VIETNAM 15 – DAY EXPERIENCE

Greetings! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis with French influences. If you arrive ahead of schedule, you can explore Pham Ngu Lao Street, home to a bustling open-air market, or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Your journey commences with a group welcome gathering at 6 pm today, providing an opportunity to meet your tour leader and fellow adventurers. Following the welcome meeting, the group will dine together, indulging in a delectable array of dishes featuring tantalizing aromas and the freshness of herbs, lemongrass, and flavorful sauces

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
• Ho Chi Minh City – Welcome Dinner

Good to know

The arrival transfer is applicable when you arrive on Day 1 or if you’ve reserved pre-trip lodging via VNG. Please furnish your flight information during booking or at least 14 days before your trip. Requests made within 14 days of travel may not be confirmable.

Attending the welcome meeting is crucial as we’ll gather insurance details and next of kin information. In case of a delay, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception. For meeting details, check with reception or look for a notice in the lobby. If you can’t arrange a timely flight, consider arriving a day in advance to ensure your attendance. We can arrange extra accommodation upon request, subject to availability.

After having  breakfast this morning, you will venture outside of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which constitute a significant component of a vast war museum located near Ho Chi Minh City. This once Viet Cong stronghold provides valuable insights into the resourcefulness and resilience of the Vietnamese people, offering a window into life during the war. These underground tunnels, resembling an extensive maze spanning over 120 kilometers, feature trapdoors, living quarters, kitchens, storage spaces, armories, hospitals, and command centers.

Your historical journey continues as you return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the War Remnants Museum, where you will encounter various old military artifacts, including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you will have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Consider joining fellow travelers to visit landmarks like Notre Dame, the Post Office, or Reunification Palace.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Breakfast
• Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
• Ho Chi Minh City – War Remnants Museum

Good to know

Today’s total drive time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and head south by private bus to Ben Tre. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a traditional small boat to navigate the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, renowned as ‘Vietnam’s rice bowl’ due to its rice paddies, fruit, and flower orchards. During the boat journey, you’ll stop to taste fresh tropical fruits and visit local cottage industries. Subsequently, you’ll experience Vietnamese warmth as you taste a homemade Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family’s residence. As the sun sets, you’ll travel to your guesthouse for an overnight stay with the locals, enjoying another delightful meal showcasing regional delicacies.

Inclusion

• Guesthouse (1 night)
• Mekong Delta – Boat cruise with visits to local producers
• Mekong Delta – Home-cooked lunch
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Good to know

The total driving duration for today is estimated to be around 3 hours.

Your guesthouse is managed by local hosts and offers basic twin and double rooms. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Tonight, the restroom facilities may be communal, and access to hot water may be limited.

Enjoy more  the finest fruits of the Mekong Delta this morning. Afterwards, head back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll reach your destination in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to explore; you can venture out with fellow travelers to discover the city’s culinary delights, with your group leader well-informed about dining options catering to various budgets. You may also want to reserve some time to visit one of the city’s lively rooftop bars.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Breakfast

Good to know

The total driving duration for today is estimated to be around 3 hours.

This morning, you’ll catch a short flight to Danang and head to your next destination, Hoi An. Upon arriving in Hoi An, shake off the fatigue from your morning travel and savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch as a warm welcome to the city. We highly recommend trying the renowned Mi Quang or Cao Lau noodles, specialties of Central Vietnam. Following lunch, your guide will lead you on an introductory walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city served as a prominent trading hub with the West during the 16th and 17th centuries, resulting in a diverse architectural blend of European, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Today, ongoing restoration efforts have preserved its appearance much like it was over a century ago. Your stroll will encompass Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French colonial residences, wooden shop-houses, and historic canals. After the walking tour, you’ll have leisure time to engage in optional activities or immerse yourself in the town’s charming atmosphere. You might explore Hoi An Market and peruse street stalls offering a variety of goods, including artwork, woodcraft, ceramics, lanterns, and more.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hoi An – Old Town walking tour

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Good to know

The estimated duration for today’s flight is around 90 minutes, while the anticipated driving time is roughly 1 hour.

Enjoy a FREE day to further explore Hoi An and the stunning surroundings. Consider renting a bicycle for a ride to the nearby Cua Dai Beach, or opt for an Urban Adventure like “Hoi An Boat & Bike,” which provides a guided tour featuring a countryside bike excursion and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and Hoi An is no exception. To savor the rich flavors of Hoi An’s lively Old Town, consider joining the “Hoi An Food Adventure.” For more information, visit vngtours.com/multi desintation/Hoi-An-tours. If you’re interested in these optional activities and tours, your leader can assist with arrangements.

• Hoi An – Street Food Tour  – $40
• Hoi An – Hoi An Boat & Bike trip – $50

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Breakfast

Enjoy another day at your leisure in this historic haven. If you’re up for an early start, consider visiting the local produce market, where lively shoppers engage in negotiations over fresh fish, spices, and vegetables. Alternatively, if you prefer, your leader can assist in organizing optional activities such as a Vietnamese cooking class or a trip to the My Son ruins, Vietnam’s most significant Cham archaeological site. Nestled in a lush valley, surrounded by hills and overseen by the imposing Cat’s Tooth Mountain, the intricately designed temples at this UNESCO World Heritage site offer insights into the cultural heritage of the Cham civilization, which thrived in this region from the 4th to the 12th century. With a multitude of options, this day is yours to shape as you please.

