GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Trang An – Sapa – Ta Phin – Bai Tu Long Bay – Ky Son – Hue – Hoi An – My Son – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 16 Days/ 15 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Dinner with Street Foods (D)
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hang Mua Group Tour – Night train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L, D)
Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market (Tuesday) – Sapa (B, L)
Day 4: Sapa – Mong Sen – Taphin (B, L, D)
Day 5: Taphin – Matra – Sapa – Night train back to Hanoi (B, L)
Day 6: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 7: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Moon Garden (B, Br, D)
Day 8: Ky Son – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, L)
Day 9: Hue City Group Tour (B, L)
Day 10: Hue – Hoi An – Ancient Tour (B, L)
Day 11: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
Day 12: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary Group Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels Group Tour (B, L)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Group Tour (B, L)
Day 15: Mekong Delta Group Tour – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Dinner with Street Foods (D)
Upon your arrival, our guide and car will be waiting for you in the arrival lobby. We'll then transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After a brief rest, we'll explore the Old Quarter on foot, wandering through its various streets and sampling a diverse array of local foods such as beef and chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastries, tofu, rice pancakes, pillow cakes, sweet soups, stuffed pancakes with pork, and draught beer. One of the highlights will be a visit to Dong Xuan wholesale market, where you can discover a wide variety of ingredients.
Finally, we'll conclude our tour with a delightful visit to a hidden coffee shop in the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy its famous 'egg coffee' in a pleasant setting overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a unique opportunity to experience local weekend life.
Afterwards, we'll return to your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:
- Banh Cuon – Steamed rice paper rolls
- Bun Oc – Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
- Bun Rieu Cua – The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
- Bun Ca – Noodle soup with fish
- Banh Xeo & Nem Lui – Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
- Mien Xao Luon – Glass noodles with eel
- Banh Da Tron – Mixed flat rice noodles
- Banh Tom – Hanoi shrimp cakes
- Cha Ruoi – Fried Worm (Based on season)
- Banh Goi – Crispy ’empanadas’
- My Ga Tan – Chicken noodles in herbal broth
- Che – Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
- Lau – Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, …)
- Steaky Rices – Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs, etc)d
- Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner with Street Foods
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hang Mua Group Tour – Night train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L, D)
We'll pick you up from your hotel and head south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. Enjoy a serene boat ride along the Hoang Long River to explore the Trang An Eco-Tourism complex, renowned for its stunning landscapes and over 100 caves accessible by boat. This area is home to diverse flora and fauna, many listed in Vietnam's Red Book, spread across 31 valleys and 48 water-crossing caves. Afterward, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, nestled amidst rice fields and limestone mountains. Explore several historical monuments including King Dinh and King Le Temples and Tombs. Then, we'll visit Hang Mua (Dancing Cave) for a panoramic view of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh city from Ngoa Long mountain top, reached via 500 stone steps. Later in the afternoon, we'll return to Hanoi for an overnight train journey to Lao Cai, Sapa.
Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market (Tuesday) – Sapa (B, L)
After breakfast, you'll travel by car from Lao Cai Railway Station, passing through flat rural areas. The road becomes rougher in the last 30km until you reach Coc Ly, where the bustling market is located. Set alongside the Chay River, sourced from China, Coc Ly hosts minorities like Flower Hmong, Black Zao, and Tay every Tuesday morning, gathering to trade their goods. After exploring the market, you'll embark on a downstream boat journey.
Along the way, marvel at beautiful caves and the riverbank scenery. Lunch will be served either on a beach or in a village. The trip includes a visit to Trung Do village of the Tay minority, where you can stop at a traditional Tay house. Continuing downstream, you'll reach Bao Nhai Bridge, where you'll transfer back to Lao Cai by car.
Approx: 5 hours driving/ 1 hours boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Sapa – Mong Sen – Taphin (B, L, D)
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Sapa by a local guide and driven downhill to Mong Sen, where your trek begins uphill through mountainous terrain. Enjoy stunning views of rice paddy terraces and corn fields along the way. A picnic lunch will be provided at a scenic spot. After lunch, continue trekking downhill to Taphin village, where you'll interact with the Red Dao and Black Hmong minorities, the two largest ethnic groups in the Sapa area. Take time to visit a local house, learn about their daily life, customs, and traditions. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the village.
Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Taphin – Matra – Sapa – Night train back to Hanoi (B, L)
After breakfast, we begin our trek towards Sapa, passing through several minority villages and rice paddy terraces along the way. Upon reaching Matra village, home to the Black Hmong people, we'll stop for lunch. Afterward, we continue our trek back to Sapa. If time permits, you'll have free time until our car picks you up at the meeting point and transfers you to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
This morning, the train arrives at 5:30 am, and our guide will meet you at Hanoi Station. We'll head to enjoy Pho Cham for breakfast, followed by a coffee at Ca Bop Coffee Shop while waiting for the shuttle bus to pick you up and start our journey.
