Explore the real Vietnam

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam!
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and greeted by our presentative with a board bearing your name on it. Take a short transfer to the hotel in Hanoi center. If you arrive early today, why not spend some time to wander around and explore the exciting Hanoi. With its vibrant Old Quarter dotted with ancient temples in a maze of little streets lined with colorful shops and stalls, French colonial buildings and tree lined boulevards, tranquil lakes and graceful pagodas, elegant cafes and hustle street life, Hanoi is one of the liveliest and most charming cities in Asia.
At 6.00PM you will have a group meeting with your tour guide and fellow travelers. Later this evening, perhaps you may want to join with your travel fellows for hanging around or having a chat over a glass of fresh “Bia Hoi”, kind of home-brew, at one of busy street corners.

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Notes for today

The check in time for hotel room is from 14.00 so, if you arrive earlier and want to have a room before that time you can book for a pre-trip accommodation when you make the trip booking or let us know in advance so that we can book it for you.
The group meeting today is important as you will be meeting up with your tour guide and fellow travelers as well as having any necessary documentation, instruction and brief guidance for the trip.

Rise up early if you wish to join with local for morning exercise around Hoan Kiem Lake. After the breakfast at the hotel, head out for a city tour of Hanoi. Enjoy sightseeing the city’s diverse colors from the chaotic ancient town to the elegant French quarter, and reveal its unique charms which is reflected in a great blend of past and present.
Spend time to visit the Memorial Complex dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh, consisting of the Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s humble house on stilts, and the Ho Chi Minh museum. Within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi built nearly a thousand years ago. Also, visit the Temple of Literature, the first National University of Vietnam, built in 1076 and functioned until 1802, where you will see nearly a hundred of huge stone stela standing on back of turtles and recording names of national men who received Doctor Laureate through Royal examinations.

Included activities

• Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex: Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s house, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Temple of Literature

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Optional activities

• Hanoi cooking class: US$ 45
• Water puppet show: US$ 5

Rise up early for breakfast and leave Hanoi at 7.00AM on a bus ride to Sapa (approx 5 hours).
Located at the elevation of about 1500 meters above sea level, this summer resort town is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, terraced fields and diversity of ethnic culture. Arrive at noon time and this afternoon you will make a 7 kilometer trek from Sapa town along the Muong Hoa River down to the valley where located beautiful Homong, Dzao and Dzay hill tribe villages. This trekking route provides you with chances to interact with the locals, perhaps joining with them at work on their rice fields, learn about their typical culture and working methods as well. Do not forget to get your camera ready for wonderful photos along the way.
Tonight you will stay in a local house with a delicious home dinner served by the fire or in the open air overlooking down the terraced fields. This homestay basis is normally sharing by the whole group on the second floor of the traditional house. It is neat and clean enough with private mattress, pillow, blanket, and mosquito net provided for each person. There are also modern toilets and bathrooms with hot shower next to the house for your convenience.

Included activities

• Sapa village trekking
• Local hill tribe homestay experience

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Homestay dinner

Accommodation

• Homestay local house

Notes for today

Since you stay only one night in Sapa, there will be not much need for changing clothes and other stuff so, please bring with you as little as possible. It is better a trekking bag with some of really necessary belongings. The rest of your luggage can be left in storage of hotel in Hanoi.
The trek today is pretty mild with most of the length is rather flat and mainly going downhills. However, if you wish, you can discuss with other group members and the tour guide to take a more challenging path which will lead you to hidden villages with some hill climbs and offering more authentic scenes.
Please to ensure that you have suitable footwear for the trek especially for the next day when the trail is more steep and slippery. You can either wear steady-sole sandals or trekking boots if preferred.

Wake up in the mountain fresh air and sounds of surrounding nature. After a home breakfast, say goodbye to your local hosts and start your another half day trekking following buffalo trails up and down hills, along terraced fields, through hidden villages and bamboo jungles to Giang Ta Chai, home of the Red Dzao people. The trek today though shorter but requires higher physical demand than that of yesterday as some parts of it are pretty steep and slippery, however in return, the landscapes is more rewarding and you also have the opportunity to explore the land away from the crowd. At the ending point you will be picked up by bus and transferred back to the Sapa town. After a shower in a hotel, enjoy some free time for wandering and exploring this mountain town on your own and perhaps take a chance to ease your muscles with a foot massage or full body massage. At 3.00PM you will get pickup from the hotel for a bus ride back to Hanoi.

