Day 1: Hanoi arrival (B/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet our driver who then escorts you to the city centre. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or stroll around the streets.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi city tour - overnight train to Lao Cai (B/-/-)

After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, at around 8:00 am 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 honours 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.

In the afternoon, we visit Hoa Lo prison or “Hanoi Hilton”, the prison was used to house Vietnamese political prisoners, as well as French and American prisoners of war, and offers a fascinating and chilling glimpse of prison life. The prison displays focus on the sufferings of Vietnamese revolutionaries who were confined (and sometimes executed) here, when the French were the masters of Vietnam in the early part of the 20th century. We then enjoy a 45 minute-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.

In the evening, 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 3: Bac Ha Sunday market - Thai Giang Pho (B/-/-)

Arrival Lao Cai Train Station at around 6:00a.m, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to a small hotel to freshen up. Located at 110km from Sapa, Bac Ha mountain town is well-known by travelers with the most colorful market of the hill tribes in the North of Vietnam. This every-Sunday-market attended by at least 8 ethnic groups and last from 9:00 AM until 2:00 pm. It is also chance for tourists to discover the H’mong King’s palace (old building built by the French & Chinese).

In the afternoon, we go for a light trek to visit Thai Giang Pho, a very beautiful valley inhabited by the Tay in their stilt houses. Going on foot up and down along the side of 3 child and mother mountain with the height of over 1.400m, you can catch the full fill of Bac Ha town scenery in smog and ethnic minorities villages appear and disappear in the mountain and terraced fields around mountain in the sunlight. The hospitality ethnic people will make you comfortable. Leaving Mong’s village for Tay’s one and then heading to Sapa for overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 4: Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa valley in Sapa. Following the road of just around 2km, we reach Y Linh Ho village home to Black H'mong ethnic people. We continue our walk to Lao Chai village and enjoy beautiful views of terraced rice fields along the way. We then visit a Catholic church and explore local traditions and customs. In the afternoon, we reach the heart of the Sapa valley, the Ta Van village home to Dzay ethnic people.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 5: Sin Chai - Ma Tra - Ta Phin – Joining bus to Hanoi (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa valley in Sapa. Following the road of just around 2km, we reach Y Linh Ho village home to Black H'mong ethnic people. We continue our walk to Lao Chai village and enjoy beautiful views of terraced rice fields along the way. We then visit a Catholic church and explore local traditions and customs. In the afternoon, we reach the heart of the Sapa valley, the Ta Van village home to Dzay ethnic people. Lunch is on your own cost.

~3.00PM, the joining bus picks you up at your hotel lobby and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi city. Check in and relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Drive to Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30m drive

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

Morning, meet our driver at your hotel lobby and we transfer to Halong.

From there, we 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst on board, we will be served a fresh seafood lunch followed by swimming and the chance to explore 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 for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise/ sharing cruise

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

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 international airport for the flight to to Dong Hoi (Quang Binh province)

Upon arrival in Dong Hoi, meet our tour guide and we transfer to your hotel for check in and relax. Overnight in Quang Binh.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Quang Binh

Day 8: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha - Paradise cave (B/-/-)

After breakfast at your hotel, our driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Dong Hoi and transfer to Phong nha cave.

Arrive in Phong nha cave. Take a boat on Son river about half an hour to visit Phong nha cave.

Phong Nha cave, located in Phong nha Ke Bang national park, is 7,729 meters long and contains 14 grottoes, as well as a 13,969 meter underground river. It is considered as the longest wet cave or river cave in the world.

Coming to Phong Nha cave, you will immerse yourself into charming view of the river and mountain. Impressive nature with numerous interesting images will awaken your imagination.

Then we will have lunch and a short rest before at 1:00 p.m: Our driver will bring you to Paradise cave (around 60 kilometers from Dong Hoi city).

Paradise cave: With the length of over 31.4km, the width of 30 to 100 m and a fanciful structure, Paradise cave is dubbed as Underground Palace Heaven, and considered one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. At 4:00 p.m: After visiting Paradise cave, the driver will take you back to your hotel in Dong Hoi.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi

Day 9: Quang Binh- Vinh Moc tunnel- Hue (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

8.30AM, check out hotel and meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby and we transfer to Hue.

On the way, we stop to visit Vinh Moc tunnels- an underground refuge of the fishing village of Vinh Moc, located above the DMZ. In early 1965, America began a massive bombing campaign against North Vietnam with code name "Rolling Thunder". The area above the DMZ became the most heavily bombed single piece of land on earth. Unable to live on the ground, the local inhabitants had to dig and move their homes into the ground. Vinh Moc tunnels is the best example of the tunnels system in the DMZ area. We visit the museum then walk underground, starting with an entrance on top of the clay cliff and finishing with an exit overlooking a wild beach.

Arrive in Hue, check in hotel and relax. Overnight in Hue.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 10: Imperial City tour (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

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 your lunch (on your own cost).

