Discover Authentic Vietnam 16 Days

Discover Authentic Vietnam 16 Days
 
Destinations: Hanoi, Tay Phuong, Duong Lam, Mai Chau, XaLinh, Halong, Hue, Hoi An, My Son, Saigon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Mekong Delta
 
Highlights:

• Visit 4 world heritages of Vietnam: Halong Bay, Hue, My Son and Hoi An
• Discover Tay Phuong and Duong Lam – beautiful areas of Red River Delta
• Home stay and traditional performance in the house on stilts of Thai People in Mai Chau, hike to hidden village of Muong people
• Cyclo trip in hidden area of Hue and to rural area of Hoi An and boat trip on Thu Bon River
• Visit Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, a dynamic blend of old and new, east and west, commerce and culture
• Explore Cai Lay – the hidden beautiful place in Mekong Delta. This is the best chance to experience the daily life and activities of local people

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Meals: N/A
Services included: private car and guide
 
Day 2: Hanoi – Full day city tour (B/L)
Morning start our tour to discover Hanoi, a peaceful city with beautiful trees and lakes, the city has thousand years of history and culture. We will have the first impression of the city by authentic Cyclo ride from your hotel to Hanoi Old Quarter – where you can experience the real daily life activities of local people in the oldest area of Hanoi. Then you will ride by the French Quarter along wide and green typical French boulevard that can explain to you why this city so called “Paris of the East” before taking a walk to Ngoc Ha village. You can see the village as an Oasis in the middle of the city, that still keep all the typical daily life activities as well as the typical community sense of the village in Red river Delta along your walk. Then visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the symbol of the country and Presidential Palace, Presidential Garden, his House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Temple of Literature - the central of culture of Hanoi that worship to Literature – the only subject for student to study in the feudal system just hundred years ago and Confucius. At lunch, enjoy the typical and authentic cuisine at Season of Hanoi Restaurant.
Afternoon visit Ethnology Museum in which you can study the great outline of 54 ethics people living in Vietnam. This museum is the only one in Vietnam that many artifacts display in there still exist in the life of local people but not extinct like most of the museums, that will create very good reflection about the life, culture, customs, religions and costumes of Vietnamese people.  Back to the center of the city for the short walk to discover the Old Quarter. Your tour will be concluded with great experience of Water Puppet show - the unique art of Vietnamese people from Red River Delta. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, cyclo, entrance fee, Water Puppet Show
 
Day 3: Hanoi – Tay Phuong Pagoda – Duong Lam Village (B/L)
Morning we will take one hour drive to Tay Phuong, one of ten most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam. Located on the top of the hill, this pagoda is very famous about the collection of Buddha and Arhat statues from 17th century and unique architecture. Then take 45 minutes bike ride the rural area nearby the Pagoda through green rice field, local villages. This is the great chances for you to discover the daily life activities in the Red River Delta, interact to local people and feel the real atmosphere of rural area. After that, back to the car for driving to the ancient village of Duong Lam, the place so called “Hoi An of the Red River Delta” as still preserve many hundred-year-old houses constructed by laterite stone – the unique material just can be found in this area. That is the reason why Duong Lam also has the name “The laterite ancient village”.  Upon arrival, take the pleasant walk by the gate of the village to Mong Phu Communal House. This is one of very few village gates still remained intact locates by the old Banyan Tree as the typical image of the village in the Red River Delta. After visiting the Communal House, just take a seat at the tea house nearby and enjoy some local fresh green tea and special candy made from sticky rice flake. This is the oldest Tea House in Vietnam as the villagers made used of the spare material from constructing the Communal House to build this Tea House from 400 years ago. Then our guide will take you to walk along some small alleys in the village. The village has constructed very special system of alleys in “fish bone” style that every single alley comes to death end for the security reason. That could be the reason why many families in the village still using the old gate with the handle from outside to help the guests open the gate themselves. The walk will concluded by the visit of the most beautiful ancient house in the village of Mr. Huyen family and enjoy the authentic home hosted lunch prepared by hospitable people in his family.
 
