Meals

As per the tour program: B=breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way) - Air-conditioned bus or private cars for the excursions

Accommodation

HOTEL LIST: 3-star hotels: Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar Sapa: Panorama Hotel or similar / Homestay Halong Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar Hoi An: Kim An Hotel or similar Ho Chi Minh: Queen Ann Hotel or similar 4-star hotels: Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar Sapa: Amazing Sapa or similar / Homestay Halong Bay: Lapandora Cruise or similar Hoi An: Silkotel Hotel or similar Ho Chi Minh: Alagon Sai Gon Hotel or similar 5-star hotels: Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar Sapa: Silk Path Hotel or similar / Homestay Halong: Doris Cruise or similar Hoi An: Palm Garden or similar Ho Chi Minh: The Myst Dong Khoi or similar Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program)

Guide

Experienced English speaking guide French/German/Spanish/ Russian/Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied

Flights

Flight from Hanoi to Danang with 20kg luggage allowance Flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City with 20kg luggage allowance ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Realistic Asia as a local payment. The airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because the prices of internal airfare can vary based on a number of factors, such as travel period, availability of flights, and fuel taxes. We keep it as a local payment to benefit our travelers by keeping tour costs lower and providing more flexibility during the booking process, and ensuring that travelers have a smooth and stress-free experience while on their trip.

Others

– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary – Tissues and water on coach – Service charges and government tax – 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Not included:

Others

X International flights and departure taxes X Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities X Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned) X Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec, 21 Jan (Tet) X Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday in Vietnam) if applicable X Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am X Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person, Cambodia:$30/person) X Services not mentioned above

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi Arrival

Welcome to Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam. Our driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel to check-in by private car. Balance of the day is at your leisure. Meals on your own.

Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Hanoi City Full Day (B/L) (Group Tour)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi City Full Day (B/L) (Group Tour)

8h00 – 8h30: Our Tour guide and our Bus pick up at your hotel and start to discover Hanoi City

08h45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.

09h30: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho. You have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.

Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world

- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. But still can take picture of the Mausoleum and visit around that area

- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintaining.

11h15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special Note: We will visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of Vietnam Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12h45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Vegeterian foods are available

14h00-14h15: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Northern Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070.

15h15: Keep going to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the prison was built by the French, from 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The prison was called “A Hell on Earth” and now the prison is like a war museum for those who want to understand more about the war against France of Vietnamese people.

16h30: Our Bus take you back to the Hotel. We finish the trip!

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 Hanoi – Sapa By Shuttle Bus (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi – Sapa By Shuttle Bus (B)

07:00: Free pick up at your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and start departure to Sapa

Along the way, you will have chance to contemplate the beauty of northwest mountains that terraced fields are sparkling in sunlight or dim in thick fog. Have a short break for 30 minutes then continue the trip to Sapa.

13h30: Arrive in Sapa. Drop at hotel in Sapa. Free at your leisure time.

Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4 Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Overnight At Homestay (B/L/D) - Join In A Group Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Overnight At Homestay (B/L/D) - Join In A Group Tour

Start the trip at 9:30 as below.

12 km of trekking, visit Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages of the H’mong minority. after lunch at a local family in Lao Chai or in a drinking shop nearby the river bank, we keep on hiking to Ta Van village of the Dzay where we stay overnight in a local family. Here you have the opportunity to experience their daily life, work and original custom.

Dinner and overnight at homestay with a local family in Ta Van village.
Day 5 Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa – Hanoi By Shuttle Bus - Join In A Group Tour (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa – Hanoi By Shuttle Bus - Join In A Group Tour (B/L)

Breakfast will be served at the homestay at about 8 Am

Start trekking at 9:30 am

8 km walking to visit 2 villages of the red Dzao, the H’mong (Giang Ta Chai & Su Pan). Visit a beautiful waterfall and rattan bridge. Enjoy landscapes… through bamboo forest on the way to the main road to get the jeep to return to Sapa. Tour finish in Sapa by 3 PM. Then take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6 Explore The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L) - Group Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L) - Group Tour

7h30-08h30: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is far from Hanoi city about 120 km.

9h30 : Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax

10h30: The first destination in this trip is visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed on an outstanding architecture when entering temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17 century. Try to feel ancient atmospheres in Hoa Lu ancient capital.

11h45: Have buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods goat meat, fried rice… Vegetarian food is always available in the buffet lunch.

13h00: Visit Tam Coc by 1,5 hour bamboo boat. During the boat trip, you will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy field, river, water, cloud, sky and stuning cave system. All make a masterpiece which Vietnamese people called “ Halong Bay on land “

14h30: Continue the tour with 45 minutes for cycling around the village to discover the life of local people.

15h30 - 16h00: Come back to our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi

18h30: End your memorable day with Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Day Trip in Ninh Binh. Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 7 Hanoi – Halong Bay By Shuttle Bus (B/L/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi – Halong Bay By Shuttle Bus (B/L/D)

Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you arrive there, you will understand why. Get ready to be amazed by the world’s most breathtaking views, and have a relaxing time on the cruise, enjoying the exciting activities we have prepared for you.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave Hanoi for Halong Bay.

The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour).

Arrive at the jetty around noon and take a boat to the cruise. After a welcome onboard and check-in, lunch will be served while the cruise is making its way through the hundreds of islets.

In the afternoon, enjoy some activities such as swimming and kayaking or visiting caves (depending on each boat’s itinerary), or just spend relaxing time on board.

Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night in a beautiful place, so don’t miss the sunset before having dinner.

Overnight on board

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note:

In case of bad weather, the itinerary might be changed or canceled if the boats will be not allowed to leave the port. Your travel consultant will plan other arrangements for you in this case.
Day 8 Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang By Flight – Hoi An By Private Car (B/ Brunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang By Flight – Hoi An By Private Car (B/ Brunch)

The sun rises on Halong in the morning, and breakfast is served while the vessel cruises slowly back toward the port. Enjoy an early lunch before arriving at the port and disembarking. You will be transferred to the airport in Hanoi to take your flight to Hoi An

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free time.

Overnight in Hoi An
Day 9 Hoi An Leisure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hoi An Leisure (B)

Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find many small cafes where you could relax with a fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water in the sea is warm and calm.

You could visit a tailor-shop which could make you and your loved ones a new piece of clothes, bag or shoes overnight.

In the evening we recommend you to walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You and would really feel like being in a fairy-tale. And don’t skip the colourful performances organized on the street in the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10 Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City By Flight (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City By Flight (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city centre. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) - Group Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) - Group Tour

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Return to Saigon. End trip.
Day 12 Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L) - Group Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L) - Group Tour

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.

In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. End trip.
Day 13 Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Trip Ends.

+10

13 days tour

Explore Vietnam: The Complete 13-Day Journey

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Explore Vietnam: The Complete 13-Day Journey

Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi City Full Day (B/L) (Group Tour)

Hanoi – Sapa By Shuttle Bus (B)

Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Overnight At Homestay (B/L/D) - Join In A Group Tour

Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa – Hanoi By Shuttle Bus - Join In A Group Tour (B/L)

Explore The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L) - Group Tour

Hanoi – Halong Bay By Shuttle Bus (B/L/D)

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang By Flight – Hoi An By Private Car (B/ Brunch)

Hoi An Leisure (B)

Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City By Flight (B)

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) - Group Tour

Mekong Delta Discovery (B/L) - Group Tour

Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

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