Vietnam Mix Transportation Adventure 12 Days -

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Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Vietnam

Feel welcome to embark on our 12-day tour across Vietnam, featuring a blend of transportation modes. This immersive journey provides a comprehensive insight into Vietnamese culture, spanning from the northern to the southern regions. Discover the extraordinary lives led by local people and indulge in authentic traditional Vietnamese cuisine from various corners of the country. It’s an adventure designed to captivate even the most ardent explorers.

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* 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 VTP Travel
* 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

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, our tour guide will accompany you to your designated hotel.

Kindly note, given the potentially bustling nature of both international and domestic airports, our representatives await you at Pole No.10 (located outside the Terminal Gate). Upon your arrival, please contact us for easy identification and assistance.

The hotel's standard check-in time is 14:00. Should you wish to arrive earlier, an additional charge might apply.

Once settled in, the afternoon is yours to explore the city. Engage in cultural experiences like watching shows such as My Village and Water Puppetry, indulging in Hanoi's renowned street food, or joining local cooking classes. These activities are recommended and available upon request through our 24/7 travel consultants.

Meals: Not Applicable
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi City Tour by Mortobike & Night train to Sapa

Morning

Begin your day by visiting Vietnam’s oldest university, the Temple of Literature.

Continue your journey to explore the unique architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda, an ancient pagoda constructed over a millennium ago.

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his historic stilt house, offering insights into his life.

Afternoon

Venture to the serene West Lake, and behold the elegance of the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, an antique and picturesque site.

Relish an authentic Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant.

Evening

Around 21:00, our guide will collect you from the hotel to escort you to the train station. Commence your remarkable journey to northern Vietnam (Lao Cai).

The train's departure is scheduled for approximately 21:10, where you'll spend the night in a shared sleeping compartment.

*Notes:

The guide will not accompany you on the train journey.
The train schedule may be subject to adjustments.
Private compartments are available for an additional fee.
Train travel provides an authentic local experience, sharing cabins with fellow passengers, and restroom facilities are situated at each end of the carriages.

Accommodation: Train to Sapa

<span> Day 3</span> Lao Cai – Road transfer to Sapa – Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Sapa

Morning

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Train Station around 5:30, our team will be there to greet you

Take a shared tourist bus for a scenic one-hour journey to Sapa. Your arrival at Sapa will follow this transfer

Depending on room availability, an early check-in option may be possible (additional charges may apply)

At approximately 9:30, the local guide will join you for the trekking adventure

Start your trek down the valley towards Y Linh Ho and then proceed to Lao Chai village, home to the Black Hmong. The trek presents stunning panoramic views along the way

Afternoon

Continue your expedition to the Zay community settled in Ta Van, situated approximately 1,200 meters above sea level. Following this, return by car to Sapa

The remainder of the day is yours to plan as you wish

Evening

Unwind and rest in a charming local hotel in Sapa

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

<span> Day 4</span> Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai - Sapa - Hanoi - Road transfer

Morning

Embark on a journey towards the southwest of Sapa, exploring Cat Cat Village of the Black Hmong community

Witness the remnants of a hydroelectric power station constructed by the French during their colonial era in Vietnam, and marvel at the breathtaking waterfall that bestowed its name upon the region

Noon

Relish a delectable picnic lunch along the tranquil banks of a picturesque river

Trek a distance of 3 kilometers to reach Sin Chai Village

Afternoon

Following the riverside picnic, continue the trek for 3 kilometers to reach Sin Chai Village

Subsequently, embark on a 3-kilometer jeep ride to Sapa town, then board the shared limousine bus for the return journey to Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

<span> Day 5</span> Hanoi – Halong Bay - Overnight on cruise

Morning

Your designated chauffeur will collect you for the journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Upon your arrival at Halong Bay, embark on a boat and commence your exploration of this remarkable bay.

Noon

Indulge in a seafood feast served on the boat as you cruise through the bay.

Take a brief respite post-lunch.

Afternoon

Depending on the day's specific cruise itinerary, engage in various activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, or a refreshing swim in the sea.

