike
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the four-hour ride west from Hanoi to the gorgeous Mai Chau Valley. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famous for its mountain vistas and fertile valleys dotted with traditional stilt houses. The White Thai ethnic group primarily inhabits the villages here; however, you’ll continue another 45 minutes to the village of Xa Linh, which is home to the Hmong hill tribe.
When you arrive in Xa Linh, you’ll unwind with a delicious home-cooked lunch. This will fortify you for the subsequent two-hour hike along mountain trails. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of lush green hills, rice paddies, and traditional villages. During the trek, you’ll stop at a local primary school to chat with the kids (donations to the school are welcome). Another treat is a visit to Pa Co Market, a weekly hill tribe market. There are great items here, including hand-woven batiks and embroideries by the Hmong people. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Mai Chau village, where you’ll overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hiking & Rafting
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the village, then hop in the car for the 1.5-hour drive south from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. This nature reserve is home to the ethnic Thai people and, like Mai Chau, is known for its forested mountains and green valleys dotted with terraced rice paddies and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your resort and have some time to unwind before lunch.
After a delicious lunch amid spectacular views, it will be time to hit the trail again. You’ll hike to hillside villages and meet the locals while learning about cultural traditions dating back centuries. Continue across a suspension bridge over the Cham River and stop at traditional wooden con nuoc (water wheels). Your guide will explain the mechanics of how these ancient yet efficient machines lift water from the river and distribute it through bamboo chutes to elevated farmland.
Then you’ll arrive at a local fisherman’s house, where you have a short rest before hopping on a traditional bamboo raft for a ride down the river. The guide will teach you how to paddle and steer as you float along the calm waters, enjoying the mountain and valley views along the banks. When you reach the wooden Tan Lap Bridge, you’ll disembark and transfer to a local resort in time for dinner.
Day 5: Pu Luong Valley Hike, Return to Hanoi
Wake up early and embark on a scenic three-hour hike deeper into the valley. During this 2.4-mile (4 km) excursion, you’ll follow nature paths down to the base of mountains as you cross rivers, pass rice paddies, and stroll through local villages. At the end of the hike, you’ll stop at a local house for a home-cooked lunch. Afterward, you’ll meet your driver for the four-hour ride back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Transfer to Sapa & Village Hike
Leave Hanoi behind today as a driver picks you up at the hotel for the ride north to the highland area of Sapa, which is known for its soaring mountains and endless terraces of green rice paddies. The drive takes around six hours, and you’ll check in to your hotel on arrival. Unwind after your long journey on a walk around the town’s steep streets. Breathe in the cool alpine air, stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and browse the handicrafts sold by local Hmong women in colorful handmade attire.
Finish the day on a hike (or drive) between rural villages outside of town, which is a great excuse to meet locals from the ethnic hill tribes. The first leg of the trip will take you about a mile (2 km) from your hotel along hilly roads to the village of Cat Cat. Nestled amid terraced rice paddies and sitting on streams that converge into a romantic waterfall, this traditional village home to the Black Hmong ethnic tribe is high in the running for the most beautiful town in the country.
After touring Cat Cat, continue on a dirt trail through the mountains along a narrow river amid terraced fields and vegetable patches on the way to Y Linh Ho village, another slice of rural Vietnamese paradise denoted by golden fields and bamboo homes. The area is populated by the Dao people, an ethnic tribe who adorn themselves with handmade indigo-blue clothing decorated with batik flower patterns. Here, you’ll stop by the river for a rest and to snap photos. Then, hike back to the main road, where a car will be waiting to return you to Sapa.
Day 7: Hike to Sapa Villages
This morning, you’ll head out on a full-day tour to visit some of the isolated villages around Sapa. Start with a 5-mile (8 km) drive to the O Quy Ho Pass in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, where you’ll stop to snap photos and admire views of Mount Fansipan and the Sin Chai Valley. From there, pass forests and waterfalls as you make your way to Ban Khoang commune, home to the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups.
Take a guided walk to learn about rural life here, then drive to the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, where the Black Hmong people live in riverside hamlets. Enjoy lunch by the water and a two-hour walk through wild and unspoiled nature. As you hike, you’ll spot locals plowing the fields, harvesting crops, and selling handicrafts in village markets. Later in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Sapa.
