Vietnam at a glance

Description

Tour type: private - moderate

Class: superior - luxury

Duration: 14 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or reverse.
Price: from USD1194/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group Size: on request (2 - 16 person)

Highlights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, sea kayaking and snorkeling, charming Hoi An, nice beach, boat cruises.

Introduction: If you only have a limited amount of time but still want to see all of Vietnam's most popular destinations, then this is definitely the right tour for you. Highlights include Hanoi the capital with its fascinating Old Quarter, colorful Sapa with many ethnic minority groups as well as the wonder of Halong Bay, one of five World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. Further to center, we visit Hue, the Imperial City of the 18th and 19th centuries, the picturesque port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers. We then take the flight to the coastal city of Nha Trang before heading south to Ho Chi Minh City. From here, we take excursion to one-time guerrilla stronghold of Cu Chi Tunnels and boat ride on the Mekong River.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha long Bay (B, L, D)

Day 3: Ha Long - Hanoi - Sapa (B, L)

Day 4: Sapa - Trekking

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi - Hue (Flight) (B, L)

Day 7: Hue city tour (B, L)

Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B, L)

Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang - Nha Trang (Flight) (B, L)

Day 10: Nha Trang (B, L)

Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Flight) (B, L)

Day 12: Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong (B, L)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City departure (B)

Note*: This is a typical tour made by Tuan Linh Travel. In any case, please contact us for details in accordance with your departure date or customized itinerary.

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
Your trip starts today with the warm welcome at the airport from your arrival in Hanoi. We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda. We will then enjoy the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
8:00: You are picked up at the hotel. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel in Hanoi and pack an overnight bag.
12.15 pm: Arrive in Halong city, board our junk boat for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then go kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay.
19.30pm: Enjoy your dinner with fresh seafood on board.
21.00pm: Squid fishing or relax and chatting with your partner, friends, family.
Overnight on Halong Bay Junk.
Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi - Lao Cai (Brunch)
7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served. Enjoy Sunrise on the Bay. Continue to explore the Bay. Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi, on the way call on a ceramic village to see craftsmen do their works. Free time for your personal activities and dinner until transfer to the station for night train to Sapa.
Overnight on train.
Day 4: Lao Cai arrival – Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai (B, L)
An early morning arrive Lao Cai station. Transfer to Sapa town. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic. It is most likely that Sa Pa was first inhabited by highland minorities of the H'mong and Yao groups, as well as by smaller numbers of Tay and Giay, these being the four main minority groups still present in Sa Pa district today.
We start our trekking with a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H'mong. Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the river, and then next 6 km to Sin Chai, the village located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way back to Sapa.
Overnight at Hotel, Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa trekking - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B, L)
Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black H’mong, Tay and Xapho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region, Muong Hoa valley on the way to Y Linh Ho village of the Black H’mong. We will then trek down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colorful population makes for an unimaginable view. Get back to Sapa. You are free and easy for personal activities until transfer for night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on train.
Day 6: Hanoi - Hue (Flight) (B, L)
We arrive Hanoi in the morning. After breakfast at the restaurant, we spend a day of City tour, visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday and Friday), the Former Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilt, West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. After lunch, we transfer to airport for flight to Hue.
Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue was Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 7: Hue city tour (B, L)
We will have a full day tour to visit Hue city. We start with a nice boat cruise on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb. The Perfume River is 30km long and that is from Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary. In this region the stream runs very slowly. Beautifully as well as mysteriously the color of the Perfume River becomes darker when it runs along the foot of Ngoc Tran Mount - the Jade Cup Temple. The river brings with it fragrances of tropical flora. Probably that's why the name of the river has been the Perfume River.
After lunch, we continue to visit Imperial Citadel, Flag Tower, Khai Dinh Tomb. The day ends with trip to bustling Dong Ba Market. You will have chance to shop and explore the daily life of the local here.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B, L)
We travel by private vehicle from Hue to Da Nang - Journey south along Highway 1 past the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co. On the way to Hoi An, we stop visit Cham Museum, Marble Mountain. Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.
We have lunch in Hoi An and keep visiting the tranquility and charm of Hoi An. The town is coupled with low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff. Our visiting sites includes: Ong Pagoda, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation.
You are free then for self exploration of the most delightful Hoi An and its surrounding areas. The market is a good place to buy silk that can be made up into fine garments, all within a day. Close to town is the Cua Dai beach, which can be reached easily by bicycle, is an ideal place to swim and relax.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang - Nha Trang (Flight) (B, L)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
We will take the flight to Nhatrang. This afternoon we will visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom. After lunch, you are free to swim and relax on the beach or join many optional sea - sport activities available here.
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang city (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. We also visit fishing villages around the area. Lunch at local restaurant. We will then visit the Oceanique Institute, Hon Chong Promontory. Back to the hotel or free to relax or swim at nice beach in Nha Trang for personal activities.
Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city (Flight) (B, L)
Today, you will take the flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
We take a short city tour to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). If time permits, we will visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel, Ho Chi Minh.
Day 12: Tay Ninh - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Today, we head out to Cao Dai Holy See, attend the noontide service ceremony and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!). Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong (B, L)
The Mekong Delta (or the “Nine Dragon River Delta”) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. A river cruise on the Mekong river is a great experience to watch the daily life of the locals.
We start at the hotel at 7:45am to drive to Tien Giang, on of the provinces of Mekong Delta. Arrive in My Tho City. Take a boat ride to visit Con Phung Island with full of tropical fruit gardens. We will have chance to enjoy the fruit and Mekong folk songs performed by the local artists. The visit the most ancient pagoda in Mekong Delta - Vinh Trang. After lunch, we visit the Dong Tam Snake Farm before coming back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City departure (B)
Free time till transfer to the airport for your next destination.
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*Note: The itinerary in Halong Bay may change depending on the cruiser you take.

