Vietnam Grand Adventure

Itineraries

Tour type: private - hard

Class: standard - first class

Duration: 20 days

Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or Reverse.

Price: from US$1096/person

Meals planned: see on each day

Group size: on request (2 - 16 people)

Highlights: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels,  Da Lat, sea kayaking and snorkeling, Hoi An ancient Port Town, My Son Sanctuary,  Hue Imperial City, boat cruises, the 1000 year old capital, Halong Bay, Mai Chau Valley, etc.  

Introduction: This amazing trip will take you on an unforgettable journey through a country that's as distinct and enchanting as the people who inhabit it. Our adventure begins in the steamy southern city of Saigon. From here we'll explore the agriculturally rich Mekong Delta and the one-time guerrilla stronghold of Cu Chi tunnels before spending a couple of days cooling off in the attractive Central Highlands town of Dalat. Back on the coast, we'll cruise the offshore islands of Nha Trang then catch the day train to the ancient port town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam. A short drive north, over spectacular Hai Van Pass, brings us to a city that's steeped in history and culture, the former Imperial capital, Hue. Another overnight train journey delivers us to the charming present-day capital of Hanoi in North Vietnam. Discover this graceful old city on foot before setting out to Mai Chau, the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi, where inhabit the Ethnic White Thai. We enjoy romantic cruise amongst the towering limestone karsts of awe-inspiring Halong Bay, the World Natural Heritage Site, before taking departure flight to next destination.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (D)

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta – Home stay (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat (B, L)

Day 6: Da Lat (B)

Day 7: Da Lat – Buon Ma Thuot (Central Highland) (B, L)

Day 8: Buon Ma Thuot – Nha Trang (B, L)

Day 9: Nha Trang Island and Snorkeling (B, L)

Day 10: Nha Trang – Da Nang - Hoi An (B)

Day 11: Hoi An (B)

Day 12: Hoi An – My Son - Hue (B, L)

Day 13: Hue City (B, L)

Day 14: Hue - Hanoi (B, D)

Day 15: Hanoi tour (B, L)

Day 16: Hanoi – Mai Chau –Hanoi (B, L)

Day 17: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Day 18: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

Day 19: Free day in Hanoi (B)

Day 20: Hanoi – Departure (B)

Note*: This is a typical tour made by Tuan Linh Travel. In any case, please contact us for details in accordance with your departure date or customized itinerary.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

(D)

Our guide meet you at the airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Ho Chi Minh City was the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina and later of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. In 1976, it merged with the surrounding province of Gia Dinh and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.

If time permits, we explore Ho Chi Minh City’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the former President’s Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels

(B)

We will spend a half day to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!).
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta – Home stay

(B, L, D)

The Mekong Delta (or the “Nine Dragon River" Delta) is the region in Southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. A cruise on the Mekong river is a great experience to watch the daily life of the locals.
We leave Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive to the watery world of the Mekong Delta – Vietnam’s most fertile region and the source of a large amount of the country’s fresh food. On arrival in Vinh Long province, we take a boat trip along the narrow waterways, overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruit in one of the orchards. After lunch, we ride a bicycle around the village or continue fruit orchards, which offer great insights into the daily lives of the locals along the rivers and canals.
Tonight we have a dinner with the host and enjoy traditional Mekong delta music and songs, performed by the singers of the villages and even maybe your hostess.
Overnight at the simple local house.

Day 4: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

(B, L)

After breakfast with the host and other members, we travel deeper into the Mekong Delta. We pass Rach Long Ho (the dragon canal) and Rach Cai Ca (the fish canal) to visit art and craft workshop (patterned tile, soybean jam, blacksmith's, rice husking ...) and local villages. Continue to Van Thanh shrine and Long Thanh (Green Dragon) Communal house. Pick up at Vinh Long boat station and drive back Ho Chi Minh City. Lunch en route. The rest of the day free at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat

(B, L)

Morning we take  drive through rubber and tea plantations en route to the cooler climes of Da Lat, 320km from Ho Chi Minh City. Da Lat - a beautiful town in the central highlands, which was developed by the French colonialists as a health resort and hunting center, is a popular tourist destination. The special sights of Da Lat are pine wood (forming the name: "City of thousands of pine trees") alternated with twisting roads and tree marigold blossom in the winter. This city has a unique temperate weather in Vietnam's otherwise tropical climate. Mist covering the valleys almost year-round leads to its name "City of eternal spring."