Day 8: Visit Bac Ha Market, Return to Hanoi
Your driver will pick you up this morning for the three-hour drive through mountain roads to the weekly Bac Ha Market. The long trip is well worth it, as Bac Ha is the region’s largest and most colorful market. Every Sunday morning, various ethnic groups, like the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities, gather to buy and sell local products.
You can find everything here, from fresh produce and embroidery to livestock such as chickens, pigs, horses, and buffalo. It’s also a great place to mingle with locals, as it is packed with folks who’ve traveled long distances to meet friends and enjoy some rice wine at the end of a long week. After lunch at the market, you’ll drive back to Hanoi.
Day 9: Bus to Ha Long Bay, Swim, Kayak & Masterclass Cooking Lesson
Wake up early and board a shuttle bus for the four-hour drive east to the coast and Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature (“ha long” actually translates to “descending dragon”). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour. After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then you can spend hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later that afternoon, you’ll stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes.
Return to the ship just in time to participate in a cooking masterclass offered by the onboard expert chef. During the workshop, you’ll learn to make traditional specialties like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner afterward. Spend the remainder of the evening relaxing, or head out on a small boat for a bit of night fishing with the locals.
Day 10: Cruise Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hoi An
Wake up early and head to the deck to catch the sunrise gilding the bay waters. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. The rest of the morning is yours to relax and enjoy the views or partake in one or two more optional activities, like kayaking around Ha Long’s famous floating villages. Then sit down to an early lunch before disembarking at the marina and catching the shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll transfer to the airport by car and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. A driver will meet you at the airport for a one-hour drive down to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 11: Cycle to an Organic Farm, Cooking Lesson & Hoi An Walking Tour
Spend the first half of the day exploring the Hoi An countryside by bike. A guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you just outside the city to a riverfront village where you’ll pick up the bicycle. Then, embark on a roughly 4-mile (6 km) journey through unspoiled countryside dotted with coconut forests, rice paddies, and fish farms. Your first stop is at Thanh Dong, a 107,640 square foot (10,000 sq m) organic farm tended to by 10 or so local families. Stroll around the vegetable garden and participate in activities like sowing seeds and picking vegetables.
Next, hop in a Vietnamese circular basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride along the Do River to a popular waterfront restaurant, where you’ll have lunch. As you float down the water, you’ll spot farmers in conical hats picking rice in green paddies as fishermen cast nets out on the water. After eating, head back toward Hoi An and stop at one last local village for a cooking class, during which you’ll prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Upon arrival back in Hoi An, you’ll head out to discover this historic city. During a three-hour guided tour of the Ancient Town, you’ll see firsthand the remarkable diversity of architecture here. One example is the arched Japanese Covered Bridge; another is the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You’ll also browse local markets, which sell fine textiles like silk. You may even want to get a custom suit fit, as Hoi An is famous for its tailoring.
Day 12: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vespa Street Food Tour
In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride north to the airport in Da Nang, where you’ll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. This southern metropolis is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots while maintaining a modern edge, as evidenced by its soaring new skyscrapers. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel, settle in and get ready for an evening tour.
As night falls, you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City in the most exciting and delicious way possible: on a moped food tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop on a vintage Vespa. Then hit the road on a mouthwatering exploration of the city after dark. The first stop is at a bakery to try fresh bread rolls before heading to a vintage coffee shop tucked in a back alley. And that’s just to start.
Continue zipping along the city’s bustling streets to an old apartment complex that comes alive at night with hundreds of food and drink stalls. After sampling a few savory tidbits, you’ll visit a 50-year-old dessert shop to try homemade sweet soups. Your guide will lead you to an off-the-beaten-path restaurant for multiple courses starring the freshest seafood in the city. End the night at a cozy bar tucked away in a quiet alley as you sample local beers and craft cocktails while chatting with friendly locals. Feel free to cut loose, as a taxi will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Day 13: Mekong Delta Day Tour & Optional Countryside Bike Tour
Leave your hotel at 8 am on a 1.5-hour drive out of the city to the waterfront hub of Ben Tre. From here, you’ll embark on a full-day tour around the Mekong River Delta. At the pier, leave the car and hop in a motorboat, where you’ll take off down the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong.
