OVERVIEW

Embark on an exhilarating 18-day exploration of Vietnam's highlights. This tour offers a superb opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of Vietnam. From the vibrant capital, Hanoi, to the spectacular mountains of Mai Chau, and the ancient vibes of Hue and Hoi An, to the bustling street life of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City, and the sun-kissed beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island, this tour is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural discovery that will surely bring you an unforgettable travel experience.

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Trip Length: 18 days | Trip Style: Comfort travel | Trip Theme: Explore | Physical Rating::  | Start/End city: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City
Places visited: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Mekong - Phu Quoc island

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi - Hotel in Hanoi
Day 02: Sightseeing Hanoi - Hotel in Hanoi
Day 03: Mai Chau Valley discovery - Hotel in Mai Chau
Day 04: Ninh Binh Karst landscapes - Hotel in Hanoi
Day 05: Halong Bay cruise - Overnight on board
Day 06: Halong Bay cruise - Fly to Hue - Hotel in Hue
Day 07: Hue Royal City discovery - Hotel in Hue
Day 08: Hoi An city sightseeing - Hotel in Hoi An
Day 09: Hoi An free and easy - Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10: Whale Island beach relax - Hotel in Whale Island
Day 11: Whale Island relaxation - Hotel in Whale Island
Day 12: Whale Island - Nha Trang - Hotel in Nha Trang
Day 13: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing - Hotel in HCMC
Day 14: Cu Chi Tunnels discovery - Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Phu Quoc beach relax - Hotel in Phu Quoc
Day 16: Phu Quoc beach relax - Hotel in Phu Quoc
Day 17: Phu Quoc beach relax - Hotel in Phu Quoc
Day 18: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City - Departure - See you again!

TRIP MAP

15 days Vietnam tour map
 

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Itinerary Details

Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam

You will get picked up from the airport and transfer to Hanoi downtown. Check in your hotel and remainder of the day is your to relax.

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.

Wander through the colorful streets, soak up with sights, sounds, smells and get yourself adapted to the local atmosphere. Accommodation in hotel in Hanoi centre.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private airport transfer
hotel
Hotel in Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam

Today you will have a day tour to visit Hanoi’s featured sights. Learn about Vietnam modern history through your visit to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where you will see Ho Chi Minh in a glass sarcophagus and his humble house on stilts. Dig up further into the Vietnamese culture and civilization as you marvel through the Temple of Literature, the first University of the country that built from 1076, where huge stone steles on turtle backs bear names of the country’s men who received Doctor Laureate through royal examinations. Go on with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake  and Ngoc Son Temple. We end the day with water puppet show – one of Vietnamese unique traditions.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private vehicle
tour activity
Sightseeing Hanoi
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Hanoi
Mai Chau, Vietnam
Mai Chau, Vietnam

Leave Hanoi and drive through spectacular country and mountain sceneries to Mai Chau, a beautiful green valley surrounded by high mountains in Hoa Binh Province, approx 150km from Hanoi. This place is home to beautiful White Thai minority villages and is the chance for you to enjoy the natural setting and to discover the authentic local life and culture.
Check in upon arrival and spend time to wander around, indulge in an exciting exploration of the local lifestyle, meandering through the traditional stilt houses that define the landscape.
In the afternoon , engage your senses as you cycle along enchanting paths, where each turn reveals the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding countryside. Immerse yourself in the heart of Mai Chau's cultural fabric, where the rhythmic pace of daily life unfolds against the backdrop of idyllic landscapes.
Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private vheicle
sightseeing
Mai Chau sightseeing
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel/lodge in Mai Chau
Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Leave Mai Chau on an exciting drive along captivating landscapes to Ninh Binh where you will visit the Hoa Lu ancient capital and enjoy the boat rowing on the famous Tam Coc.
Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital established in the 10th century during the Dinh Dynasty. Explore the time-honored temples dedicated to kings and national heroes that resonate with the stories of the glorious past. Gain insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of this revered site.
In the afternoon, enjoy your towing boat trip along the picturesque Tam Coc, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." Marvel at the enchanting interplay between limestone karst formations and lush rice paddies, creating a mesmerizing panorama that captures the essence of Vietnamese natural beauty.
Return to Hanoi and evening is free at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private vehicle
meal
Ninh Binh karst landscape
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Hanoi
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Limestone cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam

08.30AM – 09.00AM: Get picked up from hotel and leave Hanoi for a drive to Hon Gai pier where you board the boat for cruise on spectacular Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay.
Voted as one of 7 new wonders of the World, Halong Bay is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a huge body of emerald water that covers a space of more than 1500 square kilometers dotted with stunning limestone islands of different shapes that carved by waves and winds through millions of year.
Check in on board upon arrival at noon time. Have lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of the bay amongst thousands of dramatic lime stone islands. In the afternoon you will enjoy Halong Bay kayaking through the karsts and breathtaking nature or swimming on one of the beaches Enjoy sunset party while your cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. Dinner and overnight on board amongst islands and under star live sky.

Note: The cruise itinerary can be different depending on tide condition, boat and route assigned.

Summary of inclusions

bus
Bus transfer
tour activity
Halong Bay cruise
tour activity
Kayaking
meal
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
cruise
O/N on board cruiser
Bamboo boat rowing, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Wake up early in the morning if you wish to catch the sunrise over the Bay’s spectacular landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
After breakfast, take a rowing boat tour around to visit to explore a natural tunnel and floating village in Halong Bay. Later, you will cruise to visit another part of the Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay. Lunch is served on your way cruising back to the harbor. Disembark the boat at early noon (11.00 – 11.30 depending on boat and tide). Drive back to the airport for late afternoon flight to Hue.
Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

cruise
Halong Bay cruise
boat rowing
Boat rowing
meal
Breakfast & lunch
car
Private airport transfer
flight
Internal flight
accommodation
Hotel in Hue
hue, Vietnam
Hue, Vietnam

Located in the central Vietnam, Hue is the old imperial capital and the treasure of the country’s royal past and known for its both historical values and beautiful natural landscapes.

In the morning, board a ‘dragon boat’ and float along the silk-strap-like Perfume River. Take a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda of the city perching on a hill top by river bank with its 7 storey tower mirror into the water. The pagoda houses a huge bell dating from early 18th century, whose sound can be heard miles away.
Later, take a visit to the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City. Built from 1804 to 1833 and was the administrative centre of the country from 1802 to 1884 and nominally until 1945, the fortress-like citadel encompasses three courts covering 6 km that surrounded by massive brick walls and protected by a moat system. There were hundreds of buildings that built in a perfect harmony and strict concept of Fengshui. Less than a third of the structures inside the citadel remain due to successive wars especially in 1947 and 1968. Following with a walk around Dong Ba Market where you can learn more about local’s life. Enjoy shopping here. Royal dinner (optional) would be great experience in the imperial city.

Summary of inclusions

car
Private vehicle
boat
Boat cruise Perfume River
citadel
Royal Citadel explore
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Hue
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam

Take a scenic drive through verdant mountains and stunning beaches to Hoi An with stops to explore great view from the top of the Hai Van Pass and optional visit to Cham Museum in Da Nang.
Hoi An, a little ancient town nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River is one of the World Heritages in the country. Before the river silted up, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia. Over the years, merchant ships from both the East and the West docked in Hoi An, making it hustle commercial centre. For now, Hoi An’s architecture, lifestyle and atmosphere is well preserved and combines to produce this unique heritage site.
This afternoon, take a walking tour to explore Hoi An ancient town, exploring featured sights such as central market, former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese communal halland Hoi An museum and so on…
The rest of the day is yours to relax or  indulge yourself in some fantastic shopping of tailor made clothes and souvenirs.

