15 DAYS – FANTASTIC VIETNAM TOUR IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE
This is one of the most wonderful tour we have had. In fact, this tour package is highly rated by our customers. This is about more than two weeks of a holiday across Vietnam at its most beautiful and diverse. From Hanoi capital with more than 1000 years of history, culture and architecture. Then Puluong with hiking trips in the most pristine mountainous areas. Then Ninh Binh where there are many monuments and beautiful landscapes, you will have dream-like experiences, especially in Trang An boat route. And after weeks traveling, Ha Long Bay is probably a great reward. After that we continue to move to the Vietnam centre. That is Hue which was once the capital of Vietnam in the 19th century with palaces, temples, and tombs of kings like in movies. To Hoi An - an ancient seaport more than 300 years old - an Unesco world heritage site. And the last, the vibrant Saigon, a city that never sleeps. This tour challenges for both your mind and health. It will truly be an experience you have never had in your life.
BRIEF SCHEDULE
Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi - Full day city tour - Water puppet show (B/L)
Day 3: Hanoi – Puluong Natural Reserve (B/L)
Day 4: Puluong Natural Reserve – Market soft hiking – Swimming and reading afternoon (B/L)
Day 5: Puluong Natural Reserve – Ninh Binh (B/L)
Day 6: Ninh Binh – The best attractions of Ninh Binh (B/L)
Day 7: Ninh Binh – Halong bay: Natural Wonder (B/L/D)
Day 8: Halong bay - Lan Ha bay - Exploration (B/L/D)
Day 9: Halong bay - Hue city (Ancient Capital) (B)
Day 10: Hue city – Full day Hue Royal City (B/L)
Day 11: Hue - Hoi An ancient town - The Lantern city (B/L)
Day 12: Hoi An – Ancient town exploration (B/L)
Day 13: Hoi An – Saigon city arrival (The Pearl Of The Orient) (B)
Day 14: Saigon - Discovering French colonial buildings And Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
Day 15: Saigon – Hue city (Ancient Capital) (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 oldest city in Vietnam. Hanoi is the capital as well as the economic, political, cultural center of Vietnam in more than 1000 years where most of dynasties left their marks. Therefore, Hanoi is very rich in historical sites and beautiful landscapes. Hanoi is leading the country in the number of relics and so many traditional trade villages, architecture heritage and a system of museums. Each region is a cultural layer with different origins. What you will see in Hanoi will truly amaze you.
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.
*Self - Guided time in Hanoi: It would be very interesting to take a walk around Hanoi old quarter, specially Hoan Kiem lake and to observe the differences in architecture colors and the local daily busy life.
- Welcome Board
- Private transfer: 45 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi
- Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - City tour full day – water puppet shows (B/L)
Hanoi is a very interesting city with a lot of value. Exploring 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 in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century. Then visiting the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Visiting the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus flower 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.
In the afternoon, visiting 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.
Finishing 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 in Hanoi
- Private group: 7 hours
Day 3: Hanoi – Pu Luong Natural Reserve - Boat trip and water wheels (B/L)
Have breakfast at the hotel and meet your driver, who will take you to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. Have a delicious lunch upon arrival at your accommodation, and have a rest after the trip. Explore the beautiful place you stay with captivating panoramic views and a tranquil setting.
In the afternoon, you will drive to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you will begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Then visit the local fisherman’s house, and have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views together with learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts.
When you arrive at a scenic Tan Lap Bridge, disembark from the boat and head back to your resort to have dinner.
- Overnight in Pu Luong
Day 4: Pu Luong Natural Reserve: Soft hiking – Swimming and reading afternoon (B/L)
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.
It's a fact that you often spend the night in very nice hotels but you never have time to enjoy its services. Today, in a quiet place like Puluong, after a morning of activities, give yourself a complete afternoon to pamper, rest and recover your body. Those moments of lounging by the swimming pool reading a book are probably the best reward for you.
Day 5: Puluong Natural Reserve – Ninh Binh (B/L)
Heading to ninh Binh – one of best tourist attractions in Vietnam. This takes you 3 hours and haft.
Arriving in Tam Coc - Ninh Binh, a beautiful landscape area at noon. You will see the beauty of flat land with different paddle fields then checking in hotel before having nice lunch.
After lunch, you will have a romantic time riding on a bamboo boat and traveling along a small river called Ngo Dong. On both sides of the river are rice fields. This is the oldest bamboo boat route in Vietnam and this is the place that makes people call Ninh Binh the Halong Bay On Land. A scene that is both peaceful and romantic.
