(Tour code: VK905)
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi - Hué - Hoi An - Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Saigon - Mui Ne - Saigon
The full Vietnam package tour gives you chance to visit to all the top attractions in Vietnam. You'll begin the trip in Hanoi. Then, you’ll cruise through the calm waters of Halong Bay, trek to the hill tribes of Sapa in the extreme north and come back to see the "Inland Halong bay" in Ninh Binh. After this, you'll explore the central region with a stop in atmospheric Hue, ancient capital of Vietnam(1802 - 1945). You'll then head to Hoi An to explore its distinctly Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled houses and narrow streets, the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. In the south, you’ll discover bustling city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), visit Cu Chi Tunnels, and cruise on the Mekong river. You'll finish your Vietnam trip with 2 days relax at Amazing beaches in Mui Ne to refresh for your long journey back.
DAY 2 (B,L): Hanoi - City Tour
Morning: 8:30 am: We start with a visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho's stilt house & garden, One pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum. Visit West Lake then the Temple of Literature. Lunch.
Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Ethnology.
See Water Puppet Show.
Note: - On Mon & Fri: Ho Chi Minh mausoleum closed, as most museums are closed on Monday.
DAY 4 (B/L): Halong Bay - Hanoi
After your breakfast, you'll hop into a small bamboo boat to explore Luon Cave. Start cruising to visit man's head island, Tortoise island, Toad island, Bai tho mountain. Lunch will be served aboard the junk during the return to the mainland and, at Halong, your minibus will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.
DAY 5 (B): Hanoi - Overnight Train to Sapa
After spending the day in Hanoi, you’ll be collected from your hotel in late afternoon and taken to the train station. Here, you can stock up on snacks for the overnight journey into the north. The train is air-conditioned and the rhythm of the rails should lull you to sleep in your 4-bedded cabin. These are generally pretty comfortable, although tall people might find that their feet dangle over the edge of the sleeper couches. An Asian train journey is always an experience to be remembered.
DAY 6 (B): Visit to Cat Cat village
The next morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai, and a minibus will be waiting to take you to Sapa- a 1½-hour road trip. On the way, you'll see paddy terraces climbing up the mountainsides like giant staircases. When you reach Sapa you'll check into your comfortable hotel. It is full of local charm and lies in the centre of town, with wonderful views across the rich, green valley.
DAY 7 (B,L,D): Trek to Lao Chai, Ta Van villages and homestay
After breakfast you'll walk down through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. The trekking route offers some challenge as you balance on the rice terraces and a small trail on the steep mountainside. The vegetation is dense as the trail leads up to a peaceful village perched on the Hoang Lien mountainside, relax by a local stream for a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight in home stay in Ta Van villages.
DAY 8 (B): Visit to Giang Ta Chai - Overnight train to Hanoi
After breakfast, you will have another trek to Giang Ta Chai a village of the red Dzao people then back to Sapa by motorbike or car. Relax, see Sapa town and Sapa market.
At the end of the afternoon, you'll be taken to Lao Cai where you'll have plenty of time to grab an evening meal before boarding the night train back to Hanoi.
DAY 9 (L,D): Hanoi - Cuc Phuong National park
You'll arrive back in Hanoi at around 6am. Our driver and tour guide pick up you at the railway station. Drive to Cuc Phuong national park (130km). Stop on the way for breakfast.
Arrive at national park at around 9am. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre to learn about the important work being done to help protect the endangered species of the park. After that drive 20km to the center of the park and then take a 2-hour trek through the old rainforest. Lunch at the restaurant inside the park.
You can choose to stay overnight at the guesthouse inside the park or we can drive you 60km back to Ninh Binh and stay overnight at the hotel in Tam Coc.
DAY 10 (B/L): Hoa Lu , Tam Coc - Hanoi
Leave Cuc Phuong national park for Hoa Lu (1.5 hrs). Visit the ancient capital of Vietnam and the famous old temples of The Dinh and The Le Dynasties. Cycle for an hour on picturesque quiet roads through villages, rice fields, rivers and rocky outcrops to Tam Coc (12km) for lunch.
