Compare 12 Days Discover Treasure On Vietnam by Viland vs Xin Chao Vietnam In 11 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1: Arrival In Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport, we will greet you at airport with a ‘Welcome’ sign board and then you will be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with the tranquil ‘Restored Sword’ Lake at its heart.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi –  Sapa – Trek To Black H’mong Tribe

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Difficulty:   Easy

Distance:  3.5km

In the early morning, the bus driver will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the departure to Sapa, following the Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway. Along the way, you will have chance to contemplate the beauty of northwest mountains with their terraced fields, sparkling in the sunlight, or often dimmed in a  thick fog. Half way will take a short 30 minute break for snacks and chance to use the washrooms.

13h00: When you arrive in Sapa, our tour guide will pick you up at bus station, then transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy lunch, which will be a nice mix of local Vietnamese dishes. After lunch you may check-in.

In the afternoon, we will start a 2 - hour trek, to visit Cat Cat village. It is occupied by the Black H’mong tribe. Here, you can see the hydroelectric power station which was built by the French in twentieth century. You will experience the tribal way of life of ethnic minorities, while enjoying wonderful views of the terraced rice paddy fields, and the waterfall in Cat Cat village. Then take a short walk uphill to meet the bus that will be waiting to pick you up, and take you back to Sapa in the afternoon.

You are free to explore the charm of Sapa by night, on your own. There is a great number of delicious restaurants to choose from, with a large variety in the menus, you're sure to find something that suits your flavor palate. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 3: Trek To Lao Chai – Ta Van Village – Bus Return Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Difficulty:  Easy and Moderate

Distance: 12 km

Today is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa valley. Start Trekking from Sapa to Y Linh Ho, to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind a light mist from the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Follow a small trail to cross Muong Hoa River and pass beautifully tended rice field terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Picnic lunch at Lao Chai Village. Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van. Then our bus will pick you up on the Ta Van Bridge to transfer you back to Sapa town. Take a short break  at the hotel lobby before heading back to Hanoi on the bus. Arrive in Hanoi at around 21:00 P.M. Check in and overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong World Heritage - Overnight On Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

With over 1600 islets, countless towering limestone karsts and hidden jungle caves, Vietnam’s “Bay of Descending Dragons” is a must-see destination for every traveller to Southeast Asia. Stay for 1 night in the bay aboard a Halong Bay cruise to experience all that this magical landscape has to offer.

At 8am, we will fetch you from your hotel, to head to Halong Bay. We will arrive slightly before noon, at the Halong Bay Pier, where you will be transferred to the cruise ship. Once on board the ship, you will be provided a welcome drink, followed by cruise briefing and safety instructions, conducted by the host of the boat. After that, you will check in your cabin.

Lunch will be served on board while cruising and passing by Dog islet, Fighting Cock islet (symbol of Halong Bay), Hoa Cuong fishing village, and Swan islet. After lunch, the ship will continue exploring the wonders of Halong bay, passing by countless islands including Soi Sim beach, Coconut Tree Island.

We will anchor the vessel at Frog Pond area, where you can take time to explore this beautiful scenery by kayaking through the majestic scenery and swimming in emerald coloured water.

Relax on the sundeck with some cocktails, complimented by a variety of tropical fruits and best local wines. Then attend a cooking demonstration with our chef to learn one of the most popular cuisines in Vietnam: spring rolls. If you don’t want to cook, you can refresh yourself in the Jacuzzi.

For dinner, we specially prepare a 11-course meal to reward your taste buds and stomach. After that, you can engage in various evening activities, such as relaxing at leisure, doing squid fishing, going for spa services and dipping into the Jacuzzi.

Day 5: Halong – Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake up to a refreshing morning with an organized Tai Chi class scheduled at 6.30am. Once, we have revived our bodies with smooth, deliberate, flowing movements, you may enjoy a light breakfast with our assorted homemade pastries, along with coffee, tea or fresh fruit juices.

We will move next on to Sung Sot Cave, where you will have the option to climb up and down 600 steps, to the magnificent limestone formations of the most beautiful and biggest cave in Halong bay. After the visit to the cave, you will check out of the cabin, and settle your bill, if you have incurred any additional expenses, like drinks or snacks in the bar.

