Best of Vietnam 16 Days

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. 7.45-8.30 AM: Be picked up from your hotel and embark on an extraordinary journey to the captivating World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. During the approximately four-hour drive, take a short break and witness the natural wonders that have formed over centuries - sandy coves, grottoes, and 1,600 limestone islands. 12.00-12.30 PM: Begin your Lavender Cruise experience with a warm welcome and a short briefing. Check into your comfortable cabin. 13.15 PM: Indulge in a delectable lunch, savoring the flavors of the region's fresh seafood as you cruise through breathtaking waters, passing iconic landmarks such as Incense Burner island, Fighting Cock islet, and Stone Dog. 15.00-16.30 PM: Engage in kayaking amidst the majestic limestone mountains, visit Titov Island for swimming or relaxation on the sun-deck, and later, join a captivating sunset party. The cruise will take you to enchanting spots like Soi Sim Beach and "Rang Dua" Island, leading to the sleeping area near The Surprising cave. Participate in a fun Cooking Class at the restaurant, where you'll learn the art of making fresh/fried spring rolls and mixing fish sauce. 19:30 PM: Delight in a sumptuous set-menu dinner featuring an array of Vietnamese and Asian culinary delights, all served under the mesmerizing night sky. Evening activities include squid fishing, engaging in card games, karaoke, or simply enjoying happy-hour drinks at the bar. End the day with a tranquil night's rest on board the boat, surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay. Night 2: Overnight stay on the Halong Bay Cruises.

06:15 AM: Energize your morning with invigorating exercises on the Sun-deck. 07:15 AM: Indulge in a delightful breakfast featuring a selection of coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries on board. 08:00 AM: Explore the enchanting Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot), a geological marvel discovered by the French in 1901. Since its opening to tourists in 1936, it has become a must-visit attraction, showcasing the geological significance of Halong Bay. 09:30 AM: As check-out time approaches, take in the mesmerizing scenery of the bay from the sun-deck or inside the restaurant, allowing yourself a moment of relaxation. 10:15 AM: Delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier. 12:00 PM: Bid farewell to the cruise as you check out. Our car will be ready to transport you back to Hanoi. 16:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi, marking the end of the trip!

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or request a take-away breakfast. 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Our team will pick you up from your hotel for the journey to Sapa. Traveling on the new Noi Bai Highway by sleeper bus, the journey takes approximately 5 hours with a short 20-minute break along the way. Around 1:00 PM: Arrival in Sapa town. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch and a short relaxation period, embark on a trek from the hotel to Cat Cat village, inhabited by the H'mong ethnic group. Explore the village, witness a stunning waterfall, and visit the French-built hydroelectric power station. Immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and traditional crafts such as weaving, silver carving, and hand-forged agricultural tools. Return to Sapa Town and enjoy your leisure time to discover the vibrant nightlife of Sapa. Night 4: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Sapa.

7:00 AM: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart from the hotel and begin your trekking adventure. Descend through the terrace rice fields along small trails, covering 4 km on the main road, until you reach Y Linh Ho hamlet. From there, continue to the Black H'mong village of Lao Chai, one of the prominent ethnic minority groups in Sapa. Traverse the picturesque Muong Hoa stream and witness the beauty of the paddy fields as you make your way to Ta Van village, where you will learn about the "Zay" ethnic people. Marvel at the wooden and bamboo houses with clay floors, a characteristic feature of the Zay community. 12:30 PM: Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic lunch in the village. 3:00 PM: Transfer to the bus station for your return journey to Hanoi. 9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi, concluding the day's activities. Night 5: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hanoi.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have the entire day at your leisure to unwind, shop, and explore the captivating city of Hanoi on your own. Take a moment to admire your reflection in the enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll through its shaded surroundings, and consider visiting notable attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the serene Temple of Literature, or the captivating Fine Arts Museum. Optional Activities (not included): Hanoi City Tour: Discover the highlights of Hanoi with a guided city tour. Hoa Lu Citadel - Tam Coc Boat Trip Tour: Explore the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel and take a memorable boat trip through the scenic Tam Coc landscape. Trang An Grottoes - Bai Dinh Pagoda Tour: Embark on a captivating journey to the Trang An Grottoes and Bai Dinh Pagoda, marveling at the natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Night 6: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hanoi.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel and savor some leisure time until our driver arrives to transfer you to the airport. Today, you will board a flight to the captivating city of Hue, where you will stay in the most vibrant and tourist-friendly area. Night 7: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hue.

Between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, our knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to commence an immersive exploration of Hue city. In the morning, we will take you to visit the following highlights: Embark on a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a renowned pagoda in Hue. Explore the Imperial Citadel, the former residence of Vietnam's last royal dynasty, and marvel at the Nguyen Hue Royal Antiques Museum, housing a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty. Experience the vibrant local life at Dong Ba Market. At 12:30 pm, delight in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, our journey continues with visits to: Khai Dinh King's Tomb, an architectural masterpiece blending Western and Eastern influences. Minh Mang King's Tomb, an awe-inspiring complex characterized by its majestic symmetry. Engage with local artisans at the conical hat village and witness the craftsmanship of incense stick making. Between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm, we will return you to your centrally located hotel, marking the end of the tour. Night 8: Overnight stay at the hotel in Hue.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will be comfortably transferred to Hoi An in a private car. Along the way, we can make stops at Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountains, and the stone carving village for picturesque photo opportunities, upon your request. Arrive in Hoi An around 12:30 pm and we will drop you off at your hotel. Night 9: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hoi An.