Boat journey (1 hour) in the heart of “Inland Ha Long Bay”. Take in the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into three of the many caves carved through the limestone. Stop for a short rest near a small shrine before returning to dock (1 hour).
Drive back to Hanoi.
DAY 11 (B): Hanoi - Hué
You'll arrive in Hué by plane from Hanoi. It is an ancient city renowned for its Citadel that is encased within a square of walls 10km long and 2m thick. Hué was home to the Nguyen dynasty, and the seat of their power. The city is divided into two halves by the Perfume River. One side is home to the Imperial Citadel, while the French colonial town with most of the hotels and restaurants is situated on the opposite bank.
We have left the programme empty for your first day in Hue, giving you plenty of time to settle in and explore the city.
DAY 12 (B,L,D): Perfume River and a Forbidden City tour (B,L,D)
DAY 13 (B): Hué - Hoi An
Today you'll arrive in Hoi An, a real highlight of your Vietnam trip. Situated in the central region, the historical town is a perfect place to break up the journey from north to south. It is popular with backpackers who are drawn here by the wide range of quirky restaurants and cafes, the inexpensive tailors, and the lovely nearby beach.
DAY 14 (B,L): My Son Holy land
In the morning : go by coach to My Son Sanctuary, a religious sanctuary of the once flourishing Champa Kingdom from the 4th century. On the way visit local villagers who breed silkworms and weave silk.
In the afternoon: take a boat trip on the graceful Thu Bon river and stop to visit the traditional ceramic and carpentry villages.
DAY 15 (B,L): Cham island
- 8.30 am : Pickup and tranfer to Cua Dai pier
- 9.00-9.30 am : Relax & enjoy the beautiful landscape on the speed boat to Cham Island
- 9.30-10.10 am : Visit Bai Lang ( Au thuyen - Tay Tang Pagoda - Fishing Village)
- 10.10-11.10 am : Tranfer to Bai Xep for snorkeling. Enioy fresh fruit and cold water.
- 11.10 am -14.00 pm : Go to Bai Chong to relax - Swim - Sunbath and enjoy fresh seafood.
- 15.30 pm : Return to your hotel. Relax
DAY 16 (B): Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Today, you' ll leave Hoi An, probably with a whole new wardrobe. You'll take a quick domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. We'll book your flight, but you'll organise your own taxis or rickshaws to and from the airports. This is extremely easy to do. Once you've settled in at your comfortable hotel, you can explore the city at your own pace. You'll stay in a luxury room with air-conditioning for a leisurely 3 nights. The hotel is just around the corner from Tham Street, the centre of the bustling backpackers in Saigon. The area is literally crammed with dozens of cosy local restaurants and souvenir shops.
DAY 17 (B,L): Cao Dai temple - Cu Chi Tunnels
The Great Holy See Temple, built in 1926, is considered one of the most striking structures in all of south-east Asia. It is the centre of Caodaism, a religion that blends Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism. Explore this fascinating site and attend the colorful noon-day mass held by the Cao Dai followers. It is an experience not to be missed. After lunch, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
DAY 18 (B/L/D): Saigon - Mekong Delta overnight on boat
Mekong Delta, where the mighty Mekong River approaches and fans out into the sea, is a colorful and vibrant region. Deemed as the rice bowl of Vietnam, it is home to a complex system of distributaries and is dotted with countless rice fields, fruit orchards, handicraft villages and floating markets. The best way to experience Mekong Delta's endless waterways is none other than an overnight cruise.
DAY 19 (B/L): Mekong Delta - Saigon
This morning, cruise to Cai Rang floating market, taking in the traditional sights such as rice barges, traditional shipyards and tropical fruits drying along the river banks along the way. After a visit to the colorful floating market, check out and disembark before the return to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 20 (B,L): Saigon - Mui Ne
DAY 21 (B): Mui Ne
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach. For the more active, golf is available nearby. Overnight in Mui Ne.
