21 DAYS DISCOVERING AWESOME VIETNAM

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh - Arrival [No Guide]

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel - Half Day [Guide/B]

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta [Guide/B/L]

Day 4 Mekong Delta - Speed Boat To Phnom Penh [Guide/B]

Day 5 Phnom Penh [Guide/B]

Day 6 Phnom Penh  - Siem Reap [Guide/B]

Day 7 Siem Reap [Guide/B]

Day 8 Siem Reap [Guide/B]

Day 9 Siem Reap - Flight To Da Nang [No Guide/B]

Day 10 Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Coconut Jungle - Hoi An Ancient Town [Guide/B]

Day 11 Hoi An Free And Easy [B]

Day 12 Hoi An - Bana Hill – Marble Mountain - Hoi An [Guide/B]

Day 13 Hoi An - Hue [No Guide/B]

Day 14 Hue City Tour [Guide/B]

Day 15  Hue - Flight To Hanoi [No Guide/B]

Day 16 Hanoi City Tour - Street Food Tour [Guide/B/D]

Day 17 Hanoi - Ninh Binh [Guide/B]

Day 18 Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay [Guide/B/L/D]

Day 19 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi  [Guide/B/Br]

Day 20  Hanoi Flight To Saigon [No Guide/B]

Day 21 Saigon - Departure [No Guide/B]

DETAILS ITINERARY:

DAY 1 HO CHI MINH - ARRIVAL [NO GUIDE]

Arrival in Tan Son Nhat International airport, our driver 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 HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNEL - HALF DAY [GUIDE/B]

After breakfast at hotel, you will transfer directly to 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.

Back to Ho Chi Minh. 

In the afternoon, you will discover History Museum, which shows you the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam as you explore various exhibits and artifacts on display.

Then you will visit Reunification palace. It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and was the home and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam. It was the site of the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975 that ended the Vietnam War, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. Finally, you will visit Old Post Office, constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design.

Back to hotel and take a rest.

DAY 3 HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA [GUIDE/B/L]

Receiving at Mỹ Tho tourist boat station: No 6-8, 30/4 Street, Ward 1, Mỹ Tho City, Tiền Giang province.

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).

Visiting an orchid garden to to see orchid flowers, some bee hives and enjoy honey tea as well as to have a look at a local chocolate processing workshop.

Continuing to Bến Tre province visit a coconut candy workshop and riding tuktuk 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 then rowing small boat (sampan) along a beautiful natural canal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the countryside.

Getting to a local restaurant for lunch with some typical Mekong Delta food... 

Returning to Mỹ Tho city and enjoy fresh coconut on the boat.

Visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda with beautiful architecture. 

Then transfer to Can Tho, Overnight in Can Tho 

DAY 4 MEKONG DELTA - SPEED BOAT TO PHNOM PENH [GUIDE/B]

In the early morning, you will take a speed boat to Phnom Penh. 

Arrival in Phnom Penh, our driver (no guide) will pick you up to hotel for check in and take a rest. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

DAY 5 PHNOM PENH [GUIDE/B]

In the morning after having breakfast then we tour Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. We will visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, with many pre & post Angkor artifacts.

This afternoon, we deal with a dark chapter of Cambodian history as we visit sites related to the Khmer regime. Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum & Choeung Ek Killing Field. This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. We will also have some time to explore the Russian Market.

DAY 6 PHNOM PENH  - SIEM REAP [GUIDE/B]

Today, you will do a trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private coach. Distance: 314 km. It takes you 6 hours to drive. On the way visit spider merchants sell different varieties of large, furry arachnids for locals and adventurous tourists to snack on..  archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei , Arrived follow to check in hotel in down town  

After bit relax then you will visit the King’s Residence to see the Main Shrine, where the local people usually worship, with its statue of Yeay Teap, Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. Buying jasmine and lotus flowers to worship is very important for the Cambodians. We will continue to "Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor" which provides training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. Spend the rest of time to visit one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale! Then continue to Wat Bo, a large, highly respected pagoda, founded in the 18th Century. Like the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains unique wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th Century. Here we will have a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for propensity, happiness and safely etc, during your holiday in Cambodia.

