Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

The remainder of the day is free to recover from your international journey.

Take a gentle walk through the surrounding neighbourhood, enjoy your first Vietnamese coffee or simply relax at the hotel.

No formal sightseeing is scheduled today.

Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: None
Overnight: Hanoi

Red River Countryside & Bát Tràng Ceramics

After breakfast, begin a different kind of Hanoi experience.

Meet your local driver and depart from the Old Quarter by vintage motorbike or Army-style Vespa.

Leave the busy central streets behind and cross the historic Chuong Duong Bridge over the Red River.

As the city gradually opens into farmland, riverside gardens and smaller communities, travel along quieter roads through Hanoi’s outskirts.

Along the way, learn how families continue to farm close to the capital and how urban development is changing rural communities along the city’s edge.

Continue to Bát Tràng, one of Vietnam’s best-known traditional ceramic villages.

Walk through old lanes lined with workshops, kilns and family businesses and hear how pottery has shaped the community for generations.

Visit a local workshop and take part in a hands-on ceramic-making experience under the guidance of an artisan.

Learn how clay is shaped and decorated, and create your own piece as a personal reminder of the experience.

Enjoy a Vietnamese meal prepared with fresh local ingredients before returning to central Hanoi.

The remainder of the day is free.

Service: Guided vintage motorbike / Vespa experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi

North into the Mountains

After breakfast, meet your private driver and begin the journey north toward Ha Giang.

Leave the Red River Delta behind as the road gradually enters hill country and increasingly dramatic mountain landscapes.

Stop along the way for breaks and lunch before continuing into Ha Giang Province.

Arrive in Ha Giang City in the late afternoon.

Check in and enjoy a quiet evening in preparation for the Jeep journey beginning the following morning.

Service: Private transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ha Giang

Mountain Passes & the Karst Plateau

After breakfast, meet your local Jeep driver and begin your private journey into the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

Leave Ha Giang City and climb through Bac Sum Pass toward Quan Ba Heaven Gate, where mountain peaks and valleys open below.

Continue toward Yen Minh, stopping at selected viewpoints and rural communities along the way.

After lunch, travel deeper into the geopark.

The route may include Tham Ma Pass, traditional H’Mong settlements and the historic Vuong Family Palace, depending on operating conditions and the confirmed programme.

Throughout the day, the private Jeep allows time for photography, short walks and unhurried stops whenever the landscape invites.

Arrive in Dong Van in the late afternoon.

Explore the atmosphere of the old town before dinner.

Service: Private Jeep experience with local driver
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Dong Van

Ma Pi Leng, Nho Que & Remote Mountain Roads

After breakfast, continue through one of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain regions.

Travel toward Ma Pi Leng Pass, where steep limestone walls descend toward the Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon.

Stop at selected viewpoints along the pass and, where appropriate, enjoy a short walk for broader views of the surrounding mountains.

A boat journey on the Nho Que River may be included or arranged depending on weather, water levels and the confirmed operating programme.

Continue through mountain roads toward Meo Vac and onward into the quieter landscapes leading toward Du Gia.

The scenery changes throughout the day, moving from exposed karst plateaus to greener valleys and small communities.

Arrive in Du Gia later in the afternoon and settle into your local accommodation.

Service: Private Jeep experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Du Gia

Valleys, Traditional Weaving & Return South

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the rural landscapes around Du Gia.

Depending on weather and local conditions, begin with a short visit to Du Gia Waterfall or nearby countryside.

Continue by Jeep through quieter mountain valleys toward Ha Giang.

Along the route, visit Lung Tam or another traditional craft community where H’Mong textile and linen traditions continue to be practised.

Return to Ha Giang City in the afternoon.

Meet your private transfer and continue to Hanoi.

Arrive in the evening and check in to your hotel.

No additional sightseeing is scheduled tonight.

Service: Private Jeep experience + private transfer to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi

From the Mountains to Central Vietnam

After breakfast, transfer privately to Noi Bai International Airport.

