Insight into Vietnam 14 days

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
This evening, walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. First stop at Bia Hoi corner to try the local brew, a draft beer that traces its roots to Eastern Europe. Do as the locals do and pull up a stool and enjoy a drink while watching the world go by. You will also have opportunity to see the busiest time of local life here.

Then, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. Our next two snack stops are at outdoor barbecue stalls. We sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavor. It’s then time for dessert as we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk (To Tich)– this specialty is one not to be missed!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Dinner

> Discover more: Hanoi street food tour

Begin the story of Hanoi with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you will hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Continue, visit the Imperial Citadel, the apex of regional political power for more than a millennium where research and excavation is still underway. Then, head to another 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built as an homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Enjoy the Vietnamese lunch at a nice restaurant.

The tour continues with a 30-minute cyclo tour through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, a place where Hanoians buy everything from noodles to light fixtures to Buddha statues. The quarter’s 36 streets were named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. After exploring the old quarter’s shady alleyways, sip a special Egg coffee. At the sunset time, you will then see a beautiful sunset view from the iconic Long Bien Bridge. Constructed across Red River between 1899 and 1902, when Vietnam was still ruled by the French, it is now jammed with whizzing motorbikes and an occasional passenger train chugging into nearby Long Bien Station. Snap a photograph of the downtown skyline before returning to your hotel

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave Hanoi for Sapa with 5 hour driving through beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival, check in the hotel and spend your time to discovery the peaceful Sapa town, chat with local people or simple to sit down a bar from your hotel with a view of Hoang Lien Son range of mountain

Sapa is a small, mountain town in Lao Cai Province. It is located about 350 km northwest of Hanoi, close to the Chinese border. Here’s where you’ll find the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, which includes Fan Si Pan—the country’s highest peak. This quiet Vietnamese town is home to different ethnic tribal groups. There are five main ethnic groups in Sapa: the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast, 

Around 8.00AM, we start trekking in Sapa and the first part of this hike we will be walking downhill. From the main road a small path will lead us into the Muong Hoa valley. Soon we will reach a small but fast flowing river that we will follow. The trail leads through an astonishing landscape,with mountains and steep rising rice paddies, rivers, local houses. You can watch the farmers working their fields.

In Y Linh Ho, a charming little town inhabited by the Hmong minority, we will cross the bridge. From here the road goes up and down. We will walk over the edges of the rice fields and cross some hills before we enter the village of Lao Chai, one of the oldest and largest Hmong villages in the area. This is the village I was born and I will tell you everything about the centuries old traditions of the local people who still live of self sufficient farming. If we have enough time I can even bring you to my family-house up in the mountains.

From Lao Chai we will walk to Ta Van Village, mostly inhabited by the Giay and Hmong ethnic minorities. If it is the right time of the year you can see the people planting rice or harvesting it. I will learn you all about the differences between the ethnic minority groups.

Then we reach the home stay you can walk around in the village, go to the river for a swim or watch the family cook dinner.

Accommodation: Homestay in Tavan village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

When you wake up the next morning and open the window you can see the clouds flowing through the valley while the sun starts to rise above the mountains. After a nice breakfast in the homestay we will start the trek of the next day. From the village we will be walking uphill until we reach a bamboo forest. We keep walking until we reach the top of a waterfall. From here you have a beautiful view to the village of Giang Ta Chai.

We will descend to the river down in the valley. we will reach the other side of the small stream and walk to the village. From here we continue the trek to the village of Su Pan. After lunch, head back to the car and drive back to Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 

09h00: You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal – Cat Hai Town, Haiphong City where we arrive at around

11h30: The passengers have a chance to experience on longest and newest bridge in South East Asia area. You can take special tea at the lounge by warm welcome.

12h15: Transfer by tender to the cruise

12h30: We welcome our guests onboard the cruise and then check in, enjoy welcome drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay – one of the new seven wonders of nature.

13h00: The cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island – Thoi Quyt area – Coc Ngoi islet – through Gia Luan area where is belong to Cat Ba National Park

14h15: We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes that will awe and inspire visitors to use their imagination.

17h00: The ruise gets in the less populated area at Tra Bau where is located in Lan Ha Bay. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming

17h45:  Returning the 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.  Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

19h30: Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful on board 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. Option: Massage service available.

23h00: End of Day One program

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

06h15: Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve the breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated

7h45: You enjoy on your own for kayaking at Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay

9h30: The cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out

10h00: Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch

10h30: Tea Ceremony is served at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and Vietnamese cultural at this ceremony. Joining Tea Ceremony with our crews team and have great fun with us!

11h35: We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at Got ferry, this is the end of the program.

Drive head to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue.
Note: The detail itinerary is subjected to be changed due to the cruise availability or weather.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 

After breakfast at the hotel, our tour guide pick you up from your hotel and depart for Hue city tours.

Head to the tiled roof bridge – local market – rice field Thanh Toan, an ancient tiled roof bridge, lies in a ancient village that near by a local market, rice field and a museum of agriculture. It is the best site for who are interested in knowing about an authentic farmer life. Furthermore, you will get an introduction to all types of produce in the market such as vegetables, fish, pork and offerings. You will also learn and understand how the bridge is recognized as a national heritage. Finally, our friendly tour guide will explain to you the process of planting rice and the life of Vietnamese farmer in a local Agricultural museum.

