Day 1: Arrive - Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our guide will greet and accompany you to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
08:00 Our guide will pick you up and transfer to the Cu Chi Tunnels (75 km from downtown). Visit Cu Chi tunnels with watching documentary film, witness hand–made weapon gallery (gun, land mine, bamboo traps,…), crawl into the real tunnels,… Back to Saigon. Have lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Former Presidential Palace, the War Crime Museum, the central complex of architecture: the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Municipal Theater, Ben Thanh market.Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh city - Can Tho (B, L)
08:00 Leave Ho Chi Minh city, enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand–rowed sampan under the shade of the water coconut trees along natural canals. Have a short cycling tour then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by the locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through fruit plantations and villages. Proceed to Can Tho. Free time to visit bustling Can Tho market. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 4: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong river ( Bassac River), then proceed to Cai Rang floating markets, which are the liveliest in the whole religion.
Have you ever tasted Vietnamese vermicelli soup? Well, now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the friendly local people and experience how to cross a "Monkey bridge" which is built by only o¬ne stem of bamboo. Have lunch. Then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City - Mui Ne (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Free until time transfer to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet province with the long beach and dunes. Here you have the day free for activities like swimming or snorkeling. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 6: Mui Ne - Free (B)
Free at your leisure on the beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 7: Mui Ne - Free (B)
Free at your leisure on the beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 8: Mui Ne - Nha Trang (B, L)
Today we drive along the coast to the next destination, Nha Trang. The city famous for it’s long beach and white sand. Here you can do as little or as much as you desire - from snorkeling or diving on the nearby reefs to lazing on the beach in the crescent-shaped lagoon. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 9: Nha Trang Full Day Boat Trip (B, L)
09:00 Pick up at hotel to Cau Da port.
09:15 Transfer to Fishing village by speed boat.
09:20 Visit Fishing village which is the floating fisherman’s village, try taking bamboo boat (20 minutes).
09:45 See many fishes in South China sea at Tri Nguyen Aquarium (45 minutes)
10:30 Move to Mun Island where has crystal water (15 minutes)
10:45 Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Mun island (90 minutes)
12:15 Move to Con Se Tre on Tre Island for lunch (15 minutes)
12:30 Enjoy the spectacular landscape at Con Se Tre, having lunch and relaxing (lunch:60 minutes, relaxing: 75 minutes).
14:45 Back to harbor (10 minutes)
14:55 Back to hotel (15 minutes)
Free time on beach and relax. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang (B)
Free time on the beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Quy Nhon (B, L)
Leave Nha Trang for Quy Nhon, famous for the Cham capital of Cha Ban from the 10th to the 15th century almost ruin. Ancient Cham remains including walls, moats, roads, statues, temples (Thap Thap & Canh Tien) can be found inside the ruins of Cha Ban. The Duong Long Towers (built in the 13th century) and the Banh It Towers (built in the 12th century) are also worth visiting for their exquisite architecture. Overnight in Quy Nhon.
Day 12: Quy Nhon - Hoi An (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel. Then transfer to Hoi An,the famous World Cuture Heritage town. Check in on arrival.
Have lunch and Free at leisure at the hotel and then discover Hoi An city by yourself or relax on beach... Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 13: Hoi An Walking Tour (B, L)
In the morning, our guide and car will come to pick you up at your hotel then transfer to Hoi An ancient town. Start our morning by strolling around the Hoi An ancient town to visit: Chua Cau or Japanese Covered Bridge-considered the symbol of Hoi An the finest example of Japanese architecture. Step back in time to discover the Chinese street with stunning Phuc Kien Hall and Phung Hung old house typical of Hoian original architecture. We then visit Hoi An vibrant market and ancient port to explore the rythm of local daily life and savor the true color, flavor and taste of the oriental. Finally, we visit Phuc Thanh Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hoi An built in 1454 with Chinese bonze. Have lunch in the local restaurant with specialties of Hoian: the Cao Lau noodle and White Rose dumpling. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Thu Bon River - the poetic river that shaped the verdant nature and rich cultural heritage of Hoian. Stop en route to visit two handicraft villages nestled on the river banks: Thanh Ha pottery village and Kim Bong carpentry village well known for their nice handicraft products. Transfer back to the hotel afterward. Relax and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 14: Hoi An - Hue (B, L)
The next destination is Hue, the Old Royal City in Vietnam in 17th century. Upon leaving Hoi An, we drive north to Hue. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Lang Co beach before reaching Hue city. As Vietnam’s last feudal capital, the small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. Free and easy in the afternoon. Overnight in Hue.
Day 15: Hue Full Day Boat Trip (B, L)
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip we return to the town. Sightseeing tour takes us in the massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Back to hotel and relax. Overnight in Hue.
Day 16: Hue - Quang Binh - Boat trip (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel .8:00 Our guide and driver will pick you up and start city tour to cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Then drive to Visit Phong Nha Cave First is considered "First wonders". Take a boat approx 5km along the Son River to tour the Phong Nha Cave (river cave). Yacht upstream Son river dreaming, enjoy charming natural scenery either side, you will see pictures of the girls, the children have fun on the waterfront and have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the neighborhood riverside village bearing the Vietnamese country soul.
Conquering the Phong Nha Cave: The longest cave in Southeast Asia, enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world. Caving Fairy & Imperial admire the beautiful stalactites blocks are created by nature over thousands of millennia. Overnight in Quang Binh.