Your first stop will be at the famous Cai Be floating market, where local vendors ply the waters selling everything from fresh produce to flowers right from their boats. Then, leave the main waterways and venture down smaller canals for a peaceful and relaxing ride. You’ll pass fish farms and see locals milling about along the banks as you go. The next stop will be at An Binh, an islet famous in the area for its fruit orchards.
Enjoy lunch at a local heritage house and follow that with a stroll around the orchards as you sip a cup of tea. Continue touring the village here, stopping at a workshop that makes artisanal items from local products like rice paper and coconut candy. Should you choose, you can embark on an optional bicycle ride. You’ll pass schools, traditional homes, pagodas, and beautiful countryside as you ride along the village pathways. Then, visit brick kilns to see how the locals create beautiful clay pottery. Afterward, you’ll meet a car for the ride back to the city.
Day 14: Morning Ho Chi Minh Highlights Tour, Depart
This may be your last morning in Vietnam, but the adventure isn’t over yet. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a half-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. You’ll see historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then visit the Presidential Palace, which was the headquarters of the Saigon government until it fell to the Viet Cong in 1975. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a look at the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
After a break to enjoy the city’s street coffee culture, it will be time to depart. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll catch your flight home. See you soon!
Chao ban! Welcome to Hanoi! The capital of Vietnam has a long and storied history dating way back to 3000 BCE when the area was first inhabited. In the intervening millennia, both Hanoi and the country have seen dynasties rise and fall, the arrival of colonial rule, liberation, and devastating wars. Yet despite the turmoil and changing times, Vietnam has retained its cultural heritage—and one of the best places to see it on full display is in Hanoi.
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to explore Hanoi on a self-guided tour. Hit the streets of the Old Quarter and browse the silk shops on Hang Gai Street. Tuck into some Vietnamese street food staples like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwich), or bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles). Later, perhaps head to a rooftop bar in the trendy Tay Ho district for a sundowner complimented by views over West Lake.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Hanoi & Water Puppet Show
Leave the hotel at 8 am on a full-day guided tour to see Hanoi’s historic landmarks and experience the city like a local. It starts with a ride to historic Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Then head over to Lenin Garden, a park presided over by a bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin. This is an excellent place to people-watch, as the area is a popular local hangout.
From there, your guide will lead you down Hanoi’s alleyways, lined with family-owned shops that have been around for generations. Continue to the 11th-century Temple of Literature, an impressive architectural landmark that was Vietnam’s first-ever national university. To this day, students still pray at its altars for academic success. Next is the Museum of Ethnology, which preserves the cultural heritage of the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Afterward, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Now that you’ve refueled continue to Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter to explore its warren of backstreets. This will lead to Nha Chung Street, an area with food stalls and vendors. Here, you’ll visit a historic French-colonial home for afternoon tea. Your host has lived in the neighborhood all his life and has many stories about this remarkable city and its past. End the day with one of Vietnam’s more unique theatrical performances: a water puppet show. This cultural expression dates back over 1,000 years, originating in the Red River Delta rice fields. Afterward, return to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Mai Chau, Xa Linh Village & Nature Hike
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the four-hour ride west from Hanoi to the gorgeous Mai Chau Valley. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famous for its mountain vistas and fertile valleys dotted with traditional stilt houses. The White Thai ethnic group primarily inhabits the villages here; however, you’ll continue another 45 minutes to the village of Xa Linh, which is home to the Hmong hill tribe.
When you arrive in Xa Linh, you’ll unwind with a delicious home-cooked lunch. This will fortify you for the subsequent two-hour hike along mountain trails. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of lush green hills, rice paddies, and traditional villages. During the trek, you’ll stop at a local primary school to chat with the kids (donations to the school are welcome). Another treat is a visit to Pa Co Market, a weekly hill tribe market. There are great items here, including hand-woven batiks and embroideries by the Hmong people. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Mai Chau village, where you’ll overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hiking & Rafting
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the village, then hop in the car for the 1.5-hour drive south from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. This nature reserve is home to the ethnic Thai people and, like Mai Chau, is known for its forested mountains and green valleys dotted with terraced rice paddies and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your resort and have some time to unwind before lunch.
