GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Vinh Long – Can Tho – Hoi An – My Son Holyland – Hue – Hanoi – Ky Son Village – Duong Lam Village – Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi.
Duration: 15 Days/ 14 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Welcome Dinner (D)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
Day 4: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang – Hoi An – My Son Holyland (B)
Day 6: Hoi An – ½ Day Cooking Class Group Tour & Walking Tour (B, L)
Day 7: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour (B, L)
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue – Imperial Citadel & Conical Hat Village (B, L)
Day 9: Hue – City Tour with Perfume River & Tomb & Incense Making Village (B, L)
Day 10: Hue – Fly to Hanoi – City Tour with Cyclo (B, L)
Day 11: Hanoi – Ky Son Village – Cycle to Duong Lam Ancient village (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ky Son Village – Hanoi – Tonkin Show (B, L) – Operated every Saturday
Day 13: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)
Day 14: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi (B, Br)
Day 15: Hanoi – Departure (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Welcome Dinner (D)
Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, we will be greeted by our local tour guide and driver, who will transfer us to our hotel for check-in and relaxation. Afterward, we will have some free time to explore the bustling city before enjoying a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: None
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city. Today's tour covers the major attractions, offering insights into its history and cultural landmarks. We start by exploring the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, significant sites from the Vietnam War era. We'll also admire French-colonial architecture at the General Post Office, Opera House, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Depending on the weather, we may visit the Cu Chi tunnels in the morning or afternoon.
In the morning, we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, also known as the "Iron Triangle" or "Iron Land." Before entering, we'll watch a short introductory video on their construction and then explore the maze of tunnels, some widened for tourists. Displays include various mantraps, remnants of an American tank, and numerous bomb craters from B52 bombers. Afterward, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.
Following lunch, we visit the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam. Then, we explore the War Remnants Museum, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and documents from the Second Indochina War. We'll also stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office for memorable photographs of this dynamic, modern city. Later in the day, we'll visit Ben Thanh Market before returning to our hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, we'll pick you up and transfer you to Cai Be. Our program begins with a visit to Tan Phong Island, where you can bike or walk along village paths to experience local daily life, including orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. Along the way, we'll stop to observe the traditional craft of weaving dried water hyacinth into products like baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes.
Next, we'll take a rowing boat through smaller canals to enjoy the tranquil countryside. Returning to our boat, we'll cross the Mekong River to reach An Binh Island. Here, we'll travel along a handmade canal to our homestay, where you can stroll through orchards and enjoy tea while listening to traditional music in an ancient house.
Later, we'll visit a local village workshop to see how rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice are made, and enjoy some sweets with hot tea. You'll have an unforgettable experience witnessing local pottery creation at the brick kilns. Our cruise then takes us back to Vinh Long city, where we'll transfer to Can Tho for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Early this morning, we will embark on a boat trip to visit the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market, experiencing its bustling atmosphere. As the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, it offers a glimpse into local daily life, with people selling their goods directly from boats. If time allows, we may also visit the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House nearby.
Afterward, we will return to the hotel for some free time before check-out. Around noon, we will depart for Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will have leisure time to explore the city. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang – Hoi An – My Son Holyland (B)
My Son, located 69 km southwest of Danang and 75 km from Hoi An, served as an imperial city during the Cham dynasty and was the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. Influenced by Indian Hinduism, My Son is renowned for its well-preserved Cham structures, including seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating back to the 2nd century. The sanctuary comprises over 70 architectural works, intricately connected with red brick designs, showcasing the Cham architectural style focused on towers symbolizing royal divinity.
You will have free time until our car arrives at the hotel to transfer us to the airport in time for our flight to Danang.
Upon arrival in Danang, we will briefly visit Marble Mountain, representing the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will then continue to explore the ancient Cham ruins of My Son, where we visit Tra Kieu, the former administrative center of the Champa Kingdom. Discovering the majestic ancient ruins of My Son, including towers dating back to the 4th century, will be our focus in the afternoon. Later, we will return to our hotel for overnight accommodation.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Hoi An – ½ Day Cooking Class Group Tour & Walking Tour (B, L)
This morning, our cooking class tour begins with a welcome drink at Hai Café. We then visit Hoi An's vibrant main market to immerse ourselves in its lively atmosphere, exploring the diverse sights, sounds, and aromas. Here, we'll interact with local vendors and sample a variety of delicious foods on display.
