Delightful Vietnam In 13 Days

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, preparing you for an extraordinary excursion to Ba Vi, a charming countryside retreat located on the outskirts of Hanoi. Arrive at Ri village, where you will be warmly welcomed with refreshing drinks and delectable snacks. Engage with your esteemed host, Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and esteemed tea-farm owner, as he shares captivating stories of his life during the war. Delight in sipping on your drink as you venture into his picturesque tea plantation, discovering the art of hand-selecting the finest tea leaves for the creation of Vietnam's most exquisite beverage. Continue the immersive experience by joining Mr. Duoc in his small workshop, witnessing the meticulous process of tea production, largely done by hand. Next, embark on a short journey to Moc village, where your next gracious host, Mrs. Chin, awaits. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam as Mrs. Chin imparts her expertise, guiding you through the preparation of local Vietnamese dishes. Later, savor the fruits of your labor as you indulge in a delightful lunch amidst the enchanting backdrop of a tropical garden. After a rejuvenating post-lunch break, join Mrs. Chin for a leisurely stroll through the village, gaining insight into the rural lifestyle and observing the traditional craftsmanship behind local products such as tofu and conical hats. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside as you embark on a picturesque cycling adventure through captivating paddy fields. Conclude your countryside expedition with a rejuvenating traditional foot soak in warm herbal-infused water, following the ancient recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. This soothing experience will provide well-deserved relaxation, easing any fatigue from your cycling excursion. Later, enjoy a comfortable transfer from Ba Vi back to your accommodation in Hanoi, where you can unwind and reflect on the enriching experiences of the day. Overnight in Hanoi.

Bid farewell to your hotel in the morning as the Cruise team awaits to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey to the renowned Ha Long Bay. Traverse the Red River Delta, where sprawling emerald green rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, providing a picturesque backdrop along the scenic route. Upon arrival at the pier, step aboard the cruise vessel and be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of limestone rocks and enchanting karst grottoes. Indulge in a sumptuous seafood lunch, savoring the flavors while basking in the mesmerizing ambiance of the sundeck, which offers unrivaled views of the bay. The cruise will make a stop at a secret location, granting you the opportunity to engage in exhilarating activities such as kayaking or swimming, allowing you to explore the karst grottoes up close. As evening descends, return to the comfort of the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisurely time at your discretion. You may choose to participate in onboard activities or simply unwind and relax. Overnight on the cruise.

Awaken early today to witness the breathtaking sunrise in this natural wonder, while savoring a delightful breakfast in the dining room. Energize your mind and muscles with a rejuvenating Tai Chi class on the sun deck. Next, embark on a visit to a captivating limestone cave adorned with intricate stalagmites and stalactites. After immersing yourself in the beauty of the cave, return to the boat to complete the check-out process and relish a delectable brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbor. Subsequently, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi. Enjoy leisure time at your own pace, taking advantage of a late check-out option at the hotel. Between 20:30 and 21:00, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the railway station, where you will embark on a night train journey to Sapa (scheduled departure at 21:50 and arrival at 06:30). Overnight on the train.

Commence your day with a pick-up from Lao Cai railway station, where a comfortable bus awaits to transport you to the captivating township of Sapa. Indulge in a delightful breakfast before embarking on an exhilarating 12 km trek along picturesque trails that wind through the mesmerizing Muong Hoa Valley, leading you to the charming village of Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group. Along the way, be captivated by the awe-inspiring vistas of Asia's most breathtaking terraced fields. Descend further into the valley, reaching the enchanting Dzay tribe village of Ta Van. Here, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle as you spend the evening and enjoy dinner at a homestay, nestled within a cottage owned by a welcoming local family. Overnight at the homestay.

Awaken early to relish the tranquil ambiance of village life at your own pace, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize yourself for the day ahead. After breakfast, embark on an invigorating trek to the vibrant Giang Ta Chai village, inhabited by the Red Dzao tribe. Immerse yourself in the distinct cultural nuances that set the various tribes of Sapa apart, gaining a deeper understanding of their unique lifestyles. Continue along the captivating paths, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn, until you reach a scenic waterfall. Take a moment to pause, indulge in a delightful picnic lunch, and rejuvenate your senses amidst the natural splendor. Subsequently, make your way to the main road, where the awaiting bus will transfer you back to Sapa, concluding the day's adventures. Overnight in Sapa.

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a scenic walk towards the southwestern region of Sapa, spanning approximately 4 km, to discover the captivating Cat Cat village inhabited by the Black H'mong minority. Find tranquility at the base of a mesmerizing waterfall and admire the remnants of a hydroelectric power station constructed during Vietnam's colonial era under French rule. Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside, before embarking on a 6 km trek to the picturesque Sin Chai village, nestled at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, also known as the "Roof of Vietnam and Indochina." Along the way, be mesmerized by the vast and breathtaking landscapes, making unforgettable memories. As the day comes to a close, board a comfortable car to return to Sapa, where a limousine bus awaits to transport you back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Indulge in the final moments of your time in Hanoi before your personal driver accompanies you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your driver will greet you and transport you to your accommodation in the captivating town of Hoi An. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm and allure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Hoi An.

Embark on a captivating journey to the My Son Sanctuary, a remarkable complex of temples that flourished between the 4th and 13th centuries, bearing witness to the grandeur of the Champa Kingdom. Once home to over 70 temple towers, each boasting unique architectural styles reflecting the historical evolution of the Champa dynasties, these sacred sites are adorned with intricate sculptures influenced by Indian culture. As you explore the sanctuary, your knowledgeable guide will enlighten you about its rich history, while the captivating performances of traditional Champa dances captivate your senses. After immersing yourself in the mystique of My Son, you will return to the mini-van and proceed to a local house, where you will have the unique opportunity to learn the art of rice paper making. Engage in this hands-on experience and relish the satisfaction of creating your own rice paper delicacies. Later, savor a delightful lunch at another local house, indulging in the authentic flavors of the region. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River, renowned for its mesmerizing vistas and refreshing breeze. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance as you sail towards the enchanting town of Hoi An, arriving around 14:00. Overnight in Hoi An.

Savor the remaining moments in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your driver will be awaiting you to transfer you to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of this bustling city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast as you embark on an adventure to the magnificent Mekong Delta. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and together, you will journey to My Tho, a charming town nestled along the banks of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, board a traditional sampan and cruise along the picturesque waterways, passing by the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Explore Unicorn Island on foot, strolling along tranquil country lanes and admiring the lush orchards. Visit fruit plantations and indulge in the tropical flavors of the region, while being serenaded by local folk songs. Next, embark on a serene hand-rowed sampan ride through the captivating Thoi Son canal, immersing yourself in the idyllic countryside scenery. Visit family workshops and a honey-bee farm, where you can savor the delightful flavors of honey tea and coconut candies. Replenish your energy with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and then embark on a cycling adventure around the charming Tan Thach village. Interact with the friendly local villagers, gaining insights into their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, if cycling is not your preference, unwind in a hammock, enjoying the gentle breeze and tranquility of the surroundings. Afterward, return to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an intriguing journey to the Cu Chi tunnels. The drive will take approximately one and a half hours, during which time you can soak in the surrounding scenery. Upon arrival, a brief introduction will be followed by an informative video that sheds light on the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of the people who lived in them during the challenging times of war. Delve into the depths of history as you explore the remaining tunnel systems, which once housed living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and various martial facilities such as storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Gain a deeper understanding of how the inhabitants of the tunnels met their basic needs and discover the ingenious trap doors and cunning traps that were strategically placed for security purposes. To complete the experience, savor a serving of special tea and cassava, which were essential components of guerilla sustenance during the war. Afterward, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remaining time at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Indulge in a satisfying breakfast on the last day of your remarkable journey through Thailand and Vietnam. After settling the hotel check-out procedures, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant local markets and collect memorable souvenirs for your dear ones. Finally, your dedicated private driver will escort you to the airport, where you will board your flight homeward. Trip Ends.