Vietnam Grand Discovery – 18 Days

Welcome to Hanoi!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be transferred directly to your hotel in Hanoi. Take some time to rest and recharge after your long flight, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

• Note: Please keep in mind that check-in begins at 14h00.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore the charming Hanoi Capital. 

• Meal: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning

Wake up and enjoy the early morning in Hanoi, followed by a hearty breakfast.

At around 8:00 AM, your tour guide will pick you up for a half-day city tour of Hanoi.

• Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Confucian influence on the country’s history and culture.
• Marvel at the unique structure of the One Pillar Pagoda and learn about its fascinating creation.
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese leader who fought for independence.
• Discover the scenic West Lake, surrounded by historical attractions, and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, an important Buddhist site located right on the lake.
• Conclude the tour with a delightful traditional Vietnamese lunch at an authentic restaurant before bidding farewell.

Before saying goodbye, we will stop and have a delightful authentic traditional lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Afternoon

Free time at leisure for the rest of the day. 18h00 Enjoy a water puppet show

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

You are free time till the time for overnight on train to Sapa. Our tour guide & driver escort you to the train station.

• Meal: B
• Accommodation: Overnight on soft sleeper train

Hiking trail Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van, appreciating the breathtaking scenery

Early in the morning, arrive at Lao Cai train station. You will be escorted by a private guide and automobile on the hour-long ascent to Sapa. After each turn, take in the grandeur of the surrounding landscape and the rice terraces. You’ll also encounter H’mong and Red Dao people. Before exploring the town, have breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

Directly to the village of Lao Chai. The rice field is crossed by a little walkway that leads to a hamlet. Pay a special visit to granny, the last surviving craftsman in the neighborhood who customarily uses beeswax for embellishment to create the distinctive indigo-colored Hmong clothes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about their culture and way of life.

Continue to Ta Van Village, the picturesque home of the Dzay people, which is perched high above a river and offers breathtaking views of the rice terraces, Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, and a river. As you stroll casually, you’ll come across several folks who will graciously invite you into their homes.

Finally, return to the city and have a good time.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Today is devoted to a gentle hike through Sapa Valley, known for some of the most impressive scenery in all of Vietnam. As your guide leads you along the Muong Hoa River, the blanket of morning mist will start to disappear, leaving us a breathtaking view of gleaming rice terraces. The walk will take us through the Black Hmong Lao Chai Village before leading us to Ta Van Village with its mixture of Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao residents, the latter well-known for their knowledge of herbs and natural medicines.

There is also time to view rock carvings and engravings left by different tribes long ago before sitting down for a carefully packed picnic lunch.

The walk will conclude at Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao, where you will not only get a chance to see a bamboo forest and waterfall, but also an opportunity to try a Red Dao herbal medicinal bath to rest your weary feet before the vehicle takes us back to Sapa. In the evening, depart Sapa for Lao Cai station to bring you back to city life in Hanoi.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin on Train

You will be greeted by our driver to pick you up at the train station to the hotel. Having breakfast then start to go to Halong Bay.

Transfer to Halong Bay, fantastic sailing route, swimming at Titov beach, panoramic views

At 8:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel. Take a three-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing through the Red River Delta’s communities and rice farms.

• Make a pit stop for a drink and restroom break.
• Continue driving and arrive at the harbor around noon, where you will be warmly greeted at reception.
• 12:30 PM: Board the boat and receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions.
• Begin your cruise and visit Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes while cruising along the bay, passing by beautiful spots like Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, and Coconut Island (The Three Islands).
• In the afternoon, head to the Tung Sau area, known for its leaping fish. Witness cultured pearl fishing and explore the pearl-making process. You can also choose to go kayaking.
• Visit the scenic Titov beach for swimming (weather permitting) or climb the steps to the top of Titov Island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
• Return to the boat for some downtime before cruising to the Luon Bo area and anchoring for the night.
• 6:30 PM: Join a cooking lesson on the sundeck to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Enjoy Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free) and witness the stunning sunset over Halong Bay.
• Dinner: Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu.

Evening activities include relaxing, enjoying music, playing cards or chess, reading magazines in your room or the dining area, and trying your hand at squid fishing and boat fishing.

• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

 Exploring the well-known Sung Sot cave, sailing lazily, returning to Hanoi, and Flying to Da Nang, Hoi An

6:30 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a gentle exercise combining relaxation and slow movements.

• Enjoy breakfast in the dining area with a stunning view of the bay.
• Take a tender to Sung Sot Cave, accessible via around 100 steps. Explore this large cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites for approximately 45 minutes. Return to the cruise ship on the tender.
• Check out and settle your bill at the front desk.
• As you cruise back to Tuan Chau Wharf, savor a buffet meal while admiring the beauty of the bay.
• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Disembark at the harbor and be welcomed by your driver. Begin the journey back to Hanoi with a break along the way.
• Drop off at your accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Welcome by the driver at the harbor and enjoy the journey back to Hanoi. Take a rest midway. Drop off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

A private driver will pick you up from your hotel (Hanoi Old Quarter) and drive you to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic terminal, based on your preference) in approximately 45 minutes. Thank you for visiting our city.

