- Home
-
Tours
- Destinations
- Experiences
- Packages
- Contact Us
Markets & daily life
You don’t have to walk very far in Vietnam without coming across a busy market of some sort, or a scene that provides a glimpse into daily life that can sometimes be so different from your home. Why go it alone and just wonder about what you’re seeing? Let one of our guides answer your questions and point out things you might otherwise miss. Will you find yourself politely bargaining for a tropical fruit you’ve never tasted before? Will you learn about different crafts and their role in Vietnamese life? Or maybe watch wonderful new foods prepared right before your eyes?
Our local staff is at your service to open your eyes, ears, and heart to the cultural scenes that Vietnam offers around every corner. Come walk with us.
Ha Noi and its surrounding area have a rich variety of things to offer visitors. The central area is compact and most of the main attractions are within walking distance; such as: art exhibits, history museums, ancient universities and pagodas. Finally, it wouldn’t be a Ha Noi tour without including a stroll around Ha Noi’s Old Quarter where you can shop and learn about the history of family trade. Just tell us what interests you the most and we’ll tailor a tour to make your visit intriguing and memorable.
The Hanoi vicinity has many handicraft villages that you can visit. These villages specialize in a wide variety of crafts ranging from the making of conical 'non' hats to the production of fine lacquer wares. Deep tradition continues to the present day in Vietnam's famous handicraft villages, and you'll be amazed by the skill of these artisans. During your Hanoi time, we encourage you to spare at least a day to experience these villages; they are ideal places to visit if you are in love with local arts and crafts, or are searching for an ideal gift or memento of your journey to Vietnam..
This tour takes you to one of the few remaining old villages in Northern. Unlike most communities near Hanoi that have succumbed to rapid urbanization, Ky Son and Duong Lam village is known as the best preserved villages in Vietnam in terms of its ancient architecture and the unique character of its people. Staying in an ancient house among your amazing "neighbors", working in the field, cooking Vietnamese dinner or learning about Vietnamese tradition will give you a glimpse into the daily lives of people on the Red River Delta.
If you don't have much free time left in your holiday schedule, but you refuse to go back home without a quick taste of ancient and rural Vietnamese lifestyles, this trip will suit your needs perfectly.
Let's go back in time, walking paths paved with tradition and cycling along rural trails and along rich fields. We always meet local families along the way, and your guide makes it easy to learn more about the intersection between ancestral culture and modern changes.
If you're serious about cycling and want an even more in-depth exploration of life in the Vietnamese countryside, then choose the 'Maxi Cycle' option... Read More
...Tucked away in a majestic mountain range lying between Vietnam and China, the Cao Son Ecolodge is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding natural and cultural diversity. Let us introduce you to deep valleys, stunningly terraced rice fields, lush forests, weekly markets, remote villages, and the ethnic minority groups with their colorful textiles and personalities, dwelling for centuries in mountains high above the rest of us. Spend the second night in Sapa and enjoy one day at leisure to discover the town or choose of our optional day-tour... Read More
Moc Chau is all about its surroundings – a mountainous area, famous for its tea hills, limestone karsts, endless plum orchards, corn fields and dairy products... But hold on a minute, we've found some even better reasons to take you there: a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys surrounded by crenellated karsts and dense forests, small remote villages that appear mysteriously from the fog, stunning panoramic views, ideal biking routes, and as is so often the case in Vietnam, warm and heartfelt local hospitality.
Beware! This trip is a must, but is reserved for fellow adventurers with an unquenchable love of ecological beauty, and an equal desire to mingle and share time with locals. In four days you will get acquainted with the Dao culture and meet a few green farmers who decided to veer away from the standard agricultural practices. Hiking, biking, boating, bathing... there are too many to list here. Some travelers have gone there and decided to never return... you might meet them along your way.
What better and more exciting way to get off the beaten path and experience the incredible scenery and diverse culture that Viet Nam has to offer than on one of our modern mountain bikes? Together with our experienced guides you’ll ride through breathtaking mountain passes, visit markets in remote hill tribe villages, and interact with the locals as they indulge their curiosity in you and your cool bike.
A highly recommended add-on option for your Sapa holiday plans.
