Flavours of Vietnam 15 days
This tour takes lovers of fine food and those curious to learn more about Vietnamese life and history to the country's cultural and culinary highlights. Start in Hanoi and taste the country's most popular dish Pho, savour fusion cuisine in a fine dining restaurant and experience the city's best streetfood stalls. Travel on to Halong Bay for a overnight cruise around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, then fly to the ancient town of Hoi An where you will have a visit an organic farm. Continue your journey with a drive along the coast to Hue, ancient capital of Vietnam, and learn to cook Imperial cuisine from the days of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, for a tour of Saigon by night on the back of a vintage Vespa, and explore Vietnam's "rice bowl" region around the Mekong Delta.
(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoian, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne
Overview Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Hanoi, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay
Day 02: Street food tour of Hanoi
Day 03: Drive to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise around the waters of Halong Bay.
Day 04: Morning activities, afternoon drive back to Hanoi
Day 05: Morning transfer to airport for the flight to Hoi An (Danang) for a 2 night stay
Day 06: Hoian, organic farm visit at Tra Que Village
Day 07: Morning drive to Hue, afternoon tour of the Imperial Citadel
Day 08: Morning cooking class, afternoon tour of Hue.
Day 09: Fly to Saigon for a 2 night stay, after dark tour by Vespa
Day 10: Full day tour to the Mekong Delta
Day 11: Morning tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, afternoon transfer Mui Ne beach
Day 12: Mui Ne, at leisure
Day 13: Mui Ne, at leisure
Day 14: Drive back to Ho Chi Minh city for a 1 night stay
Day 15: Tansfer to airport for your departure flight
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival at Hanoi airport you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi (B/L/D)
This morning experience Hanoi's culture through a street food tour. Start off with a stroll around a local market (wet markets) to experience the sights and sounds of an authentic daily scene. In the morning the market is abuzz with shoppers buying what they need for the day’s meals. Everything from fresh tropical fruits, an abundance of fragrant herbs, fresh meats, fresh flowers and even live fish and frogs are sold! Vietnamese cuisine is highly regarded as one of the world's best, but few realize the variations that are found in the cuisine. Then walk through the backstreets where small vendors set up their stalls along the road. Take a rest whilst enjoying some excellent street food such as “
Pho” - Vietnam’s national dish; "
Bun Cha" - a Hanoi noodle soup, which is served with fried "Nem" or spring-rolls filled with pork or crab; “
Banh Cuon” - thin steamed rice flour pancakes filled with minced pork and cloud ear mushrooms are served piping hot, still soft and delicate… Walk down the Old Quarter’s corners, and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, tea or Bia Hoi Hanoi (fresh brewed beer) before returning to your hotel.
Special Dinner: This evening you will be taken for dinner at the charming Green Tangerine Restaurant which serves French fusion cuisine. The restaurant is set in a restored French colonial style building that dates from 1928, and is somewhat of an oasis in the heart of the chaotic Old Quarter. Green Tangerine specializes in modern French fare with a Vietnamese twist, so you can expect stylishly presented dishes bursting with flavour.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long (B/L/D)
Depart from Hanoi and travel by
shuttle bus to the spectacular World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin (approximately four hours). Arrive at jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight aboard on Halong Bay
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B/-/-)
Enjoy your fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards Ha Long port
. Disembark and travel back to Hanoi by
shuttle bus.
Note: 2 days cruise itinerary is subject to change bases on each cruise company, transfer by cruise’s shuttle bus (driver pick-up, there is no tour guide on the bus), english speaking guide is available on board.
Day 5: Hanoi – Danang – Hoian (B)
This morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Danang which is located on Vietnam's central coast; upon arrival you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to Hoi An ancient town, which is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. You have the afternoon at leisure to explore the Hoian ancient town independently Overnight in Hoian.
Day 6: Hoian (B/L)
Organic Farm Visit at Tra Que Village: After breakfast this morning drive (or cycle if you prefer) out of the town to learn about the lives and work of the local people in the rural villages near Hoi An. Visit the interesting Tra Que garden village. Stroll around the many vegetable plots and watch the farmers tending to the land and fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake. You will be shown the methods involved with growing the vegetables and you have the opportunity to get involved by raking, sowing, watering and picking the green vegetables and other fun gardening activities. Lunch will then be hosted by a local family in their private home where you will have the opportunity to sample local delicacies including “Tam Huu” spring roll made from vegetables grown in Tra Que. After lunch return to your hotel in Hoi An for some time to relax this afternoon.
Day 7: Hoian – Hue (B/D)
After enjoying breakfast, drive north along highway 1 to Hue, a journey of approximately 3 hours. After passing through the port of Danang, the highway meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). There are some spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The mountain range has created a barrier to the cold airstreams from the north which often results in thick cloudbanks over the peaks. The pass has been a strategic military focal point during Vietnam’s turbulent history and from the top there are views of the curve of Da Nang Bay. Continue north to Hue where you will check-in to your hotel.
This afternoon tour of the Imperial City, which is located in the Citadel. The Imperial City was built in the early 19th century. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, with its spacious hall and ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns. See the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood. Accommodation at hotel in Hue.
This evening, have meal in a restored royal house where you can learn from the family members how they bring the essence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home.
