VERY BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR – 20 DAYS

* BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour.

Day 3: Package tour to Sapa by car.

Day 4: Sapa adventure and trekking tours to villages.

Day 5: Bac Ha weekly market- back to Hanoi by train.

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong – Lan Ha Bay, overnight on the cruise.

Day 7:  Lan Ha Bay – Hai Phong- Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi- Hue by flight. Sightseeing.

Day 9: Hue city tour – Da Nang -Hoi An sightseeing.

Day 10: Hoi An daily tours – My Son sightseeing tour- Hoi An travel package.

Day 11: Hoi An- Da Nang – Nha Trang. Sightseeing tour.

Day 12: Nha Trang beach tours

Day 13: Nha Trang package tours- Da Lat travel package

Day 14: Da Lat sightseeing tour.

Day 15: Da Lat – Saigon. Sightseeing tour.

Day 16: Half- day city tour.

Day 17: Saigon full day to Tay Ninh & Cu Chi.

Day 18: Saigon- My Tho- Ben Tre- Can Tho package tour

Day 19: Can Tho package tour to Cai Rang floating market- Saigon.

Day 20: Saigon departure.

Day 1: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: ARRIVAL – HANOI CITY TOURS (-/-/-)

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. Being the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. Check in and relax then.

O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: FULL DAY HANOI SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi.
Later on, we follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

The afternoon tour continues with the History Museum, an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Alternatively, you can visit the Ethnology museum instead if you wish to learn about 54 ethics in Vietnam. Later, you’ll also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre – the traditional unique Vietnamese art where we will see a fantastic performance.

If time permits, we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

O/N in Hanoi.

Day 3: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HANOI PACKAGE TOUR TO SAPA BY SEAT-IN-COACH BUS (B/-/-)

Rise up early today. After breakfast, we’ll join an open bus (seat-in-coach bus) to go to Sapa, the former French hill station with beautiful landscapes, the Tonkinese Alps – where Montagnard hill tribes have lived for centuries.

On arrival at the early afternoon, check in the hotel for a short break. Lunch is on your own arrangement.

Later, walk down streets for the orientation guided tour that includes all the town key sites such as the Old Church, local market and the dining& shopping streets… Then, continue by a drive to Sau Chua ethnic Black Hmong village. This village has been recently discovered and much less visited. It is located on the mountain summit, therefore you can take the best photos of panorama Sapa town down there at sunset. Besides, you will have lots of interactions with the villagers who show their great hospitality and want to share their life so you’ll learn more about how they live.  Back to the hotel then and have the rest of day at your leisure.

O/N in Sapa. 

Day 4: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: SAPA ADVENTURE AND TREKKING TOURS TO LESS VISITED VILLAGES (B/L/-)

Today, we’ll start a bit later to pick up the best time when the sun arise for the clear vision & best photos.  Different from the other tour operators, DNG leads your trip out of crowd to the less visited places.

At around 09:00 am, DNG local guide and driver will pick you up for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life.

Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phin valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream. This valley is quiet and non- touristic. It’s totally different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much due to the strong influence of tourism.

Enjoy your lunch break on the bank of a stream. As we walk through these villages nestled in the valleys below, we’ll witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In the leisure months, men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay at home making their traditional costumes. Interaction with them is very much encouraged.

Back to Sapa later and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

O/N in Sapa.

Day 5: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: SAPA PACKAGE TOURS TO BAC HA MARKET – BACK TO HANOI BY TRAIN (B/-/-)

After breakfast, leave Sapa behind for Bac Ha, the weekly market. This is where the ethnic people come down from the mountains taking along their homemade products like embroidery, tobacco, rice wine…and household animals like dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, horse, and buffaloes…for exchange. Additionally, the market is also a festive center where the locals meet friends, drink rice wine together, chit chat for their team building.

Then, step out of the market to visit the Palace of the H’mong King that was built in 1921 and now becomes another landmark of the area. Continue to Thai Giang Pho- the Flower Hmong Village nearby- to learn how the native makes their wine from maize.

In the afternoon, you have the chance to enjoy a boat trip downstream on Chay River to admire the beautiful landscapes while stopping at Trung Do village on the way to visit another ethnic Nung people.

In the end, you will be transferred by bus to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight train back to Hanoi.

O/N on the train.

Except from Bac Ha, there are several alternations that you can choose as follows:

Option 1: Muong Khuong Market on every Sunday

Option 2: Coc Ly Market on every Tuesday

About 35km from Bac Ha, Coc Ly Market is a colorful Tuesday market in a mountainous area where ethnic people gather to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander to enjoy the ambiance of the Montagnard market by the Chay River.

