Itinerary in brief:
Day 1: Ho chi minh arrival
Day 2: Ho chi minh city – Cu chi Tunnel (B, L)
Day 3: Ho chi minh – Mekong delta – Ho chi minh (B, L)
Day 4: Ho chi minh – Dalat flight (B, L)
Day 5: Dalat - Eelephant Waterfall - Flower garden – Coffee Garden - Cricket farm( B, L )
Day 6: Dalat – Nha trang (B)
Day 7: Nha Trang island tour (B, L)
Day 8: Nha trang – Danang flight – Hoian ancient town(B, L)
Day 9: Tra Que vegetable village – biking – cooking class Tour half day ( B, L )
Day 10: Hoian – Danang - Bana Hills with Golden bridge – Danang ( B, L )
Day 11: Danang – Hue (B, L)
Day 12: Hue – Hanoi flight (B)
Day 13: Hanoi city tour (B, L)
Day 14: Hanoi – Sapa by sharing limousine – Cat cat village – Silver waterfall – Heaven Gate ( B, L)
Day 15: Sapa – Lao chai- Tavan villages – back Hanoi by sharing luxury limousine ( B, L )
Day 16: Hanoi – Halong bay cruise (B, L, D)
Day 17: Halong – Hanoi (B, L)
Day 18: Hanoi departure (B)
Itinerary in Details:
Day 1: Ho chi minh arrival
Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are warmly welcomed and transfered to hotel by Asia View Travel guides with signboard, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh. (The first day’s program can be re-arranged according to your arrival time in Ho chi minh).
Day 2: Ho chi minh city – Cu chi tunnel – Ho chi minh ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, driver to Cu chi tunnel. Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. Visitors to our country should not miss a visit to this underground village with us intricate network of over 200 km of tunnels at Ben Dinh, 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Don"t miss the experience a short, exciting trip through this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels. In addition, green paddy fields along the road to Cu Chi, and see local peasants at work and buffaloes led by children…These are really pleasant sights and will offer you some insights into Vietnamese agriculture as well .
Back Ho chi minh city at noon time.
Afternoon explore the city: visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Opera House and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.
Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 3: Ho chi minh – Mekong delta – Ho chi minh ( B, L )
You will be picked up at your hotel, transfer to My Tho, 80 km from Ho chi minh city. It takes you around 2 hours to get the area. This trip provides a look at a wide variety of the life and scenery on Vietnam River from the peaceful Delta.
On arrival at My Tho, you will take the leisurely motorized boat on the Tien River through the four beautiful islands known as Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island.
On the way, you will see the fishing port, stilt houses, floating fishing village.
The boat trip will lead you to Thoi Son island, walk into the village, visit fruit garden, enjoy the tropical fruits while listening "Southern Vietnamese folk music". Here we also can join the daily activities of the local people and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful natural countryside, taste the relaxing honey tea, local jam, visit coconut candy factory, specialties of Mekong river area. Time for you to ride a horse cart under shadow of lush fruits orchards, lines of green coconut trees in calm village. Then take an amazing rowing boat trip on the small canal - fully covered by the shadow of the water coconut’s tree and cool breezes.
Lunch will be served in the heart of the orchard garden, where you will enjoy countryside delicacies.
All make you feel like living in the past in peaceful and beautiful Mekong delta, forget all difficulties in life and relax totally.
Your expectations will be fulfilled by final boat trip back to My Tho on the Tan Thach natural canal.
Take 2 hour drive back Ho chi minh city, check in, relax.
Day 4: Ho chi minh – Dalat flight ( B, L )
This morning pick up at hotel, transfer to airport for to Dalat. Pick up at Dalat airport, transfer to hotel.
Check in hotel up on arrival in Dalat.
We then visit the Truc Lam Zen Monastery by cable car, at present is the biggest Zen University in Vietnam, enjoying airy space at Robin Hill, Dalat Cable Car Station to get the panorama view of the Dalat City and enjoy the marvelous sight of the pine forested valley stretched down to the South. Please dress decently, a very quiet scenery beside it’s beautiful flower garden, which is built on the top of Phoenix Hill. Next place is the Domaine De Marie Church. The church is designed in European style but is more innovative than classical architecture. The church is used for local praying and helping disabled children.
Then time is on your own to explore Dalat by yourself, wander around Dalat market, visit Xuan Huong Lake. Remember that coffee and cake in Dalat are some of the best in Vietnam and easily to be found in any finer cafes. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.