Included activities

• Sapa village trekking

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hanoi

Notes for today

For the trek today, especially if there has been rain, a trekking stick will come in handy. Your tour guide and local host can provide you with a simple, light and strong bamboo stick if requested.
When you get back to Sapa town from the trek you will have a rented bathroom in a hotel for shower and changing your clothes. After a free time on your own for lunch and wandering, at 3.00PM, the bus will pick you at this hotel to bring you back Hanoi so, please get back this hotel on time for the bus.

After breakfast, at 7.30AM you will leave Hanoi on a 2 ½ hour bus ride along the highway to Ha Long city where you board a wooden boat for cruising and exploring the spectacular Halong Bay. Located in the northwest of the Tonkin Gulf, Halong Bay and its greater area including the Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Island consist of more than two thousand limestone islands that soar up from the mirror-like emerald water, in various forms created by wind and water through millions of years. There are also lots of breathtaking karst caves and lagoons that offer wonderful discoveries. The bay is one of the most scenic places in Vietnam and was recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site for it exceptional geological, archeological, and cultural values.
Lunch is served on board as you wind your way through dramatic landscapes. You will also have chance to get up close to explore rock formations by kayak or perhaps enjoy swimming in emerald water at one of beautiful island beaches here.
Get back to Hanoi and this evening, at 7.00PM, you will take a short transfer to the train station for an overnight train ride to Hue.

Included activities

• Halong Bay boat cruise and sightseeing
• Halong Bay kayaking

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch on board

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Notes for today

There is kayaking and swimming activities included in the Halong bay boat cruise today so, swimming or/and waterproof wear should be good. A waterproof bag/belt is also come in handy to bring with you your valuables when you do the activity away from the boat.
The overnight train will take about 13 hours to get from Hanoi to Hue and you will stay in a sharing cabin for 4 people. This type of cabins has 4 bunk beds with comfortable soft sleepers on two levels and is air-conditioned. It is locked from inside and there are toilets on either sides of the carriage. There is also a dining car usually at the end of the train that serves simple meals and drinks. The train is pretty slow (60 kilometers per hour) and can be a little noisy for those not used to train riding so, earplugs or a bottle of vodka would be great :))

Arrive in Hue about 9.30AM. You will meet your tour guide at the train station then take a short transfer to the hotel. There are bathrooms for you to take a shower and, before the official check-in time, spend some time wandering around to get you adapted to new environment.
Located in the central Vietnam, Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and the treasure of the country’s royal past. The city is known for its both historical values and beautiful natural landscapes.
This afternoon you will have a guided tour to explore the Hue Imperial City (Entrance ticket is at your own expense). Constructed from 1804 to 1832, this was the political central, the symbol of royal power, and now listed as part of the World Heritage. The enclosure is protected by fortified ramparts built in Vauban defensive style, with more than 10km perimeter and ringed by a deep moat. Inside is the Royal City and then the Purple Forbidden City that was the living area of Kings and their families. More than elsewhere in the country, vestiges of the past and traditional values are obvious anywhere with royal buildings, pagodas, monuments, and so on still exist though many of them have been ruined by the past wars.

Included activities

• Guided tour to the Imperial City (entrance ticket is not included)

Meals included

No meal included today

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hue

Today you have a free day to explore the charming Hue city at your pace.
Near the Imperial City, right on the bank of Perfume River is the bustling Dong Ba Market, the largest and most attractive local market in the city that offers a wide range of fresh local produces, local specialties, and souvenirs of many kinds. It is great to wander around to experience sights, sounds and smells and take the chance to try “Banh Khoai’ a specialty Hue famous for. Hue countryside is stunning with peaceful rural life and tranquil setting and, scattered around are many relics including royal mausoleums, museums, temples, monuments and so on. Perhaps cycle out to explore those relics, farming villages and the Thanh Toan ancient bridge would be great. Also, you may want to take a dragon boat cruise along the beautiful Perfume River then make a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda that is the oldest pagoda and the symbol of Hue.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hue

Optional activities

• Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda: US$ 10
• Royal tomb (Emperor Tu Duc, Minh Mang and so on): US$ 6
• Country & back streets by motorbike (lunch included): US$ 25

Notes for today

Since it is a free day, any optional activities you take are at your own responsibility. A bicycle for rent is about 2 USD and small motorbike is 7USD. Make sure that you familiar to those activities and have proper driving license and that your travel insurance covers such activities.

