Explore Vietnam 11 Days

Tour Code: R2D5T7HPE3C3 

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Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Hue, Hoi An, Phan Rang, Ho Chi Minh City
Land tour From: $384
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Duration

11 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Hue, Hoi An, Phan Rang, Ho Chi Minh City

Commence your journey in Hanoi and conclude in Ho Chi Minh City! Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture with the 11-day tour package, Explore Vietnam, which will guide you through Hanoi and five other captivating destinations in the country. This tour encompasses hotel accommodations, the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more.

Included/Excluded

  • * All accommodations (with Twin/Double rooms) while on tour
  • * Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
  • * All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
  • * Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
  • * Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Vietnam Tour Packages
  • * Entrance fees if specified in the program
  • * Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.
  • * Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
  • * Meals not mentioned in the program
  • * Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
  • * Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
  • * Surcharge for the festive seasons
  • * Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
  • * The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
  • * Porterage Facility

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> Hanoi

Chào bạn! Welcome to Vietnam. Your journey kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive ahead of schedule, feel free to spend the day at your own pace, exploring the Old Quarter and marveling at the city's French-colonial architecture and well-kept parks, or savoring some local street food. Alternatively, you might want to consider reserving the Hanoi Highlights Urban Adventure, where an experienced local guide will lead you through the city's attractions, including the Temple of Literature, the Hoa Lo Prison museum, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit urbanadventures.com/destination/hanoi-tours for more details.

<span> Day 2</span> Cat Ba Island

An early rise is essential for maximizing your day. Catch a 7:30 am bus ride and ferry transfer to the rugged karsts and secluded beaches of Cat Ba Island, reaching your destination before noon – there will be a brief stop for a stretch on the way. As the largest among the islands in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, Cat Ba offers a delightful setting for exploring the limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters that characterize this region. Familiarize yourself with this breathtaking locale by embarking on an afternoon cruise around the bay, relishing lunch aboard as you glide past the karsts adorned with lush, emerald-green foliage. Later, get closer to the water and embark on a kayaking adventure, perhaps pausing at one of Cat Ba's numerous beaches for a refreshing swim. Spend the night on Cat Ba Island and savor the sunset with a chilled beer.

<span> Day 3</span> Hanoi – Overnight Train

A prompt start is essential for making the most of your day. Depart on a bus at 7:30 am and embark on a ferry transfer to the dramatic karsts and secluded beaches of Cat Ba Island, arriving before noon – a brief stop for a leg stretch is scheduled along the way. As the most expansive among the islands within the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, the enchanting Cat Ba serves as your home base for discovering the limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters that characterize this region. Familiarize yourself with this breathtaking location through an afternoon cruise around the bay, relishing lunch on the boat as you drift past the karsts adorned in vibrant, emerald-green foliage. Later, get up close to the water and venture out on a kayak, perhaps taking a pause at one of Cat Ba's numerous beaches for a refreshing swim. Spend the night on Cat Ba Island and savor the sunset with a chilled beverage.

<span> Day 4</span> Hue

Being the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue safeguards the riches of the nation's royal history and presents a fascinating blend of lively streets and serene settings. Brimming with historical landmarks, Hue is strategically situated to venture into the neighboring countryside, boasting breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and the tranquil Tam Giang Lagoon. The vibrant Dong Ba Market showcases an array of goods and culinary delights to explore and savor. It serves as an excellent venue to taste some of the delicacies that once adorned the banquet tables of the Nguyen emperors, such as the banh khoai – a regal rice cake. You have a leisure day for exploration, where you can dedicate time to wander through Hue's expansive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace it encloses. Consider hopping aboard a dragon boat for a scenic cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda or cycling to one of the Royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Alternatively, embark on an optional motorcycle tour to discover the highlights of Hue and its surrounding villages.

Accommodation: Hotel

<span> Day 5</span> Hoi An

Take advantage of a day at your leisure to delve deeper into the charms of Hoi An. Consider embarking on a cruise along the Thu Bon River or uncover the culinary secrets of preparing delectable Vietnamese dishes. Explore prominent art galleries or leisurely stroll through the meticulously restored Chinese shop houses. Another option is to embark on a cycling adventure through the surrounding countryside – a wonderfully tranquil way to escape the usual paths and experience rural Vietnam up close. Your guide will be available to recommend activities to ensure you make the most of your time.

<span> Day 6</span> Hoi An

Take advantage of a day at your leisure to delve deeper into the charms of Hoi An. Consider embarking on a cruise along the Thu Bon River or uncover the culinary secrets of preparing delectable Vietnamese dishes. Explore prominent art galleries or leisurely stroll through the meticulously restored Chinese shop houses. Another option is to embark on a cycling adventure through the surrounding countryside – a wonderfully tranquil way to escape the usual paths and experience rural Vietnam up close. Your guide will be available to recommend activities to ensure you make the most of your time.

Accommodation: Hotel

<span> Day 7</span> Hoi An – Overnight Train

Seize the opportunity of another day at leisure in Hoi An. Consider engaging in activities that you may have missed in the previous days, or retrieve your newly tailored garments from the local tailors. Additionally, the nearby Cua Dai Beach provides a serene setting to relax before continuing your journey. In the evening, board another overnight train headed for Phan Rang. It's advisable to have some snacks and a book at your disposal for the journey.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

<span> Day 8</span> Phan Rang

Reach Phan Rang early this morning for a delightful two-day escape by the beach. Boasting possibly the finest weather in Vietnam, Phan Rang is a tranquil coastal city where activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and savoring fresh seafood take precedence. During your stay, be sure to try local delicacies like banh can and banh xeo – pancakes crafted with a delectable combination of egg, squid, shrimp, and vegetables. Simply delicious!

Accommodation: Hotel

<span> Day 9</span> Phan Rang - Overnight Train

Enjoy an additional day of relaxation in the wonderful Phan Rang. You may opt to feel the soft sand beneath your feet and soak up the sun on the beach. Alternatively, take a short ride to Dinh Cape – a location renowned for its picturesque bays and expansive sandy shores. If relaxation is your goal, inquire with your guide about the best places to experience a soothing massage. Remember, your overnight train journey awaits in the evening, so make the most of your time outdoors and relish all that Phan Rang has to offer, both in terms of sightseeing and culinary delights! The overnight train journey tonight will span approximately 7 hours, delivering you directly to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

<span> Day 10</span> Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and proceed to your hotel for check-in. Today, you'll have ample free time to explore the largest city in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City exudes a vibrant atmosphere with distinct French influences. During your leisure time, it's recommended to visit notable landmarks such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Explore the historic Dong Khoi Street, as well as the bustling markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Ho Chi Minh City boasts a unique culinary style compared to its northern counterpart, Hanoi. Take the opportunity to dine at restaurants and savor street food with your fellow travelers. Your group leader, with their local expertise, can guide you to delightful dining spots suitable for any budget.

Accommodation: Hotel

<span> Day 11</span> Ho Chi Minh City

With no scheduled activities for today, you are free to check out at your convenience, keeping in mind the hotel's standard check-out times. Given the limited time spent in Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, why not extend your stay by a few extra days to fully explore the city? Consider a day trip to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can explore the intricate underground network that played a crucial role for locals during the Vietnam War. 

