Flights

Domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (Hoi An) Domestic flight from Da Nang (Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh

Transport

- Airport transfers by private car - Air-conditioned bus or private car for the excursions - Private transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau and from Pu Luong to Hanoi - Private transfer from Hanoi to Sapa and from Bac Ha to Hanoi - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way)

Accommodation

HOTEL LIST 3-STAR Hanoi - Mina Hotel and Spa or similar Mai Chau - Mada Chung Homestay or similar Pu Luong - Pu Luong Eco Garden or similar Sapa - Panorama or similar Halong Bay - Le Journey cruise or similar Hoi An - Kim An Hotel or similar Ho Chi Minh - Prague Hotel or similar 4-STAR Hanoi - Tirant hotel or similar Mai Chau - Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar Pu Luong - Pu Luong Retreat or similar Sapa - Amazing Sapa or similar Halong Bay - La Pandora Cruise or similar Hoi An - Silkotel Hoi An or similar Ho Chi Minh - Alagon Sai Gon Hotel or similar 5-STAR Hanoi - hotel De l’Opera MGallery by Sofitel or similar Mai Chau - Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar Pu Luong - Pu Luong Retreat or similar Sapa - Silk Path Grand sapa resort and Spa or similar Halong Bay - Era Cruise or similar Hoi An - Palm Garden resort Hoi An or similar Ho Chi Minh - The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel or similar Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon

Meals

As per itinerary B - breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Others

– All sightseeing tickets and admission fees as per itinerary – Service charges and government tax

Guide

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

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Others

- International flights and departure taxes - Beverages and personal expenses - Tips, and gratuities - Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned in the program) - Gala Dinner on Christmas, New Year, and Vietnamese New Year’s Eve (if applicable) - Public holiday surcharge for Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese New Year (if applicable) - Surcharge for airport transfers for arrivals between 12:00 am – 05:00 am - Visa to Vietnam (you can apply for it online) - Other services, not mentioned in the program

Start planning your experience

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

Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your driver, please go to the Airport information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers provided by your travel advisor for assistance. Your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2 Explore Hanoi In A Local Way (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Hanoi In A Local Way (B/L)

Meet your guide in the hotel and drive through the historical Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Observe the outstanding architecture and beautiful atmosphere around this square. Then reach Lenin Garden, where you can observe the daily activities of the locals. After that, we make our way through the small alleys of Hanoi, where sewing shops have been in family hands for generations, and admire the daily life of local people, who still practice an old way of life.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century, and explore its role in the country’s past.

Have lunch at the local restaurant before taking a stroll around the charming Hanoi old quarter to explore the fascinating maze of back streets. Stop at the old French house of Hanoi for a tea break and talk with him to discover more about life in Hanoi.

Finally, you will enjoy a Water Puppet show. It is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.

Departure: 08:00 am

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Hanoi - Transfer To Mai Chau - Exploring The Local Villages (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Transfer To Mai Chau - Exploring The Local Villages (B/D)

Get up early and get ready for the 4-hour drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, where you will discover a splendid vista of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscapes and stilt houses, inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group.

On arrival, you continue to drive 45 minutes to Xa Linh village, where Hmong hill tribe families live. Have lunch and some rest after the trip.

In the afternoon, have a 2 hours walk through mountain trails to enjoy the fresh cool air and the views around. Optionally you can visit Pa Co-primary school, any local gifts to them are appreciated (closed on weekends, summer, and public holidays) or the Pa Co hill tribe market (if it falls on Sunday). Stop along the way to observe local traditions which you may encounter. In the late afternoon, drive back to Mai Chau village and free at leisure.

Overnight at Mai Chau

Departure: 08:00 am

Trekking distance: 2km

Level: easy

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Transfer From Mai Chau To Pu Luong - Trekking And Rafting In Don Village (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transfer From Mai Chau To Pu Luong - Trekking And Rafting In Don Village (B/L)

Have breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out formalities. Then enjoy the 1.5-hour scenic drive to Pu Luong. Upon arrival at your accommodation, have some leisure time before a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we will go to the local village to interact with locals living in the hills and see their daily life. Walk around working farmers and rice fields, and get to know more about the local culture. You will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.

