A country of beautiful diversity, Vietnam entices travellers with soaring mountains, thousands of kilometres of unspoilt beaches and one of the best street food scenes anywhere in the world. Anchored by Hanoi in the north with its 1,000 years of history, and the modern, French-influenced metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south, Vietnam also boasts world-class beach destinations, including Nha Trang, Danang and the paradise island of Phu Quoc, all home to luxury designer resorts and private yacht charters.
In between these hotspots are rural towns and idyllic landscapes where buffalo and farmers in conical hats work the fields of the Mekong Delta, junks drift through the morning mist on Halong Bay and cyclo drivers peddle along the narrow streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.
A pleasing mix of contrasts, Vietnam beguiles with the warmth, openness and positivity of its people, an abiding memory of an alluring country.
| Capital City | Hanoi |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| International Dial Code | +84 |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong |
| Population | 96.3 million (April 2018) |
| Religion | Folk, Buddhism, Catholicism |
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | 1hr 15min |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 1hr |
| Yangon, Myanmar | 2hrs |
| Singapore | 2hrs |
Discover Vietnam's fascinating cultural heritage and its breathtaking natural wonders
Discover Vietnam’s fascinating culture and history visiting key cities from north to south. Discover heritage sites and learn about its cultural significance with opportunities to interact with local experts for a unique perspective of the country’s recent history.
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Explore Vietnam’s spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage with a host photographer who will share personal insights and photography tips.
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Adventure abounds on this all-action journey through some of Vietnam and southern Laos’ most naturally beautiful and fascinating areas – experienced by trekking, cycling, motorbiking, climbing and caving.
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Explore our Vietnam sample itineraries to inspire your travel planning. The itineraries can be easily customised and adapted to your personal interests and preferences.
Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Tay Trang/ Sop Hun Border – Muang La – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang
Our adventurous cross-border journey covering Northern Vietnam and Northern Laos takes intrepid travellers through some of South-Asia’s most spectacular and remote regions of soaring mountains and lush river valleys, encountering ethnic minority villages and inspiring ancient capitals.
Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Hue – Hoi An – Bach Ma – Hoi An – Siem Reap
Guided by local experts, experience prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences on our extensive ‘cross border’ odyssey through old Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and some of their enchanting destinations.
Bagan – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Hoi An
History and culture buffs will treasure this fascinating journey visiting Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. The tour not only explores key historic, spiritual and cultural sites but also the architectural and natural wonders as recognised by the esteemed UNESCO organisation
Bangkok – Udon Thani – Nong Khai – Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Muang La – Muang Khua – Dien Bien Phu – Phong Tho – Sapa – Hanoi – Haiphong – Lan Ha Bay
This extensive overland journey across Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam features days packed with the best adventure, culture, spiritual and historical experiences.
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay
The sheer natural beauty, historical towns and cultural legacies that Vietnam offers creates a unique romantic journey. Our selection of stand-out activities and pursuits are specially designed to share and indulge as a couple while exploring this magical country together – ultimately creating long-lasting memories.
Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap
This program is designed for those who wish to make a difference and contribute to doing something worthy in Vietnam and Cambodia. Several interesting and diverse charitable activities and causes we participate in contributes to a memorable and meaningful experience.
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Vietnam’s fascinating culture and history visiting key cities from north to south. Discover heritage sites and learn about its cultural significance with opportunities to interact with local experts for a unique perspective of the country’s recent history.
Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s stunning landscapes along with its fascinating culture and friendly people make it one of the most attractive destinations for travel photography.
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Vietnam’s youthful population and fascinating culture make it an ideal destination for family travel, allowing for a wide range of cultural exploration and discoveries travelling from north to south.
Hanoi – Phong Nha – Ho Chi Minh City – Nam Cat Tien – Pakse – Ban Khiet Ngong – Don Daeng – Si Phan Don
Adventure abounds on this all-action journey through some of Vietnam and southern Laos' most naturally beautiful and fascinating areas – experienced by trekking, cycling, motorbiking, climbing and caving.
Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – Hue – Hanoi
A culinary odyssey through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam revealing distinctive cuisines and kitchen traditions. Hands-on experiences at key culinary destinations range from street food stalls to gastronomic restaurants, assisted by expert chefs, food gurus and in-the-know locals.
Hanoi - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture through the perspective of arts and crafts. Meet with artisans who are passionate about preserving their craft and learn how cultural traditions are expressed through their work.
Select from our exciting range of handcrafted tailored experiences to include in your customised journey.
Vietnam’s lush, green Mekong Delta is home to about 20 million people and nearly 3,600km (2,230 mi) of streams, canals and rivers. The Delta is Vietnam’s pantry, producing 50% of the nation’s rice, 80% of its fruit, and 60% of its fish. Spend a full day exploring the sprawling rice paddies, colourful fruit farms and bountiful waterways of the region for a glimpse of how life is lived in the Vietnamese countryside.
Highlights include visiting a small home factory that makes sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves; scenic motorboat and sampan ride along narrow, tree-lined canals past rural riverscapes; leisurely cycling along small village lanes for a taste of country living; and visiting the Delta’s tropical fruit orchards via your choice of horse-drawn cart or tri-motorcycle.
Duration: Full day
Meditation is an important Zen practice to many Vietnamese Buddhists. Even for the non-religious, meditation allows one to let go of tension and stress, freeing the body to begin its natural healing process. Visit a Buddhist temple, situated on the tranquil banks of the Red River, where you will spend an energising two hours practising mindful breathing and gentle postures under the guidance of your experienced yoga and meditation instructor. This quiet, secluded setting is the ideal location to cultivate both mind and body.
Duration: 2hrs
Based on the philosophy of Taoism, Tai Chi resides somewhere at the intersection of physical exercise and meditation. Originating more than a thousand years ago as a form of combat training, the slow, even movements of Tai Chi aim to improve concentration and balance while achieving a harmony between mind and body. Hanoi’s early morning hours, before the controlled chaos of the city sets in, are ideal for practising this gentle form of martial arts. In the peaceful garden surrounds near the Opera House, meet with a local Tai Chi Master who has been practising this oriental exercise and philosophy for almost 10 years. Breathe in the early morning air, listen to the birds sing and move your body under the guidance of the Master in a series of movements that blend gentleness with strength.
Duration: 30min – 1hr
Not too far from the UNESCO-inscribed Hoi An Ancient Town are quaint villages where people continue to live a rustic lifestyle of farming and fishing. Spend a magical evening at Cam Thanh Village known for its peaceful waters flowing past dense water coconut jungles and immense rice fields.
Board a circular bamboo basket for a gentle ride along the picturesque Co Co River to reach your destination. Set next to the river within a secluded rice field is a private tent all set-up awaiting for your arrival. Savour an incredibly atmospheric candlelit BBQ dinner with fresh caught seafood and locally grown vegetables for a truly authentic and romantic experience.
Duration: 3hrs
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for its stunning temples, imperial buildings and royal tombs, some of Hue’s beguiling charms are actually best photographed where fewer tourists go.
Spend the afternoon capturing images of Hue’s people and places at the 15th century village of Thanh Toan with its small local market providing a host of colourful backdrops. Thanh Toan is also the home of an ancient covered bridge. Its built-in bench seating for weary villagers returning from the nearby market offers excellent opportunities for portrait photography, particularly of the town’s older women who flash toothsome smiles showcasing betel nut-stained teeth. Also visit tranquil Vong Canh Hill for incredible panoramas of the Perfume River against the backdrop of the scenic mountains.
Duration: 4hrs
The countryside of Hoi An comes to life in the early hours before sunrise. The warm glow of the golden hour combined with the purposeful activities of farmers and fishermen make for ideal landscape and portrait photography.
Join a locally-based international photographer as he takes you to his favourite spots, capturing colourful scenes of fishermen bringing in their catch and intimate portraits of Hoi An’s open, friendly people in their everyday environment. Benefit from strong relationships developed over time between photographer and villagers, enabling you to get up close to practise portrait photography while taking in tips on composition and lighting. Later in the morning, return to town for coffee where your photographer-guide will review and comment on the images you have captured.