Durations

9 - 12 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

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Tour's Location

Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Hue, Hoi An, Phan Rang, Ho Chi Minh City
Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s “Killing Fields” - Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s "Killing Fields" 📍 Location: 40km southwest of Chau Doc⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free🚗 How to Get There: Take Highway 91, then Highway N1 along the Cambodia border toward Ha Tien, and turn south onto Highway 3T for the final stretch. You can hire a taxi or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Chau Doc, including waiting time if needed. A Tranquil Countryside with a Dark Past Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes southwest of Chau Doc, the peaceful village of Ba Chuc hides a history of unimaginable horror. In the late 1970s, as Cambodian refugees fled Pol Pot’s brutal regime, the region’s Khmer population swelled. Tragically, the Khmer Rouge pursued them into Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of massacres that still haunt this area today. The Ba Chuc Memorial: Remembering a Tragedy At the heart of the village stands a solemn memorial honoring the 3,157 victims of one of the worst massacres in Vietnamese history. Between April 18 and April 30, 1978, Khmer Rouge forces slaughtered nearly every resident, often in brutal and inhumane ways. Shockingly, only two villagers survived the bloodshed. The memorial structure, though simple in design, leaves a powerful impact. Beneath a stark concrete canopy lies an eight-sided glass enclosure, where skulls and bones of the victims are displayed, categorized by age—a chilling reminder of the innocence lost in this atrocity. Phi Lai Pagoda: A Silent Witness to Horror Many of the victims were mercilessly killed at the nearby Phi Lai Pagoda, which still bears visible bloodstains on its walls and floors. A small sign near the altar marks a tragic site where 40 villagers perished after a grenade was thrown into a tiny chamber beneath the shrine. Between the memorial and the pagoda, a small exhibition room houses harrowing black-and-white photographs taken immediately after the massacre. These images show scattered, mutilated corpses, offering an unfiltered look at the horrors inflicted upon Ba Chuc. Some pictures are extremely graphic and distressing, so visitors should be prepared before entering. Visiting Ba Chuc Today Despite its grim past, Ba Chuc remains an important historical site, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects and reflect on the devastation of war. A few cafés and food stalls nearby provide refreshments for those exploring the area. Ba Chuc stands as Vietnam’s own "Killing Fields", a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the site is not for the faint-hearted, it serves as a vital testament to history—one that should never be forgotten.The Hoa Hao Religion - The Hoa Hao Religion: A Unique Buddhist Sect in Vietnam 📍 Location: Hoa Hao Village, 20km east of Chau Doc👤 Founder: Huynh Phu So📜 Key Beliefs: Simplicity in worship, direct connection with the Supreme Being, ascetic lifestyle The Hoa Hao religion, a distinctive Buddhist sect, emerged in Vietnam in the late 1930s, originating from the small village of Hoa Hao, near Chau Doc. The movement was founded by Huynh Phu So, a visionary spiritual leader whose life story is deeply intertwined with the sect’s teachings. Origins and Core Beliefs Huynh Phu So, a frail child, was placed under the care of a reclusive monk, where he studied both traditional Buddhist teachings and mystical spiritual disciplines. In 1939, at the age of 20, he experienced a profound trance, during which a new form of Buddhism was revealed to him. Upon awakening, he was miraculously cured of his lifelong illness and began preaching his unique spiritual philosophy. Hoa Hao Buddhism promotes a stripped-down approach to worship, rejecting elaborate rituals, temples, and intermediaries such as monks and priests. Instead, it emphasizes direct personal communication with the Supreme Being. The faith also upholds strict moral values, discouraging alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These principles, along with Huynh Phu So’s reputed healing and prophetic abilities, quickly attracted a large following, especially among Vietnam’s rural peasant communities. Political Influence and Conflict Beyond its religious foundation, the Hoa Hao sect soon became a political force, forming a militia to support its nationalist, anti-French, and anti-Communist stance. During World War II, the Japanese occupation army supplied them with weapons, seeking to destabilize the French colonial administration. However, the French viewed the movement with deep suspicion, branding Huynh Phu So as the "Mad Monk." In 1941, he was imprisoned and later confined to a psychiatric hospital—where he astonishingly converted his doctor to Hoa Hao Buddhism. Upon his release in 1945, tensions between the Hoa Hao and the Viet Minh escalated, leading to Huynh’s assassination by Viet Minh agents in 1947. Despite fierce resistance, the sect’s influence waned over the following decades. In the 1950s, President Ngo Dinh Diem’s crackdown on dissident groups further weakened the movement, culminating in the capture and execution of Hoa Hao military leader Ba Cut in 1956. By the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the Communist government had eliminated any remaining political or military presence of the sect. Hoa Hao Buddhism Today Despite its turbulent history, Hoa Hao Buddhism remains a significant spiritual tradition, with an estimated two million followers primarily residing in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Some devout male practitioners still wear long beards and hair tied in a bun, a traditional marker of Hoa Hao adherents. While the sect no longer engages in political activism, its legacy continues through its strong spiritual and ethical influence on local communities.
Land tourFrom: $384

Owner

Vietnam

Member Since 2024

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