On the way, we stop at Bao Loc to visit Dambri Warterfall followed by a lunch break. Arrive in Da Lat, check in hotel and relax at leisure.
Overnight at hotel, Da Lat.

Day 6: Da Lat

(B)

We spend this morning visiting Da Lat Cathedral and Central Market where you will be bewildered with a riot of multi-colored flowers as well as various kinds of fresh vegetable and mouthwatering fruits. Continue to Linh Son pagoda which was built in 1938 on a hill overlooking the centre of Da Lat. In the middle altar, there is a 1,250 kg bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha cast in 1952. The last place this morning is Minh Tam flower garden – the biggest flower garden in Da Lat.
An afternoon of sightseeing in Da Lat takes in the art deco former summer residence of Emperor Bao Dai, the old Da Lat Railway station, Xuan Huong lake, and Lam Ty Ni pagoda where a Buddhist monk, Vien Thuc, produces his abstract paintings and writes poetry.
Overnight at hotel, Da Lat.

Day 7: Da Lat – Buon Ma Thuot (Central Highland)

(B, L)

After breakfast, you will continue driving Highway 27. Along the way there are coffee plantations and the stilt houses of the Central Highland’s largest ethnic group of the M’nong. Domestic elephants are kept by many of the villages, and there are even sites where one can find elephant fossils dating back to the Neolithic and Paleolithic ages. We cross the Nha Rong pass up into Lak lake, where we check in the Emperor Bao Dai’s small palace nestled on a hillside.
This afternoon, we take an elephant ride out to some of the surrounding villages before enjoy a dugout canoe ride in the Lak lake (Ho Lak). Surrounded by mountains, hills and marshes, the lake is a haven for migrating storks and cranes, and is the site of spring boat and elephant races.
Overnight at hotel, Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 8: Buon Ma Thuot – Nha Trang

(B, L)

We leave Buon Ma Thuot by road for Nha Trang, a coastal town with one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Vietnam. Nha Trang is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010. Nhatrang is also well known for its Cham relics and its various remains, pagodas and temples.

In the afternoon, we visit the Ponagar Cham towers and Long Son pagoda with its enormous white Buddha statue.
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang Island and Snorkeling

(B, L)

We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest

Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 10: Nha Trang – Da Nang - Hoi An

(B)

We leave Nha Trang early in the morning for Da Nang by train. The hotel breakfast will be prepared in boxes and we can enjoy our breakfast while seating on train. After traveling by train through lush rice fields and past spectacular coastal scenery, we arrive in Da Nang at 14:40 pm. We then visit the famous Cham sculptures museum with its collection of relics from the Cham Kingdom. We continue to Hoi An ancient town, a port town since the 10th century.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.

Day 11: Hoi An

(B)

Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff.
Today we take a half day tour around the town. We visit some old merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the colorful local markets, Ong Pagoda and Quang Dong Assembly Hall.
The afternoon is free to browse for souvenirs or hire a bicycle to ride to the nearby Cua Dai beach.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An – My Son - Hue

(B, L)

Morning, we take a half day excursion to the World Heritage listed My Son, the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobudur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. My Son was the most important Cham intellectual and religious centre between the 4th and 13th century. After lunch we drive across the spectacular Hai Van pass and the scenic fishing village of Lang Co to Hue, the ancient Imperial city of Nguyen's Dynasty.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.

Day 13:  Hue City

(B, L)

Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Hanoi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue was Vietnam's most well known ancient capital where many historical buildings are located, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

We begin to see remnants of Hue’s imperial past at the imposing former royal residence, the Citadel. We then take in the elaborate tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
This afternoon we take a boat ride on the romantic Perfume River and visit some of more interesting sites set on the river's bank: the Thien Mu pagoda and the Emperor Minh Mang's tomb.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.

Day 14: Hue - Hanoi

(B, D)

We leave Hue by air to Hanoi, the charming capital of today Vietnam. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. There are many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere.