With its towering mountains, sculpted rice terraces and plum orchards rising and falling as far as the eye can see, Bac Ha creates the perfect setting for a mountain biking adventure. The main roads winding along high mountain passes are sealed and yet see little traffic. With endless interwoven trails leading to local hill tribe villages, you'll be rewarded with great exercise and an unforgettable cultural experience as you exchange smiles, stories and a glass of rice wine with the people you'll meet along the way. This area is home to the colorful Flower H'Mong, Phu La, Tay, and Nung hilltribes. Experience their bustling weekly markets which play an important part in the social and economic aspects of hilltribe life here.
Read More
This wonderful itinerary takes you over the Tram Ton (Heaven's Gate) Pass to explore the far side of Mt. Fansipan and the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. Often, when Sapa is shrouded in clouds and fog, this side is clear and blue. Descend through one of Vietnam's most picturesque and awe-inspiring valleys. The occasionally rocky road meanders along the base of the mountain range past old growth forest and through the villages of Thai, H'Mong and Lu ethnic minority people. This area sees few tourists, so expect plenty of curious faces and smiling children shouting "Hello!"
This exciting trip down through the stunning Hoang Lien Valley takes you into the heart of local hill tribe communities. Gliding through the fresh air, you are surrounded by dramatic vistas, dotted with hamlets belonging to H'Mong, Dzay, Dzao and Tay tribes. An incredibly friendly Tay family will host you for a night in their traditional stilt house. Keeping with tradition, be sure to share a glass of local rice wine with your hosts as you enjoy your wonderful home cooked meal! Trade songs and stories after dinner. Come away changed.
Exploring the colorful markets in the mountains makes for an exciting day trip from Sapa. Leaving early, you have the chance to see the sunrise as you head through indescribable mountain scenery and watch as the local villages wake up. Most of the markets are in the wilderness. To attend the weekly social and commercial event many local hill tribes leave their isolated homes on the precipitous mountaintop cornfields and trek for miles. There are a few souvenirs for sale here but you may find a tasty snack or a bargain price on a buffalo!
Sapa is the premier hill station in northern Vietnam and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings in the beautiful green and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
Read More
Sapa is the premier hill station in northern Vietnam and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings in the beautiful green and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
Read More
We offer you a number of different ways experience the attractive natural and cultural gems around Sapa and to come away understanding more about the culture of different minority groups in the area. Trekking below looming peaks next to wet rice terraces while exchanging waves and hellos with farmers at work will reward you with a unique experience.
For an in-depth Mekong delta experience this trip is a must! ... This part of the delta is home to a myriad of rice fields, canals and small villages. Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop as we boat through the canals and stroll on small islands. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds... Read More
About 70 km south of Saigon, My Tho is the metropolis of Tien Giang province. This is an exciting day for those who don't have much time to spare. Boat along small canals, take walks through orchards and visit local fisherman and farmers. Our one day delta tour is a fascinating and rewarding exploration of the daily lifestyles of local people as well as the marvelous nature of the Mekong delta.
As one of the world's largest rivers and Vietnam's agricultural heart, the Mekong River and its vast delta provide endless opportunities to experience sights, sounds and smells that will stay with you long after you have left the region. This lovely cycling tour takes you to a variety of Mekong Delta highlights. You can marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region.
As one of the world's largest rivers and deltas, the Me Kong River and Me Kong Delta provide endless opportunities to experience sights, sounds, and smells that will stay with you long after you have left the region. This exciting day offers you a glimpse of the delta on bicycle through lush green orchards on countryside road and along the lively rivers.
Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop as we boat through the canals and stroll on small islands. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.
This trip is designed especially for travelers who will leave Vietnam and continue on to Phnom Penh, Cambodia by traveling along the beautiful waterways of the Mekong... Read More
For an in-depth, introduction to the delta this trip is a must! We drive to My Tho and start our exploration by boat. This area is home of myriad of rice fields, canals and small villages. Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.
As one of the world's largest rivers and Vietnam's agricultural heart, the Mekong River and its vast delta provide endless opportunities to experience sights, sounds and smells that will stay with you long after you have left the region. This lovely cycling tour takes you to a variety of Mekong Delta highlights. You can marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region.