Fly to Dong Hoi, subject to flight schedule and availability.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to Phong Nha.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Use the afternoon to rest and prepare for the following two active days.

Service: Private transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Phong Nha

Hang Chuột, Hung Ton & Tổ Mộ Valley

Depart Phong Nha in the early morning for the journey to Tân Hóa.

Upon arrival at the specialist adventure operator’s office, attend a safety briefing, complete the required procedures and receive appropriate technical equipment.

Begin the expedition on foot across fields and open countryside toward the Rào Nan River.

Cross the river and continue toward Hang Chuột.

Enter the cave with helmets, headlamps and specialist equipment and explore its limestone formations and high chambers.

After leaving Hang Chuột, take a short break before continuing over more challenging terrain toward the Hung Ton Valley.

Enter the dry section of Hung Ton Cave and discover geological formations and fossils preserved within the limestone.

With support from the expedition team, descend farther into the cave using installed safety equipment.

Continue toward the wet section, put on a life jacket and swim through the underground river.

Emerging from the cave, reach Tổ Mộ Valley, a secluded landscape surrounded by forest and limestone mountains.

Enjoy lunch and time to swim or relax beside the water.

Later, continue trekking back through the valley and surrounding countryside toward Tân Hóa.

Check in to Tú Làn Lodge and take time to shower and rest.

In the evening, join your guide for dinner with a local family — an opportunity to enjoy home-style food and learn more about life in the surrounding community.

Service: Specialist guided cave expedition
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Tú Làn Lodge / Tân Hóa

Jungle Trails, Giant Chambers & Natural Pools

After breakfast at the lodge, check out and prepare for the second day of exploration.

Travel with the expedition team toward the starting point of the Hang Tiên route.

Begin trekking over a hill and into forested terrain.

Continue across uneven rocky ground and descend toward the valley leading to the cave entrance.

After a short rest and snack, enter Hang Tiên.

Inside, discover enormous chambers, layered limestone formations and dramatic geological structures shaped over millions of years.

Deeper inside the cave, use installed safety equipment to negotiate a steeper section of the route.

Pause before returning through the cave toward the main entrance.

Enjoy lunch in the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, continue across rocky terrain toward a large natural swimming area.

Take time to swim and rest before walking along the Rào Nan River toward the road, where the support vehicle will be waiting.

Return to the Tân Hóa office for shower facilities before transferring back to Phong Nha.

Arrive in the evening and check in to your hotel.

Service: Specialist guided cave expedition
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Phong Nha

Through Central Vietnam

After breakfast, meet your private driver for the overland journey south to Hue.

Today is intentionally lighter following the cave expedition.

Depending on travel time and the confirmed route, stop at one carefully selected landscape or historical location associated with central Vietnam’s 20th-century history.

Rather than operating a full DMZ sightseeing programme, the day is designed as a gradual transition from the cave region toward the former imperial capital.

Continue to Hue and check in to your hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free.

Service: Private transfer with selected stop
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hue

Imperial Heritage & the Hai Van Pass

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a concise introduction to Hue’s imperial heritage.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Explore selected areas of the complex while learning about royal life, architecture and Hue’s role as Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Rather than filling the day with multiple monuments, the programme focuses on one principal heritage experience.

After lunch, depart Hue by private vehicle and travel south toward Hoi An.

Cross the Hai Van Pass, stopping at selected viewpoints when weather permits.

Continue through Da Nang and arrive in Hoi An later in the afternoon.

Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Service: Private guided experience + private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An

Merchant Stories, Craftsmanship & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a compact exploration of Hoi An.

Walk through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town and learn how Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European trading communities shaped its architecture and cultural identity.

Visit selected merchant houses, assembly halls and neighbourhood streets rather than attempting to cover every landmark.

Continue to a local artisan or craft setting.

Depending on the confirmed programme, meet craftspeople working with ceramics, lanterns, wood or another traditional medium and learn how local skills continue to evolve today.

After the experience, return to the hotel and transfer privately to Da Nang International Airport.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.

