14 DAYS DISCOVERING AWESOME VIETNAM
HANOI - HA LONG BAY – HUE – HOI AN – MEKONG DELTA

Highlights:
- UNESCO Heritage Sites:
Ha Long Bay – the Nature of Wonder,
Hoi An Ancient town – well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port,
Hue Ancient Capital Complex – the last capital of Vietnam,
My Son Sanctuary – the land of ancient Champa.
- 500 steps to Mua Cave – “The Great Wall of China” in Vietnam
- Basket Boat Dancing at Cam Thanh Coconut forest with skilled boatman
- Street Food in Hanoi.
- Local life discovery on Mekong Delta

OUTLINE ITINERARY:
Day 1 Hanoi - Arrival [Guide]
Day 2 Hanoi city tour [guide/b]
Day 3 hanoi - ninh binh [guide/b]
Day 4 Hanoi - Ha long Bay [Guide/B/L/D]
Day 5 Ha Long Bay - Flight to Hue [Guide/B/Br]
Day 6 Hue City tour [Guide/B]
Day 7 Hue - My Son Sanctuary - Hoi An Ancient Town [Guide/B]
Day 8 Hoi An - Coconut Forest group tour [B/L]
Day 9 Hoi AN - Marble Mountain - Bana hill [Guide/B]
Day 10 Hoi An/ Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh - After Dark Vespa Group Tour
[Guide/B/D]
Day 11 Ho chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel [Guide/B]
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh - Mekong [Guide/B/L/D]
Day 13 Mekong - Ho Chi Minh [Guide/B/L]
Day 14 Ho Chi Minh – Departure [Guide/B]

DETAILS ITINERARY:

DAY 1 HANOI - ARRIVAL [GUIDE]
Arrival in Noi Bai International airport, our guide will pick you up from airport to hotel for
check in and take a rest.
Check in time at 2PM
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2 HANOI CITY TOUR [GUIDE/B]

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow
ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th
century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese
architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
Lunch by your own account
In the afternoon, you will visit Hoa Lo Prison – a traditional proof during Vietnam and gorgeous with French colonial architecture. Next, you will drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. You will visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple – the temple of the Jade Mountain.
Then you will enjoy street food in Hanoi.
Below is some suggestion for you:
1. Banh My – a simple Vietnamese baguette
2. Bun Cha – made of grilled pork & noodle, a well-known local food in Hanoi.
3. Banh Trang Tron – Rice Paper Salad – one of best street food
4. Tasting Egg Coffee or Sweet Soup (chè)
5. Nem Lui – Grilled ground pork on stick
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 3 HANOI - NINH BINH [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick you up from hotel to Ninh Binh in around 2.5 hours. Arrival in Ninh Binh, you will visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital dating back to the 10th century, packed with temple & fortress ruins.
Then you will visit the Temple of King Dinh and King Le and learn more about Vietnamese
history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.
Lunch by your own account
In the afternoon, you will visit Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on the land”, where you can
spend 1.5 hours on the bamboo boat to explore this area. On this excursion down the Ngo Dong River, you will pass through the beautiful paddy fields, limestone karst formation, and a stunning cave system including Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba for an unforgettable experience.
We continue to visit Mua Cave, also known as the “Great Wall of China” in Vietnam, and climb 500 steps to reach the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, overlooking the amazing view of the city and Tam Coc below.
Then back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 4 HANOI - HA LONG BAY [GUIDE/B/L/D]

In the morning you will depart Hanoi at 08:30 for a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay City. On the way, you will stop for refreshments, and upon arriving in Halong City, you will take a tender transfer to your junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. As you cruise the magical bay, you will notice thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons' teeth. Later in the afternoon, you'll visit a fishing village with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board, you'll enjoy cocktails or a cooking class while watching the sunset, and later you can unwind at a restaurant with a lavish dinner. To end the day, you can enjoy some evening activities such as movie night, board games, or a beauty treatment, before an overnight stay on the junk.
***Special Note: Cruise Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather condition
without prior notice.
DAY 5 HA LONG BAY - FLIGHT TO HUE [GUIDE/B/BR]
Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves and bird welcoming the new day. You will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Disembark on cruise, then back to Hanoi.
Transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.
Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and overnight in Hue
DAY 6 HUE CITY TOUR [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then you will discover Hue ancient capital.
Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Discover the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. Take the boat on Huong River, then you wil visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognisable icons.
In the afternoon, visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior. Continue to visit Tu Duc Tomb - officially Khiêm Mausoleum, is located in Huế, Chinese. It is built for the Nguyễn Emperor Tự Đức and took three years to build from 1864– 1867. It is divided into a Temple Area and a Tomb Area. Visiting Incense Stick Village - its distinctive fragrance and high quality. Incense-making is considered as local main means of livelihood. It is said that generations of villagers have lived and breathed in it. Although hand-made incense requires hard work, it seems to be sold at a disproportionate price. No matter how hard their life is, locals still welcome visitors with big bright smiles.
Overnight in Hue.

DAY 7 HUE - MY SON SANCTUARY - HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then you will take a private car transfer to Hoi An. On the way, you will come across Hai Van Pass with the panoramic view of Lang Co Beach & East Sea.
Arrival in Hoi An, you will transfer directly to My Son Sanctuary and discover this beautiful My
Son – “the spirit and art valley” is a symbol for a brilliant period of Champa kingdom. Since 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage
Arrive in My Son Temple, a special electric car will pick you up at the main gate and take you to the place where was chosen to build the temple tower of the Champa Royal for nearly 1000 years with many ancient towers hidden in a discreet valley. The place where the most exquisite focus of ancient Champa culture – is considered to be the Holy Land.
There, you will hear the stone bricks tell about the dancing gods, tell about the gods of worship in the Champa culture, and so many secrets that until now still have no explanation and maybe you will be the first decode them.
After visiting and listening to the tour guide talk about the mysteries here, you will be back to the main gate of My Son Ruins by special electric car. Leave My Son Holy land behind.
In the late afternoon, you will discover Hoi An Ancient Town -– the well-preserved ancient
architecture of a trading port from 15 – 19th century.
In the the late afternoon, Take a walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.

