Deep Insight Vietnam 18 days

Morning to Afternoon:

Commence your day with a half-day excursion around Hanoi, available either in the morning or afternoon, tailored to your convenience.

Explore Vietnam's esteemed Temple of Literature, established in 1076, originally designed to educate the country's elite, royalty, and mandarins.

Delve into the serene ambience of the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple in Vietnam.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring the historic figure pivotal to modern Vietnam, along with his modest stilt house (Viewing sites from outside; closed Mon and Fri, and during Jun - Aug).

Discover the scenic West Lake and the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, dating back over 1,500 years, making it one of Hanoi's oldest pagodas.

Relish an authentic Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant.

Evening:

Utilize your free time to unwind and explore the city at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

In the morning:

Commence your journey to Mai Chau by van following breakfast at the hotel.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome with a drink and partake in a traditional lunch served in the village, with vegetarian options available.

In the afternoon:

At 14:00, embark on a guided cycling expedition led by our tour guide. Witness local farmers engaged in their fields, observe the art of scarf weaving, and explore the tranquil neighboring villages.
Enjoy some leisure time for shopping or personal exploration.
During the evening:

Relax and enjoy your free time at your own pace.
Overnight stay at a private bungalow in Mai Chau.
Accommodation: Private Bungalow in Mai Chau

Later in the day:

Return to Hanoi via bus (Travel time: 3.5 - 4 hours).
During the evening:

Enjoy your leisure time exploring the city.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

In the morning:

Proceed to Halong Bay, a renowned natural marvel worldwide.

Upon arrival, complete the check-in process with the boat crew and board the vessel.

Embark on a cruise across Halong Bay, witnessing the countless limestone islands and enchanting grottoes emerging from the pristine, emerald waters.

Delight in a seafood-themed lunch onboard.

In the afternoon:

Engage in various onboard activities, exploring the allure of Halong Bay, which may include cave visits, kayaking, or swimming, depending on the cruise's itinerary.

Return to the cruise for relaxation and dining.

In the evening:

Savor dinner served onboard.

Spend the night aboard the cruise.

Accommodation: Overnight stay on board in Halong Bay

Morning:

Start the day early by engaging in a Tai-chi class or savoring breakfast while admiring the magnificent sunrise over the bay.

Embark on an adventurous excursion as the cruise explores the awe-inspiring caves and their mesmerizing complexes in Halong.

Afternoon:

Return to Hanoi and visit the Old Quarter to independently indulge in a variety of Vietnamese street foods.

Gather with our tour guide at 19:00 for transportation to Hanoi Train Station.

Evening:

Board an overnight train to Dong Hoi (Shared sleeping cabins: 2 bunk beds/cabin). The train's departure is around 21:35.
Notes:

Our tour guide won't accompany you during the train journey.

Train schedules are subject to change.

Private cabins are available upon request for an additional fee.

Train rides are an integral part of the local experience. Cabins are shared with fellow local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and paid for entirely, incurring additional fees). Restrooms are located at both ends of the carriages.

Accommodation: Overnight on Train

Morning:

Upon arrival at Dong Hoi Train Station in the early morning, commence the journey at 8:00 to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, embarking on an exploration of its impressive caves.

Relish breakfast at a local restaurant en route, then venture into the genuine wilderness of Vietnam, exploring the ancient stalactite formations that have evolved over time within the caves' ceilings.

Reach Phong Nha Cave, renowned for its unique rock formations, and delight in lunch following the visit.

Afternoon:

At 13:30, continue your cave expedition with Paradise Cave, acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful caves and recognized as Asia's longest dry cave.

Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes within Paradise Cave, captivating visitors with its stunning allure.

Transfer to a hotel in the town for overnight accommodation.

Evening:

Overnight stay in Dong Hoi
Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi

Morning - Afternoon:

At 8:00, take a car journey to Vinh Moc Tunnel (2.5 hours away).

En route, make stops at various sites:

Visit former US military bases and a small church that suffered from mortar attacks during the war.

Explore the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), a location that witnessed intense battles during the Vietnam War.

Walk along the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge, which served as the demarcation line dividing Northern and Southern Vietnam from 1954-1975.

Visit war memorials, museums displaying photographs, and tributes to the conflict.

Discover the Vinh Moc Tunnel on an immersive tour showcasing remnants from the war:

Traverse through extensive bomb craters and combat trenches.

Explore tunnels equipped with compact living spaces.

Observe food and weapon storage areas, and a village school where inhabitants sought refuge.

Return transportation to Hue.

Evening:

Overnight stay in Hue
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Morning - Afternoon:

Commence exploration of the serene city of Hue at 8:00. Founded in the 17th century, it served as Vietnam’s imperial capital until Hanoi took over.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist architectural gem situated alongside the tranquil Huong River.

Explore the Imperial Citadel, once home to the Nguyen Royal Family—the final dynasty in Vietnam. It mirrors the opulence and affluence of the royal lifestyle, offering insights into Vietnam's pre-modern history.

Delve into the Citadel's sections, including the front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the Royal Antiquities Museums.

Make a stop at Dong Ba Market, the city's largest traditional trading hub. Roam among stalls, observing the daily trade of local merchants and picking up captivating souvenirs.

Return to the hotel by transport.

Evening:

Enjoy leisure time for further exploration of Hue City.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Morning - Afternoon:

Depart from Hue to Hoi An via shuttle bus or private car at 8:00.

Make a few halts along the way, particularly at Hai Van Pass, for sightseeing and photo opportunities (Entrance fees are not covered).

Evening:

Utilize your free time to unwind and discover Hoi An at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Morning - Afternoon:

Depart for My Son Sanctuary at 7:00 AM, a site showcasing Champa ruins nestled in the mountains of Quang Nam province (45km to the west of Hoi An town).

Explore a series of temples that encapsulate the history of the Champa Kingdom.

Prior to returning to Hoi An, visit the Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum in Tra Kieu.

Evening:

Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Morning - Afternoon:

Enjoy a leisurely day to wander and discover the town at your own pace.

There are OPTIONAL tours available to explore the beauty of Hoi An:

Experience Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village: Engage in farming activities and discover the daily routines of villagers.
Price from $ US79/ person

Hoi An Vespa Tour: Embark on an authentic Vespa Tour to visit historical sites, tranquil countryside, and delve into the rural life of Vietnamese locals.
Price from $ US110/ person

Evening:

Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Morning - Afternoon:

Head to Da Nang airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, our driver will take you to a centrally located hotel.

Enjoy leisure time for relaxation post check-in at the hotel.

Evening:

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

Commence the half-day city tour at 8:00 with a visit to the Independence Palace, an iconic symbol of Saigonese liberation.

Take a brief pause at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, both reflecting classical French colonial architecture dating back to the late 19th century.

Conclude the tour with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, offering shopping opportunities for souvenirs and a glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Afternoon - Evening:

Return to the hotel and relish leisure time for the remainder of the day.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning - Afternoon:

Depart at 8:00 to explore the lush Mekong Delta, known for producing half of Vietnam's agricultural yield.

Revel in the fresh air and serenity of the countryside, surrounded by orchards, rice fields, and unspoiled swamplands.

Delight in the Mekong's waterways, visiting fish farms and exotic fruit orchards.

Following the Mekong Delta excursion, head to Can Tho for overnight accommodation.

Evening:

Overnight stay in Can Tho.
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Morning:

Board a motorboat to explore Cai Rang, the vibrant floating market where bustling trade happens along the Mekong River.

Indulge in tasting "Hu tieu," a traditional rice noodle dish popular among the locals, or savor a slice of durian, a highly favored fruit.

Pause to visit the rice husking mill and stroll through the village, observing the locals' daily activities and enjoying the picturesque scenery.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon - Evening:

Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch, allowing leisure time upon arrival.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning - Afternoon

Embrace a leisurely day in Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic and pulsating economic hub of the South.

Uncover the charm of Ho Chi Minh City with our OPTIONAL tours:

Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Embark on a romantic evening experience with a delightful dinner aboard a cruise as it sails along the Saigon River.

Price from $ US31/ person

Full-day Cu Chi Tunnels & Cooking Class: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, delving into the unique underground life during wartime, or discover the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages. Engage in hands-on farming experiences and gather organic ingredients from the garden for your cooking class.
Price from $ US79/ person

Evening:

Leisure time for personal activities.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

Enjoy leisure time until your transfer to the airport for your journey back home or to your next destination.

This marks the conclusion of your 18-day Vietnam tour.

Accommodation: Not Applicable