Take a journey through this charming country, brimming with history, culture and culinary gems from the imperial city of Hué to the beautiful Halong Bay. Meet isolated communities in the mountains of Sapa, admire the footprints of ancient civilizations and wander the busy streets of cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City.

TOUR SUMMARY

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang

Day 4: Nha Trang

Day 5: Nha Trang - Whale Island

Day 6: Whale Island

Day 7: Whale Island - Sa Huynh

Day 8: Sa Huynh - Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Marble Mountains - Hue

Day 11: Hue - Hanoi

Day 12: Hanoi

Day 13: Hanoi - Lao Cai

Day 14: Lao Cai - Can Cau (Saturday Market) - Bac Ha

Day 15: Bac Ha (Sunday Market) - Sapa

Day 16: Sapa

Day 17: Sapa

Day 18: Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi

Day 19: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Day 20: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi 

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY

Welcome to Vietnam! Your tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City, where you check in to your hotel room from check in time 12 pm at noon on Day 1. Your travel companions will also arrive this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 12 pm noon on Day 1 in the lobby of your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Wander the busy streets of this metropolis for hours and you will still hardly scratch the surface as there is just so much to see. Ho Chi Minh City is steeped in history and offers an array of museums, pagodas, temples, colonial buildings and churches. Some interesting museums include the unique War Memorial Museum and the Vietnamese History Museum, both well worth a visit. The city’s oldest pagoda Giac Lam is a must-see and the bustling Chinese district of Cholon, the city’s main trading center is great for grabbing delicious food at a reasonable price.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY

You have a free day in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

OPTIONAL TOUR: MEKONG DELTA-FLOATING MARKET

Nature lovers can choose an optional excursion to the Mekong delta, which takes a full day. You drive to the town of Cai Be, where you board the boat for your cruise along the Mekong river to Vinh Long. Soon you will experience the delta, known as the “granary” of Vietnam. It is a diverse wetland area with rice fields, coconut and banana plantations. During the cruise you get to see daily life on the river and a floating market. Taste tropical fruits in a local orchard and look around the small family businesses that exist there. For example, rice paper, popcorn, and coconut flavored sweets are all produced in the region. Your lunch is served in a bonsai garden.

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY - NHA TRANG

You have a free day in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight inTrain. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

OPTIONAL TOUR: CU CHI TUNNELS & CAO DAI TEMPLE

Tay Ninh is the center of the colorful Cao Dai religion and at midday you can witness the daily ceremony in the extravagant temple. After that we travel to the renowned Cu Chi tunnels. This impressive underground tunnel network was made by the Vietminh in the 1940s to resist the French colonists and Japanese occupation and was later used by Vietcong guerrillas for ambush attacks on the American troops during the Vietnam War.

At the end of the afternoon you will board the night train to Nha Trang (second class soft sleeper). The train also serves meals. On the evening menu is rice, vegetables and meat and in the morning steamed noodle soup or a sandwich. Food and drink is also for sale at the various stations. The trains run slowly in Vietnam and if it is still light, you can enjoy the landscape.

DAY 4: NHA TRANG

After the train journey you can relax on the 8 km long fine sandy beach of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is Vietnam’s largest resort, with good restaurants. If you like fish, then you can feast on prawns and exotic fish in the restaurants here. Nha Trang is located near a natural harbor where you can also swim in addition to snorkeling and diving. Fans of amusement parks can take an optional excursion to the Vinpearlland Amusement Park where you will find, among other rides, a carousel, bumper cars and 4D movies for your viewing pleasure.

Overnight in NHA TRANG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 5: NHA TRANG - WHALE ISLAND

In the morning you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Van Ninh, 60 km north of Nha Trang, where the boat leaves to Whale Island. After a short boat trip of ten minutes you reach the idyllic Whale Island, like a fairy tale hideaway. Here you will spend two wonderful days. You will spend two nights in simple bamboo huts with fan and private bathroom on this dream island with swaying palm trees, pristine coral reefs and a relaxed atmosphere. You will feel just like Robinson Crusoe!

