21 DAYS ULTIMATE VIETNAM TRAVEL PACKAGE

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Lunch by your own account

In the afternoon, drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. You will visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple – the temple of the Jade Mountain.

Then you will enjoy street food in Hanoi.

Below is some suggestion for you:

1. Banh My – a simple Vietnamese baguette
2. Bun Cha – made of grilled pork & noodle, a well-known local food in Hanoi.
3. Banh Trang Tron – Rice Paper Salad – one of best street food
4. Tasting Egg Coffee or Sweet Soup (chè)
5. Nem Lui – Grilled ground pork on stick

Next you will visit Water Puppet Show – a traditional art of Vietnamese people in Hanoi.

Back to hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick you up from hotel to Ninh Binh in around 2.5 hours.

Arrival in Ninh Binh, you will visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital dating back to the 10th century, packed with temple & fortress ruins.

Then you will visit the Temple of King Dinh and King Le and learn more about Vietnamese history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

Lunch at local restaurant

In the afternoon, you will visit Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on the land”, where you can spend 1.5 hours on the bamboo boat to explore this area. On this excursion down the Ngo Dong River, you will pass through the beautiful paddy fields, limestone karst formation, and a stunning cave system including Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba for an unforgettable experience.

We continue to visit Mua Cave, also known as the “Great Wall of China” in Vietnam, and climb 500 steps to reach the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, overlooking the amazing view of the city and Tam Coc below.

Then back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Higlights: Hanoi – Mai Chau. Start cycling Mai Chau villages (Cycle to Tong Dau, Na Tang, Cha Long village)

• 08:00: Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau – an idyllic valley home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai.
• 12: 00: Arrive in Mai Chau around noon and enjoy your lunch.
• 14:00: Check in your room (If room is available, we can offer you early check in)
• 15:00: Biking tour with local guide to explore Mai Chau beautiful ethnic villages including Na Thia, Chieng Sai, Cha Long, Tong Dau, Van villages. Be welcomed by the friendly local people, talk with them and discover their traditional culture. Total cycling time is around 2 – 2,5 hours on flat village paths.
• 18:30: Back to Mai Chau Ecolodge for dinner.
• 20:30: Enjoy a traditional dance show and taste Ruou Can, a local rice wine.
• Overnight at Mai Chau Ecolodge.

Highlights: Hiking Mai Chau villages (Hike to Mai Ha, Te, Khoe village)

• 06:30 – 07:30: Breakfast at Ecolodge
• 08-00– 08:30: After breakfast at Mai Chau Ecolodge, you will be picked up by private car and transferred to Mai Ha village.
• 09:00: Your hike starts with a walk through Kha local village and along the dirt trail through forest with tropical trees which covers Pu Poc sacred mountain of Thai ethnic minority in Mai Chau. The spectacular scenery gradually appears before you. You continue to visit Te – a small charming village is beside the forest and rarely visited by tourists. The local lunch will be served at local home stay.
• After your lunch, the walk between the Thai ethnic minority villages Pu and Khoe follows the concrete trail. You can meet the local child at their house’s yard and enjoy peaceful scenery of mountain and paddy terraces.
• From Khoe village, you will take a transfer to Mai Chau Ecolodge. Here you spend your own time to swim or enjoy the view of the valley and the surrounding mountain. Stay the 2nd night at Ecolodge.

• 06:30 – 07:30: Breakfast at Ecolodge
• 08:00: (Recommend itinerary) Free exploring Mai Chau beautiful ethnic villages including Na Thia, Nhot, Pom Coong, Lac and Chieng Chau villages. Be welcomed by the friendly local people, talk with them and discover their traditional culture. Total walking time is around 2.5 – 3 hours on flat village paths. Take it all in: the spectacular scenery of Mai Chau and the relaxed rhythm of local life.
• Check out around 12.pm
• 12:00 – 13:15: Have lunch at Ecolodge’ restaurant
• 13:30: Transfer back to Hanoi.
• End of the tour.

7.45-8.15:  Pick-up at the hotel. (Note: this time applied for those who use our shuttle bus service)

 10.00:  Having short break at stopover in Hai Duong Province in about 25 minutes on the way to Halong.

 12.00 – 12.30: Embark on Lavender Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing and enjoy welcome-drink. Check in the cabin.

