Vietnam Signature In 13 Days

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to Ninh Binh Province today, where the majestic landscapes and rich history of Vietnam await you. Your knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 7:30-8:00 am and take you on a picturesque drive to Ninh Binh province. Your first stop is the Hoa Lu ancient capital, where you will marvel at the magnificent architecture of King Dinh and King Le temples, the first emperors of ancient Vietnam. The intricate carvings and intricate details of these temples will leave you spellbound. Afterward, we will make our way to Tam Coc wharf, where you'll indulge in a delightful Vietnamese lunch before boarding a traditional rowing boat and gliding along the river through stunning limestone caves. This will be a chance for you to appreciate the natural beauty of the region in an intimate setting. Following the boat trip, you'll take a leisurely bike ride through the idyllic villages and rice paddies, exploring the rural charms and scenic landscapes of the area. Finally, we will return to Hanoi, and your shuttle bus will take you back to your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure, discovering Hanoi's nightlife and sampling its mouth-watering street food. Overnight in Hanoi.

Get ready for a culinary adventure as your expert English-speaking guide takes you on a journey through Hanoi's rich food culture. You'll learn about the history and ingredients of popular northern dishes as you sample a variety of mouth-watering street food. Starting in the Old Quarter, we'll wander through the lively and vibrant streets, where you'll see how local life has remained unchanged for over 1000 years. Our first stop is a local eatery where you'll try the famous Hanoi dishes such as Bun Cha and Banh Cuon, while watching skilled chefs prepare these delicacies. Next, we'll visit two outdoor barbecue stalls to sample flame-grilled meats, vegetables, and bread specialties. After that, we'll venture down a small alley to experience a local tradition of enjoying fresh fruit served in a cup with crushed ice and condensed milk. Your local guide will then take you to a hidden gem, a street food restaurant that serves the top ten street foods in Hanoi, including Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese Rice Wine, and famous Egg Coffee. This cozy café is tucked away in a narrow street inside the Old Quarter, and it's one of the city's best-kept secrets. At the end of the tour, you're free to continue exploring the area or your guide can assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Rise and shine, adventure awaits as we depart Hanoi early in the morning for the mountainous region of Sapa. Our private transfer will collect you from the hotel at 6:00 am for a scenic bus journey to Sapa. Upon arrival in Sapa, our local guide will greet you warmly and escort you to your hotel to check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch. After that, get ready for an invigorating trek to the gate of Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic people. The village is nestled at the foot of Fansipan Peak in a deep valley, where the daily life activities of locals have remained unchanged for centuries. During the trek, you'll witness stunning landscapes and incredible scenery, passing by verdant rice terraces and cascading waterfalls. Upon reaching the valley bottom, marvel at an old Hydraulic Power Station built by the French during colonial times. Take a break at this picturesque spot, capture some amazing photos, and then walk uphill to the road for transfer back to your hotel. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, and have a restful evening. Overnight in Sapa The trekking distance is approximately 3.5 km, with an easy difficulty level.

On Day 5, prepare for another exhilarating day of trekking after breakfast at the hotel. We will set out around 9:30 am and take a leisurely stroll to Y Linh Ho. From here, we will embark on a breathtaking trek through the stunning rice terraces along Muong Hoa Stream towards the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Along the way, take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. Take a break for a picnic lunch at Lao Chai village, where you can indulge in the local cuisine. After lunch, we will continue our trek to the picturesque Ta Van village, the traditional home of the Dzay people. From here, we will transfer you back to Sapa, where you will board a bus to Hanoi. Spend the night in Hanoi, reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. The trekking distance for the day is approximately 12 km.

On Day 6, embark on a breathtaking cruise to Halong Bay. After checking out of the hotel, the Cruise team will pick you up and take you on a scenic route through the Red River Delta. Admire the stunning emerald green rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival at the pier, board the cruise and marvel at the stunning views of limestone rocks and karst grottoes. Savor a delectable seafood lunch on board, while soaking in the picturesque surroundings from the sundeck. The cruise will make a stop at a secret location, where you can explore the karst grottoes up close by kayaking or swimming. As the evening approaches, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some leisure time. You can choose to participate in the boat's activities or simply unwind. Overnight on board the cruise. Please note that in the event of bad weather, which may prohibit the boat from setting sail or anchoring overnight, the Halong Bay tour may be cancelled without prior notice. In such a case, alternative tours or refunds will be arranged based on the specific circumstances.

