Best of Vietnam Private Tour 14 Days Tour Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay Cruise, Hoi An, Hue & Mekong Delta Experience

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and Your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to hotel for check in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Culture Adventure By Vintage Minsk (B/L/D)

Today, you will have a chance to see Hanoi with different appearance. After listening to your guide’s briefing, hop on the vintage Minsk with professional rider to start discovering hidden corners in Hanoi. Stop at Opera house for photos then follow the narrow, winding, zigzagging backstreets and alleyways with just enough room for a single bike to turn up in the biggest second-hand mechanics and electronics market in Vietnam where you could buy anything from a pistol for a US Army Jeep of to the pedal of a Chinese bicycle, or a radio from the 1970s to the latest Phones. Continue your journey by visiting a Hanoian’s family at the formal home-visit where lives a Vietnam-war veteran and his lovely family, living in the tiny Russian apartment compound since the 1960s. Whilst being invited to have a cup of Vietnamese tea with the family, you will enjoy a rare opportunity for real cultural exchange. The Minsk will take you on the second part of our journey - “Classical Hanoi Romance” to pass charming French boulevards before tasting authentic food: Banh Cuon; Pho Cuon & Egg coffee. End of the cultural adventure trip with full of nice memory

Home Hosted Dinner with Hanoian family

Today, we’ll introduce you to a program to discover to an authentic experience in Hanoi. It is Hanoi Home Hosted Dinner. In this experience, you will be taken to a family with a tradition in Hanoi.

Stay and live like Hanoian It only takes about 20 minutes departing from hotel, our guide will take you to a traditional family of Hanoi with three generations in the house. All family members will greet you like friends who come from afar. You and the members of the home will be the protagonists of the dinner. You can ask anything about life, culture, habits, … of a traditional family so that you can see the difference between Vietnam and your country.

In Vietnam, a family meal has always been an intangible string to connect family members, a time to talk to create the bond among generations. A shared meal is a vivid illustration of affection among family members. During the meal, the elderly teach the younger customs, table manners and traditional values. The children show their caring and respect of the elderly through preparing meals and expressing etiquettes. The meal is simple, but it implies a profound love. Vietnam is famous for its long-standing history; Vietnamese also have a very dissimilar eating style. There are some features in Vietnamese way of eating.

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa – Ta Van & Giang Ta Chai Village (B/L)

Today, after breakfast at hotel, you drive to Sapa, take a scenic 5hr drive to your hotel in the former hill station of Sapa. A frontier town 350km northwest of Hanoi and close to the border with China, Sapa’s terraced rice fields are some of the world’s most beautiful. You have a lunch at local restaurant before trek through the Muong Hoa Valley to admire the beautiful orderliness of the fields created by skilled, diligent ethnic farmers. There is an opportunity to see different traditions and costumes of the Zay minority at Ta Van Village and the Red Dzao at Giang Ta Chai Village. Return to hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Overnight in Sapa

NOTES: Trekking distance: 11km (7mi)

Day 4: Sapa - Ban Khoang - Ta Giang Phin (B/L)

Depart Sapa on an 8km (5mi) drive to the start of the O Quy Ho Mountain Pass along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range with several stops for photos of stunning Mount Fansipan and Sin Chai Valley. Turn and follow a narrow tarmac road, passing forests and waterfalls before arriving at the Ban Khoang Commune, home to the Black H’mong and Red Dzao ethnic groups. Walk to explore this remote village for an overview of local life. Then drive to the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, inhabited by the Black H’mong who live in several hamlets along a peaceful stream. Enjoy lunch on the banks of the stream, followed by a 2hr walk through wild and unspoiled scenery with imposing mountains and picturesque terraced fields. Observe the local villagers engaging in their daily activities including ploughing, harrowing, harvesting and handicrafts. Mid-afternoon, meet the car and return to Sapa.

NOTES: Total trekking distance: 13km / 8mi

Easy walking, suitable for all fitness levels This trip can be organized year-round except in January and February when the weather is often foggy.

Day 5: Sapa - Interaction With The Head Of The Red Dzao Hill Tribe - Hanoi (B/L)

Sapa’s mountainous landscape is home to many ethnic minorities, each with their own customs and way of life. Today you will be welcomed to Thanh Kim Red Dzao hill tribe village, overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley. A warm cup of tea and the friendly smile of head of the tribe will greet visitors in the garden. Accompanied by his family, the head of the village will share his story and teach you about the culture of H’mong people. His optimism for the future of his village is contagious as he explains how he encourages his tribe to work hard in order to provide a better life. The experience will leave travellers with a greater understanding of this agricultural community and the important role they play in maintaining this traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a drink or a meal at the restaurant before drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Today, depart from hanoi for a 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau harbour, Haiphong via the new highway. Arrive at 12:00 and be greeted with a warm welcome and special tea at the board Cruise’s lounge. Then it’s time to climb aboard the Heritage Cruise and check in; enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions. Set sail for Da Chong islet, where you’ll stop on the way for lunch at L’Indochine Restaurant and see a heritage lighthouse built by the French more than 100 years ago.

After lunch, cruise on to Gia Luan Lagoon and marvel at the dramatic limestone karst formations rising out of the sea. Savour the serene atmosphere in this quiet bay, relatively untouched with few visiting cruise ships. Sail onwards towards Ba Trai Dao or Three Peach beaches in Lan Ha Bay, a natural frontier between the provinces of Halong and Haiphong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of 400 islands. Guests can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay.