After a delicious lunch amid spectacular views, it will be time to hit the trail again. You’ll hike to hillside villages and meet the locals while learning about cultural traditions dating back centuries. Continue across a suspension bridge over the Cham River and stop at traditional wooden con nuoc (water wheels). Your guide will explain the mechanics of how these ancient yet efficient machines lift water from the river and distribute it through bamboo chutes to elevated farmland.
Then you’ll arrive at a local fisherman’s house, where you have a short rest before hopping on a traditional bamboo raft for a ride down the river. The guide will teach you how to paddle and steer as you float along the calm waters, enjoying the mountain and valley views along the banks. When you reach the wooden Tan Lap Bridge, you’ll disembark and transfer to a local resort in time for dinner.
Day 5: Pu Luong Valley Hike, Return to Hanoi
Wake up early and embark on a scenic three-hour hike deeper into the valley. During this 2.4-mile (4 km) excursion, you’ll follow nature paths down to the base of mountains as you cross rivers, pass rice paddies, and stroll through local villages. At the end of the hike, you’ll stop at a local house for a home-cooked lunch. Afterward, you’ll meet your driver for the four-hour ride back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Transfer to Sapa & Village Hike
Leave Hanoi behind today as a driver picks you up at the hotel for the ride north to the highland area of Sapa, which is known for its soaring mountains and endless terraces of green rice paddies. The drive takes around six hours, and you’ll check in to your hotel on arrival. Unwind after your long journey on a walk around the town’s steep streets. Breathe in the cool alpine air, stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and browse the handicrafts sold by local Hmong women in colorful handmade attire.
Finish the day on a hike (or drive) between rural villages outside of town, which is a great excuse to meet locals from the ethnic hill tribes. The first leg of the trip will take you about a mile (2 km) from your hotel along hilly roads to the village of Cat Cat. Nestled amid terraced rice paddies and sitting on streams that converge into a romantic waterfall, this traditional village home to the Black Hmong ethnic tribe is high in the running for the most beautiful town in the country.
After touring Cat Cat, continue on a dirt trail through the mountains along a narrow river amid terraced fields and vegetable patches on the way to Y Linh Ho village, another slice of rural Vietnamese paradise denoted by golden fields and bamboo homes. The area is populated by the Dao people, an ethnic tribe who adorn themselves with handmade indigo-blue clothing decorated with batik flower patterns. Here, you’ll stop by the river for a rest and to snap photos. Then, hike back to the main road, where a car will be waiting to return you to Sapa.
Day 7: Hike to Sapa Villages
This morning, you’ll head out on a full-day tour to visit some of the isolated villages around Sapa. Start with a 5-mile (8 km) drive to the O Quy Ho Pass in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, where you’ll stop to snap photos and admire views of Mount Fansipan and the Sin Chai Valley. From there, pass forests and waterfalls as you make your way to Ban Khoang commune, home to the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups.
Take a guided walk to learn about rural life here, then drive to the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, where the Black Hmong people live in riverside hamlets. Enjoy lunch by the water and a two-hour walk through wild and unspoiled nature. As you hike, you’ll spot locals plowing the fields, harvesting crops, and selling handicrafts in village markets. Later in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Sapa.
Day 8: Visit Bac Ha Market, Return to Hanoi
Your driver will pick you up this morning for the three-hour drive through mountain roads to the weekly Bac Ha Market. The long trip is well worth it, as Bac Ha is the region’s largest and most colorful market. Every Sunday morning, various ethnic groups, like the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities, gather to buy and sell local products.
You can find everything here, from fresh produce and embroidery to livestock such as chickens, pigs, horses, and buffalo. It’s also a great place to mingle with locals, as it is packed with folks who’ve traveled long distances to meet friends and enjoy some rice wine at the end of a long week. After lunch at the market, you’ll drive back to Hanoi.
Day 9: Bus to Ha Long Bay, Swim, Kayak & Masterclass Cooking Lesson
Wake up early and board a shuttle bus for the four-hour drive east to the coast and Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature (“ha long” actually translates to “descending dragon”). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour. After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then you can spend hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later that afternoon, you’ll stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes.
Return to the ship just in time to participate in a cooking masterclass offered by the onboard expert chef. During the workshop, you’ll learn to make traditional specialties like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner afterward. Spend the remainder of the evening relaxing, or head out on a small boat for a bit of night fishing with the locals.
