Luxury Vietnam In A Nutshell 18 Days

The tour guide and driver will pick you up at Noi Bai international airport (Hanoi) and transfer to the city centre for hotel check-in. Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 hrs but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Optional: We introduce two one-of-a-kind traditional performances which are found nowhere else than in Vietnam. You can choose one of below options:

- Water Puppet Show where puppets are performed on water stage with folk music, presenting ancient tales, folklores and daily life in Vietnamese countryside.

- Tu Phu (Four Palaces) Show - a very unique show about ritual of spirit practiced in the Vietnamese indigenous religion with music, colors and lively dance performance. The Four Palaces Shows take place on Thursday and Saturday every week.

If you're interested in the shows, please contact our travel consultants to book.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Welcome to Vietnam! Be picked up and transfer to hotel, free day at leisure to prepare for the trip

Cycling on Hanoi street

Half day Hanoi city tour (by car or by motorbike – upon client’s interest) - Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi.

Depart from the hotel at 08:30 for a visit to Vietnam’s first university: the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite.

Continue with a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)

Wrap up the morning with a visit to the picturesque West Lake and its sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. Have lunch at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant.

Free time at leisure until guide and driver pick up at hotel and tranfer to Hanoi train station.

Meet at your hotel in Hanoi at around 20:00 hrs and transfer to Hanoi train station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in shared sleeping compartments (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).

Train departs at approximately 21:15 hrs.

Notes:

- Our tour guide will not accompany during the train trip

- Train schedule is subject to change. - Private compartments on request at surcharge.

- Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train to Lao Cai

Activities: Hanoi City tour in the morning. Ride around the city, outside of the Old Quarter. Take a number of short stops, and a walking tour to learn about the history of the sites . Lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

Take overnight train to Sa pa

Hanoi city tour by car is available at customer's request

Temple Of Literature

05:30 ~ 06:00 Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station. Pick up at the train station and transfer to Sapa. Early check in upon arrival is possible upon room occupancy (Surcharge applicable). Relax for a while to get ready for our full day tour.

9.30am: Meet up your local guide and start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to Y Linh Ho village settled down by the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They have their own language and wear traditional indigo blue clothing. The H’mong peoples have just recently changed their living way from sifting style into the sedentary one. So there are still a lot traces of the past time can be seen: rudimentary houses, stone wall around homes…

After this you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. After visiting Ta Van village the car will return you to Sapa. Free at leisure the rest of the day.

Overnight at Sapa Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Activities: Pick up at Lao Cai train station then transfer to Sapa by bus. Join on a soft trekking tour to discover the untouched beauty of the villages as well as the daily life, work and original custom of ethnic minorities

Sapa

Locating just a bout 5km southeast of Sapa town, Ma Tra valley attracts visitors for its stunning scenery highlighted with impressive terraced rice fields. The Hmong peoples has changed from sifting lifestyle into sedentary one form early 20th Century and built terraced field to ensure their permanent earning by farming wet rice.

Trip commences from Sapa at 08.30am or 01.30pm by a 5km road transfer out of Sapa town. Then walk starts from here downhill and cross the stream to the other bank where Suoi Ho village beautifully sits on the top of a low hill. Spend half an hour to visit several local homes for understanding of local life before continue walking along a large path on hillsides which is paved with rock to get through Ma Tra village. This portion of the walk offers beautiful scenery of the valley and terraced paddies as well as flower farm. Transfer back to Sapa.

15:00 - 15:30 Driver will pick you up & transfer 5 hours to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ha Noi

Activities: Follow our local guide and continue take part in a soft trekking tour to discover the rural daily life in the red Dzao, the H’mong village and contemplate the majestic beauty of waterfall and rattan bridge. Back to Ha Noi by shuttle bus

Sapa People

8:00 am: Our driver and tour guide pick you up at your hotel then depart for Ninh Binh province. Ninh Binh is located south of the Northern Delta, between the Red River and Ma River. The old city of Ninh Binh is one of many famous historic sites in Vietnam. The provincial town of Ninh Binh as diverse landscapes because of its proximity to the mountains of Non Nuoc and Canh Dieu.

Arrive in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit 2 Temples of 2 Kings (Dinh Bo Linh and Le Hoan Then our driver will transfer you from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc Wharf to have lunch in a local restaurant in Tam Coc and enjoy famous specialties of Ancient Capital area.

In the afternoon, Take a 5 minute walk to the Tam Coc Wharf and start the 2 hour boat trip to visit 3 caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave) and Hang Ba (Third Cave). Each cave owns an unique scenery which will dazzle you as you get in.