DAY 7 SIEM REAP [GUIDE/B]

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to discover Angkor Thom and Temples. Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12th century in the centre of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used   as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall ; Terrace of the Leper King  a platform 7m high, with statue and temple walls covered in emerald-green moss intertwined with roots which many deem the most charming of all, Ta Prohm.

Afternoon, it is time to visit the wonderful Angkor Wat Temples – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum forKing Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple's greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls. In the late afternoon, visit to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the Yacovarman I King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvellous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Mount Phnom Kulen. • We will see the river “thousands of lingams” - the bottom of which is decorated with stone carvings from the image of deities for hundreds of meters. Climbing the holy mountain Phnom Kulen and visiting the 16th-century temple with a carved 8-meter silhouette of the “recumbent” Buddha. A visit to the waterfall (optional, you can swim - we recommend taking towels and bathing accessories). On the way back stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar, handicraft for selling to tourist. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living at the country side with their struggling for daily life.

DAY 9 SIEM REAP - FLIGHT TO DA NANG [NO GUIDE/B]

Today is on your own leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination. 

Arrival in Da Nang, our driver will pick you up to hotel for check in and take a rest.

Overnight in Da Nang. 

DAY 10 HOI AN - MY SON SANCTUARY - COCONUT JUNGLE - HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick  you up to depart to My Son Sanctuary – take around 1 hour for transfer. 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.

Lunch on your own

Then you will visit Coconut Forest at Cam Thanh Village with amazing basket boat dancing. 

In 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 11 HOI AN FREE AND EASY [B]

Free and easy 

DAY 12 HOI AN - BANA HILL – MARBLE MOUNTAIN - HOI AN [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 behind, you will visit 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.

DAY 13 HOI AN - HUE [NO GUIDE/B]

Free and easy, then transfer to Hue. 

On the way, we will stop to visit some beautiful attraction such as: Hai Van pass – is an approximately 21 km long mountain pass on National Route 1A in Vietnam. It is the natural border of Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. 

And sightseeing Lap An Lagoon - Lang Co beach – With more than 10 km long white sand beach and blue sea water, Lang Co beach is an ideal place for relaxing, swimming and taking photos.

Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Hue. 

DAY 14 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 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.

Shopping at Dong Ba Market - the busiest market in Hue with various kinds of foods and goods. Here you can see how the local people buy and sale things. This is also a chance for you to buy souvenirs for your friends and family.

Transfer back to your hotel with an optional stop en route at an incense stick making house. 

Overnight in Hue. 

DAY 15 HUE - FLIGHT TO HANOI [NO GUIDE/B]

Free and easy, then our driver will pick you up to airport for flight to Hanoi. 

Arrival in Hanoi, check in at hotel and take a rest. 

Overnight in Hanoi. 

DAY 16 HANOI CITY TOUR - STREET FOOD TOUR [GUIDE/B/D]

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 discover 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.

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. 

Exploring Train Street – an iconic destination in Hanoi. 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 17 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 Trang An, the UNESCO Heritage Landscape with beautiful limestone mountain, ancient temple on water, etc.  

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.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. 

DAY 18 NINH BINH - HA LONG BAY [GUIDE/B/L/D]

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 19 HA LONG BAY - HANOI  [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.

Overnight in Hanoi 

DAY 20 HANOI FLIGHT TO SAIGON [NO GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then our driver will pick you up to airport for flight to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon, check in at hotel and take a rest. 

Overnight in Saigon. 

DAY 21 SAIGON - DEPARTURE [NO GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, free and easy, then our driver will pick you up to airport for flight home.

Trip end! 

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

+ 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: Hue to Hanoi, Hanoi to Saigon, 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