Duration: 4hrs
The Red River Delta surrounding Hanoi is renowned for its rich, fertile land, fed by the alluvia from the Red and Thai Binh Rivers. It comprises 25% of Vietnam’s vegetable-producing area and is a major factor behind Hanoi being one of the world’s most successful urban farming areas where 45% of all produce sold in the markets is grown inside the city limits.
Spend a tranquil half day photographing some of Hanoi’s urban farmers at work, just 15km southwest of the city centre at a small village with a long tradition of floriculture. Capture timeless scenes of farmers working at their flower and vegetable gardens, clearing the land, watering and cutting flowers and vegetables, and loading up motorbikes for a trip to the market.
Duration: 4hrs
Buffalo and cattle play a tremendously important role in the lives of rural farmers. Because of their usefulness and high economic value, these animals are often treated as members of the family. In addition to providing milk and meat, cattle are essential for working the land in rural Vietnam. They are allowed to roam freely during the day and eat herbs and grasses found around the village, minimising the upkeep of these animals. Travel to the outskirts of Hue and participate in a ceremony where you will donate a cow to a family of farmers, with local authorities and villagers as witnesses. Spend some time with the recipients of your life-changing gift and learn about their daily life and future plans, all made brighter by your generous donation.
Duration: 2hrs
Riverboats and sampans are the main means of transport in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest rice farming area. The traditional sampan is used for transporting goods to and from market (both floating and land-based), ferrying children to school, and even as floating shops. As a result, families who cannot afford a sampan can find themselves cut off from everyday life.
Trails of Indochina identifies a family in need then facilitates a face-to-face meeting with the traveller. The highlight is an intimate ceremony where the traveller personally delivers the sampan to the family, witnessed by villagers and local authorities. The event is emotional for everyone involved – the grateful family for a truly life-changing gift and the traveller rewarded with the knowledge that a single, meaningful gesture will provide an entire family with a sustainable livelihood for years to come.
Duration: 30min-1hr (exclusive of travel time)
Martial arts in Hue originated as a way for mandarins to protect the royal court. In time, a form of martial arts was taught to soldiers tasked with enlarging the territory of the Nguyen Lords in the 17th century. So revered were the martial arts masters that they were awarded Doctorates of Philosophy and King Minh Mang built a Martial Arts Temple not far from the Thien Mu Pagoda to honour these masters. Rediscover this ancient practice by visiting a martial arts school. Enjoy a private class with the head master and see how the gestures and sequences of Hue martial arts resemble the movements of animals defending themselves. Also tap into Master Kim’s comprehensive knowledge of the human body which he uses to treat injuries holistically.
Duration: 1.5hrs
Vietnam has a long, storied kite-making and -flying tradition stretching back more than a thousand years. Northern Vietnam is famous for making musical kites with bamboo flutes attached while kites in the South are more aerodynamic. In the past, farmers believed kites carried their wishes for a good harvest to the gods. About 300 years ago, kites found their way into the Hue Royal Court, leading to Hue’s tradition of creating colourful and elaborate kites. Spend the afternoon with a kite artisan who’s been crafting kites for more than 45 years. Listen as he shares his passion for Vietnamese kites while learning how to create a kite yourself, possibly with the opportunity to let it take flight in the skies over the Citadel.
Duration: 2.5hrs
While Ho Chi Minh City may appear like a gleaming Asian metropolis, several cultures have played a part in the city’s unique history. Accompanied by a local cultural and history researcher, learn about Saigon’s fascinating story through its architecture and observe the influences from the Chinese and French. Highlights include: the Jade Pagoda, built in the early 1900s to honour the supreme Taoist god; the Archbishop’s Palace with its French architecture and 200-year-old prayer house used by early French Catholic missionaries; the University of Social Sciences & Humanities which once housed colonial-era military barracks; the Fine Arts Museum, a lovely combination of Art Deco elements and local decorative motifs; and a heritage building that served as the residence of former US Ambassador Henry C. Lodge in the 1960s.