Then talk to tourguide how to take an activity that fits you most: walking 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.
Day 6: Ninh Binh – The best attractions of Ninh Binh (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.
Day 7: Ninh Binh to Halong bay: Natural wonder of the world (B/L/D)
The trip to Halong bay and staying overnight on a cruise is the highlight for most travelers, and you are probably no exception.
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.
Today could be the biggest reward after long days of traveling to some northern Vietnam provinces. You will cross 4 delta provinces to reach Halong Bay, a natural heritage and wonder of the world. A beautiful yacht is waiting to welcome you, taking you out to the bay with a view beyond words. All fatigue will quickly disappear when you see with your own eyes the majestic scenery of limestone mountains that seem to open up to welcome you into another world. You can participate in on-board activities such as visiting caves, kayaking, swimming or simply stay on the ship to rest with a cocktail.
The end of the day awaits you with sunset. Night falls on Halong Bay with a shimmering scene of ships. You will never forget this moment. The manager of the cruise will convey to you the specific schedule when you board the cruise ship.
- Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions
- Private transfer:3.5 hours from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
- Overnight on cruise
Day 8: Ha Long bay - Lan Ha bay: Exploration (B/L/D)
Today you will explore more deeply about the Halong region. Halong is not only beautiful in appearance. Inside it contains many other interesting things for you to explore. Today activities include biking in Viet Hai Village & Relaxing at Ba Trai Dao Area 3D2N (Stellar Of The Seas)
Day 9: Halong bay - Hue city (Ancient Capital) (B)
Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.
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. 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.
Day 10: Hue city – Full day Hue Royal City (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 am.
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.
You will be back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.
Overnight in Hue
Day 11: Hue city - ancient town Hoi An - The Lantern city (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 12: Hoi An – Ancient town exploration (B/L)
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.
Walking around tourist attractions in Hoi An town.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 13: Hoi An – Saigon city arrival (The Pearl Of The Orient) (B)
Relaxing the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the Da Nang airport to take the flight to Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh city) - Travel To The Pearl Of The Orient. Welcome to Saigon, the southern gateway of Vietnam. This is the most vibrant city in Vietnam.
When you arrive in Sai Gon city, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city centre. The rest of the time is free at leisure.
Take advantage of your time wandering the streets of Saigon city. You will find this city very lively, a very busy but very lovely city. Saigon people are very friendly. Sit down at a cafe shop to see the rhythm of Saigon life flowing by, regain energy after a long flight to prepare to explore Saigon the next day.
Overnight in Saigon
Day 14: Saigon - Discovering French colonial buildings And Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
With over 300 histories, Saigon holds a lot of historical value, interesting cultural layers and it is waiting to be explored by you. Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which has a vast display of both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, depart for Cu Chi tunnel. The trip will take approximately one and a half hour bus driving. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction 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. The tunnels include specially 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 many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, try a special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war). Later you will be back at your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon
Day 15: Day 11: Farewell – Sai Gon city 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.
The tour ends here!
Thank you and see you in other tours!
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THINGS INCLUDED
Accommodation
3-stars hotels:
Ho Chi Minh: Queen Ann Hotel or similar
Hue: Cherish Hue Hotel or similar
Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Mina Hotel and Spa Hanoi or similar
Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat or similar
Ninh Binh: Le Clos Du Fil hotel
Halong Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar
4-stars hotels:
Ho Chi Minh: Alagon Sai Gon Hotel or similar
Hue: Eldora Hotel or similar
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat or similar
Ninh Binh: Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
Halong Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
5-stars hotels:
Ho Chi Minh: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar
Hue: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel and Spa or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar
Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat or similar
Ninh Binh: Emeralda Resort Tam Coc
Halong Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program)
Guide
Experienced English speaking guide
French/German/Spanish/Russian/Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied
Meals
As per the tour program:
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D= Dinner
Transport
- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car
- Air-conditioned bus or private cars for the excursions
Flights
- Hanoi to Da Nang (with 20 kg luggage allowance)
- Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh (with 20 kg luggage allowance)
No international or other internal flights are included in the tour price.
** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Vexperi Travel as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process.
Other included
– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary
– Tissues and water on coach
– Service charges and government tax
– 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
– Vietnam Visa letter approval
- Insurance
Other not included
X International flights and departure taxes
X Optional Tour
X Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
X Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned)
X Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet)
X Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday in Vietnam, Local New Year in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand) if applicable
X Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am
X Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person)
X Services not mentioned above
