Local Insider Showcasing The Beauty Of Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for travellers in Asia. With centuries of traditions, culture and history, there’s plenty to see and do, which is why you need an expert like our Local Insider Huy to show you around.

“The thing I enjoy most about my job is that it’s more than just being a guide. I like the concept of Culture Trip’s Vibrant Vietnam itinerary because with such a small group you become like a family.” Huy tells Adam over a recent catch-up.

Huy likes to show his guests a good time and stays in touch with many of the people who travel with him.

The 12-day itinerary starts in Hanoi and Huy has a number of highlights he wants to share with everyone. “The street food is great in Hanoi. We have 36 different streets and each one specialises in one type of food. It’s lively and colourful. We get to taste a bit of everything and spend time with the locals. This interaction with people is one of the best ways to travel” Huy explains.

A country as varied and expansive as Vietnam needs the guidance of a real local expert

“From Hanoi we get to a hidden corner of Mai Chai with a beautiful hotel. It’s a different type of culture here where you can meet people from a Thai background. Not many people know about this area.”

Wellness plays an important part on this trip. “We have some retreat activities where people can relax. If you can get up early there is a Tai Chi lesson in the morning. Of course there is coffee afterwards to wake up and, compared to the business of Hanoi, this is a great escape from reality.”

Adam has curated a trip that combines a bit of the city and country in one. There is a night train trip with a private cabin for each passenger. “When you wake up and see the different scenery comparing the north and the south there’s a big difference from the coast to the jungle,” Huy says.

The ancient cities in the south are a great way to end the trip. “We take a trip with another local expert to the imperial palaces, which are even more spectacular at night. The food here is different, and then onto Hoi An, where there is a real blend of cultures from around the world.”

Huy makes every part of the trip sound like a highlight, and frankly tasty too!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.