Duration: 4.5hrs
Vietnam’s history is long and complex, punctuated by many kingdoms and dynasties. Gain insight into some of Vietnam’s medieval history and culture, especially relating to the lives of women during the country’s feudal times with the help of a local Professor of Literature. The professor is passionate about sharing his fascinating observations about what medieval Vietnamese literature reveals from a modern perspective. Listen as he reads selected works from some of Vietnam’s most famous poetesses in the decidedly cultured setting of Salon Saigon, a beautifully restored French colonial-era building cum contemporary art space and private museum.
Duration: 1.5-2hrs
An enduring image of Hanoi is of people clustered around low tables, enjoying steaming bowls of street food while motorbikes whiz on by. Northern Vietnam is not only the country’s cradle of civilisation, but is also the birthplace of many of its best-known dishes, including pho (noodle soup) and bun cha (grilled pork over noodles). Together with a well-known food blogger who has spent over a decade documenting Hanoi’s street food scene, explore some of his favourite Old Quarter wet markets and street food stalls. Listen as he demystifies Vietnamese food practices and unusual flavours while introducing you to some of Hanoi’s iconic dishes. Among the tour’s highlights are ceremonial cake stalls, dried and candied fruit, and traditional coffee in a historic café in the Old Quarter.
Duration: 3hrs
Ho Chi Minh City has 8 million residents and just as many motorbikes. Do as the locals do and hop on a vintage Vespa, zipping across Saigon’s urban districts in search of local, authentic eateries known mostly to the just most food-conscious of the city’s residents. Try Vietnamese versions of French-inspired flavours including freshly baked baguettes and a cup of “ca-phe phin” or rich, drip coffee, served in a vintage coffee shop. Taste how the Vietnamese treat fresh seafood in an out-of-the-way restaurant. Explore a mid 20th century apartment complex which transforms into hundreds of food and drink stalls in the evening. Finish the night with a Vietnamese dessert at a 50-year-old sweet shop, followed by a glass of local beer or a cocktail at a cosy Saigon bar tucked down a quiet alley.
Duration: 3.5hrs
“Truc Chi” (bamboo paper) is a recent innovation originating in the Central Vietnamese city of Hue. Used in a variety of decorative pieces including lantern shades, conical hats, umbrellas, and fans, this finely textured paper is crafted from bamboo fibres, known for their resilience and wide availability throughout Vietnam. More impressively, artisans can deftly embed designs right into the paper as it is being made. Visit the Truc Chi art studio and be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of the art pieces on display. Under the guidance of a local expert, individuals of all ages can participate in the enjoyable process of creating their own piece of Truc Chi art to take back as a souvenir of their memorable time in Hue.
Duration: 4hrs
Much more than made-for-tourists lacquerware and kitschy reproduction paintings, Saigon’s true art scene reveals much about the country’s complicated past and its vibrant future. Spend an insightful half day in the company of artists and scholars for an overview into Vietnamese art, both traditional and contemporary. Explore the Fine Arts Museum, housed in a stunning 1929 colonial-era building, accompanied by a contemporary visual artist and scholar. Listen as she points out highlights of the extensive collection mixing traditional Vietnamese techniques with the plastic arts and compares Vietnam’s dynamic art scene with the more established one of her native Europe. Meet two acclaimed local artists who work with mixed media to learn how they draw inspiration from modern-day Vietnam. Also visit Saigon Salon, a private museum in a beautifully restored heritage building, which showcases contemporary Vietnamese art while nurturing local talent.
Duration: 4-5hrs
Down an obscure alley in Hanoi’s Old Quarter lives a 66-year-old man who happens to be the last remaining master of Hang Trong folk paintings. Originating in the 17th century under the Le Dynasty, this ancient art form involves a combination of woodblock printing and colourful painting on special handmade paper. Spend a fascinating few hours visiting this talented artisan in his home, witnessing him create folk paintings using the same woodblock used by previous generations of craftsmen and come to understand his desire to preserve this ancient craft. Though this folk painting tradition has nearly disappeared, the paintings themselves continue to be prized by Hanoians, especially during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, when the paintings are placed on family altars, valued for their spiritual and cultural symbolism.
Duration: 3hrs
Jutting out into the turquoise waters of the East Sea, just 10 km from the centre of Danang, lies Son Tra Peninsula. The heavily forested 4,370 hectares of land protects Danang from winds, waves and storms, all under the benevolent eye of the Goddess of Mercy, an impressive 69m-high statue that has become Danang’s most recognisable landmark.
