Routes: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Saigon and Mekong Delta.
Duration: 18 days
We will cycle the Hanoi capital with its colonial charm, and cruise and paddle amidst the magic of Halong Bay with an overnight on the boat. Then its on to the royal city of Hue on the banks of the Perfume River with its ancient Palaces and Emperor’s tombs. Trek Bach Ma National Park with overnight camping, and onto the ancient town of Hoi An. Dive in Nha Trang and explore the underwater life of coral and fish. Then hit the road towards Dalat-the Central Highland of Vietnam where you will not only visit this town of cool climate but also find yourself canyoning and navigating your way through the area's natural environments. Last but not least visit bustling Saigon and the Cu Chi tunnels, then board a boat for a trip on the mighty Mekong River to visit the tropical, fruit laden areas of the Mekong Delta by bike. Difficulty: (3/5).
Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi, cyclo tour
Day 3: Halong Bay, cruise and kayaking, sleep on boat
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue
Day 6: Hue, sightseeing
Day 7: Bach Ma National Park, trekking and camping
Day 8: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Day 9: Hoian, walking tour, flight to Nha Trang
Day 10: Nha Trang, day at the beach
Day 11: Nha Trang, scuba diving
Day 12: Nha Trang - Dalat
Day 13: Dalat, canyoning
Day 14: Dalat - Saigon
Day 15: Saigon, sightseeing and Cu Chi tunnel tour
Day 16: Saigon - Mekong - Can Tho, boating & cycling
Day 17: Can Tho - Saigon
Day 18: Saigon, free day
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
A warm sunny welcome at the Hanoi International Airport! Transfer (45 km) to the your hotel, check-in, followed by some free-time at your leisure to relax. This evening, indulge in a Vietnam welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi, city tour
8:00 am: Meet up at your hotel, for a traditional 1 hour cycle ride down the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi and to visit the Ho Chi Minh complex (mausoleum, presidential palace, house on stilts, one pillar pagoda). We will next visit the Temple of Literature and stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
2:00 pm: Take a short ride in our van to visit the Museum of Ethnology and learn about Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. Many of which you will meet on your trip through Vietnam. Then its back to Hanoi's Old Quarter for a Water Puppet Show at 5:00 pm. The end of the show will mark the end of your day with Heritage. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Halong Bay, cruise and kayak
8:00 am: Morning pickup followed by a 3 hour bus journey to Halong City. Coffee break at the half way point. Arrive at the boat dock at noon, check-in, then start your magical cruise out into this World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on boat while we cruise.
After lunch we will anchor at the most suitable area for sea kayaking. Paddle for 2 - 3 hours at your own pace exploring the hidden lakes, lagoons and islands of Halong Bay. Back to our boat for the dinner's selection of the freshest seafood and overnight on the sea under the stars.
Day 4: Halong Bay, kayaking - Hanoi
Wake up at sunrise (about 6:00 am), then breakfast on boat. More cruising in the morning then another hour of kayaking before heading our way back to Ha Long City. Lunch in Halong City before we make our way back to Hanoi. Arrival into Hanoi by 4:30 pm. Free at your leisure to explore the charm and fascination of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Overnight in your same Hanoi hotel.
Day 5: Hanoi, free day, night train to Hue
A free day to relax and learn more about Vietnam's people, culture, and capital city. Some suggestions include waking up extra early (6:00 am) for some exercise around Hoan Kiem lake or participating in one of the many cooking classes available in town for a slightly different type of local flavor. Overnight on train to Hue.
Day 6: Hue, city tour
8:50 am: Arrive in enchanting Hue, transfer to your hotel for check-in, shower and a change of clothes (a basic breakfast will be served on the train). We will visit the Imperial city, followed by a boat trip along the Perfume River and then embark on a visit to the Thien Mu pagoda. We drive back to central Hue for lunch. In the afternoon we set out for country side for a scenic drive and a visit to one of the tombs of the Nguyen Kings. Then back to your hotel. Free time for your own exploration of Hue in the afternoon and evening.
