Vietnam In-Depth Exploration 26 Days

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

You’ll have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his simple stilt house where he lived and wworked, and the museum dedicated to his memory.

After lunch, you’ll drive to the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups. Then you’ll visit Hoa Lo Prison – better known by captured US pilots as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’. You’ll also visit Hanoi Train Street, one of the most famous and adventurous tourist spots in Hanoi. This narrow street, hidden in one of Hanoi’s back alleys, is flanked by tall, closely packed houses. The railway, which runs through the backyards of these homes, sees trains passing by a few times each day. The bustling Old Quarter is a magnet for visitors, it’s noisy and hectic, but definitely a ‘must-see’ attraction. The Old Quarter is a maze of shopping streets and restaurants with a hotchpotch of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings, artisfans’ workshops and cottages, colonial houses and modern concrete edifices.

The afternoon includes a ‘Street Life’ experience. You’ll spend a couple of hours wandering around the back streets in and nearby the Old Quarter. A street food brunch is included – take your pick from traditional Hanoi Pho (beef noodle soup), Nom (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), Banh Goi (pillow-shaped rice pastry with minced pork and mushroom), Banh Cuon (hot rice paper with pork and fried onion) or Bun Cha (fresh noodle with grilled pork). If you’re hungry, try two or three varieties – they’re snacks rather than a meal. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

This morning, at 08.30, you will be picked up and transferred to Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son Village Upon arrival, you will have some free time to explore the grounds of Moon Garden and the village, before participating in a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and having lunch.

This afternoon, you will enjoy a hand spa treatment with traditional herbs, take a bicycle ride to discover the paths of Thang Thac Village and follow a local guide to explore Duong Lam ancient village and Mia Pagoda. Returning to Moon Garden, you will be treated to a traditional foot bath and can participate in a Vietnamese prayer ceremony. You will be transferred back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

After an early breakfast at hotel, at 07:00, you’ll be picked up by Limousine bus to Sapa.

Arriving around 12:30, you’ll enjoy lunch and check in to your hotel. Afterward, you’ll be picked up and taken to the cable car station to experience a ride that offers indescribable sensations. From the cable car, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Fansipan, hidden under clouds and surrounded by the lush forests of the romantic town of Sapa, with its charming ancient villas and Western-style architecture.

Later, you’ll visit Thac Bac Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. Its cascading waters, shimmering like silver, have earned it the romantic name “Silver Waterfall.” Afterward, you’ll return to Sapa for your overnight accommodation.

Breakfast and check-out the room before 09.00, you’ll start our trek down to Y Linh Ho, a village inhabited by the Hmong minority. This is a great opportunity to take photographs of hereditary terraces that are estimated around 100 years old. From Y Linh Ho we will make our way to Lao Chai village where you will visit the Hmong home town. You will then continue to Ta Van, an established Hmong and Giay village. Here you will be welcomed by a local Giay family.

Arrival at homestay at around 15.00 – Fresh yourselves then help the local to make the dinner for everyone.

Dinner with local family – Overnight at home-stay.

Hiking around Sapa can be quite arduous. The tracks are rough in places, and your route will take along undulating terraces and through the villages. Stout walking shoes and good sun protection are essential. The total distance is 12 kilometres on the first day and about 8 km on the second day. However, travel by car can be arranged as an alternative.

Get the wake up by a rooster or the pigs, have breakfast with some pancakes, hot tea or hot coffee out door — you will be treated to sensational views across the rice terraces. After breakfast you’ll say good bye to the local then trek through an enchanting bamboo forest, silk waterfall to Giang Ta Chai. After a few hours of trekking, we will stop and enjoy a picnic lunch with our scenic views. We then walk back to the main road and catch a car or mini van back to Sapa Town. Then, you’ll picked up at 14.30 by Limousine bus back Hanoi. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

In the morning, you’ll be driven to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, you’ll relax on a local rowboat trip in Tam Coc (three caves), a peaceful valley among limestone ‘karst’ hills, There, you’ll be rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through the caves.

You’ll come to a host family to enjoy a special lunch prepared by the home chef with the local cuisine featuring the yin-yang balance of the Asian culture.  In the afternoon, you’ll pick up your bike to ride along a scenic canal with walking around open rice fields and looking around at the amazing folds of the rock formations. You’ll have a chance to learn about Vietnamese agriculture and cycle through different villages and a unique area known for its magnificient limestone peaks. Then you’ll visit Mua Cave, the most beautiful place to view in Ninh Binh, where can see the city far from the standing in front of Tam Coc in back and the limestone mountain along to the south of Vietnam. In the late afternoon, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Ninh Binh for overnight. You’ll spend the nigfht in Ninh Binh.