Option 3: Lung Khau Nhin Market on Thursday

Taking place every Thursday, Lung Khau Nhin Market is a small market hiding itself amongst the mountains and forests of the far north Vietnam about 10 km from the border with China. Although not being so big or famous among visitors as Coc Ly and Can Cau, Lung Khau Nhin market, beside a normal shopping place, play an important role to spiritual life of local ethnic peoples Flower H’mong, Black Zao, Zay, and especially to those who come from very small ethnic groups such as Pa Zi, Tou Zi, Tou Lao who live in small and isolated villages around this corner of the country, come for meeting, socializing…

Option 4: Can Cau Market on Saturday

Can Cau is a rural ethnic market, simply set up on the open ground at the side of a mountain, looking down a picturesque valley about 20 km north of Bac Ha. It is every Saturday morning when hundreds of ethnic peoples mainly Flower H’mong gather to sell their farming products and buy necessities. The market’s most colorful part is clothes section with shirts, blouses, skirts…or parts of the traditional costumes with embroidery patterns in different motifs lying on dark batik background but may be the most interesting section is the tobacco and wine section when buyers are allowed to taste the product before buying and many men get too drunk to buy anything more!

In the perfect light of the early morning, It is not only the colorful market and the peoples but also the beautiful surrounding nature make the visit here an unforgettable trip, especially for nature lovers and photo hunters.

Day 6: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HANOI – GROUP TOUR TO HALONG – LAN HA BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B/L/-)

06h00: Arrive at Hanoi Railways Station, our guide and driver will come to pick you up and transfer to a hotel for an early check-in where you can take a shower, breakfast and a nap before going to Halong Bay by our shuttle bus (sharing with other tourists)

09h00: You will be pick up  from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the highway to Got Port, Haiphong where we arrive at around 11h30
12h00: Transfer by tender to our cruise. On the way to the main boat, you will have a chance to see Cai Trap canal.
12h15: We welcome our guests onboard the our cruise and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay.
12h40: our cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have lunch while passing via the islets. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.
15h00:  We progress to Tra Bầu area of Lan Hạ Bay- a separate part of Halong Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam. You can try at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. 
17h30: Returning our cruise, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal
19h30: Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting
21h30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: LAN HA BAY – HAI PHONG – HANOI (B/-/-)

06h00: Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve light breakfast.
Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out in bamboo boat to explore the bay in the area where the Toi Sang cave is situated.
9h30:   Visit then return our cruise for check-out procedures
10h00: Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch
11h35: We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark.
12h10: We bid farewell at Got port, this is the end of the program.
14h00: Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. End of the trip

O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 8: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HANOI – HUE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Noi Bai airport for the domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival we visit the Imperial Citadel. And then we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfumes River to visit the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We also have an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues.  The sightseeing tour of Hue also includes with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.

 
O/N in Hue.

Day 9: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HUE CITY TOURS – DANANG STOPOVER TOURS – HOI AN SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

In this morning, before leaving for Danang we will take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages (we can choose the shorter way by driving through the tunnel).

Upon arrival Da Nang, we will take a visit to Cham Museum formerly known as the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation southward. Then a visit to Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and temples whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Later on, we keep on rolling further southward to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.

O/N in Hoian.

Day 10: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HOI AN DAILY TOURS – MY SON SIGHTSEEING TOURS – HOI AN TRAVEL PACKAGES (B/-/-)

This morning is spent visiting Hoian, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoian that is peacefully located by the Thu Bon River attracts the visitors by its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas.

                
In the afternoon, drive to My Son, 70 km from Hoian. My Son is the Holy Land of Champa Kingdom from 04th to 13th century. Now, the ruins of My Son is well preserved by UNESCO as World Culture Heritage. By visiting My Son, you’ll recall the civilization of the Native Cham which was once in its prosperity.
O/N in Hoi An.

DAY 11: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HOI AN – DA NANG – NHA TRANG SIGHSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel in Hoian, you will be transferred to Danang airport for flight to Nha Trang. Coming here, we start the trip to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and the off-shore islands around Nha Trang, including Mun Mot Island. Enjoy swimming and beach activities. Lunch at Tam Island with fresh seafood.

Afternoon visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower, it is dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country. Then continue to visit Chong Promontory – looks like the work of a giant, who carelessly put several massive rocks together. On one side of the rock, facing the sea, there is a deep handprint with the five fingers close together. And finally, discover Oceanographic Institute – established on 14 September 1922, is the National Oceanographic Institution, responsible for research and investigation in the ocean.
O/N in Nha Trang.

