A Combination of History, Culture & Nature

Welcome to Hanoi! Your guide and driver are waiting for you right outside the customs in the Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, with a welcome board bearing your name. After a warm greeting, you’ll be escorted to the well-selected hotel. Have a short break and we will unlock this 14-day Vietnam tour.

First, we will drive a little while to admire the Hanoi Opera House, which is an architectural symbol of the French colonial period. Continue ahead to the lively Old Quarter, with 36 streets each emphasizing on one particular product for sale. You’ll definitely be dazzled by a rich variety of traditional food and handicrafts. While walking on the narrow streets, be ready to exclaim over Vietnam’s sobriquet - Motorcycle Kingdom - when swarms of motorbikes dash past you. Then head for the Hoan Kiem Lake to discover a legend behind its name “Lake of the Returned Sword”. Once, there was a giant turtle in the lake, and the founding monarch of the Late Le Dynasty (1428-1789) used a sword the turtle gave to him to fight against invaders. Later the sword was returned to the turtle, and the lake was named so. Continue to a small island embraced by the lake to pay respect to the 100-year-old Ngoc Son Temple. At last, a big dinner will be arranged for you in a popular local restaurant, where you can sample authentic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls and beef noodles and chat with your guide. After that, your guide will escort you back to the cozy hotel.

► Weather and Packing Tips
Vietnam has typical tropical monsoon climate in most areas. With the narrow and long terrain stretching from north to south, the exact climate in different regions varies. The north has four distinct seasons, following the season division of Northern Hemisphere. For example, our destinations Hanoi and Sapa in this route tend to be colder in winter, for which you’re recommended to bring a slightly thicker coat. Central coastal areas and the south are distinctly divided into rainy season (May to October) and dry season (November to April); the average annual temperatures in both regions range from 25-27°C (77-80.6°F). For example, in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta region, wearing light and breathable clothes, like cotton shirts and shorts, and sandals would be good. It’s interesting to know that most Vietnamese can’t stand the cold, and this is why you may see locals in long shirts and pants in December while you have shorts on you.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi (5 stars) or Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (4 stars)

Today’s sightseeing will begin with Ba Dinh Square, where grand ceremonies and rallies are held. We will then take a stroll to the West Lake nearby and check out the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, from which you’ll have a better understanding of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam. The first building coming into our view will be a three-story yellow French-style villa, the main building here; it was once the residence the Governor-General of French Indochina and later the workplace of the President of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh once refused to live in it and, instead, he chose to live a simple life in first the electrician’s dormitory and then the two-story stilt house. Afterwards, proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda, which stands in the middle of a pond, and the first college in Vietnam - Temple of Literature, a Chinese-style building aged nearly 1,000 where Confucius and many Confucian sages are enshrined.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology, which displays the arts and folk customs of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next are the Quan Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the former being the largest Taoist temple and the latter the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.

After that, enjoy a Water Puppet Show, the quintessence of Vietnam culture with about 1,000 years' history. Originally a way of entertainment for rice farmers when flood or slack season occurs, it gradually became a unique national treasure of Vietnam. The stage is set up in a pool, with puppeteers behind bamboo curtains manipulating little figures’ life on the “river”. When they walk out from behind, you’ll be surprised to learn that their lower bodies are submerged in water throughout the show. It should be noted that the puppets are small and hard to see from back seats, so please book your with us as early as possible so that we can scramble for the best seats in the front. After the show, your guide will accompany you to the railway station and help you board the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai.

★ Experience Vietnam’s Overnight Sleeper Train!
The overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai runs at a low speed, leaving at night and arriving in the next morning. The train not only reduces the cost of accommodation, but saves your daytime for pure fun rather than transfer. The space within is relatively small, with four bunks, each 1.9 meters (6.23 inches) long and 0.7 meters (2.3 inches) wide, per compartment. You may find it a little hard to stretch if you are tall, but please don’t let it hold you back since the overall train ride is really a cultural experience. Each carriage is decorated in a different theme, such as one inspired by the culture of the Hmong minority. Remember to take earplugs if you want to mute the clickety-clacking of the train!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight Soft Sleeper Train

