GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 12 Days/ 11 Nights
Date: No fixed dates
Tour Type: Explore and Experience
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Hanoi
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hanoi – Dong Trieu – Halong Bay – Sapa – Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us what you wish to do in the inquiry form)
Tour Highlights
- Explore vibrant cities, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.
- Marvel at the Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, and Sapa’s stunning landscapes.
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnant Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history.
- Enjoy activities like kayaking, trekking, and cycling in scenic settings.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long
Day 4: Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang & Transfer to Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Walking Tour
Day 6: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Hanoi – Transfer to Dong Trieu
Day 7: Dong Trieu – Halong Bay
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour – Night Train to Sapa
Day 10: Sapa Trekking Tours
Day 11: Sapa – Hanoi
Day 12: Hanoi Departure
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (D)
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we are greeted by Viet Vision Travel's tour guide at the airport and then transferred to our hotel in the city center. After checking in and relaxing, we'll explore Cho Lon, a vibrant Chinese town and market, where we can immerse ourselves in the daily life of Southern Vietnam. Later, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant known for its excellent cuisine. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a full day of exploration in Ho Chi Minh City. Our first stop is the Reunification Palace, once the Presidential Palace for the South Vietnamese president. We then visit the War Remnants Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the Second Indochina War. We also make stops at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office to capture memorable shots of Vietnam's bustling modern cityscape.
Following a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the city center, we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, also known as the "Iron Triangle" or "Iron Land." En route, we'll pass through picturesque countryside, including rubber plantations and rice paddies. Upon arrival, we watch a brief introductory video about the tunnels' construction before exploring the intricate maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened for tourist access. We'll also see various mantraps, remnants of an American tank, and numerous bomb craters from 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers.
After our Cu Chi Tunnels tour, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight accommodation, reflecting on the day's historical and cultural discoveries.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long (Homestay) (B, L, D)
This morning, we'll head to Cai Be for a boat tour of its vibrant floating market with local barges brimming with fruits and vegetables. Afterward, we'll visit workshops where rice paste, coconut candy, pop-rice, and pop-corn are made, or explore a handicraft village where locals produce rice-net for spring rolls, fish sauce, soya sauce, and traditional cottage roofs using coconut leaves.
In the afternoon, we'll continue by rowing boat deeper into the peaceful countryside along scenic canals. We'll pass traditional wooden houses with palm-thatched roofs and observe farmers fishing or harvesting fruits using traditional methods in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at our homestay, we'll check in and enjoy a bike ride along village paths to witness local farms, homes, and traditional fruit-picking methods.
Later in the day, we'll learn to cook local dishes with our hosts, followed by dinner and conversations over tea or rice wine. We'll have the chance to inquire about the region's culture, people, and history from our hosts, who are happy to share insights. Overnight accommodation will be at the homestay, offering a deeper immersion into Mekong Delta life.
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Day 4: Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang & Transfer to Hoi An (B, L)
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the village to enjoy the fresh morning air. Following this, embark on a boat excursion to visit local brick kilns, where you can observe the traditional pottery-making process using clay.
Our boat will then navigate through the floating village, offering insights into how locals cultivate catfish on the Mekong River. We'll pause the journey to visit Vinh Long market in town, an ideal spot for capturing photographs of various marine life such as fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, as well as exotic fruits, vegetables, and other local produce.
Afterward, we'll return to Saigon airport for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we'll be greeted by another tour guide who will transfer us to Hoi An. Check in at the hotel and unwind. Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Day 5: Hoi An Walking Tour (B)
Begin the walking tour of the ancient town at 8:30 AM, visiting landmarks including the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, Hoi An's silk street, and Chinese temples and pagodas. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Hanoi – Transfer to Dong Trieu (B, L, D)
This morning, we'll return to Danang for our flight to Hanoi. After a one-hour flight, we'll arrive at Hanoi airport where our local tour guide will be waiting for us. We'll then depart from Hanoi towards Dong Trieu town, situated 120 km northwest of Hanoi, passing through the lush green fields of the Red River Delta. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to visit a Humanity Center that supports local children with disabilities.
Upon reaching Dong Trieu town, we'll be introduced to Japanese push bikes and embark on a cycling journey through serene country lanes and rice fields. We'll also visit schools and Dong Trieu's ceramic villages, engaging in conversations with local residents. This evening, we'll be hosted by a local family for a memorable experience.
