BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR
Best places to visit: Ha Noi - Sa Pa - Bac Ha - Ha Long - Cat Ba - Hue - Danang - Hoian - My Son - Nha Trang - Da Lat - Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho
20 days
Daily Tour
20 people
English & Czech
This unique 20-day tour covers all the highlights of Vietnam (from north to south) visiting Vietnam Capital to experience the hidden charms of Hanoi, Sapa – an exciting place to see the lives, culture and costumes of the Vietnamese ethnic minorities, from the amazing limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the ruins of the Purple Forbidden City, learn about the fascinating history of Vietnam by visiting the World Heritage Sites of Hue citadel and Hoi An ancient town. Then chill out on the white sandy beaches of Nha Trang before heading south to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, the mighty Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi tunnels. The Highlights Tour is perhaps the most comprehensive travel experience on offer anywhere in Vietnam.
Itinerary :
Day 1: Arrival – Ha Noi
Day 2: Ha Noi Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Day 3: Ha Noi City Tour – transfer to Sa Pa
Day 4: Sa Pa Trekking Tour to Lao Chai Village
Day 5: Sa Pa Package Tour to Bac Ha Market – Train to Ha Noi
Day 6: Ha Noi City – Ha Long Cruise Tour to Cat ba Island
Day 7: Cat Ba Island to Ha Noi
Day 8: Ha Noi City to Hue Citadel – Hue Sightseeing Tour
Day 9: Hue City to Da Nang – Hoi An Sightseeing Tour
Day 10: Hoi An Ancient Town to My Son – My Son Sightseeing Tour
Day 11: Hoi An to Da Nang – Nha Trang
Day 12: Nha Trang Package Tour
Day 13: Nha Trang City to Da Lat – Da Lat Sightseeing Tour
Day 14: Da Lat Package Tour
Day 15: Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing Tour
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 19: Mekong Delta Sightseeing Tour
Day 20: Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
DAY 1: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: ARRIVAL – HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere
O/N in Ha Noi.
DAY 2: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: FULL DAY HANOI SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B)
Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi.
Later on, we follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnology museum.
Enjoy your time to learn about 54 ethics in Vietnam. We also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theater – the traditional unique Vietnamese art where we will see a fantastic performance.
If time permits we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
O/N in Ha Noi.
DAY 3: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HANOI PACKAGE TOURS – SAPA BY CAR (B, L)
An early morning start to drive along the Red River to Sapa. The roads are bumpy sometimes but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps – where Montagnard hill tribes have lived for centuries will make for an interesting journey.
At a height of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. Now Sapa is considered to be The Queen of the Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides. Welcome to the destination in northwest Vietnam, gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes.
O/N in Sapa.
SAPA
DAY 4: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: SAPA TREKKING TOUR (B, L)
The Phan Si Pang range boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to explore some of nearby hill tribe villages and visit the busy market of Sa Pa where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, Xa Pho ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provision .
Today, after your breakfast , we will walk from Sapa towards Muong Hoa valley where we can admire magnificient landscapes and trek on small trails going to Y Linh Ho village (with Black H’mong tribe). Trek through lush rice-terraces towards Lao Chai village, enjoy delicious lunch in the local house near by Muong Hoa river, experiencing Black H’mong people’s daily life and traditional culture. Next cross suspension bridges as you walk through Lao Chai village to Ta Van village inhabited by Zay minorities exhibiting strong Chinese culture. In the afternoon, our bus ride you return to Sapa for dinner.
O/N in Sa Pa.
DAY 5: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: SAPA PACKAGE TOURS – BAC HA MARKET – BACK TO HANOI BY TRAIN (B, l)
After breakfast, we continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the next stop being Bac Ha Market. Driving along the border line with China, up and down and passing wonderful landscape then you are in Bac Ha. It is your time to explore Bac Ha Market where the ethnic people coming down from the mountains taking along their homemade products like embroidery, tobaco, rice wine…and household animals like dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, horse, buffaloes…for sales. Market is like a festival where the locals meet friends, drink rice wine to enjoy the life. An adventure for life!
In the afternoon, you have chance to enjoy a boat trip down stream Chay River and then our guide take you for walk to Thai Giang Pho Village of the flower H’mong and the Nung, visiting one school, and trekking by the side of the the highest mountain in Bac Ha through the beautiful plumb gardens before another visit to the palace of the H’mong King that built in 1921. In the end of the day, you will be transferred by bus to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight train back to Hanoi.
Option 1: Bac Ha & Muong Khuong Market on Sunday
Option 2: Coc Ly Market on Tuesday
About 35km from Bac Ha, Coc Ly Market is a colorful Tuesday market in a mountainous area where ethnic people gather to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander to enjoy the ambience of the montagnard market by the Chay River.