Day 10: Cruise Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hoi An
Wake up early and head to the deck to catch the sunrise gilding the bay waters. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. The rest of the morning is yours to relax and enjoy the views or partake in one or two more optional activities, like kayaking around Ha Long’s famous floating villages. Then sit down to an early lunch before disembarking at the marina and catching the shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll transfer to the airport by car and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. A driver will meet you at the airport for a one-hour drive down to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 11: Cycle to an Organic Farm, Cooking Lesson & Hoi An Walking Tour
Spend the first half of the day exploring the Hoi An countryside by bike. A guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you just outside the city to a riverfront village where you’ll pick up the bicycle. Then, embark on a roughly 4-mile (6 km) journey through unspoiled countryside dotted with coconut forests, rice paddies, and fish farms. Your first stop is at Thanh Dong, a 107,640 square foot (10,000 sq m) organic farm tended to by 10 or so local families. Stroll around the vegetable garden and participate in activities like sowing seeds and picking vegetables.
Next, hop in a Vietnamese circular basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride along the Do River to a popular waterfront restaurant, where you’ll have lunch. As you float down the water, you’ll spot farmers in conical hats picking rice in green paddies as fishermen cast nets out on the water. After eating, head back toward Hoi An and stop at one last local village for a cooking class, during which you’ll prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Upon arrival back in Hoi An, you’ll head out to discover this historic city. During a three-hour guided tour of the Ancient Town, you’ll see firsthand the remarkable diversity of architecture here. One example is the arched Japanese Covered Bridge; another is the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You’ll also browse local markets, which sell fine textiles like silk. You may even want to get a custom suit fit, as Hoi An is famous for its tailoring.
Day 12: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vespa Street Food Tour
In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride north to the airport in Da Nang, where you’ll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. This southern metropolis is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots while maintaining a modern edge, as evidenced by its soaring new skyscrapers. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel, settle in and get ready for an evening tour.
As night falls, you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City in the most exciting and delicious way possible: on a moped food tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop on a vintage Vespa. Then hit the road on a mouthwatering exploration of the city after dark. The first stop is at a bakery to try fresh bread rolls before heading to a vintage coffee shop tucked in a back alley. And that’s just to start.
Continue zipping along the city’s bustling streets to an old apartment complex that comes alive at night with hundreds of food and drink stalls. After sampling a few savory tidbits, you’ll visit a 50-year-old dessert shop to try homemade sweet soups. Your guide will lead you to an off-the-beaten-path restaurant for multiple courses starring the freshest seafood in the city. End the night at a cozy bar tucked away in a quiet alley as you sample local beers and craft cocktails while chatting with friendly locals. Feel free to cut loose, as a taxi will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Day 13: Mekong Delta Day Tour & Optional Countryside Bike Tour
Leave your hotel at 8 am on a 1.5-hour drive out of the city to the waterfront hub of Ben Tre. From here, you’ll embark on a full-day tour around the Mekong River Delta. At the pier, leave the car and hop in a motorboat, where you’ll take off down the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong.
Your first stop will be at the famous Cai Be floating market, where local vendors ply the waters selling everything from fresh produce to flowers right from their boats. Then, leave the main waterways and venture down smaller canals for a peaceful and relaxing ride. You’ll pass fish farms and see locals milling about along the banks as you go. The next stop will be at An Binh, an islet famous in the area for its fruit orchards.
Enjoy lunch at a local heritage house and follow that with a stroll around the orchards as you sip a cup of tea. Continue touring the village here, stopping at a workshop that makes artisanal items from local products like rice paper and coconut candy. Should you choose, you can embark on an optional bicycle ride. You’ll pass schools, traditional homes, pagodas, and beautiful countryside as you ride along the village pathways. Then, visit brick kilns to see how the locals create beautiful clay pottery. Afterward, you’ll meet a car for the ride back to the city.
Day 14: Morning Ho Chi Minh Highlights Tour, Depart
This may be your last morning in Vietnam, but the adventure isn’t over yet. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a half-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. You’ll see historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then visit the Presidential Palace, which was the headquarters of the Saigon government until it fell to the Viet Cong in 1975. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a look at the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
After a break to enjoy the city’s street coffee culture, it will be time to depart. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll catch your flight home. See you soon!