DAY 12: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: NHA TRANG BEACH TOURS (B/-/-)

Nha Trang has earned its place on Vietnam’s tourist mainline partly on merit and partly due to its location. Fit for a King or a gathering of the world’s most gorgeous ladies, Nha Trang is the 29th most beautiful bay in the world and known as the Vietnamese Mediterranean Towering lush mountains surround Nha Trang Bay, creating a near perfect moon shape crescent as the sun dawn each morning on this lively beach town in Vietnam. On this day, after breakfast at hotel, Sea-bathing in the blue water beach without tour arrangement. This should be the best time to refresh yourself.                         
O/N at Nha Trang.

DAY 13: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: NHA TRANG PACKAGE TOURS – DALAT TRAVEL PACKAGES (B/-/-)

After breakfast, leaving the coastal Nha Trang behind you’ll head uphill to Da Lat, nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring”. The trip is scenic with the rice paddies, vegetable patches, tea plantations & pine forests and gently sloping hills. Prized by the Vietnamese for its mild climate, Dalat, nestled in the mountains, was the site of the summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai. On arrival, pay your first visit to Chua Linh Phuoc to admire its amazing architecture and huge collection of Buddha statues which are artfully carved in every detail. Then, transfer to Trai Mat nearby where you’ll board a 30-minute train ride toward to Dalat’s crémaillere (cog railway) train station which becomes one of the city symbols. Established by the French in the early 20th century, the railway linked Dalat to Thap Cham before ceasing operation in 1964 due to Viet Cong attacks. You’ll admire the Art Deco aesthetic of the station.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in and refreshment.

The evening is free for your own exploration.

Overnight in Da Lat.

DAY 14: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: DA LAT SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up for a visit to Datanla and Prenn waterfalls, two of the many famous waterfalls in Dalat. Then visit Truc Lam Buddhist Meditation Monastery and the Robin hill by cable car (expenses excluded). Visit the Palace of Bao Dai (the last king of Vietnam,) then back to the hotel for lunch.

This afternoon focuses on Dalat’s agricultural production. We’ll stop at the local market, and then a Green House Farm where you’ll learn about how the flowers and vegetables are grown. Next, transfer to Trai Ham Da Lat, a coffee farm where the special local weasel coffee produces. Coffee was introduced in Vietnam after the French invasion at the 1800s and nowadays it becomes popular nationwide. However, weasel coffee is special and it’s not affordable for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to try its special taste when you are in Da Lat.

Home hosted dinner with a local family with Dalat wine.

Overnight in Dalat

DAY 15: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: DA LAT- HO CHI MINH CITY TOURS (B/-/-)

This morning, you’ll be driven to HCM City which is formerly named as Saigon and nowadays becomes the Vietnam’s financial hub. On the way, drop by the Chicken Village, a K’ho hill tribal village near Bao Loc. This village is so called as at its gate there is a sculpture of a chicken.

On arrival in Saigon, check in the hotel and relax then.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Day 16: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HALF-DAY SAIGON CITY TOUR (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel, A half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City takes in the Notre Dame Cathedral – the most famous landmark as well as core Cathedral of the city, It is considered to be a famous age-long cathedral in Southern Vietnam that attract not only Catholics but also most tourists for its neo-Romanesque style architecture and a sacred atmosphere. Then we visit Old Post Office which has a Gothic architectural style and was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. Today, the building is a tourist attraction.

Then transfer to Chinatown to visit Thien Hau Pagoda – one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases and Binh Tay Market – much of the business conducted here is wholesale.
Afternoon: Free time (no tour, no guide)

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon SAIGON FULL DAY TOUR TO TAYNINH + CU CHI TUNNELS (B/-/-)

Depart for Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai region founded on 1926. On arrival we attend the fantastic mid-day mass when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism.

 Afternoon, transfer about 30km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Cu Chi tunnels were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. The Cu Chi tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels, the tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 18: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – BEN TRE – CAN THO PACKAGE TOURS (B/L/-)

In the morning, transfer to My Tho, take a boat trip downstream to Ben Tre, where you have the opportunity to discover the local people life in Mekong Delta with popcorn and pop-rice workshop, rice paper mill, coconut candy mill, fruit gardens… Biking or transfer by horse carriage on village road.
After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Can Tho.

O/N in Can Tho.

Day 19: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: CAN THO PACKAGE TOURS TO CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Ninh Kieu wharf for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market. Time for taking part to the local activities and taking pictures. Then continue by boat to Phong Dien Islands. The car picks up at Phong Dien and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 20: Best of Vietnam Tour from Hanoi, Sapa to Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon: HO CHI MINH CITY – Departure (B/-/-)

At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure flight (check out hotel before 12h00)

—End of services—
 

INCLUDING:
•    Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver 

•  Train ticket Lao Cai – Hanoi (4-soft berth A/C cabin)
•  Air ticket Ha Noi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang
•  Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room) 
•  Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch
•  English or French speaking guide 
•  Entrance fee to indicated sights
•  Water puppet show
•  Boat trips

EXCLUDING: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,…