12 Days Impressive Vietnam From Ho Chi Minh city

Between 07:30 and 08:15, your driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel, initiating your escape from the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh. The journey begins as you head to My Tho, a town nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River. Aboard a sampan, cruise along the river, passing the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Pause at Unicorn Island to stroll along country lanes, explore orchards, and indulge in tropical fruits while enjoying local folk songs performed by the residents. Take a tour of a fruit plantation before embarking on a hand-rowed sampan adventure through Thoi Son canal, immersing yourself in the picturesque countryside. Visit a family business, explore a honey-bee farm, and participate in a delightful honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

After a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant, take a break before embarking on an afternoon cycling escapade around Tan Thach village. Encounter local villagers, gaining insights into their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, unwind in a hammock and enjoy the refreshing breeze. Later, you will be returned to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy leisure time in Saigon for self-exploration. Take in the iconic sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle in the city center, savoring the diverse local cuisine until the scheduled transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, your driver will be waiting at the airport. As you travel to Hoi An, take in the scenic views of the city.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An.

Optional: Half-day tour of the Cu Chi War Tunnels.

Explore the charming Hoi An Old Town, where Vietnamese traditional architecture seamlessly blends with Japanese and Chinese influences dating back to the 17th century. Wander through well-preserved houses and visit lantern shops or tailor-made boutiques to create your own unique dress. Enjoy the sunny weather by sunbathing on the beach or cycling to a local village to gain insights into the lives of the local farmers.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An.

Optional: Engage in a Farming & Fishing trip or embark on a one-day tour of Hue city.

Between 7:30 and 8:00, our bus and tour guide will pick you up directly from your hotel for an enlightening journey to My Son. After a scenic one-hour drive, you'll arrive at My Son Holy Land, nestled amidst magnificent mountains, approximately 48km west of Hoi An. Established in the late 4th century under the reign of Cham's King Bhadravaman, My Son evolved into a religious center. Boasting over 70 towers and temples with diverse architectural styles, My Son is a vast religious complex.

Explore the intricate carvings and sculptures crafted by the Cham people. The Old Tower of the Cham extends a warm welcome, offering a deeper understanding of the culture and civilization of ancient Champa. Dedicate about two hours to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cham Kingdom's ancient structures, guided by our knowledgeable tour guide.

At noon, bid farewell to My Son and board a boat at the boat station for a leisurely cruise along the Thu Bon River. Witness the daily lives of the local people, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a soft lunch on the boat while taking in the scenic views along the river.

Around 13:30, the boat trip concludes at Bach Dang Boat station. Our driver will then transfer you to a local restaurant for a satisfying lunch. Afterward, return to your hotel and conclude your enriching day.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An.

Explore the charming Hoi An old town, characterized by traditional Vietnamese architecture seamlessly blended with Japanese and Chinese influences. This well-preserved town boasts houses dating back to the 17th century. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting lantern shops and tailor boutiques, where you can have custom dresses made. Enjoy the sunshine on the beach or embark on a cycling adventure through local villages, gaining insight into the lives of the local farmers.

Later, meet your driver for a transfer to Da Nang train station. Board the train bound for Hanoi, embarking on a scenic 16-hour journey. Along the way, witness the beauty of Vietnam's countryside, observing the daily lives of local farmers in quaint villages. The train ride provides a unique opportunity to experience the simplicity and warmth of rural Vietnamese life.

Overnight on the train.

Arrive in the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Your driver will be ready to welcome you at Hanoi train station and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

With a plethora of historical monuments, explore the city's rich heritage by visiting iconic sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the local lifestyle.

Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

Optional activities: Enjoy the traditional Water Puppet Show or embark on a delightful Hanoi street food walking tour.

Kindly check out of your room, and you are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel. For the upcoming trip, please only carry a handbag with essentials such as your passport, clothing, camera, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and any other items you may require.

8:00 – 8:30: The tour guide and bus will pick you up from the hotel. We'll head to Halong Bay, with a brief break during the 4-hour journey.

12:45: Upon arrival at Halong Harbor, our welcoming crew will greet you with a refreshing drink. Check into your cabin and savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Following lunch, you have free time to sunbathe on the sundeck, capture photos while cruising amidst the numerous mountains.