• Upon landing at Hue airport, a professional tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup lobby.

Note: for domestic flights, please arrive 2 hours before departure.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Dive further into the history of Vietnam by visiting the ancient citadel plus two addition tombs of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Vietnamese-American War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago in the Forbidden Purple City.

Compare and contrast the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh, one constructed from 1864-1867 with a landscape dominated by a large lake and rustic architecture while the other designed as a hybrid of European and Vietnamese beauty standards.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue city

Travel 2.5 hours south from Hue along the incredible Hai Van Pass Ocean Road to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An. The very well-preserved town is filled with quirky shops, antique teahouses, and amazing restaurants.

The rest of your day is free at leisure to discover the city on your own by foot or on bicycle. Hoi An is not only famous for its ambiance as it is for its tailors. Here tourists can get any manner of clothing made in 24 hours for a fraction of a price that it would cost back home. For those interested in tailoring, we can arrange a visit to one of the best tailors in the city to design your own outfits, bags, and shoes.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

9:00 AM: Hotel pick-up for Hoi An tour. Hoi An was a prominent trading port from the 15th to 19th century, and the Old Town remains well-preserved, showcasing exchanged cultures and the authentic local lifestyle.

• First, visit Cam Pho, one of Hoi An’s oldest communal houses, symbolizing worship and cultural exchange between locals and Chinese/Japanese traders.
• Take a leisurely walk to Chua Cau, the Japanese Covered Bridge, connecting the Japanese and Chinese quarters with its original 17th-century style intact.
• Continue exploring, immersing in local life, and stop at Quan Thang ancient house, showcasing fine architecture and sculptures crafted by Kim Bong carpentry village craftsmen.
• Visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, a gathering place for residents, traders, and visitors from Fujian, China, honoring deity Thien Hau. Admire colorful fountains, ornate gates, and beautiful carved dragons.
• In the afternoon, drive to Tra Que farming village, famous for aromatic herbs like mint and basil. Learn about its history, vegetable cultivation, and traditional medicinal usage. Interact with locals and take memorable photos.

After the tour, return to the city. Enjoy free time to explore or relax on the beach.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture, relax on beach

At 8:00 AM, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Embark on a half-day excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. My Son, located 40 km from Hoi An Town, held significant importance as the intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom and possibly served as a burial site for Cham monarchs.

Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, My Son preserves 70 ruined architectural structures made of bricks and stones, constructed between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your tour guide will provide insights into the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of each relic as you explore at a leisurely pace. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Champa dancing show before departing from the sanctuary.

After the excursion, you will be transported back to the city.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

You are free time for your leisure today.

You are free time today until transferring to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up & transfer to hotel.

Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat airport, meet your guide and driver. During the 30-minute drive to the hotel. Rest of your day.

Note: Hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a special excursion to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and visit the Cao Dai Temple.

8h00 Am: Embark on an extraordinary journey starting from your hotel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant site in Vietnam’s history.

Explore Cu Chi, an extensive underground city stretching over 250km, where the Viet Cong waged their resistance against American forces during the Vietnam War. These remarkable tunnels were meticulously hand-dug over two decades using only basic tools. Experience the tunnels firsthand with a special guided tour. Nearby, you’ll also visit the lesser-known Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, built in 1993 to honor the Vietnamese lives lost in Cu Chi.

Next, venture to the awe-inspiring Cao Dai Temple, one of Vietnam’s most sacred attractions. Caodaism is a distinct Vietnamese religion that incorporates elements from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Roman Catholicism. If you time it right, you can attend the midday mass, a fascinating cultural experience.

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in the afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories of this remarkable journey.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City, we head to Mekong Delta, the land of nine dragons. Getting out of the city, you will see the mighty delta with its quaint rural landscape and immense waterway.

Arrive at Cai Be River Wharf, view pop rice, coconut candy and rice paper making workshops. Visit either nursery garden, bonsai garden or orchard. Stroll around island, tradtional music, visit brick and pottery factory.

Lunch at local home. Meet and talk with local people, known for their friendliness, warmth and generosity.

Transfer to Can Tho and overnight.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Getting on our rowed sampan to visit Cai Be floating market, a cultural feature of Mekong Delta. Try to visit it early and you will see the most vibrant scene on Tien River with hundred of boats gathering for fresh produce trade.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

You will have this whole day to explore daily life in Ho Chi Minh City by yourself. 

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

A private driver will conveniently collect you from the hotel lobby for your transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport, taking approximately 30 minutes. Please specify whether you require the international or domestic hall.

Please note that for international flights, it is recommended to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, while for domestic flights, 2 hours is advised.

During rush hours (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), the travel time from the city center to Tan Son Nhat airport may extend to approximately 1 hour.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City