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Day 7: Dong Trieu – Halong Bay (Overnight on Deluxe Junk Cruise) (B, L, D)
Today, we say goodbye to our gracious hosts and depart for Halong Bay, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. We arrive at Halong around noon, where the crew warmly welcomes us on board with a refreshing drink. After checking into our cabins, a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood is served at 1:30 pm.
In the afternoon, we begin our cruise through the enchanting scenery of Halong Bay, marveling at the unique karst formations such as Incense Burner, Finger Islet, Fighting Cock, and Stone Dog. We pause at Van Gia floating fishing village to experience kayaking and explore the area's caves. Later, we head to an island for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and more kayaking through Bright and Dark Caves. Traditional games are available for evening entertainment, followed by a delightful dinner and overnight stay on board the cruise.
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B)
Enjoy the sunrise in the bay with a cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast. Relax on the upper deck, soaking in the stunning beauty of the rocky islands emerging from the crystal-clear waters. After breakfast, embark on a 1-hour walk through one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, the Amazing Cave. Check-out is from 10:00 to 10:30.
Cruise back to the jetty while brunch is served from 10:30 to 11:30. As we sail through the bay, marvel at more captivating rock formations along the way. Arrive at the harbor by 12:00 for the journey back to Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour – Night Train to Sapa (B, L)
Today, we begin our full-day city tour starting from the hotel lobby. We'll drive to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, spending several hours exploring Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, we visit the Temple of Literature, originally built as a Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070, reflecting the nation's enduring commitment to education. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Hanoi.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Museum of Ethnology, renowned as one of Vietnam's most compelling museums, featuring extensive exhibits dedicated to the country’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Afterward, we'll explore different parts of Hanoi by car to experience the daily life of its residents. Later, we return to the hotel for a brief rest before heading to Hanoi Railways station for our overnight train journey to Sapa. Overnight on the train.
Note: The train departs Hanoi at around 20:30 and arrives Lao Cai Railways station at around 06:30.
Day 10: Sapa Trekking Tours (B)
The train is expected to arrive at Lao Cai train station around 06:30. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to Sapa, a journey of approximately 38 km that takes about one hour due to the mountainous terrain. Upon arrival in Sapa, we'll check into our hotel (subject to room availability, check-in time after 12:00). After freshening up and having breakfast, we'll be ready to explore Sapa town.
We'll start with a delightful walking tour to the hill tribe village of Cat Cat, home to the H'Mong hill tribe minority people. As we stroll through the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we'll have the chance to interact with local minority people going about their daily routines. This provides an opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges with families living in the area. Overnight in Sapa.
Trekking Distance: 5km
Day 11: Sapa – Night Train to Hanoi (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a scenic trek along buffalo paths and trails, passing through the picturesque hill tribe villages of Lao Chai & Ta Van. These villages are home to the Black Hmong and Dzay ethnic groups. The trek offers stunning views and a chance to interact with some of the friendliest people you'll meet. Descending into the valley, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including multi-layered rice terraces and scattered villages.
After the trek, we'll return to Sapa and then proceed by car to Lao Cai railway station. Your guide will assist with your departure and accompany you to board the train.
Trekking Distance: 10km
Day 12: Hanoi Departure (B)
Upon arrival at Hanoi Railways station around 4:30 AM, we will transfer to a hotel for a brief rest and breakfast before proceeding to the airport for our flight back home.
See you again on the next trips with Indochina Tours!
Inclusions
- Professional English speaking guide
- Private vehicle: car, van, bus…
- Accommodations upon request (Recommendations below)
- Basic home-stay and paddy home
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits
- Private boat in Mekong Delta
- Japanese push bikes in paddy home Dong Trieu
- Kayaking in Halong Bay
- 1 bottle of water/person/day on tour
- Soft sleeper berths on the deluxe cabin of King Express train or equivalent (Four Berth cabin with air-conditioning)
- Domestic flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang; Danang – Hanoi
- Domestic airport tax
- Government taxes and service charges except for tips for tour guides and drivers
Exclusions
- International flight tickets
- Via and visa fee
- International Airport tax
- Beverage
- Tips & gratuities
- Other expenses not mentioned
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