Mesmerizing Vietnam in 17 Days

Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, harmoniously blends the old and new, retaining its authentic Asian allure. Embark on a guided tour to discover the city's most significant landmarks. At 8:00 am, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby. Begin your journey with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a remarkable architectural and historical site honoring Uncle Ho's legacy. Adjacent is Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he lived and worked. Nearby, explore the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic lotus-shaped temple dating back to 1049. Continue your exploration with visits to Taoist Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temples, situated by the scenic West Lake. Gain insights into Vietnam's diverse culture and religious traditions. Indulge in a delightful lunch, then head to the Ethnology Museum to learn about the country's various ethnic groups. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in 1070. Appreciate the tranquil ambiance of its beautiful gardens and well-preserved architecture. Conclude the tour at Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, famous for its restored sword legend. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: Tour duration: 7 hours On Mondays and Fridays, when Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ethnic Museum are closed, we will visit the Bat Trang pottery village instead.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, embark on an enriching countryside journey to Ba Vi, located on the outskirts of Hanoi. Upon arrival at Ri village, receive a warm welcome with refreshing drinks and snacks. Meet your first host, Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to his captivating war stories as you savor the drink, then venture into his tea plantation. Discover the art of picking the finest tea leaves, essential for crafting Vietnam's exquisite beverage. Experience the traditional tea production process at his intimate workshop, where craftsmanship prevails. A short drive takes you to Moc village, where Mrs. Chin, your next host, will teach you the secrets of cooking authentic Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the lunch you prepared in the midst of a beautiful tropical garden. Take a break and join Mrs. Chin for a village walk, exploring the local lifestyle and witnessing the craftsmanship behind tofu, conical hats, and other traditional products. Cycle through picturesque paddy fields, immersing yourself in the serene countryside scenery. Conclude your countryside expedition with a traditional feet soak in warm herbal water, following the cherished recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. This soothing experience will ease any fatigue from your cycling adventure. Later, return to Hanoi with cherished memories of your Ba Vi Eco Tour. Overnight in Hanoi.

Begin your morning by meeting the esteemed Master Chef, Ms. Ai, a culinary expert with a decade of experience in renowned Hanoi restaurants. Embark on a delightful local market tour guided by Chef Ai herself. Learn the art of selecting the freshest and most authentic ingredients for local dishes. Immerse in the vibrant market atmosphere, as colorful stands display an array of fresh produce. Afterwards, follow Chef Ai to her charming abode, where she will lead you in a private, hands-on cooking class. While crafting your culinary creations, savor Chef Ai's passionate stories about her love for cooking. Relish the fruits of your labor as you indulge in the delectable lunch you prepared together. Overnight in Hanoi. Suggested time: 09:00 Duration: approx. 3.5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the enchanting beauty of Ninh Binh, renowned for its captivating limestone landscapes rising amidst lush paddies, its rich history, and serene ambiance. At 8:00 am, your knowledgeable guide will collect you from your hotel lobby. Embark on a scenic 100 km drive to Hoa Lu, an ancient capital of Vietnam. Enthrall yourself in the historical tales narrated by your guide, while marveling at the surviving temples dedicated to the first emperors of Vietnam: King Dinh and King Le, constructed in the 17th century. Around 11:30 am, reach Tam Coc, your next destination. Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese lunch before embarking on a tranquil rowing boat excursion along the river. Drift through Tam Coc and Bich Dong, exploring the magic of the three caves: Hang Ca (the first grotto), Hang Hai (the second grotto), and Hang Ba (the third grotto). Following this enchanting experience, enjoy a picturesque cycling tour around the idyllic village, discovering more captivating sceneries. Optionally, you may cycle to the nearby Thai Vi temple. Around 16:00, bid farewell to Ninh Binh, returning to Hanoi by approximately 18:30. Around 21:00, your driver will transfer you to the train station, commencing your overnight journey to Sapa in a comfortable 4-seat sleeping cabin with A/C. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Note: Train schedule subject to change.

