ABSOLUTE VIETNAM

Day 1: Hanoi

Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport look for our driver and guide who will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. The journey from the airport to your hotel will take approximately half an hour and is an entertaining experience full of chaotic traffic and millions of motorbikes.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Full Day (B/L)

Vietnam Travel and Cruise’s car and guide will meet you at 8am. Our tour will start by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. The mausoleum is the last resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s great revolutionist. It is a symbol of gratitude and respect of Vietnamese people for president Ho Chi Minh. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is the preserver of everything memorable related to Ho Chi Minh. Close by, the famous One Pillar Pagoda is worth a passing look. Built by King Ly Thai To in 1049, the structure has become an important symbol for the Hanoian. After that, we will continue our tour by visiting the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first University, constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. 

Lunch will be served at “Bun Cha Huong Lien” or “Pho Cuon Ngu Xa”. After lunch, we will proceed to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is the most recent yet probable the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting museums in Hanoi and Vietnam. This is worth a thorough visit, for those who are keen to learn about the multi culturally of Vietnam and for those who would appreciate some green space. Then a late afternoon cyclo tour of Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter is followed by free time for shopping. 

Day 3: Hanoi – Bat Trang Ceramic Day Tour & Water Puppet (B/L)

8.00am: Journey alongside the Red River on a scenic countryside drive from Hanoi to Bat Trang. Visit the village known for producing high-quality ceramics and see how this pottery is made by hand. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a workshop crafting your own piece or shop for something to take home with you. This private tour offers air-conditioned transport and the personalized attention of your very own guide. 

12.00pm. After exploring Bat Trang Village, have lunch at local restaurant.

Then you will be driven to the Water puppet Theater where is just in front of your hotel. This show will give you a great chance to learn about the folk art of Vietnam and relax with versatile puppet repertoires of artists. To perform water puppetry, artists have to dip under water, be hidden behind bamboo blinds to perform. You will certainly feel happy after experiencing that unforgettable moment.

Day 4: Hanoi – Sapa by shared-limousine (B)

Have breakfast at hotel then at 06.45am our limousine car will pick you up to Sapa town. The road may take around 4-5 hours of transfer. 

Arrive in Sapa, check in hotel and relax at your own leisure.

Day 5: Sapa Trekking: Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai (B/L)

The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa 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.  

Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Day 6: Sapa Trekking: Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho (B/L/D)

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver and driven 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 Catcat village. Your lunch will be provided near a waterfall.

In the afternoon, we will take another trail sneaking through mountain. 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.

 Day 7: Sapa – Hanoi by shared limousine (B)

Morning at your leisure, then check out the hotel, 14.00pm our limousine car will pick you up to Hanoi. The road may take around 4-5 hours of transfer. 

Arrive in Hanoi, check in hotel and rest after long road.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ha Long Cruise by shuttle bus (B/L/D)

08:30 – 09:00: Limousine picks you up at your hotel in the old quarter

12:00: The crew members of Cruise will welcome you at Tuan Chau International Marina Station.

12:30: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft. Welcome fresh drinks, cold towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay – A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

15:30: We will visit the Dark and Bright Cave – famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Here you will take some photos of the romantic, lyrical local see-sights. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boat and swimming – which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of LanHa Bay. Afterwards, visitors immerse in the emerald green water of LanHa Bay with exciting swimming activities or enjoy mini pool with jacuzzi on Cruise.

17:30: Return to Cruise. Enjoy sunset party on Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning moment of sunset at Lan Ha Bay.

19:30: Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant on Peony Cruise.

21:00-00:00: Enjoy the nightlife of the bay from the top deck. Immerse yourself in music, enjoying a glass of cocktail from the bar, watching famous films and relaxing on the cruise. Otherwise, you can fish squid with the sailors or simply relax in the room and watch the bay from the balcony.

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by shuttle bus/ Hanoi – Hue by flight (B/L)

6:30-7:30: Breakfast is served at restaurant.

8:00: Cruise will arrival Frog Pond area, in here you have kayaking and free to relax in the four-season mini pool on Lan Ha Bay – A silk ribbon made from green mountains, blue seas and diverse fauna and flora.

9:30: Checking out of the room. Then the lunch in the restaurant is ready for you, pay the extra fee (if any) at the reception while traveling to the port. Kindly needed to pay for the costs in charge of the front desk (if any) while traveling to the port.

11:15 – 11:30: Disembark and move back the port.

11h30 – 11h45: You are at Tuan Chau International Marina Station. Here, our shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer you back to Hanoi. 

On the way back to Hanoi, the bus will drop you off at meeting point (Aeon Mall Long Bien), and then our car picks you up here and transfers you to Noi Bai International airport for your flight to Hue later in the afternoon.

Upon arrival in Hue, our car and driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the night at your leisure.

Day 10: Hue City Tour Full Day (B/L)

Today we start the tour to Hue Monument Complex, which is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the boat station in Hue. We board a boat for a trip on the Perfume River to visit the towering Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous Vietnamese landmarks. Differing legends explain how the pagoda came to be – one tells of an old woman who instructed Lord Hoang Nguyen in 1601 to walk contemplatively along the river with a lit incense stick and to build a city at the spot where the incense stopped burning.

From Thien Mu Pagoda, We then take a short drive into a lush valley of the river where seven tombs were built for seven Nguyen emperors.  Each is an expression of the unique personality of the man whose remains it holds and each is comprised of three elements: a temple dedicated to the worship of the deceased emperor and his queen, a stone stele that records the biographical and historical high points of his life, and the royal tomb itself.  We will visit two most famous tombs: Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tomb. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we return to the center of Hué city. The massive Hue Royal Citadel is the most well known and iconic site in Hué. Begun in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is actually a sprawling complex comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and lovely gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles. We also visit the Forbidden Purple City, originally built in the early 1800s for the personal use of the emperor and staffed by eunuchs who posed no threat to the royal concubines.  Nearly destroyed in the Tet Offensive, the ruins today house the Royal Library and the grounds flourish with mimosa plants and vegetable gardens.

After that our car will take you to Dong Ba Market: Dong Ba market is the biggest and most significant central market of Thua Thien – Hue province and the adjacent regions. In Dong Ba market, you can go shopping and see the daily life of local people.

The tour finishes at about 16.30 and our car will drive you back to your hotel in Hue.

Day 11: Hue – Hoi An By Road (B)

09.00am After breakfast, your car and guide will pick you up for a 160km journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lays the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and South Vietnam. The trip continue southwards, passing Lang Co. After arriving in Da Nang, transfer straight to Hoian for checking in your hotel and enjoy your relaxing time in this ancient town.

Day 12: Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)

08.00Am: Our guide will take you to Hoi An old quarter which known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centre in South East Asia between the 16th & 17th centuries. A charming 16th century merchant town, with strong Japanese and Chinese influences, Hoi An is best explored on foot. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architecture, it is also a thriving center of traditional handicrafts. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbor where colorfully painted boats are moored. Your walking tour will include visits to a private house where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting to one of the family chapels built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship. Continue to Sa Huynh Museum which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. 

Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the Thu Bon River enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a pottery village and woodcarving village before returning to Hoi An Harbor.

Day 13: Hoi An – My Son Sunrise Experience (B)

5:30 AM Your car and guide will meet you at your hotel, our day starts with a trip through Hoi An rice paddies to Cua Dai bridge, weather permits, we can catch up the stunning view of sunrise over Thu Bon River from there.

We’ll arrive at My Son by 7:00 AM, it’s best time to visit the Sanctuary as you avoid the tourist crowds and mid-day heat, everything is quiet but the birdsongs. We begin with a short ascent along a track bordered by jungle and as we reach the top, the fascinating ruins appear.  While you explore the area and your guide will explain the history of the religious site which served as a burial place for the Cham monarchs many centuries ago.   

After the walk, it’s time to enjoy enjoy our breakfast box at a local café before leaving. We still avoid the main roads and stop en-route to visit the local villages. Trip ends at your hotel in Hoi An around 10:00 AM.

Day 14: Hoi An Wet Rice Tour (B/L)

8.00AM: Pick you up at hotel by our minivan and we will bring you to our biking point. Start biking to the countryside throughout the rice paddle, enjoy the fresh air of the nature. Meet local farmer, talk with them about their local farming daily life, having a cup of tea with them at the middle of the rice paddle field farm. Wear farming clothes before getting into muddy rice field like: Vietnamese authentic and traditional farmer clothes, conical hat, boost …Listen to our guide explaining about wet rice process how to grow it. Start the farming works to learn how to grow wet rice with water buffalo plough, use agricultural water system. Transplant rice at the rice field.  Enjoy riding with water buffalo at a small pond at the rice farm. Enjoy your local meal with the local farmer at their house

13.00PM: Biking back hotel 

Day 15: Da Nang – Buon Me Thuot – Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfall (B/L)

Our car will pick you up and transfer you to the airport to catch an early flight to Buon Me Thuot. Upon arrival, our guide and car will meet up with you and start our trip with waterfall today.

Today we will have a chance to enjoy 2 impressive waterfalls in the Central Highlands. The first one we will visit is Dray Sap. Water falls down from high cliff, making the water become mist and look like smoke. “Dray Sap” means “Smoke Waterfall” in Ede language. The same Dray Sap, Dray Nu waterfall is Your Experience. Water passes down and through steep cliffs, making the waterfall rumbling and majestic. Transfer to Buon Don for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we transfer to Don village where is very famous for elephants. Explore the traditional wild elephants catching and taming of M’nong ethnic group. Visit the Ancient wooden house- on- stilts with the architecture belongs to Laotian. A feature of the house is its roofs made by wood. Visit and take a walk through suspension bamboo bridge for sightseeing. There is the option for riding an elephant in the forests or wander in the village. 

Go back to Buon Ma Thuot around 5pm.

Day 16: Buon Me Thuot – Da Lat On Road (B)

Have breakfast at hotel, then at 08.00am our car will pick you up and transfer to Dalat city – surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate.

The road might take around 4 hours. Check in hotel and relax.

Day 17: Dambri Eco Tourism (B)

Have breakfast at hotel, discovering Da Lat with the destination of Dambri waterfall is an entirely new journey, a wonderful experience. Because this place is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Lam Dong, with a history, formed more than 15 years ago. The waterfall is located in the Dambri tourist complex with many tourist services and entertainment spots. Dambri tourist area has many exciting games and outdoor activities. Take room here and rest.

Day 18: Datlanta Waterfall – Alpine Coaster – Transfer to Saigon by car (B/L)

Morning, we will be moving to Dalanta Waterfall – Located beside national road 20th, 5 km from downtown of Dalat, Datanla tourist site has an area of 312ha set amidst the preservation forests.

At the foot of the waterfall, Datanla stream flows slowly through cliffs then fflow onto a deep hole called deadly abyss located between two vertical cliffs with the height of over 40m. Tourist can walk down to the fall or they can take the roller-coaster to the site. After lunch, we will be head back to Saigon city, the road may take around 4 – 5 hours on car. 

Check in hotel and rest.

Day 19: Cu Chi – Saigon City Tour (B/L)

8.00am our car will pick you up to depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Have lunch at local restaurant

After lunch, back to Saigon to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Day 20: Mekong – Ben Tre (B/L)

8.00am Our drive will pick you up, 10.00am on arrival in Ham Luong pier. Cruise on Ben Tre river exploring the lively activities along river as fishing,water transferring see brick making in handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visite one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits and tea. Riding a motor cart or bike on shady paths, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch at Hai Ho house. Afternoon – riding a sampan along canal, before boat back to Ham Luong pier. End you touring, going back to HCM city or next destination.

Day 21: Departure (B)

You will be picked up from your hotel for the one hour journey to the airport. Be sure not to pack any valuables in your checked in luggage and remove all sharp objects and liquids from your carry on.