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Culture, nature and local life across Vietnam

15 Days Vietnam Explorer

Want to see Vietnam’s full picture through mountains, caves, waterfalls, limestone bays, heritage landscapes, and river life? This 15-day Vietnam Explorer tour takes you from Hanoi to Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market, Hau Giang, and back to Ho Chi Minh City.

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Tour Highlight & Itinerary

Quick Look

A 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam’s Mountains, Bays, Waterfalls and Mekong Delta

This Vietnam Explorer tour is designed for travelers who want a deeper route through Vietnam’s natural landscapes and local traditions. Begin with Pu Luong and Ninh Binh, continue through Ha Giang and Cao Bang, cruise Ha Long Bay, then explore Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta before ending in the south.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Walk from Don Hamlet to Hieu Hamlet, trek through rice terraces, relax by waterfalls, and stay in a Black Thai bungalow.

Ninh Binh Landscapes

Cycle around Tam Coc, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, climb Mua Cave, explore Hoa Lu Temple, and take a Trang An boat ride.

Ha Giang Mountain Route

Travel through Thon Tha, Quan Ba, Lung Cu, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, and Bao Lac.

Cao Bang Waterfall and Caves

Visit Phuc Sen Village, Phia Thap Incense Village, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Holy Eye Mountain.

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Board a cruise in Ha Long Bay, visit Luon Cave, Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave, and enjoy dinner and onboard activities.

Mekong Delta River Life

Explore Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, My Tho, Vinh Trang Pagoda, Unicorn Island, Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market, and Hau Giang.

Hoi An to Mekong Delta: An 8 Day Cultural Adventure Itinerary
Beer Street Hanoi
Exploring the Rich Culture in Vietnam
Trip Itinerary

15-Day Vietnam Explorer Schedule

Follow the journey step by step, from Hanoi to Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Can Tho, Hau Giang, and your final drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 1 Hanoi – Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Hanoi pickup

Your tour guide and driver pick you up at 8:00 AM from your hotel in Hanoi and transfer you to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a peaceful mountain area known for primitive landscapes, rice terraces, and rich biodiversity.

Don Hamlet to Hieu Hamlet walk

Start a 1.5-hour walk from Don Hamlet toward Hieu Hamlet, trekking off the beaten track through valleys of rice terraces and up toward mountain viewpoints.

Waterfalls and Black Thai bungalow

Relax by the natural stream, enjoy a traditional family meal made with local ingredients, and stay overnight at a Black Thai bungalow with a beautiful view.

Day 2 Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc
Pho Doan Market and Tom Village

After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family. If it is Sunday, visit Pho Doan Market, then continue to Tom Village for a scenic trek with your guide.

Water wheels and mountain scenery

See rice-terraced paddies and traditional water wheels, a unique cultural feature of Thai and Muong communities in Pu Luong.

Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda

After lunch, continue to Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Upon arrival in Tam Coc, cycle around the area and visit Bich Dong Pagoda.

Day 3 Mua Cave – Hoa Lu Temple – Trang An – Hanoi
Mua Cave viewpoint

After breakfast and checkout, cycle to Mua Cave and climb nearly 500 steps to Ngoa Long Mountain for panoramic views over Tam Coc, rice fields, limestone mountains, and villages.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

In the afternoon, drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties and an important site connected to early Vietnamese history.

Trang An boat ride

Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, by boat for about two and a half hours through rice fields, limestone mountains, and caves before returning to Hanoi.

Day 4 Hanoi – Ha Giang – Thon Tha Arrival
Transfer to Ha Giang

Your guide and driver pick you up at 7:30 AM from your hotel lobby and drive to Ha Giang, arriving around 3:00 PM.

Thon Tha Village

Check in at your homestay in Thon Tha Village and enjoy free time to walk around, visit local families, explore the landscape, or hike to nearby Ha Thanh Waterfall.

Tay bungalow stay

Spend your first night in Ha Giang at a local Tay bungalow in Thon Tha Village.

Day 5 Thon Tha – Quan Ba – Lung Cu – Dong Van
Quan Ba Twin Mountain and Heaven’s Gate

After breakfast, continue toward Quan Ba Twin Mountain and Heaven’s Gate, two classic viewpoints on the Ha Giang route.

H’Mong King Palace

Visit the H’Mong King Palace, built to honor a high-ranking royal family during French colonial rule and known for its blend of European and Chinese architectural styles.

Lung Cu National Flag Tower

Continue to Lung Cu National Flag Tower near the northern border, then stay overnight at a hotel in Dong Van town.

Day 6 Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng – Nho Que – Bao Lac
Ma Pi Leng Pass

Begin with breakfast and visit Ma Pi Leng Pass for magnificent views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and dramatic northern scenery.