This special trip is designed for travelers who will leave Vietnam and continue on to Cambodia. Our tour covers all of the iconic highlights of Mekong, with plenty of time for your to explore deeply this amazing delta. So come along with us and let our experienced guides give you a value-packed tour of natural outstanding sights with plenty of fun and a few little surprises along the way.
The Mekong Eyes cruise offers the most luxurious chance to sleep peacefully aboard ship as you journey deep into the mighty delta; a brand new and simply gorgeous boat that lets you enjoy your Mekong holiday like never before. The boat is outfitted out with the latest in style and comfort, from the natural wood interiors, to the panorama windows in your cabin, and the extensive wine list in the lounge. We promise you an unforgettable cruising experience.
The Mekong Eyes cruise offers the most luxurious chance to sleep peacefully aboard ship as you journey deep into the mighty delta; a brand new and simply gorgeous boat that lets you enjoy your Mekong holiday like never before. The boat is outfitted out with the latest in style and comfort, from the natural wood interiors, to the panorama windows in your cabin, and the extensive wine list in the lounge. We promise you an unforgettable cruising experience, and by spending two nights aboard, you'll have a chance to really relax and unwind in the peaceful green of the Mekong..
During this cultural expedition, you will enjoy the best of Northern Vietnam in the areas of Mai Chau, Son La, Than Uyen and Sapa, providing you wonderful settings for trekking routes. The Thai minority, a warm and friendly ethnic group, will welcome you into their homes and share their stilt house lifestyle. The roads wind precariously across the mountain ranges capturing the intensely varied lifestyles of Vietnamese people. The final two days of your journey will be spent trekking to stay in minority villages around Sapa.
An easy day trip full of activities and visits to some of the most signaficant places of Saigon which one should not miss seeing in the trip to Saigon. Trip organized with small number of people (8 people maximum).
The city of Hue has long been one of the country's foremost cultural, religious, and educational centers. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1993. Restoration and preservation work continues with tourism by Vietnamese and foreigners alike providing an important contribution. This tour takes you at a relaxing pace to some of the must see sites, letting you wander through this city of galleries of Vietnam's history.
This tour takes you away from the standard city tour routes to explore rural life, country lanes, and handicraft villages. What could be better than gentle cycling while waving at locals and getting great smiles in return? Come make an unforgettable memory with us in and around this fantastic city...
Read More
Hoi An outskirts are the perfect cycling places to explore the agricultural & natural waterway sights in the normal life of local farmers, and surrounding landscape of this charming town. Peaceful & ancient villages, farmlands, fields, markets... sketch out a long story about the legendary Thu Bon river. This half-day cycling route gives you a true appreciation of Hoi An outskirts.
The city of Hue has long been one of the country's foremost cultural, religious, and educational centers. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1993. Restoration and preservation work continues with tourism by Vietnamese and foreigners alike providing an important contribution. This tour starts with a glance at Hue's major historical sites before taking you along the coast for some stunning ocean vistas, and a few other scenic stops before reaching Hoi An, the ancient port town and World Heritage Site.
The city of Hue has long been one of the country's foremost cultural, religious, and educational centers. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1993. Restoration and preservation work continues with tourism by Vietnamese and foreigners alike providing an important contribution. This tour starts with a glance at Hue's major historical sites before taking you along the coast for some stunning ocean vistas, and a few other scenic stops before reaching Hoi An, the fantastically well preserved ancient port town and World Heritage Site.
Journey from one World Heritage Site to another. Experience two different atmospheres, both charming and deeply etched with history. This tour gives you enough time to explore so many of the area's cultural treasures at a relaxing pace. Interesting and gorgeous sites are numerous in this part of Vietnam, and we're offering you to the chance to see most of them while still having plenty of free time for your own leisure.
This trip brings you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap through Battambang, the rice bowl of Cambodia. The adventure begins with a visit to the incredible floating town of Kompong Luang, the largest floating community on the massive Tonle Sap Lake. At Battambang we'll make an in depth exploration of rural Cambodian life by visiting local villages and sacred temples. There is also an option to visit the incredible jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar, famous for its signature carved faces of King Jayavarman VII.
Read More
This tour takes you along the mighty Mekong River for an in-depth exploration of Ratanakiri province. Many beautiful sites and activities are available to us all along the route. Temple explorations, boating excursions, elephant riding, dolphin spotting... and so much more.