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai station. Your guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Sapa. After refreshing yourself with a shower and a brief rest, at 9:30 am, we embark on a captivating 6 km trek to Y Lih Ho village, nestled amidst the picturesque Muong Hoa valley. Explore the charming village of the Black Hmongs before continuing the 2 km trek down to Lao Chai village, passing through enchanting terraced rice fields to reach Ta Van village, home to the Dzay minority. Lunch awaits you at a local house, offering insight into their unique architecture, lifestyle, and traditions. After a restful break, we embark on a breathtaking 2 km trek through stunning landscapes back to the road. There, the car awaits to transfer you back to Sapa, where you can savor dinner and enjoy your leisure time. Overnight in Sapa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner NOTES: Trekking distance: 10 km Difficulty level: moderate

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before venturing to the charming Cat Cat village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group. A scenic walk through the valley allows you to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, leading you to a stunning waterfall and the historic French-built hydroelectric power station. Relish a picnic lunch by the riverside before continuing on a 3 km trek to Sin Chai village, nestled at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, known as the "roof of Vietnam and Indochina." From here, you can soak in the vast, awe-inspiring landscapes. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Sapa before heading to the train station for your journey back to Hanoi. Overnight on train (4-seat sleeping cabin with A/C) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch NOTES: Trekking distance: 5 km Difficulty level: easy

Embark on a captivating journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonder that will leave you awe-struck. Upon arrival at the train station, you'll be transferred to a day-stay hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower. Between 8:00-9:00 am, the cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby. Arrive at the jetty around noon and board the cruise, where a warm welcome awaits you. After check-in, savor a delectable lunch as the cruise navigates through the stunning islets. In the afternoon, engage in activities like swimming, kayaking, or exploring caves, depending on the boat's itinerary. Alternatively, relish tranquil moments onboard. As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors in a picturesque spot, setting the stage for a mesmerizing sunset before dinner. Overnight on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: In case of adverse weather conditions, the itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations. Your travel consultant will arrange suitable alternatives in such cases.

Wake up to the enchanting sunrise over Halong Bay, with breakfast served as the vessel leisurely cruises back to the port. Savor an early lunch before disembarking at the port. You'll then be transferred to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, your driver will greet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Immerse yourself in the rich historical legacy of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Your journey begins at 8:00 am when your guide greets you at the hotel lobby. Embark on a delightful cruise along the Perfume River aboard a dragon boat, relishing the refreshing river breeze. Your first stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, a renowned 17th-century landmark in Hue. Next, visit the Hue Imperial Citadel, once the residence of Vietnam's last royal family. Explore the Royal Antiques Museum, housing an impressive collection of Nguyen Dynasty ornaments. Journey to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant heart of the town, teeming with diverse food and goods. Feel free to indulge in shopping and savor local delicacies for lunch. In the afternoon, venture beyond the city to discover the fascinating Khai Dinh King's Tomb, an exquisite fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles. Continue to the majestic Minh Mang King's Tomb, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings, offering a serene ambiance. On your return, make a stop at the Conical Hat Village and Incense Stick Village, where you can witness the production of these traditional goods. Arrive back at your hotel between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Overnight in Hue. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Immerse yourself in the rich historical legacy of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Your journey begins at 8:00 am when your guide greets you at the hotel lobby. Embark on a delightful cruise along the Perfume River aboard a dragon boat, relishing the refreshing river breeze. Your first stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, a renowned 17th-century landmark in Hue. Next, visit the Hue Imperial Citadel, once the residence of Vietnam's last royal family. Explore the Royal Antiques Museum, housing an impressive collection of Nguyen Dynasty ornaments. Journey to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant heart of the town, teeming with diverse food and goods. Feel free to indulge in shopping and savor local delicacies for lunch. In the afternoon, venture beyond the city to discover the fascinating Khai Dinh King's Tomb, an exquisite fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles. Continue to the majestic Minh Mang King's Tomb, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings, offering a serene ambiance. On your return, make a stop at the Conical Hat Village and Incense Stick Village, where you can witness the production of these traditional goods. Arrive back at your hotel between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Overnight in Hue. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Around 1:00 pm, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to embark on the enchanting My Son Sanctuary Sunset Tour. Prepare for a captivating journey back in time as we head to My Son. Upon arrival, we will spend approximately 2 hours exploring this historical site. Wander through the captivating landscapes and ancient temple remains, delving into the rich history of this significant place while enjoying mesmerizing traditional Champa performances. After the tour, we will board a comfortable minivan to transfer to the wharf, where a delightful boat trip awaits you. Glide along the Thu Bon River, relishing the cool breeze and the breathtaking sunset scenery as we make our way back to Hoi An. Expect to return to Hoi An around 6:30 pm. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast

Today, we embark on a journey to Vong Nhi village. Upon arrival, hop on your bicycles and pedal through the village, covering approximately 6 km. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and idyllic countryside, passing by lush coconut forests, prawn and red snapper farms, and picturesque rice fields. Next, we arrive at Thanh Dong organic farm, a 10,000 sqm garden supporting 10 local families with fresh organic produce. Take a leisurely stroll around the vegetable garden and listen to the inspiring stories of the farmers as they share their experience with organic cultivation methods. Engage in gardening activities with the farmers, including preparing and applying organic manure, sowing herb seeds, and watering or picking vegetables. Bid farewell to the farmers and embark on a delightful Vietnamese basket boat ride along the Do River, soaking in the scenic beauty and local countryside life. We will head to The Field Restaurant, where a short cooking class awaits. Learn to prepare a sumptuous Vietnamese family-style lunch using your newly acquired culinary skills, then savor the delectable meal you've prepared. The tour duration is approximately 3 hours. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Cu Chi, situated 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, famously known as the "area of steel" during wartime. This historic site boasts an extensive network of tunnels stretching over 200 km, deemed an impregnable underground village during the Vietnam-American war. Today, you'll have the opportunity to delve into history and gain insights into the lives of the people during that era. Rise early and meet your guide at 8:00 am, then board the shuttle bus for a 1.5-hour journey to Cu Chi. Upon arrival, you'll watch an informative video providing a glimpse into the construction of the tunnels and the resilient spirit of the people amid the harsh wartime conditions. Next, explore the remaining tunnel systems and the ingeniously designed living areas, where kitchens, bedrooms, weapon warehouses, field hospitals, and command centers coexisted, fulfilling the inhabitants' basic necessities. Witness the intricate trap doors and dangerous traps concealed within the labyrinthine tunnels, skillfully employed for security purposes. After the tour, take a moment to relax and enjoy a cup of special tea and cassava, which served as the guerillas' sustenance during the war. Later, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City, with an estimated arrival time of 3:00 pm. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast

Mekong Delta, fondly known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, holds tremendous significance as a vital region supplying rice and fruits to the entire country. Prepare for a captivating experience as we navigate through the maze of mangrove-lined riverways, granting you a glimpse into the enchanting countryside life of Southern Vietnam. After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, get ready for pick-up at 8:00 am. Embark on a shuttle bus journey to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, an architectural gem dating back to the late 19th century. Subsequently, board a traditional sampan and cruise along the picturesque river islands. Pause on one of the islands to take a leisurely walk, immersing yourself in the rustic charm of the countryside and visiting lush orchards. Savor the luscious tropical fruits while being serenaded by captivating folk music performances. Resume the sampan journey, gliding through the serene Thoi Son canal, surrounded by idyllic landscapes. Our next stop is a local village, where we visit a workshop to witness the art of making coconut candies and explore a honeybee farm. Treat yourself to the delectable honey tea and candies, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some leisure time. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling expedition around Tan Thanh village, witnessing authentic local life. If cycling isn't your preference, you can unwind in a hammock or take a leisurely stroll through the village. Later, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City, with an approximate arrival time of 5:30 pm. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Savor the morning with leisure time before we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight back home. Meals: Breakfast