A beautiful brunch buffet will be served as the ship cruises back to the Halong Bay harbour.

 Our coach will pick you up and return back to Hanoi. ETA to be about 5pm, if the traffic is cooperative.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi Free At Leisure – Train/Fly To Da Nang

Meals: Breakfast

You are free until our  driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang or railway station for night train. Enjoy your evening in Da Nang because tomorrow we will continue on to Hoi An.

Day 7: Da Nang – Marble Mountain – Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

You are free for a beach break in Da Nang in the morning until we transfer to Marble Mountain. It also known as Ngu Hanh Son, is the group of five hills, made of limestone and marble. There are several caves, caverns, pagodas, many stairs and 2 spectacular viewing points. They are also home to several Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes which are much visited places of worship for the local population. The Marble Mountain has become one of the must-see destinations for those who enjoy the beauty of nature and want a respite from the busy urban areas.

At the foot of the mountains there is a traditional marble fine art village which is over 300 years old. You will admire its talented craftsmen, their creativity and their uniquely beautiful works. Then take a transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An – Shopping And Beach Day

Meals: Breakfast

You are free to explore Hoi An ancient town, get some tailored clothes and accessories handmade, or take a bicycle to explore the countryside and head down to  the beautiful white sand of An Bang beach.

Don’t forget to eat as much as possible too, Hoi An is arguably the best place for food in the nation.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An – Fly To Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

You are free until it’s time to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Our driver will hold a ‘welcome’ signboard with your name on, then you will be transferred to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh for check in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 10: Halfday Cu Chi Tunnel

Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from your hotel to transfer to the Cu Chi tunnels. The trip to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours by bus. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introductions to followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions during times of war. 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 facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels, to meet their basic needs. You will also see and learn about the many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels, for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (food the guerilla fighters ate, during the war) will be served. Then it’s time to pull out the big guns. Buy real bullets from the gift shop and bring them down to the firing range, if you want to try shooting real guns that were used in the American-Vietnamese war. From M-1 to M-16, the classic AK-47 and more. Take you pick, but don’t forget to put on the protective ear wear, those guns pack a big boom. Return to Saigon at around 13:00 P.M

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Day 11: Explore Mekong Delta Fullday

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Over 60 million people depend on the Mekong Delta as their primary source of income or sustenance, and it connect 6 different countries. We will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and then transfer to My Tho, on a 2.5 hour drive.

On arrival at My Tho, after visiting Vinh Trang pagoda, take a motor boat to enter My Tho city, through Bao Dinh natural canal. Take a leisurely cruise on the Tien River to view the four beautiful islands known as  the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.Visit the coconut candy mill and take a boat trip along the small canal on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals.

Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of ""Southern Vietnamese folk music"", performed by locals.

Meet at the bus and return to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home.

End of services!

Day 1 Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Experience Vietnamese Lifestyle in The Countryside With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.

Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc's life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.

Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.
Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields.
Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village. Later, enjoy a transfer from Ba Vi back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 Explore The Magnificent Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Check out of the hotel in the morning, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.
The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 4 Wake Up With The Dragon In The Bay - Flight To Hue (B/L) - group tour

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awaken your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred back to Hanoi, from where you will take your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 5 Hue Sightseeing Tour (B/L) - group tour

Hue City is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Thua Thien Hue province, and used to be an old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. During this time, the most remarkable architectural monuments were constructed, which now are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 8:00-8:30 am.
Start your exploration with the boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, which is the oldest pagodas in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you will also visit the Royal Antiques Museum to see the collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Then head to the bustling Dong Ba market.
Have delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, which represents the Confucian style. On the way, you will also visit conical hats and incense sticks villages.
You will be back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Travel From Hue To The Ancient Town Of Hoi An (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in at the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Hoi An Fishing and Basket Boat Tour (B/L) - group tour

Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you for a cycle trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside, you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the neighborhood. After that, you will board a boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Later, you will take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. After the boat trip, have delicious lunch and cycle back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 Travel To The Pearl Of The Orient - Ho Chi Minh (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the Da Nang airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city center. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 9 Discover The Mysterious Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnels. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served. Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10 Excursion On The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L) - group tour

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.
Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farms, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.
Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 11 Biggest Farewell And Warmest Thank You - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.