Vietnam Nature Trail
Vietnam - 14 Days
Private Journeys
Journey Details and Highlights
Vietnam Nature Trail
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis. Meet at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to the hotel (early check-in not included; flights should arrive before noon to join the afternoon program). After settling in, begin a brief city tour highlighting major landmarks such as the former Presidential Palace, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral (currently closed for renovation until an estimated 2025 but still admired from outside), the historic Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House, City Hall, and the History Museum.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh CityDay 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien National Park (B, L, D)
Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Nam Cat Tien National Park (150 km / approx. 3 hours). Arrive in the late morning and begin your first wildlife encounter in this lush ecological reserve. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour trek through the Reserved Core Area, walking beneath centuries-old trees and learning about the park’s rich biodiversity. Return to the center for dinner. Later, join a night safari by jeep for a two-hour excursion into the jungle, listening for rhinoceros calls and watching for wildlife near the water.
Overnight at the guesthouse in the Headquarters area.Day 3: Cat Tien National Park (B, L, D)
After breakfast, travel by vehicle to visit Thac Troi (Heaven Waterfall) and the Bang Lang forest. Check out from the Headquarters guesthouse and continue deeper into the reserve, driving 10 km before trekking an additional 5 km to Crocodile Swamp. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Crocodile Lake, surrounded by calm water and pristine forest. Sunset and sunrise at this remote location are especially impressive.
Overnight at the guesthouse by Crocodile Lake.Day 4: Cat Tien National Park to Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Begin the day with a 5 km walk from Crocodile Lake back to the T-junction, then drive to the Headquarters for lunch. After checking out of the park, return by road to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure on arrival.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh CityDay 5: Ho Chi Minh City to Hue (B, D)
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, constructed in 1804, followed by a visit to Dong Ba Market, known throughout Vietnam for its iconic conical hats and vibrant local atmosphere. Enjoy some free time before a royal court-style dinner accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Overnight in HueDay 6: Hue to Danang and Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, check out and visit the serene tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Continue your journey south via the dramatic Hai Van Pass, offering sweeping coastal and mountain views, before descending into the historic town of Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi AnDay 7: Hoi An to Danang and Hanoi (B)
Begin a walking tour in Hoi An, starting at the Culture and History Museum to understand the heritage of this peaceful riverside town. Walk through the local market and along the main street to visit the Fujien Chinese Assembly Hall, built in 1697. Continue past narrow lanes lined with traditional houses converted into charming shops adorned with colorful lanterns. Visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, a unique 17th-century landmark and symbol of Hoi An, before exploring a historic old house recognized by UNESCO. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi, where you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in HanoiDay 8: Hanoi to Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island (B, L)
Depart the hotel and travel to Hai Phong via a newly built highway. Hai Phong is one of Vietnam’s principal seaports. Enjoy lunch en route. Upon arrival, board a hydrofoil for a one-hour transfer to Cat Ba Island. Continue by car to the island’s center and take a 45-minute trek into the mountains to enjoy sweeping views of untouched landscapes surrounding Cat Ba National Park.
Overnight on Cat Ba Island.Day 9: Cat Ba Island to Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
In the morning, transfer to the pier to board a 09:00 departure boat toward Tuan Chau or Hon Gai pier. Embark on an overnight junk cruise to explore the dramatic scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with limestone pillars and emerald waters. Spend the day admiring the countless formations and enjoy freshly prepared seafood for both lunch and dinner. An optional kayak excursion in the phosphorescent water is available in the evening.
Note: Your Focus Asia guide will not accompany you on the overnight cruise; an in-house guide is available on board. A surcharge applies if a Focus Asia guide is requested.
Overnight on boardDay 10: Halong Bay to Cuc Phuong National Park (B, L, D)
Start the morning with continued cruising through Halong Bay, taking in its tranquil beauty and visiting remarkable grottoes. After disembarkation, transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park (120 km), traveling across the rural landscapes of the Red River Delta. Upon arrival, settle into the park surroundings, home to thousands of plant and animal species.
Overnight in Cuc PhuongDay 11: Cuc Phuong National Park (B, L, D)
Accompanied by a park guide, set out on a full-day trek to discover the towering giant trees reaching heights of up to 50 meters. Transfer 20 km by car to the park center, stopping at a prehistoric cave and the notable Vu Huong tree (Cinnamomum balansae) along the way. Trek 6 km to the ancient 1,000-year-old Terminalia myriocarpa tree, with a picnic lunch at the park center. In the afternoon, continue on an 8 km trek to the Dang tree through dense and steep forest paths.
Overnight in Cuc PhuongDay 12: Cuc Phuong to Hanoi (B)
In the morning, visit the park museum and the botanical garden, which preserves 252 species of rare plants. Continue to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and attend a seminar on primate conservation. In the afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in HanoiDay 13: Hanoi Sightseeing (B)
Welcome to Hanoi, a city of leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and historic temples. The morning program includes visits to the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), a walking exploration of the Old Quarter, and a one-hour pedicab ride through its bustling lanes. The afternoon is left free for personal activities.
Overnight on HanoiDay 14: Departure (B)
Enjoy your final morning in Hanoi with time for shopping—ceramics, silverware, silk, and other crafts are widely available—or simply relax until check-out (late check-out not included). Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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Included Services
All described sightseeing as in program above
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Domestic flights Saigon-Hue // Danang-Hanoi
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
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Excluded Services
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out
