VIETNAM IN DEEP

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

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 (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 – Ha Long Bay 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 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi by shuttle bus (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. 

Day 5: Hanoi – Mai Chau (homestay) (B/L/D)

Departing Hanoi, you will embark on a scenic 3.5 hour journey to Mai Chau, travelling over the Cun Pass with its glorious panorama of lush valleys and mountains.  The region is home to White Thai, H’mong, Zao, Muong, Tay and Hoa ethnic minorities who live in charming stilt homes.  On arrival at the village, you will be free to explore Mai Chau and its surrounds. In the evening you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals with an extensive home cooked meal preceded by the traditional welcome tasting of a local rice wine.

Day 6: Mai Chau – Hanoi – Hue (B/L)

After breakfast at our homestay, we take an easy trek for 3 hrs around the beautiful Mai Chau valley to visit more Muong and Thai minority villages. After a relaxing picnic lunch and an opportunity to shop for local ethnic handicrafts then transfer back to Hanoi.

Straight to airport and catch flight to Hue. 

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 7: Hue City Tour (B/L)

08.00: 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 8: Hue – Hoi An – Mountain tour (B/L)

After breakfast, your private 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. Continue southwards passing Lang Co.

After arriving in Danand, tour the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass My Khe Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. 

Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the Marble Moutains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

Arrival Hoi An, check in your hotel and enjoy your relaxing time in this ancient town

Day 9: Hoian walking tour & lantern making class (B/L)

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, Our local guide will walk your to our traditional lantern making class. During this tour will have the best experience:

• Chance to create your own traditional Vietnamese lantern
• One of Hoi An’s respected lantern makers to instruct you
• Cozy setting in a city famous for its variety of lights
• Insight into cultural significance of traditional lanterns
• Wide variety of designs, including lotus, garlic & diamonds

Day 10: Hoian cooking class (B/L)

This 3 hour session is a rich & comprehensive gourmet experience. You start  with a 1  hour  market  tour  to  learn  about  Vietnamese  ingredients  &  how  to  choose  fresh food. Next is a short talk on the art of Vietnamese gastronomy, vegetables, herbs & spices  &  how  to  prepare  &  use  them. The  practical  includes  learning  cooking  & cutting  techniques  &  how  to  use  Vietnamese  vegetable  grater  &  knife. You  will  get hands-on  experience  of  fresh  summer  rolls, grilled  chicken  with  lime  leaf,  banana flower salad, soup with cabbage wrapped shrimp. After cooking class, you will walk back to hotel and rest.

Day 11: Farming & Fishing tour – Local Life in Hoian (B/L)

Our guide will meet you at your hotel and we will bring you to our biking point

Cycle to a local farming village traveling along picturesque country roads (45 MINUTES, 5K to 6KM) 

Share in the daily work life of local farmers – hoeing and a soil, watering veggie at an organic herb garden, riding water buffalo in the field, learn and take picture about rice and enjoy the freshest air of the countryside beauty. 

Board our boat, enjoy fruit & cake with cup of tea/ café and then cruise to the mouth of the river where it meets the Cua Dai Sea. Join local fisherman on the river and enjoy hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing 

Enjoy learning and experiencing cultural folk music of Bả Trạo with local fishermen 

Learn and try your hand at local traditional fishing techniques using round and cast nets 

Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats Enjoy basket boat dancing on the round boat -THUNG CHAI shown by our crews 

Explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers on both sides between V.C & US army. 

Learn how to make an origami creation from reeds of palm leaves such as grasshopper, birds, ring, sunglasses, bracelets, etc.

Back to your our boat, lunch will be served with ice-cold beers or soft drinks. 

Return to hotel by our mini-van. And enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Return to hotel by coach.

Day 12: Hoi An – Nha Trang by train (B)

After having breakfast, transfer to the train station and catch the day train to Nha Trang. Pickup upon arrival and then transfer to your hotel for checking in. Enjoy this beautiful seaside city as at your will. 

Day 13:  Nha Trang Island & Snorkeling tour (B/L)

Start from your hotel to Cau Da port at 8.30AM. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore.

Day 14: Nha Trang Free day (B)

Indulge in the sun-sea-sand Nha Trang at your own terms.

Day 15: Nha Trang – Dalat (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Nha Trang and our car will pick you up to the romantic city of Da Lat. Check in your hotel and spend your time here as your leisure.

Day 16: Dalat City Tour (B/L)

You can enjoy airy space at RoBin Hill, Dalat Cable Car Station to get the panorama view of the Dalat City and enjoy the marvelous sight of the pine forested valley stretched down to the South. After taking some photos of this, an option to take the cable car descending down 300 meters with the nice view of flower, vegetable fields dotted in the pine forested valley below to visit to Tuyen Lam Lake. Surrounding by pine forest, Tuyen Lam Lake looks like a paradise with the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, at present is the biggest Zen University in Viet Nam. Please dress decently, a very quiet scenery beside it’s beautiful flower garden, which is built on the top of Phoenix Hill. Keep driving southward, you will visit to Datanla waterfall with magnificent view and can be approached by the roller coaster. On the way back to Dalat City center, we visit the Bao Dai King’s Summer Palace, the last Emperor and unique cultural lifestyle of Vietnamese through Royal decoration, the meaningful place of your Dalat trip.

Have your lunch at local restaurant on the way.

We continue our trip to Da Lat Flower Garden (formed in 1966) is known as the paradise of flowers with a rich collection of local and foreign flower types: roses, impatiens walleriana, chives, azaleas, bird of paradise, hydrangeas, orchids, cactus…. You can take pictures in the colorful flower garden, walking in bonsai park, stroll along romantic lakeside, riding horse or using the swan pedal boat. If you love art work, XQ Embroidery village (XQ Historical Village) is a worthy place to see many miraculous hand made embroidery works and find out how they make those fantastic artwork, this is the head and original hand embroidered works of XQ in Vietnam, you will be surprised and admired the charming ladies working here. Keeping on visiting a giant golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Continuously, The Cock Church (The Cathedral of Dalat city), known with a bronze rooster was placed on the top of the tower and the European Gothic architectural style since 1931 and it is the biggest church in Dalat city which was designed and built by Frenchman. Free to enjoy the artichoke tea, jams at Dalat’s Specialities Showroom. 

Day 17: Dalat – Sai Gon by flight (B)

Our car will pick you up and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, our driver and car will meet up with you and bring you to your accommodation. Check into your hotel and relax at your own leisure.

Day 18: Sai Gon City tour – Cu Chi Tunnel (B/L)

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 19: Saigon – Mekong Rustic Homestay (B/L/D)

This morning, our car transfers you to Mekong Delta area and have your nights staying at homestay with the most local experience

Arriving early in the morning at around 11:00AM, you will be visiting the first stop-over Cao Dai Temple in Cai Be which is symbolizing for the local unique religion and then Cai Be Cathedral.

After that, you will embark on a boat to visit Cai Be inland and floating market to observe the daily life of local people who live mostly based on the river sources. We can buy some fresh tropical fruits on the local seller’s boats and engage in the conversation with them.

Leaving the market, continue on boat to head to Mekong Rustic homestay on Tan Phong isles surrounded by lush tropical fruit gardens. There you check in, enjoy tea and welcome fruits and a Southern style Vietnamese lunch prepared by the host family.

After break time, get yourself active by joining us catching the ditch fish on the canals for your dinner.

After getting some fishes for your dinner, you can prepare and cook a family meal with the host in the late afternoon. Have a chill relaxing night in the Mekong Rustic garden while you have your own free time. Sleep overnight at Mekong Rustic private bungalow surrounded by tropical orchards in the host family garden.

Day 20: Mekong – Saigon (B/L)

After breakfast, we cycle around the peaceful Tan Phong Isles. Stop at a local farmer’s house to savour a cup of tea and local banana candies specialties. Enjoy your self-picked fruits at one of the most abundant orchards on Mekong river while listen to Don Ca Tai Tu – an Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Keep cycling to the conical hat (nón bàng) workshop and maybe bring home some products made from dried water hyacinth as a souvenir. Have a short rest before saying goodbye to the friendly host, we check out at 11:30 and leave Tan Phong Isles. The ferry will take you back the wharf to depart to Saigon

Day 21: Departure (B)

Enjoy your last moments in Sai Gon before heading to the airport to catch the flight back home. End of your Vietnam in Deep tour with us!