Amazing Vietnam 15 Days

Upon your arrival, our knowledgeable guide will be there to greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to downtown Hanoi. During your journey, your guide will provide an informative introduction to this captivating city. Look out for your guide holding a distinctive welcome sign adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. Once you're settled, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city's tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture, and serene lakes.

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam and its capital city, is home to seven million residents. This vibrant metropolis effortlessly blends tradition with refinement, boasting elegant French colonial architecture, charming tree-lined boulevards, picturesque lakes, and a bustling Old Quarter. Hanoi exudes a sophisticated charm that invites exploration. As you stroll through its streets, you'll encounter locals practicing Tai Chi by the lakesides, while sidewalk barbers and food vendors carry out their trades.

Notes:

• Hotel check-in time is from 14:00; early check-in is subject to room availability.
• We are flexible and can adjust the itinerary to accommodate starting or ending your trip in another city.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. We'll depart from Hanoi to Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, where you'll be treated to captivating rural scenery along the way. 

Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

For those feeling adventurous and fit, there's an option to embark on a half-hour trek up one of the nearby limestone karst hills, providing a rewarding panoramic view. Afterward, we'll journey to Tam Coc, located about 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, you'll experience the enchanting Tam Coc by boarding a bamboo boat rowed by local experts along the Hoang Long River. Explore the mystical "Three Caves," which provide a refreshing break from the sun. The journey takes approximately two hours, offering glimpses of local fishermen, riverside village life, and the iconic limestone karst formations.

For the more adventurous, you can climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled on Ngu Nhac Mountain and dating back to 1428. Comprising three structures (Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas), the pagoda's ascent offers breathtaking views. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before heading back to Hanoi, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Dong  Hoi.

 When you arrive in Dong Hoi, we'll pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for checking in & relaxing.

Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are the two most renowned caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its geological significance.

Both caves possess an enchanting allure in the "Kingdom of the Caves," Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Nowadays, they attract numerous domestic and international tourists eager to explore their natural beauty. If you are an avid cave explorer, Phong Nha is an ideal destination.

Our guide and vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in Dong Hoi, and you'll journey to explore Phong Nha Cave, located 50 km from the city, a 45-minute drive away. After a 25-minute boat ride, you'll arrive at Phong Nha Cave, which is often referred to as the "water cave." This cave is renowned for its remarkable rock formations, including formations known as the "Lion," the "Fairy Caves," the "Royal Court," and the "Buddha."

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Phong Nha village, followed by an exploration of the national park in the afternoon. Later, continue to visit Paradise Cave before returning to your hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Depart from Dong Hoi for Quang Tri Province, where you'll visit Vinh Moc Tunnels, a significant site from the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the Vietnam War. Explore the historic Hien Luong Bridge, which spans the Ben Hai River, serving as the border between North and South Vietnam. Afterward, you will be transferred to Hue.

Hue is one of the most charming towns in the Central Vietnam and has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country.

Today you will explore the royal city of Hue once served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the citadel, the city retains its royal charm.

After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.

From the Imperial City, your guide will take you to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site with its origins dating back to 1601. Here you will explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens, the seven-tiered octagonal tower, and watch the monks chanting.

Hue is famous for its Royal cuisine. The Nguyen Emperors’ banquets were legendary. Some feats were said to have included 300 rare dishes served in more than a thousand bowls. Today your guide will take you to the fine-dining Ancient Hue restaurant where you will be served a royal lunch. This old fashioned style meal which brings a boutique and unique experience.

After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

Continue to visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Following breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Hoi An. Along the way, you'll visit the charming fishing village of Lang Co Beach and the Cham Museum. As you ascend the Pass of Ocean Clouds, take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time.

Optional Visit to Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills, a road leading to a magical world, is considered the green environmental gem of central Vietnam. As part of a long-term development plan, the resort continually expands its services and offerings to cater to the demands of all tourists. During this optional visit, you'll explore the complex, including the renowned Golden Bridge, before heading to Hoi An. Please consult our travel experts for the cost supplement, as it varies based on group size.

