Day 1 : Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome dinner (D)
Dam Sen Park - Saigon
You arrive Tan Son Nhat (Saigon) International Airport. Transfer from Airport to Ho Chi Minh City at any time then transfer to hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for check in. If the time permits we enjoy our welcome dinner at the fine restaurant in Saigon until transfer you back hotel.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Welcome dinner
– Hotel in Saigon
Day 2 : Full day Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels. (B, L)
Cu Chi Tunnel
This morning enjoy a city tour that includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. This fascinating building is filled with history still fresh in the minds of many. The tour also includes the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Chinatown and Binh Tay Market – the central market for the city and one of the liveliest areas. Next we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible network of tunnels that once stretched for 210 miles. This underground complex was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and construction continued throughout the Vietnam War. We return to our hotel where the evening is free.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Entrance fees
– Hotel in Saigon
Day 3 : Saigon – Mekong Delta Boat Trip - Saigon (B, L)
Mekong Delta Boat Trip
Wake up in early morning to take the boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space to sell their goods and to experience the Mekong rural lifestyle. After sampling local fruits, our guide will escort the guests back to the hotel through myriad canals. Lunch at local restaurant before return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00pm. Free for leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Private boat to cruise in Mekong Delta
– Hotel in Saigon
Day 4 : Leave Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat – City of Love (B, L)
Dalat City
This morning after breakfast at hotel then transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to take flight for Da Lat City. Upon arrive in Dalat airport, pick up and transfer to Da Lat City – known as the City of Eternal Spring by plane. Late in the afternoon you will be able to take a short walk to get a feel for this delightful city. In the evening you will head out to one of the fine restaurants in town. Overnight in Dalat.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Domestic air ticket : Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat (Vietnam Airline)
– Hotel in Dalat
Day 5 : Dalat sightseeing full day (B, L)
Dalat Flower City
Today you will take a tour of Da Lat and the surrounding areas. We will visit Bao Dai Palace . From here you visit the rather bizarre and very aptly named Crazy House, a brightly painted concrete house which winds itself around trees, mimicking their shapes. It now functions as a guesthouse. Next visit is Truc Lam Thien Vien and Pagoda. This afternoon, for those interested can take the short train ride on the Cremaillere railway to the village of Tri Mat. In the evening, you will enjoy fine cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight in Dalat.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Entrance fees
– Hotel in Dalat
Day 6 : Leave Da Lat City to Nha Trang Beach City (B)
Nha Trang beach
Free for leisure in the morning until transfer to Nha Trang Beach City – one of the most beautiful Beaches in over the World. Arrive Nha Trang Beach City in the afternoon. Check in hotel & overnight in Nha Trang City.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Nhatrang
Day 7 : Nha Trang Sightseeing (B, L)
Con Se Tre island - Nha Trang
In the morning you will transfer to Cau Da port for a cruise on the Nha Trang Bay to visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island to enjoy hundreds of nice and precious marine creatures then continue the trip to Mun Island -the best island for snorkeling with lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Taking a fresh lunch at the Con Se Tre island and relax. Back to hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Private boat to cruise in Nhatrang
– Hotel in Nhatrang
Day 8 : Nha Trang relaxing (B)
Nha Trang Food
Today is a free day at leisure in Nha Trang for relaxing and unwinding at the resort overlooking beautiful Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Include:
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Nhatrang
Day 9 : Leave Nha Trang to Danang & Sightseeing in Hoi An (B, L)
Danang airport
Leave Nha Trang City in the early morning. Fly to Danang Airport. Pick up & transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a major trading center, once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and other merchant vessels from the Far East. Visit a temple with partially gilded statues in the center, a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with origins in the 1700s that reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. Stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Late this afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thun Bon River to Kim Bing Village on Cam Kim Island to see the wood workers and shipbuilding families. Return to your haven on world-famous “China Beach,” with the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Domestic air ticket : Nhatrang – Danang (Vietnam Airline)
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10 : My Son Sanctuary half day Tour & Cooking Class (B, D)
My Son
Leave hotel at 8:00am. Drive to My Son, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Return to Town for lunch.
In afternoon, we enjoy our half day cooking class (for 03 women). After taking the welcome drink, we visit Hoi An’s colorful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have our opportunity to interact with local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the coming cooking lesson. After that we board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise about 25 minutes along Thu Bon River to Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life and make sure your camera is in your hand. Up on arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden before learning about some Hoi An and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours, each dish is first demonstrated by the Chief before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson we enjoy our products then.
Recipes (our food contains no MSG):
1. Making fresh Rice paper
2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
4. Marinated Beef on a Sizzling Plate
5. Vietnamese Eggplant in Clay Pot
6. Food Decoration – Pineapple Boat, 3 Colored Flowers & Vietnamese Hand Fan
Dinner includes the above meals as well as:
Steamed Ocean Fish on a bed of Freshly Chopped Vegetables (not included in the demonstration)
A vegetarian lunch can be provided on request.
Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, dinner/ cooking class meal
– Hotel in Hoi An
Day 11 : Hoi An – Heaven of Shopping Place in Vietnam (B)
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - Hoian
Having breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the time in one of the best shopping places in Asia! You will walk around the ancient town with friendly & nice smile of local people! Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Include:
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Hoi An
Day 12 : To Danang/City Sightseeing – Hue, Old Imperial City (B, L)
Forbidden Purple City - Hue
Today, journey south past the Hai Van Pass and Land Co, over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea, with spectacular views along the way. Upon arrival in Danang, visit the Cham Museum, which features a fine collection of openair sandstone carvings. Stop at China Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name. It stretches for many miles north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains surrounding the area are five stone hillocks – once islands made of marble – and each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. There are many natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. Arrive Hue City, check in hotel & overnight in Hue City.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Hotel in Hue
Day 13 : Full day sightseeing in Hue the Old Imperial City (B, L)
Hue City
Hue is known as an ancient Capital city of many original historical vestiges. There are more than 100 architectural works to be extremely reflected the life of Emperors and Mandarins under Nguyen’s reign. Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern Bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings.
Our tour starts at 08:00 in the morning at the lobby of the hotel. We will be met and transferred to the Wharf where we will cruise along the Perfume River to visit:
Thien Mu Pagoda (The Heavenly Lady pagoda), from here we will have a good view of Perfume River and surroundings.
Tu Duc King’s tomb, which is one of the most beautiful works of Royal Architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest.
Then we transfer back to the city for our delicious lunch at a fine local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City; Tinh Gia Vien Garden house and Dong Ba market. Tour ends at hotel.
Overnight in Hue
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Hotel in Hue
Day 14 : Leave Hue City for Hanoi (B)
Hanoi Shopping
Having breakfast at hotel & free for leisure, sightseeing in the morning! Check out hotel & transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi in the afternoon, transfer to hotel, check in. Free for sightseeing in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi!
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Domestic air ticket : Hue – Hanoi (Vietnam Airline)
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Hanoi
Day 15 : Hanoi Sightseeing full day – Night train to Lao Cai/ Sapa (B, L)
one pillar pagoda in Hanoi
Having breakfast at hotel then start sightseeing Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French-style architecture. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead, including a visit to One Pillar Pagoda, which was built by Ly Thai Tong and the Temple of Literature, founded by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Stop in the heart of Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, which contains an islet with a tiny Tortoise Pagoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral. Conclude with a visit to Bao Tang Lich, once the museum of l’Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient, which includes artifacts from Vietnam’s turbulent history. Water Puppet Show, Cyclo visiting Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Entrance fees
– Accommodation on train : Hanoi – Sapa
Day 16 : Sapa arrival – trekking to Villages (B, L)
Sapa Overview
Arrive Lao Cai Railway Station at 6:00am. Pick up to Sapa town for check in. Having breakfast and start trekking down to Lao Chai village to visit the Black H’mong. Have a picnic lunch on the way then keep going along the valley to get to Ta Van village to visit the Dzay people live, which supposed to be the most friendly one in mountainous area. The next is Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dzao tribe where you will see the amazing scenery and beautiful waterfall. In the afternoon, you get back Sapa Town for free to discover Sapa Market & stay overnight in Sapa Town.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Entrance fees
– Boat trip
– Hotel in Sapa
Day 17 : Lao Cai- Bac Ha Sunday Market – Night train back Hanoi (B, L, D)
bac ha market
After breakfast in Sapa, you leave Sapa Town for Bac Ha Town to join Sunday Market with local people. Bac Ha is considered one of the most wonderful and colorful markets in extreme north Vietnam where thousands of local people in their traditional attire buy and sell the local products. Dogs, cats, pigs, horses… are all on sales. This is a golden opportunity to take your best photos! In the afternoon, we will take a pleasant walk to Ban Pho village, home to the flower H’mong people. This is a great opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and have pleasant walk amongst tribal villages. Leave Bac Ha Town at 3:00pm for Lao Cai Railway Station to catch our night train back Hanoi.
Overnight on the train.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
– Entrance fees
– Accommodation on train : Sapa – Hanoi
Day 18 : Excursion to Halong Bay and Stay overnight on Board. (B, L, D)
Kayaking in Halong Bay
Arrive Hanoi Railway Station. Pick up & transfer to hotel for short rest & breakfast. You`ll drive from Hanoi to one of the most magnificent scenic environments in the world, Halong Bay. Covering 577 square miles, this vast bay is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. We’ll spend a day and a half, including an overnight with dinner and breakfast onboard, exploring this overwhelming seascape from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Comfortable and intimate, your boat features hand-crafted wooden interiors including a dining room and pleasant air-conditioned cabins with private baths. Since we’re overnight on the water, we’ll be able to explore Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots with time to swim and even visit some of the largest rock formations and caves. This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Asia. Stay overnight on Boat.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
– Entrance fees
– Cruise in Halong
Day 19 : Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi (B, L)
Fire Island - Halong Bay
Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. Cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served while you are cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cruise check-out. Rejoin car drive back to Hanoi for overnight. Arrive Hanoi at 3:00pm. Check in hotel & free time to go sightseeing in the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch
– Hotel in Hanoi : HANOI SKY HOTEL – 3star
Day 20 : Hanoi Free Day (B)
Hanoi Food
Free time at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Include:
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Hanoi
Day 21 : Hanoi - Departure (B)
Hanoi Water Puppet Show
Free time until transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Meal : Breakfast
Summary highlights:
