The Best of Vietnam with Pu Luong 12 Days

Embark on a captivating city tour starting at the Reunification Palace, a witness to the historic Vietnam War's conclusion in 1975. Today, the grand building serves as a museum and official reception hall. Nearby, marvel at the colonial-styled Central Post Office and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. Our morning exploration concludes at the War Remnants Museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network built by Vietnamese guerrillas to withstand American attacks during the Vietnam War. Experience the history up close as you crawl through a part of the tunnel, visit their infirmary, kitchen, and witness how people survived in this extraordinary underground world. Return to your hotel later. Overnight in Saigon. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.

Today, we depart Saigon for My Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On the way, we visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. Upon arrival, we take a relaxing boat ride along the river, passing stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages along the riverbank. Proceed to Tortoise islet and enjoy lunch in an orchard garden. Then, take a boat ride to An Khanh, a less touristy destination in Ben Tre. Cruise on a hand-rowed sampan through the serene water coconut trees along natural canals, and savor seasonal fruit and honey tea while listening to the enchanting "Southern Vietnamese folk music" performed by locals. Visit a family-run business that epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy, and immerse yourself in the tranquil village surroundings. Overnight in Saigon. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.

Recommended flight from Saigon to Da Nang via VN 116 at 9.55-11.20 or similar. In the morning, we'll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from Da Nang airport and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An to drop off your luggage. With our knowledgeable guide in Hoi An, we'll explore the charming town by walking over the iconic Japanese Bridge with its tile-roof, visit the serene Chinese Assembly Halls, and discover ancient houses, pagodas, and trading houses. A leisurely stroll along the market located by the Thu Bon River will allow you to soak in the same enchanting atmosphere that inspired artists, with its magical old-world charm and Oriental essence. Hoi An is also a paradise for shopping, offering beautiful lanterns, soft silk, and the opportunity to have your clothes tailored within a day. Overnight in Hoi An. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have the entire day at your leisure in the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Take this opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and savor the memories of your recent explorations in Vietnam. Overnight in Hoi An. OPTIONAL TOUR: FULL DAY GOLDEN BRIDGE WITH BUFFET LUNCH Program: 07:00 – 08:00: Morning pick-up and depart for Ba Na Hills. 09:00: Arrive at the Suoi Mo cable car station, which holds 4 world records, and take the cable car ride. 09:30: Visit the awe-inspiring "Golden Bridge," a 150-meter-long pedestrian walkway supported by giant hands. Explore Le Jardin and the French Debay Wine Cellar. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, admire the 27m high Buddha statue, and explore Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Cac. Continue to Gare Debay and take the second cable car route to the top of Ba Na. Visit Fantasy Park and enjoy thrilling and modern games like Love Swing, Skiver Pilot, Fire Racing Track, Bumper Car, and Ghost House. 11:30: Delight in a buffet lunch at the restaurant. 12:30: Enjoy leisure time to explore the area or conquer the peak of Chua Mountain at 1,487m and visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple. Savor the panoramic view of Da Nang City and Da Nang Bay. 14:30: Return to the cable car station and head back to Da Nang. 15:00: Shop for local specialties. Return to your hotel later on. Services included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off by car, Cable car fees, Entrance fees to Fantasy Park, Buffet lunch, English-speaking tour guide. Services not included: Personal drinks during meals, Visit to Wax Statue Museum, Coin games, Wine tasting at Wine Cellar, and other extra expenses.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a journey from Hoi An to Hue aboard a luxurious minibus. Once we arrive in Hue, we'll transfer you to your hotel to freshen up and drop off your luggage. As a UNESCO-recognized Cultural World Heritage site, Hue is brimming with ancient royal architecture and embodies the most authentic Vietnamese lifestyle. This morning, we'll begin our exploration by visiting the majestic Royal Citadel, also known as the Forbidden City. We'll then venture to the vibrant Dong Ba market, where you can witness a colorful array of ingredients used in preparing Hue's local delicacies and get a glimpse of the bustling local business scene. When it comes to experiencing local culture, there's no better way than through its unique cuisine. Around noon, we'll embark on a special street food tour to delve deeper into Hue's culinary delights. Our culinary journey will encompass everything from Sticky rice dumplings on a fried dumpling (Ram It) and Filtered tapioca dumplings (Banh Loc) to the renowned Hue beef vermicelli soup (Bun Bo Hue). The street food tour will culminate at a charming small restaurant, where you can savor a delightful Sweet soup (Che) – a delectable local delicacy made with tapioca and an array of regional ingredients. Alternatively, if you prefer a different taste, a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk awaits you. Rest well at your hotel in Hue. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and take some leisure time before we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we'll take you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. In the afternoon, embark on an enriching walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Explore the historical charm of Ngoc Son Temple, situated on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake (the “Sword” Lake), and marvel at the exquisite architecture of Bach Ma Temple. Later, immerse yourself in the captivating Water Puppetry show, a traditional stage art unique to Northern Vietnam. Before returning to the hotel, indulge in a rejuvenating 30-minute foot massage at a local Spa. Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, we'll pick you up from Hanoi Opera House at 7:00 AM or from select hotels in the Old Quarter area. We'll then embark on a journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a 4-hour drive without heavy traffic. On our way, we'll stop halfway at a part of Cuc Phuong National Park for a 20-minute rest. Upon reaching Pu Luong before noon, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch and check in to your reserved room. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and explore the village life in Pu Luong. In the afternoon, we'll head to Ban Cong and start an easy walk, crossing a wooden bridge to one of the most scenic villages in Pu Luong, where a majestic stream flows through. As you walk alongside the river, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes and rice fields. You'll also get a chance to admire the giant water wheels, which are a remarkable creation of the mountainous ethnic minorities in Vietnam. The tour guide will provide insights into the local village life. Next, we'll reach Chieu Lau dam and enjoy a river rafting experience. Relax and soak in the beautiful views around as you paddle the raft upstream with locals. Afterward, we'll take a 1.6KM walk through rice fields and villages back to the main road and transfer you back to your hotel. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. Overnight in Pu Luong.

