Sustainable Vietnam Discovery
A Sustainable Journey Through Culture & Nature
13 Night / 14 Day Itinerary
Experience Vietnam through a sustainable lens on this immersive journey from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta. Begin in the capital, where cycling tours, community dining initiatives, and cultural traditions offer an authentic insight into daily life.
Cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, planting mangroves and visiting floating villages that preserve a way of life shaped by the sea. Discover the imperial history of Hue and the timeless beauty of Hoi An, meeting artisans, farmers and NGOs dedicated to preserving local heritage and creating brighter futures.
Along the way, eco-conscious stays provide comfort while supporting responsible tourism, from organic farms and community lodges to pioneering green hotels. With wildlife conservation, grassroots projects, and hands-on workshops woven into the experience, this itinerary combines Vietnam’s highlights with meaningful encounters that leave a positive impact long after your journey ends.
This 13 Night / 14 day itinerary includes:
- 2 nights in Hanoi – La Siesta Trendy (Trendy Deluxe)
- 1 night in Ha Long Bay – The Au Co by Bhaya Cruise (Full Board)
- 1 night in Ninh Binh – Aravinda Resort
- 1 overnight train to Hue – Sleeper Train
- 1 night in Hue – Hue Eco-Lodge
- 3 nights in Hoi An – Allegro Hoi An (Junior Suite)
- 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City – Caravelle Saigon
- 2 nights in Can Tho – Can Tho Ecolodge
- Private tours with English-speaking guides
- Eco-conscious experiences, community visits & conservation activities
Prices from £4,425 per person
Day 1 – 2
Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and transfer by private vehicle to your eco-conscious hotel. Depending on your arrival time, settle in or join an optional evening craft beer tour to sample innovative local brews made with Vietnamese ingredients and fair-trade practices.
Overnight: La Siesta Trendy – 2 nights
Day 2 – Hanoi by Bicycle & Cultural Discovery
Begin the day with a guided cycle around West Lake, passing ancient temples and peaceful neighbourhoods. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a sustainability-focused restaurant before a restorative foot massage provided by visually impaired therapists. In the evening, take in a traditional water puppet performance followed by dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise empowering disadvantaged youth.
Overnight: La Siesta Trendy
Day 3 – 4
Day 3 – Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Journey east to Ha Long Bay and board your boutique cruise. Plant mangroves as part of a conservation initiative, then explore floating villages by kayak or rowing boat. In the evening, enjoy cultural performances on deck while cruising through emerald waters.
Overnight: The Au Co Cruise – 1 night
Day 4 – Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh
Wake early for a Tai Chi session as the sun rises over the bay. Cycle through a small village on Cat Ba Island before continuing to Ninh Binh, a landscape of limestone peaks and waterways known as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Overnight: Aravinda Resort – 1 night
Day 5 – 8
Day 5 – Ninh Binh & Overnight Train
Glide through the Trang An cave complex by sampan, admire karst cliffs, and visit the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary to learn about animal welfare efforts. In the evening, board the overnight train to Hue, with a healthy dinner box prepared by your resort.
Overnight: Sleeper Train – 1 night
Day 6 – Hue Eco Experiences
Arrive in Hue and head to your eco-lodge. Explore the local market with a chef before joining a hands-on cooking class. Relax afterwards with a herbal foot soak and massage, then enjoy free time to cycle or stroll through nearby hamlets.
Overnight: Hue Eco-Lodge – 1 night
Day 7 – Hue to Hoi An
Visit the ornate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel before travelling south to Hoi An. On arrival, wander the lantern-lit streets of the Old Town, or opt for an evening cocktail tour through hidden heritage venues.
Overnight: Allegro Hoi An – 3 nights
Day 8 – 10
Day 8 – Hoi An by Electric Bike
Explore the countryside on an electric bike, meeting artisans, visiting NGO-supported workshops, and seeing local crafts in action. Learn the art of lantern-making before unwinding at An Bang Beach with fresh food and sea views.
Overnight: Allegro Hoi An
Day 9 – Hoi An at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure to shop, relax, or add an optional yoga or meditation class in serene surroundings such as rice paddies or the beach.
Overnight: Allegro Hoi An
Day 10 – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly south to Saigon and set out on a walking tour of its highlights, including French-colonial landmarks, the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and a panoramic view from the Skydeck.
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel Saigon – 2 nights
Day 11 – 14
Day 11 – Cu Chi Tunnels & Sustainable Farm Visit
Travel to the Cu Chi region to explore its vast wartime tunnel network. Afterwards, visit a fair-trade peanut farm and see how local farmers create natural products. Conclude the day with an artisan chocolate tasting experience in the city.
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel Saigon
Day 12 – Mekong Delta to Can Tho
Head into the Mekong Delta and board a sampan to explore riverine life. Visit tropical orchards, taste fresh produce, and enjoy a family-hosted lunch before continuing to Can Tho.
Overnight: Can Tho Ecolodge – 2 nights
Day 13 – Can Tho Floating Market & Village Life
Rise early for the colourful Cai Rang floating market, then cycle to a local orchard for tastings with a welcoming host. Later, plant a tree or sapling alongside villagers to give back to the community.
Overnight: Can Tho Ecolodge
Day 14 – Return to Ho Chi Minh City & Departure
Additional Inspiration
Browse our other destination itineraries and blog posts for insider tips, personalised recommendations, and advice on avoiding tourist traps – helping make every journey smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
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