Overnight on WHALE ISLAND. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 6: WHALE ISLAND

A free day in paradise! Why not take a dip in the sea after you wake up? Today you can do what you want to. Snorkeling and diving are highly advised as the underwater seascape and variety of submarine life is astonishing. Surfing, sailing and kayaking are all possibilities too. Or if you prefer, you can read a good book in your hammock, relaxing at your own hut- the choice is yours.

Overnight on WHALE ISLAND. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 7: WHALE ISLAND - SA HUYNH

Take the boat back to the mainland and wave goodbye to your dream island. The bus waits for a beautiful ride along the coast to Sa Huynh. When you arrive in this seaside village you will find a lovely semicircular beach where you can enjoy a dip in the sea.

Overnight at the SA HUYNH. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 8: SA HUYNH - HOI AN

Today you travel along the scenic coast towards Hoi An, formerly known as Faifo. Estimated travel time is 3-4 hours (170 km). Here we will stay for 2 nights. Hoi An is a town with traditional houses and is considered by many travelers as one of the most attractive and one of the most fun places to experience Vietnam. Visit the quaint market there, with baskets full of colorful fish, shrimp, fruit or vegetables. Many old wooden houses and historic buildings bear witness of bygone times. Some of the old Chinese houses are even open to visitors. The interior of these houses appear exactly the same as they did centuries ago. Even some old Chinese temples are still in use.

Overnight at the HOI AN. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 9: HOI AN

You have a day at leisure. You can take a short boat trip on the river or go independently to one of the quiet beaches of Hoi An. You can also choose a tour in the beautiful surrounding area. It is also possible to visit the 7th century Cham ruins of My Son, another important cultural and historical part of the heritage of the country.

Overnight in HOI AN. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 10: HOI AN - DA NANG - MARBLE MOUNTAINS - HUE

You drive northwards today but not for very long (only 130 km, travel time approximately three hours), but we will go via a few stops. You first go to Da Nang, where you can choose to visit the Cham Museum. The museum has the largest collection of Cham sculptures in the world with more than 300 images of sandstone. The images date from the 7th to the 15th century. The images from the period until the 10th century reveal influences from mainly Hindu India and Indonesia. In the period between the 10th and 15th century Khmer influences prevailed in Cambodia. You can also visit the famous Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach. The beautiful Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are five hills with caves. During the Vietnam War it was a refuge for the Vietcong. Now it is a Buddhist shrine. The many caves displaying their different images bear witness to this. Please be aware that entrance fees at today’s various sites are not included in the fare. After a spectacular drive along the coast, you arrive in the ancient imperial city of Hue. The spatially designed French town with its buildings, broad avenues and the Perfume River is very atmospheric. The main landmark of this city, which has more than 200,000 inhabitants, is the Huong Giang, which translates quite literally as the “nice-smelling river”. In the afternoon you can have a look at the vast Forbidden Purple City. The Forbidden City is not that old, the oldest part dates from the early 19th century from the time of the Nguyen emperors. It is one of the few grand buildings of Vietnam history.

Overnight in HUE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 11: HUE - HANOI

Around the city of Hue, in the undulating landscape, are the imperial mausoleums. One of the most pleasant ways to visit mausoleums is by boat. You can take an optional boat trip on the Perfume River to the imperial tombs and pagodas just outside the city. The 21 meter high Thien Mu pagoda is located on the north bank of the river and has seven floors. It was built in 1844 and has long been the symbol of Vietnam. On each floor is another Buddha statue. Behind the pagoda tower is a beautiful temple. At the end of the afternoon before departing by night train to Hanoi (soft sleeper second class, scheduled departure time is 4:50 pm, subject to change). The train carries the name ‘reunification express’, as Northern and Southern Vietnam are brought together.

