BVT15
15 days
Vietnam
One of the best ways to see Vietnam is on the Best of Vietnam Tour 15 days, which takes you to all the top sights.
Hanoi, Sapa, and the northern ethnic communities’ villages will be the first stops on the tour. Take in the breathtaking panorama of Halong Bay’s thousands of limestone islands. You will explore the famous sites of Danang, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hue in central Vietnam, and you will hear the legends that surround these ancient monuments. The next stop is the Mekong Delta, where you can feel the fast-paced energy of the locals and marvel at the enormous Cu Chi tunnel network. Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling capital of Vietnam, will be the final stop on the itinerary.
Hello! welcomes you to Vietnam.
Private transportation to your Old Quarter hotel will be waiting for you when you land at Hanoi International Airport. Your driver will be holding a welcome signboard with your names on it.
We want you to take it easy and get used to your new place, so we’ve set aside this afternoon for that. At KOTO restaurant, a social company that gives disadvantaged kids a leg up in life via training and employment, you will have a welcome supper after a quick tour briefing with your guide this evening.
End of the day in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner
Today, your private guide and driver will take you to all the best sights in Hanoi. Then, travel off the beaten path and into some of the city’s most authentic eateries, where you can sit down with the locals and enjoy some traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
First thing in the morning, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex to learn about the monument’s significance to Vietnam and its people. Come see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and learn about his rise to prominence as one of the most influential figures in contemporary history at his House on Stilts. Located next to his residence is the culturally and historically significant small One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine from the eleventh century.
Starting with HCM Complex, you can stroll leisurely toward Huu Tiep Lake along the winding alleys. After taking in the sights of a 400-year-old temple, you may visit the lakeside B52 crash site by taking a walk through the historic local market streets. As a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s recent past, this US bomber was shot down during the bombing attacks of Ha Noi in 1972.
Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, the intriguing Museum of Ethnology serves as both a public museum and research center, showcasing artifacts from each of Vietnam’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. On your journey to Sapa, you may encounter some of them.
For lunch today, you’re going to a Vietnamese noodle cafe called Pho. Since this renowned Noodle Soup is just as popular in this region as McDonald’s is globally, some locals have begun to refer to it as “Mac-Noodles.” At the restaurant, your guide will fill you in on the Vietnamese mealtime ritual and provide you the rundown on any specific ingredients you might require.
Good afternoon
After lunch, keep exploring the country’s ancient sites, such as the Temple of Literature, which has served as a university and a Confucian temple for millennia. After that, we have Hoa Lo, often known as the Hanoi Hilton, a jail that served as a home for political prisoners during the French colonial era in Vietnam and subsequently as a POW camp for the United States.
Fun cyclo rides around the French Quarter’s historic sector, past French-style homes, the Vietnam History Museum, the vintage Metropole Legend Hotel, the Opera House, and more will bring you up close to the area’s rich French colonial architecture.
At Pho Co Café, you may savor the irresistible Egg coffee while taking in breathtaking views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the surrounding area.
To cap off the day, take a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter (different from the French Quarter) to learn about the city’s famous street food scene, where vendors sell anything from noodle soup to grilled pork. Seated on small plastic chairs in a dark alley, your guide will explain the many herbs and ingredients used in each dish. Try some of the best Vietnamese cuisine has to offer with delicacies like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that showcases Vietnam’s culinary history), and Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles), a signature dish from Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, streer food
Morning
The guide will collect you from your hotel in the morning and drive you through the verdant Red River Delta countryside to the world-famous Halong Bay, where you’ll spend the night aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk boat. Your leisurely voyage will be set against an ethereal backdrop of limestone karsts and tropical islets that rise from the emerald waters of the bay. As soon as you arrive, you will be escorted to your junk boat, which will take you on a tour of the bay’s numerous limestone islets and caverns.
Good afternoon
Following a sumptuous on-board lunch, you will have the opportunity to relax on the sundeck while taking in the serene beauty of the harbor. Sung Sot Cave, also known as “Grotte des Surprises,” is a natural wonder that you will discover later on. Gently glide past stunning limestone formations adorned with myriad stalagmites and stalactites. Keep cruising. Hidden coves, powdery beaches, and floating towns await you as you wind your way around the islands.. With so much free time, you may do anything you want onboard or explore the lovely Bay. Take a dip in the verdant seas or relax at the ship’s spa. You will set sail toward the overnight mooring spot as the day winds down. When the enchanted “blue hour” arrives, Halong Bay’s real, breathtaking splendor comes to light. Before indulging in a delectable dinner, you can take in a breathtaking sunset from the upper deck or witness the chef’s culinary demonstration.
I shall have the remainder of the evening to myself. Before you head to bed, unwind with a movie or go squid fishing with the crew.
Please take note that an extra night on board allows you much more time to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, therefore we strongly advise doing so if your schedule enables. Deeper into the Bay, away from the crowds, is where your boat will take you.
Overnight on board in Halong Bay
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Morning
Just as the local custom of Tai Chi gently eases you into your day, so does the practice itself. Take a morning class with a “Local Specialist” aboard a junk boat while taking in the breathtaking scenery. There are peaceful beaches in Halong Bay perfect for an early morning dip, and if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can rent kayaks and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, taking in the glistening stone walls as you go.
While cruising back to port, you can enjoy a complete breakfast buffet after checking out of the accommodation. You will return to Hanoi by disembarking at around noon.
Good afternoon
You will be taken to the airport in Hanoi and then transfer to a big bus (private cabin) to Ha Giang (6 hours, several stops)
Overnight in Ha Giang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Start your day with breakfast. Meet your group members if you haven’t already. We’ll go over the itinerary and explain each stop. Meet your easy rider (if desired) and start the journey!
As soon as you stop at the Top of the World Viewpoint and the Twin Mountains, you’ll start to take in the breathtaking vistas.
Tham Ma Pass is a famous photo spot. One of the most popular Ha Giang Loop photo spots.
Moon Rocks Viewpoint is another highlight of day one, and you’ll view more limestone karst and black rock landscapes.
Want to visit China? We visit the border, but you won’t visit the other country. We’ll visit an ancient Hmong community along the border to learn about native life.
We will be spending the night near Dong Van’s core, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own that day. An extraordinary location.
Overnight in Dong Van
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
Begin the day by challenging your fear of heights. If you’re courageous enough, you can take the Sky Walk and capture a stunning photo of the valley and villages below.
We are going to make a halt at Ma Pi Leng Pass, which is less than a few minutes away and offers one of the most spectacular vistas that you will see along the entire Ha Giang Loop.
On this tour, the bamboo boat ride on the Ngoc Long River is the activity that many tourists find to be the most enjoyable. We get on this traditional raft and make our way into a cave that is quite magnificent, where you will have the opportunity to go for a swim.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, drive across Ha Giang’s rugged terrain to Du Gia town. Arrive at the local guesthouse in Du Gia Village. Du Gia Village offers homestays surrounded by lush rice fields.
Overnight in Du Gia
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
Don’t worry if you’re feeling drowsy; the day starts with a swim at Du Gia’s waterfall. Relaxing and swimming at Du Gia Waterfall.
Following the traversal of Lung Ho, one can take in the sights of Nui Doi Mountain.
Have lunch at a restaurant in the area, and then make your way back to Ha Giang. After arriving in Ha Giang, board the VIP bus to Hanoi.
Note: We arrange the Day time Limousine back Hanoi pick up 16:00 for the best view landscapes along the way from Ha Giang back Hanoi arriving Hanoi about 22:30 for your hotel check in in late night. Better than taking the night bus back Hanoi, seeing things in dark. Arriving Hanoi very early morning. Not having accommodation for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
After breakfast, check out your hotel. Transfer to the airport for your journey to Da Nang, which is located in the central region of Vietnam. The flight will take approximately one and a half hours, and upon arrival, you will be greeted and driven to the old coastal city of Hoi An, which is approximately one hour away by car.
On the coast of Vietnam’s central region is where you’ll find the picturesque ancient village of Hoi An. Hoi An is a UNESCO World legacy Site and a location that cannot be missed by tourists who are in Vietnam. Its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit alleyways, and substantial cultural legacy make it an ideal destination for tourists.
After you have arrived, you will check into your hotel, and the rest of the day will be yours to explore this magnificent city at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi AN
Meals: Breakfast
It would be great if we could get a close-up and personal look at the local fishing and cooking groups. As soon as you are picked up from your hotel in Hoi An, you will begin your journey to the neighborhood market, where you will shop for the ingredients you will need for the day. In order to prepare for the culinary lesson that will take place later, you need follow the guide and head to the village of Cam Thanh to purchase organic veggies. On the other hand, before we start this session, let’s go on our boat and go on a river tour. During this trip, we will get the opportunity to interact with local fishermen and have a firsthand experience of traditional net fishing. As you navigate the canals of the coconut palm paradise, you will also have the opportunity to paddle the one-of-a-kind bamboo basket boat that is traditional to Vietnam. By taking this tour, you will have the opportunity to gain a cultural perspective on the ways of life of both our farming and fishing communities.
