Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Lan Ha Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Duration: 22 Days/ 21 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-)
Day 2: Hanoi – Free Time – Cyclo & Water Puppet – Walking Tour with Street Foods (B, D)
Day 3: Hanoi – City Investigating Tour – Ninh Binh (B, L)
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hang Mua (B, L)
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh – Overnight Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L)
Day 6: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Tavan (B, L, D)
Day 7: Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L)
Day 8: Sapa – Free Time – Shared Limousine to Hanoi (B)
Day 9: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 10: Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 11: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, Br)
Day 12: Hue – Heritage Tour (B, L)
Day 13: Hue – Hoi An – 1⁄2 Day Walking Tour (B, L)
Day 14: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
Optional 1: Cooking Class 1⁄2 Day with Lunch
Optional 2: Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour with Lunch
Day 15: Hoi An – Danang (B)
Optional: My Son Holyland 1⁄2 Day without Lunch
Day 16: Danang – Free Time – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Thia – An Binh Island – Homestay (B, L, D)
Day 19: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
Day 20: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City – Free Time (B)
Day 22: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-)

Welcome up on arrival by local tour guide and driver then we transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: None

Day 2: Hanoi – Free Time – Cyclo & Water Puppet – Walking Tour with Street Foods (B, D)

This morning, you will be free until around 3 pm have a meet with our tour guide at the hotel’s lobby. We enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired “old quarter”. We will be free for shopping in the old quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. Then, we transfer back to hotel and start a walking tour around the old quarter of Hanoi along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/ chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous “egg coffee” in a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fortunately, as it’s Friday so there’s night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.

These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:

• Bánh Cuốn – Steamed rice paper rolls
• Bún Ốc – Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
• Bún Riêu Cua – The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
• Bún Cá – Noodle soup with fish
• Bánh Xèo & Nem Lụi – Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
• Miến Xào Lươn – Glass noodles with eel
• Bánh Đa Trộn – Mixed flat rice noodles
• Bánh Tôm – Hanoi shrimp cakes
• Chả Rươi – Fried Worm (Based on season)
• Bánh Gối – Crispy ’empanadas’
• Mỳ Gà Tần – Chicken noodles in herbal broth
• Chè – Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
• Lẩu – Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, …)
• Steaky Rices – Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs
• Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Street Foods

Day 3: Hanoi – City Investigating Tour – Ninh Binh (B, L)

Hanoi, located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam, and is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, the center of culture, politics, economy, and trade of the whole country. Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars, and natural calamities, Hà Nội still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Confucius Temple (built in 1070), Thang Long Citadel, Hà Nội Opera House, President Hồ Chí Minh’s Mausoleum, and so on…

This morning, we will start the tour from Museum of Ethnology, which is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. Then, we will transfer back to the central and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, especially locates on West Lake where you can capture nice sightseeing. After that, we move to Hoang Thanh Thang Long to learn about the history of Ly Dynasty and the existance of Thang Long Imperial Citadel in the biggest war in Vietnam’s History before moving to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visit outside) which houses his corpse everlasting so that Vietnamese people and friend countries can come to pay expectation to him as the greatest president ever in Vietnam; his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh’s final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period that Buddhist was most magnifically prosperous. The architecture followed special meanings as well. You absolutely find out howspecial this city means to Vietnamese  people. The tour then continue with Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius. The tour will be finished in Ngoc Son Temple, known as Jade Temple in Hanoi with the myth of Sword Lake. After the tour, we transfer to Ninh Binh in the next 2.5 hours.

Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not opened on every Monday & Friday.
• Museum of Ethnology is closed on every Monday.
• The Museum can be moved to your favourite museum in Hanoi.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Ninh Binh – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hang Mua (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the tour at 9:30 am before taking a pleasant boat rowing in Hoang Long River to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism complex. The complex is surrounded by picturesque landscape with thousands of hectares with more than 100 caves which can be explored by boat. It is also a home of 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna that many of them in the Red book of Vietnam. It is also a gathering of 31 valleys, 48 cross-water caves and we will visit 3 to 6 of them. On the rowing boat, we can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with under water grass. Experience ourselves the feeling and emotion when we are on the water caves… After the tour, we will eat lunch in the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features se Departuveral dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs… Then, we will spend time to visit Hang Mua – Dancing Cave is where you can get the impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc and NinhBinh city when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long mountain (about 500 stone steps). After the tour, we transfer to hotel in Ninh Binh for accommodation.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh – Overnight Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L)

The morning will be free until 11:30 am, we check-out hotel before starting to visit Bai Dinh Spiritual and Culture Complex, the largest Buddhist pagoda complex in the North of Vietnam with 500 La Han statues, biggest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam with 10 meters in height, 100 tons in weight. The compound consists of the original old pagoda and a newly created larger pagoda, which is considered the biggest pagoda in Vietnam at this stage. After the tour, we transfer back to Hanoi for the night train to Lao Cai, Sapa.

*The tour will be not included the hotel accommodation after transferring from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Station. If you need an hour hotels, please inform and note that the surcharge is $40/ rooms

Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Tavan (B, L, D)

After the train arrives at 6 am, our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and we will transfer to Sapa in around 1 hour. When you arrive in Sapa, we will eat breakfast here before starting our trip.

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading to Cat Cat village. After a couple of minutes, you will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.

Approx: 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L)

Once you get energy for your last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, you leave for Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao minority. You will trek through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way you will pass by a waterfall where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. You will find a nice place to enjoy lunch.

After lunch, you continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. Here you start your journey back to Sapa by car.
Approx: 1-hour driving/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Sapa – Free Time – Shared Limousine to Hanoi (B)

The morning will be free until we take a shared limousine back to Hanoi in 6 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)

At around 7:45 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi to start our journey. When we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina – Ha Long, we enjoy a welcome drink and express check-in before boarding. After transferring by speed-boat to La Regina Legend/ Grand Cruises. You will be welcomed aboard the cruise, and refreshed with our welcome drink while the Cruise Manager briefing cruise orientation, activities & onboard safety. The cruise explore Chan Voi (Elephant Feet) and Tra Bau Area, while we are enjoying a meal that featuresthe distinctive Vietnamese cuisine taste.

In the afternoon, we visit Viet Hai fishing village, where we’ll take an opportunity to explore the local life of an ancient village on Cat Ba Island. It is just like Sleeping Beauty, Viet Hai village is surrounded by high mountains, thick jungles, and a vast ocean. Here, we have 3 options:

• Option 1: Enjoy kayaking, and swimming (Recommended for guests who do a 3-day 2-night itinerary).
• Option 2: Biking to Viet Hai village (Recommended for guests who do a 2-day 1-night itinerary).
• Option 3: Boarding tender for a ride around Viet Hai fishing village that can combine with swimming at a beach nearby.

After that, we return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. After a traditional Vietnamese cuisine, we will spend time to enjoy some night activities on boat like: squid fishing, spa, karaoke, or relaxing.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)

After having breakfast, we start our day by boat and cruising toward Viet Hai Fishing Village. It takes you 30-minute biking on a paved road along a nice lagoon then head up to a small slope before descending through a tunnel cave to arrive at Viet Hai local pier. 

First, we visit Viet Hai Cultural Farming Conservation Houses. This morning, let’s join hands with our host to do farming works: hoeing the soil, planting and watering vegetables, water scooping, fishing… then preparing fresh-cut vegetables from the garden and fish that you just catch for cooking class between the garden.

