Vietnam TOURS

DAY 1: SAIGON ARRIVAL (D)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met our guide and transferred to hotel for check-in. Free at leisure till welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Saigon

DAY 2: SAIGON – TAYNINH – CUCHI (B/L/D)

Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the Cao Dai Great Temple, the Holy Land of Caodaism and where all the major religions of the world blend together in a unique religious mosaic.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we head back to Cuchi district visit the famous Cuchi Tunnels, located 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, built and used by the Viet Cong during Vietnam War. It took 25 years to construct this tunnel and it stands today as a symbol of struggle of the Vietnamese people. This Tunnel consists of more than 200km of underground tunnels, many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels and home to more than 16,000 communist guerillas and sympathizers during the war. The underground network provided sleeping quarters, meeting rooms, hospitals, and other social rooms. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels provides a better understanding of the prolonged resistance war and also of the persistent and clever character of the Vietnamese. Back to Saigon in late afternoon
Overnight in Saigon

DAY 3: SAIGON CITY TOUR (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we commence a full day city tour with a first visit to Cholon or Chinatown, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most interesting areas, where you can get a taste of true Saigon commerce, explore the authentic market, shops and the Cantonese Thien Hau pagoda, one of Saigon’s must-see pagodas- dedicated to the goddess of the Sea. The next, visit the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO), the museum displays nearly 3,000 items relevant to traditional Vietnamese medicine dating back to the Stone Age, implements used to prepare traditional medicine and objects found in traditional pharmacies as well as ancient books and documents on traditional Vietnamese medicine before heading back to the city center to visit Ben Thanh Market, the city’s central market that is packed with all kinds of local wares and souvenirs famous for wholesaler trading where you can take a long stroll around the market’s expansive grounds and watch the hustle and bustle.
This afternoon, visit to the War Remnants Museum where exhibits photographs and weapons of the Vietnam War before taking a stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City as the Old Saigon Post Office, Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Opera House and City Hall. At the end of the afternoon head back to the hotel.
Note: an alternative to the War Remnants Museum, visit the History Museum (closed Mondays), the good collection of displays and illustrations depicting the cultural evolution of the country from ancient times plus valuable artifacts from Angkor Wat and household implements, clothing, ceramics and weaponry from Vietnam’s past, or the former Presidential Palace - the home to the last 3 President of South Vietnam,
Overnight in Saigon

DAY 4: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA – SAIGON (B/L/D)

We leave the bustle of the city behind for a day of exploring scenic rice fields, waterways, extensive orchards and colorful markets of the Mekong Delta area. Upon Caibe arrival, we embark a local boat and start the excursion with a visit of Cai Be colorful floating market, the market run approximately 400 to 500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products are anchored along the banks of the river, from 5 am to 5 pm every day. The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a pole in front of the boat to attract customers. You also have change to discover the rural lifestyles and daily activities of the delta inhabitants.
After exploring the colorful market, the short stop will be made at local workshops where you can see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn.
Then the rowing boat will take you into the untouched countryside along small canals and to enjoy the peaceful time. It is so interesting to see a traditional house made of wood and palm tree leaves and see daily activities of the local farmers as with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish...
After lunch, you will enjoy a folk music show performed by peasants and seasonal fruits. We end the excursion by taking a bike trip along countryside paths to see the local farms, houses, real life of inhabitants in Mekong Delta. In the late afternoon we return to Saigon
Overnight in Saigon

DAY 5: SAIGON – DALAT (B/L/D)

This morning transfer to Tan Son Nhat domestic airport for the short flight to Dalat, the City of thousands of pine trees or "City of Eternal Spring", the resort center in the highlands, and the architecture of Dalat is dominated by the style of the French colonial period.
In the afternoon visit Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, used as a retreat by the family of King Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam, built from 1933 to 1938 and the place displays many portraits and sculptures of the royals. Continue to visit Dalat Railway Station, built in 1938, a quaint art deco style with Vietnamese architectural elements. Then visit to Lam Ty Ni Pagoda, home of Vien Thuc, 'The Crazy Monk' who can chat with people in many languages including French, English, Swedish, Chinese, Thai and of course Vietnamese, and especially his art collection might not be to everybody’s taste but certain exhibits are still very interesting. We end of the day by taking a stroll to the busy Dalat Market, filled with local specialities as strawberry jam, fruits conserves, avocado, and artichoke and renowned for fresh vegetable distributing across Vietnam
Overnight in Dalat

DAY 6: DALAT – NHA TRANG (B/L/D)