Day 7: Bach Ma National Park, trekking
7:00 am: Morning departure for Bach Ma National Park, arriving at Bach Ma Center at 8:00 am. We will have a short rest before driving up to the Bach Ma Summit (45 minutes). En route be prepared with your camera for some spectacular views of the area. 9:30 am: The summit will also act as our trekking base. Our hard trek will travel down natural trails with ample opportunity for superb bird viewing. We are back for our lunch and a short rest at 11:30 am. 12:30 pm: We will lead you on a light trek to the Five Lakes (35 minutes). This area is inhabited by a multitude of butterflies. Continue our trek to Do Quyen Waterfall. 3:30 pm: Our trek journeys us uphill to our campsite and overnight location. Dinner by the fire and an enjoyable sleep in the jungle.
Day 8: Bach Ma - Lang Co - Hoian
6:30 am: Take down camp and walk to an area guest house for our breakfast. Then drive to Lang Co town for a rest on the lovely beach there. You will have up to 3 hours to swim, sun bathe and lunch before our ride to Hai Van pass, Cham museum and onto Hoian. We arrive in Hoian at about 4:30 pm. Free at your leisure to explore this favorite city. Dinner and overnight in this, yet another, World Heritage town.
Day 9: Hoian city tour, flight to Nha Trang
8:00 am: After breakfast, take part in a walking tour visiting Hoian and all the treasures of this old town. Old houses, temples, pagodas, ancient bridges, followed by a traditional music show at 10:15 am. Then free time to shop. 12:00 noon: Check-out and transfer to Danang for our flight to Nha Trang. 2:10 pm: One hour flight to Nha Trang. Arrival at the Cam Ranh Airport then transfer downtown for check-in. Explore this wonderful beach town around at your leisure for the rest of the day.
Day 10: Nha Trang, beach relaxation
A whole day of sand and sea. Take some time to relax and play on the beach.
Day 11: Nha Trang, scuba diving
Depart early at 7:00 am from the Dive Center to the boat station, where we board our dive boat and brief with our dive instructors. We then depart for Mun Island for your first 45 minute dive. Lunch on boat (included) and free for swimming and snorkeling. Afternoon, you can take part in a second dive at a different site before heading back to port. Transfer to your hotel at about 3:00 pm. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 12: Nha Trang - Dalat, city tour
8:00 am: We leave for Dalat on a morning drive in our van. It will take us about 4-5 hours (200 km) to reach our destination. We will stop at Cham towers at Phan Rang then second stop for lunch. Continue driving to an elevation of 1200 meters then onto Dalat. After check-in at your hotel we will do a short city tour to visit a local artisan Crazy House, area French villas, the Valley of Love, and Xuan Huong Lakes. Back to your hotel for overnight in Dalat.
Day 13: Dalat, canyoning
8:00 am: Today we will do something a little different. Today we will take part in canyoning. Canyoning is navigating your way through a canyon. In this case, the canyon runs through a series of spectacular waterfalls and in some sections the topography requires ropes to navigate our way safely and successfully. Other sections can be hiked or swam through. We will travel by van to the mountain areas then do some hiking, rappelling, and swimming. Back to our hotel at 4:30 pm. Overnight in Dalat.
Day 14: Dalat - Saigon
You have some hours in the morning here to visit the city's market, flower stores, and art galleries. At 11:30 am we will leave for Saigon. Lunch is served en route, and stops for some sightseeing and breaks on the way. Arrive into Saigon at 5:30 pm. Check-in and free to explore this bustling city.
Day 15: Saigon, city tour and Cu Chi tunnels
8:00 am: We will tour around the city and visit the Unification Palace, Norte Dame Cathedral, National Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. Have lunch in town before we head to the infamous Cu Chi tunnels to witness this unbelievable tunnel system dug by Viet Cong. Back to Saigon, dinner and overnight in town.