Upon arrival, you will meet your experienced local guide at the exit of Lao Cai Railway Station and then be escorted to the hotel in Sapa, a highland county in Lao Cai. After a short break, your guide will accompany you to hike through the famous Cat Cat Village and Sin Chai Village, where you’ll appreciate beautiful terraced rice fields that stretch continuously in the valley, and have a glimpse of local tribal life. Don’t be confused by the name of Cat Cat Village - it’s not a village of cats, but home to a tribe of Black Hmong people that live in the hills. We will reach a high point and head down all the way, along babbling streams and past specialty workshops, where you can browse for local handicrafts and rent a set of Hmong clothes to try at your own expense. While at the river valley, linger to admire Vietnam's traditional water wheels, the Cat Cat Waterfall and sometimes ethnic singing and dancing performances. Then, explore the more rustic Sin Chai Village that sits nearby. Along the way, marvel at a more broaden view of rolling mountains and rice paddy fields with leisurely grazing buffaloes. Local girls or grandmas weaving colorful fabrics before plain houses would be targets for wonderful photos.

► Friendly Notice:
Your personal guide will take into account your physical condition and lead you through the countryside at your own pace. Please wear comfortable shoes as you’ll walk through some steep stone and muddy trails. Nowadays, the Cat Cat Village becomes more and more commercialized and there are many locals dressed up in traditional tribe outfits selling some hand-made goods on the way. If you are not interested in the goods, you could talk to your guide who will keep them away from you. If it’s youngsters that are selling, we suggest you not buy their goods, because they will think they can make money out of this and no longer be willing to go to school.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa (5 stars) or Pistachio Hotel Sapa (4 stars)

Sapa is known for its beautiful streams, bamboo forests, spectacular rice terraces and local folklore, and today, we’ll witness them all when trekking through the villages of H'mong, Dzao and Dazy. For example, in H'mong Village, you’ll encounter some older women with black teeth and be amazed to learn that it’s actually a sign of maturity and beauty in their traditional idea. There are three routes, respectively measuring about 3 kilometers (2 miles), 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), for you to pick according to your physical condition or preference. There are many forks, making it easy to get lost, but your experienced guide will get you through and show you the most beautiful sceneries. For today's lunch, you will enjoy authentic Vietnamese food with fresh local ingredients. After the trek, we will transfer you to Lao Cai to take the overnight train back to Hanoi.

► Tip: It’s relatively cooler in summer and colder in winter here than the rest places in Vietnam, and sometimes even frosty. So it’s recommended to bring a windproof coat or any clothing that would keep you warm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight Soft Sleeper Train

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and driver and then be escorted to the nearby Cosiana Hotel to have breakfast and take a short rest. After around 3 hours’ driving to the port, get onboard a cruise ship to explore Ha Long Bay, which is UNESCO-honored for its heavenly karst landscape with countless limestone islets rising out of the turquoise sea. The name of the Bay comes from the legend that a god once sent a dragon here to help local folks resist foreign invasion, and the dragon balls were spit out before they fell into the sea to become the islets you see, forming a natural defense.

★ Privilege of Our Guest: Go Deeper into Ha Long Bay
We’ve carefully selected two kinds of luxury cruises for you to choose from, which covers not only most of the bay’s must-see karst caves and islands as well as water activities like kayaking and swimming, but secluded bays most tourist routes not include.

The 5-star Indochine Cruise is a traditional Vietnamese-style cruise ship. If you pick this one, we will explore the pristine Lan Ha Bay after lunch. At some point, board a kayak or sampan to admire the limestone structure and come across bats in the Dark and Bright Cave (Bat Cave). At dusk, return to the cruise and join a fruit and vegetable carving class. Besides, a wealth of activities like card games and Parcheesi board game are included, and if you are a fishing enthusiast, a wonderful night squid fishing can’t be missed! Or enjoy a quiet and cozy moment in the private balcony in your room.

While on the 4-star Signature Royal Cruise, which is Western-style by the way, you will have lunch and head to Bai Tu Long Bay. While there, switch to a kayak to explore the Vung Vieng floating fishing village, which is famous for its pearl farming. As the sun sets, get back to the cruise ship and enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Vietnamese dishes by the head chef on the cruise. There are also full of evening activities, such as movies, small games, squid fishing, etc. The friendly cruise manager will always be at your service.