Summary of inclusions

car
Private vehicle
sightseeing
Hoi An walking tour
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Hoi An
Hoian, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam

Enjoy your day free for wandering around Hoi An. It is a good chance to explore the ancient charms, indulge yourself with some fantastic shopping or just simply take a sit in one of elegant cafés for a cold drink and contemplate the time passing on mossy roofs and shuttered windows. Hoi An beach, 4 km away from town and very easy to access by bicycle or taxi is good place for sun, sand and sea

Summary of inclusions

meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Hoi An
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang, Vietnam

Morning departure for Da Nang city for a short flight to Nha Trang.
Nha Trang is the famous seaside resort in the country with its pristine beaches, consistently good weather, green islands dotted amongst the beautiful bay.
Upon arrival, get transfered to the Whale Island. Check in and reamainder of the day is free to enjoy sun, sea and sand.
Overnight in Whale Island.

Summary of inclusions

meal
Private vehicle
flight
Domestic flight
beach
Beach relax
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Whate Island
Nhatrang sea, Vietnam
Nha Trang island, Vietnam

Your free day in Whales island for relaxing. You can also optionally enjoy some resort facilities such as wind surfing, kayaking, fishing or just relax on the white sandy beach in front of your bungalow.Overnight in Whale Island.

Summary of inclusions

meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Whale Island
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang, Vietnam

Breakfast at the resort. Get your speed boat to Nha Tramg mainland. In the afternoon, take a guided tour to visit to some featured sights of the town incluing the Long Son pagoda, Dam market before we experience a mud bath in the afternoon at Suoi Ba mud bath centre. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Summary of inclusions

boat
Boat transfer
car
Private vehicle
sightseeing
Nha Trang City sightseeing
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Nha Trang
HCMC, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Transfer to the airport for the short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly 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 their life 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.
This afternoon, glide through busy Saigon streets and catch up interesting moments on the wheels of a cyclo. Explore the War Remnant Museum and admire the gothic style of century-old Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace (former Presidential Palace of the South of Vietnam) and troll through the Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy your afternoon
Eveninf is free to rest or exploring Saigon at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private transfer
transportation
Domestic flight
transportation
Saigon cyclo tour
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Saigon
Cu Chi tunnel, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Cu Chi tunnel Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Today you will take a tour to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most famous war relics in the country and the world. This spider net underground city, about 75 km from Saigon, stretches 250 km over three levels and took 25 years to build.  Started in the late 1940s by the Viet Minh and then the Viet Cong, it housed up to 10,000 people and contained operation rooms, hospitals, living quarters, kitchens, cinemas and so on… Air filters, airtight covers, booby traps and sentries were all part of the system. It is the chance for you to learn more about Vietnam War and the country recent history as well as how strong people’s determination can be.
Back to the city and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private vehicle
cu chi
Cu Chi tunnels expolore
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Phu Quoc island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc island, Vietnam

A short flight takes you to Phu Quoc Island.

Known as Pearl Island because of its beauty and is considered the best big resort in Vietnam. With its rugged jungle, squeaking white sands and sparkling cobalt waters, beautiful beach stretches for almost the entire length of the island's west coast, Phu Quoc Island has been described as paradise for relaxing.
After checking in, spend your time to unwind with sun, sea and sand.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Summary of inclusions

transportation
Private transfers
transportation
Domestic flight
beach relax
Beach relax
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc island, Vietnam

After breakfast you will have a a tour around the island. Visit to fish sauce factory, pepper garden whose products Phu Quoc famous for. Continue with a visit to Cau Castle, a temple built in dedication to the Goddess of the Sea.
In the afternoon, take a visit to Sao beach, Phu quoc former prison, a notorious prison used to detain the communist fighters, An Thoi port, the pearl-cultivating farm. Getting on Saigon–Phuquoc boat equipped with neon's, nets, fishing rods… to go fishing and squid-fishing. The fishing time begins at the sunset and the squid-fishing at night. Enjoying grilled seafood and having dinner on boat.
Back to the resort. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Summary of inclusions

car
Private vehicle
meal
Phu Quoc sightseeing
meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc island, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Spend your time in the perfectly laidback surroundings of Phu Quoc. Recommended touring options include diving and snorkelling trips to the outer lying reefs or a trekking excursion in the pristine rainforest of the island.