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. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 11: Hue- Hai Van Pass- Hoian ancient town (B/-/-)

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 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 15th to the 19th 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. Back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Hoian.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 12: Hoian- Experience Countryside tour (B/L/-)

After breakfast, you will be  picked up at your hotel's lobby  around 8 AM by bike, then  escape the bustling city just about 20 minutes by cycling from Hoi An old quarter, you will enjoy a vegetable farming area with nice weather and lovely people, a green area called Tra Que vegetable village.

Upon arrival , you’ll take a stroll around the vegetable farm and then join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed from the river near by - as organic fertilizers. You’ll learn how to  raking the ground, sowing seed, watering, and planting vegetables, as well as many other gardening activities will make you have lots of fun and interesting moments when being in this village. This is a great way to see how locals here live and how they love their job.

After working in the vegetable farm we continue biking to Fishing village (it takes 20 minutes of biking)

When we arrive at Fishing Village, Meet a local fishing family, Learn about daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their custom and community

Leaving the village behind, you will board our boat and cruise to the mouth of the river where it meets the Cua Dai Sea. Then meeting and engage with local fishermen and enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. The local fisherman will show you the method of catching fish that is to throw a round net into the river from a small boat. After being taught how it is done it will be your turn.

The next part of our adventure is to fish by using a huge square net that is set on the river bed which is then winch up. With helps of another couple of local fisherman you will collect the fish inside that net through a hole at the bottom.

Following, you will learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket round boat through small and beautiful channel and join in a basket boat race. Then  head into the nipa palm forest where tourist have opportunities to catch small crabs by fishing rod for fun as well as some products from this tree was make by our staff for souvenir.

Then continue biking to my house in rice village (it takes 10 minutes of biking). Reach a local house, be welcome with a glass of passion fruit juice and wet tissues.

You will join a short rice pancake cooking class with my wife from rice flour - Last  step is : Enjoy the Lunch  with some specialties of our village : Tam Huu (three friends ), Deep Fried Spring Rolls(vegetarian style), Local rice pancake serve with fresh organic vegetable and fish sauce, Steamed rice, chicken' meat, shrimp, pork, Season fruits.

The whole tour will be finished around 2 -2:30 P.M. The rest of time you are free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 13: Hoian- Free day (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

Today you are free at leisure on your own. You can free at a nearby beach or go shopping. Hoian is very famous with tailor made clothes and handmade souvenirs... Overnight in Hoian.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Flight To Ho Chi Minh (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

Today, you are free at leisure until being picked up and transferred to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, meet our driver and we transfer to hotel. Check in and relax (We can arrange Saigon jeep tour by night or scooter evening tour… on your request). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh- Highlights of the city (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

8:00 AM: meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby and we visit highlights of Ho Chi Minh city.

Start your tour with The Reunification Palace, used to be residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. In 30 April 1975, the when North Vietnam soldier set foot inside this building with red flag on hand, the whole world knew that Vietnam war was end.

Next stop is War Remnants Museum, on the way stop to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, 2 most famous and oldest of classical French colonial architecture construction was built more than 100 years ago. War Remnants Museum with many photographs from both Vietnam and US sources; US military vehicle like tanks, jet, booms display outside.

Lunch is on your own cost.

Afternoon, we continue city tour by discover eastern side of the city. Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest one in Ho Chi Minh City with huge Buddha statue system which was built on 1774. Then ride to Cho Lon (Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda which located inside China Town, it’s a place of great historical and cultural importance many of temples, pagodas in surrounding area. Before the tour ends, stop over for shopping at Ben Thanh Market in city center. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh – Vinh Long – Mekong style homestay (B/L/D)

Saigon- Vinh Long: 150km, ~3 hour drive

At 07:30a.m, meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby and we depart to Cai Be.

Arrive in Vinh Long, we will start the tour with a visit of Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables...

Mekong Travel boat will take you to have a lunch at this local house. After lunch, we come to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Then, visit of the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. Then, we’ll walk to check in at Út Trinh / Út Quỳnh / Út Bình homestay.

Have a fresh shower before cooking some special dishes with the members of local family. We’ll enjoy dinner & overnight at homestay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Vinh Long

Day 17: Surrounding villages visit – Drive back to Ho Chi Minh (B/-/-)

Have breakfast at homestay. Check-out & be on boat to go across one of the longests river in the world, Mekong River. Come to visit Cai Be floating market.

Then, the rowboat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Also, we’ll come to Tân Phong island for biking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses and maybe the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in Mekong Delta... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they make rice-net for spring-rolls, sewing coconut-leaves for cottage roof and specially see how they wave the dried water-hyacynth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... The cruise will end at Cai Be pier in the town. We then transfer back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Check in and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh- Departure (B/-/-)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.

Today, you are free at leisure until being picked up (by our driver with private vehicle) to Tan Son Nhat International airport for your flight back to your country. End of services!

We thank you for choosing Tonkin Voyage Travel!

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Check out time is before 12.00PM