No sightseeing is scheduled. The remainder of the day is free to rest.

Service: Private guided experience + private airport transfers + domestic flight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Into the Rural Mekong

After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City by private vehicle and travel southwest toward Vung Liem.

Stop for lunch independently at a carefully selected restaurant along the way, allowing flexibility according to traffic and departure time.

Arrive at Coco Riverside Lodge in the early afternoon and settle into your accommodation.

Later, begin exploring the surrounding countryside by bicycle.

Travel along quiet village roads and visit a local household producing traditional puffed rice or another regional speciality.

Continue to another family involved in palm weaving or local handicrafts and learn how everyday materials are transformed into practical household items.

Ride through farming landscapes and rural communities, choosing a shorter or longer cycling route according to preference and ability.

Return toward the lodge around sunset.

In the evening, learn about locally produced rice wine before joining a torch-lit walk using traditional dried coconut leaves.

Finish the day by preparing Vietnamese bánh xèo with the local team before enjoying dinner.

Service: Private transfer + locally guided rural experience
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Vung Liem / Coco Riverside Lodge

Waterways, Markets & Local Crafts

After breakfast, begin the morning by motorboat.

Travel through local waterways and visit a market where residents buy and sell produce, food and everyday goods.

Continue toward a Cao Dai temple and learn about this distinctive Vietnamese religion and its place in southern communities.

Visit a local coconut-processing workshop to see how different parts of the coconut are transformed into products such as fibre, rope, mats and other household goods.

Return to the lodge and enjoy some free time before check-out.

Lunch is left independent today to preserve flexibility.

Meet your private driver and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening entirely at leisure.

No sightseeing is scheduled today, allowing time to rest and prepare comfortably for your international departure.

Service: Locally guided Mekong experience + private transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time according to your flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward international flight.

Your journey with Oriva comes to an end.

Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• 14 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
• Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
• Domestic economy-class flights:
  • Hanoi → Dong Hoi
  • Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City
• Private airport transfers as specified
• Vintage motorbike or Vespa Hanoi countryside experience
• Bát Tràng ceramic workshop
• Private Hanoi → Ha Giang transfer
• Private 3-day/2-night Ha Giang Jeep programme
• Experienced local Jeep driver
• Accommodation and meals during the Ha Giang Jeep journey
• Entrance fees and activities included in the confirmed Ha Giang programme
• Private Ha Giang → Hanoi transfer
• Private Dong Hoi → Phong Nha transfer
• Specialist 2-day/1-night Tú Làn–Hang Tiên cave expedition
• Required technical and safety equipment provided by the adventure operator
• Tú Làn Lodge accommodation
• Local family dinner in Tân Hóa
• Private Phong Nha → Hue transfer
• Private guided Hue heritage experience
• Private Hue → Hoi An transfer via the Hai Van Pass
• Private guided Hoi An heritage and artisan experience
• Private Ho Chi Minh City → Vung Liem transfer
• Vung Liem village cycling and community experiences
• Motorboat excursion in Vung Liem
• Private Vung Liem → Ho Chi Minh City transfer
• Final-night accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
• Private departure transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Day 15
• Entrance fees for sightseeing specifically included in the programme
• English-speaking guides during guided services as specified
• Drinking water where provided by the operating supplier
• Applicable local taxes and service charges
• 24/7 local assistance from Oriva Journeys during the trip

What’s Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Vietnam visa or e-visa fees, where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Meals and beverages not specified
• Lunch on Day 13 and Day 14
• Alcoholic beverages unless specifically included
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities or programme upgrades
• Early check-in and late check-out unless confirmed
• Excess baggage charges and optional airline services
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal adventure clothing, footwear and specialist personal equipment not supplied by the operator
• Expenses arising from weather, flight disruption, road closures or other circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control
• Any services not specifically mentioned under What’s Included

Travelling solo costs more because room, private transfers, vehicle, driver and private guide costs are borne by one traveller rather than split.