13.15:  Enjoy lunch with sampling regional fresh seafood while cruising on exquisite water, passing Incense Burner Island, Fighting Cock islet, Stone Dog…Lavender Cruise will bring you to explore Ha Long Bay on the most wonderful route where just a few cruises go through.

15.00-16.30

Do kayaking through the magnificent landscape with Limestone Mountains at Luon Cave, visit Titop Island or just relaxing on the sun-deck for fantastic views at The Bay

Back to Lavender Cruises and join sunset party

Pass by Soi Sim Beach, “Rang Dua” Island to sleeping area near Surprising cave.

19:30: Under the magnificent night sky, our set-menu dinner is served with a variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods.

Evening activities:

Join squid fishing on boat with our crews. You can enjoy the squid cooked with assistance from our chef, Playing card, karaoke….

Or Laze yourself with our happy-hour drinks at the bar.

Overnight on  Lavender Elegance Cruise

06:30: Early morning sun rise can enjoy gym on sundeck.

07:00: Morning view of Halong bay landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast.

08:00: Visit the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot) discovered by the French in 1901. Opened for tourists since 1936, now it is a must-to-see and a symbol for geology value of Halong.

09:30: Check out time. Then relax on the sun-deck or inside the restaurant to enjoy the bay’s scenery.

10h15: Enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier.

12:00: Check out cruise.

Then transfer directly to airport for flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and take rest.

Overnight in Hue.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will discover Hue ancient capital.

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Discover the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. Take the boat on Huong River, then you wil visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognisable icons.

In the afternoon, visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior. Continue to visit Minh Mang Tomb – considered as the most majestic of all of the Royal Tombs. Renowned for its architecture, which harmoniously blends into the nature surroundings.

Shopping at Dong Ba Market – the busiest market in Hue with various kinds of foods and goods. Here you can see how the local people buy and sale things. This is also a chance for you to buy souvenirs for your friends and family.

Overnight in Hue.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will take a private car transfer to Hoi An. On the way, you will come across Hai Van Passwith the panoramic view of Lang Co Beach & East Sea.

Arrival in Hoi An, then you will visit My Son Sanctuary – “the spirit and art valley” is a symbol for a brilliant period of Champa kingdom. Since 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage

Arrive in My Son Temple, a special electric car will pick you up at the main gate and take you to the place where was chosen to build the temple tower of the Champa Royal for nearly 1000 years with many ancient towers hidden in a discreet valley. The place where the most exquisite focus of ancient Champa culture – is considered to be the Holy Land.

There, you will hear the stone bricks tell about the dancing gods, tell about the gods of worship in the Champa culture, and so many secrets that until now still have no explanation and maybe you will be the first decode them.

After visiting and listening to the tour guide talk about the mysteries here, you will be back to the main gate of My Son Ruins by special electric car. Leave My Son Holy land behind.

Transfer to hotel, check in and take a rest.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Pick you up at your hotel by private car and transfer you down to PHƯỚC HẢI- CỬA ĐẠI Fishing Village

Board  Jack Tran’s  boat cruise and commence cruising on CỬA ĐẠI River

Enjoy Thúng Chai basket boat demonstration by Jack Tran’s crews.

Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats and join in a basket boat racing for fun while exploring waterways palm coconut canals waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides of V.C & US army. Enjoy your fun catching purple crabs

Join local fishermen life on the river and enjoy hands-on experience cast net fishing

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

Keep arriving to an islet fisherman for big net fishing           

Back on-board our boat, enjoy lunch and cold beer or soft drink.

Then come back hotel and take a rest.

In the the late afternoon, Take a walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.

Back to hotel and take a rest

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, transfer to Bana Hills Station. You have a chance to ride on a modern system of cable cars helps you get a bird’s-eye view, very miraculous and attractive while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky amidst the clouds and wind. You will visit some old French villas en route, as well as the suspension bridge, Nui Chua & the Mountain Peak (at the height of 1,487m). Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Golden Bridge, Sakyamuni Buddha’s monument and Ba Na.

Leave Bana hill behind,  back to hotel and take a rest.

Breakfast at hotel, then you will discover Marble Mountain – a cluster of five limestone mountains in Da Nang – a natural destination with Lind Ung Pagoda.

Arriving at the Marble Mountains you first need to climb the stairs up that leads you to Linh Ung Pagoda.

At the top you can visit some temples and discover numerous caves and amazing viewpoints, with panoramic views over the complete area and coast below.

You will learn more how some impressive caves were used by guerrilla fighters during the Vietnamese War.

After a couple of hours hiking around the complex, then you will transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh, check in at hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

In the morning, you will have a short tour to discover Ho Chi Minh City – the most modern city in Vietnam.

The first stop is Reunification Palace – a landmark of HO Chi Minh city, built in French colonial period. Besides, you will discover other exciting French style architecture like Dong Khoi Street, Opera House and Old post office.

Visiting War Remnant Museum – display Vietnam war items. Then you will visit Ngoc Hoang Pagoda – Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes.

Back to Hotel for take  a rest, then you will enjoy a group tour to discover Saigon After Dark.

‘A foodie night out on the town’ by Vespa

Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top ranking stylish rooftop venue of Saigon in central city location where we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset Saigon from the above. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon as you check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake. We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at two very different venues.Firstly, the laid back atmosphere of quieter, softly lit coffee shop with live music before heading to another live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.

Depart in the early morning for a 2hr drive northwest to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches and contained hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War.

After a chance to rest, you select bicycles for a cycling tour around village paths leading us to home of Mr. Cong where you watch how he makes pop rice, shows you the blend of traditional and modern agricultural method that sustains the local village. He will reveal the secret of making ‘rice pop’. This unique and nutritious foodstuff will become a gift for locals or children in school. Your guide explains how the animals are raised and shows you the way they collect ‘biogas’ to make free and sustainable cooking food.

Continuing riding on quiet village roads passing by a duck farm if we get a chance, green rice paddies, sedge field and small villages. Along the way, you visit one of the dragon or orange fruit plantations and taste it directly at the garden. This is a relaxing time with plenty of chances to capture the picturesque Asian sun set scenes. Enjoy the beautiful sunset before returning to the lodge on your bicycles.

Shower and refresh, you start to walk to home of neighbor who fought during the Vietnam war and be shared with the story, experienced of “poon” lights  and traditional music. End of the show, we walk back in hand of traditional torche made of dried coconut leaves.

You are the chef! A traditional cooking class with Vietnamese pancake made by you. A great learning experience that means you can take a little of Vietnam home with you. Dinner is served at lodge’s restaurant

After breakfast, loaded boats are already heading to local squatting market and transporting goods such as coconuts from one factory to the other, crossing local ferry to visit beautiful Cao Dai temple. We also had a chance to see these factories. Situated alongside the river, these are small coconut-processing operations. Once the coconut has been shelled, the coconut fibers are removed from the husk to make rope, which in turn is used to weave rugs. You can watch the whole manufacturing process in a short period of time. Most of the work is done by hand at very low cost. The buyers are mostly foreign companies.       

Back to the Lodge, if time permitted, take some activities as to harvest some water coconut leaves and weave them up by you. These leaves are a key building material in the Mekong Delta as they are used to build the walls and roof of the houses. The local people will show you not only how they use these leaves but also how to make the ‘poon’ sticks that illuminated in the previous night.

Then you will transfer to Can Tho.

Arrival in Can Tho, check in at hotel and take a rest

Waking up early to the sounds of the Mekong River, you will take a boat trip to reach the Cai Rang floating market.

Cai Rang market is located not far from Can Tho city. On an arm of the Mekong, at sunrise, you can see hundreds of boats equipped with a long bamboo pole at the end of which is planted a pineapple, a tomato, a dragon fruit… the farmers of the delta. Everyone went up the river on their sampan loaded with a pyramid of fruit or vegetables. Disembarkation at the quay of Ninh Kieu.

Lunch at local restaurant

Then depart for Rach Gia where you take the fast boat to Phu Quoc (1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.). Arrive in Phu Quoc, transfer by private car to your hotel. All the rest of the day is free to rest and relax by the sea.

08:30 pick up from your hotel at lobby

• Arrive at harbor – board our boat
• Visit 3 islands in the south
• Gam Ghi Island: Snorkel at coral reef – snorkeling
• Buom Island (or Mong Tay Island): Snorkeling at coral reef
• Enjoy lunch on board
• May Rut Trong Island: White sand lagoon – unique chillout & activities on the island
• 15;30: Visit Hon Thom with return cable car – Hon Thom Cable Car – the longest cable car in Vietnam and enjoy many activities at Water Park – Aquatopia.

Then return hotel

Free & Easy at hotel

Free & Easy at hotel, then transfer to airport for flight home.