► The Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay
Influenced little by the change of seasons, Ha Long Bay retains its charm like an ink painting whether it is sunny or shrouded in fog. You can expect good weather between March and April, when it’ll be warm and with little fog on the sea and perfect for sailing and water activities. From September to October, the temperature here is around 25 degrees and there is plenty of sunshine, making it another perfect period for visiting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Indochine Cruise - room with balcony (5 stars) or Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars)

You may get up early to have a Tai Chi class and enjoy morning tea or coffee on the sundeck. After that, continue to explore Ha Long Bay. If you take the Indochine Cruise, you will visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, which was used as a hospital during the Vietnam War. If you take the Signature Royal Cruise, you will admire the stalactites and stalagmites in Thien Canh Son Cave. After the exploration, have brunch on the cruise while sailing back to the wharf. At noon, disembark the ship and your guide will accompany you to Hanoi’s airport and help you board the flight to Hue. After landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional local guide and then be escorted to the well-selected hotel.

► Free Activities Recommended upon Arrival in Hue
When Staying at Moonlight Hotel Hue:
With the Perfume River crossing the center of the city, Hue charms people with its stunning sunset over the river, the appealing brightly lit Truong Tien Bridge and the bustling night market along the river. Maybe take a stroll along the colorful promenade, visit stalls and encounter cabaret performances regularly held. Hey, why not try Hue’s special beef noodles to round your trip off? The market is a 10-minute walk southwest of your hotel, but watch out for robberies on motor scooters along the way.

When Staying at Indochina Palace:
Take a 15-minute drive southwest from the hotel to visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, a small village famous for being a joss-stick producer. Residents here maintain their ancestral techniques for centuries and supply joss-sticks to almost the whole market demand across Vietnam. That’s why the village is so called.

Meals: Brunch

Accommodation: Indochina Palace (5 stars) or Moonlight Hotel Hue (4 stars)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and we will explore the highlights of Hue, the capital of Vietnam's last dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Start with the Imperial City, which is in the heart of Hue, and visit the Hue Royal Palace. Built in 1802, the palace witnessed the rises and falls of many emperors. As Nguyen once was a vassal state of China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the blueprint of Royal Palace was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, but at about only one-seventh the scale of the latter. You will also spot some Baroque decorations on the building's façade, which hints at the French colonial history dating to the 19th century. Although some of the buildings have been destroyed during wars, it remains the largest and a relatively complete ancient building complex in the country, representing the highest achievement of ancient Vietnamese architectural art.

Next, admire the Tomb of Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful architectural complex from the Nguyen Dynasty. Emperor Duc (1829-1883) once had it as a temporary residence, and when he died, he chose to be buried here. Although it’s an imperial tomb, you will find vegetation, delicate pavilions and bridges over green water that inject life to every corner. Intriguingly, lots of buildings here have the word "Qian (means ‘modest’ in Chinese)" in their names, so the tomb is also called the Modest Tomb. Afterwards, stroll around the Dong Ba Market, which is loved for its famous rice paper and silk paintings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Indochina Palace (5 stars) or Moonlight Hotel Hue (4 stars)

After breakfast, travel to scenic Thien Mu Pagoda to witness the oldest temple in Hue established more than 400 years ago. We’ve specially arranged a dragon boat tour, instead of a car ride, which enables you to take a panoramic view of the Pagoda from afar with the Perfume River flowing by it. Off the boat, climb the seven-story octagonal tower, the highlight of the temple, with each floor representing an incarnation of Buddha. We will also stand in awe before an old abandoned car, which the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc drove to Saigon in 1963 before burning himself to show protest against the government's anti-Buddhism policies. Then continue to visit the beautiful Tomb of Minh Mang, built for the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty to rest and so cleverly designed as to blend into the surrounding mountains and rivers.