Morning:
- 08:20 – 08:45: Pick up at the meeting point and transfer to Bai Tu Long Bay.
- 11:30: Arrive at Indochina Junk Office, relax at the Waiting Lounge before boarding the Cruise.
- 11:50 – 12:15: Electric Cart transfer to the harbor.
Afternoon:
- 12:30 – 13:00: Welcome aboard Dragon Pearl Cruise with a welcome drink and safety briefing.
- 13:15: Enjoy lunch while cruising through magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring fascinating formations.
- 14:30: Explore the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
- 15:00: Relax on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island or go kayaking.
- 16:15: Return to the junk for refreshments and watch the sunset on board.
- 17:15: Refresh before dinner and join a Vietnamese cuisine cooking class (Banh Xeo).
Evening:
- 19:00: Relax and enjoy dinner in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on the bay.
- 20:00: Leisure time, experience squid fishing, and enjoy a restful night on Dragon Pearl Cruise.
Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Moon Garden (B, Br, D)
Morning:
06:00: Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
07:00 – 07:15: Enjoy breakfast aboard the cruise.
07:45: Explore Vung Vieng fishing village by rustic rowboat, interact with locals, and see the floating school and fish farms.
08:45: Return to the cruise for relaxation.
09:45 – 10:00: Check out and capture memorable photos as the cruise passes through stunning limestone islands.
10:15: Buffet lunch while cruising onward.
11:30 – 12:00: Arrive back at Halong International Port. Transfer to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province for a short break in this cultural Vietnamese agricultural village.
Afternoon:
13:00 – 13:45: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists.
16:00: Return to Hanoi and transfer to Moon Garden for accommodation. Upon arrival at Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son village, enjoy local tisane and free time to explore the homestay and village. During preparation for your foot bathing experience, sample local products such as traditional desserts, maize, sweet potato, cassava, and peanuts, depending on the season.
Evening:
18:00: Experience a traditional steam bath infused with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, pomelo leaves, and holy basil.
19:30: Dinner followed by a relaxing foot bath with ginger, salt, and mugwort medicinal herbs in warm water to promote deep sleep.
Overnight in Moon Garden
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ky Son – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, L)
07:30: Breakfast.
08:30: Choose between a short ride of 6 km or a long ride of 12 km round trip:
- Short Ride: Bicycle through Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham farming communities. Visit local families for tea and conversation about daily life and farming activities. Alternatively, walk through the village and assist with tasks like plowing, transplanting seedlings, or harvesting crops depending on the season.
- Long Ride: Bicycle with a local guide through Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham farming communities, continuing to Duong Lam ancient village. Visit Mia Pagoda and Mong Phu Communal House. On the return journey, cycle along the ritual paths of Thang Thac village to explore Ngo Quyen tomb and temple.
11:00: Return to Moon Garden for a cooking class.
12:30: Lunch.
13:30: Hand Spa – Enjoy fragrant lime bowl finger dipping and a traditional herbal hand massage.
Free Time: Relax in the garden, dress in Vietnamese traditional clothes for photos, chat with locals, or further explore Ky Son village until your departure for the flight to Hue.
Upon arrival in Hue, our car will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel for accommodation.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Hue City Group Tour (B, L)
Around 8:00 – 8:30 am, we pick you up from your hotel in Hue to begin our journey. Our first destination is Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest pagoda. We'll travel there by Dragon boat, offering a unique perspective on the Perfume River and a full view of Thien Mu Pagoda. Next, we explore the Imperial Citadel, home to Vietnam's last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty, and recognized as one of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Afterward, we visit Dong Ba Market to experience local daily life. The market is clean and spacious, offering a variety of items from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs. Lunch follows, and then we continue to Tu Duc and Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, known for their blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles. Khai Dinh's tomb, influenced by his exposure to France and Chinese aesthetics, stands out with its unique colors and beautiful craftsmanship, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Our final stop is Conical Hat Village, renowned for its production of traditional Vietnamese conical hats and incense sticks. This village preserves Hue's cultural heritage and offers insight into local craftsmanship. Around 4:00 – 4:30 pm, we return you to your hotel.
*Optional for Hueritage Dinner Cruise, launching in June 2024.