Then head to the local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views while learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arrive at the scenic Tan Lap bridge, and disembark to be transferred back to the hotel to relax.

Overnight at Pu Luong

Departure: 09:00 am

Trekking distance: 5km

Level: easy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Trekking In Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Trekking In Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)

This fresh morning will start with descending 6km trek into the beautiful valley where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths, shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village, sitting at the base of a towering mountain. This will certainly be the perfect time for sensational picture-taking. Pass Uoi village, which is nestled among palm foliage, then continue to Lan village, where you can smell the smoke coming from cottages in the valley. Savor the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot. Then you will be transferred back to your hotel for lunch and freshen up before driving 4.5 hours to Hanoi.

Departure: 08:30 am

Trekking distance: 5km

Level: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Hanoi - Transfer To Sapa - Trekking In Cat Cat And Y Linh Ho Villages (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Transfer To Sapa - Trekking In Cat Cat And Y Linh Ho Villages (B/L)

Depart Hanoi for a scenic 5.5-hour drive southwest to Sapa, A frontier town that is close to the border with China. Sapa’s terraced rice fields are some of the world’s most beautiful what you will see soon. Upon arrival in Sapa, have lunch in the local restaurant before having a great time exploring the beautiful local villages.

Choose to walk from your hotel or take the minivan for 2km (1mi) along hilly roads past terraced paddy fields to Cat Cat Village. Start a leisurely 3km (2mi) walk through the village for an overview of the traditional customs and way of life of the ethnic Black Hmong minority. Explore a beautiful waterfall and the nearby remains of a hydroelectric power station constructed by the French during the colonial era. Follow a dirt trail that winds through the mountains along a narrow river and enjoy the spectacular scenery of terraced fields, vegetable patches, and verdant hills as you arrive at the Y Linh Ho Village, also home to the Black Hmong. Notice their traditional clothing made from hemp cloth dyed a deep indigo blue and decorated with batik flowers. Enjoy a rest stop by the river before trekking back to the road, where your driver will take you back up to Sapa, arriving in the afternoon.

Departure: 7:00 am

Trekking distance: 5 km

Level: easy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Trekking In Muong Hoa Valley To Lao Chai, Ta Van, And Giang Ta Chai (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Trekking In Muong Hoa Valley To Lao Chai, Ta Van, And Giang Ta Chai (B/L)

Drive 30min south of Sapa into the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in Sapa. If your visit is between May and October, it will coincide with the local planting and harvest time, a chance to see the local farmers in action. Start your trek at the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, and hike to Ta Van Village to visit the Zay ethnic minority known for their brightly colored clothing. Observe their way of life and local traditions before continuing your walk admiring the magnificent views of the terraced fields and impressive Mount Fansipan.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way to the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai. Notice the square piece of fabric on the back of the shirts worn by both men and women symbolizing that they are children of God. The Dzao women also wear red turbans adorned with silver coins and red tassels. Return to Sapa by car.

Ovrnight in Sapa

Departure: 08:00 am

Trekking distance: 10km / 6mi

Level: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Visit The Colourful Sunday Market Of Bac Ha - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Visit The Colourful Sunday Market Of Bac Ha - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)

In the morning, you will drive to Bac Ha Sunday market. The trip will take about 3 hours along reasonably good roads. Bac Ha Market is the largest and most colorful market in the region. Every Sunday morning, many different ethnic groups like the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities gather together to buy and sell local products. You can find here everything from embroidery, tobacco, and rice wine to farmyard animals such as chickens, pigs, horses, and buffaloes. This is also a place for the locals to catch up and meet friends over rice and wine at the end of the week. After lunch, drive back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Departure: 07:30 am

Tour is only available on Sundays

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the cruise team will pick you up and take you to Halong Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. The scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this must-see destination of Vietnam.