DAY 22 (B): Mui Ne - Saigon
On Day 22, you'll leave Mui Ne and return to Saigon. You'll spend the final night of the trip in a comfortable hotel in the centre of the city, just round the corner from all the lively shops and eateries.
DAY 23 (B): Departure from Ho Chi Minh city
This morning, you'll enjoy a final breakfast in Saigon before checking out of your hotel. It’s easy to sort out a taxi to take you to the airport, and the hotel receptionist will be happy to help. Please remember that you'll need to pay departure tax when leaving Vietnam.
Including:
• Accommodation at selected hotels.
• Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers.
• Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers.
• Entrance fees for all sights visited.
• Breakfast, Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (B,L,D)
• Two domestic flights
Excluding:
• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc....
• Tips
• Personal insurance
• Any domestic flights not mentioned
• International departure airport tax (normally included in your ticket price)
|
DAY 1: Arrival in Hanoi Today, you'll arrive in Hanoi and and a driver will meet you at arrivals for your hotel transfer. On the way you’ll get your first impressions of Vietnam, buzzing with street traders and mopeds. Your hotel is situated in the centre of the Old Quarter- the beating heart of Hanoi - surrounded by food stalls and quirky restaurants. The hotel is a wonderful example of the classic Vietnamese architecture. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy at your leisure. . |  |
DAY 2 (B,L): Hanoi - City Tour
Morning: 8:30 am: We start with a visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho's stilt house & garden, One pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum. Visit West Lake then the Temple of Literature. Lunch.
Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Ethnology.
See Water Puppet Show.
Note: - On Mon & Fri: Ho Chi Minh mausoleum closed, as most museums are closed on Monday.
|
DAY 3 (B/L/D): Hanoi - Halong Bay Pick up from your hotel at around 8 : 00 am in the morning. Drive to Halong city, stop on the way for breakfast . Arrive in Ha Long city around lunch time, go directly to the tourist harbour and board the Huong Hai junk. Check in. Have lunch then cruise to visit Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot cave, Ti Top Beach, enjoy sunset, drinks. Have dinner on the junk, and over night on the junk. |  |
DAY 4 (B/L): Halong Bay - Hanoi
After your breakfast, you'll hop into a small bamboo boat to explore Luon Cave. Start cruising to visit man's head island, Tortoise island, Toad island, Bai tho mountain. Lunch will be served aboard the junk during the return to the mainland and, at Halong, your minibus will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.
DAY 5 (B): Hanoi - Overnight Train to Sapa
After spending the day in Hanoi, you’ll be collected from your hotel in late afternoon and taken to the train station. Here, you can stock up on snacks for the overnight journey into the north. The train is air-conditioned and the rhythm of the rails should lull you to sleep in your 4-bedded cabin. These are generally pretty comfortable, although tall people might find that their feet dangle over the edge of the sleeper couches. An Asian train journey is always an experience to be remembered.
DAY 6 (B): Visit to Cat Cat village
The next morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai, and a minibus will be waiting to take you to Sapa- a 1½-hour road trip. On the way, you'll see paddy terraces climbing up the mountainsides like giant staircases. When you reach Sapa you'll check into your comfortable hotel. It is full of local charm and lies in the centre of town, with wonderful views across the rich, green valley.
| After lunch you'll take a guided walk of about 5km to the village of Cat Cat, home to the striking Black H’mong people. The Black H'mong wear mainly black clothing, as their name suggests. The dye that they use tends to run and, as a result, their hands are also stained a little black. The adults chew betel nut- the seeds of the betel palm rolled up in a leaf. This often stains their teeth dark red. After visiting the village, you'll walk a little further to a cascading mountain waterfall before returning to Sapa for the night. |  |
After breakfast you'll walk down through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. The trekking route offers some challenge as you balance on the rice terraces and a small trail on the steep mountainside. The vegetation is dense as the trail leads up to a peaceful village perched on the Hoang Lien mountainside, relax by a local stream for a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight in home stay in Ta Van villages.
