Best Of Vietnam – Sapa/ Mekong Delta/ Mekong Delta – 14 Days

Embark on your journey with a 07:30 pickup from your hotel, heading to Ba Vi. Explore three villages, where local hosts will immerse you in the essence of Vietnamese countryside life. Meet Mr. Duoc, a war veteran, and hear his compelling stories about life during and after the Vietnam War. Gain insights into handling raw tea leaves and their transformation into market-ready products.

Visit a tea village adorned with 30-year-old tea trees. Engage in tea leaf harvesting, learning to select the finest parts of the tea tree to craft the world's most delightful beverage. Move on to Mrs. Chin's residence for a cooking lesson, relishing lunch in the garden. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely exploration of her village, visiting local workshops. Witness the art of tofu-making, rice unshelling, and observe a seasoned hammerer at work for over 70 years.

Cycle through picturesque rice fields until you reach Mr. Chau's house. Indulge in a foot soak with herb leaves, following the recipes of the Muong ethnic minorities. Conclude your day with a boat trip along the Da River, taking in breathtaking scenery and gaining insights into the lives of the locals along the river.

In the evening, return to Hanoi, wrapping up your Bavi Eco Tour by approximately 18:30.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Hanoi, a distinctive Asian city adorned with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and ancient pagodas and temples dating back thousands of years.

Delve into the rich history by visiting prominent attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Temple of Literature, or the History and Ethnology Museums. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter or along the shores of West Lake. Keep in mind that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays, and most museums observe closure on Mondays.

Return to your hotel and prepare for an exciting night train journey.

Between 20:30 and 21:00, our team will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the railway station for the night train to Sapa (scheduled from 21:50 to 06:30).

Experience a restful night in the A/C soft sleeper cabin en route to Lao Cai (scheduled from 21:00 to 05:00).

Upon your arrival at Lao Cai station, our team will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to Sapa for a delightful breakfast and some relaxation.

Following the morning refreshments, embark on an invigorating 12 km trek. The journey takes you to the enchanting Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages, home to the H'mong minority. Immerse yourself in their traditional way of life, traverse the picturesque rice terraces, and trek along a scenic trail on the hill mountainside. A delectable lunch awaits you, fueling your energy for the subsequent hike to Ta Van village of the Dzay people. Here, you'll spend the night with a local family, gaining firsthand experience of their daily routines, livelihoods, and unique customs.

Savor an authentic overnight stay in the welcoming ambiance of the Dzay local house.

Embarking on an 8 km walking tour to explore Giang Ta Chai, a captivating village inhabited by the Red Dzao ethnic group. Traverse the village's scenic landscapes, witness a beautiful waterfall, and cross a charming rattan bridge, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the surroundings. Afterward, relish a delightful lunch against the breathtaking backdrop.

Following the midday feast, return to Sapa town, where you can leisurely explore the area at your own pace.

At 17:00, our team will arrange your transfer to the Lao Cai train station for the night train journey back to Hanoi. Enjoy a comfortable night's rest in the A/C soft sleeper cabin, with the train departing at 21:00 and arriving in Hanoi at 05:00.

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, we will arrange your transfer to a day-stay hotel. Here, you can indulge in a satisfying breakfast and freshen up before your scheduled pick-up for the cruise adventure. Embark on the most picturesque route to Halong Bay, traversing the Red River Delta adorned with expansive emerald green rice paddies that extend as far as the eye can behold. Upon reaching Halong, partake in a mesmerizing cruise on the bay, marveling at the limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

After an enriching exploration of the bay, treat yourself to a delectable seafood lunch. The journey continues with a visit to the renowned Limestone Cave in Halong Bay, offering opportunities for kayaking or swimming to get up close to the floating villages and shops. As evening approaches, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can choose to participate in onboard activities or simply unwind.

Experience an overnight stay on the cruise, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay.

