Vietnam Cultural Adventure & UNESCO World Heritage Tour

Begin your adventure with a quick hotel transfer to Saigon Pier, where you’ll board a comfortable speedboat for a scenic journey along the Saigon River. Watch Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline gradually give way to peaceful riverside communities and lush tropical scenery as your English-speaking guide shares fascinating stories about the region. Arrive at the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the remarkable underground network used during years of conflict. Discover hidden living quarters, supply routes, field hospitals and storage areas, and even crawl through a preserved tunnel section for a memorable glimpse into life underground.

07:00 – Hotel Pick-up
Your Les Rives guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and take you to Bach Dang Pier, where your speedboat is waiting.

07:20 – Depart Saigon by Speedboat
Leave the busy city behind and cruise along the Saigon River. Within just 15 minutes, the city scenery changes to peaceful green landscapes. Enjoy a light breakfast with sandwiches or pastries, fresh fruit, and Vietnamese iced coffee while your guide shares stories about local life along the river.

08:40 – Arrive at Cu Chi
Arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels before the main crowds. Start with a short introduction and video to learn about the area's history and the tunnel system.

09:00 – Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Discover the fascinating underground world of Cu Chi. See displays of wartime weapons and traps, crawl through an original tunnel, and visit underground kitchens, meeting rooms, and storage areas. Taste cassava, a simple food eaten by soldiers during the war, and visit the firing range if you wish.

11:00 – Riverside Lunch
Relax by the river and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a peaceful setting.

11:30 – Return to Saigon
Say goodbye to Cu Chi and cruise back to Saigon by speedboat, enjoying the river views and fresh air along the way.

AM: Saigon – Tan An | Cycle to My Tho
Leave the vibrant energy of Saigon behind and journey south into the peaceful Mekong Delta, where rice fields, tropical orchards, winding canals, and charming villages set a slower pace of life.Arriving in Tan An, begin a scenic cycling adventure along quiet village roads and rustic tracks. Pedal past emerald rice paddies, fruit orchards, wooden bridges, and rural communities while enjoying glimpses of authentic Delta life. Meet friendly villagers, watch farmers at work, and exchange smiles with children along the way. Continue cycling through the picturesque countryside toward My Tho, enjoying the fresh air and tropical scenery.

PM: Explore Ben Tre & the Mekong Waterways by Bike and Boat
Near My Tho, transfer by support vehicle to Ben Tre, renowned for its coconut groves, tropical gardens, and peaceful waterways. Cycle through lush fruit farms and village paths to a local farmer’s home, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Mekong Delta specialties. In the afternoon, ride along shaded country lanes to a family orchard in Quoi Son village and sample fresh seasonal fruits. Then board our exclusive Mandarin wooden boat for a relaxing 30-minute cruise through coconut-lined waterways, passing riverside homes, orchards, and scenes of everyday river life. After a rewarding day of cycling, local encounters, and Mekong scenery, meet your support vehicle and return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Board a morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, where you will be welcomed on arrival and transferred to the charming ancient town of Hoi An.

After lunch and some time to relax, we pick up our bicycles and set off on a leisurely ride into Hoi An’s peaceful countryside. Leaving the busy streets behind, we pedal along quiet village lanes surrounded by lush rice fields, gardens, and scenes of everyday rural life.

Our ride takes us to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a picturesque farming community famous for its fresh herbs and organically grown vegetables. Here, we discover how local farmers cultivate a remarkable variety of vegetables using simple, traditional techniques passed down through generations. Watch the farmers tending their gardens by hand and learn about the natural methods that give Tra Que’s herbs their distinctive freshness and flavor.

Continue cycling through the tranquil countryside, enjoying the green landscapes and relaxed pace of village life before returning to Hoi An. It is a gentle and rewarding introduction to the rural beauty, local culture, and traditional farming life that surround this historic town.

Today’s adventure begins with a scenic cycling tour from Hoi An to Cam Kim Island, crossing the peaceful Thu Bon River on a small local ferry. Leaving the busy streets of Hoi An behind, you’ll soon discover the quiet beauty and authentic charm of the Hoi An countryside.

