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

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 (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: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong (B/-/-)

Hanoi - Halong: 170km, ~4h drive

After breakfast, at 8:00 am, 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst on board, we will be served a fresh Vietnamese lunch followed by swimming and the chance to explore some of the limestone caves in Bai Tu Long bay. In the afternoon, cruising to Vung Dang – Cong Dam area: Swim or relax on a white sandy beach; Go kayaking through the mystery Karst Mountains in Vung Dang area and then return to Dragon Legend Cruise to refresh yourself in Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or the Spa and Massage Services before dinner. At around 20:30, Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, talking with the on board team, watching movies, listening to music. Overnight in Tra San area.

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

Day 4: Halong - Hanoi - Overnight train to Lao Cai (B/-/-)

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast or doing Tai chi on the sundeck. After breakfast, you then visit Thien Canh Son cave - one of the biggest and most beautiful grotto belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay. At around midday we will return to the main harbor and having a buffet lunch before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to hotel in Hanoi and then you will have time to relax and stroll around the street for shopping before at around 8:30 pm, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and then transfer to Hanoi train station for your train trip to Lao Cai at around 9:30 pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Lao Cai Train (Sharing Cabin 4 berths)

Day 5: Bac Ha Market - Thai GiangPho – Sapa (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 6: 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 7: Sapa - Dien Bien Phu (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we then leave Sapa to go to Dien Bien Phu (~ 300km-7h drive). We cross the road of  Tram Ton passs which culminates at 2047 meters in the mountain range of Hoang Lien Son. Then we  make a stop at the village of Ban Bo & Ban Lu inhabited by the ethnic Lü (or Tai Lu), which belongs to the Thai language group. The Lü women wear black clothes decorated with metal coins and jewellery, wear charming headdresses and have all black lacquered teeth. By the age of 10, girls of this ethnic group are having their teeth burned. It is one of the criteria of beauty for them.

Then we visit pictureques villages located in the stunning hills and mountain  along the way, you will have chance to interact with the White Thai People and learn about their culture and colorful costume and enjoy the beauty of tea hills, peaches and plum blossom. Afterwards, we continue to visit Pha Din pass (1648 m) - one of the 4 highest passes of Vietnam . Enjoy the panoramic view of unique villages at the bottom of mountain ranges. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration. Overnight in hotel in Dien Bien Phu

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Dien Bien Phu

Day 8: Dien Bien Phu visit - Flight to Hue (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Dien Bien Phu. On the way, we stop at the Arrival at Dien Bien Phu in the afternoon. Visit Eliane Hill 2, PC GONO (Command Post of the North West Operational Group) and especially the War Museum of Dien Bien Phu. Then drive to the hotel in Dien Bien for overnight.

Then your driver will take you to the airport for the flight to Hue (Connecting flight via Hanoi). Upon arrival, you will meet our new driver who then escorts you to the hotel in Hue for checking in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue Imperial city (B/-/-)

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip along the Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as the 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 beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and Nine Dynastic Urns to name a few. 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 some shopping at the Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialties of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 10: Hue - DMZ – Hue (B/-/-)

7.00am Our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a drive to Dong Ha town to start this DMZ tour. First stop to visit the Rockpile, Dakrong Bridge, Ho Chi Minh trails on the way to to Khe Sanh combat base – one of the violent battles in Quang Tri, one US base fell under attack in early 1968. You’ll also see the remaining of an old airfield. Visit the museum of Ta Con airport to see the things in nature of the fierce war, and how hard Quang Tri people fight against the enemy.

After having lunch at restaurant in Dong Ha town, we continue along the highway 1, you also learn about the history of old citadel of Quang Tri, Church of La Vang, stop at Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River – which marked the former border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1972. Next stop to visit Vinh Moc tunnels – a network of tunnels built by villagers seeking shelter from bombings during the American War, this is the place where an entire village lived and fought for two and a half years. We finish this DMZ tour at your hotel in Hue around 6.30pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 11: Hue La Chu village- Danang- Hoi An (B/L/-)

At around 8: 30 a.m our guide and driver pick you up at your hotel in Hue center and transfer by bus to La Chu village. Then, start biking at La Chu village, (distance biking 5km; 8 km or 10km away).

Our biking tour takes you through tranquil local villages, among rice paddies, along rivers and green vegetables. You have various chances to take photos of farm animals and inhabitant farmers at work on the fields and perceive how can they live and save money for their children. And then visit local market and the family’s temple. Continue cycling to interact with the local people and get to know about their daily lives. Stop at a local house to see and learn how to make a simple rice pancake. (known as “bánh nậm”, “lọc” in Vietnamese)

Visit the green vegetables, here you can see how Vietnamese farmers live and work through many generations. See for yourselves that a farmer‟s life is not just hard labor and care foods but also love and even philosophical nonchalance towards death, romance, joy and sorrow. Last but not least, drop in at a resting place to have a relaxing with foot massage before having a lunch at a local house.

In the afternoon, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An 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 towards Da Nang city. Our next destination is the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Danang City. All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a popular destination. Upon our arrival in Hoi An, we assist you with check-in and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration of this remarkable town.

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

Day 12: Hoi An Cooking Class - Ancient Town (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we start the day at 8:45am with a drink at Hai Scout Cafe - our meeting point. Our guide will escort you to a colorful market where you can experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. 

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 Hoi An 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 Kien 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 13: Hoi An - My Son - Thanh Ha - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

At around 08:00 a.m, we drive towards the archaeological site of My Son (45km, ~1h drive). This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km from Danang, My Son is considered one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam.

We then drive ahead to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, meet our driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and relax. The rest of day, you are free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 14: Saigon Cu Chi tunnels - City tour (B/-/-)

Saigon - Cu Chi: 60km, ~1h20m drive

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Upon arrival, we proceed to an underground hut to watch a short video and presentation about Cu Chi tunnels before having a real hand-on experience of what it took to live in the tunnels.

In the afternoon, we visit some major sights of the city including the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, and the War Remnant Museum. If time permits, we continue our trip on 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 freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 15: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/-/-)

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.

In the afternoon, 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 16: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market – Saigon (B/-/-)

Can Tho – Cai Rang- Saigon: 250 km, ~4h30m drive

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, etc. all for selling, buying and exchanging. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits. After the market, you then visit noodle and rice paper producing family. Then coming back to Saigon.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

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

After having breakfast at the hotel, you have free time to relax until our driver meets and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight to your next destination. We thank you for choosing Tonkin-Travel!

Meals Included: Breakfast