Leaving Dalat after breakfast, drive from the highland mountain with a panoramic view of fields of fruits, vegetables, coffee, canopied flower gardens, and lush mountain pass to the coastal city of Nha Trang, the sceneries are replaced with that of tobacco, grapes, rice, picturesque beaches and into a dry climate.
This afternoon visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, one of the significant historical and religious relics of the Champa Kingdom, dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country, it’s also a fantastic view of Cai River and the village on the riverside. Next we visit the Alexander Yersin Museum, the place displays a large collection of Yersin's equipment and letters as well as giving a description of his contributions to bacteriology and science generally, then enter the ‘XQ’ workshop where displays a collection of handmade embroideries to finish the day
Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 7: NHA TRANG (B/L/D)

This morning we embark a local boat for a boat trip up to Nha Trang Bay and sightseeing some of the nearby islands where you can swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters. Get back on the boat we keep sailing to fishing village of Lang Chai for lunch, and you are free to wander on the fishing village to give you a better understanding of the villager’s daily lives and more
Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Nha Trang at your own pace and take a stroll to the bustling Dam Market, the biggest and most popular market in Nha Trang for the locals with a of consumer goods, local handicrafts and souvenirs are sold here
Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 8: NHA TRANG – DANANG – HOIAN (B/L/D)

Transfer to Nha Trang airport for the 50-minute flight to Danang. Upon arrival a private vehicle will be waiting for you for the 40-minute drive to Hoi An.
This afternoon, a walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town centre will take you back in time to when its was a major trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries in Asia and today an officially listed UNESCO world heritage site. Visit old shophouses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market in this well-preserved town. The rest of the day is free at leisure to enjoy the shopping in Hoi An – a paradise for silk & fashionable clothing and accessories.
Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 9: HOIAN – MY SON (B/L/D)

Today we will discover Vietnam's rich cultural and historical heritage. The morning begins with a visit to My Son, constructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa, the capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom to view the Cham ruins and artifacts, and approximately 10 km from the My Son is Tra Kieu, the first capital city of the Hindu Champa Kingdom, then named Simhapura, from the 4th century to the 8th century
The rest of the day is free at leisure until dinner
Overnight in Hoian

DAY 10: HOIAN – DANANG - HUE (B/L/D)

Leaving Hoian in the morning, we head out to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. En route, stop to visit the Museum of Cham, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world, and continue driving along the scenic coast of central Vietnam, first ascending the Pass of Ocean Clouds for panoramic views of the surroundings before descending to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co.
In the afternoon, visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, built within 11 years to complete. In comparison with those of the preceding emperors, Khai Dinh Tomb is much smaller in surface but it is very elaborate. It is the result of the interminglement of many architectural trends; European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.
Note: an alternative to the Khai Dinh Tomb, visit the Tu Duc Tomb, located 8 km from Hue, not only one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty but also romantic scenery of mounts and lakes, or the Minh Mang Tomb, renowned for its architecture, which fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape
Overnight in Hue

DAY 11: HUE – HANOI (B/L/D)

We commence our half day tour with a visit to the Imperial City of Hue, was a walled fortress, and palace in the former capital of Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 - 1945, the last dynasty and it is one of the oldest cities in Viet Nam, The complex of Hue Monuments straddling the Perfume River, most of which remaining unchanged were officially recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2003 by UNESCO. Then visit Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Huong river, one of the most famous pagoda in Hue City
Before taking a short flight to Hanoi, take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market, the must see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life. Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will be transferred to Ha Noi city, the capital of Vietnam, the city that celebrated 1.000 years in 2010 has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites with tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city
Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 12: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L/D)

This morning will start with a first stop at the the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university before we proceed to the One Pillar pagoda, built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong who ruled from 1028 to 1054, as one of Vietnam's two most iconic temples. Then, we continue to visit the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the rest place of the greatest hero of Vietnam – Uncle Ho, the one was admired by millions of people in Vietnam and other countries in the world, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov).
In the afternoon, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed Monday) where displays women’s role in Vietnamese society and culture, the memories of the wartime contribution by individual heroic women that are most poignant. It’s also showcase a stunning collection of propaganda posters, as well as costumes, tribal basketware and fabric motifs from Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. Then heading to the bustling Old Quarter for a walking tour, the quarter consists mainly of 36 Old Streets divided and named according to their craft guides in the past, and remain most of that working system until now, it’s the great place to take some great photos, explore thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers, learn about its rich cultural, artistic, culinary history and shopping, then enjoy a wonderful performance of Water Puppet Show to finish the day
Note: an alternative to the Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed Monday), visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, contains more than 10,000 objects, 15,000 black and white photos, hundreds of video tapes and cassettes which depict all aspects of life, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam
Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 13: HANOI – NINH BINH – HANOI (B/L/D)

