Walking & Sightseeing in Vietnam (2025 departures)

We arrive in Hanoi and are joined by our without-flight guests at our hotel in Hanoi’s old quarter, where we have a chance to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner - and our first experience of the area’s narrow streets and alleys.

Distance: approx. 4.5 miles (7 km)

Today we’ll explore the sights and sounds of Hanoi on a walking tour, beginning with a walk along the famous Hanoi railway and a visit to the Temple of Literature. After lunch, we continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex before taking tree-lined avenues past the citadel and back to the old town.

Distance: approx. 7.5 miles (12 km)

Leaving Hanoi, our journey takes around four hours and brings us to Mai Chau valley, surrounded by high limestone mountains and filled with rice fields. This area is home to the White Thais, and we’ll pass many hamlets of wooden houses on stilts, stopping to meet a local family for a traditional lunch and a chance to learn more of their way of life.

Spend the afternoon walking on backroads and paths between rice fields, villages, and vegetable plots, observing the farmers and their buffaloes at work. Our walk finishes at our lodge accommodation for the next two nights, nestled in the remote Mai Hich valley.

Distance: approx. 7 miles (11 km)

There’s an hour’s drive into Hoa Binh province and the rocky plateau of Hang Kia, land of the Hmong. We’ll meet a local family in the village and take part in a batik workshop, learning more about techniques passed down through generations of how their traditional, colourful clothing is made.

After lunch in a local home, the afternoon sees us stretching our legs on a downhill walk from the mountains on a mix of pathways and trails through wild scenery. Meeting our bus at the road, we return to Mai Hich valley.

Distance: approx. 4 miles (6 km)

This morning we visit Pu Luong nature reserve with its jungle-covered limestone mountains and deep valleys, where we explore Ban Don village on foot to see the terraced rice fields.

Our journey continues by bus to Ninh Binh province, known as Halong Bay on land. We’ll reach Tam Coc, our base for the next two nights, in time to soak up the sunset from the tiers of the Bich Dong Pagoda.

Distance: approx. 6.5 miles (10 km)

There’s time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast today before we collect our bicycles and set off on a gentle ride along small, scenic roads passing temples and lush rice fields surrounded by towering limestone mountains.

We then take to the water in a traditional sampan to navigate Thung Nang, one of the many waterways of the region. The final stretch on our bikes takes us through peaceful countryside to enjoy lunch in the gardens of a local house.

Enjoy some free time to relax by the pool at our accommodation before heading to Hang Mua mountain to climb the 500 steps to its summit, an effort that rewards with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Departing early, we drive across the Red River Delta to the coast and embark on a two-night cruise aboard a deluxe boat.

Over the next two days we’ll relax on deck, tuck into delicious meals, and take in the ever-changing landscape as we explore the lesser-known channels of Ha Long and Lan Ha bays.

There’s the opportunity to visit limestone caves, kayak in coves, and swim in the emerald waters. Early risers can enjoy a sunrise Tai Chi session, or you could take part in a cooking demonstration.

Cruising through the bay this morning, we visit Sung Sot cave before enjoying brunch on deck as we return to the harbour. We drive back to Hanoi and have day rooms available in the afternoon to freshen up before our transfer to the station to board an overnight train to Hué.

Distance: approx. 4.5 miles (7km)

Arriving in Hué in the morning, we transfer to our hotel for breakfast. Then we’ll set off on a walking tour of the citadel, entering the Imperial City by the Northern Gate to learn about the former imperial residence. Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant then back to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, take a leisure walk to Dong Ba market, one of the oldest and biggest markets in Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s last feudal capital, and today you will get an insider’s point of view to the highlights of this nostalgic city. Your first stop is a visit to Tu Duc Tomb, which is located near the quiet Thuy Bieu Village, 6.5 km from the city centre. It’s a sprawling compound centred on the lake and several waterways and includes numerous memorials connected by attractive walkways. Next, you’ll visit a local garden house where your host will welcome you with hand-made ginger jam and tea. Have a walk around the village to explore the daily local life in the peaceful countryside, before enjoying some traditional dishes of Hue. After the delicious home-hosted lunch, take a leisurely boat ride across the Perfume River then visit Thien Mu Pagoda, this 7-story octagonal tower is a symbol of Hue. Behind the pagoda are peaceful gardens and, somewhat incongruously, the old Austin car which transported Thich Quang Duc to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation.

Distance: approx 2.5 miles (4km)

Today the journey continues with a road transfer to Hoi An passing the beautiful Lang Co Bay and Hai Van Pass. Upon arrival at Hoi An, stop en route at Tra Que village, you will have a walk through the village and enjoy the rustic and peaceful nature picture of an immense vegetable area then continue by walking to reach your hotel in Hoi An.

Check in at the hotel and spend time to relax. In the late afternoon/early evening, our guide will take you out for a street food tour to taste some local specialties.

Distance: approx. 3 miles (5km)

A walk around the old town kicks off our day before we delve into the local market to meet our chef for today’s cooking lesson. We’ll wander past colourful stalls laden with spices and herbs used in Vietnamese cuisine and pick up some ingredients.

Travel by boat to a small farm tucked away on an island in the Thu Bon River, where it’s time for a hands-on cooking lesson and tasting. We return to Hoi An on foot through the farmlands and then the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore further.

Today you’re free to explore the delightful port town of Hoi An at your own pace, or perhaps take the opportunity to do some shopping – it’s famous for its excellent tailors. You could also head to a nearby beach - An Bang beach is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. This evening we’ll meet up for our final dinner together and a chance to reflect on our adventures in Vietnam.

Our tour finishes here and we bid farewell to our without flight guests. After breakfast, with flight guests transfer to Danang Airport for our overnight flights back to the UK.

With flight guests arrive back in the UK.