Enjoy the full breadth of Vietnam, from the lesser-travelled, steep peaks and terraced rice fields of the north villages where the Dzay and Black H'mong people live, to Hanoi, the bustling political center. Visit Ho Chi Minh City, a city that still reflects its French colonial character and its religious ties to Buddhism. End with a relaxing few days at a resort on Phu Quoc Island.
Transfer overland to Sapa. Embark on a trek along buffalo paths and trails through several hill-tribe villages, home to Black H'mong and Dzay people.
Day 2
Bargain with the locals at the Can Cau Saturday Market, where people from the surrounding hill tribes buy and sell clothes and produce. Next, take a short trek to Ban Pho village. Return to Lao Cai to take the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 3
Arrive in Hanoi for a short rest; then travel by private car to Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a private cruise along this beautiful coast before returning to Hanoi. This evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Day 4
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful m?lange of French colonial and Southeast Asian influences, which give it a distinct flare. After lunch, visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, the most important pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City where prayers are offered both to the Buddha and to the Chinese deity Thien Hau Thanh Mau, located in Cholon, the city's colorful Chinatown, which you can explore.
Day 5
Visit the tunnel network at Cu Chi, one of the most notorious battlefields of the Vietnam War. After lunch, tour the Presidential Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 6
Fly to Phu Quoc Island, the largest island in Vietnam, and check in to your secluded resort. Spend four days on what locals call "the Emerald Island."
Days 7-10
Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City to connect to your homebound flight.