23 Days Discovering Beautiful Vietnam from 2p Small Group

Arrival in Saigon, our driver will pick you up to hotel for check in and take a rest.
Overnight in Saigon.
Early check in at hotel at
SILVERLAND BEN THANH - Signature Room 
https://silverlandhotels.com/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which 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, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the city tour by discovering the city's Western side. Ride to Cho Lon (Big Market) and Thien Hau Pagoda which is located in China Town. Continue to Bach Dang harbor. After checking in the waterbus tickets, and stabilizing your seat, the boat will start to depart. During the trip, you will have a unique view of the most typical commercial buildings of the city including the Vinhomes Central Park urban area, the magnificent Landmark 81 tower, the Bitexco Financial Tower, the green peaceful District 2. A lot of stunning moments are waiting for you. Try to discover the soul of this land - Saigon River by water bus, maybe you will realize many miracles, a more accurate view of the land once called Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East. 18:00 pm: Transfer back your hotel or meeting point. Finish the trip.

Hotel: SILVERLAND BEN THANH - Signature Room

https://silverlandhotels.com/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel

Free day

Hotel: SILVERLAND BEN THANH - Signature Room

https://silverlandhotels.com/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

In the afternoon,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.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Return to Saigon. End trip.

Hotel: SILVERLAND BEN THANH - Signature Room

https://silverlandhotels.com/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel

Free and easy

Then our driver will transfer to airport for flight to Hue

Arrival in Hue, meet our driver, transfer to hotel, check in and take a rest.

Overnight in Hue.

Hotel: Eldora Hue - Deluxe City View: https://eldorahotel.com/

Brief itinerary: Pick up at hotel(center) 8:00 – 8:20AM

Morning:

Dragon boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda - The oldest pagoda in Hue city, go along the Huong River to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and peaceful beauty of Hue on the way to Thien Mu pagoda.

Imperial Citadel by car –The home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty-the Nguyen’s Family.

Lunch on your own

Afternoon: visiting the Royal tombs   

Khai Dinh King’s Tomb - a blend of Western and Eastern architecture.

Tu Duc Tomb – the only one tomb under Nguyen Dynasty, which was completed when the King was alive. Its design was for relaxation and prepared for the life after death.

04:00–5:00 pm: Back to your hotel. Tour ends.

Hotel: Eldora Hue - Deluxe City View: https://eldorahotel.com/

Free and easy in the morning

Free and easy

14:00 Our car and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or central Hue pick-up point and start the afternoon tour on Tam Giang Lagoon.

14:30 Located about 8km from Hue city center in the direction of Thuan An beach. The group stopped to visit Uncle Ho's memorial area in Duong No village, Phu Duong commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province. This is where many memories of Uncle Ho are kept, the period when he and his family came here to live and study. In it, the thatched house, the village communal house of Duong No, Ben Da, Am Ba,... are imprinted with memories of Uncle Ho.

15:00 The car continues to depart for Thuan An about 4km, turning towards Tam Giang bridge with Ru Cha mangrove forest. This is a primeval forest with an area of ​​about 4 hectares, existing more than 100 years ago. The group is free to visit, walk and take pictures with the wild beauty of the forest.

16:00 Arriving at Dam Chuon wharf, part of Tam Giang lagoon, tourists begin to visit the largest ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Here you have a great experience with some fishing activities with the locals. Rowing a boat to catch shrimp and fish... Create photos and freely rest on the boathouse.

17:00 Enjoy dinner with a seafood menu at Dam Chuon Lagoon restaurant, a unique oasis in the middle of the lagoon.

18:00 The boat takes you to watch the sunset, return to the marina and drop off guests at the city center.

Hotel: Eldora Hue - Deluxe City View: https://www.eldorahotel.com/

Free and easy, check out

Then our driver will come and pick you up to train station.

Then transfer to train for 4.5 hours train from Hue to Da Nang, during the way, you can immerse in a lot of amazing scenery and enjoy “Don Ca Tai Tu” – a traditional art of old Hue.

Arrival in Da Nang, our driver will pick you up to hotel in Hoi An, check in at hotel and take a rest

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hotel: Wyndham Royal Beachfront Resort - Studio King: https://wyndhamroyalhoian.com/

Free and easy

Hotel: Wyndham Royal beachfront - Studio King: https://wyndhamroyalhoian.com/

09:00- The local guide picks you up at your hotel lobby and transfers you to Cam Thanh fishing village.

09:30- Transfer to Cam Thanh village by car or boat on the way, meet local fishermen and experience the daily life

10:00 - Take a bamboo basket boat on the Cam Thanh water coconut forest and have a brief introduction to the history there.

11:00 - Join local fishermen on the river and enjoy the hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing.

+ Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race.

+ Explore the now peaceful coconut waterways of a past war.

+ Go catch the crabs

+ Return fisherman's house for a welcome drink.

+ Enjoy Lunch

13:00- Keep your moving to Hoi An city and depart to My Son Sanctuary  - The World Cultural Heritage.

14:30- Arrive at My Son Sanctuary and we'll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking throughout the landscape, learning histories with our local English-speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa's traditional performances.

16:30- Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people's activities along the river

18:00- Arrive at Hoi An, we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!

Hotel: Wyndham Hoi An Royal Beachfront - Studio King: https://wyndhamroyalhoian.com/

Free day

Hotel: Wyndham Royal Beachfront - Studio King: https://wyndhamroyalhoian.com/

8:00 - 08:30 am

- Pick up at hotel ( Hoi an city) to Cua Dai harbour.

09:00 am

- Relaxing in fresh cool wind , you will enjoy the beautiful landscape on a speed boat to Cham Island.

09:30 am

- Arriving at Lang Beach. Visiting the Marine Protected Area, The Boat Shelter, Hai Tang pagoda, Traditional fishing Village

10:00 am

- Swimming and snorkeling

11:30 am

- Staying at Bai Ong ecological zone or Bai Chong beach, swimming, taking time to enjoy a sea food lunch.

2:00 pm

- Packing luggage for return trip to Hoi An

2:30 pm

- Seeing you off at your hotel and finish your trip

Hotel: Wyndham Hoi An Royal Beachfront - Studio King: https://wyndhamroyalhoian.com/

Free and easy, then our driver will come and pick you up to airport for flight to Hanoi.

Arrival in Hanoi, meet our driver, transfer to hotel, check in and take a rest

Overnight in Hanoi.

Hotel: Soleil Boutique - Executive: https://www.soleilboutiquehotel.com/

AM :

8.00- 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located in the West Lake

It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of  Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world

Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

 Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed for at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for annual maintenance but still can take pictures Mausoleum and visit that area

11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam

Special Note: we will visit the Women's Museum instead of the Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.

PM :

14.00-14.15: Continue to visit the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century

15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton"

16.15 -16.30: Tour finishes. Back to the hotel.

Hotel: Soleil Boutique - Executive: https://www.soleilboutiquehotel.com/

07h30 – 8h00: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the limousine transfer to Ninh Binh.

09h15: The limousine stops on the way for a 15 – 20 minutes short break for you to stretch your legs, use the facilities, or have a quick snack.

10h30: The limousine arrives in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from years 968 to 1010. Then you will visit the Temple of King Dinh and King Le and learn more about Vietnamese history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

11h45: It is time for a buffet lunch to enjoy local specialties in the private area of our Ninh Binh Heritage restaurant. The vegetarian option is also available.

13h00: Continue your trip to Trang An, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. While you’re there you can spend 2 hours on the boat ride to enjoy the beauty of this place, which owns a wonderful tunnel cave system and appears in the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”.

15h00: It’s time you get on the bicycle to ride around the local village and discover how amazing life of the local people here.

15h45: Your next destination is Mua Cave, also known as the “Great Wall of China” in Vietnam. From the foot of the mountain, you can climb 500 steps to reach the mountain's peak from where you can enjoy the fantastic view of the city and Tam Coc below.

17h00: The limousine takes you back to Hanoi.

19h00 – 19h30: Limousine drops you off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter

Hotel: Soleil Boutique - Executive: https://www.soleilboutiquehotel.com/

Free day

Hotel: Soleil Boutique - Executive: https://www.soleilboutiquehotel.com/

Breakfast at hotel, then shuttle bus of cruise will come and pick you up to Ha Long.

11:00 – 11:45 Check in at Ambassador's Lounge (1st Floor, Terminal - Halong International Cruise

Port, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City) and enjoy hot tea or coffee served here.

11:45 – 12:30 Passengers are transferred to Ambassador Signature Cruise (in Gia Luan Pier) by

speedboat.

12:30 – 12:45 A short welcome briefing will be held at the Piano Lounge or at the restaurant.

12:45 – 14:00 Savor a delicious lunch whilst enjoying the majestic views of Lan Ha Bay’s islands and

islets.

15:00 – 16:30 Your first excursion is Viet Hai Village - a primitive and tranquil location with precious

traditional cultural values. You will have a chance to explore features of the locals’

daily life, visit fish lakes, bee houses, ancient houses, or experience fish foot massage.