After lunch, we will take another bike ride in the rural area around the village that lead you to green rice field, interesting resting house had been constructed hundred years ago for people working on the field to rest in the shade and breeze in the hot summer day. You also can visit the thousand year old tree line that had been recognized as Heritage Trees in Vietnam before coming back to the village for the drive back to Hanoi. Return to the city in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, bikes, entrance fee
 
Day 4: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B/L/D)
Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau – the peaceful green valley in the West of Hanoi. This trip gives you a lot of photo opportunities with spectacular scenery of mountain area and rice fields. Drive up to Luong Son then turn to Kim Boi on beautiful drive along peaceful rice field between impressive scenery of limestone mountain on the hidden road. This is much more authentic drive than the regular way to Mai Chau via Hoa Binh. Upon arrival to Mai Chau, check in and have lunch at local house of Thai people in Pom Coong village. Afternoon we will take a walk around the valley to visit some nearby villages, carpet green rice fields and Mai Chau town. After dinner, enjoy traditional music show performed by local people in the village. Overnight in the long house of Thai people.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee, traditional dance show
 
Day 5: Mai Chau – Hanoi (B/L)
In the morning you can say good bye to our very hospitable host then drive up to Xa Linh area about 30 kms away from Mai Chau. First, we will visit Na Bai – the traditional village of Muong People locates on the beautiful plateau on the bank of Hoa Binh reservoir, this village is hidden from tourist and very friendly to the visitors. You will have lots of chances to interact to hill tribe people there. Then transfer to visit the village of Mong people at Xa Linh. We will have lunch at local restaurant on the way back to Hanoi. Arrive back to Hanoi in late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will be picked up by private car. Depart Hanoi for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay for a 2 day/1 night cruise through thousands of limestone peaks. Begin the cruise as lunch is served and later in the day take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay. You may wish to swim in a quiet bay or sunbathe on the deck of your junk. In the late afternoon visit a floating village, kayak or take a bamboo row boat to explore a secluded lagoon. As the sun sets enjoy cocktails on the deck and a gourmet dinner. Overnight in Halong Bay.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Services included: private car, English speaking guide onboard, entrance fee
 
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B/L)
There is more tai chi this morning for those who wish to rise early. Later in the morning visit a limestone grotto and cruise leisurely through the bay before returning to the dock. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. Meet your guide and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hue.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, English speaking guide onboard, entrance fee, guide in Hue
 
Day 8: Hue – Full day city tour (B/L)
We will start our day by the cyclo trip from your hotel over famous Trang Tien Bridge to Dong Ba –the famous whole sales market in Hue. The cyclo even can take you by the area selling food in the market along Perfume River.  From the market, we will follow the river bank toward to the area around the ancient citadel of Hue, getting over the streets, local shops for the over view of daily life and architecture of this famous citadel. The ride will be ended at Noon gate – the main entrance of Imperial Citadel for the walking tour to the inner area of the citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945 including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City. At noon, visit Dong Thien Pagoda then experience the vegetarian lunch prepared by the nun. The Pagoda also run some kinder gartens for poor children and our visit will contribute directly to children in these classes. You also can interact with the nuns before visiting Tu Duc Tomb, discover beautiful and impressive architecture of this unique construction in Hue as well as the story of the King there. Visit Thien Mu pagoda – the symbol of Hue city before take a walk around Kim Long Village. It will be great chance to learn about lifestyle of local people there. Visit the hundred years old ancient house that belong the Mandarin of Royal Court in the village and talk to 84 years old lady – the granddaughter of the mandarin in the house. Overnight in Hue.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, cyclo, entrance fee
 
Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B/L)
Morning depart to Danang through famous Hai Van Pass. Upon arrival, visit Cham Museum with great collection of sand stone artifact from 4th to 13th century then enjoy lunch at Apsara Restaurant. Drive to Hoi An, the little attractive town very famous as living museum which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Check in your hotel in Hoi An. In the evening, take the orientation in ancient town of Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 10: Hoi An – Full day city tour (B/L)
Morning take a walking tour to Hoi An ancient town. Visit Thang Loi Handicraft workshop in Phan Chu Trinh Street. You will have the chance to experience all the typical traditional handicraft of Hoi An, such as wood carving, mat weaving, lantern making, silk worm raising, spinning and weaving, table cloth making and embroidery picture. These handicrafts made great contribution to upgrade living standard of local people since Hoi An turn to be popular destination for the tourists. Then take a walk to Hoi An ancient town. We will start the walk from small alley from Phan Chu Trinh Street to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. This is the typical ancient street of Hoi An, that can show you great atmosphere of the ancient town. Visit the Japanese Cover Bridge – the symbol of Hoi An. After that visit Tan Ky, the most well known and authentic ancient house in town. Then take a walk along the Nguyen Thai Hoc - the ancient street of Hoi An to the market of the town. Visit the local market of Hoi An and Phuc Kien Congressional Assembly Hall, the communal place for Chinese community from Fukien province in China as well the worshiping temple to Thien Hau, the Goddess protecting people on the sea – that was so important for the Chinese Merchant and Fishman in the past. Then you have free time for discovering the town on your own or shopping. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
 