After an active morning, you can relax and try fun walking over the bamboo bridge and crossing over the fish pond. Then we participate in a cooking class and you can enjoy your own-cooked lunch. In the afternoon, we ride bikes around the village and back to Viet Hai pier. When you get on board, we will transfer to the nearby hidden lagoon for joining local fishermen on their traditional fishing boat. Here, you can take part in the mystic praying ceremony and then start your fishing experience. Back to Viet Hai fishing village, you can get back on board to relax or continue kayaking, and swimming. Dinner will be served on board before we spend the rest of night relaxing on our own.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, Br)

Wake up to the fresh breeze of the bay as you participate in a Tai Chi session on the cruise sundeck. Then we have a light breakfast in Ha Long Restaurant. This morning, we pass the Cua Van area then start your bamboo boat row to discover the Light and Dark Cave – one of the best attractions on Lan Ha Bay which is best known for its pristine and tranquil beauty. You can explore the area by local boat or kayaking. After that, we return to the bus ride to Gia Luan Port to board La Regina Legend Cruise for a quick shower and rest followed by a buffet brunch at the Ha Long Restaurant. Disembarkation of the cruise and transfer back to Tuan Chau Marina via speedboat. At around 12.30 pm, we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi for the flight to Hue. On your arrival, our car will pick you up at the ariport and transfer to hotel in Hue for accommodation.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Day 12: Hue – Heritage Tour (B, L)

Pick up at hotel at 8:30 AM, we will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh’s Tomb or King Tu Duc’s Tomb.

In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. We will finish our day with the local Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. Overnight in Hue.

These are the famous Hue Street Food that you should know and try in Hue city

• Banh Uot – Grilled Pork Wrapped with Hue Wet Rice Paper
• Coffee Viet – black or with condensed milk
• Che – Sweet Soup
• Bun Bo Hue – Hue Beef Vermicelli Soup
• Banh Khoai – Hue Fried Pancake
• Cha Hue – Hue Sausage
• Banh Loc – Filtered Tapioca Dumplings
• Banh Ram It – Fried dumpling topped with Sticky Rice Dumpling
• Nem Lui – Grilled Ground Pork on Stick.
• Me Xung – Sesame candy
• Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork Vermicelli
• Banh Beo – Steamed Rice Discs Topped with Shrimp

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Hue – Hoi An – 1⁄2 Day Walking Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city.

On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. Then, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel for relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Hoi An – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Optional 1: Cooking Class 1⁄2 Day with Lunch

 $35 per adults
This morning, we start the cooking class tour by a welcome drink at Hai Café. Then, we visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have an opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

After that, we arrive at Cooking School and have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by our chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class will include a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. We will finish at approximately 12.30 pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00 pm.

Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Making fresh Rice paper
2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs
5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles
6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan

* Lunch includes the above meals as well as:

1. BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)

CHILD PRICE POLICY

6 years and younger can join (with guardian) the class-tour for free – however for safety reasons they cannot be involved in any actual cooking.

Optional 2: Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour with Lunch

$80 per adults
We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading back to the hotel.

CHILD PRICE POLICY

• From 1 to 3 years old, it is FOC
• From 4 to 11 years old , it is 50% charge compared to adult’s rate
• From 12 and over will be fully charged as adult’s rate

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Hoi An – Danang (B)

Today, we check-out hotel in Hoi An at noon then transfer to Danang for a time at beach.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast

Optional: My Son Holyland 1⁄2 Day without Lunch

Day 16 Danang – Free Time – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today, we will spend the morning enjoying one of the most livable cities in Vietnam. You can spend time lying on the beach and enjoy some delicious seafood in some local restaurants here. We take the afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcome upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

Ho Chi Minh city, formerly named Ho Chi Minh City is a largest city of Vietnam. One day tour around today covers almost the major attractions. Understanding more about history in the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, admire French-colonial architecture at the General Post Office, Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the longest tunnels made of Vietnamese people during the war…. Depends the weather and season, we can visit Cu Chi tunnel in the morning or afternoon.

Morning, we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, otherwise known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land”. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city for lunch.

After lunch, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam. After that, we will visit War Remnant Museum, where we can see countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting about the second Indochina war. We also stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get good shots for our memory of the big, modern city of Vietnam. In the rest of the day, we will visit: Ben Thanh market, and then we will be back to hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Thia – An Binh Island – Homestay (B, L, D)

The program will start at Cai Thia pier, pass by Cai Thia Church. Boat to Mrs Năm to see how this old lady makes rice paper in the local house. We have one more option to see more about Mekong Delta if we have a biking trip in an hour to explore the famous village of Hoa Loc mango on the small beautiful roads. It is so interesting to see orchards, traditional houses, school in Mekong Delta. Come to a local and peaceful home, we can create some cakes (local donuts) and taste it with hot tea. After biking, we’ll come back Cai Thia village. Be on our boat and enjoy the best optional lunch on boat when the boat is towards to An Binh Island. Check in Ut Trinh/ Ut Binh/ Ut Quynh homestay, make friend with members of the family. Have a fresh shower before cooking pancakes with the family. We’ll enjoy dinner & overnight at homestay.

Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)

Have a breakfast and check-out for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning. Check out and say goodbye to Ut Trinh family. Boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will see how to farm catfish on Mekong river. Then the boat travel on Cái Cá canal through VinhLong city. Make a stop at Đường Chừa bridge on the way to Can Tho. From here, we will have an hour for biking and visit Phuoc Hau village. This village is famous for vegetable plantations. We can see the process of planting, watering, harvesting…

Come back the boat to continue our wonderful boat trip. Coming to Cầu Đôi – Long Hồ, have an optional lunch on our boat when crossing Ba Cang – Tam Bình. Arrive Bình Minh when we finish our delicious meal, we can stop for a walk to visit of My Hoa village where people are making many products from soya beans & tofu. Cross Lower River to come to Ninh Kiều quay of Can Tho city.

Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Early morning today, we will take the boat trip to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market with the busy sense right at the time. This is a biggest floating market in Mekong Delta where we can see the daily life and local people selling their products on boats. If the time permits, we can visit Binh Thuy Ancient House here.

After that, you will be back to the hotel and have free time until check out. At noon, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch en-route. Arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have free time at leisure. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City – Free Time (B)

Today is a free day

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 22: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends. Thanks for choosing Vietnam Family Tours from Vietnam tours!

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 21-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary  
• Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver  
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Meals on itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).  
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide 
• Entrance fees & permits 
• 3 Days 2 Nights in Halong Bay Cruise or Lan Ha Bay Cruise 
• 1-way Deluxe Cabin Chapa Train  
• 1-way D-car Limousine from Sapa to Hanoi 
• Bicycle in An Binh Island 
• Boat in Cai Rang Floating Market 
• Bottle of drinking water

Exclusions

• International flights and airport taxes 
• Domestic flights and airport taxes 
• Vietnam Visa  
• Travel insurance with Covid protection term up to $10,000 
• Other meals which are not indicated above 
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any) 
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included 
• Gratuities to guides and drivers 
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.

