Vietnam Trip

Day 1

Hanoi Arrival

Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center. Overnight in hotel Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel*** - Deluxe City ViewHa Noi Pearl**** - Deluxe City View

Day 2

Hanoi City Tour - Street Food

Starting the day trip will be a visit of Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Then, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. Next stop, Hoa Lo prison -Located in the center of the capital of Vietnam, well-known as one of the most inhumane prisons with terrified punishment, Hoa Lo Prison, aka Maison Centrale, is a symbol of strong will of prisoners and their sacrifice for their communist ideals. Then, we explore the Old Quarter for a 1.5 hour walking tour, then you will have a deeper insight of local daily life and Hanoi train street (drinks excluded). We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.Then we will take Hanoi street food tour: Hanoi is full of secret places & wonderful stories. With a history going back over 2.000 years, it makes the capital a promising destination for any gastronomic tourist. We decided to make you discovering the Old Quarter with a local culinary point of view through an original way among the 36 Corporations. In the course of this tour (more or less 2h45), the traveler will discover North specialties as Bun cha (noodle & BBQ meat), Bia (local ale),... & above all, a wide vision of handicrafts shops & traditional works. Also, traffic jam which is tough at the beginning will become a formality when you will finish this tour & have learn the tips to go across a street (so it will make rest of the trip smoother). Overnight in Hanoi hotel.

Includes breakfast

Day 3

Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley

Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau - a picturesque valley, where the White Thai predominantly inhabit. You will arrive in Mai Chau around noon. A visit to Mai Châu begins with a stop at Thung Khe Pass, where you can explore the vibrant Muong ethnic market. Here, you'll find local produce, handmade crafts, and a chance to interact with the local Muong people. Next, the journey takes you to the Mai Chau Flagpole, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Mai Chau Valley. The breathtaking scenery, with its lush green fields and towering mountains, is perfect for photography. Continuing on, you will visit Ban Lac, a traditional village known for its unique stilt houses and rich cultural heritage. Strolling through the village, you'll get a sense of the daily life of the local Thai people. The next stop is Poom Coong village, another serene spot where the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings provide a peaceful retreat. An electric cart tour will then take you to the villages of Ban Văn and Ban Cha Long. These villages offer a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions of the local people, each with its distinct charm. Throughout the trip, you'll have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals, learn about their customs, and experience their warm hospitality. The experience is both enriching and relaxing, providing a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural beauty of Mai Chau. Overnight at hotel in Mai Chau. Accommodation: Mai Chau Mountain View Resort**** - Deluxe Mountain ViewMai Chau Ecolodge**** - Deluxe paddy view

Includes breakfast

Day 4

Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Mua Cave

On arrival, you will take a boat trip to visit Tam Coc (three caves), a peaceful valley among limestone ‘karst’ hills, There, you will be rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through the caves. After the boat trip in Tam Coc, we visit Bich Dong Pagoda which is a famous historical and cultural relic in Ninh Binh, just about 100km from Hanoi. Its unique characteristic is the perfect combination of ancient pagodas with cross-covered roofs, natural caves and majestic mountains, and so on, hidden in the green of tropical forestsLastly, we will visit Mua Cave - Dancing Cave stands out for its elegant natural beauty, because of which Mua Cave has been regarded as “The Great Wall of Vietnam” or “Tam Coc’s Muse”. This is also considered the most beautiful viewpoint in Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh. Accommodation: Tam Coc Bungalow - Bungalow deluxe garden viewLalita Boutique hotel & Spa**** - Executive

Includes breakfast

Day 5

Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay

After breakfast, we transfer to Ha Long Bay by road.11:30 - 11:45 Arrive at Halong International Habor12:15 Embark on the cruise by tender. Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing13:00 Enjoy lunch while cruising to magnificent Ha Long Bay, and admire the fascinating formations on the way14:45 Luon cave, kayaking or bamboo boat Luon cave excursion on bamboo rowing boat by locals or kayaking. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay.16:00 Titop Island, Climbing, Beach & Swimming. Your next stop is Titop Island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop Island is another not-to-be-missed activity.17:00 - 18:30 Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.19:15 Savour a delicious dinner21:00 Night-time squid fishing22:30 Free of mind with sweet dreams Accommodation: Victory Star Cruise **** - Deluxe Ocean View BalconyVictory Star Cruise **** - Deluxe Ocean View Balcony

Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue

06:15 Enjoy the sunrise on the Bay. Morning Tai Chi session on sundeck06:30 Light breakfast. Coffee, tea, and pastries served in the restaurant07:20 Sung Sot cave excursion. Explore Sung Sot Cave, the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay09:15 Check-out of cabins & bill settlement. Start cruising back to the port09:30 Buffet brunch served at the restaurant10:45 - 11:00 Back to the port. Farewell and disembark11:15 - 11:30 Get on the bus back to Hanoi and on the road we transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. On arrival, pick up with our guide. Overnight in hotel Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel Hue *** - Deluxe city viewEldora Hue**** - Deluxe City View

Includes breakfast, lunch

Day 7

Hue Visit

In the morning, we visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 - the symbol of Hue city. Visit Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs, an architectural complex compromised of 40 buildings (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.). The afternoon will be spent visiting Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. Next, let's move to Thuy Xuan incense-making village - the oldest of its kind in Vietnam. The incense-making craft in Thuy Xuan village is believed to be dated back to the Nguyen Dynasty in the 1800s. In the past, local villagers used to supply incense sticks to the Court, the nobility. Then, we will take a short break to try the most famous street food in Hue which is 20 kinds of sweet soup. If we have time, will visit Dong Ba market with many local food and sourveniers, Overnight in hotel

Includes breakfast

Day 8

Hue - Da Nang - Marble Mountain - Hoi An

In the morning, after breakfast, drive along the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. Take some photos en route before visiting Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain). Here you will discover the stunning natural caves of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the hill. You also visit the mysterious pagodas and the sculpturing village. Then continue to visit Am Phu Cave. A special feature of Am Phu Cave is its ability to recreate a part of Hell in Buddhist beliefs, with images of karma and punishment. Visitors can visit historical and religious relics at Am Phu Cave, such as Buddha statues and stone sculptures. Not only is it a spiritual attraction, Am Phu Cave also gives visitors a sense of mystery and mystery, making it an interesting place to explore and experience. Then, we continue to explore Son Tra Penisula, Linh Ung Pagoda, Pink Church,... Lastly, we will visit Han Market Da Nang which is a popular tourist attraction in this city. This is a paradise for shopaholics. Not only can you find Da Nang specialties here, it is also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs.. Finally continue to drive to Hoi An. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An. Accommodation: La Charm Hotel & Spa Hoi An*** - Deluxe Old town viewCozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An - Junior Suite

Includes breakfast

Day 9

Hoi An City - Cam Thanh Village

After breakfast, car and guide meet and transfer to a local fishing - Cam Thanh village, a chance to discover the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. Take a local fisherman on the river, see how they cast net. Learn how to paddle the Vietnamese unique bamboo basket boat. Explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides. Back to the town by car. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An ancient town, when visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, giving it an extra portion of sparkle. Enjoy the city’s transformation and stroll through this quaint, glowing fairytale town in your free time. Overnight at hotel.

Includes breakfast

Day 10

Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Saigon - City

In the morning, transfer to airport no guide only driver for the flight to Sai Gon. On arrival pick up with our guide and transfer to city centre.In the afternoon, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. Then, you will visit the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. After visiting the War Remains Museum (please be aware that some rooms are advisory parental regards war victims' pictures), head for a secret weapons cache used during the last Indochina war. Nestled in a period house, it allows to experience the life of the resistance fighters when entering these same cellars and also to see how all kinds of weapons were hidden. Next on the sightseeing list is pagoda of the Emperor of Jade, an icon of the inhabitants of Saigon and venerated for a hundred years. The prayers of the faithful (passing through) would increase fertility and even influence it. Overnight in Sai Gon hotel. Accommodation: GK Central Hotel*** - Premier DeluxeEden Star Sai Gon**** - Premium Deluxe

Includes breakfast

Day 11

Saigon - Cyclo Tour - Cu Chi Tunnel

In the morning, we will join Saigon cyclo tour. Saigon is full of secret places & wonderful stories. With a history going back over 2.000 years, it makes the city a promising destination for any curious tourist. We decided to make you discovering it with a local point of view through an original way among the corporations' streets. In the course of this tour (more or less 2h30), the traveler will see Cholon, different traditional shopping streets, market flower... Cyclo is the best discover the city regards distances.In the afternoon, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and raising children. During the Vietnam- American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors to crawl through and better understand the war. Overnight in Sai Gon hotel

Includes breakfast

Day 12

Saigon - Ben Tre - Phong Nam - Saigon

Pick up from your hotel to visit Ben Tre. On arrive in Phong Nam bridge root. Hop on cart, get on the small paths in the tranquil villages. Visit local handycraft village: Năm Khiêm handy brickiln, charcoal workshop, make products from coconut shell as active charcoal (a kind of material for battery) and have a look stages of coconut processing from husk off, prize out to peel out by hand in coconut workshop in here.Take a boat along An Hoa River and turn on Cai Son canal winding through coconut jungle. Go on small waterway and stop at candy mill and enjoy some sweet, fruits, honey tea by the way.Continue boating and change small rowing boat to country side. Step ashore to farmer house for lunch (as your own expense). After that take a short walk to farmer house to see local people making sleepmat. Drop off at Nhon Thanh market then drive back to Sai Gon. Overnite in hotel.

Includes breakfast

Day 13

Sai Gon Departure

After breakfast, free time until transfer to airport no guide only driver for your departure flight. The hotel is available until noon

Includes breakfast