Skypath trek and Flower Hmong village

Warm up with a trek around the Skypath road to a Flower Hmong village, reaching the peak of Ma Pi Leng Mountain and seeing how local communities live among rocky highlands.

Nho Que River and Bao Lac

If the weather is suitable, continue to Meo Vac for a boat trip along the Nho Que River, then visit a Lo Lo Village before checking in at your hotel in Bao Lac town.

Day 7 Bao Lac – Phuc Sen – Phia Thap – Nguom Ngao Cave
Lo Lo village and long scenic drive

Be ready at 7:45 AM for a long drive through the Ha Giang and Cao Bang route, stopping to visit a Lo Lo Village and learn about local ethnic culture.

Phuc Sen blacksmith village

Continue to Phuc Sen Village, known for blacksmithing traditions that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Phia Thap and Nguom Ngao Cave

Visit Phia Thap Village to learn about Nung incense-making traditions, then explore Nguom Ngao Cave before spending the night at a homestay in Khuoi Ky stone village.

Day 8 Nguom Ngao – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Holy Eye Mountain – Cao Bang City
Ban Gioc Waterfall boat trip

After breakfast, take a boat trip beside Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a dramatic natural landmark on the Vietnam–China border.

Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda

Visit Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda, the first pagoda built in Cao Bang Province, set near Ban Gioc Waterfall with views of mountains and rice fields.

Holy Eye Mountain and Cao Bang City

Stop at Mat Than, also called Holy Eye Mountain, before continuing to Cao Bang City to rest and spend the night.

Day 9 Cao Bang City – Hanoi
Return drive to Hanoi

After breakfast at your hotel, prepare for the return journey to Hanoi. Your guide arranges a short walking break along the way to stretch your legs.

Hanoi drop-off

Arrive back in Hanoi and get dropped off at your hotel around 5:30 PM.

Day 10 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Transfer to Ha Long

Depart from Hanoi Old Quarter in the morning if arranged, then arrive at La Regina Royal waiting lounge in Bai Chay, Ha Long for welcome drink and express check-in.

Cruise check-in and lunch

Check in on board with a welcome drink, receive a safety briefing, and enjoy a set-menu lunch as the cruise moves through Ha Long Bay.

Luon Cave and Titov Island

Visit Luon Cave, a popular spot for kayaking or rowing boats, then continue to Titov Island for swimming or a hike to the top for panoramic bay views.

Dinner and evening onboard

Return to the cruise to relax, enjoy a special dinner, then choose squid fishing, spa, karaoke, or quiet time after dinner.

Day 11 Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Tai Chi and breakfast

Greet the new day on the sundeck with Tai Chi, then enjoy a light breakfast in the restaurant.

Sung Sot Cave

Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s most magnificent caves, with panoramic views across the bay.

Return to Hanoi

Check out of the cabin, enjoy a Vietnamese cuisine buffet while the boat heads back to harbor, then disembark and return to Hanoi around 3:30 PM.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Thanh Market – Cu Chi Tunnels – My Tho
Ben Thanh Market

Your guide and driver pick you up to begin the southern section with Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnam’s largest and oldest markets.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Continue to Cu Chi Tunnels, an important historical site where you can learn about the underground network used during the war.

Overnight in My Tho

End the day in My Tho, a charming Mekong Delta city, and spend the night at a local hotel.

Day 13 My Tho – Vinh Trang Pagoda – Ham Luong River – Unicorn Island – Can Tho
Vinh Trang Pagoda

Begin at Vinh Trang Pagoda, a 19th-century Buddhist temple that blends Eastern and Western architectural elements.

Ham Luong River and Unicorn Island

Board a traditional sampan for a calm cruise along the Ham Luong River, then visit Unicorn Island to walk country paths and taste fresh tropical fruits.

Rowing boat and Tan Thach cycling

Continue with a rowing boat journey through the canal, then cycle through Tan Thach Village before traveling to Can Tho for the night.

Day 14 Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Binh Thuy Ancient House – Munir Ansay Pagoda
Cai Rang Floating Market

Visit Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning, the biggest and most famous floating market in Vietnam, where vendors sell goods directly from small boats.

Binh Thuy Ancient House

Continue to Binh Thuy Ancient House, a French colonial mansion built in 1870 and still cared for by the Duong family’s eighth generation.

Munir Ansay Pagoda

Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a cultural and spiritual landmark for the Khmer community, before returning to your hotel in Can Tho.

Day 15 Can Tho – Hau Giang – Spring Tourism Site – Ho Chi Minh City
Hau Giang Spring Tourism Site

Head to Hau Giang Province to explore the serene Spring Tourism Site, a quiet natural area ideal for biking along narrow roads, birdwatching, and seeing unique plants.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

After exploring Hau Giang, your guide and driver take you back to Ho Chi Minh City, where the Vietnam Explorer journey ends.

Hotel or airport drop-off

Get dropped off at your hotel or the airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cost details

What’s Included and Excluded

Review the main inclusions and exclusions before sending your request, so you can better understand what is covered in this 15-day Vietnam Explorer tour.

What’s Included

  • Ground transport
  • English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation
  • Activities and meals mentioned in the itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • All other services not clearly mentioned above

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    Meet Our Team

    Who will be with you on this journey?

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    Tuyet Trinh
    Cooperation Manager

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    C Trang member

    Mai Thi Thu trang
    Tour operator

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    thien nguyen tour guide

    Thien Nguyen
    Tour GUide

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    Mrs Dung host

    MRS. Đựng
    Homestay Host & Handicraft Artisan

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    Mr Lim Tour guide

    Lim Nguyen
    Trekking Expert

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    son nguyen tour guide

    Son Nguyen
    Local Guide

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    Guest stories

    What Travelers Say About YESD

    Real stories from travelers who joined YESD for authentic, responsible, and locally connected travel experiences in Vietnam.

    Ha Chiang loop for an old boy

    Well what can I say about my Ha Chiang loop trip I did with Yesd. They were excellent from start to finish. As a 54 year old man I did the loop solo with my driver Chinh as I wanted to avoid the happy water and karaoke aspect. Chinh understood this perfectly and took me on a fabulous trip. We took local routes when he could, avoiding some of main routes. He kept ahead of the ‘Mongolian army’ as he called the throngs of other loopers and often arrived at view points before they arrived …

    Nikki F. / TripAdvisor

    An authentic and sustainable experience

    It was a unique experience that allowed me to truly experience sustainable tourism. The activities took place in breathtaking landscapes and gave us the opportunity to learn firsthand about the traditions and lifestyle of the local communities. The team was very attentive and took care of every detail to ensure we enjoyed our stay to the fullest.
    Realmente lo recomiendo! es una manera hermosa de descubrir Ha Giang y, al mismo tiempo, contribuir a un turismo responsable.

    Estefano / TripAdvisor

    A memory for life

    An amazing experience! Incredible guides! You almost feel privileged compared to other groups. The accommodation is top-notch; the house, the welcome, the meals—everything is perfect. The mountain trek is magical, the motorbike trek is insane, incredible views the whole time, and super enriching stories. Thank you again to the entire YESD Travel team; they are truly wonderful people.

    Dan B / TripAdvisor
    #YESD FAQs

    15 Days Vietnam Explorer FAQs

    Practical answers to help you understand the route, travel style, northern mountain section, Cao Bang highlights, Ha Long Bay cruise, Mekong Delta experience, inclusions, and whether this 15-day Vietnam Explorer itinerary is the right fit for your trip.

    How long is the 15 Days Vietnam Explorer tour?

    This tour lasts 15 days, beginning in Hanoi and ending with hotel or airport drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City.

    What destinations are included in this Vietnam Explorer tour?

    The itinerary includes Hanoi, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Thon Tha, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market, Hau Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City return.

    Is this tour good for travelers who want nature and local culture?

    Yes. The route combines nature reserves, waterfalls, caves, limestone landscapes, ethnic villages, homestays, markets, river life, and local craft villages across northern and southern Vietnam.

    Does the tour include Ha Giang and Cao Bang?

    Yes. The northern mountain section includes Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Lung Cu, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River when conditions allow, Bao Lac, Phuc Sen Village, Phia Thap Village, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Holy Eye Mountain.

    Will I visit Ban Gioc Waterfall?

    Yes. Day 8 includes a boat trip beside Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most impressive natural highlights in Cao Bang.

    Does the tour include Ha Long Bay?

    Yes. Days 10 and 11 include a Ha Long Bay cruise with Luon Cave, Titov Island, onboard dinner, Tai Chi, Sung Sot Cave, and return to Hanoi.

    Does the tour include the Mekong Delta?

    Yes. The final section includes Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Vinh Trang Pagoda, Ham Luong River, Unicorn Island, Tan Thach Village, Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Munir Ansay Pagoda, and Hau Giang.

    What is included in the tour price?

    Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, and activities and meals mentioned in the itinerary are included.

    Can the itinerary change?

    Yes. The itinerary may change or be cancelled due to weather conditions, especially for mountain roads, river boat trips, cave visits, bay cruises, and outdoor activities.