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you’ll board a deluxe junk to take you round the Bay before stopping off at a beach on an island. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and climb a hill (not a mountain!) for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape. From there, you’ll continue your cruise to visit a fishing village – you’ll also have an opportunity to investigate one of the bay’s sea level caves in a small sampan or a kayak. Back on board, you can enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset. Later, unwind with a lavish dinner before an overnight stay on the board. The route is designed to avoid the busy areas and includes a very quiet location for your overnight stay.

You’ll wake in the fresh air on the bay with a swim and/or a Yoga or Taichi session on the large sundeck (beginners welcome!). After a light pastry and a tea or coffee for breakfast, you’ll dock to visit one of the most famous caves in the Bay. You’ll return to the junk for a brunch while cruising back to dock around noon whereupon you’ll leave for Noi Bai airport for your afternoon departure flight to Hue. When you arrive, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel to check in. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

Your morning will begin with a cruise along the Perfume River to visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. From there, you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel and then drive to the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and, in the afternoon, Emperor Khai Dinh. After that, you’ll return to Hue to visit one of city’s ‘garden houses’ and then return to your hotel to freshen-up.

In the evening, you’ll sit down for a private dinner in the pleasant surroundings and a comfortable atmosphere of another of Ngoc Son Princess garden house. The owner will prepare and serve a traditional meal based on the distinctive characteristics of classic Hue cuisine. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

In the morning, your car will drive you to Danang. On the way, you’ll cross the Hai Van mountain pass. The views from the top are excellent – you should be able to see Lang Co beach and village, and the lagoon far below, with Danang spread out before you to the south.

Upon arriving in Danang and a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum, you’ll arrive at Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town of Hoi An and spend the night in Hoi An.

In the morning, at 08.30 you’ll join a cooking class at the Red Bridge Restaurant. After visiting a market to purchase ingredients, a boat will take you along Hoi An River to the restaurant where you can investigate its herb and vegetable garden before learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. After lunch at the restaurant, your time will be free. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Recipes:

• Fresh Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls – including making rice paper.
• Warm Squid Salad served in half a pineapple
• Grilled Eggplant stuffed with market vegetables
• Hoi An Pancakes (Banh Xeo)
• Food Decoration – pineapple boat, three coloured flowers and Vietnamese hand fan

Note: Meeting Point: Hai Cafe – 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the World Heritage ‘My Son Sanctuary’. Your guide will show you the remains of the remarkable towers constructed by the Cham builders, many centuries ago – their origins and purpose have yet to be fully explained. At early afteroon, you’ll return to your hotel. When you return, the rest of the day will be free. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

The day starts with cycling the narrow roads through the countryside, passing by rice paddy fields, water buffalos, bamboo bridges and local farmers on their daily work. You’ll then board a boat to the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea and cruise along the coastline observing the lives of the local fishermen. After joining the fisherman to try your hand at catching fish in a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat, you will meander through the water palm coconut canal. During the American War, Viet Cong soldiers made use of this area as a highly effective hiding place from enemy attacks through their long struggle. Following an insightful visit to a local fishing village, you’ll be free to relax and enjoy a lunch before cycling back to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at your hotel to start the journey to visit Ba Na Hills, also known as the second Da Lat, a fascinating entertainment and tourism complex in Central Vietnam. You’ll be transported to the peak by a cable car system that holds four World Records (longest one-wire sling, longest distance between stations, longest unpatched wire, and heaviest cable roll). You’ll admire the epic view and enjoy the fresh air. After that, you’ll explore the Golden Bridge, which sits 1,400 meters above sea level, creating the illusion of a silk strip hiding in the clouds above Da Nang. This bridge serves as a special transit stop to deliver visitors to Le Jardin D’Amour (the Flower Garden of Love). You’ll visit Linh Ung Pagoda, with its 27-meter tall Shakyamuni statue, bringing you a peaceful feeling. Enjoy the panoramic view of Danang city.

You’ll continue exploring the French Village, considered a miniature Europe and keep your mind at peace as you visit the spiritual places in Ba Na, such as the Bell Tower and temples on the top of the hill. From this area, all the sceneries of the French Village are in front of your eyes.

You’ll take a rest and have a buffet lunch at a restaurant. After lunch, experience many thrilling rides and games such as the slide-way (Alpine coaster), love wheel, fire race, and ghost house in Fantasy Park, a world-class indoor amusement park. You’ll enjoy Fantasy Park by walking in the Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D Wild West, enjoying the 4D Death Race ride, and watching the 3D Mega 360 degrees movie.

Finally, say goodbye to Ba Na and return by cable car down the hills, followed by a drive back Hoi An for overnight accommodation.

