Breathtaking Jewels of Vietnam - 16 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Trang An - Sapa - Ta Phin - Bai Tu Long Bay - Ky Son - Hue - Hoi An - My Son - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 16 Days/ 15 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Dinner with Street Foods (D)

On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in the pleasant surroundings overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to the hotel in old quarter Hanoi.

These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:

• Banh Cuon - Steamed rice paper rolls
• Bun Oc - Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle 
• Bun Rieu Cua - The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
• Bun Ca - Noodle soup with fish
• Banh Xeo & Nem Lui - Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
• Mien Xao Luon - Glass noodles with eel
• Banh Da Tron - Mixed flat rice noodles
• Banh Tom - Hanoi shrimp cakes
• Cha Ruoi - Fried Worm (Based on season)
• Banh Goi - Crispy 'empanadas'
• My Ga Tan - Chicken noodles in herbal broth
• Che - Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
• Lau - Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, ...)
• Steaky Rices - Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs, etc)d
• Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner with Street Foods

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hang Mua Group Tour – Night train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L, D)

Pick up at your hotel, we will drive Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. We will take a pleasant boat rowing in Hoang Long River to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism complex. The complex is surrounded by picturesque landscapes with thousands of hectares with more than 100 caves which can be explored by boat. It is also a home of 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna that many of them in the Red book of Vietnam. It is also a gathering of 31 valleys, 48 cross-water caves and we will visit 3 to 6 of them. On the rowing boat, we can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with under water grass. Experience ourselves the feeling and emotion when we are on the water caves… After the tour, we will eat lunch in the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features se Departuveral dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs… Then, we will spend time to visit Hang Mua – Dancing Cave is where you can get the impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc and NinhBinh city when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long mountain (about 500 stone steps). In the late afternoon, we will be driven back to Hanoi for the night train to Lao Cai, Sapa.

Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market (Tuesday) – Sapa (B, L)

Highlights:

This is a unique market, which takes place only on Tuesday. Coc Ly is a very small market where you can meet several ethnic minorities such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La, Nung and Tay. The trip offers you a one-way boat ride along Chay River and a short walk to Trung Do village of Tay minority.

Itinerary:

After having breakfast, you will travel by car from Lao Cai Railway Station. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai. It will take you through rural area. The road is rougher for the last 30km. You arrive in Coc Ly by the time where the market is the most crowded. 

Coc Ly market locates by the Chay River, which flows from China. Every Tuesday morning, minorities from surrounding villages such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao and Tay, gather to sell and buy their products. After visiting the market, you travel by boat downstream. Along the ride, you can enjoy the magnificent sight of the beautiful caves and life on the riverbank. You will have lunch on a beach or later in a village.  The trip will also offers you a visit to Trung Do village of Tay minority, where you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a short visit. You will go further downstream until you arrive to Bao Nhai Bridge. Here you get on the car for the journey back to Lao Cai. 

Approx: 5 hours driving/ 1 hours boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Sapa – Mong Sen – Taphin (B, L, D)

You will be met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and transferred downhill to Mong Sen, where you start trekking uphill through mountainous area. Enjoy while walking the spectacular view over rice paddy terraces, corn fields. Your picnic lunch will be provided on the spot. 

After lunch, we continue our trek downhill towards Taphin village where you will meet Red Dao and Black Hmong minorities, two largest ethnic groups in Sapa area. Stop by a house to talk with local people to know a bit more about their daily life, their customs and tradition. Have dinner and overnight in the village. 

Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Taphin – Matra – Sapa – Night train back to Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, we start our trek towards Sapa. We will pass through several minority villages; a rice paddy terraces along the way. Upon arriving in Matra village inhabited by Black Hmong people, we will stop for our lunch. Then, we continue our walk back to Sapa. If we have time, you will be free until our car picks you up at the meeting point and then transfer you to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)

This morning, the train will arrive at 5:30 am and our guide will pick you up at Hanoi Station and we all will transfer to eat Pho Cham as a breakfast. After breakfast, we will take a cup of coffee at the Ca Bop Cofee Shop while waiting the shuttle bus pick you up to start our journey.