You will then be able to enroll in a cooking lesson, during which you will learn how to prepare dishes such as deep-fried spring rolls, papaya salad with shrimp crackers, pork or fish cooked in a clay pot with steamed rice, and Banh Xeo, which is a rice pancake topped with fresh salad combined with seasonal fruit for dessert. It is now time for lunch.
Overnight in Hoi An
This morning is your time to enjoy the last day in Hoi An
After check out the hotel, a private car to head to Hue. You can enjoy wide views of the coast and mountains as you drive along the lovely Hai Van Pass. Take a short break at the beautiful Lang Co Beach along the way.
Hue is a lovely city in the middle of Vietnam that is famous for its long history, beautiful scenery, and imperial architecture. During the Nguyen Dynasty, it was the capital of Vietnam. The many palaces, churches, and tombs that are spread out across the city show how important it was historically. When you get to Hue this afternoon, check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening to yourself.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, go on a tour of Hue. To get to the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, take a boat ride on the calm Perfume River in the morning. The pagoda is an important sign of Vietnam and Hue. It was built on a hill with a view of the Song Huong (Perfume River), 4 km southwest of the Citadel. It is called Thap Phuoc Duyen and is 21 meters tall. It was built in 1844 during the rule of Emperor Thieu Tri. Each of the building’s seven floors is named after a manushi-buddha, which means a Buddha who took on human form. After that, take a car to the beautiful tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. He was the fourth emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyễn dynasty and ruled from 1847 to 1883. After that, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Go see the Imperial Citadel in the afternoon. There are palaces, ornate rooms, libraries, residences, and colleges inside the beautiful Citadel, which was built according to strict geomancy rules. After seeing the citadel, keep going to Dong Ba Market, which is the oldest market of its kind in Hue. It has hundreds of shops selling cheap clothes, household items, crafts, and fresh food. The tour will end at your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day however you want.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Today, go to Hue Airport and take a one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam.
You may know Ho Chi Minh City as Saigon, but it is now the biggest and liveliest city in Vietnam. There are many modern skyscrapers, historical sites, and a lot of cultural artifacts in this busy city.
When you get to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be taken to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day with a healthy breakfast, and then go on a trip to the Mekong Delta. Around 7:15–7:30 am, the guide will meet you in the hallway of your hotel. You will then be taken to My Tho, which is on the left bank of the Mekong River.
When you get there, get on the sampan and take a ride down the river between the four beautiful islands, which are called Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Take a break at Unicorn Island, stroll through the country roads, and check out the flower farms. View fruit farms and enjoy tropical foods and music played by locals in the form of folk songs.
Then, take a sampan that you row by hand through Thoi Son canal and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. You can try honey tea and coconut candies at the honey-bee farm and family workshops.
After a traditional Vietnamese lunch to get some energy, you can ride your bike around the Tan Thach town and meet the people who live there to learn about their daily lives in the Mekong Delta. Feel free to spend some time in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze if you don’t want to go on a bike trip. After that, you’ll go back to where you are staying.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave for the Cu Chi caves. It will take about an hour and a half to drive there. When you get there, there will be a short introduction and then a movie about how the tunnels were built and how the people who lived there during the war did it.
Then, take your time visiting the rest of the area and tunnel systems. These included the bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and storage areas, as well as military facilities such as weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and storage areas. All of this was done to help the people who lived in the caves meet their basic needs. Also, for safety reasons during the war, there are a lot of secret trap doors and dangerous traps in the maze-like tunnels. After that, there will be special tea and cassava, which was used as a wartime food by guerillas.
Then you’ll go back to your Ho Chi Minh hotel.
Afternoon
A half-day guided trip provides an excellent introduction to living in Saigon. Zip through traffic on the back of a motorcycle in groups of no more than 10. Explore the bustling streets, vibrant marketplaces, must-see attractions, hidden lanes, and ancient residences. Explore the picturesque alleyways where Vietnamese folks work, live, and socialize. Visit the famed Chinatown, the world’s largest and oldest, to learn more about Saigon’s traditional values and mixed-culture lifestyles.
Discover city landmarks like the French Quarter’s Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Admire the architecture of the Saigon Opera House, the city hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and take a wonderful photo with the magnificent apartment cafes.
Discover hidden beauties in the city, such as the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument. Explore the Cambodian Market with a cool drink and food
Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda (Mother of the Sea), which was established by the Chinese in 1760 to introduce their religious ideas to Vietnam. On your walk back to your hotel, pass Nguyen Trai Street in District 5, which is known for its hundreds of designer shops.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast, street food
After you have finished your breakfast, your private shuttle will meet you at the hotel and take you to Ho Chi Minh International Airport. Once there, you will either catch your aircraft back home or continue on to more exciting adventures; we will assist you with the planning process.
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