Itinerary
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Half Day City Tour
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Hanoi (B/L) – SIC Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Limousine Dcar to Sapa – Cat Cat Village (B)
Day 4: Fansipan Mountain – Afternoon Limousine Dcar to Hanoi (B)
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay by Shuttle Bus – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)
Day 6: Halong Bay Cruise – Disembarkation – Hanoi by Shuttle Bus – Flight to Da Nang (B/Br)
Day 7: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge – Da Nang (B) – SIC Tour
Day 8: Da Nang – Cam Thanh Coconut Basket boat – Hoi An Ancient Town – Da Nang (B/D) – SIC Tour
Day 9: Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels – City Tour (B/L) – SIC Tour
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Tour (B/L) – SIC Tour
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Half Day City Tour
Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, pick up by our guide and driver and transfer to the city center.
This afternoon, we visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (from outside as closed in the afternoon), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.
Continue to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, locates on a small peninsula on the East side of the dazzling West Lake, this is the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.
Continue visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and then take a leisure walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as ‘The 36 Streets’ – each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics, medicines to crafts.
Overnight in Hanoi.
– Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included.
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Hanoi (B/L) – SIC Tour
After breakfast, our SIC guide will meet you at your hotel/stay and start 110km on Bus-journey through verdant landscape of countryside. Short break en route.
10:00 – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple dating back to the 17th Century.
12:00 – Enjoy lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisine.
13:30 – Boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (1.5-hour boat trip). With Halong Bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunities for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery.
15:30 Leisure cycling on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages with backdrop of a maze of limestone mountains.
16:45 – Return to our bus and then come back to Ha Noi. Drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Limousine Dcar to Sapa – Cat Cat Village (B)
Early wake-up. After breakfast and hotel check-out, you’ll be picked up by a shared Limousine Dcar and depart from Hanoi. Our adventure begins with a 5.5-hour drive on the highway to the mountain town of Sapa. The journey from Lao Cai to Sapa is the best part of the way, as the scenery on your northward journey into the highlands is both dramatic and breathtaking. Arriving in Sapa by noon time, check in our hotel. Meet your local guide in Sapa.
After a short rest, this afternoon, go downhill to Cat Cat village with beautiful landscape along the way. Cat Cat village locates near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak, is home of Black H’mong ethnic people. Our guide will tell us about the locals’ culture and daily life while we trek down to the valley to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station. Walk uphill to the main road where our bus picks us up and transfer back to Sapa. Enjoy time shopping at the town market. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4: Fansipan Mountain – Afternoon Limousine Dcar to Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, check out hotel.
We transfer to Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station and spend 20 minutes on the world’s longest and highest cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Reach the altitude of 2800 meters, continue trek up 600 steps to the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina, 3143m above the sea level. Here we visit the spiritual cultural complex, with its many Buddha statues, and take pictures of the surroundings from the top of the mountain. Transfer downhill also by cable car then transfer back to the town center.
This afternoon, the shared Limousine Dcar will pick you up for the return journey to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay by Shuttle Bus – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out hotel. The shuttle bus provided by cruise will pick you up and transfer to Halong through Red River delta (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/bus, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). Enjoy the scenery of tranquil villages embellished by peaceful green paddy field in the rural Vietnam on the way.
Upon arrival in Halong, we check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes.
After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating houses and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance.
Back to the cruise, relax and enjoy the sunset at sundeck.
Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.
Please note the program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose.
Day 6: Halong Bay Cruise – Disembarkation – Hanoi by Shuttle Bus – Flight to Da Nang (B/Br)
You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the “East Sea” by a point-oriented name “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast, our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent of Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise coming back to the pier.
Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions.
After disembarking at Halong Wharf, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi via the Red River Delta on a shuttle bus provided by the cruise (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/group, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). Enjoy the scenery of tranquil villages embellished by peaceful green paddy field in the rural Vietnam on the way.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be dropped off at the meeting point. From there, our driver (without guide) will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival in Da Nang, our driver (without guide) will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Da Nang.
Day 7: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge – Da Nang (B) – SIC Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:40-08:15: Pick you up from your hotel in Da Nang and join the group to visit Sun World Ba Na Hills (Sun World Ba Na Hills is endowed with all climate and natural advantages for a tourist area) with a height of 1487 meters above sea level. Here, visitors are immersed in experiences of European cultural tranquility and exciting stops where festivities know no ends). This is the French high-quality resort in 1990s.
09:00-09:30: The bus arrives to Ba Na Hills entrance, starting the journey up mountain by cable car, achieving 2 world records – the longest in the world at 5,042.62m – the height difference between the two largest stations in the world at 1,291.81m. Visitors will stop at 3rd cable car station and visit around some points such as: Golden Bridge (golden hand bridge), 100 year-old Debay wine cellar, Love Garden – Le Jardin d’amour, Linh Ung pagoda with a Gautama Buddha statue with 27m height.
