Highlights of Vietnam

Duration: 21 Days

Highlights: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Danang - Hoian - My Son - Nha Trang - Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho

The most prominent feature of the Vietnamese culture is that it was not assimilated by foreign cultures thanks to the strong local cultural foundations. On the contrary, it was able to utilize and localize those from abroad to enrich the national culture. The Vietnamese national culture emerged from a concrete living environment: a tropical country with many rivers and the confluence of great cultures.

Type of tour: Group tour (Private tour upon request)
Standard:3star
Departure: Daily

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi Vietnam
Day 2: Hanoi sightseeing full day (B/L)
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay - overnight on board (B/L/D)
Day 4: Halong Bay cruise - Hanoi (Brunch)
Day 5: Sapa - Lover waterfall - Muong Hoa valley (B/L)
Day 6: Sapa - Suoi Ho - Ma Tra - Ta Phin - night train to Hanoi (B/L)
Day 7: Hanoi - Fly to Hue
Day 8: Full day sightseeing in Hue city - Old Imperial city (B/L)
Day 9: Hue - Da nang - My Khe beach - marble mountains - Hoi An (B/L)
Day 10: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon river boat trip (B/L)
Day 11: My Son santuary half day Tour & free shopping (B/L)
Day 12: Leave Hoi An to Nha Trang beach (B)
Day 13, 14: Nha Trang free at beach (B)
Day 15: Nha Trang - Da Lat - city of love (B/L)
Day 16: Da Lat sightseeing full day (B/L)
Day 17: Free at leisure in Da Lat - departure for Ho Chi Minh city (B)
Day 18: HCMC sightseeing full day (B/L)
Day 19: Discover Mekong delta (B/L) - boat trip
Day 20: Visit floating markets & village (B/L)
Day 21: HCMC departure (B)
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi Vietnam

Say hello to Hanoi. Warmly welcome by Tour Guide & Car Driver at airport then transfer you to Hanoi center, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks, and the capital of Vietnam. Check into your hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel
Activities: Car transfer
Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing full day (B, L)

Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French-style architecture. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead, including a visit to Ho Chi Minh complex and the Temple of Literature, founded by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Stop in the heart of Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, which contains an islet with a tiny Tortoise Pagoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral, Hoa Lo prison. Conclude with a visit to Bao Tang Lich, once the museum of l’Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient, which includes artifacts from Vietnam’s turbulent history. Water Puppet Show, Cyclo visiting Hanoi Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Note: This Hanoi city tour is designed for private. If you join a group, the program will be changed a little bit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel
Activities:Hanoi City tour
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Stay overnight on Board (B, L, D)

8:00 – 8:30, we’ll drive from Hanoi to one of the most magnificent scenic environments of the world, Halong Bay. Covering 577 square miles, this vast bay is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as your eyes can see. We’ll spend a day and a half, including an overnight with dinner and breakfast onboard, exploring this overwhelming seascape from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Comfortable and intimate, your boat features hand-crafted wooden interiors including a dining room and pleasant air-conditioned cabins with private baths. Since we’re overnight on the water, we’ll be able to explore Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots with time to swim and even visit some of the largest rock formations and caves. This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Asia. Stay overnight on Boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Halong Cruise
Activities: Halong Cruise trip
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi. (B, L)

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. Cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served while you are cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cruise check-out. Cruise check-out. Rejoin car drive back Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 4:00pm. Free at leisure until our guide comes and takes you to the train station for a night train to Sapa.
Option: Spend 1 more day on the Bay and explore Cat Ba island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight train Sapa
Activities: Halong cruise trip
Day 5: Sapa – Love waterfall – Muong Hoa valley (B/L)

Arrive in Lao Cai, pick up and drive uphill to SaPa for checking in to your hotel, freshening up and breakfast. A 40 minute drive takes you to Tram Ton Pass at the height of 2047 meters above sea level (the highest pass in Vietnam) where a panorama view of the surrounding mountains and lush forests of the Hoang Lien National Park is offered. From there you will trek 30 minutes through forest. Along the way you have many chances to see wild flowers. Trekking along Golden stream you will reach the Love Waterfall . Drive back to SaPa, have lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Muong Hoa valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in northwest Viet Nam. Descending into the valley by foot you will see the largest terraced paddy in the SaPa area. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of the Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of the Zay minority, providing the opportunity to see the different traditions and costumes of the two ethnic minority groups. Return to SaPa by car. Overnight in SaPa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sapa Hotel
Activities: Trekking Sapa
Day 6: Sapa – Suoi Ho – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Lao Cai – Hanoi (B/L)

We leave Sapa town, trekking to Suoi Ho village to see tea plantations and cardamom gardens. Follow the buffalo trails to visit the hospitable villages of the Black Hmong minority people in Ma Tra. After passing a school and scenic views enroute, a picnic lunch will be served. After lunch we continue our trek to Ta Phin village to visit Red Dao people and handicraft shops. In the afternoon we will reach the road where your driver is waiting to transport you back to Lao Cai station to catch the night train back to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight train
Activities: trekking Sapa
Day 7: Hanoi – Depart to Hue (B)

You are back to Hanoi in early morning. Enjoy your free time in Hanoi Old Quarter. Taking flight to Hue in noon time. When arrive in Hue City. Pick up & transfer to hotel for checking in. Overnight in Hue City.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hue Hotel
Activities: Flight to Hue
Day 8: Full day sightseeing in Hue City – Old Imperial City (B, L)