15:30 – 17:00 For guests who are not participating in the excursion, we will serve home-made cakes

at the Piano Lounge. Guests can also stay onboard and opt for an afternoon of

pampering at Spa* or relaxing on the Sundeck whilst admiring the magnificent scenery

of Lan Ha Bay.

16:30 – 17:30 Experience the thrilling water slide on board and immerse yourself in the emerald sea.

17:30 – 18:30 At sundown, Ambassador Signature Cruise will anchor overnight.

This is the perfect time for you to enjoy cooking class or Happy Hour* and Canapes

at the Piano Lounge or on the Sundeck (depends on weather conditions).

19:00 Savor a premium Michelin-standard dinner at the restaurant.

(Dress code: formal/semi formal/smart casual)

21:00 – 23:00 After dinner, indulge in drinks* and enjoy live music at the Piano Lounge (except

Monday), squid fishing, a spa treatment*, or movies at your cabin.

Cruise: Ambassador Lan Ha Bay Signature: https://ambassadorcruise.com/ambassador-signature/

06:00 – 06:30 Start your day with a Taichi session on the sundeck or at the Piano Lounge.

(depends on weather conditions).

06:30 – 07:00 Enjoy light breakfast with coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries at the Piano Lounge.

07:00 – 08:00 Explore Dark and Light Cave - a frog-jaw-shaped cave featuring marvelous sparkling

stalactites in various shapes and sizes on the arch-shaped ceiling. This cave leads to

a peaceful lake surrounded by limestone mountain cliffs. Kayaking and sitting on a

bamboo boat rowed by locals are the best options for tourists to admire the cave's

interior (passengers can choose one of these two free activities).

08:30 – 09:30 Full breakfast is served at the restaurant.

09:30 – 09:45 Bill settlement and check-out at the reception at the first deck.

10:15 – 10:30 After disembarking from Ambassador Signature Cruise, passengers will be transferred

to Halong International Cruise Port by speedboat.

Disembark on cruise, then back to Hanoi by shuttle bus of cruise

Check in at hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Hotel: Soleil Boutique - Executive: https://www.soleilboutiquehotel.com/

Free and easy.

Then our driver will pick you up to airport for flight to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon, our driver will pick you up to hotel for check in and take a rest

Overnight in Saigon.

Hotel: Silverland Central Ben Thanh - Signature: https://silverlandhotels.com/vi/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel/

After a chance to rest, you select bicycles for a cycling tour around village paths leading us to home of Mr. Cong where you watch how he makes pop rice, shows you the blend of traditional and modern agricultural method that sustains the local village. He will reveal the secret of making 'rice pop'. This unique and nutritious foodstuff will become a gift for locals or children in school. Your guide explains how the animals are raised and shows you the way they collect 'biogas' to make free and sustainable cooking food.

Continuing riding on quiet village roads passing by a duck farm if we get a chance, green rice paddies, sedge field and small villages. Along the way, you visit one of the dragon or orange fruit plantations and taste it directly at the garden. This is a relaxing time with plenty of chances to capture the picturesque Asian sun set scenes. Enjoy the beautiful sunset before returning to the lodge on your bicycles.

Shower and refresh, you start to walk to home of neighbor who fought during the Vietnam war and be shared with the story, experienced of "poon" lights  and traditional music. End of the show, we walk back in hand of traditional torche made of dried coconut leaves.

You are the chef! A traditional cooking class with Vietnamese pancake made by you. A great learning experience that means you can take a little of Vietnam home with you. Dinner is served at lodge's restaurant

Overnight at Coco Riverside Lodge: https://www.cocoriversidelodge.com/

After breakfast, loaded boats are already heading to local squatting market and transporting goods such as coconuts from one factory to the other, crossing local ferry to visit beautiful Cao Dai temple. We also had a chance to see these factories. Situated alongside the river, these are small coconut-processing operations. Once the coconut has been shelled, the coconut fibers are removed from the husk to make rope, which in turn is used to weave rugs. You can watch the whole manufacturing process in a short period of time. Most of the work is done by hand at very low cost. The buyers are mostly foreign companies.       

Back to the Lodge, if time permitted, take some activities as to harvest some water coconut leaves and weave them up by you. These leaves are a key building material in the Mekong Delta as they are used to build the walls and roof of the houses. The local people will show you not only how they use these leaves but also how to make the 'poon' sticks that illuminated in the previous night.

Then you will transfer back to Ho Chi Minh. Take a rest.

Hotel: Silverland Ben Thanh - Signature: https://silverlandhotels.com/vi/silverland-ben-thanh-hotel/

Free and easy, then our driver will pick you up to airport for flight home.

Trip end!