Overnight on HANOI. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 12: HANOI

In the morning we arrive in the capital city of Hanoi for a one night stay. Filled with small shops, lively markets, lakes and cafes, Hanoi still retains some of its village atmosphere, despite having a population of millions. The avenues and streets lined by French villas still have a charming and unspoilt air and the residents of Hanoi are famed for their hospitality.

Overnight in HANOI. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 13: HANOI - LAO CAI

Although Hanoi’s oldest capital of Southeast Asia, most buildings are relatively new. There are some beautiful temples and pagodas. The market in the old town is very beautiful. On the market and the streets around it are many varieties of rice, tropical fruits, flowers, herbs, vegetables and handicrafts (baskets, bowls) for sale. Livestock is also displayed for the meals, such as dogs, parrots and snakes. For the early birds among us it is a must in the morning to walk toward Hoan Kiem Lake. The park is crawling with the Vietnamese practicing badminton or Tai Chi. Maybe you visit the Eenzuilige Pagoda and see if a show of Water Puppetry is in progress. In the evening you will board the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (soft sleeper second class, scheduled departure time is 9:30 pm, subject to change).

Overnight inTrain. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 14: LAO CAI - CAN CAU (SATURDAY MARKET) - BAC HA

Upon arrival in Lao Cai (scheduled arrival time is 6 am, subject to change), first visit the Saturday market in Can Cau. Here you will have an initial meeting with some minorities of this region. Most people who walk around in this market are from the Hmong tribe, the most colorful are the Flower Hmong. They are identified by their beautiful skirts and live mainly in elevated locations. We have the time to observe the ins and outs of the market. It is a paradise for photographers and for those without a camera it is an experience. Everywhere there is something to see. After visiting the market you will drive for less than an hour (25 km) further to the little visited Bac Ha. Here, in the afternoon you can take a beautiful walk to a Hmong village in the area, or view the old Hmong King’s House. (Note: If the train to Lao Cai is unfortunately seriously delayed, then the visit to the morning market of Can Cau is not possible).

Overnight in BAC HA. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 15: BAC HA (SUNDAY MARKET) - SAPA

The most famous weekend market in Northern Vietnam takes place today and the many colorful tribes such as Flower Hmong, Tay and Nung come to Bac Ha to sell their products. After visiting the market you travel around 3 hours (90 km) further to Sapa (aka Sa Pa). After this beautiful drive, you are allowed the time to get acquainted with various colorful hill tribes such as the Red Zao and the Blue Hmong in Sapa area. The Black Hmong, Red Dao and Giay’s come to Sapa to sell their wares there. The Hmong are selling their hats and the Dao, their costumes. The color-clad Red Dao lives further from Sapa. Some travel more than 30 km from their remote villages to be here.

Overnight in SAPA. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 16 & 17: SAPA

Sapa is a former French military outpost, set in a breathtaking valley close to the Chinese border where you have the day to explore. If you have opted for our hiking trip (must be pre-booked at time of booking your tour) then this would begin today.

Overnight in SAPA. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

OPTIONAL TOUR: 2 DAYS HIKING - The trip will be more difficult than usual in the event of heavy rain. This trek will run with a minimum of 6 passengers and if we have less passengers.

From Sapa, visit the Hmong village of Cat Cat. (Your main luggage can be left in Sapa and you will see it after your trek back.) In the village of Lao Chai San, you enjoy your lunch. Today you walk about 5 to 6 hours through villages of Hmong, Muong Hoa partly along the river. You stay with a family that belongs to the Dzay in the village of Ta. Meals for participants will today include lunch and dinner.

Second Day: After breakfast we say goodbye to our host family and continue our trek through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests. Today we walk about 3 hours through villages of the Red Zao, and Giang Ta Chai. The panoramas are sometimes spectacular. From the village of Ban Ho you drive back to Sapa. Meals for participants will today include breakfast and lunch.