Quotation

Category	Net rate in US$/person in party of			Single room
	2 - 3	4 - 5	6 up
Superior	1651	1355	1194	+323
First class	1888	1599	1439	+508
Deluxe	2262	1988	1827	+790
Luxury	Contact us for price

Note*: rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals, etc.

Inclusion:

• Twin-shared rooms at 3-5 star hotels.

• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.

• Land transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip.

• Boat trip in Halong Bay, Dragon boat in Hue and boat in My Tho.

• English speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.

• Admission fee for all sightseeing places

• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All flights and airport tax (Hanoi - Hue: US$85; Da Nang - Nha Trang: US$85; Nha Trang - Saigon: US$75)

• Visa arrangement.

• Travel insurances.

• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.)

• Services mentioned above.

Packing list: Passport, towels, toiletries, flash light, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, proper hiking shoes and rain coat.

Accommodation

Category	Cities	Hotels	Class	Room Type
Superior	Hanoi	Hoa Binh Palace	3*	Superior
	Sapa	Holiday Sapa hotel	3*	Standard
	Halong cruise	Oriental Sails	3*	Deluxe
	Hue	Ideal Hotel	3*	Superior
	Hoi An	Pho Hoi Riverside	3*	Superior
	Nha Trang	The Light hotel	3*	Superior
	Da Lat	Vietso Petro Hotel	3*	Deluxe
	Ho Chi Minh	Sapphire Hotel	3*	Superior
First class	Hanoi	Sunway Hanoi	4*	Superior
	Sapa	Chau Long Hotel(New Wing)	4*	ROH
	Halong cruise	Victory Cruise	4*	Superior
	Hue	Huong Giang Hotel	4*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Hoi An hotel	4*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Nha Trang Lodge hotel	4*	Standard
	Da Lat	Hoang Anh Resort	4*	Villa Supperior
	Ho Chi Minh	First hotel	4*	Superior
Deluxe	Hanoi	Moevenpick Hotel	5*	Superior
	Sapa	Victoria Sapa Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Indochina Sails	4*	Superior
	Hue	Celadon Palace	5*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Palm Garden Resort	5*	Garden - View
	Nha Trang	Sunrise Nha Trang	5*	Superior
	Da Lat	Saigon Dalat Hotel	4*	Junior Suite
	Ho Chi Minh	Windsor Plaza Hotel	5*	Deluxe
Luxury	Hanoi	Sofitel Metropole Hotel	5*	Opera Room
	Sapa	Victoria Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Jasmine Junk	5*	Premium
	Hue	La Residence Hotel	5*	Superior
	Hoi An	Victoria Resort	5*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Evason Nha Trang & Six Senses Spa	5*	Garden View
	Da Lat	Sofitel Dalat Palace	5*	Luxury
	Ho Chi Minh City	Park Yark Hotel	5*	Park Room

Note*:

• Hotels and/or room type would be changed on your requests with surcharge/discount (if any).

• Similar hotels will be selected  in case pointed ones are full.