Afternoon depart for the cyclo trip to Cam Nam Village. The cyclo will take you from the town to Cam Nam Bridge. You will have the first stop for the photo opportunity of the activities and scenery on the Thu Bon River. Then the cyclo will take you along the Thu Bon River bank, where you can have another photo stop for panorama view of Hoi An from other side of river. You will ride along the riverside and cycle through local villages of Cam Nam. This is untouched area by tourism with very friendly and hospitable local people. You can see their daily life activities or even viewing the interior of their house and their life through always opened doors. The cyclo trip will be ended at green small canal covered by water coconut trees. Embark on the boat and take a cruise to Thu Bon River. You can experience the local daily life along river, such as fishing, farming, catching clam. Come back to Hoi An around sunset time. Overnight in Hoi An.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 11: Hoi An – My Son (B)
Morning is free at your leisure.
In the afternoon, we will drive to My Son, the Holly land of Champa kingdom date back from 4th to 13th century. Arrive to My Son before sunset and not many other tourist, you will have great chance to discover and feel the great ancient atmosphere of the complex of nearly 70 difference towers there, where you can find the best brick sculpture in the world and learn about the influences of Hinduism to their. My Son also had been recognized to be culture world Heritage in 1999. Back to Hoi An in late afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 12: Hoi An – Danang – Saigon (B/L)
Free time till your transfer (without guide) for your flight to Saigon. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Afternoon visit Reunification Palace - the former Presidential Palace of Southern Vietnamese Government before 1975. Then visit Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office. Visit Historical Museum (or War Museum) before taking an orientation walk along Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets where you can get the great view of Hotel de Ville – the famous city hall in Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 13: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
Morning depart for Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai religion. On arrival we will have time to visit the impressive Holy Temple of Caodaism, the famous local religion that is the symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism before attending the fantastic mid-day mass.
 
After having lunch in local restaurant, drive to Cu Chi, the famous network of tunnels were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 250km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along. Transfer back to Saigon.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee
 
Day 14: Saigon – Cai Lay – Can Tho (B/L)
Morning we drive 2 hours from Saigon to Cai Lay, a small but fertile town in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Upon arrival, board a charming wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit and hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 7km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and have a walk around his orchard. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh fruits. Then together with the farmer’s family and their kids, jump into a small mud pond and learn how to catch fish by bare hands. Followed, enjoyed the grilled fishes that you just catch in the pond. Afterwards, relax while enjoying the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along tropical canals. Disembark and continue your ride through this Mekong village to a local home for a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, a short walk takes you back to the car and drive to Can Tho – the capital city of Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, check in your hotel in Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, entrance fee, fruit, boat trip
 
Day 15: Can Tho – Saigon (B/L)
Morning take the early boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market where local people whole sale all product of Mekong Delta. It will be great chance for taking part to the local activities and taking pictures. The boat will take you around the floating market 2 times to make sure that you will have enough opportunities for taking photos here. Then the boat will take you to visit the local bustling inland market where you can see all local products of Mekong Delta selling here. From the market, take the short ride on boat to the small local alley that you can walk along and experience the real daily life activities of local people here. Take the pleasant walk along the local village by the river bank and integrate with local people there before getting to local Rice Processing Factory. You will know exactly how the white rice had been made from paddy rice here. After lunch, we will drive back to Saigon. Arrive to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.
 
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included: private car, guide, boat trip
 
Day 16: Saigon – Departure (B)
The day is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Services included: private car

Prices are quoted in US dollars per person base on minimum two travelers
 
Rates vary depend on group size, travel time, accommodation level, transportation and other service. Please contact us to get the best price!

- Hanoi – Hue: 110 USD/ticket
- Danang – Saigon: 110 USD/ticket

- The Hung Kings Anniversary from 6 April 2017 to 7 April 2017
- Victory Day & Labour Day from 29 April 2017 to 02 May 2017
- Independent Day from 02 September to 03 September 2017
- Christmas Eve gala dinner (December 24, 2017)
- New Year’s Eve gala dinner (December 31, 2017)
- New Year & Holiday: 24 December 2017 to 10 January 2018
- Lunar New Year from 15 Feb 2018 to 20 February 2018