Return to the junk and savor a delightful dinner. Spend the night aboard.
Accommodation: Cruise in Halong Bay

<span> Day 6</span> Halong Bay – Hanoi Overnight Train to Da Nang

Morning

Commencing the second day at Halong Bay, you have the option to rise early for a Tai Chi session on the boat or simply relish the breathtaking sunrise over the bay.

Breakfast will be presented while the vessel gracefully sails through the bay in pursuit of the most enchanting caves in the vicinity.

Noon

On the return journey to the primary dock, an early lunch will be provided.
Afternoon

Return to Hanoi after disembarking from the ship.

Arrive at the hotel or train station in Hanoi.

Board the night train to Da Nang.
Accommodation: Overnight on Train

Afternoon

Reach Da Nang around midday.

Your designated driver will escort you to the Hoi An hotel for check-in.

Evening

Recharge your energy with a local culinary expedition at 15:00.

Embark on a leisurely gastronomic journey that not only introduces you to Hoi An's diverse cuisine but also immerses you in its cultural richness.

Visit charming local cafes, food stalls, markets, and restaurants, where you can savor exquisite dishes while enjoying the captivating sunset of this coastal city.

Delight in the opportunity to taste a variety of classic Hoi An delicacies, including Banh Mi, Cao Lau, Banh Beo, Banh Khot, Balut, and local coffee.

Following the food tour, you'll have the liberty to explore the Ancient Town at your own pace or return to your lodging for relaxation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

<span> Day 8</span> Wet rice farm culture with lunch at local farmer house

Morning

Embark on an invigorating bicycle journey through the lush green expanses of Cam Thanh Ecological Village, a truly exhilarating experience.

Engage in authentic farming activities, gaining insights into the intricate process of rice cultivation and trying your hand at buffalo riding as part of the wet rice cultivation process.

Noon

Indulge in a satisfying lunch at a local residence.

Set sail on a cruise, navigating towards a nearby fishing village, where you'll actively participate in fishing alongside local fishermen.

Afternoon

Explore the water coconut palm jungle, offering the chance to observe the art of basket boat rowing.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

<span> Day 9</span> Hoi An - Da Nang Flight to Ho Chi Minh

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the charm of Hoi An at your own pace before catching your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City, your designated driver will transport you to the pre-arranged hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

<span> Day 10</span> Cu Chi Tunnel & Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Embarking on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Explore one of Vietnam's renowned historical sites, known as a significant destination for dark tourism.

Witness a variety of subterranean tunnels and structures, including hospitals, bedrooms, and ammunition storage facilities.

Gain valuable insights into the daily life during the Civil War period (1955 to 1975).

In addition to the tunnel exploration, experience the tactile engagement with an authentic firearm through available firing-gun services (at an extra cost).

Noon

Pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.
Afternoon

Discover the city's key attractions, including the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, honing your bargaining skills, immersing in local life and culture, and indulging in souvenir shopping.

Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a well-deserved relaxation.

Enjoy free time for the remainder of the day.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

<span> Day 11</span> Mekong Delta Boat & Bike

Morning

Commencing at 8:00, your pick-up from the Ho Chi Minh hotel will initiate your transfer to Ben Tre Province.

Embark on a serene boat cruise along the enchanting Ham Luong River, a tributary of the Mekong.

The boat will make several halts at local enterprises, providing you with the opportunity to observe the various ways in which residents earn their livelihoods.

Engage in an enthralling workshop focused on the craftsmanship of brickwork, coconut oil production, and mat weaving from straws. This workshop ensures a plethora of novel experiences.

Proceed with the journey, pausing at a tranquil village for a brief stroll to immerse yourself in authentic Delta village life.

Cycle through the forest and visit fruit orchards to further enrich your exploration.

Noon

A lunch featuring local specialties will be served in a serene riverside restaurant.
Afternoon

Embark on a sampan boat ride along serene canals.

