20 DAYS - VIETNAM UNFORGETTABLE LIFE TRIP
The best of Vietnam in 18day tour that challenges your mind and your health, too. From Hanoi - ancient city of more than 1000 years old then splendid valleys and mountains in Sa Pa to spotless beaches in Hoian. Not to mention your heart will be taken by the charming old town of Hoi An. Besides that, you cannot miss the magnificent Halong bay and be ready to be fascinated by the famous Cu Chi tunnels used during the Vietnam war. This is going to be a remarkable trip in your life as Vietnam will also surprise you with friendly people and stunning cuisine.
BRIEF SCHEDULE
Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi Free day – Street food tour (B/D)
Day 3: Hanoi - Full day Hanoi city tour (B/L)
Day 4: Hanoi – Puluong Natural Reserve (B/L)
Day 5: Puluong Natural Reserve – Exploration (B/L)
Day 6: Puluong Natural Reserve – Ninh Binh (B/L)
Day 7: Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park – biggest Vietnam jungle (B/L)
Day 8: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Trang An heritage site (B/L)
Day 9: Free day in Ninh Binh (B)
Day 10: Ninh Binh – Halong bay (B/L/D)
Day 11: Halong bay - Lan Ha bay - Exploration (B/L/D)
Day 12: Halong – Hue city (Ancient Capital) (B/L)
Day 13: Hue city - The Royal City of Hue (B/L)
Day 14: Hue city - Ancient town Hoi An - The Lantern city (B/L)
Day 15: Hoi An leisure (B)
Day 16: Hoi An – Hoi An Eco tour (Optional Tour)
Day 17: Hoi An – Saigon city (The Pearl Of The Orient) (B)
Day 18: Saigon - Mekong delta excursion on the mighty (B/L)
Day 19: Discover the mysterious Cu Chi tunnels (B/L)
Day 20: Time to say goodbye – Saigon departure (B)
Wish you all the best and see you soon!
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DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi arrival - Street food tour (D)
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Your driver and tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Check into the hotel and have free time to explore the city at your own pace, or rest after the flight.
- Welcome Board
- Private transfer: from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi/45 minutes
Day 2: Hanoi Free day – Street food tour (B/D)
*Self - Guided Day in Hanoi Self guided
Spend the rest of the day exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter by foot or on a three-wheeled cyclo. For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien to try the beloved Hanoian dish bun cha (noodle soup with grilled pork). This restaurant's interpretation of the dish is so famous that it's served guests like Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain. Sip cocktails on the Pan Pacific Hotel's rooftop bar and soak in sunset views over Tay Ho (West Lake) to wrap up your evening in style.
*Hanoi Street food tour
On a nearly 3-hour walking tour, you’ll explore the culture, and history of Hanoi, and step into a world full of street food vendors. Unlike big cities all around the world, street food in Hanoi is not just hot dog carts and pretzel stands, we offer an opportunity to try out 5-6 different dishes at the local food stand, family restaurants… A rotating menu from day to day to represent the variety of delicious options, but tastings might include – but are subject to change: rice noodle soup with beef, rice noodle with chicken, rice noodle with grilled pork, snail, or dry noodle, sticky rice, along with various kinds of donut, steamed pancake or Vietnamese sandwiches.
Day 3: Hanoi - Full day hanoi city tour – Water puppet show (B/L)
Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes.
The first place is Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century. This is listed one of the most 16 beautiful pagodas in the world by UK Daily Mail. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups.
Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water. The show uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music. Overnight at the hotel.
- Private group/ 7 hours
Day 4: Hanoi – Puluong Natural Reserve (B/L)
Around 7:00: Transfer Hanoi - Pu Luong. You enter Pu Long Nature Reserve by road via a breath taking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.
After check-in the resort, you head to the Cham River with a suspension bridge where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts. Via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman's bamboo tent, you have a short rest to gear up for the rafting adventure with them. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to the hotel.
- Private transfer: 4,5 hours from Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- Bamboo rafting will depend on the conditional weather
Day 5: Puluong Natural Reserve – Exploration (B/L)
In the morning, we will hike 4km through fields and small villages. In particular, we will visit Muong Kho village and Muong Kho bat cave. This is one of the best points of Pu Luong. A village hidden behind mountains with poetic landscape. A giant cave that is 250 million years old is waiting for you to explore.
After a few hours of operation. A lunch filled with local flavors will await you. You will definitely love its taste because all the visitors love it.
After refueling with lunch and resting a bit. In the afternoon, we will explore one more wonderful hiking route. What awaits you is a majestic nature with only trees, grass, flowers, streams, and wind. A 6km long path is waiting for you to conquer.