Take a bus transfer along picturesque rural lands, mountains and lagoons to the Word Heritage city of Hoi An. Along the way you will make stops at the Lang Co beach and Hai Van Pass which is the highest pass in central Vietnam where the view of surrounding landscapes is stunning.
Lying by the bank of the peaceful Thu Bon River, Hoi An once was the major trading port of Vietnam from 15th to the 19th century and was the hub for merchant boats from both East and West. Prominent feature of the town is narrow bustle streets with yellow painted ancient houses bearing architectural influences from Japan, China and Europe. The well-preserved architecture, traditions, life style along with beneficial tourist services making Hoi An today one of the most favorite destinations in Vietnam and the World.
This afternoon you will have an orientation walking tour of Hoi An ancient town and make visits to some of the city’s main attractions such as the Hoi An market, Tan Ky ancient house, communal hall, Hoi An museum, the Japanese covered bridge and so on.

Included activities

• Hoi An ancient town walking tour

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a free day today to explore Hoi An at your own pace. There are lots of things to see and do around here. Just wander around the town and reveal timeless beauties that reflects on mossy roof or simply take a seat at one of lantern hang balconies of any bar, sipping café au lait or a bottle of cold beer. Hoi An for sure is a paradise for shopping lovers with its market and lots of street shops offering a wide range of stuffs from woodworks, leather, paintings, ceramics to lanterns and so on. It’s also known for great tailor shops that can make wonderful items to order within a day, so do not hesitate to check it out and get for you latest style dresses to be made. Why not taking a chance to try a bow of Cao Lau noodle or a plate of White Rose that Hoi and is famous for.
You also may like to take a bicycle ride around the surrounding countryside, enjoying rural atmosphere and landscapes, take the option of boat cruise on the Thu Bon river or perhaps take part in a cooking class to learn the receipt of some wonderful Vietnamese dishes.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Hoi An

Optional activities

• Hoi An county cycling & Thu Bon sunset cruise with BBQ: US$ 35
• Hoi An Cooking class: US$ 35

Leave Hoi An for a day train ride to Nha Trang. This train ride is a kind of experience for travelers with the chance to view the stunning landscapes when you travel pass beautiful rural lands and green paddies dotted with peaceful villages, spectacular lagoon, verdant hills and mesmerizing beaches along the coast of Vietnam.
Nha Trang is a famous seaside resort in the south-central Vietnam. The beach city is known for its pristine beaches, consistently good weather, green islands rise up amongst the beautiful bay of emerald water that houses the marine life protected areas and boasted one of the best places in the country for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Hotel in Nha Trang

Notes for today

The train ride today is a bit long but interesting. For food, there is Usually a dining car that serve simple Vietnamese foods but you may like to pack some foods from Hoi An for lunch and fresh dinner can be taken when you arrive in Nha Trang. There are trolleys that sell drinks or snacks around but if you like a cold beer or a fresh coffee, just come to the dining car to take a seat and get it.
Cabin on the train is air-conditioned and accommodating 4 people with 4 soft sleeper bunks on two levels. It is convenient for you to sit while viewing the scenery through the window and rest whenever you wish also. Depending on group size, you may have to share the cabin with other passengers who are not part of the group. It is advisable when travel on public train like this is that you have small bag or belt to bring valuables with you always.

Today you will take a boat tour to explore some islands and enjoy swimming, snorkeling to explore coral reefs. The bay of Nha Trang is known for its blue emerald water and is home of some most colorful reefs in the country. You will have chance to visit floating villages and some islands then spend time to discover the marine life with snorkel mask. After a delicious seafood lunch on board or at a floating house, enjoy your time to relax and get suntan at one of island beaches here.
Get back to the hotel in late afternoon and remainder of the day is free at your own pace.
Nha Trang becomes more hustle when the night falls. There are many busy restaurants serving different kind of foods, neon light bars with some live music, and for night owls, there are also some discotheques around.