Wake up early to engage in a Tai Chi session or simply relish a wholesome breakfast. The boat will navigate back to the port, making a stop at the captivating Limestone Cave adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Following this, enjoy a smooth journey back to the main harbor, with an estimated return to Hanoi by approximately 17:00. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Take advantage of some free leisure time until a private cab is arranged to transfer you to the airport. Prepare for your upcoming flight to Hoi An.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Discover the thriving custom tailoring industry in Hoi An, where over 400 tailoring shops and skilled artisans offer bespoke clothing, shoes, and handbags. Turnaround times are impressively quick, with full suits typically taking a day and accessories like handbags or shoes only around 4 hours. To make the most of this opportunity, explore and choose a tailor early in your visit.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An's famous sights. Before embarking on your exploration, energize yourself with a Banh Mi sandwich—a local specialty with unique bread and fillings. Madam Khanh's stand, known as the Banh Mi Queen, comes highly recommended for this delectable experience.

As night falls, Hoi An's Old Town metamorphoses into a magical realm adorned with lanterns. Hoi An is renowned for its paper lanterns, and the Lantern Market offers an insight into their craftsmanship. Witness the lantern-making process and consider selecting some for souvenirs.

After perusing the market, venture to the outdoor traditional theater. Here, Vietnamese folk dancers and musicians showcase traditional performances from 9 pm to 10 pm at the square on Nguyen Thai Hoc street. The show is free and open to the public, providing a captivating glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Before returning to your hotel, participate in the enchanting tradition of lighting a candle box and placing it in the water. Local children along the canal often offer candles for this purpose—don't forget to make a wish.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Today offers you the freedom to explore Hoi An at your own leisure, indulging in whatever captures your interest. This ancient town boasts Japanese merchant houses, pagodas, temples, and antique warehouses, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and historical wonders. Alternatively, savor the laid-back ambiance of a riverside café along the Thu Bon River.

(Optional Tour: Hoi An Eco Tour)

Embark on a fascinating journey with your English-speaking guide, who will accompany you to explore the scenic countryside and river surroundings of Hoi An. Traverse through the countryside, where the warmth and friendliness of the local people will greet you. Next, board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a delightful river cruise, interacting with local fishermen and participating in traditional net fishing. Experience the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat on a paddle boat trip through the enchanting waterways of a coconut palm paradise.

In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to either continue exploring the ancient town or unwind at your hotel.

Price for the optional tour: $38 per person (group tour)

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Catching your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to recharge and relax.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

(Commence at 7:20 am – Conclude around 17:30)

Embark on an exciting day starting with a nourishing breakfast, followed by a journey to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Depart for My Tho, a town nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River. Board a sampan and cruise along the river, passing by the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Pause at Unicorn Island, where you'll take a leisurely stroll along country lanes, explore orchards, savor tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional folk songs performed by local artists. Explore a fruit plantation and glide through Thoi Son canal on a hand-rowed sampan, immersing yourself in the scenic countryside. Visit a family-run business, tour a honey-bee farm, and delight in a workshop showcasing the making of honey tea and coconut candy.

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a well-deserved break. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling adventure around Tan Thach village, interacting with local villagers to gain insight into their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, unwind in a hammock and relish the refreshing breeze. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a journey to Cu Chi Tunnels, with the travel time estimated at approximately one and a half hours. Upon arrival, a brief introduction will precede your exploration of the tunnels, complemented by an informative video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the inhabitants' resilience during wartime hardships. Take the time to wander through the remaining area and tunnel systems, discovering specially designed living spaces with kitchens, bedrooms, and various martial facilities such as storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These facilities catered to the essential needs of those residing within the tunnels. Additionally, explore hidden trap doors and intricate traps strategically placed within the maze-like tunnels for security during the war. Conclude your visit with a serving of special tea and cassava, the guerilla's sustenance during wartime.

Enjoy a break for relaxation or opt for an opportunity to experience real shooting with a gun. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Conclude the check-out process at the hotel, and if time allows, explore the local markets to purchase souvenirs for your dear ones. Afterwards, make your way to the departure point and board your flight homeward. The trip concludes.