General Information

Tour Route: Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An – Mui Ne – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh
Duration: 16 days/ 15 nights
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Type:  Family, Leisure, Landscape
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours
Guide: Local English Speaking Guide
Transportation: Private transportation by air-conditioned car

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Duong Lam Village
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Cruise
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Danang Arrival
Day 5:Danang – Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town Free day
Day 7: Hoi An Free day
Day 8: Danang – Ho Chi Minh – Mui Ne Beach
Day 9: Mui Ne Free on the beach
Day 10: Mui Ne Free on the beach
Day 11: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be
Day 13: Cai Rang – Can Tho
Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Welcome you to the beautiful land, of Vietnam, a country rich in culture & tradition. As soon as you land at the airport, our tour guide and driver will be waiting for you. Back to your hotel and today is your leisure day. Upon your flight to Vietnam, if it’s too late, the Water Puppet Show and a cyclo to see the charming beauty of Hanoi Old Quarter with kids.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Duong Lam Village (B, L)

Today you will head up to enjoy the homestay on the outskirt of Hanoi. One step closer to nature and local life. Here, you also have a chance to make friends with locals. Join some activities like cooking, biking, and farming, which help your children gain more fun and knowledge.
Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)

Wake up early, our driver will be waiting for you to head you up to the World Natural Heritage Site, Halong Bay. With more than 3,000 limestones “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see, you can find nowhere is the same. Enjoy a day and a half to see the overwhelming views from the decks. Overnight on the cruise and you will see how Halong beautiful is at night. the lights of the fishing boating as the stars on the water. This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Vietnam.
Stay overnight on the Boat.

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Danang (B)

Wake up by the sound of lapping bay water to see the sunrise, which you can miss to see the spectacular view. After breakfast, you will visit the Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. The Cruise back to the jetty while the brunch is served during the cruise. Cruise check-out before moving to Van Don Airport to fly to Danang.
Overnight in Danang.

Day 5: Danang – Hoi An Ancient Town (B, L)

The local tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and start a half-day tour in Da Nang to visit Golden Bridge. The lunch on the way to Hoi An Town. In the afternoon, you arrive at Hoi An. Here, the local guide will lead you to visit the attractions in the ancient town, which existed over a hundred years ago. Then, drop in some dessert shops, where many people get clothes and shoes made here. The kids got in on the act as they have some shoes custom-made for them. Overnight in Hoi An hotel.

Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town Free Day (B)

You have the whole day to discover Hoi An on your own. This lively town was once a major port city and has a beautifully preserved Old Town Centre, a Heritage Site boasting traditional houses, temples, and plenty of museums. The best thing to do in Hoi An is to walk around this part of town in the evening when the lanterns light up and you can enjoy the shops, restaurants, and the magical atmosphere of this ancient place. Strolling through the local market and doing a boat ride on the river is easy to arrange with drop lanterns in the river. Stay overnight in Hoi An hotel.

Day 7: Hoi An Free (B)

Another day at your disposal with a spectacular option! If you so wish, we can arrange for your family the trip to Tra Que Herb Village Mountain and then take a cooking class. You’ll ride through the countryside Tra Que, where you learn about agriculture and the traditional Vietnamese Koker. In the class, you’ll learn how to cook specialties such as Tam Huu-rolls; Bahn Xeo pancakes, and more! In the afternoon you will return by bicycle to Hoi An. The kids are always curious about making the food and eating it. Let’s try with them. It would be forever memories of their life.
Overnight in Hoi An hotel.

Day 8: Danang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne Beach (B)

Leave Hoi An for a domestic flight to Hochiminh City (called Saigon as well). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to Phan Thiet directly, where is available one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches Mui Ne. Arrive in Mui Ne in the late afternoon; it is a bit tired day for you and your kids. That’s why the nice resort on the beach with a lovely pool is a must for your family. Check-in the room and free to enjoy the night on the beach.

Day 9: Mui Ne Free on the Beach (B)

Today you will be free for your activities. We suggest you to the dunes which are pretty much what they sound like, a seemingly endless expanse of desert-like sand. And the Fairy Spring, a shallow creek that runs through the dunes. It’s a lot of fun – especially for kids – to walk up to it for a few miles, the whole time splashing, jumping, rolling, and frolicking in the cool water and its deliciously goopy sand.

Day 10: Mui Ne Beach (B)

Today enjoy your leisure time on Mui Ne beach.

Day 11: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City (B)

it’s time to say goodbye to the sea and back to the lively city, Ho Chi Minh. Take a rest before your tour in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be (B, L, D)

A journey through the Mekong Delta is a must for any Vietnam tour and your whole family. Start from Ho Chi Minh City in 2.5 hours drive to Cai Be plain town. The vibrant colors and bustling towns of the Mekong Delta will delight both children and adults. Arrive at Cai Be at noon, then board the Bassac. Welcome drinks will be provided upon arrival, followed by an introduction to the ship and the crew. Depart for Cho Lach on Tien Giang River and enjoy lunch on the upper deck while on the way. Resting on the deck while the ship turns into Cho Lach Canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, through fruit drying facilities, and around wooden shipyards.

Visit a village on the banks of the Mang Thit River, where you can appreciate the lifestyle in the delta. Visit nearby gardens or rice fields. Back onboard the Bassac, free drinks will be served, so why not sit back and enjoy the sunset overlooking the magical Mekong water. Dinner will be served while Bassac cruises Mang Thit River towards the Bassac anchor at night, downstream from the small Tra On the market. Overnight in Cai Be hotel.

Day 13: Cai Rang – Can Tho (B, L)

In the morning, breakfast will be served whilst the boat cruises the Tra On floating market, then departs towards Can Tho. Upon arrival check out of your cabin and you will be transferred onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market. Cruise through the floating market where you will see the bustles with wholesalers on big boats. Here, during the early morning market hours, larger-sized boat anchors create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. in the floating market, you will see the main items sold here are fruit and vegetables and every boat has a long upright pole at its bow from which samples of the goods for sale are hung. The floating market is the same as the land market, they also sell mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating pho vendors on the boat.

Back to land and have lunch in Can Tho. This afternoon, it’s time to cycle around the quiet lanes and dirt paths of Can Tho. Biking is the perfect way to discover the countryside with your family. The road frame is flat and the sites are amazing: cottage industries, small farms harvesting or planting rice, and hidden temples you are also greeted by the friendly locals. Then, transfer to a small hotel in Can Tho. This cozy modern hotel is a comfortable place to stay after a long day. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

After your breakfast, it’s time to drive back to Ho Chi Minh for around 4 hours. On the route, stop for lunch.
Overnight in the hotel in Ho Chi Minh hotel

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel (B, L)

After breakfast, leaving the city behind, we will drive to the Cu Chi district. On the way, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road, and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam. After a short hour, you arrive and start your visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed during both the French and American wars. The Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel will be the first stop.

Back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. This afternoon, visit the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. This fascinating building is the witness of history still fresh in the minds of many. Continue to trip to visit the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. And the last stop is Ben Thanh Market – the largest, the liveliest, and the most colorful in Ho Chi Minh. Stay overnight in the Saigon Hotel.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Today is the last day of Vietnam. After breakfast, check your luggage to make sure all in your luggage before leaving. Our tour guide and driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport End of our service. “Tam biet” and we hope to see you soon on the next Vietnam tour as well as Indochina.

Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 15 Days/ 14 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Walking Tour Around Old Quarter (D)
Day 2: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hang Mua (B, L)
Day 3: Hanoi City Tour – Bat Trang Pottery Village – Night Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L, D)
Day 4: Sapa – Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Sapa (B, L)
Day 5: Sapa – Lao Chai – Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa (B, L)
Day 6: Sapa – Fansipan Peak – Transfer back to Hanoi by Limousine Bus (B)
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight in cruise (B, L, D)
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B, Light B)
Day 9: Hoi An Cooking Class Group Tour & Walking Private Tour (B, L)
Day 10: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Group Tour & Lantern Making (B, L)
Day 11: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Fly to Nha Trang – Cyclo & Street Food Tour (B)
Day 12: Nha Trang – Snorkeling Tour in Tam Island – Mud Bath (B, L)
Day 13: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – ½ City Tour (B)
Day 14: Mekong Delta Tour (B, L)
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Walking Tour Around Old Quarter (D)

On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fortunately, as it’s Friday so there’s night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner with Street Foods

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hang Mua (B, L)

Pick up at your hotel at 8 AM, we will drive Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. On arrival, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10^th and 11^th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features several dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs….We then stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, we take sampan along the Ngo Dong River to visit three caves Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba (Tam Coc) in the Ngo Dong River and Hang Mua. Dancing Cave is where you can get the impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh City when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long mountain (about 500 stone steps). Our pleasant boat rowing starts from the embroidery village of Van Lam then proceed through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst limestone to three natural caves, of which, the largest is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods. In the afternoon, we will be driven back to Hanoi for overnight accommodation.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Hanoi City Tour – Bat Trang Pottery Village – Night Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L, D)

Today, our tour will start at 8:30 am by a cup of egg coffee at Lam/Giang Coffee House. Coffee is one of the famous drink in Hanoi every morning.  After that, we will take a 15-Km drive to the outskirt of Hanoi in the East to visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village, which is located on the left bank of Hong River. This ceramic village was dated back from 15th century and soon became one of the most famous ceramic and pottery villages in the North of Vietnam. On arrival at the village, we will visit Bat Trang Communal House, which was built under Le Du Tong King’s period, from 1719 to 1720. We then visit the ancient house and ceramic workshops of artist Tran Van Do, To Thanh Son and Vu Duc Thang. If you wish, you can try your hands in making your own ceramic products, something for the beginners such as cup, bowl or flower vases. We finish our trip with a visit to the French ancient building since 1920s.

Return back to central of Hanoi for lunch in Koto Restaurant, then we visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a temple to Confucius. After that, we will drive to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (outside), his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Then, we enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired “old quarter”. We will be free for shopping in the old quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. The tour will be ended-up with a dinner with Vietnamese Bread before moving to train station for night train to Lao Cai – Sapa.

*This day, we will rent a hotel in around 2 – 3 hours for you and your family to take a shower and arrange luggage before overnight train.
*Kindly note this day, we will start around 9:30am and embark the train at 9:30pm so please prepare your health for long day.
*My advice for today is to separate your luggage into 2 parts. Part of you will leave the hotel because we will return to the hotel on the 5th. The rest, we will take away with enough supplies for 3 days in Sapa.
*A typical cabin of a ship is 4 beds. That’s the one we’re using but if you want to upgrade to a 2-bed one-cabin type, please make a note so I can provide surcharge information for it.

Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Vietnamese Bread

Day 4: Sapa – Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Sapa (B, L)

After arrival, our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and we will transfer to Sapa in around 1-hour. When you arrive Sapa, we will eat breakfast in here before starting our trip to Sin Chai village. This is a beautiful village, located right at the foot of Hoang Lien mountain range and inhabited by Black Hmong minority. There we start our trekking journey uphill. Once we reach to the top, you will take a small trail descending to Cat Cat village. Your lunch will be provided near a waterfall.

In the afternoon, we will take another trail sneaking through mountains. The scenery is also spectacular. Take a short break upon arriving Y Linh Ho village before climbing up to the main road where our vehicle will be waiting for us for the journey back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Sapa – Lao Chai – Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa (B, L)

The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa Valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.  Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch, the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Sapa – Fansipan Peak – Transfer back to Hanoi by Limousine Bus (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive to Fansipan Legend where we start the cable car ride to Fansipan Summit – the ‘Roof of Indochina’ with 3,143-meter height. Normally, it takes at least two or three days to reach the Peak of Fansipan Mountain on foot. However, with the newly three-rope cable car system we can see the peak and spectacular surrounding from the peak within half a day. The cable car ride will take around 20 minutes then we challenge ourselves with the rest 636 high steps to reach to the top. After visiting Fansipan Peak, we will be back to the town centre and have lunch. After lunch, we will be free until our limousine car pick you up at 3pm and transfer back to Hanoi in 6 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight in cruise (B, L, D)

12:00 – 12:15 Arrival in Tuan Chau Island and check-in at Paradise Suites Hotel. Transfer to Paradise Elegance cruise by Electric cart.
12:30 – 13:00 You will be given a short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations while sipping your welcome drink aboard the Paradise Elegance.
13:00 – 14:30 Time to enjoy your lunch at Le Marin Restaurant while Paradise Elegance passes by beautiful islets of Halong Bay.
14:30 – 15:30 Visit Tung Sau pearl farm. You will have the chance to explore the process of pearl cultivation or experience kayaking*.
15:45 – 16:45 Visit Titop island – the island is named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov. You can either choose to hike the mountain to get an overview of Halong Bay or swim at the beach on the island.
17:15 – 19:00 At sunset, Paradise Elegance will anchor overnight. It is the perfect time to enjoy Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free) and a cooking class on the notable Vietnamese dish while being serenaded by a live music performance by Philippines band** at L’Odyssée Sundeck or Piano Lounge.
19:00 – 22:00 Savor your Western set Dinner, which is prepared by our talented chef, at Le Marin Restaurant.
20:30 – 23:00 After dinner, indulge in drinks* at Piano Lounge, join the squid fishing at the back of the boat or enjoy fantastic movies in your cabin.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B, Light B)

06:30 Boost the energy for the new day with a Tai Chi session at L’Odyssée Sundeck.
07:00 Enjoy a light breakfast with some freshly baked pastries, coffee, and tea at Le Marin Restaurant.
07:45 – 08:45 Visit Sung Sot cave – The most beautiful and largest cave in Halong Bay. Let your imagination run wide with stalactites and stalagmites at various shapes and sizes. At the end of the way out, you can have an amazing panoramic view from the viewpoint.
08:50 – 09:50 Breakfast will be served at Le Marin Restaurant while the cruise passes by Thien Cung and Dau Go Cave and the Fighting Cock Islet.
09:40 – 10:15 After breakfast, you may settle your bills and return the room keys at the reception area. Then you may enjoy your remaining moments at Piano Lounge or on the sundeck looking at the astonishing view of Halong Bay.
10:15 – 10:30 Paradise Elegance returns to Tuan Chau Marina. You will disembark and finish your journey here.

Notes:

*Due to cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area, but internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of the bay. Thank you for your understanding.
*Additional charges
**Live music is performed for 45 minutes each slot and is not available on Mondays
*The cruise services is not included kayak

After return back to Hanoi with shuttle bus/D-car of the cruise ship, our guide and car will wait for you at hotel and we then transfer to airport for fly to Danang. On arrival in Danang, our guide and car will wait in Danang International airport to transfer you to Hoi An Ancient Town for accommodation.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Light Breakfast

Day 9: Hoi An Walking Tour & Cooking Class (B, L)

Hoi An Ancient town has been recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1999 thanks to its value. This place is complex of the acculturation. The architecture of the town reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Potuguese, French and British traders. It used to be a trading port in 17th & 18th centuries where the trading cruise ships from Japan, China & the west met and exchanged goods. Hoi An nowaday is one the most attractive places in Vietnam and with a half day walking around, visitors will immediately feel the hospitality and friendship the locals extend to them. And they can see that what is so special about Hoi An is that this little port town is in an incredible state of preservation…Welcome to Hoi An!

This morning, we start the cooking class tour by a welcome drink at Hai Café. Then, we visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have an opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

After that, we arrive at Cooking School and have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by our chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class will include a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. We will finish at approximately 12.30pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00pm

Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Making fresh Rice paper
2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs
5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles
6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan

* Lunch includes the above meals as well as:

1. BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)

*This is group tour

After returning from the cooking class, you will be free until 3:30pm, our guide will pick you up at hotel and we start to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Group Tour & Lantern Making (B, L)

We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.