Note: This trek is run in different ways. Sometimes the group split in two, and depending on the season and weather conditions the route is slightly modified. It is possible that you will be going to other villages on your trek. Your tour leader will assess this based upon the situation on the ground. The number of hours quoted above is therefore approximate.

DAY 18: SAPA - LAO CAI - HANOI

You will have part of the day to your own desires. During the afternoon you go to Lao Cai, where you get the night train back to Hanoi (scheduled departure time is 8:50 pm, subject to change).

Overnight in Train. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 19: HANOI - HA LONG BAY

Early in the morning (planned arrival time is 5 am, subject to change) you again arrive in the now familiar capital Hanoi. Here you go by bus straight to the stunning natural beauty of Ha Long Bay (Bay of the descending dragon). We will stop for breakfast. The journey of 170 km takes about three hours to complete. For centuries among the vast area (over 1500 km ²) of Ha Long Bay have remained the main attractions of Vietnam. And rightly so: the jagged limestone rocks seem to rise steeply from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and the 3,000 islands and coves, making this area unforgettable. You make a boat trip through this magical area and also sleep on the boat. During the boat trip you have 1x lunch, 1x dinner and 1x breakfast included.

Overnight in HA LONG BAY (CRUISE). Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 20: HA LONG BAY - HANOI

This is the last day of your tour. Your tour ends upon arrival at the international airport of Hanoi. We wish you a comfortable journey home and we are sure you will take some wonderful memories of Vietnam with you.

When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (Day 20) is not included.

*Our tour to Vietnam already has a guaranteed departure with a minimum number of 2 participants. For groups up to and including 5 participants there are some adjustments concerning the tour leader and the transfers. There will not be one tour leader guiding you throughout the whole tour; you will be guided by an English speaking station guide in the South of Vietnam, another (station) guide in Central Vietnam and a third (station) guide in the North of Vietnam (days 1,3,4,5,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 and 20). The transfers will also be arranged in a different way: if there are only 2 participants you will be transferred in a car (with a driver and a guide). In case of 3 – 5 participants you will be transferred in a mini bus (with a driver and a guide). For groups up to and including 5 participants the Halong Bay boat excursion will be join in (which means no private boat but shared with other travelers). When there are at least 6 participants who have booked this tour to Vietnam, there will be one tour leader guiding you throughout the whole tour, transfers and excursions will be privately for you and the other participants of this tour.

It is possible that the group for a part of this trip is combined with the participants of our 13-day Vietnam in 2 weeks trip. Obviously, we ensure that the maximum of 24 participants is not exceeded. The local English-speaking tour guide(s) ensure(s) proper execution of the trip.

 * Hotel check-out times are midday. Late check-out is not included.

PRIVATE TOUR

*Accommodation & Transportation is subject to availability at booking moment & Tour price is subject to seasonal fluctuations

Included:

• Accommodation in hotels including breakfast
• 2x lunch and 2x dinner at Whale Island
• Transportation in air conditioned (mini)buses only for transfers from hotel to hotel
• Train journeys Ho Chi Minh City-Nha Trang / Hué-Hanoi / Hanoi-Lao Cai
• Boat transfers Whale Island
• Boat tour Halong Bay including overnight aboard lunch and dinner
• Visit ‘on the way’ to Marble Mountains / Cham Museum
• Visit markets of Can Cau and Bac Ha
• English speaking tour leader
• * 2 – 5 pax: 2 days joint excursion Halong Bay with Phoenix Cruise by Shuttle bus
• * 6 pax up: Private Anh Duong Junk (boat) with all private transfers

Excluded:

• International flights
• All other meals
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.)
• Gratitude to guide and driver
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
• Optional excursions
• optional trekking from Sapa (reservation should be done at time of booking tour)
• All entrance fees if not clearly mentioend as included
• Booking fee
• Airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Visa Fees, airport taxes or any other government fees or additional surcharges