This trip brings you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap through Battambang, the rice bowl of Cambodia. The adventure begins with a visit to the incredible floating town of Kompong Luang, the largest floating community on the massive Tonle Sap Lake. At Battambang we'll make an in depth exploration of rural Cambodian life by visiting local villages and sacred temples. There is also an option to visit the incredible jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar, famous for its signature carved faces of King Jayavarman VII.
Koh Kong Island is the largest in Cambodia. The west coast is flanked by beautiful white sand beaches, and the island is becoming an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia for overland travelers. It is also emerging as a new centre for ecotourism, with several protected areas and community tourism projects now established in the area. Waterfalls, mangroves, wooded groves, and diverse bird and marine life are all easily seen here.
We explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous Ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou from the 5th century and the awe-inspiring Khone Pabeng waterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly, waving locals as we visit a few villages.
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Beside, this city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
A tour with a difference, allowing you to really immerse yourself in Lao culture; you will venture out into the rural hill tribe villages to see the different ethnic minorities and to learn about their fascinating lifestyles, traditions and colourful history. You will be scenically rewarded by the stunning river views, such as on the Wat Phou cruise that takes you in comfort down the majestic Mekong River, zigzagging through mild rapids to Champassak, through the 4,000 islands region, and to the scenic splendour Khong Pha Peng waterfall, known as the "Niagara of the East".
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Beside, this city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
This trip is a smooth combination of ecotourism and community-based tourism. It includes the perfect sustainable ingredients for a very complete full day tour: elephant learning, ethnic minority village, handicrafts introduction, kids support... What else could we include to make this trip more responsible?
A full day cycling to minorities' villages around Luang Prabang: Ban Xieng Man, Ban Na Kham, Ban Houay Tan (Khmu village), Ban Chan Neua and Ban Chan Tai – a perfect way to get closer to ethnic cultures of Laos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Vientiane is Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital. This city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Life in this pleasant capital is slow-paced and there is always only a light flow of traffic, even during rush hour! We explore this little, peaceful capital at a leisurely pace visiting some of the finest and most important historical sites in Laos.
The 7.5 kilometers of Nam Hinboun flows through the cave of Konglor. It is the longest and grandest cave in Laos measuring up to 70-80 meters in some places. Climb to the dark summit to see the top of the waterfall. It is a true cave explorer's experience complete with darkness and small spaces. When light shines on the water, you will be amazed by how clear it is.
Vientiane is Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital. This city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Life in this pleasant capital is slow-paced and there is always only a light flow of traffic, even during rush hour! We explore this little, peaceful capital at a leisurely pace visiting some of the finest and most important historical sites in Laos.
The Bolaven Plateau is located in an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago, the area spans 50 km of Southern most vegetated area. It is green all year round and cooler than the rest of Laos and Thailand. Surrounding the plateau there are a number of protected national parks, dramatic waterfalls, remote hill tribes, dense jungle and a taste of some of the world's best coffee beans.
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Then Xieng Khoang offers you an impressive archaeological Plain of Jars and colorful hill tribe market of Phonsavan. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
A good introduction to Hanoi and its surroundings. Experience the charming chaos of Hanoi and the relaxing waters of Halong Bay. This is a worry-free package with time for your own discoveries and enjoyment.
Begin your journey with a free day for relaxation and hanging around Hanoi. On the next day, you'll leave the buzz of the city behind as you travel east to the famous World Heritage Halong Bay to board a traditional wooden junk boat. An overnight cruise on Halong Bay is the perfect opportunity to truly appreciate the beautiful waters and limestone karst mountains.
The tour lets you experience the cultural tapestry of Hanoi, the natural heritage of Halong Bay and the scenic mountains of Sapa. Relax with great cuisine and shopping on your own while you explore Vietnam's capital before heading to Halong Bay for a unique overnight cruise in one of our traditional wooden junks.
Curl up on a night train to Sapa, one of Vietnam's most intriguing destinations, set high in the mountains near the China border; it is most famous for its terraced rice paddies and colorful local markets.
Copyrights ® 2010 by HANDSPAN. Designed by GlobalLink Software Solutions