After lunch, head to Hoi An by a 3.5 hours' car ride. Along the way, immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world at Hai Van Pass, and pay a visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the richest collection of sculptures crafted by ancient ethnic Cham group in the world. As most of the original exhibits aren’t covered by glass, you can appreciate up close the details of vividly carved spiritual objects, gods and daily life scenes. Then, visit handicraft villages near Marble Mountains to learn the manufacturing process of local crafts, such as stone carvings. After arriving in Hoi An, check into the hotel to have a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (5 stars) or Little Beach A Boutique Hotel & Spa (4 stars)

This morning, we will take an excursion to My Son Sanctuary, where sits the largest religious shrine complex of the ancient Cham Dynasty (192-1802) in Vietnam. Here, you will stroll around some twenty crumbling brick and stone temples, as well as amaze at floral patterns, birds and gods carved on walls in detail - they show you Cham people’s aesthetics and craftsmanship in architecture and stone carving. A brick building has a life span of a century; however, the Cham temples have survived for up to 1,000 years. This place feels serene, and with our guide’s stories, you will be transported back in time.

Tips:
1. It is said that there are still unexploded bombs left from the Vietnam War, so please always stay within the sight of your guide and don’t wander far off to ensure your safety.
2. It would be hot at noon, so it’s recommended to wear sunscreen. You can also wear a bamboo hat like locals. You can prepare one in advance when we pass stores offering it.

► Free Time Activities Recommended in Hoi An
The affordable, easy-to-maneuver motorcycles are the dominant means of transportation in Vietnam, and you can mingle in locals and rent one to rev through the streets and alleys via Grab to unlock the ancient town! Always be sure to wear a helmet or you will be fined. During the daytime, visit the ancient buildings in Chinese or Japanese styles like Fujian Assembly Hall and Japanese Covered Bridge. When night falls, admire variegated lit lanterns hanging under the eaves of numerous shops and their reflections on the rippling Thu Bon River. Take a boat on the River and put a water lamp to pray for good fortune. Then hang out at the night market nearby; there is a White Rose Restaurant with open kitchen where you can sample Hoi An's top-rated dishes - fried wondon and White Rose, white rice paper with dried shrimp floss wrapped in it and kneaded into a rose shape.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (5 stars) or Little Beach A Boutique Hotel & Spa (4 stars)

Today you’ll leave for Ho Chi Minh City by air. At the appointed time, your guide and driver will escort you to Da Nang Airport and help you board the plane. You will say hi to Ho Chi Minh City in around 1.5 hours and your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After a short break, we will kick off our tour in Ho Chi Minh City.

First visit the Reunification Palace, which was first the presidential palace of Governor-General of Indochina. It later has changed its name twice. After Vietnamese people took it from the French colonialists, it was named "Independence Palace". When the North defeated the puppet regime of the South, took it and unified the country, its name changed to "Reunification Palace" - this slice of history also refers to as the Fall of Saigon (former name of Ho Chi Minh City). Stroll around the lush lawns and peaceful lotus ponds in front of the majestic building, discover the first tank crashing into the palace during the war, and immerse in a hard-earned peace.

Then walk to the War Remnants Museum to learn more about the Vietnam War (1955-1975) through photos and documents, as well as helicopters and bombs used in the war. Next we’ll reach a historical district to admire the French-style building complex, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, another landmark of the city, and the Central Post Office, the first post office in Ho Chi Minh City. Get inside and you’ll see two large hand-drawn maps, one portraying Saigon and its nearby regions in 1892 and the other showcasing the telegraph lines of South Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936, on the wall. Directly below them stand some old telephone booths, some of which now are used for ATM machines. As the post office is still operating, why not pick up some postcards here and send them to your friends?

Then here comes the last stop of today, the Ben Thanh Market, the city's largest trading market that has various kinds of daily goods to offer. If you want to buy some as souvenirs, please don't forget to bargain with those local sellers.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Saigon (5 stars) or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars)