After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading to the village to make lanterns in here. After 1 – 1,5 hour learning and practicing we are back to the town and spend the rest of day to relax.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Fly to Nha Trang – Cyclo & Street Food Tour (B)

We are picked up at the hotel at 8:30 am by a local tour guide and driver then depart for the ancient Cham ruins of My Son. Once there, we visit the Tra Kieu capital which was the former administration center of the Champa Kingdom. Discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son including ancient towers which were built in the fourth century. Then, we transfer back to Danang airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. On arrival, we will be met and driven to our hotel, which is overlooking the Bay.

After that, we start the Cyclo & Street Food Tour. If you wish to see Nha Trang and eat as a local , join our unique tour. This tour  offers you a chance to see Nha from corners and moments no other tourists can. Hotel pick up then start the tour with a photo shot at Beach square then ride around the city on a front seat of a cyclo ( what a surprise ! your driver occupy the back seat ! ) See  Nha Trang cathedral, Ponagar temple and many others at the twilight moment of Nha Trang sunset. Eat local best street food including:

– “ banh can”: grilled round rice cake or “ bánh xèo” pan cake with shrimp and pork – “ nem nuong”: Fresh spring roll ( Nha Trang style )
–  Grilled  sea shells
–  BBQ beef at famous Lac canh restaurant…
The tour ends with  a sip local coffee or fruit juice on the sidewalk and the the world and time passing by. Then back to the hotel. Be happy and full!
Inclusion: Cyclo + rider, meals with drink and beer, tour guide, gift, mineral water + wet tissue, souvenir picture.

Overnight in Nha Trang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Nha Trang – Snorkeling Tour in Tam Island – Mud Bath (B, L)

After breakfast at hotel, we will be picked up and transferred to the harbor. We first visit Vietnam Oceanographic Institute and see hundreds of special sea creatures. Get on our boat and have a short stop at Tri Nguyen Aquarium (outside photo shot only). Continue to Tam Island, we will have free time for snorkeling and enjoy local basket boat to explore the life of fisher-men at Mieu fishing village. We then come to a Bamboo Resort (or similar) for a special seafood lunch.  Then we go to the resort hot spa which is an ideal place for health recovery. Indulge yourself by soaking  in the warm spring water and mineral mud and then you surely feel so… fresh as a daisy

Time: 1 full day (6 – 8 hours).

Overnight in Nha Trang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – ½ City Tour (B)

This morning, we transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcome up on arrival by local tour guide and driver then we transfer to hotel. After check-in, we visit all the highlights in Ho Chi Minh city such as the Reunification Palace, a palace of old President in South of Vietnam during the American war; Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, the two sites that we can’t ignore when we visit the city. We then head to the center to do shopping at famous Ben Thanh market, this bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai. Our free evening activities should be: walking around at the night market in Ben Thanh market area; explore the highest building in Ho Chi Minh City, Bitexco….

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Mekong Delta Tour (B, L)

We pick you up at the hotel after breakfast and transfer you to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit to Cai Be Town. After that, we’ll come to Tan Phong Island for biking/walking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses… On the way, we can have some stops to see how they wave the dried water hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes…

Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy a peaceful time. Next, we back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, the Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. While we travel on a handmade canal to homestay, we can walk around this orchard & enjoy some cups of tea while listening to the traditional music in the ancient house.

After that, we walk into the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice and enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. It’ll give you an unforgettable experience. One more thing to do on this trip is visiting the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise transfers us back to Vinh Long city where we take our own vehicle back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our flight. Trip ends. Thanks for choosing Vietnam tour with Go Vietnam Tours!

General Information

Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong – Sapa – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh Departure
Duration: 15 days
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish
Start/End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Type: Landscape, Culture, Outdoor soft adventure, beach vacation
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Tour Categories: Vietnam Family Tours
Active level: Easy & Regular itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Dong Ngac Cultural Village with Bike – Half day City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (Overnight on junk)
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Overnight train to Sapa)
Day 5: Sapa trekking – Homestay
Day 6: Sapa – Express bus to Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – Fly to Danang –Hoi An Walking Tour
Day 8: Farming and Fishing Eco Tour (half day)
Day 9: Hoi An –Danang – Fly to Nha Trang
Day 10: Islands and Snorkeling Tour
Day 11: Nha Trang (All day free)
Day 12: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13: City tour & Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 14: Mekong Delta (Full-day tour)
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Welcomed by our tour guide and driver, we quickly transfer to our hotel in the city center. Here, spend the rest of the day recovering after a long-haul flight before visiting a local family which is can be the family of our sales or guides to have an informal dinner with them and experience the hospitality of Vietnamese people. We can cook with the host to learn how to cook some simple Vietnamese traditional dishes if we are interested. Experience daily activities of Vietnamese like watching TV while enjoying a meal together or anything we would like to do. Have a rest before our driver comes to pick us up at our hotel. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Dong Ngac Cultural Village with Bike – Half day City Tour (B, L)

Drive about 15 km to the northwest from Hanoi center, we attend Dong Ngac Cultural Village – an old village and a Cultural Heritage Site were to worship educated and heroic people recognized by the Kings of Vietnam. Then, we get the experience as truly local people by taking a market tour in a hustling and bustling atmosphere, choosing fresh ingredients, and making lunch today by ourselves with the introduction of the tour guides. Afterward, take a short walk to Ms.Nham’s or Ms.Quy’s house to enjoy a warmly welcome drink and leave all those things we have just brought to prepare for a bike tour. Pedal around the village and interact with friendly villagers with the tour guide’s help. Return to the traditional house where we will be taught to cook with all those ingredients we had bought by a vivid cooking demonstration by the host and enjoy dishes after finishing.

For the rest of the day, back to Hanoi and get more insights into the history and culture of this city. First to the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits valuable objects and documents of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Then, set foot on the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 were still has remained quintessence in culture and education from the Ly Dynasty.

Ends the trip today by enjoying a Water Puppet Show – one of the most famous Vietnamese traditional performances after back to our hotel. Overnight in Hanoi. If today falls on a weekend, we will visit extra sites like the Old Quarter and night market which is only available on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (Overnight on junk) (B, L, D)

Head to the Northwest within 3 hours, spend a full day exploring Halong Bay – one of the most worth-visiting destinations of Vietnam owning over 1600 mighty limestones and islets emerging from the blue sea. Being recognized by UNESCO in 1994, Halong Bay is also well-known for its bio-diversity, and historical and cultural values.

Embark is a junk that is designed as a floating hotel including sufficient facilities with private rooms, toilets, a spa, restaurants, sundecks, and Jacuzzi. Leave Hanoi in the morning, intent on Haling Bay, and check-in our junk in the noon. Enjoy our delicious lunch on the junk and have a rest before taking part in many interesting activities for the rest of the day. However, depending on the weather and seasons, we can visit some beautiful caves in the Bay, go fishing, kayaking, or just relax on the sundeck. Have dinner and overnight on the boat.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Overnight train to Sapa) (B, L)

It’s up to us to wake up early to enjoy the sunrise on the sundeck with a cup of tea or coffee and join in Tai Chi exercises. Afterward, have breakfast with other tourists at the restaurant and then take part in some interesting activities together with the guideline of our guide on the boat. Then, we check out earlier than usual (at around 10 am) and put our luggage outside the room. At lunchtime, enjoy our meal before disembarking on the mainland where our driver is waiting for us to return to Hanoi. Head to the Northwest to Sapa by night train. The cabin is clean with four berths that can ensure your privacy and comfort.

Day 5: Sapa Trekking – Homestay (B, L, D)

The itinerary today starts with a local guide taking us to Muong Hoa Valley where we will have a trekking tour to explore the rustic beauty of nature and the unique cultural identity of ethnic minorities. We first take a short ride to the village gate then we start trekking along buffalo paths, village lanes, streams, rice paddies, etc., and interacting with Black H’mong, Dao, and Day people to get more insights into their daily life with the tour guide’s help. After a long day of hiking, we will rest in a homestay located in a hill tribe village where we are warmly welcomed by an ethnic host with a common saying: “You will arrive as a guest but leave as a friend”. Overnight in homestay.

Day 6: Sapa – Express bus to Hanoi (B, L)

Say goodbye to our host, we continue trekking and enjoying the tranquil landscapes of the mountainous area on the way to visit the Red Dao people in a valley. Here, listen to our guide tell us many interesting stories about people and their unaffected life. The trip continues by passing a bamboo forest and catching up with a spectacular waterfall where we stop for our lunch. Have a short rest and back to the town for the departure drive to Hanoi lasting 5.5 – 6 hours by Express bus. Arrive at Hanoi then check-in at our hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An Walking Tour (B)

Spend this morning resting until the early afternoon, we take a departure flight to Danang. After being welcomed by our guide and driver at Danang Airport, we transfer to Hoi An – one of the most must-visiting destinations in Vietnam. Located right next to Thu Bon River, Hoi An was a well-known town named Faifo were used to be a trading area of numerous businessmen from Japan, China, Spain, Italy, etc. in the 16th and 17th centuries. This ancient town was recognized as a World Culture Heritage and is very appropriate for the family tour with many splendid sites like shopping areas, rice paddies, beaches, restaurants, cooking classes, etc.

Afternoon sightseeing with a local guide introduces us to highlights of Hoi An including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Congregation, silk streets, temples, and pagodas in Chinese style. It is free for us to stop at any sites we want to visit. Ends the walking tour and back to our hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.
Note: It is a chance for the family to experience the sparkling and fanciful scenery of the Lantern Festival if today falls on the middle day of the month according to the Lunar Calendar.

Day 8: Farming and Fishing Eco Tour (Half-day) (B, L)

Start the trip today with our Farming and Fishing Life Eco Tour to get experiences as a truly Vietnamese farmer. Before departing, listen to our guide give us the itinerary then we choose a bike for each member of the family. Head to Tra Que Village in the Northeast about 3km far from Hoi An, we will pedal through beautiful rice paddies before joining in some interesting agricultural activities with local farmers such as preparing land for sowing, fertilizing the garden by using seaweed from the river, watering it with big tin cans and picking vegetable, etc.

After that, transfer to the boat pier by bike or bus if someone does not want to pedal anymore. Here, meet a couple of fishermen and see how they traditionally catch fish with their nets in the middle of the river. Say goodbye to them, we continue exploring other fishermen making basket boats skillfully. Ends this tour by relaxing on the beach and enjoying lunch with dishes made from vegetables we have picked before. Back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at our leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Nha Trang (B)

We must take a morning flight from Danang to Nha Trang because there are not many choices of flight time for this route.
Known as a “Gem of the Far East”, Nha Trang is a coastal city located on the South Central Coast of Vietnam and a center for marine science based at the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute.  Not only famous for its beautiful beaches, but Nha Trang also attracts tourists with its diverse activities like mud baths, golf, surfing, and scuba diving, etc. which are available around the year. Historically, Nha Trang has an old name under the Champa which was Kauthara. Nowadays, it is still home to Cham ethnic minority with remaining famous historical vestiges, especially Po Nagar Temple Complex. Warmly welcomed by our tour guide and driver when arrival. Please feel free to ask the guide about our holiday in Nha Trang. After that, check-in at a hotel and then transfer to a beach for relaxing. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 10: Islands and Snorkeling Tour (B, L)

The itinerary today mainly focuses on Nha Trang’s highlights are very appropriate for everyone on our tour. First to Tri Nguyen Aquarium where we will visit an amazing reduced ocean world with many species of fishes, corals, etc. Then, embark on wooden boats that will take the family to Mun Island for snorkeling and Mot Island or Tranh Beach Island for swimming or water activities, etc. On the boat, our guide will introduce us to a typical kind of bird in Nha Trang – skylarks and it is living habits. At lunchtime, a delicious meal is ready to be served to us at a local restaurant. Around 4 pm, back to the pier. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 11: Nha Trang (All day free) (B)

Today is at leisure. There are many choices for us which can be relaxing on the beach or swimming in the pool; exploring Vinpearl Theme Park or simply enjoying a mud spa at Thap Ba; gaining more historical insights at Thap Ba Temple or strolling around the local market to experience a hustling and bustling atmosphere, etc. It is totally up to us. Do not worry about transportation because taxi services are always available in Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 12: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B, D)

This morning is free for us until the mid-afternoon, and we will take a 1-hour departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Welcomed by tour guide and driver when arrival, then transfer to a hotel for checking in.
Spend the first night in Saigon experiencing the eventful atmosphere of this city from a boat on the Saigon River Cruise while having dinner. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 13: City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnel (B, L)

Full-day sightseeing with our guide takes us around the city center and introduces us to one of the most famous historical monuments of Vietnam – the Cu Chi Tunnel. First to Saigon’s highlights with Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, Old Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. A museum is an option if we are interested in it or not. Next, we will have a glance at Chinatown and Giac Lam Pagoda. Afterward, we quickly transfer to Cu Chi Tunnel which is 50 km far from Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnel is a secret underground system built during the Vietnam War and Indochina War including innumerable trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, hospitals, kitchens, weapon factories, and command centers with a length of over 250m in total. Here, we can also witness other remaining historical vestiges of a magnanimous period like a US tank or many bomb holes made by 500lb bombs.
Note: Cu Chi Tunnel will be recommended to visit in the morning from May to October every year (rainy season).
At night, intend in Saigon and continue exploring it by visiting the night market in the Ben Thanh market area where the family can go shopping and have dinner.

Day 14: Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour (B, L)

Full-day exploration a highlight of the Mekong Delta – Cai Be Town. We take the rowing boat entering deeper into the countryside on the smaller canals where we can see the traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves, the local daily life. After that, on sampans, a boatman will take us to go farther to villages to visit workshops, and brick kilns, taste some seasonal fruits, and enjoy lunch at a local house. After that, join a bike tour to discover the rustic beauty of the countryside in villages before getting back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Say goodbye to Saigon and take a departure flight to your home. Our trip ends. See you soon on another Vietnam tour!

“Free Inquiry this tour or create your trip with our travel expert”

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Vinh Long – Can Tho – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 13 Days/ 12 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Welcome Dinner (D)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Free Time (B)
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Thia – An Binh Island – Homestay (B, L, D)
Day 5: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
Day 6: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Hue – Imperial Citadel & Conical Hat Village (B, L)
Day 8: Hue – City Tour with Perfume River & Tomb & Incense Making Village (B, L)
Day 9: Hue – Hoi An – Walking Tour (B, L)
Day 10: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour (B, L)
Day 11: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
Day 12: Hoi An – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Welcome Dinner (D)

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcome upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city before enjoy welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant in town.    

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

Ho Chi Minh city, formerly named Ho Chi Minh City is a largest city of Vietnam. One day tour around today covers almost the major attractions. Understanding more about history in the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, admire French-colonial architecture at the General Post Office, Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the longest tunnels made of Vietnamese people during the war… Depends the weather and season, we can visit Cu Chi tunnel in the morning or afternoon. 