Between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An. Embark on an enchanting journey starting with a scenic drive across the Cua Dai Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Hoi An river system, majestic mountains, and the Cham Islands. Arriving at the lively fishing village, you'll be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere as market traders showcase their fresh catch, providing excellent opportunities for stunning photographs. At 9:45 am, we reach the historic My Son Sanctuary, often referred to as the "Valley of Kings." After a mesmerizing traditional dance performance, we embark on a guided walking tour through the Cham ruins. As you explore the area, your knowledgeable guide will narrate the history of this sacred site, which served as the burial place for Cham monarchs centuries ago. At noon, we commence our return drive to Hoi An, where an enchanting boat trip on the Thu Bon River awaits. Departing from Nguyen Hoang Dock, this two-hour journey takes you past the picturesque sights of Duy Hai fishing village, Tra Nhieu weaving village, Kim Bong carpentry village, and the tranquil Cam Thanh coconut jungle village. Onboard, you'll savor a delightful light lunch consisting of Quang-style noodles with pork and shrimp. At 3:30 pm, the boat trip concludes at Nguyen Hoang Dock in the old town, and we will transfer you back to your hotel. Night 10: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hoi An.

Discover the charm of Tra Que vegetable village, situated 3km north of Hoi An's Old Town. Renowned for its fertile soil and pristine underground water, this village has cultivated an array of vegetables and herbs, including basil, mint, lettuce, and coriander. These ingredients play a crucial role in the traditional dishes of Hoi An, such as "Quang" noodle, "Tam Huu" roll, "Banh xeo" pancake, and fresh spring rolls, which have garnered acclaim throughout the country. The village's name, Tra Que, is derived from the fragrant vegetables that enhance the locals' everyday cuisine. 8:00 am: Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel, and together you'll embark on a delightful bicycle ride to Hoi An's vibrant central market. Engage with local vendors and learn about the ingredients that will be used in your upcoming cooking lesson. 9:00 am: Journey along scenic paths, meandering through rice paddies, capturing snapshots of water buffalos, cows, and farmers immersed in their daily work. Marvel at the picturesque Vietnamese countryside and encounter warm-hearted locals along the way. Navigate the narrow village lanes, leading to a typical local house, where you'll gain insights into the residents' way of life and receive instructions on growing beansprouts. 10:00 am: Take a rejuvenating break and savor a special welcome drink. Explore the herb garden, witnessing local farmers practicing organic farming techniques passed down for 300 years. Indulge in a foot massage infused with aromatic local herbs like lemongrass and Thai basil. 10:30 am: Experience a soothing foot massage featuring a selection of local herbs. 11:00 am: Immerse yourself in the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese cuisine. Discover the art of crafting vegetable decorations, forming exquisite flowers and animals. After the lesson, relish the flavors of your own culinary creations. 1:30 pm: Return to your hotel, concluding the tour. Night 11: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Today, indulge in a day of leisure, where you can unwind, indulge in shopping, or explore the charming town of Hoi An and its scenic countryside on a complimentary bicycle. Immerse yourself in the town's enchanting ambiance, perhaps visiting some of the historic Chinese mansions. Shopping enthusiasts can browse to their heart's content, visit renowned tailors, or venture to the pristine white sand beaches located just outside of town. Feel free to reach out to us if you would like to join any of our daily tours. Night 12: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Hoi An.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, the day is yours to enjoy until our driver arrives to transfer you to the airport. Today, you'll embark on a flight to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll be staying in the heart of the city's most tourist-friendly area. Night 13: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a captivating journey to the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, where you'll immerse yourself in the region's natural splendor and vibrant culture. Cruise along the river, taking in the sights of the charming fishing port, floating houses, and indulging in the melodies of local folk songs while savoring seasonal fresh fruits. 7:30 - 8:30: Our knowledgeable guide and skilled driver will pick you up from your hotel, departing from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Set off on an enchanting drive to My Tho, a picturesque town nestled along the Mekong River. Step aboard a traditional sampan boat, gracefully gliding through the waters surrounding the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Pause at Unicorn Island, strolling along tranquil country lanes lined with orchards. Delight in the tropical fruits and be serenaded by the enchanting folk songs performed by local artists. Explore a fruit plantation and embark on a hand-rowed sampan ride through the scenic Thoi Son canal. Immerse yourself in the countryside's beauty, visit a family business, discover a honey-bee farm, and indulge in the flavors of honey tea and coconut candy. Relish a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a well-deserved break. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling adventure around Tan Thach village, where you'll have the opportunity to interact with friendly local villagers and experience their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, unwind in a hammock and savor the refreshing breeze. 17:30: Conclude the tour as we drop you off at your hotel. Night 14: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

7:30-8:30: Our knowledgeable guide and skilled driver will pick you up from your hotel and commence the journey to Cu Chi, located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi, famously known as the "area of steel" during the war, boasts an extensive network of over 200 km of tunnels. These tunnels served as an impregnable underground village during the Vietnam-American war and have become a renowned attraction for both local and international visitors. The approximately one and a half hours bus ride to Cu Chi will bring you to this historic site. Upon arrival, you'll receive a brief introduction and watch an informative video showcasing the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of the people who survived in the harsh wartime conditions. Take your time to explore the preserved area and tunnel systems, including living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers that catered to the basic needs of the underground residents. Delve into the maze-like tunnels, where hidden trap doors and dangerous traps were strategically placed for security purposes during the war. Conclude your visit with a taste of special tea and cassava, which served as the guerilla's sustenance during that time. For those interested, there is an opportunity to experience real shooting guns. 13:30: Return to your hotel, marking the end of the tour. Night 15: Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have free time to explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh before our driver picks you up and transfers you to the airport. The tour concludes here. We are also open to customizing the tour according to your preferences.