Day 16: Vinh Long - Can Tho, cycling and boating
8:00 am: Departure for Cai Be (2.5 hours). On arrival, where we board a touring boat to the floating market and cruise over the mighty Mekong River to Dong Phu Island. We start cycling one hour under the natural green canopy, exploring the orchards and daily life of farmers. Lunch break on island & more cruising by boat to Vinh Long. In the afternoon we have 2 hours pedaling through immense rice fields and numerous rural riverside villages before our bus picks us up to Can Tho city. Evening is free free time for a scenic promenade along the city quay. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 17: Can Tho - Saigon
Start your day off with a morning boat trip to the exciting and chaotic Cai Rang Floating Market. Then up a quiet canal for more of a pleasure cruise and some peace and relaxation. Then its back on the bikes to explore some backcountry roads (2 hours) to enjoy the beautiful Delta scenery. Meet the locals, many of whom are on bicycle too, along the way. After lunch we head back to Saigon for dinner.
Day 18: Saigon
Free on your own to relax or to do some last minute shopping before you pack. We will bring you to the Saigon International Airport for your departure. Your Vietnam eco-adventure ends here, with smiles and a suitcase full of memorable experiences.
Hotels to be used
3-star category
Hano: Galaxy / Hoa Binh / Thien Thai
Hue: Vi Da river side / Asia
Hoian: Thuy Duong / Hoian
Nha Trang: Green Hotel
Dalat: Empress / Golf 3
Saigon: Oscar / Saigon Royal
Can Tho: Asia/ Tay Do
Trip Notes:
- S.S is used for Single Supplement, a surcharge added to the cost per person when one want to have her/his own room
- Costs are $US NET. Subject to 3% surcharge if paid by credit cards or 2% on travellers’ cheque
- Single Sup + USD $ 570
- Private tour can be arranged any time, booking for group is subject to the availability of minimum of 10 people
- Hotel we use 3 star standard hotel, twin shared room. Upgrade is available on request
- Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and almost all museums are closed on Monday and Friday weekly, you can choose to visit another site instead, no short or informal wear is allowed into the Mausoleum
- Sleeper Train to Sapa/Hue
- Meals, Vietnam food (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Halong Bay tour. We share mini–van, deluxe Junk or Explore Junk with maximum 14 people and twin shared cabin aboard
- Car/Van Quality. Using new AC car or van depending on your group size
- Tour guide, local English/French speaking guides
- Best Time to Do all year round, best from September to April of next year
- Bring Passport, change of clothes, sun-glasses & hat, toiletries, sun-block, insect repellent, flashlights, good shoes, personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks. If you feel the need then sleeping bags, cable lock for your bags is recommended.
Other Notes:
- Please be aware that flight times, trains, hotels and other services are subject to availability. Where flights/trains are canceled or delayed M19288 will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value
- Hotels, flights, train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
- This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing
- Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories
- Check–in at 14:00 and out at 12:00 noon. Early check in if it is subject to availability
- Booking Terms & Conditions. Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for farther. Validity Until 31 Oct 2009.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Land transport AC van
- AC soft sleep train to Hue
- Local light, Danang-NhaTrang
- Meals as tour program
- Local English/French speaking guides
- Bicycle (high-end mountain bike or hybrid bike)
- Kayaks (super liner polyethylene)
- Scuba Dive equipment
- Professional camping gear, canyoning and rock climbing gear
- Boat cruise on Halong bay, Hue, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta
- All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program.
Price Excludes:
- International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
- Hotel early check-ins and late check-outs
- All drinks & other meals not mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Visa to Vietnam (we can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping)
- Others not mentioned in details.
Rate in USD Per person:
- If 2 to 4 persons, cost in USD $ 2150/Pax (3-star hotel)
- If 5 to 7 persons, cost in USD $ 2050/Pax (3-star hotel)
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
Multi-activity
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