Morning, we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, otherwise known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land”. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city for lunch. 

After lunch, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam. After that, we will visit War Remnant Museum, where we can see countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting about the second Indochina war. We also stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get good shots for our memory of the big, modern city of Vietnam. In the rest of the day, we will visit: Ben Thanh market, and then we will be back to hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for strolling in the city, shopping or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Thia – An Binh Island – Homestay (B, L, D)

The program will start at Cai Thia pier, pass by Cai Thia church. Boat to Mrs Nam to see how this old lady makes rice paper in the local house. We have one more option to see more about Mekong Delta if we have a biking trip in an hour to explore the famous village of Hoa Loc mango on the small beautiful roads. It is so interesting to see orchards, traditional houses, school in Mekong Delta. Come to a local and peaceful home, we can create some cakes (local donuts) and taste it with hot tea. After biking, we’ll come back Cai Thia village. Be on our boat and enjoy the best optional lunch on boat when the boat is towards to An Binh Island. 

Check in Ut Trinh/ Ut Binh/ Ut Quynh homestay, make friend with members of the family. Have a fresh shower before cooking pancakes with the family. We’ll enjoy dinner & overnight at homestay.

Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)

Have a breakfast and check-out for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning. Check out and say goodbye to Ut Trinh family. Boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will see how to farm catfish on Mekong river. Then the boat travel on Cai Ca canal through VinhLong city. Make a stop at Duong Chua bridge on the way to Can Tho. From here, we will have an hour for biking and visit Phuoc Hau village. This village is famous for vegetable plantations. We can see the process of planting, watering, harvesting… Come back the boat to continue our wonderful boat trip.

Coming to Cau Doi – Long Ho, have an optional lunch on our boat when crossing Ba Cang – Tam Binh. Arrive Binh Minh when we finish our delicious meal, we can stop for  a walk to visit of Mỹ Hòa village where people are making many products from soya beans & tofu. Cross Lower River to come to Ninh Kieu quay of Can Tho city.

Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Early morning today, we will take the boat trip to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market with the busy sense right at the time. This is a biggest floating market in Mekong Delta where we can see the daily life and local people selling their products on boats. If the time permits, we can visit Binh Thuy Ancient House here.

After that, you will be back to the hotel and have free time until check out. At noon, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch en-route. Arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have free time at leisure. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Hue – Imperial Citadel & Conical Hat Village (B, L)

Today, we take the flight to Hue. On your arrival, we will visit Conical Hat Village, an incense stick-making village. It has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. When it comes to Hue’s traditional villages, conical hat village is one of the most well-known brands. It is dedicated to preserving Hue’s distinctive cultural attractiveness.

After lunch in the local restaurant, we will then visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. We will finish our day with the local Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Hue – City Tour with Perfume River & Tomb & Incense Making Village (B, L)

Making Village (B, L)

Pick up at hotel at 9:30 AM, we will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh’s Tomb. 

After the tour, we will visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village is one of the famous Hue tourist attractions that almost every tourist stops to visit. The address of Thuy Xuan incense village is on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, near Vong Canh hill, Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, 7km southwest of Hue city center. According to the oldest artisans in Thuy Xuan incense village, incense making appeared here about 700 years ago under the Nguyen Dynasty. In the past, the village was the place to provide incense sticks and frankincense for the court, mandarins, and high-level people in Thuan Hoa and Phu Xuan areas.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hue – Hoi An – Walking Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city.

On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. Then, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel for relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour (B, L)

We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.

After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Hoi An – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Hoi An – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

This morning we transferred to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in and spend the rest of day relax.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends! Thanks for choosing Vietam Family Tours from Vietnam tours

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 12-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary 
• Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver 
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Western food is available (upon request) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). 
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees & permits
• Boat in Cai Rang Floating Market
• Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour
• Bottle of drinking water

Exclusions

• International flights and airport taxes
• Domestic flights and airport taxes
• Vietnam Visa stamp (US$ 25.00 per person)
• Travel insurance with Covid protection term up to $10,000
• Other meals which are not indicated above
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.

General Information

Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong – Lao Cai – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Duration: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Tour Type: Sightseeing, culture, and experience
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local English Speaking Guide
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours
Transportation: Private transportation by air-conditioned car

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Night Train to Lao Cai – Sapa
Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Trekking to Ta Van Villages
Day 6: Sapa – Trekking to Cat Cat Village – Back to Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – Ninh Binh –  Hoa Lu – Tam Coc
Day 8: Hanoi Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Hello Vietnam! Welcome you on a nice day, as soon as you set your foot in Vietnam, our diver and tour guide holding your name tag will waiting for you at the entrance. Give a tight hug and then we transfer to the hotel in Hanoi for checking. After a small feast, stroll in some small corner of Hanoi or enjoy Hanoi coffee.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)

Good morning Hanoi, After breakfast, from your hotel, we will take you to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, walking around Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house – where Ho lived on and off from 1958 to 1969…

The next place is One Pillar Pagoda, the temple was built under the Ly Dynasty that was built with the image of the lotus blooming in the middle of a square pond. Leave One Pillar Pagoda for the Temple of Literature the first college of Viet Nam dedicated to Confucian. Back to Hoan Kiem Lake and have a stopover with Ngoc Son Temple.

In the Afternoon: Free time on your own for leisure & shopping. After the dinner, if today is Saturday or Sunday, tell your tour guide, and he/ she will head you to Walking Street, where you can see the teenagers covering Kpop dance and other art performances.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong

07:45: Our shuttle bus with a tour guide will pick you up at your hotels
(Note: This pick-up is just applied for those who use our shuttle bus service)
10:30: On the way, stopover in Hai Duong City where you can experience our hand-made Vietnamese handicraft products in a short time.
12:30: continue the trip, and you are in Tuan Chau Marina Pier (Tuan Chau Island. Followed by activities such as boarding the Flamingo Cruise for departure, a welcome drink will be served, and deliver the itinerary, safety guide, Cruise Manager’s registered cabin.
13:30: Great lunch is served while flying over a small island.
15:00: Kayak around Pearl Village, visit Titop Island. Freedom to choose activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and conquering the peak of the largest island in Ha Long and panoramic photography of Ha Long Bay in the afternoon.
17:30: Happy hour. Buy 2 get 1 free drink.
18.00: Cooking class. Our chef will demonstrate the preparation of a special Vietnamese dish in the dining room. Our guide will tell you which item will be prepared and will explain the process during the demonstration. Duration 20 – 30 minutes.
18:30: Enjoy the sunset party with fruit and tea.
19:30: Under the magnificent night sky, dinner on our luxurious menu is served with a variety of dishes in Vietnam and Asia.
21:00: Join squid fishing on the boat with our team and can enjoy squid dishes cooked with the help of our chef or enjoy a drink on your own during happy hour Our blessing at the bar.