Day 17: Quang Binh - Ninh Binh (B)
Full day drive to the North of Vietnam for the next destination - Ninh Binh province. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 18: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Cave - Hanoi (B, L)
After Breakfast at hotel, our guide and car will come to pick you up at your hotel then you will visit the two temples of King Dinh and King Le in the 10th century, finding out the heroic histories of this two Kings in Chinese Wars. After that, we go to Tam Coc (10 km far from Hoa Lu). King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this mountain location as the water systems fed from the mountains were perfect for both agriculture and defense. Enjoy the sight of palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions built by different dynasties and visit the Dinh and Le Temples, the two remaining architectures of Hoa Lu. Have lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch you will get on bamboo boat – rowed by the local people – in Hoang Long river to visit Tam Coc (three caves) on the way, you also have chance to see the paddy field if you visit Tam Coc in April or September.
Then visit Bich Dong Pagoda comprising three pagodas located at different levels on a green mountain and the setting of the French film ‘Indochina’.
16:30 Back to the Harbour for the transfer to Hanoi.Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 19: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)
You are met at 08:30 am in the hotel lobby. There is a morning and afternoon schedule, as well as an organized lunch.
Morning:
• Ho Chi Minh Complex including his former stilt–house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum
• The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070
• A local Vietnamese lunch
Afternoon:
• Hanoi Hilton museum (Hoa Lo prison)
• Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake – the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century
• A one–hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter – a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
• A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets
Relax and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 20: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
07.30 – 07.45 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi by shuttle bus of cruise company. Drive to Halong Bay. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta.
11.30 Upon arrival at Vinashin Tourist Harbor, You are welcomed at our waiting room before enjoying the cruise.
12.15-12.30 Embark on Huong Hai Sealife. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin.
13.00 Start cruising among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.
Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck.
14.30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming).
15.45 Return to Huong Hai Sealife and enjoy Happy hour. You will have 30% discount off from the special drinks list; including of cocktail, mocktail and mixed drinks (from 16.30 pm to 19.00 pm.).
Treasure the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset, admire the striking islands and islets, savor the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in land while cruising to Cong Do sleeping area.
16.30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise.
18.00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll)on the sundeck.
19.15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.
21.00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services(massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing. Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay
Day 21: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Lao Cai (B, L) - by night train
06.30-7.45 Before enjoying the breakfast with cookies and tea, café at the restaurant of the cruise, tourists can try the taichi session on the sundeck at the break of dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay.
7.45-8.45 Explore the area of Hon Co Island and Co Cave (Grass Cave, also known as Thien Canh Son). You can revel in the breathtaking view of Bai Tu Long bay from above, as well as the glorious long white sand of Hon Co Island.
Tourists can relax on the white sand beach of Co Island, enjoy swimming on the area of Co Island. With the long white sand beaches and the crystal-like green water, definitely, tourists would have the fantastic moments after exploring the cave.
8.45 Tourists come back to the cruise by tender.
9.15 Tourists arrange the luggage and check out.
9.30-10.30 Tourists can enjoy the light lunch (brunch) in Sealife Cruise while the cruise departs from Hon Co Island back to Vinashin dock.
11.15 Arrive back at Vinashin dock, Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi.
16.30 Arrive in Hanoi. You will come back hotel (no check in). Have dinner by yourself.
Optional: Drop off at Larosa hotel – 2 star hotel, near Station, for 3 hours check in. Relax and have dinner by yourself
20:45 Transfer to Station with our guide to catch the night train to Lao Cai (soft sleeper with air-conditioning) at 21:50pm, arrive 5:30 or 6:00am. Overnight on train.
Day 22: Lao Cai - Cat Cat - Sapa (B, L)
Arrive Lao Cai, pick up at Lao Cai Station then we go to Sapa. After Breakfast at local restaurant, we will take a shot walking tour (around 3 hours) to Cat Cat village and back (please note we cannot drive that day). We walk around this authentic village of Black Hmong. You will many opportunities to enjoy simple local life, the peace and nice scenery with friendly locals. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon we will rest at the hotel or have a walking tour in Sapa city. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 23: Sapa - Bac Ha Market (B, L)
Breakfast at local restaurant. We go to the Bac Ha market for two hours by a private car (AC). This is the largest market in the region, a place where many ethnic groups gather to buy and sell, eat and drink together. There are 10 minority groups in the Bac Ha region. You can buy homemade handicrafts and clothes. In the afternoon we will have a 2 hour trek to Ban Pho village (Flower H’Mong people).In the village we can have a look in their house and understand little more about their lifestyle and traditional customs. Especially, we can try homemade wine from corn. Then we drive to Sapa, check in and relax.Overnight in Sapa.
• Note: Bac Ha market only takes place on Sunday. This itinerary can be changed upon your departure date.
Day 24: Sapa - Lao Chai - Tan Van - Lao Cai (B, L) - by night train
Have breakfast at hotel and then start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black H’mong village Lao Chai. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language and wear traditional indigio blue clothing. After this you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. The development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Zay houses are build of wood and bamboo with a clay floor.
Then transfer to the station in Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi at 20:15pm, arrive around 05:00am. Overnight on train.
Day 25: Hanoi - Departure (B)
Train arrives at Hanoi railway station at 05:00. Free in the morning until time transferred to Noi Bai airport for flight back home. End of services.
