Vietnam North to South or Vice Versa 11 Days

Begin the day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel. 7:45-8:30: Be picked up from your hotel and embark on a mesmerizing journey to the breathtaking World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately four hours, with a short break along the way. Halong Bay is renowned for its sandy coves, enchanting grottoes, and 1,600 limestone islands, sculpted by the forces of wind and water over countless years. 12:00 - 12:30: Step aboard the Lavender Cruise and receive a warm welcome drink, followed by a short cruise briefing. Check-in to your cabin and settle in. 13:15: Indulge in a delectable lunch featuring regional fresh seafood as you cruise through the pristine waters, passing by notable sights such as Incense Burner Island, Fighting Cock Islet, and Stone Dog. Lavender Cruise will take you on an exceptional route, venturing through parts of Halong Bay that few cruises traverse. 15:00 - 16:30: Engage in an unforgettable kayaking experience amidst the magnificent landscape of towering limestone mountains. Visit Titov Island for swimming or simply relax on the sun-deck to savor the breathtaking views of the bay. After kayaking, return to Lavender Cruises and join the sunset party. As the cruise glides past Soi Sim Beach and "Rang Dua" Island, it anchors near the Surprising Cave for the evening. Participate in an interactive Cooking Class held in the restaurant. Learn the art of crafting fresh or fried spring rolls and preparing fish sauce. 19:30: Delight in a sumptuous set-menu dinner featuring a variety of Vietnamese and Asian dishes, served under the captivating night sky. Evening activities: Engage in squid fishing with the assistance of our crew, enjoy a friendly card game, showcase your singing skills with karaoke, or simply unwind and savor our happy-hour drinks at the bar. Conclude the day by spending a tranquil night aboard the cruise, beneath the enchanting starry sky. Night 2: Overnight stay on Halong Bay Cruises.

06:15: Engage in invigorating morning exercises on the Sun-deck. 07:15: Delight in a breakfast spread of coffee, tea, and fresh bakeries served on board. 08:00: Explore the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot), a remarkable natural wonder discovered by the French in 1901. Since its opening to tourists in 1936, it has become an iconic symbol of Halong Bay, showcasing its geological significance. 09:30: It's check-out time. Relax on the sun-deck or within the restaurant, savoring the mesmerizing scenery of the bay. 10:15: Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier. 12:00: Bid farewell to the cruise as you check out. Our car will be at your service, ready to transport you back to Hanoi. 16:30: Arrive in Hanoi, marking the end of the trip! Night 3: Overnight stay at a delightful 3-star hotel in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take advantage of the free time to explore the charming city of Hanoi at your leisure. Our driver will later pick you up and transfer you to Hanoi railway station, where you will board a night train to Danang. Note: The train cabin accommodates four passengers in a comfortable setting with air conditioning. You may share the cabin with fellow travelers. The journey from Hanoi to Danang typically takes around 16 hours. If you prefer, please contact us for options to upgrade to a private train cabin or consider an internal flight from Hanoi to Danang city. Night 4: Overnight on the train.

Upon arriving in Danang, you will be greeted at the train station and transferred to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An. Take this opportunity to explore the ancient town at your leisure. Hoi An was once a bustling trading port during the 16th and 17th centuries, connecting the East and the West. As you wander through its streets, you'll witness the diverse architectural influences from Europe, China, and Japan. Marvel at the Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, elegant French-colonial houses, traditional wooden shop-houses, and the serene river that gracefully flows through the town. Night 5: Overnight stay at your hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Choose one of the following options: Option 1: My Son Holy Land and Thu Bon River Boat Trip (Light Lunch) 8:00 - 8:30: Pick-up from your hotel. 8:30: Depart Hoi An and cross the Cua Dai Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Hoi An river system, mountains, and Cham islands. Arrive at a bustling fishing village, where you can capture captivating photos of the vibrant market traders. 9:45: Arrive at My Son, also known as the "Valley of Kings." This ancient site was the capital of the Cham Pa Kingdom from the 4th to 15th century. Begin your exploration with a traditional dance performance, followed by a guided tour of the Cham ruins. As you wander through the jungle-lined paths, your guide will share the history of this religious site, once a burial ground for Cham monarchs. Around 12:00: Return to Hoi An for a delightful boat trip along the Thu Bon River. During this two-hour journey, you'll pass by Duy Hai fishing village, Tra Nhieu weaving village, and Kim Bong carpentry village. Savor a light lunch on the boat, featuring Quang-style noodles with pork and shrimp. 14:00 - 14:30: Conclude the boat trip at the dock in the old town and return to your hotel. Option 2: Tra Que Cooking Class and Foot Massage (Lunch) 8:00: Your local guide will pick you up from the hotel, and together you'll embark on a bicycle ride to Hoi An's vibrant central market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, interact with local vendors, and learn about the fresh ingredients used in your upcoming cooking lesson. 9:00: Cycle through small roads and rice paddies, capturing picturesque moments of water buffaloes, cows, and farmers tending to their fields and fishponds. Revel in the scenic views of the Vietnamese countryside and encounter warm-hearted locals. Navigate the narrow village roads to reach a typical local house. 10:00: Take a moment to relax and enjoy a special welcome drink. Explore the herb garden, where local farmers practice organic methods passed down for 300 years. Indulge in a foot massage using local herbs such as lemongrass and Thai basil. 10:30: Learn the traditional techniques of preparing and cooking Vietnamese cuisine. Get creative by crafting vegetable flowers and animals for decoration. After the lesson, savor the dishes you have prepared. 12:30 - 13:00: Return to your hotel, satisfied with your culinary experience.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today is a day for relaxation and exploration. Take your time to unwind, indulge in some shopping, or hop on a bicycle to explore the charming Hoi An ancient town and its picturesque surroundings. Meander through the streets, immersing yourself in the town's enchanting atmosphere. Consider visiting a few of the well-preserved traditional Chinese mansions, admiring their architectural beauty. For those seeking retail therapy, Hoi An offers a plethora of shopping opportunities, from exquisite local handicrafts to tailor-made clothing. Alternatively, venture to the pristine white sand beaches located just outside of town, where you can bask in the sun's warmth and embrace the serenity of the coastal scenery. Night 7: Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