Overnight in Halong

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Night Train to Lao Cai – Sapa (B, L)

06:15: Take part in the Tai Chi class on Sun-Deck. After the lesson, Have breakfast with coffee, tea, and bakery on board
07:45: Arrive at the Surprising cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay at 10,000 meters square, when you visit a cave-like Vietnamese home with three rooms, a lobby, a dining room and a bedroom with the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. We will visit the cave in about 60 minutes.
09:00: Upon returning to the boat, you will have time to refresh and finish the packing. When checking in please remove all your belongings from the cabin, you can leave heavy luggage outside the cabin.
10:00 PM, relax on the sun terrace or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier. The lunch is served for you on the cruise. After lunch, relax on the sun terrace or in the dining room enjoying the bay as we approach the pier.
11:45 – 12:00: Shuttle bus back to Hanoi. Have some leisure time to visit and relax in Hanoi, then self-serve dinner before being transferred to Hanoi Station to take the night train to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Trekking to Ta Van Villages (B, L)

Upon arrival at Lao Cai station, the bus transfers to Sapa town and then have breakfast in the hotel before trekking down to Lao Chai village to visit the Tay and Dzay, tribes. Then, keep going along the bottom of the Sapa valleys to get to visit Ta Van village, which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful areas. Have a picnic lunch on the way, then get back to Sapa by jeep/motorbike After yourself dinner, you can feel free to enjoy Sapa Town by night.

Overnight in Sapa Hotel

Day 6: Sapa – Trekking to Cat Cat Village – Back to Hanoi (B, L)

Make sure that you’re full of breakfast, and relax before starting the trekking journey uphill. Once we reach the top, you will take a chance at Catcat village. It is the most popular attraction in the Sapa district, located at the bottom of the Muong Hoa Valley and near the stunning Cat Cat Waterfall, where you will visit the age-old village of the H’Mong ethnic group remaining unique customs from many generations. A picnic lunch will be served before our vehicle will be waiting for us for the journey back to Sapa. At 15h30, It‘s time to say “Goodbye Sa Pa!” and drive back to Hanoi by bus. At 21h30: We arrive in Ha Noi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (B, L)

You will be served breakfast in our restaurant then our bus comes to pick you up again for Ninh Binh province at around 08h00 AM, enjoying the rural scenery along the road. Arriving at Hoa Lu citadel until 12h00 and having lunch at the local restaurant. After the meal, take the rowing boat along the tiny canal among the rice fields to visit Tam Coc (three grottoes) for the rest of the day then you will be transferred to Hanoi in the evening at 18h00.

Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi Departure (B)

End of 8 days Vietnam Vacation. After breakfast, the tour guide will head you to the souvenir shops to buy the local gifts, and back to your hotel to prepare your luggage before check out. Please check out the essential things such as passport, luggage, the personal effect. The driver will take you to the airport. Say goodbye Vietnam! Thanks for choosing Vietnam Family Tours from Vietnam vacation packages!

“Free inquiry if you like this tour or share your ideas with our travel expert”

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) – Mekong Delta – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish
Start/ End: Saigon/Saigon
Tour Category: Vietnam Family Tours
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: The Real Ho Chi Minh City Tours (L)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Discovery – Ho Chi Minh City (L)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Nha Trang – Foodie Trail by Cyclo (B, D)
Day 4: Nha Trang City Tour with Medical Mud bath (B)
Day 5: VinWonders Nha Trang Full-day Entertainment (B)
Day 6: Nha Trang Relaxing Beach Day (B)
Day 7: Nha Trang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: The Real Ho Chi Minh City Tours (L)

Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam!
Today, you will be picked up by your personal guide and driver then we will venture out to explore the bustling city of Saigon, Vietnam. We will visit all the highlights in Ho Chi Minh City such as the Reunification Palace, the palace of old President in South of Vietnam during the American war. Then, make photo ops at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Central Post Office, the two sites that we can’t ignore when we visit the city.
Along the tour, we will make stop for a nice lunch with delicious local cuisine. After lunchtime, we travel to District 5 to visit Cho Lon (Saigon’s ‘Chinatown’) where the Chinese community has become an inseparable part of the Vietnamese life here after hundred years of integration. Then we come to Thien Hau Temple which is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu with many traditional unique practices revealed in the Chinese-style architecture. We then head to the city center for some shopping time at the biggest market of the city – Ben Thanh market, this bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. Suggested evening activities: walking around at the night market in Ben Thanh market area; explore the highest building in Ho Chi Minh City, Bitexco….

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Discovery – Ho Chi Minh City (L)

My Tho is located in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. The boat ride on Tien Giang River is very popular to tourists. There are many short boat trips to various islands. We start our day at the lobby of hotel and head to the peaceful town of My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. Next, we will have a boat ride, visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy workshop, a honeybee farm, take a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, try a taste of seasonal fruit, honey tea, and enjoy a performance of traditional Southern singing. Later of the day, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Nha Trang – Foodie Trail by Cyclo (B, D)

After check-out time, our driver (no guide) will arrive to pick you up and escort you to the Airport in good time for your flight to Cam Ranh today. Upon arrival in Cam Ranh International Airport, greet your driver (no guide) then we will transfer to our hotel in Nha Trang (approx. 1 hour driving) for check-in and relaxation. Have a short rest then later this afternoon, at 5 PM, our guide will return to take you out for dinner to enjoy all the best cuisine of Nha Trang. We start our food tour around the city. Along the way, get to see some highlights such as Nha Trang Cathedral or Ponagar Temple and many more dripped in Nha Trang sunset. Our cyclo men will take us through the crowded busy streets to the narrow alleys and corners that only locals can find. Today, we will try out some of the most famous local street food:

• Bánh Căn – Grilled round rice cake
• Nem Nướng – Nha Trang spring roll with grilled pork sausage
• Grilled seafood
• BBQ beef at famous Lac Canh Restaurant

Last but not least, we end the trip with a cup of iced coffee or fruit juice on the sidewalk, watching the world passing by. Have your belly full then we will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 4: Nha Trang City Tour with Medical Mud Bath (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and check-out then we will be picked up at 9 AM to venture out to explore this wonderful cultural city of Nha Trang. Our first stop will be the Ponagar Temple which was built in 8th century. Come see Xombong Bridge with a photogenic fishing fleet, then Long Son Pagoda to see the huge statute of Buddha. Our next stop is a resort hot spa where we will get some health recovery by indulging and soaking ourselves in the warm spring water and mineral mud. Afterward, you will feel fresh as a daisy. After the tour, our guide and driver will escort you safely to your new hotel stay, VinPearl Resort Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 5: VinWonders Nha Trang Full-day Entertainment (B)

Today, time is free for you to do as you wish! A recommended activity is to spend the day at the VinWonders Complex (tickets included). Here, you can get lost in Fairy Land and Adventure Land where there are multiple must-try thrilling adventure games. Enjoy the various daily performance show and entertainment on the streets of VinWonders complex. There are also SeaWorld and Water World so make sure to bring your bathing suit, tower and have fun! Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 6: Nha Trang Relaxing Beach Day (B)

Today, time will be free for you to do as you wish: lazing on the beach, strolling to town to do some shopping and get the freshest seafood or just relaxing by the windy beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 7: Nha Trang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today, time will be on your own until our driver (no guide) arrive at your hotel stay to escort you to Cam Ranh International Airport in good time for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City today. Services end at Cam Ranh International Airport. Have a safe flight tomorrow! See you on the next Vietnam vacation packages from Go Vietnam Tours!

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 4-night accommodation in Nha Trang with daily breakfast as per detail itinerary
• All Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle (minivan) with experienced driver.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with Vegan/Western/Indian food available on request. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees & permits (if have)
• Tickets to VinWonders Nha Trang – Additional US $35/person for Cable car tickets
• Boat/sampan rides as per mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottles of drinking water and wet tissues

Exclusions

• Surcharge for early check-in or late check-out unless stated in the itinerary
• International and domestic flights and airport taxes
• Vietnam Visa Arrangement (kindly advise us your nationality if you need assistance)
• Travel insurance
• Other meals which are not indicated above
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary