
From Mekong Arroyos to the Central Highlands — 10 Days
This ten-day journey traces a magnificent diagonal across the fascinating contrasts of Southern Vietnam. From the vibrant historic hum of Saigon and the intricate water network of the Mekong Delta's arroyos, a brief domestic flight lifts us to Buon Ma Thuot, a realm of rich volcanic red basalt, coffee estates, and roaring wild waterfalls. The scenic ridgetop road then ascends into the pine-scented mountain air of Da Lat, an erstwhile colonial hill station dotted with French villas and flower farms, before winding down to the sun-drenched coast of Mui Ne for a beach interlude amidst ochre dunes and coconut-fringed sands. A well-paced and balanced journey, ideal for savoring the ecological and cultural diversity of the South.
✦ You will love:
- Exploration of Saigon combining French colonial architectural gems with the historical wartime memories of the Cu Chi underground tunnels.
- Intimate immersion into the shaded palm arroyos of Ben Tre and a convivial homestay overnight on An Binh Island.
- Discovery of the Central Highlands in Buon Ma Thuot, its fragrant coffee plantations, and ethnic minority traditions.
- Crisp mountain climate, evergreen pine forests, and distinctive Art Deco architecture in the hill station of Da Lat.
- Privileged two-day seaside relaxation on the golden beaches and sculpted sand dunes of Mui Ne.
Highlights
- •Personalized airport welcome and private hotel transfer
- •Heritage walking stroll through the French colonial quarter
- •Vibrant evening atmosphere around Ben Thanh Market
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you are warmly greeted by your private French-speaking guide and escorted in an air-conditioned private vehicle to your boutique hotel in the city center. Rooms are ready from 2:00 PM for you to unpack and rest.
In the late afternoon, embark on an introductory walking tour through the colonial heart of Saigon: pass the Opera House, stroll down historic Dong Khoi Street, and explore the bustling surroundings of Ben Thanh Market as evening lights take over the city.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals at leisure.
Highlights
- •Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral colonial architecture
- •FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
- •Historical exploration of the heroic Cu Chi underground tunnel network
Begin the morning admiring the city's celebrated architectural landmarks: the red-brick facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office with its magnificent domed wrought-iron roof designed by Gustave Eiffel. Visit the fascinating FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, housing thousands of herbal remedies in a traditional timber house.
In the afternoon, travel to the countryside to explore the historic Cu Chi tunnels, an underground defensive network dug by guerrilla fighters that sheltered command posts, field hospitals, and living quarters during the war.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Breakfast included.
Highlights
- •Private cruise along the scenic waterways of Ben Tre
- •Hand-rowed wooden sampan ride through shaded secret arroyos
- •Convivial dinner and peaceful homestay overnight on An Binh Island
Drive south in the morning into the lush water world of the Mekong Delta. Arrive in Ben Tre and board a private wooden boat navigating broad river tributaries shaded by water coconut groves.
Observe local artisans processing coconuts into treats, cycle along country paths, and glide quietly down narrow arroyos on a hand-rowed sampan. In the late afternoon, cross the river to An Binh Island for a warm homestay experience, enjoying a family-style dinner with your local hosts in their orchard garden.
Overnight at traditional homestay on An Binh Island. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Highlights
- •Peaceful morning stroll through tropical fruit orchards on An Binh
- •Direct domestic flight to the red basalt Central Highlands
- •Arrival in Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam
Wake up to tropical birdsong in the tranquil orchard. After breakfast, take a morning bicycle or walking stroll through village orchards to visit a local fruit garden and cottage workshops.
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon for your scheduled flight to Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of the Central Highlands. Arrive in this land of red basalt soils and settle into your boutique hotel.
Domestic flight: approx. 1 hour. Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot. Breakfast included.
Highlights
- •Guided visit to an authentic highland coffee plantation and tasting
- •Spectacular basalt cascades at Dray Nur Waterfall
- •Scenic overland ridgetop drive to the pine-clad city of Da Lat
Dedicate the morning to the fascinating world of high-altitude coffee, for which the region is world-renowned. Tour an authentic coffee plantation, discover roasting traditions, and savor exceptional Arabica and Robusta blends.
Next, visit the majestic Dray Nur Waterfall, where river torrents crash dramatically over basalt precipices into misty natural basins. In the afternoon, take a scenic winding drive across highland ridges and pine forests to arrive in Da Lat.
Travel distance: approx. 210 km (5-hour drive). Overnight in Da Lat. Breakfast included.