DAY 8 (B): Visit to Giang Ta Chai - Overnight train to Hanoi
After breakfast, you will have another trek to Giang Ta Chai a village of the red Dzao people then back to Sapa by motorbike or car. Relax, see Sapa town and Sapa market.
At the end of the afternoon, you'll be taken to Lao Cai where you'll have plenty of time to grab an evening meal before boarding the night train back to Hanoi.
DAY 9 (L,D): Hanoi - Cuc Phuong National park
You'll arrive back in Hanoi at around 6am. Our driver and tour guide pick up you at the railway station. Drive to Cuc Phuong national park (130km). Stop on the way for breakfast.
Arrive at national park at around 9am. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre to learn about the important work being done to help protect the endangered species of the park. After that drive 20km to the center of the park and then take a 2-hour trek through the old rainforest. Lunch at the restaurant inside the park.
You can choose to stay overnight at the guesthouse inside the park or we can drive you 60km back to Ninh Binh and stay overnight at the hotel in Tam Coc.
DAY 10 (B/L): Hoa Lu , Tam Coc - Hanoi
|
Often referred to as “Inland Halong Bay" The area of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc is characterised by the limestone geology that gives rise to the towering karsts that make this picturesque area so unique. On this enjoyable day trip, the atmosphere is relaxed as you casually pedal and paddle your way past green rice fields, along waterways and through underground passagesont . |  |
Boat journey (1 hour) in the heart of “Inland Ha Long Bay”. Take in the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into three of the many caves carved through the limestone. Stop for a short rest near a small shrine before returning to dock (1 hour).
Drive back to Hanoi.
DAY 11 (B): Hanoi - Hué
You'll arrive in Hué by plane from Hanoi. It is an ancient city renowned for its Citadel that is encased within a square of walls 10km long and 2m thick. Hué was home to the Nguyen dynasty, and the seat of their power. The city is divided into two halves by the Perfume River. One side is home to the Imperial Citadel, while the French colonial town with most of the hotels and restaurants is situated on the opposite bank.
We have left the programme empty for your first day in Hue, giving you plenty of time to settle in and explore the city.
DAY 12 (B,L,D): Perfume River and a Forbidden City tour (B,L,D)
| Start by taking a leisurely boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and a symbol of the city. Continue to The Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument depart to the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. Built decades before its occupant's death, the tomb was used as a palace retreat before its final use as the emperor's resting Hue Vietnam place. Finish up the day at Khai Dinh's Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design but accented with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Enjoy Royal Party Dinner at Royal Park Restaurant. |  |
DAY 13 (B): Hué - Hoi An
Today you'll arrive in Hoi An, a real highlight of your Vietnam trip. Situated in the central region, the historical town is a perfect place to break up the journey from north to south. It is popular with backpackers who are drawn here by the wide range of quirky restaurants and cafes, the inexpensive tailors, and the lovely nearby beach.
| There is plenty to do in and around Hoi An. You can get measured up for a suit, or pedal about town on a rented pushbike. You could also cycle past the paddy fields to the sandy beach. Choose a spot under a thatched parasol with a book and some freshly sliced pineapple. At sunset, the local people flock to the beach to cool off and play some football after a long day at work. |  |
DAY 14 (B,L): My Son Holy land
In the morning : go by coach to My Son Sanctuary, a religious sanctuary of the once flourishing Champa Kingdom from the 4th century. On the way visit local villagers who breed silkworms and weave silk.
In the afternoon: take a boat trip on the graceful Thu Bon river and stop to visit the traditional ceramic and carpentry villages.
DAY 15 (B,L): Cham island
- 8.30 am : Pickup and tranfer to Cua Dai pier
- 9.00-9.30 am : Relax & enjoy the beautiful landscape on the speed boat to Cham Island
- 9.30-10.10 am : Visit Bai Lang ( Au thuyen - Tay Tang Pagoda - Fishing Village)
- 10.10-11.10 am : Tranfer to Bai Xep for snorkeling. Enioy fresh fruit and cold water.