Spend full day to visit Hue City, Vietnam’s political capital from 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Traditionally, the city has been one of Vietnam’s cultural, religious and educational centers. Visit the Imperial City, which is located in the Citadel. Modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City was built in the early 19th century. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, with its spacious hall and ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns. See the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood. Overnight in Hue City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hue Hotel
Activities: Hue city tour
Day 9: Hue – Da Nang – My Khe beach – Marble mountains – Hoi An (B, L)

Today, journey south past the Hai Van Pass and Land Co, over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea, with spectacular views along the way. Upon arrival in Danang, visit the Cham Museum, which features a fine collection of open air sandstone carvings. Stop at My Khe Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name. It stretches for many miles north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains surrounding the area are five stone hillocks – once islands made of marble – and each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. There are many natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town. Check in hotel & overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel
Activities: Danang, Hoian City tour
Day 10: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon River Boat Trip (B, L)

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a major trading center, once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and other merchant vessels from the Far East. Visit a temple with partially gilded statues in the center, a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with origins in the 1700s that reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. Stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Late this afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bing Village on Cam Kim Island to see the wood workers and shipbuilding families. Return to your hotel with the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel
Activities: Hoian City tour
Day 11: My Son Sanctuary half day Tour & free go shopping (B, L)

Leave hotel at 8:00am. Drive to My Son, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Return to Town for lunch. In afternoon, free go shopping in Hoi An Town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hoian Hotel
Activities: Historic trip
Day 12: Leave Hoi An to Nha Trang Beach City (B)

Free for leisure in the morning until transfer to Da Nang Airport to take flight to Nha Trang Beach City – one of the most beautiful Beaches in over the World. Pick up & transfer to hotel. Check in & overnight in Nha Trang City.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nha Trang Hotel
Activities: Flight to Nha Trang
Day 13, 14: Nha Trang free at beach (B)

Today is a free day at leisure in Nha Trang for relaxing and unwinding at the resort overlooking beautiful Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nha Trang Hotel
Activities: Nha Trang beach
Day 15: Nha Trang – Da lat – City of Love (B, L)

Breakfast then leave Nha Trang beach City to Da Lat romantic City by car. Spend 4,5 hours on the car for sightseeing along the way. Arrive Da Lat in the noon time. After lunch, start visiting Da Lat as half day City Tour with palaces & Waterfalls. Late in the afternoon you will be able to take a short walk to get a feel for this delightful city. In the evening you will head out to one of the fine restaurants in town. Overnight in Da Lat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Da Lat Hotel
Activities: Dalat City tour
Day 16: Da Lat sightseeing full day (B, L)

Today you will take a tour of Da Lat and the surrounding areas. We will visit Bao Dai Palace . From here you visit the rather bizarre and very aptly named Crazy House, a brightly painted concrete house which winds itself around trees, mimicking their shapes. It now functions as a guesthouse. Next visit is Truc Lam Thien Vien and Pagoda. This afternoon, for those interested can take the short train ride on the Cremaillere railway to the village of Trai Mat. Overnight in Da Lat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Dalat Hotel
Activities: Dalat City tour
Day 17: Free at leisure in Dalat – Depart for Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Breakfast will be severed at hotel in the morning. Free to discover Dalat City in the morning. Leave Da Lat for Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon by Vietnam Airlines. Arrive Ho Chi City, warmly welcome by Tour Guide. Pick up & transfer to hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel
Activities: Flight to HCM City
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing full day (B, L)

Having breakfast at hotel & start visiting Saigon, the largest Vietnamese city. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. This teeming metropolis offers 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is the huge Chinese neighborhood called Cho Lon, which means “Big Market.” Notre Dame Cathedral, in the heart of Saigon’s government quarter, is of neo- Romanesque architecture with two high square tower and iron spires. The Central Post Office is French-style and City Hall, known as “Hotel de Ville,” is typical of the French architecture that would be seen in any village in France. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring collections of weapons and photographs from the two Indochina wars. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakast, Lunch
Accommodation:Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: HCM City tour
Day 19: Discover Mekong Delta/River (B, L)

Today takes you to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province. Situated on the Mekong River, 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the city is surrounded by orchards and rice fields, which produce grain for the entire country. Visit one or two of the islands that produce traditional handcrafts, coconut candy and bee farms. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest one in the delta on your boat trip on the Mekong River. Check in hotel & overnight in Can Tho City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Can Tho City Hotel
Activities: Mekong boat trip
Day 20: Visit floating Markets & Village (B, L)

Wake up in early morning to take the boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space to sell their goods and to experience the Mekong rural lifestyle. After sampling local fruits, our guide will escort the guests back to the hotel through myriad canals. Lunch at local restaurant before return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00pm. Free for leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: Mekong boat trip
Day 21: Conclude Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (B)

You have the morning free to relax before your return flight home. Goodbye & see you next time!

Inclusive

Accommodation on a twin-share basic with daily breakfast
Board in Halong Bay in twin-share cabin.
Flight tickets: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang, Dat Lat – Ho Chi Minh City
Meals as mentioned in the itineraries
All landed transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at airports on arrival and departure days
English or France Tour guide. Other languages on request
All entrance and sightseeing fees
Approval letter for landing visa to Vietnam

Exclusive

International airfare and airport taxes in Vietnam
Visa application fee to Vietnam
Personal expenses
Insurance
Tip for tour guide & driver

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Highlights of Vietnam

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