Your time will be your own until a car and drive arrives to pick up to the airport for a flight to Dalat. Upon arrival Lien Khuong International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transfer to Dalat, the city of flowers and honeymooners with lovely French villas, the fresh air, the beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous lakes sits in a lush and green valley of postcard beauty. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

Lying 1,500 m above sea level and surrounded by pine hills, Dalat has been known as the prime hill resort city thanks to its mild weather, romantic valleys, tranquil lakes surrounded by pine hills, colonial time villas, pagodas and monasteries. Dalat is also the flower festival city of Vietnam.

In the morning, you will visit the bustling local market where farmers come and sell their daily produce. Continue to visit the summer palace of the former emperor Bao Dai. The next stop will be the Hang Nga House, also known as “Crazy House”, a unique piece of art by Madam Viet Nga, a contemporary architect. Continuous to visit the Valley Of Love – romantic and fabulous landscape, the largest colorful preserved flower Showroom.

Afternoon, you will be transferred to Dalat cable car station. Savor the panoramic views of Dalat from the platform and then board the cable car for an enjoyable ride above pine forests and rolling hills to Truc Lam Pagoda – the largest Institute of Meditation in Vietnam. The pagoda is set amidst pine forests right by the tranquil Tuyen Lam Lake. Opened in 1994 it is the largest pagoda in Dalat, located on Phuong Hoang (Phoenix) mountain, 4 km from Dalat. Visit the pagoda and then take a relaxed boat trip on Tuyen Lam Lake, also known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet. Built in the 1980’s, it is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the area. You’ll spend the night in Dalat.

After breakfast, you’l be picked up to Lat Village, located at the foot of Langbian Mountain, 15 km north of Dalat. Upon arrival, you will visit a church decorated with traditional patterns that describe the spiritual life of the local people. Continue to Chil Village, where you can stroll through the community of native people in the area. You’ll then visit traditional Chil houses, observing their farming tools, musical instruments, and belongings, and learn about K’ho culture. Admire the talent of K’ho women in a weaving workshop.

You will then visit coffee farms, vegetable fields, flower gardens, and strawberry gardens, learning about the K’ho lifestyle through their daily activities. After walking around the farms, visit a rustic bungalow of the locals. Learn about the processes of harvesting, drying, and roasting coffee. The homeowners will invite you to enjoy a cup of coffee roasted on-site. Finally, enjoy a performance by a K’ho woman playing the T’rưng, an ethnic musical instrument, before heading back to your hotel.

In the aftenroon, your driver arrive to take you to Dalat airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. When you arrive, a private car will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city centre. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your guide will arrive to show you around Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll visit the Reunification Hall – an early colonial masterpiece constructed to accommodate the Governor –general of Indochina. The Museum of War Remnants provides a very partial, but riveting, perspective of the ‘American War’: not for the squeamish! The Binh Tay market and the China Town are worth a stroll to explore the local daily life and the culture mix.

After lunch, you’ll also call in at the Jade Emperor Temple. It’s one of the best Taoist temples in Vietnam, with superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and somewhat incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries. You’ll then return your hotel for freshen up or wander around the huge Ben Thanh market, one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City, is packed with every conceivable commodity. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

A morning drive will take you to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See in time to watch the mid-day ceremony. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a Byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by both the Vietminh and the Viet Cong to suddenly materialise as if from nowhere, launch a lightning ambush, and vanish equally rapidly. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

After escaping from Ho Chi Minh City’s urban sprawl, you’ll travel to Cai Be where a Mekong River cruise will take you to visit the fruit orchards, a traditional family-run brick kiln, and some long established cottage industries. Later, a rowing boat will carry you through the maze of the Mekong Delta’s myriad channels to connect with the real life of the local people, visiting a local house and listening to live music performed by local artists. You’ll then drive deeper into the Mekong Delta to Can Tho. Upon arrival you’ll call in at the Munir Ansay – an ancient Khmer style pagoda renowned for its unique structural decorations. You’ll then continue to your hotel in Can Tho where you’ll spend the night.

Munir Ansay Pagoda has many statues and pillars with sophisticated decoration; the main gate was built in the shape of the towers illustrative of Angkor architecture.

After breakfast and a boat cruise, you’ll arrive at Cai Rang floating market on the Mekong Delta. Both the journey and the market provide insights into the rural Mekong Delta lifestyle.

At noon, you’ll be transferred to take you to Can Tho airport for a flight to Phu Quoc. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your resort. You’ll spend the night in Phu Quoc.

Your time will be your own! You’ll spend the night in Phu Quoc.

After breakfast, you’ll be free until you’re picked up to the airport for a flight back to Ho Chi Minh Cty which is in good time to connect with your departure flight home. End of services.