Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet our guide and driver who then escort you to the city center. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your own lunch and leisure to recover after the long flight.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi - City (B/L/-)

After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, named for the beloved father of modern Vietnam. This famous complex is home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honors the eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates that each passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Next stop, lunch!-which will be served at a popular local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology (or Hoa Lo Prison if you visit on Monday) dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognized ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We then enjoy a 45-min-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings.

Then, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

You will end up your tour today by a cup of Egg Coffee (cà phê Trứng) at Giang Cafe Shop which is humbly hidden on a small lane on Nguyen Huu Huan Street in the city’s old quarter.

Then we go back hotel for relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau/Home-stay (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Mai Chau: 160km, ~4h drive

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. Stop on the way to visit a Muong village in Thung Khe. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, we check-in the ethnic homestay (a house on stilts!). After lunch with the locals, we spend time walking tour and cycling around the villages of Mai Chau and local crafts. It’s a serene life complemented by verdant landscapes, friendly and hospitable people who live here will leave you unforgettable memories.

In late afternoon, we invite you to participate in a game of volleyball/soccer with the villagers. Dinner will be prepared by the local family.

In the evening, you have chance to enjoy the friendliness of the people by participating in a traditional dance show of the ethnic Thais.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau

Day 4: Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong National Park (B/L/-)

Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong: 140km, ~3h drive

After breakfast at the homestay, we will drive towards Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, check into our hotel at the Reserve and have some lunch.  In the afternoon, we visit the Centre of Endangered Rescue, home to 15 different species of endangered primates most of which get confiscated from illegal animal trade. We continue for a 6km through the dense jungle to explore a plethora of trees and animal species and you will even get to visit at a thousand-year-old tree.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Tam Coc Boating – Thai Vi Temple – Dancing Cave (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we will we embark a small rowing boat to discover the outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. From the boat, you will enjoy prime views of rice paddies dotted with limestone peaks along the river banks.

Get off the boat, we will visit Thai Vi Temple which was dedicated to the four Kings of the Tran dynasty in the 13th century and now offers place of peace and simplicity against a backdrop of ancient architecture. After that, we drop a visit to Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Time is then spent to discover its temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009).

You will end of today by challenge yourself to climb up to the Dancing Cave to admire the panoramic view from the peak above. A stone staircase beside the cave entrance zigzags through the karst (beware the goat droppings) and it’s almost 500 steps to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Look west for the Ngo Dong River winding through Tam Coc.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Ninh Binh - Halong: 200km, ~4h drive

After breakfast, we depart for Halong Bay. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a lush dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Ha Long bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue swimming around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for a well-deserved lunch!

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City or Tu Cam Thanh. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30min drive

After breakfast at hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoian via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Upon arrival Hoian, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoian in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House – one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall – an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel and then the day is yours! Enjoy yourself!

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang International Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your new guide and driver who escort you to the hotel in the city center for an easy check-in. You will then have time to get some lunch on your own and relax.

In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace (outside visit) which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including, the Notre Dame Cathedral & the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office (still in operation!).

After visiting the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many delicious dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local crafts and souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/L/-)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to local as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre, we embark a boat to cruise along Ben Tre River, a tribute to the Mekong. With stops at the brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal where we witness how to make these local delicacy. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow abundantly in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm trees. We cruise back to the pier and disembark for a drive to Can Tho where we will spend the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 13: Can Tho – Flight to Phu Quoc (B/-/-)

Can Tho - Saigon: 170km, ~3h30min drive; Saigon - Phu Quoc: 434km, 55min flight

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our day with a boat cruise along the seemingly endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River. We arrive amongst Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. View hundreds of boats which are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple…  all for selling, buying and exchanging. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits.

After having lunch at the local restaurant, we drive back to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon for a flight to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 14: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 15: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Phu Quoc beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing is available, go scuba diving and enjoy water sports. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 16: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, time free until our driver meets and transfers you to airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, another driver will meet and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 17: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

Today, you are free to spend time relaxing and doing some last minute shopping until you are taken to the airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. We thank you for choosing Tonkin Voyage Travel!

Meals Included: Breakfast