• Hoi An – My Son Cham tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included) – $45

Inclusion

• Breakfast

Continue your northern journey today, traversing the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, a remarkably scenic and mountainous stretch of roadway that offers captivating vistas of Lang Co Beach. Take a break at the picturesque Lang Co to procure your lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll reach Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, stepping into history as you explore the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. True to its name, the Forbidden Purple City was once exclusively reserved for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. Ravaged by wartime bomb blasts, it now stands as a poignant reminder of centuries gone by. The dilapidated palaces hold captivating stories for those who observe closely.

After some time to wander and discover, the evening will be yours to unwind and savor the poetic ambiance of this place.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hue – Imperial City entrance and guided visit
• Breakfast

Good to know

Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours

Following a traditional breakfast featuring bun bo hue, a flavorful spiced beef noodle soup, it’s time to immerse yourself in Hue’s rich historical treasures. Begin with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe an active Buddhist monastery that traces its roots back to 1601. Your explorations will undoubtedly work up an appetite, which you’ll satisfy with a delectable vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Replete with Vietnamese culinary delights and warm hospitality, your next stop will be the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, adorned with a serene lake, fragrant frangipani, and majestic pine trees.

After a day filled with the exploration of splendid landmarks, the evening is yours to relish as you desire. A valuable tip – consult your leader for recommendations on Hue’s culinary gems, as it’s renowned as Vietnam’s culinary capital for a reason.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hue – Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
• Hue – Thien Mu Pagoda
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Following breakfast, take a flight from Hue to Hanoi. Upon arrival, Enjoy a delightful lunch at a Local restaurant. After lunch, We take a half-day excursion in Hanoi, where you’ll immerse yourself in the charm and history of this tranquil, tree-lined capital. Your itinerary includes visits to prominent landmarks such as the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also traverse the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the ’36 Streets’ within the historic Old Quarter, a labyrinth of interconnected lanes and streets, each historically specializing in a particular product. These include silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchenware, and over 32 others.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hanoi – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
• Hanoi – One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
• Hanoi – Temple of Literature
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Good to know

The estimated duration for today’s flight is about 90 minutes

Awaken without the need for an alarm clock today, as you have the morning to leisurely explore. However, get ready for an exciting and action-packed afternoon as you venture to the Thung Nham ecotourism zone, located just outside of Ninh Binh.

To kick off your adventure, you’ll hop aboard a traditional rowboat to explore the largest natural bird garden in northern Vietnam. Drift peacefully along serene waters, surrounded by towering mountains, verdant foliage, and a diverse array of beautiful bird species. Following this tranquil experience, you’ll delve into a cave system that includes Vai Gioi Cave, But Cave, and Tien Ca Cave. Your journey continues to spiritual landmarks like the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple, and Linh Than Mieu. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery, and vegetable garden.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Ninh Binh – Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone
• Breakfast

Good to know

Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast. We Take a private minibus to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of Vietnam’s most stunning destinations. This bay boasts emerald waters adorned with sandstone islands and caves. During your visit, you’ll partake in a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surrounding rock formations. In the warmer months, you might choose to engage in kayaking or take a refreshing swim near Ti Top Island. Access to Surprise Cave involves ascending staircases, and once inside, the pathways may be slightly uneven and slippery, so exercise caution.

This evening promises a special treat as you spend the night on a traditional cruising boat. The sailing junk, a classic sailing vessel, features twin-share cabins equipped with air-conditioning and private amenities. Additionally, there’s a dining area and a bar where you’ll have all your meals, including delectable fresh seafood for both lunch and dinner.

Inclusion

• Overnight boat (1 night)
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Halong Bay – Kayaking Tour – VND 250000

Good to know

Today’s total driving duration is approximately 4 hours.

It is advisable to prepare a smaller overnight bag when heading to Halong Bay for easier boarding and disembarking. Your main luggage can be securely stored in Hanoi for the night.

Please note that kayaking and swimming are limited to specific areas within the bay.

Due to restrictions on the number of boats allowed to overnight in the bay, there may be occasions when availability is limited. In order to ensure that all the travelers can enjoy the overnight experience on the water, there might be instances where you share a larger boat (with around 12 cabins) with another group. Alternatively, your group may be divided among different vessels. In such cases, an group leader will be present on each boat, and the itinerary and onboard offerings will remain consistent. It’s worth noting that the boat may not be a traditional sailing junk, as many older or imported vessels may not meet waterway traffic safety regulations.

Upon waking up today, it’s easy to believe you’re still in a dream. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay from your floating accommodation one last time before embarking on your journey to Hanoi. Along the way, make a stop at Dong Trieu Factory, where you can witness local artisans creating exquisite ceramic art pieces. Upon your arrival in Hanoi, savor a unique water-puppet performance hosted by a skilled local family who are experts in this traditional art form. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers and your tour leader for a group dinner. Perhaps seize this opportunity to sample Cha Ca La Vong, a delightful fish dish brimming with flavors, accompanied by fresh herbs and noodles. Enjoy this evening with your group as you fondly recall the memorable highlights of your Vietnam adventure.

Inclusion

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hanoi – Old Quarter Tour
• Hanoi – Local water puppet performance
• Breakfast
• Dinner

• Hanoi – Fine Arts Museum – VND30000
• Hanoi – Hoa Lo ‘Hanoi Hilton’ Prison – VND30000
• Hanoi – Museum of Ethnology – VND180000

Good to know

Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.

There are no scheduled activities. If you wish to extend your stay in Hanoi, we would be delighted to assist you in arranging additional accommodations, pending availability.

Inclusion

• Breakfast

• Hanoi – Street Food Experience Urban Adventure – USD35

Enjoy your time in Vietnam