Once on Cam Kim Island, cycle along peaceful village paths surrounded by green rice fields, family farms, rivers, creeks, and traditional canals. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming local villages where daily life continues at a relaxed pace. Stop to meet friendly local families and visit traditional homes to learn about countryside life. Discover local handicrafts, from weaving colorful straw sleeping mats to making simple farming tools using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Continue cycling through beautiful rural scenery, passing lush rice paddies, grazing water buffalo, vegetable gardens, and rustic bamboo bridges. The easy pace gives you plenty of time to stop for photos, chat with local people, taste homemade rice wine, and experience the peaceful rhythm of village life.

At around 11:30 AM, arrive at a local family home for a fun and hands-on Hoi An cooking experience. Learn how to prepare traditional Hoi An noodles and Banh Dap, a popular local cracked rice pancake. After cooking, sit down with your hosts and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch featuring the dishes you helped prepare. After lunch, it’s time to relax, we'll return to Hoi An by van and enjoy the rest of the day by yourself-guided in Hoi An.

Today is yours to explore the charming Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace, relax by the beach, and recharge for the adventures awaiting you over the next few days.

The Vietnam Backroads Adventures team will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to the top of the iconic Hai Van Pass—one of Central Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal roads. From the summit, take in spectacular panoramic views over Lang Co and Da Nang Bays. Relax with a cup of rich Vietnamese coffee, capture some stunning photos, and soak up the mountain scenery before continuing by van to a sandy beach, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, begin your cycling adventure through the peaceful countryside of Phu Loc. Pedal along quiet backroads beside tranquil lagoons, pass through sleepy villages, cross the Tu Hien sea mouth, and follow scenic coastal paths toward traditional fishing communities. Ride beside sandy shores and through verdant farmland before continuing along small rural roads framed by shimmering lagoons and lush rice fields.

Along the way, stop at local markets, ancient temples, and colorful pagodas, gaining a glimpse into the culture and everyday life of rural Hue. One of the day’s most fascinating highlights is An Bang Cemetery, famously known as the “City of Ghosts.” Here, thousands of vibrant and intricately designed family tombs rise dramatically from the landscape—an extraordinary expression of Hue’s spiritual traditions and cultural heritage. It is a surreal, colorful, and deeply memorable sight. To finish the day, cycle across the vast rice paddies on the outskirts of Hue, enjoy the peaceful rural scenery, then transfer back to your hotel.

After breakfast, begin exploring Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the magnificent Hue Imperial Citadel, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover its historic palaces, temples, ceremonial gates, and the fascinating Forbidden Purple City, once reserved exclusively for the emperor and royal family.

Next, board a private dragon boat for a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks. Continue to An Hien Garden House, a beautiful example of traditional Hue architecture, before enjoying a delicious Hue-style lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, set off by bicycle through Hue’s peaceful countryside, passing traditional houses, ancient pagodas, lush gardens, villages, and historic sites. Visit the impressive Khai Dinh Mausoleum, famous for its elaborate blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.

Continue across the Perfume River and cycle through scenic countryside toward Gia Long Mausoleum, the tranquil resting place of the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Surrounded by forested hills and peaceful landscapes, it provides a memorable finale to the day. After the visit, transfer back to Hue by vehicle and check into your hotel for a well-earned rest.

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to the imperial city of Hue and embark on a memorable rail journey north toward Phong Nha. Settle into the comfort of the luxury day train for the approximately four-hour journey, with comfortable seating and an onboard coffee bar where you can relax over a cup of aromatic Vietnamese coffee.

More than simply a transfer, today’s train journey offers a wonderful window into the landscapes and everyday life of Central Vietnam. As the train leaves the bustle of Hue behind, watch the scenery unfold through the windows—emerald rice fields, peaceful villages, rivers, farms, and stretches of countryside rarely experienced when travelling between the major cities. It is a relaxing and authentic way to appreciate another side of Vietnam, where rural life continues at its own gentle rhythm.

Upon arrival at Tho Loc Station, we meet our private vehicle for the approximately 30-minute transfer to Phong Nha. After enjoying lunch in town, we continue through the spectacular landscapes of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park to Paradise Cave, one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders.

From the entrance area, an electric buggy takes us through the forest before we make our way to the cave. Hidden beneath the park’s lush limestone mountains, Paradise Cave reveals an extraordinary underground world shaped by nature over millions of years. Vast chambers, soaring ceilings, delicate stalactites, and dramatic stalagmites create an almost otherworldly landscape, with beautifully illuminated formations appearing around every turn. We spend a couple of hours exploring this remarkable subterranean wonder at a leisurely pace, taking time to admire the scale, beauty, and peaceful atmosphere of the cave.