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a narrow underground combat bunker, including wells, granaries, meeting rooms, as well as dormitories, used by Viet Cong (Vietnamese Communist) guerrillas during the Vietnam War. We’ll explore some of the tunnels open to the public. Since there are numerous concealed entrances and exits of the Tunnels, please be sure to follow the guide to avoid getting lost. Be cautious of insects like chiggers, which thrive in such dark and damp environment, and apply some insect repellent if need be. Afterwards, we will go to the Cao Dai Temple. Being the third most popular religion in Vietnam after Buddhism and Catholicism, Cao Dai combines ideologies of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and others, worshipping not only sages from these religions but even Shakespeare! Take off shoes to enter the hall and there are colorful rags on the floor for stepping on. You’ll find believers here wearing different colors of robes - red for authority (Confucianism), yellow for virtue (Buddhism), blue for tolerance (Taoism), and white for lay followers. After the visit, your guide will escort you back to the downtown area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Saigon (5 stars) or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars)

Today’s highlight - Mekong River Cruise - awaits you! After a 2 hours’ car ride, we’ll arrive in Ben Tre, the coconut town. Away from the noisy, commercialized and polluted waterways of Mekong River, we’ve arranged you an immersive adventure on the unspoiled Ham Luong River. Travel along the river and through lush water coconut grove on our specially selected long tail boat and see local villagers’ life - fishermen fishing, children playing along the banks, and traders selling goods on boats. It’s really a moment worth capturing! Halfway through, go ashore to view some traditional manufacturing workshops, where you can learn how locals produce bricks, coconut candy (there are free samples!) and coconut jam. After that, stop at a village where you will visit a local farmer's home and get a close look into their life. Besides, take the chance to admire the picturesque villages by the local traditional tricycle, "Xe Loi".

A hearty lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant to try fried elephant ear fish, native to the Mekong River and famous for its moreish juicy meat in crispy golden skin, usually served with slightly spicy sauce. After that, continue to appreciate the gorgeous tributaries of the Mekong River by sampan. Then we will go back to Ben Tre to disembark. Your guide will meet you at the shore, take you to Can Tho and help you check in a well selected local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort - Superior Room (4 stars) or Victoria Can Tho Resort - Deluxe Room (4 stars)

In this early morning, we’ll head to Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam's most famous floating market, with its busiest hours from around 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Many travel agencies arrange the public shuttle boat requiring you to leave at 4 a.m. However, we’ll arrange a private motorboat for you to start off at 6 a.m. and arrive at around 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival, board a hand rowing boat to venture along the river to witness the market saturated with boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and traditional food, all prepared and served onboard. You may wonder what the merchandise-decorated long pole standing on each boat is - that’s the way vendors show you what they offer. If you are interested, wave to them and they’ll row over. Perhaps indulge yourself with ripe jackfruit or a cup of handmade iced coffee under a beautiful sunrise over the river. After that, your guide will send you back to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

► Dinner Recommendations in Ho Chi Minh City
When Staying at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel:
Tandoor Indian Restaurant serves Halal cuisine, located less than 5 minutes' walk southwest from the hotel. Goa fish curry, plain pilau rice and garlic naan are all worth trying. It costs ₫400,000 (about $16) per person.

When Staying at Hotel Nikko Saigon:
Take a 5 minutes' walk south from the hotel to find Nha Hang Be Vang, an upscale Vietnamese-style seafood restaurant, with Japanese and Chinese dishes offered as well. Try the fresh lobster and sashimi, as well as squab grilled to be crispy on the outside and tender inside. It costs slightly higher, at ₫500,000-600,000 (about $20-24) per person.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Saigon (5 stars) or Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars)

Your two-week Vietnam private tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, your guide will help you check out the hotel and escort you to the airport. We wish you a nice journey home. If you want to extend your trip, please contact us freely. We will be pleased to help you.

► Free Activities Recommended for Later Flights
If time permits, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Art Museum, located a 15-minute walk southwest from Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel and a 10-minute drive west from Hotel Nikko Saigon. Appreciate more than 2,000 artworks including sculptures and drawings from prehistoric to modern times, most of which are inspired by wars. You may encounter a temporary exhibition and if lucky enough, you will meet the artist in person. Then walk 7 minutes west from the museum to find the Little HaNoi Egg Coffee which tucks away in an alley. Try a cup of Vietnam's unique sweet and rich egg coffee, which has a taste similar to cappuccino but with whipped egg instead of milk. It costs ₫100,000-200,000 (about $4-8) per person.

Meals: Breakfast