Next, we proceed to the Cooking School where we can freshen up before starting our cooking class. Guided by a Chef, we'll learn traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Beforehand, we'll tour the school's herb and vegetable garden, gaining insight into ingredients used in Hoi An and Vietnam's famous dishes. The cooking lesson lasts approximately 2 hours, with each dish demonstrated by the Chef before we prepare it ourselves. The class also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving for plate decoration.
After cooking, we'll sit down together to enjoy the dishes we've prepared. The class concludes around 12:30 pm, followed by a transfer back to central Hoi An, arriving approximately by 1:00 pm.
Recipes (our food contains no MSG):
*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.
- Making fresh Rice paper
- Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
- Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
- Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs
- Mi Quang Chicken Noodles
- Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan
* Lunch includes the above meals as well as:
- BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)
After the cooking class, we transfer back to Hoi An and spend time for a walking tour. We will visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. After that, we will be free until depart the boat to Con Hen for the Impression Show in here. Around 9pm, after the show ends, we transfer back to hotel and spend the rest of day to relax.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (cooking class)
Day 7: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour (B, L)
Today begins early with our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour, starting at Tra Que Village. Here, we'll gain firsthand insight into local farming communities. We'll join farmers in preparing the land for sowing, using seaweed from the nearby river for fertilization and watering the gardens with large tin cans strapped to our backs.
Following this, we'll embark on a leisurely cycling tour through the countryside, experiencing authentic Vietnamese rural life. By late morning, we'll board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Along the way, we'll observe local fishermen at work and participate in traditional net fishing ourselves.
Next, we'll transfer to Vietnamese bamboo basket boats for a race and a ride down a waterway lined with coconut palms. Lunch will be served onboard, featuring vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.
After lunch, you'll have some free time to explore Hoi An town center before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on board
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue – Imperial Citadel & Conical Hat Village (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel by vehicle along scenic Highway 1A to Hue. En route, we'll stop to admire the stunning views of Danang city and Lang Co Beach.
Upon arrival in Hue, our first stop will be at Conical Hat Village, known for its production of traditional conical hats and incense sticks, renowned both in Vietnam and globally. This village plays a significant role in preserving Hue's cultural heritage.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Imperial Citadel, once the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. We'll explore the impressive ruins of this historical monument and then proceed to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, housed in the former Dien Long An Royal Palace.
To conclude our day, we'll visit Dong Ba Market to observe the bustling daily life of the local people and experience the vibrant market atmosphere.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Hue – City Tour with Perfume River & Tomb & Incense Making Village (B, L)
We will pick you up from your hotel at 9:30 AM to embark on a Dragon Boat journey along the romantic Perfume River, heading towards the countryside. Hue, as an ancient capital, is surrounded by the tombs of its emperors, and today we will visit some of the most beautiful ones on our itinerary. Our first stop is the charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), offering stunning views of the Perfume River and its surroundings. Thien Mu Pagoda is not only a symbol of Hue but also of Buddhism in Vietnam. Afterward, we will continue by van to visit King Khai Dinh’s Tomb.
Lunch will be served in Dong Thuyen Village with the nuns. Following lunch, we will visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, a renowned Hue tourist attraction. Situated near Vong Canh Hill and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, this village has been producing incense for about 700 years since the Nguyen Dynasty. Historically, it supplied incense sticks and frankincense to the royal court, mandarins, and high-ranking officials in the Thuan Hoa and Phu Xuan regions.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Hue – Fly to Hanoi – City Tour with Cyclo (B, L)
This morning, we will fly from Hue to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our local tour guide and driver will meet us and transfer us to our hotel for check-in. Along the way, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology.
After settling into our hotel, we will visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where we'll see Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (exterior view), his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Following this, we will explore the Temple of Literature, originally built as a Confucian temple.
Later, we'll enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of Hanoi's French-inspired "Old Quarter," followed by free time for shopping, ranging from markets to designer boutiques and contemporary art galleries. In the evening, we'll attend a performance of Hanoi's famous Water Puppets. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering purely vegetarian options.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Hanoi – Ky Son Village – Cycle to Duong Lam Ancient village (B, L, D)
Morning:
08:15 Depart from Hanoi for Ky Son. 09:30 Arrive at Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son village. Enjoy fresh local green tea upon arrival. Free time to explore Moon Garden Homestay and Ky Son village. 11:00 Participate in a cooking class.
