14-Day South to Central Vietnam Adventure: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Central Highlands & Hoi An

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY – ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Following your requested time of arrival flight,

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to the hotel. The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis, contrary to its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. (If time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2: FULL DAY HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNEL PRIVATE TOUR (B/L)

Today, we spend a half day exploring the captivating Ho Chi Minh City. The most interesting places of interest are located near the town center. 

We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous edifice was a former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. 

We follow these with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum with a wealth of images from the notorious conflicts. The sightseeing ends up with a walk around the retail Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!

Afternoon: Transfer about 30km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Cu Chi tunnels were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. The incredible underground network in Cu Chi stretched over 200 kilometres and became legendary during the American war. The extensive tunnels have been specially constructed with living areas, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres, plus accommodation. 

Today we have an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels to visit an exposition hall and a widened section of the tunnels to get a feel of the underground life. There are also possibilities to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. 

Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner on your own.

Overnight in HCMC

DAY 03: HO CHI MINH CITY – GROUP TOUR TO MEKONG DELTA – MY THO – BEN TRE – CAN THO (B/L)

After breakfast, heading out of town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta. This plain region boasts the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. On the way, we will visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the biggest pagoda in the Mekong delta. 

Upon arrival in My Tho, we board a boat navigating around the intricate small canals, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting river trip will pass by the lush green vegetation towards the famous Unicorn Island where we have a chance to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits, see farmers at work and Vietnamese folk music performed by the local people. 

We navigate some narrower canals using small rowing boats to Ben Tre Province for an interesting visit to some local industries. The extra enjoyment is a lunch at one of the famous local eating spots. 

After lunch, enjoy your time relaxing, walking around the village, or perhaps going for a short bike ride. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 4: CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Start your day early by boarding a boat to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. The market is most vibrant in the early hours of the morning. Witness the hustle and bustle of boats selling fruits, vegetables, and various local products.

During your boat tour, make a pit stop at one of the boats selling vermicelli and coffee. You can choose to buy and enjoy these local delicacies while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the market.

Continue your boat tour to visit a Rice Noodle Factory. Here, you can witness the traditional process of making rice noodles.

Turn back to your hotel to check out, relax

After that, get in the car and go for lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrived in Ho Chi Minh and at the end of the Mekong trip at around 4 PM.

Free in the evening. Overnight in HCMC

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

After breakfast at hotel, we leave by car at Cat Tien National Park (150km, 3hours). We slowly gain altitude as we approach this volcanic area. Upon arrival, we cross the Dong Nai river and head to the park’s administration building. 

Arrive in Cat Tien National Park around 11:30, we will have lunch in the garden. 

Check in Green Cat Tien

In the afternoon, we will begin a 3-5km hike along the nature trail, where we will see many gigantic trees such as Tung Giant Tree, 5-topped Lagerstroemia Tree, Hundred year Tree , Hundred-trunked Ficus, Afzelia Cyclocarpa that definitely delight you with its beauty.

18:15: A jeep transports us to the TaLai buffer zone for a night site where we may spot treeshrews, civets, mouse deer, wild boars, and pygmy loris. It lasts about 45 minutes. Tour guide will lead you back to the restaurant and savor dinner.

Overnight in Green Cat Tien

DAY 6: NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK – BAO LOC PASS – DA LAT (B/L)

After breakfast at the restaurant in National Park centre, we will check out then start to explore Bau Sau Ramsar area (Crocodile Lake)

Our car transports 9 km to a junction, where we hike 5 km to Crocodile Lake Station. Following a short rest stop at the lake’s watch tower, we hike back to the main road and a jeep brings us back to the restaurant to have lunch and get some leisure before going to Da Lat city.

13:30: depart to Da Lat City via Bao Loc Pass – one of the mountain passes that anyone traveling on the Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat route must experience. Built in 1973 and about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with 108 challenging bends, Bao Loc Pass is an ideal route for those who love to conquer the plateau peak. Our driver will stop at some point and you can take some pictures of the stunning view.

Once arriving in Da Lat we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering around and catching our first glimpse of this town.

Overnight in Da Lat.

DAY 7: DA LAT FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR (B/L)

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Da Lat, your full-day adventure begins at 8:30 am. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and set off on a comprehensive tour of the city and its remarkable surroundings.

The first stop is Robin Hill where we take the famous cable car ride up to discover the beautiful City of Flowers from a unique perspective – the views from the top are incredible!

Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery and Tuyen Lam Lake.

Continue to head towards Datanla Waterfall. We’ll discover one of the most amazing places in Da Lat. A 20-metre-tall waterfall located just outside the city, Datanla Waterfall is one of the most popular natural spots in the region. 

Next, we’ll visit Clay Tunnel Dalat, where we’ll find a variety of curious clay sculptures – the perfect place to take some souvenir photos! Have lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll have time to try some typical delicacies.

With renewed energy, we’ll make the trip to Langbiang Mountain by jeep car (group joining) to enjoy its impressive natural landscapes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn all about the lifestyle and traditions of the local people.

Finally, you will visit a hydroponic strawberry farm before taking you back to your hotel in Da Lat, where we will arrive at 4:30 pm.

Transfer to hotel. Free and overnight in Da Lat.

DAY 8: DA LAT – LAK LAKE – BUON ME THUOT CITY (B/L)

After breakfast and check-out, the group will depart for Buon Ma Thuot, visiting the stunning Lak Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. You’ll then proceed to Bao Dai Palace, the residence of the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty, where you can explore its rich history. Following this, the group will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, tasting regional specialties.

In the afternoon, the group will continue to Buon Ma Thuot city for check-in and some rest at the hotel. Around 14:30, the tour heads to Buon Don, where you will visit the longhouse, see traditional artifacts, and learn about the fascinating art of elephant hunting and taming. You’ll also have a look the tomb of the legendary elephant-hunting king Ama Kong, walk across the suspension bridge, and ride elephants across the river, soaking in the local culture.

Later, the group will return to Buon Ma Thuot for some rest at the hotel. In the evening, you will have free time to explore the vibrant coffee capital, with visits to Ban Me intersection, the Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda, and the lively Night Market. 

Overnight in Buon Me Thuot

DAY 9: BUON ME THUOT – PLEIKU – KONTUM (B/L)

In the morning, you will visit Museum of Ethnic Minority Cultures is the exhibit of more than 1000 valuable artifacts divided into 3 main exhibition spaces: Biodiversity showroom (local plants and animals), Ethnic culture showroom (indigenous peoples: E De, Mnong, Giarai and other groups), and the showroom of History with artifacts left after the war. After walking along Buon Ma Thuot market to have a look at the daily life of the local people, you will transfer to Ho Chi Minh Trail through pepper farms and rubber tree plantations to Pleiku, which is famous for the volcanic crater (Sea Lake) and the old battlefields. 

Overnight in Kon tum.

DAY 10: KONTUM – QUANG NGAI – MY LAI MASSACRE  (B/L) 

In the morning, you will do KonTum sightseeing tour with: Wooden Church (Roman Catholic Diocese of Kon Tum), a masterpiece designed following Roman architecture style in harmony with Ba Na’s stilted house style. Keep going to Ba Na Village – one of the three most populous indigenous peoples in the Central Highlands, admiring the beautiful Rong house and Iron Suspension bridge. 

At 10:00, heading National Highway 24, the car takes you to Quang Ngai province. Along the way, you will admire the rice fields and the rolling hills. On the way, we will stop to have lunch and a short break.

Once arrive in Quang Ngai, let’s learn about the famous Vietnam War through the tragic My Lai massacre, where armed soldiers killed hundreds of innocent civilians in the area, to understand the deep desire for peace among the Vietnamese people. This experience will surely make you appreciate the peaceful life we have today.

Overnight in Quang Ngai

DAY  11: QUANG NGAI – HOI AN (B/L)

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to Hoi An. 

On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the Statue of Mother Thu, the largest statue of its kind in Vietnam, which is modeled after Mother Thu, a Vietnamese heroic mother. Nguyen Thị Thu, who had 9 sons, 1 son-in-law, and 2 grandsons, all of whom sacrificed their lives during the wars against the French and the Americans to save the country.

You will continue to visit Tam Thanh Mural Village, a vibrant and lively ‘painting museum’ located next to a peaceful beach before having lunch in the local restaurant.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, leave your luggage in the hotel and be free to explore Hoi An Ancient Town.

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 12: HOI AN WALKING TOUR & BOAT TRIP ON THU BON RIVER (B/L)

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to start a half-day walking tour that combines discovering original cuisine with exploring the beautiful historical monuments of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. You will wander through the old streets of this charming town, visiting landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Sa Huynh Museum, and the local market to learn about the cultural and historical values of Hoi An. 

Have a lunch at local restaurant

After lunch, embark on a relaxing Thu Bon River boat trip to Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Observe the skilled artisans practicing their time-honored techniques of woodworking and creating beautiful handcrafted products. See how traditional carpentry techniques have been passed down through generations.

DAY 13: HOI AN – GROUP TOUR TO BANA HILLS – ONWARD TO DANANG (B/L)

8:00: our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to discover Ba Na Hills, located 25 km southwest of Da Nang City. 

To reach the summit, you will take a cable car from the base and enjoy spectacular views of the forest. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to sightsee and take photos at the world-famous Golden Bridge with its iconic Giant Hand.

Continue to the flower garden Le Jardin D’amour, which features many kinds of beautiful flowers, and visit the Debay Wine Cellar, which houses a variety of wines. Take another cable car ride to reach the Old French Villas at an elevation of 1,138 meters to experience the architecture. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant.

After lunch, you will have more time to explore and play games at the Fantasy Theme Amusement Park (most games and the 4D movie are included in your tour package, but some games with rewards will require an additional fee). Following your visit, you will take the cable car back to the base. Our guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel. The tour will end upon your return.

DAY 14: DA NANG CITY – DEPARTURE (B)

Follow your flight, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Da Nang International Airport three hours before the departure time 3 hours and say goodbye.

End of 14-Day South to Central Vietnam Exploration.

INCLUSIONS

• Hotel accommodation based on sharing twin/double rooms with daily breakfast
• Meals as indicated on the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner; Br: Brunch)
• Sightseeing and entrance fees on tour
• 2-way private airport transfers with guide
• Private Ho Chi Minh City tour
• Private car from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat until the end of the tour in Da Nang
• Bus on group tour in Mekong Delta
• 2-way cable car to Robin Hills (Da Lat); Bana Hills (Da Nang)
• Boat trip in Hoi An
• Experienced English-speaking guides as indicated on the program
• 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
• Cold towel on the car/van/bus
• Government tax

EXCLUSIONS

•  Visa; Travel Insurance; Drinks and other personal expenses; Tips; Payment transfer fee
•  Others not mentioned in the itinerary

Note :

Normally, the tip fee of your group is 3usd/person/day for tour guide and 2usd/person/day for driver. This is a basic fee, if your group is happy and satisfied with them, you could pay more as it’s not compulsory and depending on your pleasure.