Option 1 – Cooking Class: Begin your culinary adventure with a visit to a vibrant local market to source fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Return to the cooking school, where a skilled chef will demonstrate the preparation of typical Vietnamese cuisine. You'll then have the opportunity to cook these dishes yourself and relish the flavors you've created.

In the afternoon, explore the enchanting time-capsule town of Old Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Hoi An, once a major Asian seaport, boasts preserved traditional Chinese shops, elegant French residences, and an ancient Japanese bridge. The town also features silk markets, Vietnamese street food stalls, and captivating street performers.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by an invigorating bike ride to Tra Que Village, where you'll embark on an insightful visit to a local farm. Engage in farming tasks, including raking, sowing, watering, and harvesting vegetables. Enjoy lunch featuring local delicacies and join the chef in the cooking process. Afternoon activities include a traditional Vietnamese post-meal nap, vegetable harvesting, and packaging. Return to Hoi An and explore the Old Quarter at your leisure.

Option 3 – Countryside Biking or Motor Riding: Our guide will pick you up at the hotel on a motorbike, and you'll ride to Tra Que Village before heading to Kim Bong Village by local ferry. Explore the local way of life, including wood carving, mat weaving, and traditional noodle-making. After an exhilarating bamboo bridge river crossing, visit Duy Hai market and harbor. Lunch will be served at Cam Thanh homestay. Return to your hotel by motorbike or bike.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and spend your day at your own pace. Hoi An, often referred to as the "Pearl Island," offers stunning beaches, beautiful islands, and deserted shores. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor activities, our travel experts can provide recommendations and assist you in tailoring your day to your preferences.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred to Danang airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, your guide will meet you and take you on a tour of the city's highlights.

Optional Street Food Tour by Motorbike Immerse yourself in the local street food culture with a specialized Ho Chi Minh City food tour. You'll explore our favorite spots for Vietnamese food and recipes while traveling on a motorcycle tour, sampling a tasting menu of Vietnamese street food.

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will take you out of Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces most of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts.

After the two-hour drive through the lush farming land, you will arrive in Ben Tre where you will set out on a motorized boat trip on narrow channels winding through the coconut forest. During the boat ride, you will stop at the local cottage industries to see how the local people make bricks and weave sleeping mats by hand. Learn about their craft handed down through generations.

Take a leisure walk along the village lanes, visiting the local homes to try fresh fruits, taste delicious honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit another workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a wide range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.

Next, take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of Ho Chi Minh City which seems far, far away.

Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing local hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and lush orchard farms while meeting with local people.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant you will return to Ben Tre town and continue the drive through the fields and towns of the Mekong to Can Tho city.

Spend the evening at your leisure. Explore Can Tho night market by yourself and try some local food. The market streets come alive with dozens of bustling food stalls selling grilled meats and tofu on skewers, as well as grilled rice-paper banh trang nuong(‘Vietnamese pizza’)…etc.

Embark on a leisurely boat excursion to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, known as the Bassac River. Your journey then leads you to the bustling Cai Răng floating market, renowned as one of the liveliest in the entire region. As you navigate the market's vibrant waters, take in the vibrant scenes of local traders and their diverse offerings.

Have you ever wondered how Vietnamese vermicelli soup is made? Here's your chance to witness the artistry behind this beloved dish. Immerse yourself in the local village life, interacting with friendly locals and learning the art of crossing a "Monkey bridge," a remarkable structure crafted from a single bamboo stem. Explore the orchard garden and savor a delicious lunch.

On your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City by bus, your final stop will introduce you to the fascinating process of creating incense sticks. Please note that while the floating market may not be as bustling as depicted in some images due to improved road access and alternative transport options, it remains a unique and captivating experience well worth visiting before it potentially fades into history.