After your aquatic activities, return to the Heritage Cruise and enjoy the luxuries on offer onboard or just relax in your suite, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin with cocktail in hand. Activities available include an afternoon tea and wine tasting, and the chef will also lead a Vietnamese cookery class. A delectable dining experience to remember will be served on board; Savour the finely prepared local cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting. Bask in the radiant evening views of the bay at the bar on top deck. You will also have the chance to go squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant. The bars are open until late.

Overnight on board Cruise

Day 07: Halong Bay – Hanoi - Hue

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Then return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back, arriving at Got Harbor and relaxing at our lounge while your transportation arrives. Drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight to Hue. Upon on arrival, your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to hotel for check in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue

Day 08: Sunset On Tam Giang Lagoon - Hue Ancient City (B/L)

In the morning, you enjoy to explore Hue Ancient City. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Explore the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored.

Select one of two royal tombs to visit:

1.     The Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Interestingly, Tu Duc had 104 wives and countless concubines but left no heirs to the throne. While the complex does include a tomb, together with pavilions and temples, no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried as all 200 servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret from grave robbers

2.     The elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb whose architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. While smaller than many of the other tombs, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is more flamboyant, with the largest dragons in the country forming the side walls leading up to the tomb. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior in the spacious main building decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies.

In the afternoon, On the road to Tam Giang, Chuon Lagoon, cross the Thanh Toan Bridge, one of the  last ancient beadles made by bricks with architecture  unique to Hue.

Transferred on a sampan boat to Chuon Lagoon. There, you will have an opportunity to explore the daily life of fishermen. Catching fish and using fishing tools in lagoon, try your luck  at catching dinner with a local fisherman’s help..

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant as you watch the fascinating sunset on the lagoon. (Don’t forget to take some photos to remember these amazing moments!)

Then driving back your hotel. Overnight in Hue

Day 09: Hue – Hoi An - Half Day Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)

After breakfast at hotel, Then drive 3.5 hours to Hoi An along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.  Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in your hotel and free at leisure.

In the afternoon, enjoy walking tour Hoi An

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Day 10: Cycling Cam Thanh & Thanh Dong Organic Farm (B/L)

After breakfast at hotel, You will be picked up and transferred to Vong Nhi village by E-car, you receive the bikes and we start cycling through the village (around 6 km). On the way we may see lots of stunning landscapes from peaceful countryside such as green water coconut forest and prawn & red snapper farms or immerse ourselves in rustic beauty of rice fields. Arrival at Thanh dong organic farm- a 10,000sqm organic garden supporting 10 local families. We will take a short stroll around the vegetable garden while listening to the life-changing story of the farmers since they have been approached organic method of cultivating herbs.

Afterwards we join the farmers to do some gardening activities like preparing and applying organic manure to the land, raking the ground, sowing herb seed, watering or picking vegetables. Then, we leave the farm for taking the basket boat ride along the Do River to The Field Restaurant. You may enjoy the beautiful scenery or fishing life of local villagers on the way there. Before getting back to the hotel, we will enjoy short cooking class and have Vietnamese family style lunch

HOI AN SUNSET CRUISE

Sunset is just the start of a long day (and night) in the life of Hoi An’s fishermen. Board a local river boat for a sunset cruise while witnessing the town’s fishermen board their boats and head out to the Cua Dai Sea for a night of fishing. From the boat, you will see at first-hand the daily activities of the fishermen. The boat will stop along the shore where you can try your hand at casting traditional fishing nets, a common fishing method still practiced today. Also learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boats before heading back to the river boat. On the way back to town, enjoy a refreshing drink and a snack as the sun disappears below the horizon.

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Liem (B/L/D)

You will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to to Mekong Delta. The transfer to Coco Riverside Lodge, Trung Nghia - Vung Liem is about 3 hours drive via Bentre. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will meet a representative and you are led to the lodge along countryside path. After just a short walk you will be treated to a welcome drink. Check in and have lunch at lodge's restaurant

After a chance to rest, you walk 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.

Walk back to Lodge, select bicycles for a cycling tour in the afternoon on quiet village roads passing by a duck farm, green rice paddies, sedge field and small villages. Along the way, you visit one of the many dragon/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.

After shower and refresh, you start to walk to neighbor home and enjoy a "poon" lights while traditional musical performance by war veteran artist. Then, experience of traditional torches made of dried coconut leaves to get back.

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 Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge

Day 12: Vung Liem – Ho Chim Mnh City (B/L)

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. Check out and Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to HCMC.

Day 13: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels & Half Day City Tour (B/L)

This morning, you will depart from hotel for a 2hr drive northwest to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches and contained hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War. Continue your journey with a 1.5hr drive to the Cao Dai Great Temple in Tay Ninh. Founded in the early 20th century and indigenous to Vietnam, Cao Dai is a fusion of elements from Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, with some aspects of Christianity and Islam. The elaborate architecture of the temple reflects this unique combination of religions. Visitors are welcome inside the temple to observe the colourful midday service. There is a viewing balcony which affords excellent views and photography is permitted. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a simple, local restaurant before returning to Saigon.

AFTERNOON IS CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

In the afternoon, join HCMC city tour. With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and our city tour takes in some of Saigon’s most historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.) Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 14: Saigon Departure (B)

After breakfast at hotel, you are free for shopping until transferring to airport for your onward flight to go home.

Tour Included

• Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services
• All private transportation
• Accommodation shared in Double room with daily breakfast
• All domestic flights
• Experienced English speaking guide
• Private boat trip as per tour
• Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
• All sightseeing tickets
• Tissues and water on coach
• Vietnam Visa On Arrival pre-approved letter
• Services charges and government tax
• Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service
• No extra charge after services confirmation
• 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Tour Excluded

• International flights & departure taxes if any
• Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Beverage
• Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year (if any)
• Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo for each person)
• Other services not mentioned above