Day 8: Hue (B/L)
Morning ‘Ancient Hue’ cookery class: Early this morning you will be collected from the hotel by your guide and you will set off for ‘Ancient Hue’. The peaceful ‘Ancient Hue’ site boasts a ceremonial gate backed by 8 protective pillars. More than just a restaurant, ‘Ancient Hue’ has 5 distinctive ancient houses offering a glimpse of the city’s splendid past. Walk through the local market with your guide to learn about local ingredients before returning to the open-air cultural complex. Here, you will learn to prepare refined, imperial-style cuisine during a hands-on cooking demonstration. Each person is provided with their own kitchen area including utensils, cooking ingredients and workspace. Once you have completed the course, taste your own cooking creation and enjoy a carving show by a skillful fruit & vegetable carver.
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Afternoon, you will board a private traditional boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River as you head out to the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to one of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop. Continue along the river to the Royal Tombs of Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynesty who reigned until 1841. The tomb blends traditional architecture with a magical natural setting, and consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, and pavilions). Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (B/D)
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight in the morning. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for three-night stay.
Saigon after dark tour by Vespa: This evening experience the nightlife of Saigon as a local would, exploring the best after dark hang outs as a passenger on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Highlights include drinks at Zoom Cafe to watch the world go by, sampling some authentic Saigon streetfood, visiting a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with live music and the option of finishing at a local nightclub.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)
Today, leave the bustle of the city behind for a day of exploring scenic rice fields, waterways and colorful markets of the Mekong Delta, Cai Be Floating Market, which is a famous place in Mekong Delta, here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre provinces. On arrival, start with a visit to Cai Be’s famous floating market, where vendors come from around the Mekong Delta to sell their fruits, vegetables and other wares. The boat then stops at some local homes that double as artisanal factories. Talk with local residents as they make rice paste, coco sweets and popcorn. The trip continues along the smaller canals by rowing boat. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. Lunch can be served at local home. After lunch, we can walk around and then we will enjoy some kinds of fruits when listening to the traditional music. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city, then drive back to Ho Chi Minh city this late afternoon. Dinner will be served on Saigon River Cruise. Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion – Mui Ne (B/L)
In the morning you will enjoy a half-day private excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels consist of more than 200kilometers of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrancesto other tunnels. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life was like during the U.S.-Vietnam War. In the afternoon you will commence your journey to Mui Ne beach about 200km away. Check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mui Ne.
Day 12: Mui Ne at leisure (B)
Free time to relax on the beach without guide and driver. Overnight at hotel in Mui Ne.
Day 13: Mui Ne at leisure (B)
Free time to relax on the beach without guide and driver. Overnight at hotel in Mui Ne.
Day 14: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh (B)
Free time before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
Free time for shopping or exploring on your own before heading to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight. The hotel room is available until noon only.
Cities |
Recommended Hotels |
Room Type |
Website |
Boutique & Luxury |
Hanoi |
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel 3* |
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel |
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel |
Halong |
Pelican Cruise 4* |
Deluxe cabin |
www.pelicancruise.com |
Hue |
Eldora Hotel |
Deluxe River View |
www.eldorahotel.com |
Hoian |
Essence Hotel & Sapa 4* |
Deluxe with balcony |
www.hoianessencehotel.com |
Ho Chi Minh |
Grand Hotel Saigon 5* |
Deluxe – Luxury Wing |
www.grandhotel.vn |
Mui Ne |
Victoria Phan Thiet resort & Spa 4* |
Garden View Bungalow |
www.victoriahotels.asia |
Prices are quoted in US dollars per person base on minimum two travelers
Group Size |
Valid from 1 May 2017 to 30 Apr 2018. Price per person in USD for private party of |
2 – 3 persons |
4 - 5 persons |
6 – 8 persons |
Single Supplement |
Price |
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Rates vary depend on group size, travel time, accommodation level, transportation and other service. Please contact us to get the best price!
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
+ 13 nights hotel accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
+ 01 night cruise accommodation (shared twin or double cabin, in-house english speaking guide)
+ Internal flight tickets: Hanoi - Da Nang & Hue - Ho Chi Minh city
+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle
+ English or French speaking guide (for other languages supplements apply)
+ Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
+ Entrance fees for mentioned visits
+ Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
+ Vietnam visa on arrival pre-approved letter
+ Mineral water on coach
+ Service charges and government tax
TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:
+ International flights & departure taxes if any
+ Personal travel insurance
+ Bank charge relating to payment
+ Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo for each person)
+ Tips, gratuities and personal expenses as drink, laundry, phone...
+ Optional tours, Kayaking, Spa, Beauty & Massage on boat in Ha Long
+ Early check-in or late check-out:
- Check-in time at hotel: 14:00 - Check-out time: Before 12:00
+ Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and Peak Season Surcharges for the following periods:
- 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
+ Other services not mentioned above
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
+ A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required when you confirm your reservation and it should be made by bank transfer to the bank account of Halong Tour & Service. The remaining amount shall be paid to Halong Tour at least 30 working days before the guest’s departure.
Beneficiary name:
NGUYEN THI THU
Beneficiary account number (USD):
105485589
Beneficiary address:
45 Hang Bun Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi , Vietnam
Bank name:
ASIA COMMERCIAL JOINT-STOCK BANK (ACB)
Bank address:
442 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
SWIFT code:
ASCBVNVX
Website: www.acb.com.vn
Note:
Overseas bank charge is on your side