Savor a delectable breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, prepare for your departure as you are transferred to the airport. Today, you will board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be situated in the heart of the city's most tourist-friendly area, providing you with convenient access to its renowned attractions, vibrant markets, and captivating cultural experiences. Night 8: Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, where you will be captivated by its natural beauty and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the southern region. Prepare to be amazed as you cruise along the picturesque river, encountering bustling fishing ports, charming floating houses, and indulging in the enchanting melodies of local folk songs, all while savoring the seasonal abundance of fresh fruits. 7:30 - 8:30: Leave behind the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City as you embark on your journey to My Tho, a quaint town nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the splendid Vinh Trang Pagoda, a magnificent temple with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Then, board a traditional sampan boat and begin your cruise along the river, navigating through the scenic Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Make a stop at Unicorn Island, where you can stroll along country lanes, wander through orchards, and indulge in the delectable flavors of tropical fruits. Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of local folk songs performed by talented villagers. Take the opportunity to visit a fruit plantation and witness the local way of life. Embark on a serene hand-rowed sampan boat ride through the enchanting Thoi Son canal, allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the picturesque countryside. Explore a family business, visit a honey-bee farm, and treat yourself to the aromatic flavors of honey tea and coconut candy at a local workshop. Relish a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the diverse flavors of the region. Take a well-deserved break to relax and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling adventure around the charming Tan Thach village, immersing yourself in the authentic daily life of the Mekong Delta's local residents. Interact with the friendly villagers and gain insights into their unique way of living. Alternatively, if cycling is not your preference, indulge in relaxation and unwind in a hammock, basking in the refreshing breeze. 17:30: Return to your hotel, marking the end of this incredible journey through the Mekong Delta. Night 9: Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on an intriguing journey to the historic Cu Chi tunnels, located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the "area of steel" during the Vietnam-American war, Cu Chi boasts an extensive network of tunnels stretching over 200 km, earning its reputation as an impenetrable underground village. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. 7:45-8:30: Our knowledgeable tour guide and skilled driver will pick you up from your hotel, and we will begin our drive to Cu Chi. As we venture deeper into the countryside, you'll have the opportunity to admire the scenic landscapes along the way. After approximately one and a half hours, we will arrive at Cu Chi. Before delving into the tunnels, you will receive a brief introduction and watch an informative video detailing the construction and survival techniques employed during the war. Immerse yourself in the remnants of this historic site as you explore the fascinating tunnel systems. Witness the extraordinary living quarters, including kitchens, bedrooms, and various martial facilities like storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These tunnels served as a lifeline for the residents, meeting their basic needs in the midst of adversity. Discover hidden trap doors and intricate mechanisms designed for security purposes during the war. As a tribute to the past, you will also have the opportunity to savor a cup of special tea and taste cassava, the guerilla's staple food during those challenging times. Take a break to relax or, for those seeking an adrenaline rush, try your hand at firing real weapons. 13:30: Return to your hotel, marking the end of this enriching tour. Night 10: Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, take advantage of your free time to further explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. Immerse yourself in its bustling streets, visit its iconic landmarks, or indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local treasures. The city offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites, along with a vibrant culinary scene that is sure to captivate your senses. Later, our attentive driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. As your trip comes to a close, we sincerely hope that you have cherished memories of your time in Vietnam. If you wish to extend your stay or explore other fascinating destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Thailand, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to customize your tour according to your preferences and create an unforgettable experience tailored just for you. Thank you for choosing our services, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Safe travels!