11:30-12:00: Visitors have lunch inside a buffet restaurant on the top of Ba Na Hills. — You got free time to explore games in Fantasy Park, the largest indoor recreational area of Vietnam that spans hundreds of indoor games for families and children.
15:00-15:30: Visitors gather at the meeting points, checking belongings and entering the cable car to leave Ba Na Hills.
15:30-16:00: The group return to Da Nang and visit the local Silk craft village and local specialties foods on the way back.
17:00-17:30: The bus will drop you at the same point picking up in the morning – finish the tour. Overnight in Da Nang.
– Please note: Optional entrance fees for Wax Museum (~6 USD/pax), Debay Ancient Wine Cellar (~6 USD/pax), Alpine coaster (~4 USD/pax/ride), Bouldering (~6 USD/pax), and coin games are not included in my quotation, joining them will be at your own account.
Day 8: Da Nang – Cam Thanh Coconut Basket boat – Hoi An Ancient Town – Da Nang (B/D) – SIC Tour
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure in the morning.
12:00–12:15: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel.
Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut. As a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe, interesting and suitable for everybody.
About 14:30: Visit the next destination, Hoi An Old Town.
• Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Shopping at Hoi An Central Market. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees make offerings.
• You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses, such as Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. Visit Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
• Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
• Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
• Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.
18:00: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on the Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.
18:30: Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Da Nang.
Day 9: Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
After breakfast, check out hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (without guide).
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our driver (without guide) will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels – City Tour (B/L) – SIC Tour
After breakfast, take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Tour (B/L) – SIC Tour
After breakfast, leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which dates back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.
In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until check-out. Our driver (without guide) will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
– Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-out is not included.
End of services
Tour ends here with happy memories….))))
Inclusion / Exclusion
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation based on double/twin sharing room
- Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- SIC tours as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation by vehicle with A/C
- o Private airport transfers
- o Shared vehicle for SIC tours
- Water during tour day: 2 bottles of 500ml/day
- Local English-speaking guide(s) in Vietnam (different guides in different cities & tour)
- E-Visa/Visa to Vietnam
Package Exclusions
- Medical | Travel Insurance.
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Any flights (International & Domestic) and airport tax
- Single Supplement; Early check-in and late check-out; Hotel/Room upgrade
- Surcharge for Christmas, New Year Eve, Luna New Year (if any)
- Tip, drinks, personal expenses and any services not mentioned in the program
- Gst
- Tcs
Tour Cost
Package Cost
2 Pax: /- PP
4 Pax : /- PP
6 Pax: /- PP
8 Pax: /- PP
Per Person package cost (based on minimum 2 adults ) *without airfare
Rates are subjected to availability + 5% GST Applicable
High Season Surcharges applicable
Booking Policy
Payment Policy:
- 45 or more days before departure: 25%
- Between 30 to 44 days before departure: 50%
- Between 15 to 29 days before departure: 100%
- The booking stands liable to be canceled if 100% payment is not received less than 10 days before the Date of Travel.
Cancellation Policy:
- 30 or more days before departure: 25%
- Between 20 to 29 days before departure: 50%
- Between 10 to 19 days before departure: 100%
- ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE BY EMAIL, ONLY DURING OFFICE HOURS & MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY OUR STAFF IN WRITING. There is no refund on any unutilized service.
Flight Tickets:
100% Amount of flight tickets at the time of flight booking.
Any rescheduling, cancellation, and refunds of flight tickets shall be as per respective airlines rules.
Rescheduling:
In case you are unable to travel as planned and need to reschedule your date of travel:
The cost of rescheduling needs to be paid by the guest subject to amendment charges from hotels and transporters.
Rescheduling will only be accepted by E-mail at travelexplorersindia@gmail.com
Visa:
Indian passport holders are eligible for E-Visa to Vietnam
Visa-related and Immigration services (Visa letter/E-Visa submission, Fast track, urgent Visa…) are available, please contact us for more details.
COMPULSORY TIPS POLICY FOR GUIDES AND DRIVERS (IN CASH):
• Group from 1 pax – 5 pax: Minimum USD 5/guest/day
• Group from 6 pax – 9 pax: Minimum USD 4/guest/day
• Group from 10 pax up: Minimum USD 3/guest/day
If you wish to include the tip in the invoice and pay beforehand, please add 10% of the total amount.
Important Information:
We reserve right to change any schedule in interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of travellers etc may cause itinerary change.
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For Group Bookings Call (+91) 9882066645 | 98165-66645 | 98053-74009 or Mail your requirements to travelexplorersindia@gmail.com