Option 3: Lung Khau Nhin Market on Thurday
Taking place every Thursday, Lung Khau Nhin Market is a small market hiding itself amongst the mountains and forests of the far north Vietnam about 10 km from the border with China. Although not being so big or famous among visitors as Coc Ly and Can Cau, Lung Khau Nhin market, be side a normal shopping place, play an important role to spiritual life of local ethnic peoples Flower H’mong, Black Zao, Zay, and especially to those who come from very small ethnic groups such as Pa Zi, Tou Zi, Tou Lao who live in small and isolated villages around this corner of the country, come for meeting, socializing…
Option 4: Can Cau Market on Saturday
Can Cau is a rural ethnic market, simply set up on the open ground at the side of a mountain, looking down a picturesque valley about 20 km north of Bac Ha. It is every Saturday morning when hundreds of ethnic peoples mainly Flower H’mong gather to sell their farming products and buy necessities.
The market’s most colorful part is clothes section with shirts, blouses, skirts… or parts of the traditional costumes with embroidery patterns in different motifs lying on dark batik background but may be the most interesting section is the tobacco and wine section when buyers are allowed to taste the product before buying and many men get too drunk to buy anything more!
In the perfect light of the early morning, It is not only the colorful market and the peoples but also the beautiful surrounding nature make the visit here an unforgettable trip, especially for nature lovers and photo hunters.
On train.
DAY 6: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HALONG BAY CRUISE TOUR TO CAT BA ISLAND (B/L)
06h00: Arrive at Hanoi Railways Station, our guide and driver will come to pick you up and transfer to restaurant for leisure and breakfast. Then we continue transferring to Halong Bay.
On arrival, we embark on a cruise to visit Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. This picturesque “Dragon descending to the sea” Bay has 1,969 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. During the boat trip, fresh seafood lunch prepared and served on board. Arrival in Cat Ba, we have free time to relax on a beach.
O/N in Cat Ba.
DAY 7: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: CAT BA ISLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR – HAIPHONG TO HANOI (B)
After a short transfer takes us to the national park of Cat Ba, we set off on a half-day exploring Vietnam’s unique offshore park.
The afternoon we board a hydrofoil to Hai Phong and drive back to Hanoi.
O/N in Ha Noi.
DAY 8: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HANOI PACKAGE TOURS – FLIGHT TO HUE – HUE TRAVEL PACKAGE TOURS (B)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue on VN1543 (08.30-09.45). Upon arrival we visit the Imperial Citadel. And then we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfumes River to visit the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We also have an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.
This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The sightseeing tour of Hue also includes with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
O/N in Hue.
DAY 9: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HUE PACKAGE TOURS – DANANG STOPOVER TOUR TO HOIAN – HOIAN SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B)
In this morning, before leaving to Danang we will take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages (we can choose the shorter way by driving through the tunnel).
Upon arrival Da Nang, we will take a visit to Cham Museum formerly known as the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation southward. Then a visit to Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and temples whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Later on, we keep on rolling further southward to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.
O/N in Hoi An.
DAY 10: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: MY SON SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)
We take a morning visit to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Visit of Hoi An Town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.
After tour in Hoian, drive to My Son, 70 km from Hoian. My Son is the Holy Land of Champa Kingdom from 04th to 13th century. Now the ruins of My Son is well preserved by UNESCO as World Culture Heritage.
O/N in Hoi An.
Hue: Imperial Citadel
DAY 11: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HOIAN – FLY TO NHA TRANG – FREE TIME (B)
This morning, you will be free to explore Hoi An City until transferred to Danang airport for flight to Nha Trang VJ581 (13.45-14.45). Upon arrival, we will pick up you and take to the hotel in Nha Trang city.
Nha Trang has earned its place on Vietnam’s tourist mainline partly on merit and partly due to its location. Fit for a King or a gathering of the world’s most gorgeous ladies, Nha Trang is the 29th most beautiful bay in the world and known as the Vietnamese Mediterranean Towering lush mountains surround Nha Trang Bay, creating a near perfect moon shape crescent as the sun dawn each morning on this lively beach town in Vietnam. This afternoon is the best time to refresh yourself.
O/N in Nha Trang.
DAY 12: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: NHA TRANG TRAVEL PACKAGES (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we start the tour with the first stop is Tri Nguyen Aquarium and the off-shore islands around Nha Trang, including Mun Mot island. Next, you can enjoy swimming and beach activities. Lunch at Tam island with fresh seafood.
Afternoon visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower, it is dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country. Then continue to visit Chong Promontory – looks like the work of a giant, who carelessly put several massive rocks together. On one side of the rock, facing the sea, there is a deep handprint with the five fingers close together. And finally, discover Oceanographic Institute – established on 14 September 1922, is the National Oceanographic Institution, responsible for research and investigation in the ocean.
O/N at Nha Trang.