15:00: The cruise anchors in the heart of Halong Bay. Explore the Amazing Cave, one of the largest and most magnificent caves in the area.

16:00: Proceed to Ti Tov Island, where you can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the entire bay, relax on the sandy beach, and swim in the crystal-clear water.

17:15: Return to the boat. Enjoy the serene sunset with fruit and wine.

Our onboard chef will conduct a Cooking Demonstration, demonstrating how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. You can even try your hand at making them.

19:00: Dinner is served, featuring a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes.

After dinner, you have free time to watch a movie, play cards, or participate in squid fishing.

Overnight on the cruise.

To fully relish the beauty of Halong Bay, it's recommended to rise a bit early and witness the enchanting sunrise.

8:15: Embark on a kayaking adventure amidst the majestic mountains, allowing you to personally discover the allure of Halong Bay.

9:30: Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin.

Following that, take a leisurely break on the sundeck, soaking in the panoramic views of the bay.

11:00: Indulge in a scrumptious brunch while cruising back to Halong Harbor.

12:30: Board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi, with a brief stop along the way.

16:30 – 17:00: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi city.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Please complete the check-out process at the hotel and feel free to leave your belongings there. For the trekking trip, kindly pack essential items in your handbag, including your passport, clothing, camera, trekking/walking shoes, sandals, and any other necessary items for the journey.

Embark on a 12km trek through the mesmerizing terrace fields to reach the homestay.

6:30-7:00 am: A shuttle bus will be at your hotel to transfer you to the sleeper bus for the Sapa journey, with a brief break along the way.

12:30 pm: Upon arrival in Sapa, our guide will warmly welcome you, marking the commencement of the Real Sapa Experience trip.

Start your exploration of Sapa town, trekking through its streets to witness the daily life and distinctive architecture. As you traverse the town, you'll step onto the terraced rice, corn, and potato fields. This trek not only offers views of the natural landscape and fresh air but also provides insights into local culture, customs, and habits. The experience aims to make you feel like a welcome member of the host family, steering away from typical tourist routes.

Continue trekking through the villages to gain a deeper understanding of the life of the local minorities in Sapa. Discover the simplicity of their houses, lifestyle, and the warmth of the people, creating a desire to extend your stay.

Throughout the trek, you'll encounter terrace after terrace of fields, alongside a lovely waterfall where you can take a break for relaxation and photography.

Upon reaching the guide's house, her family will greet you warmly, treating you like a long-lost family member. If interested, you can partake in dinner preparation with the family, picking vegetables from the garden and cooking local dishes in the kitchen. This immersive experience allows for cultural exchange, as you share stories with your hosts.

Evening time is the most enchanting, offering a genuine glimpse into the local family's atmosphere. Share and learn about their culture through the stories that the host is delighted to impart.

Overnight at the guide's house.

Feel free to rise a bit earlier and observe how the host begins their day, engaging in breakfast preparation and communal activities.

You have the following options:

Opt for trekking to explore more distant villages and scenic areas, venturing through the Bamboo forest and terrace fields.

Alternatively, inform your guide if you wish to participate in activities related to their family's fields, such as harvesting, planting, or field maintenance.

Return to Sapa town via shuttle bus.

Utilize your free time to visit the local market in Sapa town and independently explore the charming corners of Sapa before heading back to Hanoi.

15:00: Board the sleeper bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

21:30: Arrival in Hanoi. The shuttle bus will transport you back to your hotel/stay in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Still, there are more intriguing aspects to explore in Hanoi city. Whether it's interacting with street vendors, exploring old houses nestled in tiny alleys, capturing the vibrant traffic scenes, or shopping for souvenirs, you'll continue to encounter pleasant and friendly images throughout Vietnam.

Our driver is ready to transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

If you find it hard to bid farewell and wish to extend your vacation, kindly inform us, and we'll gladly assist you.

Note: This tour operates with different groups on each trip throughout your vacation.

For solo travelers, accommodation will be arranged in a shared dorm room at the hostel during your stay.

This package is based on a per-person basis, designed as a 3-star package. If you desire an upgrade to a 4 or 5-star package, please let us know!