Port location: Nghinh Luong Dinh
Departure time: 4 P.M – 8.30 P.M (Summer: 4.30 P.M, Winter: 4P.M)
Guests embark on the Hueritage Cruise for a captivating evening along the Perfume River. Enjoy an exquisite fine-dining experience with our set menu dinner as the cruise sails. Immerse yourself in Hue's rich cultural heritage with Hue singing, traditional attire displays, contemporary folk art performances, cultural discussions, and cooking classes led by local culinary experts. As the evening concludes, the cruise returns to Nghinh Luong Dinh, leaving guests with cherished memories of a culturally enriching and sensory-filled experience.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Hue – Hoi An – Ancient Tour (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will journey by vehicle to Hoi An via scenic Highway 1A. Along the route, we will pause to admire the breathtaking vistas of Lang Co Beach to the north and Danang city to the south. During this portion of the trip, there will not be a tour guide accompanying us.
Upon reaching Danang, we will make a brief stop at Marble Mountain, known for representing the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). In the afternoon, we will arrive in Hoi An and commence a walking tour of the ancient town. Highlights include visits to the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, Hoi An’s silk street, and various Chinese temples and pagodas. After the tour, we will return to our hotel to unwind.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
You'll have a free day to shop, explore the town, relax on the beach, or indulge in whatever activities you prefer. We'll stay overnight in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary Group Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Morning:
8:00 AM: Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start our journey to My Son Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
9:00 AM: Arrive at My Son and spend 2 hours exploring the site on foot with our local English-speaking guide, learning about its history and enjoying traditional Champa performances.
11:30 AM: Enjoy lunch.
Afternoon:
12:30 PM: Take a boat trip back to Hoi An, enjoying the refreshing breeze and scenic views along the Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam.
1:30 PM: Arrive in Hoi An and drop off at your hotel. Later, transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be welcomed by a local tour guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After checking in, you'll have free time to explore the vibrant city at your own pace.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels Group Tour (B, L)
Group size: 4 – 12 people
At 7:30 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in HCMC. Our first stop will be Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. Designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, it's a prominent landmark of Ho Chi Minh City. We will then visit other French colonial-era structures including Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Next, we will explore the War Remnants Museum, which exhibits a comprehensive collection from the Indochina wars. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we depart for Cu Chi tunnels, approximately 1.5 hours away by bus. Upon arrival, there will be an introductory session and a video about how the tunnels were constructed and used during wartime. You can then explore the tunnels and their various sections including living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, storage facilities, weapon factories, hospitals, and command centers. The tunnels also feature hidden trap doors and traps for security. Afterward, enjoy special tea and cassava, typical food of the guerrillas during the war. There will be time for relaxation or optional activities like shooting real guns. We return to Ho Chi Minh City around 7:00 PM.
Notes:
*The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside.
*Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expected.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Group Tour (B, L)
Group size: 25 people
At 7:30 AM, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and head to Cai Be. Upon arrival, you'll take a boat ride to explore the remnants of a once-famous wholesale floating market on the Tien River. This experience offers insight into local trading practices, which have evolved with modern transportation and agricultural technologies dominating the region. You'll witness the area's diversity and lush orchards, known as the fruit basket of the lower Mekong River.
Explore small villages, admire ancient houses, and learn about indigenous culture. Visit a local family business producing coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Enjoy fresh fruit and listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music, deeply intertwined with Mekong Delta life. Paddle through small canals to soak in the delta's serene atmosphere. On Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.
During lunch, not only will you savor delicious food, but you'll also learn to prepare Vietnamese specialties yourself, cooked and served in the heart of a local garden. Cycle through orchards along village paths, interact with locals to learn about daily life in the Mekong Delta, and visit Ba Kiet's ancient house. Return by boat to Cai Be and continue by bus to Can Tho City, where you'll spend the night.
Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Mekong Delta Group Tour – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Take a leisurely boat ride to explore the scenic tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Next, visit Cai Rang Floating Market, renowned for its lively atmosphere. Embark on a walking tour of a local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a distinctive Khmer temple known for its architecture. Then, cruise to the Con Son tourist area to tour a fruit plantation and indulge in seasonal fruits. After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
***Please note: Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expected.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
You'll have free time until our car arrives at your hotel to take you to the airport in time for your departure flight.
See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!
Inclusions
- 15-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Western food is available (upon request) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees & permits
- Ninh Binh Group Tour
- 2 Days 1 Night in cruise – Bai Tu Long Bay Route
- Hue Group Tour
- Mekong Delta Deluxe Group Tour 2 Days
- HCM City & Cu Chi Tunnels ½ Day Deluxe Group Tour
- Round-way Sapaly Train (Shared 4-berth)
- Bottle of drinking water
Exclusions
- International flights and airport taxes
- Domestic flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam E-Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.
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