Morning
08:20 – 08:45 Pick up at the meeting point and transfer to Bai Tu Long Bay.
11:30  Arrive at Indochina Junk Office, take rest at the Waiting Lounge before transferring to Cruise.
11:50  – 12:15 Go to the harbor by an Electric Cart

Afternoon
12:30 – 13:00 Welcome to Dragon Pearl Cruise. Cruise begins with a welcome drink and safety briefing.
13:15 Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating formations on the way.
14:30   Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
15:00   Enjoy relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island or kayaking.
16:15   Back to junk for refreshing and watch sunset on board.
17:15   Back to junk for refreshing before having dinner on board.
17:30   Join a Vietnamese cuisine cooking class (Banh Xeo).

Evening
19:00 Take a rest and enjoy dinner in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on the bay.
20:00 Leisure time, guests can experience squid fishing, and have a good night on Dragon Pearl Cruise.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Moon Garden (B, Br, D)

Morning
06:00 Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck.
07:00 – 07:15 Breakfast is served on the cruise.
07:45 Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowboat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms.
08:45 Return to the cruise for relaxation and leisure.
09:45 – 10:00 Check out and enjoy some free time to relax, capture memorable photos as the cruise passes through a stunning limestone island area.
10:15 Enjoy a buffet while the cruise continues its journey on the bay.
11:30 – 12:00 The cruise returns to the International Port of Halong. Drive to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province for a short break in this typical Vietnamese agricultural village which is rich in culture and traditions.

Afternoon
13:00 – 13:45 Enjoy water puppet show performed by local artists.
16:00 Arrive in Hanoi and then we transfer to Moon Garden for accommodation. Upon arrival at the Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son village, you'll be welcomed with some fresh local tisane. Then, it is all your free time to discover Moon garden home stay and Ky Son village by yourself. During the preparation of your foot bathing experience, you can enjoy our local drink and taste some of the local products such as traditional desserts, maize, sweet potato, cassava, peanuts, etc, depending on the season.

Evening
18:00 Traditional, refreshing steam bath with fragrant herbs (Lemon grass, pomelo leaves, holy basil leaves).
19:30 Dinner. Then, enjoy your foot bath with ginger, salt and mugwort medicinal herbs soaking in warm water before bedtime, which will deepen your sleep.

Overnight in Moon Garden
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ky Son – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, L)

07:30 Breakfast.
08:30 You can choose a short ride of 6 km or a long ride of 12 km round trip:

Short ride: Take a bicycle ride to discover the Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham farming communities, visiting some local families for a cup of tea and chatting with local people about their daily life and farming. Or walking in the village, (if required) you can help with plowing or transplanting seedlings, harvesting rice (or cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, cucumber...) depending on the harvest season..
Long ride: Take a bicycle ride with local guide to discover the Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham farming communities, Duong Lam ancient village and visit Mia Pagoda, Mong Phu Communal House... On the way back, you can ride along the ritual paths of Thang thac village to discover the Ngo Quyen tomb and temple.

11:00 Return to the Moon Garden for cooking class 12:30 Lunch
13:30 Hand Spa - Enjoy having your fingers dipped in a fragrant lime bowl and the traditional herbal hand massage. Then, free time: You can make yourself at home relaxing in our garden, taking pictures with Vietnamese traditional clothes, chatting with people or further discovery of the Ky Son village and around until your departure time for the flight to Hue. On your arrival, our car will pick you up at the ariport and transfer to the hotel in Hue for accommodation.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hue City Group Tour (B, L)

Around 8.00 – 8.30 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hue to start our journey. The first place of our trip is Thien Mu Pagoda - The oldest pagoda in Hue city. We go there by Dragon boat to have a different look at the fabled Perfume River and also fully admire the beauty of Thien Mu pagoda from afar. After that, we explore the Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam & the last royal dynasty - the Nguyen Dynasty. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam. 