Leave the city behind with a short drive through rural northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). Then proceed to Tam Coc for lunch before boarding a private sampan ride through the rice paddies and enormous limestone karsts to reach the sacred Tam Coc Caves, the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields, which is why this area is often referred to as “Halong on the land”. End your visit with a climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain dating to 1428, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before returning to Hanoi.
Note: an alternative to Tam Coc, visit Trang An grottoes, similar to Tam Coc but with many more caves to pass through, where limestone hills surround a peaceful river while rowing through Trang An grotto in the quiet, fresh air of the peaceful countryside, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water
Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 14: HANOI – DUONG LAM VILLAGE – SAPA (B/L/D)

Depart from hotel to the ancient village of Duong Lam, about 60 km west of Hanoi, the first ancient village recognised as a national relic with history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years. It is the only place in Vietnam where two Kings came from, Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944), giving the village its prestige. On arrival, we visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu commune - the only hamlet whose original village entrance remains intact. Continue on through the narrow alleys to explore the daily life of these villagers and see the old laterite houses which make up this charming village. For lunch enjoy a local style meal in a 100-year old house. This afternoon visit Mia Pagoda, built in 15 th century and consists of 287 statues of all sizes, along with are famous sculpture such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities. We end the day to visit Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temple, dedicated to two national heroes
After dinner taking the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai, overnight on the train

DAY 15: LAO CAI – SA PA – CATCAT VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Arrive Lao Cai in the early morning and transfer along terraced hillsides to Sapa, the charming mountain town, surrounded by picturesque mountains, rice terraces, and home to some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic groups. On the way enjoy panoramic views of mountains and valleys in the region. After breakfast, take a morning walking tour of Sapa with a first visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions before taking a light trek along a narrow trail through beautiful gardens to Cat Cat Village, the home of H'mong ethnic, where you have a chance to visit and meet with local one to share cultural experiences with them to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions and see the hydroelectric power station was built by the French, a picnic lunch will be served en-route. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure
Overnight in Sapa

DAY 16: SAPA – LAO CHAI – TA VAN VILLAGE – HANOI (B/L/D)

Today, we start a full day tour by driving 7km towards to Lao Chai village, home to some of ethnic minorities of the H'Mong, Giay, and Red Dao with approximately 1000 people. We then embark on a lovely trek that will take you along local paths and trails through the valleys between mountains, enjoy the overall pictures of the village and terraced rice field. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet and share cultural experiences with them to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions. Continue going to Ta Van Village to visit the Dzay tribe with a rich culture and beautiful houses located on rice paddy fields, the fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in Vietnam’s northwest mountains, where you can meet Dzay ethnic with different customs from Hmong ethnic before driving back Lao Cai in the late afternoon then getting the night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on train

DAY 17: HANOI – HALONG (B/L/D)

An early arrival in Hanoi we then proceed to the famous Quang Ba Flower Market where you will witness one of the most frantic and colorful markets in the world and take some great photos Afterwards we take a stroll to Truc Bach Lake where you will witness locals doing their morning Tai Chi and other exercises as the sun comes up followed by breakfast in a local restaurant before heading to the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Arrive at your jetty in Halong City towards noon then board your traditional wooden junk boat, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay and pass by the emerald waters soaking up the panoramic vista of the thousand or so karst limestone islands that stud the bay.
In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on Halong Bay

DAY 18: HALONG BAY - HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

Enjoy the sunrise over the Bay and explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot). Your breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer to Noi Bai airport for onward flight.
If time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you transfer to the airport for your flight home
“An extra night may be added in Hanoi depending on onward flight time”

 

TOUR RATES INCLUDE:

• Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
• Hotel accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• English speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply)
• All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
• Boat trips, bicycle, horse cart and rowing boat as mentioned in the itinerary.

TOUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Vietnam visa arrangement (Visa is compulsory and must be arranged in advance)
• Domestic flights Saigon – Dalat/Nhatrang – Danang/Hue - Hanoi & Including airport tax (quoted separately)
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• All other services which are not mentioned above.
• Personal expenses are such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc...
• Tips for guide, travel insurance

REMARKS:

• The rate above is based on quotation, no booking is placed yet.
• Local operator reserve the right to adjust the program without notice
• Itinerary subject to change due to unforeseen
• All hotel categories given above is based on local standard
• Room is subject to availability upon request.
• All rates quoted is net & subject to change prior notice and term & condition apply