DAY 13: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: NHA TRANG PACKAGE TOURS – DALAT CITY TOUR (B)
Drive to Dalat city, 1500 m above the sea level. Refresh with a little bit cool of the highland city, which was known as “A little Paris” or “a flower city”. Visit the Tuyen Lam Lake – a natural lake situated on top of a hill covered with pine trees, 6km east of Dalat City. The lake has been surrounded by many stories and legends with sorrowful endings in which the heroine drowns in the lake to keep her true love forever. Discover King Bao Dai’s summer palace – filled with artifacts from decades and governments past and is extremely interesting, then take time to visit city flower garden and Dalat Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the highland with a wide array of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
O/N in Da Lat.
DAY 14: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: DALAT PACKAGE TOURS (B)
After breakfast, start to visit to garden and Dalat Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the highland with a wide array of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Then visit to Lat K’ho hilltribe Village on the foot of Lang Bian Mountian, continue to visit the Old Dalat University and the Old railway station from French period. Finally visit to the Crazy house, one of new but strange architecture in Dalat design by the daughter our former president Truong Trinh.
O/N in Da Lat.
Da Lat City: Overview
DAY 15: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: DALAT SIGHTSEEING TOURS – HOCHIMINH CITY TOURS (B)
Visit the colorful Dalat Market with arrays of flowers and vegetable and Prenn Water Fall. Drop by Chicken Village, a K’ho hill tribe village near Bao Loc, at the gate of the village has a sculpture of a Chicken, the bird has to do with a village legend (and actually it has about four different versions of the story, and each is a hoot).
Drive to Ho Chi Minh (320 km) via Bao Loc with stop at coffee and tea plantations.
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 16: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HALF DAY SAIGON CITY TOUR (B)
Breakfast at the hotel, A half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City takes in the Notre Dame Cathedral – the most famous landmark as well as core Cathedral of the city, It is considered to be a famous age-long cathedral in Southern Vietnam that attract not only Catholics but also most tourists for its neo-Romanesque style architecture and a sacred atmosphere.
Then we visit Old Post Office, It has a Gothic architectural style and was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. Today, the building is a tourist attraction. Then transfer to Chinatown to visit Thien Hau Pagoda – one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases and Binh Tay Market – much of the business conducted here is wholesale.
Afternoon: Free time (no tour, no guide)
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 17: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: SAIGON FULL DAY TOUR TO TAY NINH & CU CHI TUNNELS (B)
Depart for Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai region founded on 1926. On arrival we attend the fantastic mid-day mass when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism.
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 Cu Chi tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels, the tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along.
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 18: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR TO MY THO – BEN TRE – CAN THO PACKAGE TOUR (B/L)
In the morning, transfer to My Tho, take a boat trip downstream to Ben Tre, where you have the opportunity to discover the local people life in Mekong Delta with popcorn and pop-rice workshop, rice paper mill, coconut candy mill, fruit gardens… Biking or transfer by horse carriage on village road.
After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho, the city located on Mekong Delta bank.
O/N in Can Tho.
DAY 19: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: CAN THO PACKAGE TOURS – HOCHIMINH CITY (B)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Ninh Kieu wharf for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market. Time for taking part to the local activities and taking pictures. Then continue by boat to Phong Dien Islands. The car picks up at Phong Dien and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 20: VIETNAM BEST-SELLING TOUR TO HANOI, HALONG, SAPA, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, SAIGON: HOCHIMINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)
At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure flight (check out hotel before 12h00)
*3 Star Hotels in use:
- Hanoi: Hanoi Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room) http://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn/en-us similar ones
- Sapa: Phoenix Sapa Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar ones
- Cat Ba: Hung Long hotel or similar ones
- Hue: Cherish hotel ( Deluxe Room) http://cherishhotel.com/ or similar ones
- Hoi An: Little Beach Hoi An (Little Deluxe room) https://www.littlehoiangroup.com/little-beach-hoi-an or similar ones
- Nha Trang: Majestic Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar ones
- Da Lat: TTC Hotel Premium Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar ones
- Saigon: Park View Sai Gon hotel (Deluxe Room) http://www.parkviewsaigonhotel.com/en or similar ones
- Can Tho: Anh Dao Can Tho hotel (Deluxe)
*4 Star Hotels in use:
- Hanoi: May De Ville Old Quarter (Deluxe room) http://www.maydeville.com/ similar ones
- Sapa: Sapa Freesia hotel or similar ones
- Cat Ba: Cat Ba Resort or similar ones
- Hue: Eldora Hue (Deluxe City view) https://www.eldorahotel.com/ or similar ones
- Hoi An: The Little Beach Hoi An (Little Deluxe room) https://www.littlehoiangroup.com/little-beach-hoi-an or similar ones
- Nha Trang: Legendsea hotel (Superior room) or similar ones
- Da Lat: Dalat Duparc hotel or similar ones
- Saigon: Millennium Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) millenniumboutiquehotel.com/ or similar ones
- Can Tho: Iris hotel or similar ones
* Inclusions:
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Train ticket Lao Cai – Hanoi (4-soft berth A/C cabin)
• Air ticket Ha Noi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
• Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch
• English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee to indicated sights
• Water puppet show
• Boat trips
* Exclusions: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,..