Return to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh by 17:00.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Make the most of your final day in Vietnam before proceeding to the airport for your journey back home.
Accommodation: Not Applicable

Durations

9 - 12 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Vietnam

Quan Su Pagoda - 🛕 Quan Su Pagoda: The Beating Heart of Buddhism in Hanoi If you’re exploring Hanoi and want to discover not just its bustling streets and famous lakes but also its spiritual soul, then Quan Su Pagoda (Chùa Quán Sứ) is a must-visit. Known as the Ambassadors’ Pagoda, this sacred site is more than just a place of worship—it’s the headquarters of Vietnamese Buddhism and a living, breathing symbol of faith in the capital. Located at 73 Quan Su Street, right in the center of Hanoi near the junction with Tran Hung Dao, this pagoda welcomes thousands of worshippers and curious travelers every month. Whether you’re seeking peace, cultural insights, or simply a break from the city’s traffic, Quan Su offers a rare mix of spirituality, history, and living tradition. 📜 A Journey Through History Quan Su Pagoda has roots stretching back to the 15th century, during the reign of King Le The Tong. It was originally built as part of a guesthouse for Buddhist envoys and ambassadors visiting from neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and China—hence its name, “Quan Su,” meaning Ambassadors. Though the structure has undergone many renovations, the current building was completed in 1942 and reflects a harmonious blend of Vietnamese traditional architecture with subtle modern touches. Over the centuries, the pagoda has grown from a diplomatic spiritual hub into one of the most important religious sites in Vietnam. 🏮 A Living Pagoda in Modern Hanoi Unlike some temples that feel frozen in time, Quan Su Pagoda is very much alive. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant scene: 🙏 Worship Days – On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, the courtyard fills with worshippers offering incense, fruits, and flowers. The atmosphere is both festive and deeply spiritual. 🕯️ Sacred Atmosphere – Inside the main hall, you’ll be greeted by the sight of rows of crimson-lacquered Buddha statues, glowing softly under the dim light of an iron lamp adorned with dragon motifs. 🌳 Peaceful Courtyard – The compound is shaded by ancient trees, creating a tranquil contrast to Hanoi’s bustling streets outside. The air is often thick with the fragrance of burning incense, giving visitors a true sense of Buddhist devotion. For locals, it’s a place of prayer, reflection, and community. For travelers, it’s a window into Vietnamese spirituality. 📚 A Center of Buddhist Learning Quan Su is not just a place for worship—it is also the headquarters of the Central Buddhist Congregation of Vietnam. This makes it the nerve center of Buddhist activities nationwide. At the back of the pagoda, you’ll find: 📖 A Well-Stocked Library – Home to rare Buddhist texts, scriptures, and modern publications. 🏫 Classrooms for Buddhist Studies – Where monks, nuns, and laypeople come to learn about Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and history. 🌏 Cultural & Religious Events – Throughout the year, Quan Su hosts important ceremonies such as Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), Dharma talks, and international Buddhist exchanges. If you’re visiting during a festival, you may witness large gatherings, chanting rituals, or even cultural performances tied to Buddhist traditions. 🌟 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss When visiting Quan Su Pagoda in 2025, here are the must-see and must-experience moments: 🪔 The Main Hall (Chính Điện) – Admire the intricate architecture, lacquered statues, and the iconic dragon-carved iron lamp. 🌿 The Courtyard – Take a quiet stroll under ancient trees, a perfect pause in the middle of Hanoi’s busy downtown. 🎐 Incense Offering – Join locals in offering incense. Even if you’re not Buddhist, it’s a respectful way to connect with the atmosphere. 🧘 Meditation Time – In recent years, the pagoda has introduced short meditation sessions for visitors, particularly in the early mornings. 📍 Practical Information for Visitors (Updated 2025) ✨ Address: 73 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕕 Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)⌛ Recommended Duration: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours 👉 Travel Tip 2025: In response to growing international visitors, the pagoda now offers multilingual leaflets in English, French, Japanese, and Korean, making it easier to understand the site’s history and symbolism. 