Later in the afternoon, we return to Phong Nha town and check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and reflect on a rewarding journey that has taken us from the cultural heritage of Hue, through the rural heartland of Central Vietnam, and into one of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Dong Hoi Airport for your domestic flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the Vietnam Backroads team, followed by a transfer into Ha Noi city and check-in at your hotel.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore Ha Noi at your own pace, wander through its lively streets, discover local cafés, or simply relax after your journey.

Leave the lively streets of Hanoi this morning and travel by private vehicle to Ninh Binh, a beautiful region of emerald rice fields, peaceful villages, and dramatic limestone karsts.

Begin at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, with a visit to the historic temples dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Surrounded by limestone mountains, this atmospheric site offers an insight into Vietnam’s royal history and cultural heritage. Continue to Tam Coc for lunch at a local restaurant, with the opportunity to sample regional specialties such as Ninh Binh goat and crispy rice.

After lunch, board a traditional bamboo sampan for a peaceful journey along the Ngo Dong River. Glide between towering limestone cliffs, through natural caves, and past seasonal rice fields while watching local boat rowers skillfully paddle with their feet. Back on land, set off on an easy 10 km bicycle ride through the Ninh Binh countryside. Follow quiet village lanes and rural roads past rice paddies, farms, limestone formations, and local communities. Depending on the day’s pace, there may be time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda or Thai Vi Temple.

For an extra challenge, you may opt to climb to the viewpoint at Mua Cave (Hang Mua), rewarding you with panoramic views over the Tam Coc valley and its spectacular limestone landscape. In the late afternoon, meet your support vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, arriving in the early evening after a memorable day of history, boating, cycling, and beautiful countryside.

Be ready for an 8:00 AM pick-up for a scenic 2.5-hour shuttle transfer to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau International Marina, your cruise adventure begins at the Bhaya Cruise Center, where you will receive a warm welcome aboard The Au Co.

After settling into your comfortable cabin, head to Halong Restaurant for a safety briefing and an introduction to the Cruise Manager and crew, accompanied by a refreshing welcome drink. As the vessel begins cruising through the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Long Bay, enjoy a delicious lunch while admiring the dramatic limestone karsts rising above the bay’s emerald waters.

In the afternoon, venture into the peaceful surroundings of Ba Ham Lake, one of Ha Long Bay’s most secluded and tranquil corners. Set out by kayak and glide across calm waters, paddle through hidden lagoons, and immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty of this remarkable setting.

Return to the cruise and enjoy some leisure time to relax and freshen up before the evening activities begin. As the sun slowly sets behind the limestone peaks, unwind during Happy Hour with handcrafted drinks and spectacular panoramic views of the bay. Later, put your culinary skills to the test in the Master Chef “Halong Bay Edition” competition. Discover the techniques behind authentic Vietnamese cuisine, have fun competing with fellow guests, and enjoy the chance to win exciting prizes.

Dinner is served in the restaurant as the cruise settles into its peaceful overnight anchorage amid the magnificent scenery of Ha Long Bay. The evening continues with a Vietnamese rice wine tasting, offering an introduction to regional varieties and local drinking traditions. For those who would like to stay up a little longer, try your hand at squid fishing beneath the quiet night sky—a relaxing and memorable way to experience one of the bay’s favorite local pastimes before retiring to your cabin for the night.

Day two begins early with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Watch the sunrise as its golden light spreads across the beautiful limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.

After breakfast, choose one of two experiences. Explore Tien Ong Cave, known for its interesting history and impressive rock formations, or visit the Cua Van Floating Culture Center by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Here, you can learn more about the local culture and daily life of Ha Long Bay’s floating communities.

Return to the cruise and take some time to pack your belongings while enjoying a final breakfast on board. The cruise then slowly makes its way back to the Marina. After completing check-out at reception, disembark at Tuan Chau International Marina and say goodbye to the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay. Board the shuttle bus for the journey back to Ha Noi, bringing wonderful memories of your cruise with you.

After breakfast, the Vietnam Backroads Team will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport, where you will board your international flight and continue your onward journey.