(If you don't like this seemingly difficult challenge, you can choose another easier path. Halfway through, we will give you another experience. That is to sit on the motorbike and go to the meeting point).
End of a long day of activity. The resort's swimming pool and delicious dinner await you.
- Private group / 8 hours
Day 6: Puluong Natural Reserve – Ninh Binh (B/L)
8:00: Opening a new day with fresh air and majestic beauty of view from the resort.
After nice breakfast and coffee time. 8:00, driver and tour guide will take you to Pho Doan local market. We must say that it is another world: poor life but so interesting. All products are made and found by locals sold and displayed there.
Take time to feel it until you think it is enough for you then following the tour guide. He will take you along the villages, the fields, You'll have chance to engage with locals here and see their rural way of life. Sometimes, on your roads, there would be other spaces that open in your eyes. They are beautiful paddle fields or rice terraces. That moment, just stop and have your own best pics to keep something about that area.
At the end of hiking tour, delicious lunch is waiting for you.
After lunch, driver and tour guide will take you to Tam Coc – Ninh Binh, a center of tourism in Ninh Binh province. You will see the beauty of flat land with different paddle fields.
Just check in the hotel or resort before taking time to talk a walk around or riding on a bike to see around. You would never be upset. That area is so lovely and poetic.
Back to hotel to take a bath and have a great dinner.
- Private transfer from Pu Luong Nature Reserve to Ninh Binh: 3.5 hours
Day 7: Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong national park – biggest Vietnam jungle (B/L)
Cuc Phuong National Forest is the earliest forest established in Vietnam since 1962. It is considered a model of environmental protection where people must learn to live together rather than completely exploit natural resources. forest. Currently, Vietnam has about 38 national forests, but Cuc Phuong is still the largest forest, home to many rare species of animals and plants. Especially rare wood trees that are from 500 to more than 1,000 years old.
Have you seen movies about the jungle? It is Cuc Phuong in real life with giant vines and can be up to 2km long. In addition, the cave of prehistoric people is a place not to be missed. The tour guide will tell you more about this place.
- Private group / 8 hours
Day 8: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Trang An heritage site (B/L)
Embark on an exciting adventure with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital and first centralized feudal state from the late 10th century. Though the old citadel is mostly in ruins, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties remain and are surrounded by picturesque rice paddies.
Savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a variety of local dishes such as goat meat and fried rice.
After lunch, take a 2,5-hour bamboo boat ride to Trang An. It all comes together to form a masterpiece that the Vietnamese refer to as "Halong Bay on land."
This is a world heritage site with two values: cultural and natural. I really don't want to say much about it before you enjoy it for yourself. Imagine a fairy tale and you are a part of it. You will have wonderful moments to rest. Close your eyes to feel the wind and the sounds of birds around you.
If time allows, challenge yourself with 470 stone steps to conquer the top of Mount Mua, one of the attractive spots in Ninh Binh before returning to the hotel. This will be an unforgettable experience for you.
- Private group / 8 hours
Day 9: Free day in Ninh Binh (B)
After a whole week of traveling everywhere from the city to the plains followed by days in the high mountains. You've had days of non-stop activity. Today is probably the day you should rest to recharge your energy. It is to prepare for the wonderful days to come. Take a day to just wake up late, walk, drink coffee and admire the lake and clouds. You will feel great
Day 10: Ninh Binh – Halong bay (B/L/D)
7:30: Driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you along a scenic route to Halong Bay where you will board a cruise ship.
- Private transfer / 3.5 hours
* Getting on Cruise and running to the sea from Tuan Chau habour.
Onboarding - Visit Dark & Bright Cave 2D1N (Stellar Of The Seas)
Welcome aboard and refresh yourself with the welcome drink. Meet the captain, and crew for briefing and safety instructions.
12:30 approx: Check-in on the cruise.
13:00 approx: Enjoy lunch
14:00 approx: Receive key and check-in the cabin.
14:30 – 15:30 approx: Kayaking or Relaxing on a local rowboat to visit Dark and Bright cave.
15:30 – 17:30: Swimming around the cruise
18:00 approx: Cooking demonstration
18:00 – 19:00: Join the Happy Hour
19:00: Enjoy dinner
Overnight on cruise
- Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.
Day 11: Halong bay - Lan Ha bay - Exploration (B/L/D)
Today, biking in Viet Hai Village & Relaxing at Ba Trai Dao Area 3D2N (Stellar Of The Seas)
5:45 – 6:15 approx: Enjoy the sunrise & join a golf class
6:15 – 6:35 approx: Taichi exercise
6:45 – 7:30 approx: Enjoy breakfast
7:30 – 9:45: Free time to relax on the cruise.