Summary of inclusions

meal
Breakfast
hotel
Hotel in Phu Quoc

Enjoy some free time in the morning until getting transfer to the airport for flight back to Ho Chi Minh City for your extra stay or onward destination.

Summary of inclusions

meal
Breakfast
meal
Private airport transfer
 

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IMPORTANT NOTES

Tour itinerary:This tour itinerary is designed based on local travel conditions, logistics and availabilitis of transportation between visited destinations. It is for you to see how the trip should go, what you can do, see and enjoy during the trip. The itinerary can be tailored by adding more of desired visitng destinations, activities or removing any you do not like to meet your travel time frame, style, budget and expectation the best.

Tour price:Travel Authentic Asia focus on quality and affordable package prices with the best value. The price is based on number of traveler taking the trip, the accommodation category you wish to stay, the mode of transportation, meals provided….

To book for this pre-arranged tour:If you wish to take this pre-arranged itinerary with all the terms of services that clearly stated in the program, you just need click the booking button to send us an enquiry form with some necessary information. Our travel consultant will get back to you within a working day for confirmation.

Tailor your itinerary base on this trip:If you wish to tailor your own itinerary with your favorite destinations, activities, accommodations and so on, you can do it right away by clicking the button "Tailor this trip" and send us an enquiry with as much as detail possible. Our travel consultants with their extensive knowledge and experience will answer all of your questions, offer suggestions and give knowledgeable advice, helping you to make a pleasant-enjoyable-worry free trip of best possible value that perfectly suits your travel needs. Please keep in mind this is your private tour so feel free to ask your travel consultant to make any changes you wish to make, at any time!

Requirement for information and help:Either before or during the trip, if you wish to contact us for any query or info, you can use one of the following methods:
- Call or chat Whatsapp our 24/24 hotline: +84 912 221 442, +84 903 432 999 - Or email us at: [email protected] - Contact us via our live chat window that available on our website

Payment:A deposit of 30% of total price is needed to initiate the tour booking after the itinerary is finalized. The balance for the trip is due 15 days prior to your arrival.

Arrival and departure flights:You are advised to make your own booking for international flights from/back your home country. This allows you to determine better the travel time frame, budget and to deal with insurance claim when needed. Travel Authentic Asia team will base on your flight schedule to work out the best itinerary for you or/and to modify the itinerary to get it matches.

Travel documents:You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries in which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. Travel Authentic Asia accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.

Travel insurance:It is your responsibility to get your own international travel insurance and read the insurance policy before you travel and ensure that the insurance scheme provides with the requisite level of cover. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of vacation. In some cases, travelers may have pre-existing medical conditions which their travel insurance company will not cover.
Other than local travel insurance(s) included in sightseeing tickets at sites, Travel Authentic Asia does not provide any kind of travel insurance on the trip except required and paid separately from the tour price.

Weather: The weather in this part of Southeast Asia is varied depening on the region and season. In the winter time from Nov to Feb, the temperature in some area such as North Vietnam, especially mountainous areas can be as low as 2-4 Degree Celsius (35 Degree Fahrenheit) and pretty cold. Other parts can be warm with temperature up to 36 Degree Celsius or more (96 Degree Fahrenheit). So, to know the weather condition of destination you visit, please consult our travel consultant or you can check it here on our website

What to take: What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. It is advisable to have your backpack or suitcase with wheels. An overnight bag with a shoulder strap or little backpacks is convenient to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Warm clothes and light jacket are needed for the North Vietnam and northern Lao during the winter time from November to March. Sunblock, swimsuits and a light raincoat is advised all year round.

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