Following, we go to Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. It’s relatively clean, with ample space, and most of what's sold will fit in your suitcase. This place is designed for locals so you can pick up some cheap and tasty eats. The market ranges from raw foods to t-shirts and the usual stuff you find at tourist markets.

After lunch, we continue to visit Tu Duc & Khai Dinh King’s Tomb - a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh designed his tomb himself, after exposure to France, and surely Chinese aesthetics, and it is very different from most other temples with nice colors, and beautiful fusion costumes (although he set a trend if you look at newer temples). This place will suitable for someone who likes history. The view is amazing, if try you can get a lot of perfect pictures. You will be impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.

One more place on this trip is Conical Hat Village, an incense stick-making village. It has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. When it comes to Hue’s traditional villages, Conical Hat Village is one of the most well-known brands. It is dedicated to preserving Hue’s distinctive cultural attractiveness. At around 4:00 – 4:30 pm, we go back to your hotel. 

*Optional for Hueritage Dinner Cruise, launching in June 2024.

Port location: Nghinh Luong Dinh
Departure time: 4 P.M - 8.30 P.M (Summer: 4.30 P.M, Winter: 4P.M)

Guests board the Hueritage Cruise for an enchanting evening along the Perfume River. As the cruise sets sail, indulge in an exquisite fine-dining experience featuring our set menu dinner. At Hueritage Cruise, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Hue Imperial City, experiencing Hue singing, traditional attire displays, contemporary folk art performances, engaging in discussions, cultural experiences, and cooking classes led by culinary experts from Hue. As the evening draws to a close, the cruise returns to the Nghinh Luong Dinh location. Guests disembark with cherished memories of an unforgettable evening filled with cultural discovery and sensory delights.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An – Ancient Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city. On the way won’t have tour guide.

On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. Then, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel for relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Hoi An – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary Group Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Morning
8:00: Our Tour guide & Driver pick you up at your hotel and depart to My Son Sanctuary - The World Cultural Heritage.
9:00: Arrive at My Son and we'll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking throughout the landscape, learning histories with our local English speaking guide, enjoying the Champa's traditional performances.
11:30: Have lunch.
12:30 Take a boat trip to Hoi An with nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful river scenery on the biggest river in the Central of vietnam named as Thu Bon River. 

Afternoon
13:30: Arrive Hoi An, drop off at your hotel. After we transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transferred to the hotel to check in and relax. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels Group Tour (B, L)

Group size: 4 – 12 people 

At 7.30 am, we will pick you up at the hotel in HCMC. The first place of the morning trip is Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. We continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. Lunch will be served in the local restaurant

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours of bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, you can spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. We have a break time for relaxation or time for those who want to try a real shooting gun. At 7 pm, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Notes:

*The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside.
*Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather...so the finished time could be later than expected.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Group Tour (B, L)

Group size: 25 people 

07:30: Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to Cai Be. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to learn something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high techniques of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.

Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden. Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house. Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip to Can Tho City. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Mekong Delta Group Tour – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Have breakfast at the hotel. You can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area. Walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda - Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then, move by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit the fruit plantation, and enjoy seasonal fruits. Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

***Please note: Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather...so the finished time could be later than expecting.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends. See you on the next Vietnam vacation packages!

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

• 15-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary 
• Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver 
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Western food is available (upon request) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). 
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees & permits
• Ninh Binh Group Tour
• 2 Days 1 Night in cruise – Bai Tu Long Bay Route
• Hue Group Tour
• Mekong Delta Deluxe Group Tour 2 Days
• HCM City & Cu Chi Tunnels ½ Day Deluxe Group Tour
• Round-way Sapaly Train (Shared 4-berth)
• Bottle of drinking water

Exclusions

• International flights and airport taxes
• Domestic flights and airport taxes
• Vietnam E-Visa
• Travel Insurance 
• Other meals which are not indicated above
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
• Gratuities to guides and drivers  
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.