Vietnam Explorer

Description

Tour type: private - hard

Class: standard - superior

Duration: 16 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or Reverse.
Price: from US$890/pax
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 8 pax)

Highlights: Hanoi, Mai Chau trekking and homestay, Ha Long Bay, sea kayaking, charming Hoi An, nice beaches, boat cruises, Mekong delta.

Introduction: In covering capital cities ancient, old and new, treks into Ethnic Minority tribes, thickly forested national parks, golden beaches and mountain hideaways makes this a truly diverse trip.  

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)

Day 2: Hanoi city (B, L)

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau trekking (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mai Chau Trekking (B, L, D)

Day 5: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh (B, L, D)

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 7: Hanoi - Ha Long - Hue (B, L, D)

Day 8: Hue city (B, L)

Day 9: Hue - Bach Ma National Park (B, L, D)

Day 10: Bach Ma National Park – Da Nang (B, L)

Day 11: Da Nang - Nha Trang (Flight) (B)

Day 12: Nha Trang Island and Snorkeling (B, L)

Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B, L)

Day 14: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City – 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

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. 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. We will then enjoy one hour trip on cyclo and the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.

Our full-day city tour begins with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature which was the first university in Vietnam and was built in 1070.

After lunch in a local restaurant, 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.

Mai Chau is a mountainous area of outstanding natural beauty, inhabited by a Thai and H’mong ethnic minority groups. This trip offers a great combination of cultural expedition and trekking. We trek for three days through the spectacular scenery, visit remote and stay overnight in local homes where we have the chance to get to know these hospitable villages. From the mountainous region of Mai Chau, we travel back to the nation's capital, Hanoi.

You leave Hanoi for Mai Chau at 8.00 am. After 4-hr beautiful bus ride you will reach Pom Coong, a village of the Thai ethnic minority in Mai Chau valley. After a lunch in Pom Coong Village, you take light walk on village road to Xo, a village of the Thai ethnic minority.

Dinner and overnight at local house.

After breakfast we say goodbye to the family and begin 3-hr trek in the morning to reach Buoc Village. The path will runs uphill and down hill through bamboo forest, terraces and farms. On the trek we may see farmers working on their farms. Around 12 pm we will reach Buoc Village, another scenic village of White Thai minority people. We will have lunch on the way and in the afternoon and reach the beautiful village of Van.

Dinner and overnight at local house.

After breakfast at the home stay, you will walk on village roads which run between mountains and rice paddies. Reaching place for lunch stop, Van Mai village, around 11:30am. Then will take us south-east to the town of Ninh Binh. Arriving in Ninh Binh late in the afternoon we will check into our hotel.
Overnight at hotel, Ninh Binh.

This morning, we visit Hoa Lu Citadel, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the Dinh and Le dynasties. We then take the boat cruise in  Tam Coc (“three caves”) portion. It is a three-hour excursion by small boat along the Ngo Dong river, beginning at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through three natural caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), the largest of which is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods. This is said to be Ha Long on land in Ninh Binh.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

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.
You are picked at the hotel at 8am to start the ride to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, take 04 hours boat cruise on the bay. Boat will stop at Thien Cung cave and Dau Go cave. Seafood lunch is provided. After lunch, we return to Hanoi.

You will have dinner before taking the night train to Hue.
Overnight at on train.

Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon. Here locates many historical buildings, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family.

The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu, which now becomes the symbol of Hue and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip, we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive; however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We will then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight at Hotel, Hue.

Bach Ma National Park is a protected area in central Vietnam, near the city of Hue. It covers 220 km² and comprises three zones: a strictly protected core area, an administrative area and a buffer zone. A trip to the park would offer you very unforgettable  memories.
We will depart Hue at 8.00 and drive the 55km to Bach Ma National Park. Our stay in this forgotten paradise will include a trek to Hai Vuong Dai. We will also walk to the 300m Do Quyen waterfall. This evening we will stay in the guesthouse located in the national park.

Before departing Bach Ma we will trek to the Tri Sao waterfall. From here we will head south to Lang Co Beach and then over the Hai Van Pass, stopping at the top to admire the views. Once into Da Nang we will check into our hotel before heading out to the Cham Museum.
Overnight at the hotel, Da Nang.

Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It 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. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
Being transferred to the airport for the flight to the Beach City of Nha Trang. Today you are free for your personal activities.
Overnight at the hotel, Nha Trang.

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/Khanh Hoa province 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.

Morning we take a short excursion to 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. Đà Lạt's specific sights are pine wood (forming the name: "City of thousands of pine trees") 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."
We spend this afternoon visiting Da Lat Cathedral and Central Market where we might be bewildered with a riot of multi-colored flowers as well as various kinds of fresh vegetable and mouthwatering fruits. We continue to Linh Son Pagoda, which was built in 1938 on a hill overlooking the centre of Da Lat. The last place today is Minh Tam flower garden – the biggest flower garden in Da Lat.
Overnight at Hotel, Da Lat.

We leave Da Lat after breakfast for scenic drive through tea, coffee and rubber plantations to Ho Chi Minh City (300km). On the way we stop at Dambri water fall for taking photograph. Lunch en route. No more activities are included then after the long drive to Ho Chi Minh City.

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 Định and was officially renamed Hồ Chí 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.

Overnight at Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, we head out to 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!). Return to Ho Chi Minh City. If time permits, we will visit former President’s Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral.
Overnight at Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time until transfer you to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam. End tour.

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Quotation

Category	Net rate in US$/person in party of				Sgl Sup
	2 - 3 pax	4 - 5 pax	6 - 7 pax	8 pax
Standard	1325	1135	980	890	195
Superior	1415	1225	1070	980	265

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

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Services

Inclusion:

• Twin-shared rooms at 2-3 star hotels, 12 nights in hotel, 2 nights home stay with mosquito net, clean blanket and pillow.

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

• Boat cruise and land transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip.

• Train ticket from Hanoi to Hue (A/C soft sleeper).

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

• Admission fees for all sightseeing places

• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All flights and airport tax (Hanoi - Hue: US$70; Da Nang - Nha Trang: US$55)

• Visa arrangement.

• Travel insurances.

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

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

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Accommodation

Category	Cities	Hotels	Class	Room Type
Standard	Hanoi	Orchid Hotel	2*	Standard
	Ninh Binh	The Long	2*	Standard
	Hue	Victory Hotel	2*	Standard
	Hoi An	Vinh Hung 3	2*	Standard
	Nha Trang	Oriole Hotel	2*	Standard
	Da Lat	Yk-Home Villa	2*	Superior
	Ho Chi Minh	Duc Vuong	2*	Standard
Superior	Hanoi	Luxor Hotel	3*	Superior
	Ninh Binh	The Long	2*	Superior
	Hue	Hue Heritage	3*	ROH
	Hoi An	Lotus hotel	3*	Superior
	Nha Trang	The Light	3*	Superior
	Da Lat	Vietso Petro	3*	Deluxe
	Ho Chi Minh	Sapphire Hotel	3*	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.