Afterwards, Take up cycling for an hour to Bich Dong and sight see beautiful scenic pagodas, lush paddy fields, mountains, river and caves. Then get on bus and our driver will take you back to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Day trip to picturesque Ninh Binh, visit the Hoa Lu ancient capital and enjoy a boat ride to explore Tam Coc. Then cycling for an hour to Bich Dong and sight see beautiful scenic pagodas, lush paddy fields, mountains, river and caves.

Trang An - Ninh Binh

Halong Bay is listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. You will have a night staying in this world famous bay.

Be ready for pick-up at your hotel lobby at 08:00.

Halfway to Halong City we will have a stop at Hong Ngoc Humanitarian Centre. Apart from having clean western style toilet facilities we will be able to see local craftsmen at work and have time for relaxation.

11:30 - 12:00 Upon arrival at the pier, embark on the boat and set sail on a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay, taking in the spectacular scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lunch is served as you cruise by impressive rock formations with unusual names and shapes.

In the afternoon you will start to discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea“. Depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you may visit a beautiful cave, have some swimming at Titop or Soi Sim beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On-board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Activities: Drive to Halong Bay where you board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of this magical World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch and a swim. Drop anchor in the evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks.

Our tour guide will not accompany aboard the cruise in Halong Bay. Resident English speaking guide on board is available.

Halong Bay Sunset

Wake up by the sounds of the sea. After breakfast, cruise will take tourists to explore the most stunning caves in Halong. Boat starts cruising back to the harbor while brunch is served. We continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. When backing on shore we will then transfer by car to the airport in Hanoi to catch a flight to Hue. It will take about 1 hour 20 minutes on flight. Welcomed by our driver in Hue Airport then we will be transferred to hotel in Hue Check in hotel, free at leisure the rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Continue cruising to explore the most stunning caves in Halong and have the brunch on board. Disembark then back to Hanoi. Flight to Hue and transfer to your hotel in Hue

Kayaking

Hue was Vietnam's capital from 1802 to 1945 and this half day tour will give you Highlights of Hue in a short amount of time. The different tombs, citadel.. that reflect the city's rich history. Hue is best known for its imposing citadel and the ornate tombs of dynastic kings as one of Vietnam's former imperial capital. Spend your time with half day Glimpse of Hue with us.

08:00 – 08:15 Pick up at your hotel Enjoy your wonderful day by taking a boat trip to visit the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda. Thien Mu pagoda is one of the most beautiful and ancient architectural structures of worshiping in Vietnam now. Thien Mu Pagoda has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue City now. Then visit Dong Ba market, the biggest and most significant market in Hue in particular and Central Viet Nam in general. Continue your journey to discover the Imperial Citadel then make your way to the Hue Royal Antiques Museum to see a collection of ornaments. Hue Royal Antiquities Museum where preserves royal treasures has a history with many changes. The main exhibition house of the present museum used to be a palace under Nguyen Dynasty, called Long An Palace. It was built in 1845 by Thieu Tri King, located on the north of Ngu Ha River. It was a type of “isolated palace” for the king.

12:00 - 12:30: Drop you off at your hotel.

Afternoon: free at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Hue is best known for its imposing citadel and the ornate tombs of dynastic kings as one of Vietnam's former imperial capital. Hue City tour with a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, explore the Citadel, and the daily life and purchasing at Dong Ba Market

Hue Imperial Citadel

In the morning, transfer by shuttle bus to the enchanting town of Hoi An listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and was once a well-known trading centre in Southeast Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries. Land transfer by shuttle bus or Private car with stop at some sightseeing on the way for short break (admission fee not included). Check in the hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: In the morning, transfer by shuttle bus to Hoi An. Check in the hotel and relax.

Hoi An Town

After having breakfast in your hotel, your guide will take you on a stroll through the ancient town. Its friendly inhabitants, narrow streets, old houses, temples and wooden bridge still remain its ancient character. The best way to discover Hoi An, however, is to simply wander. Little more than a maze of a few streets, there are temples, museums and preserved houses to visit; yet with some 850 buildings heritage-protected, the best feel for the town comes from the places which are free to all. As with everywhere in this country, the ‘real’ Vietnam is to be found in unexpected places, such as a back street or turning down an unexpected alley, or talking in broken English to the old lady who sells Chinese scrolls. In hidden nooks and crannies are art galleries, cafes, gastronomic gems, ceramics for sale, shops filled with lanterns and, of course, the silk for which the town is famed. There are woodworkers and carvers, artists at work, craft shops. Plus there are always cold drinks for sale, important no matter the time of year. In this part of Vietnam, it is either hot and dry, or hot and wet.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: Follow local to leisurely stroll through the famous ancient town and learn about its history, the blend of Orient and Western culture, and visit ancient temples, houses as well as enjoy shopping. Free in the afternoon

The ancient beauty of Hoi An

Have breakfast at hotel. Free at hotel untill driver pick up at hotel then transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Nha Trang Arrival Nha Trang. Check - in hotel and relax

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Nha Trang Beach

08:00 – 08:30 Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to Nha Trang Port to board the Emperor Cruises Junk.