- Enjoy brunch
12:30 – 16:30 approx: Visit the Viet Hai floating village by electric car or bicycle. Then experience bathing and relaxing at the natural beach of the Ba Trai Dao area in Lan Ha Bay.
16:30 – 18:00 approx: Return to the boat- and relax on the cruise.
18:00 – 19:00 approx: Cooking demonstration. Join the Happy Hour program
19:00: Enjoy dinner
20:30: Join the fishing session at the aft of our cruise or relax at our swimming pool, mini-golf course, spa, etc.
Overnight on cruise
- Small group / Time out: 10 hours
Day 12: Halong – Hue city (Ancient Capital) (B/L)
Enjoy the last day in Ha Long bay. The feeling of waking up in the sea with so many islands and islets around make you relax and lazy. It is up to you. Tai Chi class starts from 6.30 but if you want to rest in bed, just miss it. But this is itinerary for the second day.
Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor.
- All activities depending on the weather condition on Stellar Of The Seas
Later you will be transferred back to Hanoi, from where you will take your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
Overnight in Hue city
Day 13: Hue city - The Royal City Of Hue (B/L)
Hue City is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Thua Thien Hue province, and used to be an old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. During this time, the most remarkable architectural monuments were constructed, which now are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 8:00 - 8:30
Start your exploration with the boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, which is the oldest pagodas in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you will also visit the Royal Antiques Museum to see the collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Then head to the bustling Dong Ba market.
Have delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, which represents the Confucian style. On the way, you will also visit conical hats and incense sticks villages.
Back to your hotel around 16:00-17:00 - Overnight in Hue.
Day 14: Hue city - The Lantern – ancient town Hoi An (B/L)
Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 15: Hoi An leisure (B)
Custom tailoring is a huge industry in Hoi An. Hoi An is home to more than 400 tailoring shops and thousands of tailors who are not only talented at making clothes but are skilled in making shoes and handbags as well! The average turnaround time for full suits is a day and about 4 hours for handbags or shoes! If you are interested in getting custom-made items, try to find a shop of your liking as early as possible during your visit.
The afternoon is the perfect time of day to see some of the famous sights within Hoi An. But first, before you set out on foot to discover the city, we recommend that you grab a Banh Mi sandwich to fuel you for the afternoon. Banh Mi Sandwich in Hoi An is both famous and different from any sandwich you will get in other parts of Vietnam. The bread and fillings are unique to the region and it is a great first insight into local cuisine. We highly recommend Madam Khanh’s stand, who has been dubbed the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An.
After dark, the Old Town in Hoi An transforms into a mystical row of lights and lanterns. In fact, Hoi An is a big center for paper lantern manufacturers and merchants. Every shop or establishment will have a few lanterns outside, but the real sight is the lantern market. Here you’ll be able to see how these lanterns are made and will have a plethora of choices should you wish to take some home with you.
After a stroll through the market, check out the outdoor traditional theatre. You will have a chance to see Vietnamese folk dancers and musicians perform traditional pieces. The theatre runs from 9 pm to 10 pm at the square on Nguyen Thai Hoc street. It is completely free and open to the public so it’s interesting to see, even if it’s just for a few minutes as you pass by. Before you get back to your hotel, be sure to light a candle box and set it in the water. Many kids sit along the banks of the channel and offer candles to you – remember to make a wish.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 16: Hoi An leisure (B) – Hoi An Eco tour (Optional Tour)
Today you will have free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace, seeing what interests you. This ancient town is full of Japanese merchant houses and pagodas, temples, and antique warehouses. Or just lounge about in a laid-back riverside café on the bank of the Thu Bon River.
(Optional Tour: Hoi An Eco tour)
Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 and take you for a cycle trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside, you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the neighborhood. After that, you will board a boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Later, you will take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. After the boat trip, have delicious lunch and cycle back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 17: Hoi An – Saigon city - travel to The Pearl Of The Orient city (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, taking the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in your hotel and free at your leisure time to get your energy back.
Overnight in Saigon
Day 18: Saigon - Mekong delta excursion on the mighty (B/L)
7:20: Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast and a trip to Mekong Delta follows, depart for My Tho, the town that lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit a honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time.
In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip
Return to Saigon - Overnight in Saigon
Day 19: Discover the mysterious Cu Chi tunnels (B)
Depart for Cu Chi tunnels, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours 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, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special 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 purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
- Return to Saigon - Overnight in Saigon
Day 20: Time to say goodbye – Saigon departure (B)
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Wish you all the best and see you soon!
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THINGS INCLUDED
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