TIMELESS VIETNAM
A Cultural & Scenic Adventure
| EVT14B | 14 DAYS |
OPEN TO BE CUSTOMIZED FOR PRIVATE TOUR OR JOINNING SMALL GROUP
This 14-day journey through Vietnam takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, the rugged landscapes of Pu Luong, and the cultural richness of Hoi An. Explore ancient temples, trek through lush nature reserves, cruise through the Mekong Delta, and experience the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City. From cultural landmarks to natural wonders, this tour reveals the diverse beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes and heritage.
BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY 1: WELCOME TO HANOI
DAY 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF HANOI
DAY3: HANOI - MAI CHAU - PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE
DAY 4: PU LUONG TREKKING
DAY 5: PU LUONG - NINH BINH
DAY 6: NINH BINH DISCOVERY
DAY 7: NINH BINH - HALONG BAY
DAY 8: HALONG BAY - HANOI - HOI AN
DAY 9: HIGHLIGHTS OF HOI AN
DAY 10: HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA
DAY 13: MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: WELCOME TO HANOI
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by your guide and a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, getting familiar with the neighborhood and resting up for the exciting days ahead.
If you feel up for it, take a stroll around the nearby streets to soak up the local atmosphere. Alternatively, you can unwind at the hotel and make use of its amenities.
In the evening, consider exploring Hanoi's bustling culinary scene and trying out some of the city's famous street food. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city, offers a glimpse of the lively night scene before you retire to your hotel for a good night's sleep.
DAY 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF HANOI
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8:00 AM to start your day of exploring the highlights of Hanoi. You will begin by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Uncle Ho's house on stilts to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader.
Next, you will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, followed by a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After a lunch break, you will head to the Museum of Ethnology to gain insight into the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam's many ethnic groups.
Next, you will take a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life. Your last stop of the day will be at Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi.
To wrap up the day, you will attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining art form that has been a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage for centuries.
DAY3: HANOI - MAI CHAU - PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE
After breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, you will be picked up at 8:00 AM by your guide and driver to start your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The scenic drive takes you through the stunning countryside of Hoa Binh province, where you will have the opportunity to stop and take in the panoramic views of Mai Chau valley.
Upon arrival at Mai Chau, you will visit Lac village, a traditional Thai ethnic minority village famous for its stilt houses, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Here, you will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, followed by a leisurely walk or bike ride through the village and its surroundings.
Afterward, you will continue your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a pristine area known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and traditional ethnic minority communities. You will check in at a local homestay in Ban Hang village, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the Muong people and learn about their way of life.
In the evening, you will enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your host family, followed by a peaceful night's sleep in the tranquil surroundings of the nature reserve.
DAY 4: PU LUONG TREKKING
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your hospitable host family and begin your day with a scenic trek on small paths through the valleys of Pu Luong, right from the homestay. Along the way, marvel at the views of limestone mountains covered with dense forests and the vibrant green of the rice terraces. You may have the chance to meet locals at stilt houses, where you can learn about their daily lives and unique culture.
Around noon, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities, including the swimming pool.
Late in the afternoon, you will take a short drive to visit traditional handmade water wheels used for irrigation of farmland. You will see firsthand the intricate and ingenious design of these structures, which have been used for centuries to ensure that rice paddies are properly irrigated. After the visit, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 5: PU LUONG - NINH BINH
After enjoying breakfast, it's time to check out and the guide and driver will take you to a small village a litter adventure along the village roads. Marvel at the mesmerizing terraced fields and catch glimpses of stilt houses nestled amidst lush gardens, surrounded by majestic mountains and hills. During the morning ride, you'll also have the unique opportunity to witness the local community's traditional irrigation system, featuring simple yet effective bamboo waterwheels.
Lunch will be served at a restaurant along the way to Ninh Binh. In the afternoon, upon reaching Ninh Binh province, continue your exploration of the tranquil rice fields and serene villages immersing yourself in the natural beauty of this reserve. Later, the support vehicle will transport you to the hotel where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
DAY 6: NINH BINH DISCOVERY
After breakfast, we'll visit the primate rescue center in Cuc Phuong National Park to learn about the diverse primate species in Vietnam, including unique ones found only in the park. Then, we'll proceed to the turtle center to observe and learn about the different turtle species being protected in the area.