At about 08:30 – 09:00 , you will arrive at the port and enjoy welcome drinks accompanied by the Experience Manager. Introduction of Nha Trang Bay, the locals, the food, the culture, the emperor, safety precautions, and the Emperor Junk. Start cruising while watching the spectacular landscape of Nha Trang Bay.

Head out to Mieu Island for trekking and visiting the local fishing villages. Learn about the way of living off the mainland and interact with the friendly locals while discovering the daily lives of the villagers. Spend a few minutes exploring the beautiful landscape by basket boats. Continue the journey to cruising across the Tam, Mot, and Mun Island before heading out for water activities such as Scuba Diving(not included), Snorkelling, or swimming in the clear blue waters of Nha Trang Bay. Enjoy the views of Nha Trang Bay and stopover at Dam Bay for a sumptuous set lunch served onboard as the boat anchors nearby Tre Island where a tranquil lagoon with fishing farms await.

13:30 – 15:30:After lunch, you will have the choice of resting and relaxing in Dam Bay Lagoon or enjoying more water activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking in the area. Alternatively, you may go walking across Tre Island for a short nature trip to a wild stretch of tropical paradise that is Tru Beach before walking back to Dam Bay and taking a short speedboat ride to the junk boat, which is great for taking photos or videos. In the afternoon, we will cruise through Vung Ngan floating village ,Vinpearl Land and catch a glimpse of the Bao Dai Villas on the way back to Nha Trang Port before returning to mainland.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Snorkeling in Hon Mun island

Free time to relax on the beach or shopping

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Activities: Explore Nha Trang on your own

Beach shore in Nha Trang

Free in Nha Trang before take flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival driver will transfer to hotel for check in.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Activities: Just relax untill picked up at hotel then transfer to train station. Take overnight train to Ho Chi Minh

Po Nagar Temple Nha Trang

Formerly known as Saigon, todays Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River. Gain an insight into the city’s development through a walking tour to the most significant landmarks including the Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office (all magnificent sights from the French colonial period). Your next stop will be the famous Ben Thanh Market, where you can purchase some souvernirs Rest of the day at leisure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities: Gain an insight into the city’s development through a tour to the most significant landmarks.

A visit to the Mekong Delta is so memorable because of the region’s diversity. Board on a long tail boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms.Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook. Many visitors spend a day or two in Can Tho, the delta’s biggest settlement, to take advantage of its decent hotels and restaurants and to recharge batteries before venturing out to the floating markets nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Activities: Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong delta explore tour begins with a short drive south, leaving the city behind and entering the rural landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Passing motorbikes piled high with goods, large water buffalos working in the fields and school children cycling to school, you will be entertained by the endlessly entertaining scenery.

Cai Be - Tien Giang

After Breakfast at hotel, take a motor boat to visit Cai Rang – the most fascinating floating market where we can see all trading activities on Mekong river. Do you mind to taste a bowl of “ hu tieu”- traditional rice noodle of Mekong delta person or try a small piece of durian which is the most addicted fruit to local people? A short stop to visit rice husking mill and walk around the village. See the beautiful scenery and daily activities of the locals. Disembark at Ninh Kieu and transfer back to HCMC after lunch in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Activities: The Mekong Delta is renowned for its vast emerald rice fields, lush waterways as well as its unique and lively floating markets. Explore and experience the buzz and fervor of these wet markets where a whole range of goods are on display and for sale.

Cai Rang floating market

Have leisure time before your departure. You are welcome to join our interesting optional excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City, such as our Good Morning Saigon! tour. Please note that hotel check-out time is at 12:00. A late check-out can be arranged subject to room availability and a surcharge will be applied. Transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your onward flight.

Tour ends after arriving at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA

Activities: Relax at hotel untill picked up then transfer to the airport for onward flight. Hope to have chance to serve you again!

Notre Dame Cathedra