Spend the day on a 10km trek along steep, forested trails up the Son Tra Mountain, stopping for expansive views of the scenic Danang coastline. Keep an eye out for the rare Red Shanked Doucs, a shy primate species which led American soldiers to dub the area “Monkey Mountain”. At the 696m-high summit, spot the radar domes and the old helicopter pad that once belonged to the American Air Base in Danang.
Duration: 6hrs
Covering some 40,000 pristine hectares just a 2-hour Jeep ride north of Hue, Bach Ma National Park is one of Central Vietnam’s natural jewels. Developed as a hill station by the French administration in 1932, the park later became a protected area, home to more than 1,400 species of plants and over 130 kinds of mammals, some of which have only been recently discovered. Spend the day with a local forest expert as he unlocks Bach Ma’s natural treasures on a 3-hour trek through sub-tropical forest. Visit the 400m-high Do Quyen Waterfall and the cascading falls at Ngu Ho Lake. Summit the 1,450m-tall Bach Ma Mountain for expansive views of the coast, including Tam Giang Lagoon and Lang Co Beach.
Duration: 8hrs
Vietnamese cuisine is unique in Southeast Asia for its many influences, including the Chinese who ruled parts of Vietnam for a thousand years and the French who occupied Vietnam close to a century. Participate in an engaging half-day cooking class highlighting the bold, fresh flavours of southern Vietnamese cuisine at the exclusive former residence of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. Begin with a trip to Ben Thanh, Saigon’s iconic market. Its central location and volume of shoppers means it has some of the city’s freshest ingredients. At the villa, learn more about this historic home with a tour and a short video, and enjoy a private, hands-on cooking demonstration, with tips on presentation and chopstick usage before savouring your culinary creation.
Duration: 3hrs
Learn more about the unique characteristics and attractions of the cities that make up this vibrant country.
Explore a selection of our hotel offerings to complete your customised journey. The number of hotels and resorts throughout Southeast Asia are extensive and varied. Please contact us for more accommodation options.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam
Danang, Vietnam
Vinh Hy, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Con Dao, Vietnam
Danang, Vietnam
Hue, Vietnam
Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Sapa, Vietnam
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam
View our current special offers to save on your customised journey to Vietnam.
Offer Detail: Book 7 days prior to arrival date to receive 10% discount
Validity:
Nov 2018 - Jan 2019
Offer Detail: Amend to 30 days booked in advance get early bird offer
Validity:
Feb 13, 2019 to Apr 12, 2019
Offer Detail: 25% discount for bookings received 90 days before arrival 15% discount for bookings received 30 days before arrival
Validity:
01 March to 31 March 2019
Offer Detail: Special discount for long stay from 5 nights onwards
Validity:
Staying period: Until 30 April 2019 Booking period: From 15 August till 30 December 2018
Thank you for organising a fantastic holiday for our family in Vietnam. It was the perfect mix of cities, beaches, culture and activities. We were very happy with all the accommodations you arranged and we really enjoyed the guides.
Andrew S. (April 2018)
I wanted to send my personal thanks for the difficult and extensive arrangements. I thought the guides were exceptional in Vietnam. All in all... I consider the trip a success!
Francis Ford Coppolla, Film Director (April 2018)
We were really impressed with the accommodations and experiences that Trails provided. We had terrific guides that were knowledgeable and seemed to be as interested in us as we were with them and the places we visited.
Jill P. (Dec 2017)
Thank you very much for arranging such a good set of tours and guides for us. We would definitely come to Trails of Indochina again if we wanted a further tour of this part of the world.
Christine & David P. (Jan 2018)
You and your staff put so much effort into making this my trip of a lifetime; one I have dreamed about for many years. How do you simply say "Thank You" to a journey which has left footprints in our hearts?
Ana L., March 2017
I was very pleased with the guides from Trails of Indochina. All of them were very knowledgeable and willing to share what they knew about the places we were visiting and the culture of Viet Nam, and each had a personal area of interest that added even more depth.
Diane I., January 2017