Back to hotel and take a rest
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 8 HOI AN - COCONUT FOREST GROUP TOUR [B/L]

Pick you up at your hotel and transfer you down to PHƯỚC HẢI- CỬA ĐẠI Fishing Village
Board Jack Tran’s boat cruise and commence cruising on CỬA ĐẠI River
Enjoy Thúng Chai basket boat demonstration by Jack Tran’s crews.
Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats and join in a basket boat racing for fun while exploring waterways palm coconut canals waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides of V.C & US army. Enjoy your fun catching purple crabs Join local fishermen life on the river and enjoy hands-on experience cast net fishing Enjoy learning and experiencing cultural folk music of singing and rowing Bả Trạo with local fishermen
Keep arriving to an islet fisherman for big net fishing
Back on-board our boat, enjoy lunch and cold beer or soft drink.
Then come back hotel and take a rest.
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 9 HOI AN - MARBLE MOUNTAIN - BANA HILL [GUIDE/B]

In the morning, transfer to Bana Hills Station. You have a chance to ride on a modern system of cable cars helps you get a bird’s-eye view, very miraculous and attractive while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky amidst the clouds and wind. You will visit some old French villas en route, as well as the suspension bridge, Nui Chua & the Mountain Peak (at the height of 1,487m). Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Golden Bridge, Sakyamuni Buddha’s monument and Ba Na. Next you will discover Marble Mountain, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngũ Hành Sơn District, south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Kim, Thuy, Moc, Hoa and Tho.
Back to hotel and take a rest.
DAY 10 HOI AN/ DA NANG - FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH - AFTER DARK VESPA GROUP TOUR [GUIDE/B/D]

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will transfer you to airport for flight to Saigon.
Arrival in Saigon, check in at hotel and take a short rest.
In the late afternoon, you will have a Vespa tour to discover Saigon after dark.
‘A foodie night out on the town’ by Vespa Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top ranking stylish rooftop venue of Saigon in central city location where we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset Saigon from the above. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon as you check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake. We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at two very different venues.Firstly, the laid back atmosphere of quieter, softly lit coffee shop with live music before heading to another live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.
Back to your hotel and take a rest.
DAY 11 HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNEL [GUIDE/B]

Depart in the early morning for a 2hr drive northwest to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious
tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches and contained hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War.
Lunch by your own account.
Back to Saigon and take a rest by yourself.
Overnight in Saigon.
DAY 12 HO CHI MINH - MEKONG [GUIDE/B/L/D]

After a chance to rest, you select bicycles for a cycling tour around village paths leading us to home of Mr. Cong where you watch how he makes pop rice, shows you the blend of traditional and modern agricultural method that sustains the local village. He will reveal the secret of making 'rice pop'. This unique and nutritious foodstuff will become a gift for locals or children in school. Your guide explains how the animals are raised and shows you the way they collect 'biogas' to make free and sustainable cooking food.
Continuing riding on quiet village roads passing by a duck farm if we get a chance, green rice paddies, sedge field and small villages. Along the way, you visit one of the dragon or orange fruit plantations and taste it directly at the garden. This is a relaxing time with plenty of chances to capture the picturesque Asian sun set scenes. Enjoy the beautiful sunset before returning to the lodge on your bicycles.
Shower and refresh, you start to walk to home of neighbor who fought during the Vietnam war and be shared with the story, experienced of "poon" lights and traditional music. End of the show, we walk back in hand of traditional torche made of dried coconut leaves.
You are the chef! A traditional cooking class with Vietnamese pancake made by you. A great
learning experience that means you can take a little of Vietnam home with you. Dinner is served at lodge's restaurant
DAY 13 MEKONG - HO CHI MINH [GUIDE/B/L]

After breakfast, loaded boats are already heading to local squatting market and transporting goods such as coconuts from one factory to the other, crossing local ferry to visit beautiful Cao Dai temple. We also had a chance to see these factories. Situated alongside the river, these are small coconut-processing operations. Once the coconut has been shelled, the coconut fibers are removed from the husk to make rope, which in turn is used to weave rugs. You can watch the whole manufacturing process in a short period of time. Most of the work is done by hand at very low cost. The buyers are mostly foreign companies.
Back to the Lodge, if time permitted, take some activities as to harvest some water coconut leaves and weave them up by you. These leaves are a key building material in the Mekong Delta as they are used to build the walls and roof of the houses. The local people will show you not only how they use these leaves but also how to make the 'poon' sticks that illuminated in the previous night.
Lunch at local restaurant
Then back to Ho Chi Minh, check in and take a rest.
DAY 14 HO CHI MINH – DEPARTURE [GUIDE/B]
Breakfast at hotel, free & easy, then our guide will pick you up to airport for flight home.
End of trips!

We look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure with Vinasoul Travel!

Suggestions for tipping and gratuities: 

+ Group under 6 pax: 20 USD per Group per day.

+ Group from 6 pax up: 3 - 5 USD per pax per day 

+ Group under 6 pax: 10 USD per Group per day. 

+ Group from 6 pax up: 2 USD per pax per day