Highlights
- •Historic Art Deco railway station and Emperor Bao Dai's summer palace
- •Linh Phuoc Pagoda covered with colorful ceramic mosaics
- •Fine silk embroidery artistry at XQ Historical Village
Spend the day exploring Da Lat's unique heritage and romantic alpine charm. Visit the iconic Art Deco Railway Station, the French colonial summer palace of Emperor Bao Dai, and the whimsical Linh Phuoc Pagoda decorated with intricate porcelain mosaics.
In the afternoon, admire the extraordinary craftsmanship at the XQ Historical Village silk embroidery workshop, where needlework artists create museum-quality textile tapestries.
City tour in Da Lat. Overnight in Da Lat. Breakfast included.
Highlights
- •Spectacular mountain pass descent from alpine plateau to the coast
- •Scenic roadside dragon fruit plantations of Binh Thuan province
- •Check-in at an oceanfront resort directly on Mui Ne beach
Depart Da Lat's misty hills and begin a spectacular descent toward the sunny southern coastline via the Gia Bac Pass. Watch the landscape transform from evergreen pine hills into coastal plains studded with dragon fruit orchards.
Arrive in Mui Ne in the early afternoon and check into your beachfront resort, stepping directly onto golden sands fringed with coconut palms.
Travel distance: approx. 160 km (4-hour drive). Overnight at beach resort in Mui Ne. Breakfast included.
Highlights
- •Unhurried relaxation and swimming on the golden sands of Mui Ne
- •Optional early sunrise excursion to the sculpted red and white dunes
- •Savoring fresh local seafood dishes in oceanfront seaside venues
Enjoy two days entirely free of scheduled touring to recharge along the waves. Lounge on the resort's private beach, swim in the ocean, or indulge in soothing wellness massages.
For adventure, take an optional sunrise Jeep tour to the vast white and red sand dunes, walk through the vibrant red canyon of Fairy Stream, or visit the picturesque fishing harbor filled with colorful basket boats.
Two days at leisure. Overnight at beach resort in Mui Ne. Breakfast included daily.
Highlights
- •Final relaxing morning moments by the ocean in Mui Ne
- •Smooth return drive to Ho Chi Minh City via the new expressway
- •Punctual airport transfer for your departure flight
Enjoy a final peaceful morning by the sea for an early swim or a quiet beach walk. After breakfast, board your private vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Ho Chi Minh City along the modern expressway.
Transfer directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your evening flight home, bringing a wonderful 10-day southern escape to a close.
Travel distance: approx. 200 km (3.5-hour drive). Breakfast included. Private airport transfer.
Travel Log
From the Mekong to the Highlands
Selected moments to experience the landscapes, encounters, and rhythm of this itinerary.

Hang BUIco-fondatrice & créatrice de voyages
Originaire de Nam Dinh, berceau de traditions au cœur du delta du fleuve Rouge, j’ai grandi avec un amour viscéral pour le Vietnam : pour la poésie de ses paysages — des pitons karstiques du Nord aux méandres fertiles du Mékong —, mais surtout pour l’infinie bonté, le sourire et la résilience de son peuple.
- Partager un thé aux fleurs de lotus au lever du jour à Hanoï
- Naviguer en jonque traditionnelle dans les dédales secrets de Lan Hạ
- Contempler les rizières en terrasses sculptées de Hoàng Su Phì
- S'attarder au crépuscule sur les ponts illuminés de lanternes à Hội An
Du souffle majestueux des pitons calcaires du Tonkin à la douceur nonchalante des arroyos du Mékong, le Vietnam est une terre de contrastes poétiques. Mon bonheur est de vous ouvrir les portes de nos adresses confidentielles et de dessiner pour vous un itinéraire fluide, vivant et profondément humain.
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This creative route offers a remarkable overview of Southern Vietnam's contrasting landscapes in just ten days. It transitions smoothly from the lush riverine world of the delta to pine-clad hills and coffee plantations in the highlands, culminating in the sun-drenched beaches of Mui Ne, efficiently linked by a domestic flight to avoid lengthy road journeys.
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You will love:
- Exploration of Saigon combining French colonial architectural gems with the historical wartime memories of the Cu Chi underground tunnels.
- Intimate immersion into the shaded palm arroyos of Ben Tre and a convivial homestay overnight on An Binh Island.
- Discovery of the Central Highlands in Buon Ma Thuot, its fragrant coffee plantations, and ethnic minority traditions.
- Crisp mountain climate, evergreen pine forests, and distinctive Art Deco architecture in the hill station of Da Lat.
- Privileged two-day seaside relaxation on the golden beaches and sculpted sand dunes of Mui Ne.
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