Start your day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay while savoring a delectable breakfast in the dining room. Then, join a Tai Chi class on the sun deck to awaken your senses and get your muscles moving. Next, explore the awe-inspiring limestone cave, adorned with shimmering stalagmites and stalactites, before returning to the boat to check out. Savor a delicious brunch as you sail back to the harbor and then prepare to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our driver and whisked away to your hotel in the charming city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant markets. Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning tour: 8:30 – 13:00 Embark on a truly unique experience as you explore the serene beauty of Hoi An's coconut forest, nestled in the heart of the ancient town. Start your day at a vibrant local market, where you'll learn the art of haggling with the friendly vendors while picking out the freshest ingredients for your cooking class later on. Next, we'll take you on a journey to discover the Cam Thanh Eco-Village, a place with a storied history of resistance against French and American forces. Glide through the enchanting nipa palm forest on a traditional bamboo basket boat, and join the locals in their traditional fishing activities. Return to the village for an immersive cooking class, where you'll discover the nuances of traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. Savor the fruits of your labor over a delicious lunch before heading back to your hotel, invigorated by a truly memorable experience. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, prepare for your private car transfer from Hoi An to Hue, cruising through the awe-inspiring Hai Van Pass, which is hailed as one of the most scenic routes on the planet. Get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean as you journey along this picturesque road. Upon arrival in Hue, check in at your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to discover the surrounding area. Overnight in Hue.

Hue City, the heartland of the Thua Thien Hue province, is a cultural, political, and economic hub that served as an old imperial city of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, resulting in the construction of remarkable architectural landmarks that are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Your guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00-8:30 am, and you'll embark on a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue. Next, head to the Imperial Citadel, which housed the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Here, you'll explore the Royal Antiques Museum, showcasing a collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Afterward, head to the bustling Dong Ba market for a glimpse of local life. Savor a delectable Vietnamese lunch before heading to Khai Dinh's Tomb, a unique fusion of traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Later, explore Minh Mang's Tomb, representing the Confucian style, while also visiting the nearby villages known for making conical hats and incense sticks. You will be back at your hotel around 4:00-5:00 pm, then transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After indulging in a hearty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to discover the incredible Cu Chi tunnels. A scenic drive of around 1.5 hours will take you to this historical site. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief introduction, followed by an informative video about the construction of the tunnels and how the residents survived the harsh wartime conditions. Experience a fascinating exploration of the tunnels, which consist of living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and other military facilities like storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers. The tunnels allowed the residents to fulfill their basic needs while staying hidden and safe from the enemy. You will also discover hidden trap doors and intricate traps inside the labyrinthine tunnels, which were designed to protect the inhabitants. After this enthralling experience, enjoy some special tea and cassava, which was a staple food for the guerrilla fighters during the war. Finally, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh, where you can relax and reminisce about your memorable experience at the Cu Chi tunnels. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on an adventure to the Mekong Delta. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at 7:15-7:30 am, and you will travel to My Tho, a town located on the left bank of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, board a sampan boat and cruise along the Mekong River, passing through four enchanting islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Pause at Unicorn Island, stroll along the rural paths, and visit fruit plantations while enjoying the local people's performance of traditional folk songs. Take a hand-rowed sampan through the Thoi Son canal and indulge in the breathtaking beauty of the countryside. Visit family-owned workshops, observe the honeybee farm, and sip on some honey tea while munching on coconut candies. Later, delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch and take a refreshing bike ride around the picturesque Tan Thach village to meet the friendly local people and experience their daily life. If biking is not your thing, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze. After an unforgettable journey, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast on the last day of your Vietnam journey. After completing the check-out process at your hotel, take some time to explore the local markets and purchase souvenirs for your friends and family. Then, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. Safe travels and hope to see you again soon!