- 11.10 am -14.00 pm : Go to Bai Chong to relax - Swim - Sunbath and enjoy fresh seafood.
- 15.30 pm : Return to your hotel. Relax
DAY 16 (B): Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Today, you' ll leave Hoi An, probably with a whole new wardrobe. You'll take a quick domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. We'll book your flight, but you'll organise your own taxis or rickshaws to and from the airports. This is extremely easy to do. Once you've settled in at your comfortable hotel, you can explore the city at your own pace. You'll stay in a luxury room with air-conditioning for a leisurely 3 nights. The hotel is just around the corner from Tham Street, the centre of the bustling backpackers in Saigon. The area is literally crammed with dozens of cosy local restaurants and souvenir shops.
DAY 17 (B,L): Cao Dai temple - Cu Chi Tunnels
The Great Holy See Temple, built in 1926, is considered one of the most striking structures in all of south-east Asia. It is the centre of Caodaism, a religion that blends Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism. Explore this fascinating site and attend the colorful noon-day mass held by the Cao Dai followers. It is an experience not to be missed. After lunch, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
|
Cu Chi is a tranquil place of rice paddy fields with ducks and water buffalos bathing in the rivers alongside the road. But this peaceful rural scene belies the terrible destruction and defoliation caused by bombing and mines when Cu Chi was a "Free Target Zone". Cu Chi still contains plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here and all over this area you will find the remnants of war
|  |
DAY 18 (B/L/D): Saigon - Mekong Delta overnight on boat
Mekong Delta, where the mighty Mekong River approaches and fans out into the sea, is a colorful and vibrant region. Deemed as the rice bowl of Vietnam, it is home to a complex system of distributaries and is dotted with countless rice fields, fruit orchards, handicraft villages and floating markets. The best way to experience Mekong Delta's endless waterways is none other than an overnight cruise.
| This morning, leave Ho Chi Minh City for the 2.5-hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. On arrival, board your boat for an overnight cruise. Start in Cai Be floating market where traders have been living on the delta waters for generations. After visiting the market, continue cruising the distributaries where lunch will be served en-route. Along the way admire the scenery and daily life of the local villagers. Dinner and overnight on board your boat on the Mekong Delta. |  |
DAY 19 (B/L): Mekong Delta - Saigon
This morning, cruise to Cai Rang floating market, taking in the traditional sights such as rice barges, traditional shipyards and tropical fruits drying along the river banks along the way. After a visit to the colorful floating market, check out and disembark before the return to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 20 (B,L): Saigon - Mui Ne
|
Leave Ho Chi Minh City by road for Phan Thiet. The scenic 200km drive north on Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations. Nearer to Phan Thiet the terrain changes to arid semi-desert with cactus plants and strange looking dragon fruit trees. Arrive in Phan Thiet in the late morning and check into resort. The rest of day is free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.
|  |
DAY 21 (B): Mui Ne
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach. For the more active, golf is available nearby. Overnight in Mui Ne.
DAY 22 (B): Mui Ne - Saigon
On Day 22, you'll leave Mui Ne and return to Saigon. You'll spend the final night of the trip in a comfortable hotel in the centre of the city, just round the corner from all the lively shops and eateries.
DAY 23 (B): Departure from Ho Chi Minh city
This morning, you'll enjoy a final breakfast in Saigon before checking out of your hotel. It’s easy to sort out a taxi to take you to the airport, and the hotel receptionist will be happy to help. Please remember that you'll need to pay departure tax when leaving Vietnam.
Including:
• Accommodation at selected hotels.
• Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers.
• Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers.
• Entrance fees for all sights visited.
• Breakfast, Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (B,L,D)
• Two domestic flights
Excluding:
• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc....
• Tips
• Personal insurance
• Any domestic flights not mentioned
• International departure airport tax (normally included in your ticket price)
Price: Available upon Request