We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting the Old Quarter by cyclo. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold – “Shoe Street,” “Noodle Street,” and the like. Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. We will then enjoy the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi tour

(B, L)

A real treat is to rise early before breakfast and walk down to the Restored Sword Lake. Here you will join the locals in their morning Tai Chi exercises. Returning to the hotel, we have breakfast before spending a full day city tour.
We begin with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We also pass the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we visit one of the most interesting shrines in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, called “Le Pagoda des Corbeaux” by the French, because of the huge flocks of crows gathering in the mango trees near the entrance. Built in 1070, the Temple of Literature consists of five courtyards dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behavior. It is here that Vietnam’s first university was founded.

In the afternoon, we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of Vietnam, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi – Mai Chau –Hanoi (B, L)

(B, L)

Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area, and the most people here are ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.
at 6am, we head west from Hanoi to the Muong region of Hoa Binh and then start to climb up into the mountains to the beautifully located village of Mai Chau. There we meet the White Thai people and lunch in a traditional long house. In the spring, Mai Chau displays a riot of colors with blooming flowers and peach blossoms.
Lunch will be served in a traditional long house after a trekking to the valley to chat with local people. We return to Hanoi in the evening.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.

Day 17: Hanoi – Halong Bay

(B, L, D)

Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
We leave Hanoi after breakfast for 3-hour drive to the Halong Bay - We have a short break en route at Hong Ngoc, where we have time for a drink and see local people manufacturing different kinds of handicrafts. 

Arrive in Halong city, board our junk boat, for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then go kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay.
Dinner and overnight on Junk.

Day 18: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

(B, L)

7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served.
8.00am: Visit Luon cave on small bamboo boat paddle by out crew staff and enjoy the quiet atmosphere enclosed by high islets and mountains. Be back to our Junk. Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to Hanoi with a stop at Bat Trang ceramic and pottery making village. This is one of the most well known handicraft village in Vietnam, where you can find a whole world of pottery and ceramic items.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 19: Free day in Hanoi

(B)

Today is at leisure in Hanoi for shopping or take an optional excursion to Hoa Lu - Tam Coc caves (8 hours) or Perfume pagoda (8 hours). Or depart today.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.

Day 20: Hanoi – Departure

(B)

Departure day. At leisure until transfer to Hanoi airport for onward flight.
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Quotation

Class	Net rate in US$/person in party of				Single room
	2-3	4-5	6-9	10 up
Standard	2001	1473	1220	1096	+328
Superior	2182	1654	1401	1277	+483
First class	2513	1982	1733	1608	+756

Note*: rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals...

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Inclusion:

• Twin-shared rooms at 2-4 star hotels

• Train tickets from Nha Trang to Da Nang.

• Land transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip.

• Boat trip in Halong Bay and Hue.

• English speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.

• Admission fees for all sightseeing places.

• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.

• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All flights and airport tax (Hue - Hanoi: US$85)

• Visa arrangement.

• Travel insurances.

• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).

• Services not clearly mentioned above.

Packing list: Passport, towels, toiletries, flash light, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, proper hiking shoes and rain coat.

Accommodation

Category	Cities	Hotels	Class	Room Type
Standard	Hanoi	Orchid Hotel	2*	Standard
	Halong cruise	Bai Tu Long Junk	3*	Standard
	Hue	Duy Tan	3*	Superior
	Hoi An	Vinh Hung 3	2*	Standard
	Nha Trang	Oriole Hotel	2*	Standard
	Buon Ma Thuot	Thanh Binh	2*	Standard
	Da Lat	YK Home Villa	2*	Superior
	Ho Chi Minh	Gia Vien	2*	Standard
Superior	Hanoi	Hoa Binh Palace	3*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Oriental Sails	3*	Deluxe
	Hue	Ideal Hotel	3*	Superior
	Hoi An	Pho Hoi Riverside	3*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Violet Hotel	3*	Superior
	Buon Ma Thuot	Dam San	3*	Superior
	Da Lat	Vietso Petro	3*	Deluxe
	Ho Chi Minh	Sapphire Hotel	3*	Superior
First class	Hanoi	Sunway	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Victory Cruise	4*	Superior
	Hue	Huong Giang	4*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Hoi An hotel	4*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Nha Trang Lodge	4*	Standard
	Buon Ma Thuot	Dakruco	4*	Deluxe
	Da Lat	Hoang Anh Resort	4*	Villa Superior
	Ho Chi Minh	First hotel	4*	Superior

Note*:

• Hotels and/or room type would be changed on your requests with surcharge/discount (if any).

• Similar hotels will be selected  in case pointed ones are full.