Day 5: Dalat - Eelephant Waterfall - Flower garden – Coffee Garden - Cricket farm( B, L )
Picking you up from hotel and leaving the city centre for a wonderful excursion of Elephant falls. The first stop en route must be at Van Thanh traditional flower farm village. Taking photos of flowers planted in the greenhouses of local farmers will be a great trip collection for your journey in the southern central highlands. Keep heading up to the coffee plantation at Ta Nung village to find out what amazing procedures of coffee processing . Savoring local coffee on the terrace of the long house and enjoying the beautiful panoramic scenes of a lake and coffee fields. Another option is that you can also witness a fantastic model of breeding and making local weasel coffee- one of the best coffee bean in Dalat city by farmers there. The next stop is at a cricket farm of a young guy in the village modeling for poverty elimination and livelihood option for the youth in the region. Perhaps, you should also try some yummy fried crickets with chili sauce for a new experience. A local rice wine distillery stop will make your trip more unforgettable as well as the weasel farm.
Taking a short drive to get to a silk worm factory where sericulture has been developed for more than 100 years by local people in the region . Breeding silkworm and planting mulberries have become the traditional livelihood for the local farmers. Tourists will behold a great process of a silkworm spinning and enclosing themselves into a cocoon and of unraveling filament from cocoon, ect,. Local silk productions here are very qualitative and beautiful so just make your pocket happier. The last stop will be at Elephant falls one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Dalat and Linh An pagoda inhabiting nearby. Trekking from the top to the bottom of the falls for photos shoot is very nice but a little bit steep and slippery during the wet season around April till November. Bringing good walking shoes with you is recommended.
Day 6: Dalat – Nha trang ( B )
This morning tranfer to Nhatrang. It takes you around 3,5 hours to travel from Dalat to Nha trang. Our destination for today is Nha Trang, the country's premier Resort town. This part of the country was once inhabited by an ancient civilization known as the Cham, and our next stop will be at the Po Klong Garai Cham tower. This amazing structure, which has endured the test of time, the elements and indeed war, was built in the 13th century. Arrive in Nha trang, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Nha trang.
Day 7: Nha trang island tour ( B, L )
Oceanographic Institute - Tranh Beach - Mun Marine Park - Fishing Village - Con Se Tre Village
Start from your hotel to Cau Da port in the morning. The Oceanographic Institute nearby the Nhatrang Port is the first place to visit where you can sea the full collection of sea creatures of Nhatrang bay before embarking & cruising to the islands. Many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nests from the boat. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island or Con se tre village. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore.
Day 8: Nha trang – Danang flight – Hoian ancient town ( B, L )
This morning transfer to the airport for flight to Danang. Arriving in Danang international airport, the guide will pick you up and transfer to Hoian.
Today we have a lot of time to explore Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders. Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also famous for it's shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here!
Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 9:Tra Que vegetable village – biking – cooking class Tour half day ( B, L )
If you can not bike, we can arrange car transfer as well.
Distance: ∼10km
• Transport: Bicycle
• Activities: Cycling, gardening activities, relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs, cooking classes and lunch at local family
Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside of Vietnam, the noise of the city a distant memory. After passing through town and along quiet roads, you will come to Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live here and cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs including mint, lettuce, basil, cilantro, broccoli among others. More than 40 hectares of land and 8 tons of Tra Que vegetables are sold every year. The vegetable growers do not use pesticides or GMOs, instead they rely on a seaweed that is found in the local river that is harvested by boat every morning.
At Tra Que village you will be warmly welcomed by Mr. Minh and his family – a 3 generation with a refreshing 'basil juice, and after your welcome drink you can stroll through the village and meet local people who work in the garden. The local farmers will teach you their cultivation methods, and how to protect developing vegetables from the insects.
You will also join the farmers in gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting, and tending greens.
After working on the farm you can relax by soaking your feet in a local herbal remedy, as well as Chinese traditional medicine to reduce your aches and pains.
Your next adventure is to prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make Tam Huu, spring roll, Banh Xeo, pancake, which you will then be able to enjoy along with other local Vietnamese delicacies.
After lunch you will be able to rest before returning to your hotel.
Menu 1:
Hoian Nem Hoian Crispy Pancakes Tam Huu: Port, shrimp, herbs Grilled fish with curcumas in banana leaf Sautéed Vegetables with the garlic Spinach Soup Steamed Rice Desert.
Menu 2:
Banana flower Salad Spring rolls with shrimp White rose Caramel fish in clay pot Sautéed Vegetables with the garlic Spinach Soup Steamed Rice Desert.
Afternoon free at leisure and discover Hoian by yourself. You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. Perhaps you would like to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson. One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town!.
Day 10: Hoian – Danang - Bana Hills with Golden bridge – Danang ( B, L )
After breakfast at hotel, head out to Ba Na hills. Take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of French. Continue moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range, visiting Nginh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden… Experience hill climbing train (first and unique funicular in Vietnam) and visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), flower garden Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda.