🛵 How to Get There Quan Su Pagoda is centrally located, making it very accessible: 🚶 On Foot: If you’re staying around Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s just a 15-minute walk. 🚖 By Taxi/Grab: A quick ride from anywhere in central Hanoi. 🚲 By Bicycle: Combine your visit with a cycling tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and French Quarter. 🛍️ Nearby Attractions Since you’re already in Hanoi’s cultural heart, combine your visit with these nearby highlights: 🏛️ Hoa Lo Prison Museum (5-minute walk) – A sobering look into Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history. ☕ Hidden Cafés on Tran Hung Dao Street – Perfect spots to sip egg coffee after your temple visit. 🎭 Vietnam National Tuong Theatre – Just around the corner, where you can catch traditional opera performances. 🌳 Thống Nhất Park – A green escape if you want more tranquility. 🌸 Visiting Tips for 2025 ✔️ Dress respectfully – Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) is recommended.✔️ Avoid peak worship times unless you want to experience the full crowds—early morning is the most peaceful.✔️ Photography – Allowed in most areas, but be mindful during prayer times.✔️ Bring small offerings – Incense, fruits, or flowers are appreciated if you’d like to participate.✔️ Check festival dates – Visiting during Vesak (usually in May) offers a colorful, festive experience. 🌍 Why You Should Visit Quan Su Pagoda In a city filled with famous landmarks—Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature—Quan Su stands apart. It’s not just about ancient architecture or history frozen in time. Instead, this pagoda represents Vietnamese Buddhism in motion: alive, active, and deeply integrated into modern life. For locals, it’s a sanctuary of faith. For travelers, it’s a chance to step into a living tradition, where the past and present blend seamlessly. 📝 Final Thoughts Quan Su Pagoda may not have the sprawling size of Hanoi’s other temples or the...Hoa Lo Prison - 🏯 Hoa Lo Prison (The “Hanoi Hilton”): A Journey Through Vietnam’s Past If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi in 2025, chances are Hoa Lo Prison Museum will pop up on your must-visit list. This isn’t just another historical site—it’s one of the most haunting reminders of Vietnam’s turbulent past, layered with stories of colonial rule, war, resilience, and propaganda. Nestled right in the heart of Hanoi at 1 Hoa Lo Street, the prison once stood as a symbol of fear. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can step into history and walk through the cells that once held revolutionaries, intellectuals, and later, American prisoners of war. Let’s dive into its history, what to expect when visiting, and why it’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the depth of Vietnam’s journey. 📖 A Brief History of Hoa Lo Prison Originally built by the French in 1896, Hoa Lo was intended to suppress Vietnamese resistance against colonial rule. The name “Hoa Lo” translates to “fiery furnace” or “stove,” but ironically, the neighborhood was known for ceramic stoves before the prison existed. During the colonial era (1896–1954), it became notorious for housing Vietnamese nationalists and revolutionaries. Overcrowding was extreme: while designed for around 450 prisoners, records show it sometimes held over 2,000. Among its inmates were five future General Secretaries of the Vietnamese Communist Party, men who would later help shape modern Vietnam. After the French departure in 1954, the prison continued to function under the Vietnamese government. By the 1960s and 70s, it took on a new identity—one that would make headlines around the world. ✈️ The “Hanoi Hilton” Era For many Western visitors, Hoa Lo is best known by its infamous nickname: the “Hanoi Hilton.” This was the name sarcastically given by American POWs (mostly pilots and crew) during the Vietnam War. Captured servicemen—including some who later became well-known figures like U.S. Senator John McCain—were detained here. Vietnamese state media at the time portrayed the prison as a place where POWs were well-fed and treated humanely. Television broadcasts showed smiling prisoners, neatly clothed and playing games. However, accounts from veterans after the war revealed starkly different experiences—harsh interrogations, cramped living conditions, and psychological strain. Even today, guides sometimes tell foreign visitors with a straight face, “That’s why it was called the Hanoi Hilton.” The irony, of course, is not lost on those familiar with the history. 