Continue journey to Minh Mang Tomb – the most beautiful emperor ancient tomb. Here you will have answers for the following questions and more:
Why the tomb was built magnificently when the king was still alive?
Why it lies on the west at the mingle point of two branches of perfume river?
Where does the King’s body lie now and why nobody dares to find it now?
What was the life of 500 King’s Concubines really like and what happened to them when the king passed away?

After that, travel to Tu Hieu Pagoda – Tomb of Eunuchs. Your professional tour guide in the hidden Hue city tours will give you a detailed response to all these questions:
Who they are? and who sent them to the citadel to be a servant?
How was their life in royal palace?
What made them contribute money to build Tu Hieu pagoda?

Enjoy your lunch with Hue local’s foods: “Hue is the cultural and culinary heart of the country, where the complex history and rich tradition have produced a cuisine that is both simple and sophisticated”. According to research, Vietnamese cuisine has 1700 different dishes. Of these, 1400 come from Hue. In addition, We will have chance to try the most typical local dishes like: Noodle soup with beef, grilled chopped meat bánh Khoái (stuffed rice pancake) and wet rice paper with a cup of green tea or local beer.

After lunch, transfer to Thien Mu pagoda – one of the most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, lies in a romantic hill nearby to Perfume River. This is an ideal place for those who love to take photos and have an interest in knowing the origin of Buddhism. Moreover, Our friendly tour guide will explain you the difference between the North and The south Buddism.

Next, discovery The ancient Imperial city which was set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one among the relics of the Hue ancient Capital – the World Cultural Heritage, capturing much of tourists’ attention.

End of the day, get on the dragon boat cruise on Perfume River after a long interesting day tour.
It is time to relax on the Perfume River with a dragon boat cruise. As a result, you will be cool down with the fresh wind from the sea and see the attraction of local life in the water and on the banks of the river. Back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 

Drive about two and a half hours along the Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in all of Vietnam! The scenic route climbs over the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’ before dropping down to the photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive into the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hoi An.

In the afternoon, discovery Hoian ancient town with its stunning mix of architecture, that tells a story of days gone by, to the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. Hoi An is has a charm and style all of its own. Once a 15th century fishing village, the town is now a renowned for its tailors, galleries, boutiques and of course its food! This afternoon, explore the beautifully restored town on a guided walking tour and see all the main sites.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Meals: Breakfast, 

After breakfast at the hotel, get biking around 4km passing peaceful roads to Tra Que village (In case you you cannot riding, we will arrang “xe om” – mortobike transfer for you) . Enjoying some traditional tea. Wearing traditional farming shirts. Riding and taking photo shooting with buffalo. Joining with local farmers on the field: ploughing soil, harrowing soil, transplanting rice, scooping water with different scoopers (60 minutes)
Back to a farming family. Learning how to make white cooking rice: grinding paddy by husking mill, winnowing rice, pounding & sifting rice; learning how to make rice milk and cooking rice cake. Having meal at the farm house with some specialties of the area: Fresh spring Rolls, Fried Spring Rolls, Banh Xeo (Local pancake), Steamed rice, Fish, Soup, Season fruits (45 minutes).

Farewell the farm family, leave Tra Que village to Hoi An ancient town by car with tour guide.The rest of day is free at leisure to discovery Hoian on your own way.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave peaceful Hoi An, we take the flight to bustling Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city). Our tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Then start a day of exploring at the city’s Central Post Office, next door to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, stroll toward the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street to the centre of town and the commanding Saigon Opera House.

The tour continues with a stop at the Reunification Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975 to end a war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and three million Vietnamese. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a harrowing look into the wartime hardships and atrocities.
In the late afternoon, head back to the Saigon Opera House, to watch the spectacular A O Show. This performance is a showcase of Vietnamese culture and art, and combines, in beautiful precision, elements of both old and new.

After the hour long show, enjoy your dinner at a real culinary and architectural gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Back to your hotel after dinner or try to get amazing view of “the never sleep city” from a rooftop bar.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Meals: Breakfast, 

Travel two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City to get Ben Tre. Taking a boat rowing through coconut canal.   We take the local vehicle, the Xe Lôi, along beautiful village roads . We will stop for lunch at a local house and you can experience first-hand the lives of local people in Ben Tre.

Take some free time to soak up the beauty of the countryside in any way you like. Just relax amid the tall coconut trees or opt to cycle around the village.

Our last stop is at a local fruit plantation where we have the opportunity to enjoy all the fruity delights of Ben Tre. Our local sampan boat will return to the dock where you will be will be transferred to Can Tho, the delta’s economic hub.

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

If  the Northern Vietnam with its characterized by colorful fairs of mountainous people in Sapa, the Southern Vietnam has fairs on rivers, known as floating markets. With its unique culture, floating markets are attracting domestic and international tourists in Mekong tours of shopping. Cai Rang floating market is the place of exchanging and trading agricultural products, fruits, goods, food as well as an eating area. It is the outstanding attraction in Can Tho.

The best way to get all amazing things at Cai Rang floating market is rising early around 5.00AM and go by boat to the township of Cai Rang to see the hustle and bustle of a floating market.

After the market, back to hotel for check out and  drive approximately 3 hours back to Ho Chi Minh city. The rest of day is free at leiuse.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Meals: Breakfast, 

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Accommodation: N/A

Meals: Breakfast