You should not miss walking on the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang City.
Have buffet lunch at restaurant.
Afternoon: Free time for you to enjoy the amazing view in Ba Na Hills and do the great photoshoot.
15:00 catch the Cable car to Toc Tien Station and drive to Danang city, check in, relax.
Overnight at hotel in Danang.
Day 11: Danang – Hue ( B, L )
This morning say good bye Daanng and embark on northern bound journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Arrival Hue, check in, relax.
Afternoon we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 12: Hue city – Hanoi flight ( B, )
After breakfast, we embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River, viewing the city and the tranquil villages on the riverbank. We will walk up to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a nicely located pagoda, overlooks the Perfume River and the beautiful scenery beyond, where you get to learn more about the Buddhism in Vietnam. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Khai Dinh, built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperor final resting place.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Ha Noi. The guide in Hanoi will pick you up, transfer the city center, check in, relax.
Day 13: Hanoi city tour ( B , L )
Breakfast at hotel, This morning we start city tour with the Ho Chi Minh Complex from outside. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on every Monday, Friday, and from 15th June to 15th August for annual maintenance), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, We continue to visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple, do a cyclo tour around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Time for shopping in the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, Hang Gai Street, Hang Bong Street, Hang Ngang Street…
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 14: Hanoi – Sapa by sharing limousine – Cat cat village – Heaven gate - Silver waterfall ( B, L )
This morning you will be picked up at hotel by shuttle limousine, start the trip to Sapa. It takes you around 5,5 hour drive in a very good road – New Highway to Sapa. Arrive in Sapa at around 12:30 PM. Local guide in Sapa will welcome you, help to check in hotel, relax.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon we do the a tour with car and guide to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, and Sansaho village home to the H'mong hill tribes minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Continue to toward the Silver Waterfall where you will be able to take a short walk to waterfall. You will then drive further to Heaven Gate, the highest peak of roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains as well as enjoy stunning views. The walk commences at a point nearby the waterfall, by a descent on a trail through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. Transfer back Sapa town. Time for you to explore Sapa town. You can wander around the local market, the shopping streets with many colorful handicrafts. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Day 15: Sapa – Lao chai- Tavan villages – back Hanoi by sharing luxury limousine ( B, L )
After breakfast, we start the trip ( by car )to the South East of Sapa alongside Muong Hoa valley, down to Lao Chai village, take picture of paddle field and visit minority house and school. The lovely walk that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages - study textile tradition of craft women o Black H'mong and Red Dzao.
Back Sapa Town for lunch
Get ready to take on the luxury coach back Hanoi, sharing with other passengers. The trip takes around 5,5 hour in a very good road – New Highway, schedule is 3:00 – 8:30 PM.
Check in upon arrival.
Day 16 : Ha Noi - Ha Long bay cruise ( B,L,D )
Breakfast at hotel, 8:30 – 9:00 AM our bus will pick you up from your hotel, transfer to Halong bay. Our driver will take a 10 – 15 minutes break by a station for guests to rest on the way.
12:00 – 12:30 Embark on Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing.
13:30 – 14:30 Savor a delectable lunch as cruises among the limestone islands.
15:00 – 16:00 Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave - the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16:00 – 17:00 Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17:00 – 17:30 Return to the main boat and continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoy beautiful seascape on the way.
17:30 – 19:00 Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
19:00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.
Overnight on board.
Day 17: Halong – Hanoi ( B, L )
06:30 – 07:15 Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07:30 – 08:30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
09:00 – 10:00 Kayak around the Luon Cave.
10:15 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10:15 – 11:00 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
11:00 – 12:15 While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
Our bus will transfer you back to Hanoi.
14:30 – 15:00 : Arrive back to your hotel in Hanoi, check in, relax.
Day 18: Hanoi departure ( B )
Breakfast at hotel, free until transfer to airport for departure flight. End of tour.
Note: Room available till 12:00 PM. If you request late check out, please advice in advance!
Price
We offer different price for different travel period and quote from budget travel to luxury highen, no hidden cost.
Tour includes:
• All accommodation in double / twin room with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• 2 days 1 night Halong bay cruise – join in group ( private cabin – sharing boat, tour guide, shuttle bus )
• Tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles ( sharing luxury coach for Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi & Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi )
• Flight ticket : Ho chi minh – Dalat, Nhatrang - Danang, Hue - Hanoi
• Private English speaking guide during guided time ( sharing tour guide on Halong cruise )
• Meal as itinerary with local food (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Boat cruise as stated
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water during sightseeing tour
• Government taxes & Service charges
Tour excludes:
• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Vietnam visa ( If request, E- Visa available at 25 USD / person )
• Early check in or Late check out
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
• Tips & Gratuties