Included activities

• Boat cruise Nha Trang bay & Islands visit

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Nha Trang

Notes for today

Nha Trang is known for fresh, good and cheap sea foods. And, apart from restaurants in town center, you may like to venture into local style restaurants on the northern side of the city where you will sit on colorful plastic chair and try lobster, snails and some of specific stuffs like locals. There may be some scam taxis who will try to take you to an expensive place to take commission so, please check information well with the hotel receptionist and remember to bargain before you order.
If you plan to wander around the town at night and get to crowded bars or discotheques, please remember to leave your valuable and passport in the safe or at the hotel reception and bring with you just enough to spend.

Enjoy a day free for relaxing on beach and explore Nha trang on your own. The main beach of Nha Trang has the length of about 5 kilometers with full of sunlight, white sand, and blue water will be a great place to relax and get suntan. During this day, you may also want to spend some time to explore around the city and visit to some of its attractions such as the Ponaga Towers, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Stone Church and so on or perhaps take a cable car ride over the bay to explore the Vinpearl Lands and enjoy time at the water park.

Meals included

• Breakfast

Accommodation

• Overnight train

Optional activities

• Nha Trang motorbike ride & River boat cruise: US$ 45
• Nha Trang country village cycling: US$ 40

Notes for today

The train to Ho Chi Minh City will depart in the evening so, after checking out hotel room, you can store your luggage in the hotel storage. In case you spend the whole day out and about, please check out the room before you leave for the activity and it is advisable you leave your valuables at the hotel reception. There is public bathroom in the hotel for you to take shower before you take the train.
Cabin on the train is the same standard with what you took from Hanoi to Hue. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning, you will be picked by bus to the hotel for shower and leave your luggage there then go for the morning tour.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in the country that characterized by a vast array of sights and sounds with currents of people rushing about from early morning until midnight. The city contains in it a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West with new skyscrapers rising from amongst colonial vestiges and very hustle, dynamic street life.
You will arrive at Saigon station in the morning where your bus is waiting to transfer you to hotel. Check in day room for shower then you may want to go out to join with locals for morning exercise at one of many city’s green parks.
After that you will take a city tour by cyclo, a three wheel pedicab, to explore some main attractions of the city including the War Remnant Museum, Reunification Palace which is the former Presidential Palce of South Vietnam before the country reunited in 1975, the famous Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Post Office, the Theatre Hall and the Ben Thanh Market. Remainder of the day is for you to relax.
For those interested in the war history of Vietnam, the option of Cu Chi Tunnels visit is recommended. And for those who like food adventure, a Saigon nightlife and food taste by motorbike is a great choice.

Included activities

• Cyclo tour Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included

No meal included on this day

Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Optional activities

• Cu Chi Tunnels tour: US$ 30
• Saigon nightlife & food adventure on motorbike: US$ 45

This morning you will leave Saigon for a day tour to explore the Mekong Delta. Known as the rice basket of Vietnam, the Mekong delta has been built up by alluvial soil deposited along the run of Mekong River through thousands of years. This is home to evergreen scenery of rice paddies, tropical orchards and mangrove along stunning water ways.
Board a wooden boat for your leisure cruise on the river and explore local activities along river such as fishing, water transferring etc. Following, visit green orchard and taste some tropical fruits freshly picked from tree then visit to local workshops to learn about coconut candy processing, pop rice making, sleeping mat weaving and so on and take the chance to try some local specialties. Afterward, you will continue with an exciting ride on motor cart along shady paths, pass by coconut forest, green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about this fascinating tropical land.
Enjoy a local lunch with some Mekong’s specialty including elephant ear fish. prawn, crispy banana flower cake etc., and later, take little sampan rowing on meandering canal along lush water coconut mangroves to the pier then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Tonight is your last night in Ho Chi Minh City so why not join with your fellow travelers for the last supper and have fun together.

Included activities

• Mekong Delta excursion

Meals included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Accommodation

• Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Today is departure day so you there are no activity organized. Just relax and enjoy time at your own pace until check out time then get transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travel and see you again!

Meals included

• Breakfast

Notes for today

The hotel check-out time is 11.00AM so, if your departure flight is later and you wish to keep the room longer, please let us know so that we can book the room for you, otherwise you can store your luggage in the hotel storage and use the public bathroom there. In case you have extra stay in Ho Chi Minh City we can arrange post-trip accommodation and activities for you.
If you wish to explore other countries in the region, you can have a look at our tour list and find suitable set departure date to combine this with.