Our next stop is a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip in Trang An, a UNESCO natural world heritage site, where you'll be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes and serene waterways.
We'll end the day by checking into our hotel and having some free time to explore the local area or relax and unwind.
DAY 7: NINH BINH - HALONG BAY
Starting at 7:30 AM, you will depart from your hotel and begin the scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta towards Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the harbor, you will board your luxurious boat and embark on your 2-day, 1-night cruise of the bay.
As you sail through the emerald waters, you will be awestruck by the thousands of towering limestone islands that surround you. After a delicious lunch on board, you will have the opportunity to visit a beautiful cave and admire the stunning rock formations, followed by a relaxing afternoon of swimming and soaking up the sun on the deck.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset cocktail before a sumptuous dinner on board, and try your luck at squid fishing under the stars before retiring to your comfortable cabin for the night.
DAY 8: HALONG BAY - HANOI - HOI AN
Rise and shine on your luxurious Halong Bay cruise and start your day with a revitalizing tai chi session as you witness the stunning sunrise. After breakfast, take in the picturesque scenery of the bay as you continue your cruise. Enjoy a leisurely morning before indulging in an early lunch on board.
Around 10:30 AM, disembark from the cruise and meet your guide and driver, who will take you to the airport for your flight to Danang in Central Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the charming city of Hoi An for check-in.
DAY 9: HOI AN
Begin your day with a visit to Tra Que Village, a small farming community just a few kilometers from Hoi An. Here, you will learn about traditional farming practices and even try your hand at some of the activities, such as planting and watering vegetables. Afterward, enjoy a foot massage using medicinal herbs grown in the village.
After the visit to Tra Que Village, head back to Hoi An for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Hoi An's ancient town. See the famous Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, which features intricate wood carvings and a beautiful courtyard. Next, visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics, which showcases the influence of foreign traders on the ceramics industry in Hoi An.
End the tour at a traditional Vietnamese house, where you will learn about the local architecture and way of life. After the tour, you can explore the ancient town at your own pace, visit local markets and shops, or simply relax at your hotel.
In the evening, you may want to consider taking a boat ride on the river to see the town lit up by the colorful lanterns for which Hoi An is famous.
DAY 10: HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to explore Hoi An or do some shopping before your departure. In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport in Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You may want to explore the city on your own, relax at your hotel, or take an optional motorbike tour in the evening to see the city's sights and sounds from a different perspective.
DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Depart early in the morning to beat the crowds and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and are a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. Explore the tunnels and learn about the history of the war and the role of the tunnels in the conflict.
After the Cu Chi Tunnels visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh City's top attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam.
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA
On this day, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta, a region famous for its scenic beauty and traditional way of life. Your first stop is Ben Tre, a province known for its coconut groves and cottage industries. Enjoy a 2-hour drive through the countryside and soak in the stunning scenery of rural Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Ben Tre, you will embark on a motorboat ride along narrow canals, where you will have the chance to observe locals making traditional handicrafts like bricks and coconut candies. Take a ride on a motor cart or join a cycling tour to explore the coconut forests, rice fields, and vegetable gardens.
After lunch, continue your journey with a relaxing sampan boat ride, drifting along a small canal lined with nipa palm trees. You will arrive in Can Tho city, the Mekong Delta's capital city, late in the afternoon. Spend the night here and enjoy the city's unique blend of modern amenities and traditional culture.
DAY 13: MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY
Start your day early at 6:30 AM with a boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market. While the market may not be as busy as it once was, it still offers a unique and interesting experience. After exploring the market, we'll take a long cruise to Phong Dien, followed by a walk on a quiet country road to get a closer look at local life in the area.
Next, we'll hop in our van and head to Vinh Long to visit the ancient Phu Ly Pagoda. Built in 1672, this Khmer pagoda is a stunning blend of Indian, Thai, and Cambodian architecture. After our visit, we'll continue our journey through the picturesque rice fields of Ben Luc before returning to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon.
The remainder of the day is on your own to explore and enjoy at your leisure!
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
As your adventure in Vietnam draws to a close, take some time to relax and reflect on your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some last-minute shopping before we pick you up for your private transfer to the airport.
Whether you're returning home or continuing on to your next destination, we hope you leave Vietnam with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this beautiful country.
Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!
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