Awaken to the crisp mountain air and savor a refreshing breakfast served from 6:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, be prepared to embark on an exciting journey. We will walk down the valley to Don village, the heart of Pu Luong. The route meanders through vast terraced fields, offering breathtaking scenery at every step. As you progress, you'll pass through Uoi hamlet, nestled humbly at the foot of the majestic mountain. The picturesque landscape will leave you mesmerized and eager to capture its beauty. Continuing on, we reach Lan Village, known as the "Kingdom of Thai People in Pu Luong" with around 100 Thai families. Here, you can leisurely explore the paddy fields, cool streams, and observe friendly locals going about their daily lives. After this memorable experience, we'll return for lunch (optional) around 11:30 AM and check out from your room. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Pu Luong as we journey back to Hanoi. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and spend the night in the city.

If you wish to witness the lively morning scene in Hanoi, wake up early and head to a nearby lake where hundreds of locals engage in various activities such as Tai Chi quan, jogging, martial arts, and classical dance. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to Halong Bay, a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage since 1994 and 2006, where we will check in to our overnight boat. Embark on an enchanting journey through Halong Bay with stops to explore caves, swim, and relish the beautiful sunset on the sea. Dinner will feature fresh seafood, and you'll spend the night onboard. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch, and Dinner on board. Please note: The program is subject to change due to weather conditions.

Begin your morning with revitalizing Tai Chi-quan or yoga exercises guided by the crew, followed by a delicious breakfast as your boat cruises amidst the picturesque Halong islets. Return to the Wharf and take the shuttle bus back to Hanoi around midday. Arrive in the city by 3-4 PM. Spend the night in Hanoi. Meal: Breakfast and brunch on board.

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time for relaxation or shopping (arranged on your own) before transferring to the airport for your onward flight back home. End of service. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel. Please note: Hotel check-out time is around 12:00 PM. OPTIONAL TOURS: FULL DAY BAI DINH – TRANG AN BOATING – MUA CAVE WITH BUFFET LUNCH Itinerary: 07:00 – 07:30 – Our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay to start a modern 110km bus journey through the verdant countryside. Short breaks will be provided along the way. 10:00 – Arrive at the splendid Bai Dinh pagoda complex, the largest pagoda in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It is nestled on the foot of Dinh Mountain, surrounded by breathtaking views of the river valley and limestone karsts. The pagoda boasts massive and magnificent architecture, including 500 stone statues of "La Han" (Arhats), two huge bronze bells weighing 27 tons and 36 tons, and the impressive Quan Yin statue with thousands of arms and eyes. 12:00 – Enjoy a delightful lunch at our restaurant with delicious local cuisine. 13:30 – Depart for the Trang An Grottoes, a mesmerizing natural beauty with majestic limestone massifs spread over 20 square kilometers. Embark on a traditional sampan to gently row down the river, passing through various caves and temples. 15:30 – Reach Mua Cave and begin an amazing trek to the top of Ngoa Long mountain for breathtaking views of the rice valley and nature's splendor. 17:15 – Return to our deluxe minibus and head back to Hanoi. 19:30 – Drop off at your hotel/stay. Services included: Deluxe minibus pick up - drop off at hotel, Boat trip as per program, Entrance fee, Electric car at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Lunch at a local restaurant. English tour guide. Services not included: Personal drink during meals, Other expenses not mentioned above.