Oriva does not normally pair solo travellers with other guests just to reduce the price, because matching departure date, itinerary, service level and travel preferences can be difficult.

For travellers looking for a more cost-conscious way to travel independently, Oriva also offers selected solo-friendly journeys using shared or small-group services where suitable, while travellers keep their own accommodation and independence.

The journey can be personalised with a range of optional upgrades, subject to availability and additional charges.

Available options include:

• A premium private vehicle for the Hanoi–Ha Giang–Hanoi journey
• Higher-category private accommodation during the Ha Giang Loop where available
• A Nho Que River boat experience if not included in the confirmed programme
• A private-room upgrade during specialist adventure sections where available
• An additional recovery night in Phong Nha after the cave expedition
• Premium accommodation in Hue, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City
• A private culinary experience in Hue
• A premium artisan encounter in Hoi An
• Additional nights in Hoi An
• Additional nights in Ho Chi Minh City
• An additional Mekong Delta night
• More flexible domestic airfare options
• International gateway arrangements

Speak with our team if you would like to upgrade accommodation, add recovery time after the adventure sections or extend your journey before or after the itinerary.

Yes. Selected elements can be adjusted depending on your interests, fitness level, travel dates and specialist operator availability.

Additional recovery time can be added after the cave expedition, Ha Giang accommodation can be upgraded where available, extra nights can be arranged in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta stay can be extended.

Because the Tú Làn–Hang Tiên programme is operated by a specialist adventure provider, changes to the cave section remain subject to the operator’s safety requirements and operating conditions.

Yes. A 20% deposit is normally required to confirm your booking.

The remaining balance is generally due 45–60 days before departure. Bookings made closer to departure may require full payment at the time of confirmation.

Some services, particularly specialist adventure programmes, domestic flights and selected accommodation, may require earlier or full payment depending on supplier conditions.

Cancellation charges depend on how close to departure the booking is cancelled:

Domestic air tickets are non-refundable once issued.

Specialist adventure programmes, accommodation deposits and other prepaid services may also be subject to supplier-specific cancellation conditions that are stricter than Oriva’s standard policy.

This journey is primarily designed for active adults and experienced travellers rather than young children.

The itinerary includes long mountain road journeys, trekking, river crossings, underground swimming, uneven terrain and sections using technical safety equipment.

Participation in the Tú Làn–Hang Tiên cave expedition is subject to the specialist operator’s age, health, fitness and safety requirements.

Families travelling with teenagers should contact Oriva before booking so that suitability and eligibility can be confirmed.

Yes. This is one of Oriva’s more physically demanding Vietnam journeys, so several points are particularly important.

• Activity Level: This itinerary is more physically demanding than Oriva’s classic Vietnam journeys and is best suited to travellers with a reasonable level of fitness.
• Ha Giang: Mountain roads involve long driving sections, bends and significant elevation changes. Routes may be adjusted due to weather, landslides or road conditions.
• Cave Expedition: Guests should be comfortable with trekking, river crossings, underground swimming, uneven terrain and sections using ladders and safety harnesses.
• Adventure Eligibility: Participation in the Tú Làn–Hang Tiên programme is subject to the specialist operator’s age, health, fitness and safety requirements.
• Weather: Cave routes may be modified, postponed or replaced when conditions are unsafe.
• Remote Accommodation: Ha Giang, Du Gia, Tân Hóa and Vung Liem may offer a simpler accommodation standard than major cities, including within premium packages.
• Domestic Flights: Flight times, fares, airlines and baggage allowances remain subject to availability until ticketing.
• Final Departure: Day 14 ends with an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City, allowing a dedicated departure day on Day 15 without the pressure of connecting directly from the Mekong.
• Local Experiences: Village, household and craft visits may change according to community availability and local operating conditions.
• Meals: Dietary requirements should be advised in advance, particularly for remote and adventure sections.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering trekking, cave activities and adventure travel is strongly recommended.
• Itinerary Flexibility: Minor changes may be required due to weather, road conditions, flight schedules or operational considerations while preserving the overall character of the journey.