Arrive at the jetty in Halong City 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

Departure: Between 8:00 and 9:00 am, your travel consultant will confirm the exact time the day before the tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note:

In case of a bad weather the itinerary might be changed or cancelled if the boats will be not allowed to leave the port. Your travel consultant will plan other arrangements for you in this case.
Day 10 Halong Bay Travel To Hoi An (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Halong Bay Travel To Hoi An (B/L)

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 for the 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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 Cycling To Cam Thanh And Thanh Dong Organic Farm - Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cycling To Cam Thanh And Thanh Dong Organic Farm - Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)

In the morning, drive to Vong Nhi village, where you will hop on the bikes and start cycling around the village (approx. 6 km). On the way, we may see the stunning landscape of peaceful countryside, such as green water coconut forests, and fish farms, and immerse ourselves in the rustic beauty of rice fields.

Arrive at Thanh Dong organic farm - a 10,000sqm organic garden that supports 10 local families for life. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden while listening to the life-changing story of the farmers since they have been approached with the organic method of cultivating herbs.

Afterward, join farmers in their gardening activities before taking the basket boat ride along the Do River to The Field Restaurant. On the way enjoy the beautiful scenery or the daily life of local fishermen. Then hop off the boat, have a short cooking class with the local family, and have Vietnamese family-style lunch. Then get back to your hotel and enjoy your free time in Hoi An.

In the afternoon, have a walk in Hoi An Old Town to explore this ancient city. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past.

Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture. Continue to the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Then visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings. Finish your walk by visiting the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Overnight in Hoi An

Departure: 8:00 am

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh (B)

You will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel for check-in and free time.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Cruise In Mekong Delta - An Binh Island And Vinh Long (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cruise In Mekong Delta - An Binh Island And Vinh Long (B/L)

Depart from Saigon for the 1.5hr drive to Cai Be, situated in the Mekong River Delta, exchanging city scenes for lush rice paddies and fruit farms. At the pier, embark on a fascinating motorboat cruise excursion to start with a quick visit to Cai Be floating market. Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside through the small canals. Then head to An Bình Island, where you will have lunch at Ut Trinh homestay.

In the afternoon, walk around the orchard and enjoy a cup of tea while listening to the traditional music in the ancient house.

Then walk around the village to visit the local workshops and observe how locals are making rice paper, coconut candies, and pop-rice. Join in the cycling trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, and traditional houses. Then visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city before driving back to Saigon.

Departure: 8:00 am

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing - Departure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing - Departure (B)

With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains strong links to the past, what you will see and feel today.

Start your tour with Saigon’s most historic landmark - Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (the entrance is permitted only when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, constructed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.) Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into the daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport for your flight back home.

Departure: 08:30 am

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Your return flight sould be in the afternoon, or check with our consultunts the alternative arrangemens

+11

14 days tour

Vietnam Off The Beaten Path Journey In 14 Days - Private Tou

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Vietnam Off The Beaten Path Journey In 14 Days - Private Tou

Hanoi Arrival

Explore Hanoi In A Local Way (B/L)

Hanoi - Transfer To Mai Chau - Exploring The Local Villages (B/D)

Transfer From Mai Chau To Pu Luong - Trekking And Rafting In Don Village (B/L)

Trekking In Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Hanoi - Transfer To Sapa - Trekking In Cat Cat And Y Linh Ho Villages (B/L)

Trekking In Muong Hoa Valley To Lao Chai, Ta Van, And Giang Ta Chai (B/L)

Visit The Colourful Sunday Market Of Bac Ha - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Halong Bay Travel To Hoi An (B/L)

Cycling To Cam Thanh And Thanh Dong Organic Farm - Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)

Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh (B)

Cruise In Mekong Delta - An Binh Island And Vinh Long (B/L)

Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing - Departure (B)

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