Afternoon:
12:30 Lunch. 13:30 Hand Spa - Experience a fragrant lime bowl finger dip and traditional herbal hand massage. Enjoy leisure time for relaxation or engaging in cultural exchanges with the host family, learning about local snacks and traditional customs. 15:00 Choose between a short 6 km or long 12 km round trip:
- Short ride: Bicycle through Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, and Cham farming communities. Visit local families for tea and conversations about daily life and farming activities. Alternatively, explore the village on foot and assist with agricultural tasks like plowing, seedling transplanting, or harvesting depending on the season.
- Long ride: Guided bicycle tour through Ky Son, Tam Son, Van Minh, Cham farming communities, Duong Lam ancient village, Mia Pagoda, and Mong Phu Communal House. Return via ritual paths of Thang Thac village to visit Ngo Quyen tomb and temple.
Evening:
18:00 Return to Moon Garden for relaxation. Sample local tisanes or traditional products such as desserts, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, and peanuts, depending on the season. 18:30 Enjoy a traditional steam bath infused with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, pomelo leaves, and holy basil. 19:30 Dinner. Conclude the day with a foot bath featuring ginger, salt, and mugwort medicinal herbs in warm water, promoting a restful night's sleep.
Overnight in Moon Garden Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Ky Son Village – Hanoi – Tonkin Show (B, L) – Operated every Saturday
In the morning, we'll participate in traditional exercises to build up our appetite before breakfast. Afterward, we'll cycle to visit nearby villages before returning to Ky Son village for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the village before heading back to Hanoi for some leisure time.
Around 5:30 PM, we will be picked up from our hotel in Hanoi and transferred to Chua Thay (Thay Pagoda) to attend the Quintessence of Tonkin Show. This captivating show, running from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, draws inspiration from the spiritual history of Thay Pagoda, narrating its founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and exploring the historical relationship between religion and the monarchy. With years of preparation, hundreds of performers, interactive stages, cutting-edge technology, and a stunning setting, this live spectacle is a must-see highlight of any visit to Hanoi. A buffet dinner is included before the show.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)
Around 8:30 - 8:45 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and head to Tuan Chau Harbor. Upon arrival around noon, we'll transfer to the main boat via tender and warmly welcome you aboard Calypso Cruise! Enjoy a welcome drink while our crew provides a cruise briefing and safety instructions. You'll then check-in to your cabin and lunch will be served onboard as we cruise from Ha Long Bay to the quieter Lan Ha Bay, an extension of the Ha Long Wonder with fewer tourists.
In the afternoon, we will explore the hidden gems of the bay, including the Dark and Bright Cave known for its pristine natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. You can opt to share a sampan with other tourists rowed by a local or kayak on your own. Return to Calypso Cruise to change into swimwear and enjoy swimming either in the sea or at the sundeck's swimming pool.
Later in the afternoon, join a cooking demonstration and food decoration with our Chef. Dinner will be served at Calypso Cruise's restaurant, offering a special dining experience in an intimate and romantic setting. The remainder of the day is for relaxation; you can unwind on the sundeck, enjoy movies in your room, sing karaoke in the restaurant, take in the evening views of the bay, or try your hand at squid fishing.
Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi (B, Br)
In the early morning, we begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, soaking in the fresh bay air with a cup of tea or coffee. Following this, enjoy a quick breakfast onboard to energize for the day ahead before heading to explore Trung Trang Cave, an iconic and historically significant cave on Cat Ba Island. Formed over millions of years through geological processes, the cave boasts thousands of natural stalactites that create a unique and imaginative atmosphere, often referred to locally as a "gold treasure."
After exploring the cave, return to the main boat for relaxation. Check-out procedures will commence at the reception, with luggage to be placed outside cabins for crew assistance. An early lunch will be served in the restaurant as the boat makes its way back to the harbor. Around 11:30 AM, disembark from the cruise at Tuan Chau Marina, bidding farewell to the crew, and transfer by speedboat back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Day 15: Hanoi – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you'll have free time until your driver arrives to transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.
See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!
Inclusions
- 14-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
- Tonkin Show Eco Ticket
- Cyclo 1 pax per cyclo & Water Puppet Show
- Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour in Hoi An
- Cooking Class ½ Day Group Tour in Hoi An
- Bottle of drinking water
Exclusions
- International flights and airport taxes
- Domestic flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam Visa stamp (US$ 25.00 per person)
- Travel insurance with Covid protection term up to $10,000
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
- 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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