🏛️ What You’ll See Inside the Museum Visiting Hoa Lo Prison Museum is an intense, emotional experience. While much of the original complex was demolished in the 1990s to make way for the modern Hanoi Towers, parts of it remain preserved for public education. Here’s what stands out: 🔒 Preserved Prison Cells – Walk through dark, narrow cells where prisoners were once shackled. The claustrophobic atmosphere offers a chilling glimpse into their reality. ⚖️ French Colonial Artifacts – Rusty shackles, leg irons, and even a guillotine remain on display, stark reminders of the brutal colonial justice system. 📸 Historic Photographs – Rooms filled with images and records of famous political prisoners, many of whom later played pivotal roles in Vietnam’s independence. 🎥 POW Exhibits – Displays highlighting the Vietnam War era, though with a heavy dose of propaganda that emphasizes supposed humane treatment of American prisoners. 🕯️ Memorial Spaces – Sections dedicated to honoring the Vietnamese revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives here. 📍 Practical Visitor Information (Updated 2025) ✨ Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)🎟️ Ticket Price: 50,000 VND (approx. $2 USD)⌛ Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours 👉 Travel Tip 2025: The museum has recently upgraded its multilingual audio guides (available in English, French, Japanese, and Korean), making it easier for visitors to navigate the complex stories presented. 🛵 Exploring the Surrounding Area After such a heavy experience, you might want a lighter change of pace. Luckily, Hoa Lo is located in a vibrant part of Hanoi: 📚 Publishing Street (Pho Sach Ha Noi) – Just a short walk east, this gentrified street is lined with cozy cafés and bookshops. While most books are in Vietnamese, the peaceful atmosphere is a refreshing break from Hanoi’s traffic chaos. ☕ Hidden Cafés – Nearby, you’ll find small coffee shops serving Vietnam’s famous egg coffee (cà phê trứng)—a sweet treat to decompress after your visit. 🛍️ Trang Tien Plaza & Hoan Kiem Lake – Both within walking distance, perfect for combining history with shopping and sightseeing. 🌍 Why Hoa Lo Prison Should Be on Your Hanoi Itinerary Visiting Hoa Lo isn’t about ticking off another tourist attraction—it’s about connecting with Vietnam’s layered history. It forces you to confront the brutal realities of colonialism and war, while also reflecting on themes of resilience, propaganda, and national identity. Unlike temples or lakes, this is not a place of beauty, but of memory. And in that sense, it adds incredible depth to any trip to Hanoi. ✨ Tips for Visitors in 2025 ✔️ Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.✔️ Take your time in the exhibits—don’t rush, as much of the information is nuanced.✔️ Bring water, but note that food and drinks are not allowed inside.✔️ Be mindful when taking photos—some areas are solemn memorials.✔️ Pair your visit with other nearby cultural sites like the Vietnam National Museum of History or the Temple of Literature for a well-rounded day of exploration. 📝 Final Thoughts Hoa Lo Prison Museum isn’t an easy visit—it’s sobering, sometimes uncomfortable, but always enlightening. Standing inside its walls, you can almost hear the echoes of the past: the voices of revolutionaries who dreamed of independence, and the whispers of captured soldiers who longed for home. In 2025, as Hanoi continues to modernize with skyscrapers, trendy cafés, and bustling nightlife, Hoa Lo remains a stark reminder of where the city has come from. It’s this balance between old and new, tragedy and triumph, that makes Hanoi such a fascinating place to explore. So if...

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From: $735

4-star hotels

4.9 (115 Reviews)

Vietnam Mix Transportation Adventure 12 days

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival

Day 2 Hanoi City Tour by Mortobike & Night train to Sapa

Day 3 Lao Cai – Road transfer to Sapa – Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Sapa

Day 4 Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai - Sapa - Hanoi - Road transfer

Day 5 Hanoi – Halong Bay - Overnight on cruise

Day 6 Halong Bay – Hanoi Overnight Train to Da Nang

Day 7 Arrive Da Nang, Hoi An, Enjoy Afternoon Hoi An Street Food Tour

Day 8 Wet rice farm culture with lunch at local farmer house

Day 9 Hoi An - Da Nang Flight to Ho Chi Minh

Day 10 Cu Chi Tunnel & Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11 Mekong Delta Boat & Bike

Day 12 Departure

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

Tour's Location

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