21 DAYS DISCOVERING AWESOME VIETNAM

HANOI - NINHBINH - PULUONG - HUE - HOIAN - HOCHIMINH - CUCHI 

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Hanoi - Arrival [Guide]
Day 2 Hanoi - Ninh Binh [Guide/B]
Day 3 Hanoi - Pu Luong [Guide/B] shuttle bus
Day 4 Pu Luong - Rafting Tour [Guide/B]
Day 5 Pu Luong - Hanoi [Guide/B] Shuttle bus
Day 6 Hanoi - short tour with street food [guide/B/d]
Day 7 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay [B/L/D] shuttle bus
Day 8 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi [B/BR] shuttle bus
Day 9 Hanoi - flight to Hue [Guide/b]
Day 10 Hue - Full Day City tour [Guide/B]
Day 11 Hue - Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary [Guide/B]
Day 12 Hoi An Coconut Forest - Hoi An ancient town [guide/B]
Day 13 Hoi An - Golden Bridge [Guide/B]
Day 14 Hoi An - Free and easy [B]
Day 15 hoi An - free and easy [B]
Day 16 Hoi An - Free and easy - flight to Saigon [Guide/B]
Day 17 Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel [Guide/B]
Day 18 Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta [guide/b/L]
Day 19 Ho Chi Minh half day tour & Vespa group tour [guide/B/D]
Day 20 Ho Chi Minh Free and easy [B]
Day 21 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 - NINH BINH [GUIDE/B/L]

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 on your own
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.
If time permits, you will visit Bich Dong pagoda – an ancient religous site nestled into th mountain.
Back to hotel and take a rest.
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 3 HANOI - PU LUONG [GUIDE/B] SHUTTLE BUS

AM: You enter Pu Luong Nature Reserve by road via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley.
PM: You will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting with is team. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts.
Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to Pu Luong Natura for relaxation.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
DAY 4 PU LUONG - RAFTING TOUR [GUIDE/B]
AM: Start early to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Natura where you walk around
tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a
picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still! Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land.
PM: you have free time to explore the refreshing water to the nearby river, before moving to our pick up point to be transferred back to the resort.
DAY 5 PU LUONG - HANOI [GUIDE/B] SHUTTLE BUS
AM: You have the chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in the hills above the resort. Glimpse at daily life, walk around working farmland and rice fields, and learn about making weaving colourful textiles.
PM: Check out the Lodge.
Return Hanoi and take a rest.
DAY 6 HANOI - SHORT TOUR WITH STREET FOOD [GUIDE/B/D]

Free and easy in the morning.
In the afternoon, you will visit Hoa Lo Prison – a prison in Hanoi originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton". The prison was demolished during the 1990s, although the gatehouse remains as a museum.
Then 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
DAY 7 HANOI - HA LONG BAY [B/L/D] SHUTTLE BUS

In the morning you will depart Ninh Binh 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 8 HA LONG BAY - HANOI [B/BR] SHUTTLE BUS
Wake up in the morning and get the 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.
Free & Easy in Hanoi.
DAY 9 HANOI - FLIGHT TO HUE [GUIDE/B]
Breakfast at hotel, free and easy in the morning.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to airport for flight to Hue.
Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and take a rest
Overnight in Hue.
DAY 10 HUE - FULL DAY 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 Minh Mang Tomb – considered as the most majestic of all of the Royal Tombs. Renowned for its architecture, which harmoniously blends into the nature surroundings. Finnaly, you will visit incense making village - a sprawling complex of lakeside pavilions and manicured gardens honoring a 19th-century king.
Back to hotel and take a rest.
DAY 11 HUE - HOI AN - MY SON SANCTUARY [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, then you will visit My Son Sanctuary – “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.
Transfer to hotel, check in and take a rest.
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 12 HOI AN COCONUT FOREST - HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN [GUIDE/B]

Free and easy in the morning.
In the afternoon, you will discover Cam Thanh village with Coconut Forest and amazing basket boat dancing – a must see destination in Hoi An.
Next, 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 13 HOI AN - GOLDEN BRIDGE [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.
Leave Bana hill behind, back to hotel and take a rest.
DAY 14 HOI AN - FREE AND EASY -[B]
Free and easy
DAY 15 HOI AN - FREE AND EASY [B]
Free and easy
DAY 16 HOI AN - FREE AND EASY - FLIGHT TO SAIGON [GUIDE/B]
Free and easy, then take a flight to Saigon.
Arrival in Saigon, check in at hotel and take a rest
Overnight in Saigon.
DAY 17 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.
DAY 18 HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA [GUIDE/B/L]
Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick you up to visit My Tho. Cruising on the Mekong river for a sight-seeing of the four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix and Rạch Miễu
bridge.Heading toThới Sơn (Uniorn island, the biggest island in this area which is about 1.200 square hectare and about 11 km long) to see bee hives and enjoy honey tea at local people’s house. Taking horse-carriage (or electric cart) along the village road. Resting at a farm-house to enjoy some fresh tropical fruits and listen to some traditional music performed by local people. Rowing small boat (sampan) along a beautiful natural canal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the countryside. Continuing to An Hóa Island, Bến Tre province to visit a coconut candy workshop.
If the time permits, you will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda or Cao Dai Temple – one of the spiritual
destination in southern Vietnam.
Lunch at local restaurant
Back to Saigon
DAY 19 HO CHI MINH HALF DAY TOUR & VESPA GROUP TOUR [GUIDE/B/D]

In the morning, you will have a short tour to discover Ho Chi Minh City – the most modern city in Vietnam.
The first stop is Reunification Palace – a landmark of HO Chi Minh city, built in French colonial period. Besides, you will discover other exciting French style architecture like Dong Khoi Street, Opera House and Old post office. Visiting War Remnant Museum – display Vietnam war items. Then you will visit Ngoc Hoang Pagoda - Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes.
Back to Hotel for take a rest, then you will enjoy a group 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.
DAY 20 HO CHI MINH FREE AND EASY [B]
Free and easy
DAY 21 HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE [GUIDE/B]
Free & Easy at hotel, then transfer to airport for flight home.

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

SERVICE INCLUDES

+ Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services;
+ All private transfer and transportation, except for SIC Tour/ Shuttle bus sharing
+ Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
+ Tissues and water on coach; Services charges and government tax; Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service; No extra charge after services confirmation; 24/7 hotline support guaranteed;
+ All Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner)
+ Halong Bay cruise program as specific
+ Domestic Flights: HAN – HUI, DAD - SGN, Economy class
+ Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
+ Private boat trip for sightseeing as mentioned in the program, Entrance fees for all visits as
mentioned in the itinerary

SERVICES EXCLUDES

+ International flight tickets

+ Meals, if not specified in the itinerary

+ Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat rider, etc. Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary Surcharge for Peak season, Tet Lunar New year holidays, and compulsory dinner at some hotel & resort on Xmas and New year’s Eve

+ Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).

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