Vietnam Classic – 12 Days

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Immerse yourself in the lively culture and flavorful cuisine of Hanoi’s Old Quarter by taking a guided cyclo tour and savoring street food at night.
• Embark on an enriching cultural journey to the mountainous region of Sapa, home to vibrant ethnic groups and stunning scenery.
• Indulge in a memorable overnight cruise through the stunning natural wonders of Halong Bay.
• Discover the rich history and architectural marvels of Hue’s Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Experience the tranquil charm of Hoi An’s ancient town, strolling through its quaint streets and admiring its unique architecture.
• Explore the dynamic city of Saigon and gain insight into Vietnam’s tumultuous past by visiting the legendary Cu Chi tunnels.
• Observe the vibrant daily life of locals and immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of the Mekong River on a boat trip through its quaint villages.

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – Overnight Train to Lao Cai

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Cai – Overnight Train to Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Day 7: Hue

Day 8: Hue – Hoian

Day 9: Hoian – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Ha Noi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Overnight Train to Lao Cai (B, L)

After breakfast, start the city tour with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Next, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and then take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter to see the local way of life. In the evening, watch a traditional water puppet show. After the show, you will board an overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa (B)

Upon arrival in Lao Cai, we will transfer to Cat Cat village, where you will go on a walking tour and meet the local H’Mong ethnic minority people. Here you also have the opportunity to visit some families in the area and learn about their culture. In the afternoon, you are free to relax or explore Sapa town.

Day 4: Sapa Hill Tribe Villages – Overnight Train to Hanoi (B, L)

Today, you will take a walking tour through the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Ta Phin, home to Black H’mong, Dzay, and Red Dzao people. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, and the people are friendly. In the evening, board an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

After arriving in Hanoi, you will have a short rest and have breakfast before leaving for Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you will board an overnight cruise to explore the beautiful Halong Bay, enjoying full board meals and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B, L)

Early in the morning, you can join a Tai Chi session before enjoying breakfast while the cruise sails through the islets. After the cruise, return to Hanoi and then fly to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 7: Hue City Tour (B, L)

Begin the day with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue. You will then visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled for over a century. After lunch, explore the tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh to learn about their lives and architecture.

Day 8: Hue – Hoi An (B)

Today, you transfer by car, over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, stopping along the way to visit the Marble Mountain, Cham Museum and and Stone Village. In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour of the ancient town and visit a craftsman’s home to learn about lantern making and daily life in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An Free Day – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An or relax on the beach. Later in the day, you will transfer to Da Nang airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will check into the hotel.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

In the morning, drive to Cu Chi district to visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels at Cu Chi. This immense network of tunnels was used by the Viet Cong as a base of operations during the Vietnam War. You will learn about the remarkable resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war and see how the tunnels were constructed, ventilated, and camouflaged. After lunch, transfer back to the city to visit the main sights including the Opera House, Town Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, War Remnants museum, and Ben Thanh market.

Day 11: Mekong Delta (B, L)

You will be transferred to the Mekong Delta, a vast and fertile region in southwestern Vietnam. Take a boat trip to discover the Cai Be floating market where local people sell, buy, and exchange goods on their boats. Visit a village to watch the process of making local products, observe daily activities, enjoy Vietnamese traditional music, and take a small sampan rowing by hand of a local to feel the real Mekong river. After lunch, visit a local brick kiln before taking another boat to Vinh Long, the center of tropical fruits, and stopping for a short visit at a local market. In the late afternoon, transfer back to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Depending on your departure time, you will have some free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own before a transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

PRICE DETAILED:

(Seasonal prices apply and will be confirmed when booking)