Legends of Vietnam: Saigon to Hanoi  15 Days  

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Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral
Ben Tre
Ben Tre
Hoi An - Chua Ong Pagoda
Hue - Minh Mang Tomb
Ninh Binh - Bich Dong Pagoda
Tam Coc
Mai Hich Mai Chau
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Halong Bay Kayaking
landscape
Overview
mai-chau-29.webp
  • Start/End: Ho Chi Minh city/Hanoi
  • Route: Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre - Cu Chi tunnel - Hoi An - My Son - Hue - Ninh Binh - Pu Luong - Mai Chau - Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Culture and Heritage
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily Departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano, Português
Highlight

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through Vietnam, traveling from the vibrant south to the historic north. Start in dynamic Saigon, cruise through the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, and head to the central coast to explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue. Ride an overnight train to Ninh Binh, where you'll marvel at the inland landscapes known as "Halong Bay on land." Continue to Pu Luong and Mai Chau to explore the land of the Thai ethnic group, before heading to Hanoi to experience the bustling capital's rich culture and mouthwatering street food, then cap off your adventure with the stunning natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet and greet at the airport, then transfer to your hotel.

    Landing at the Tan Son Nhat airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. On the 30-minute driving from the airport to the city center, your tour guide will introduce you about the highlights of the city, and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture....

    On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room)
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore the best highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Independence Palace, Binh Tay Market, Quan Am Pagoda, and the War Museum.

    9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

    Pick up by car then short drive to have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

    Continue visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in city and dedicated to Guan Yin, elements of Taoism, and the folk worship of the "Queen of Heaven".

    the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room)
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Ben Tre, boat trip to visit a brick factory, coconut and mat workshops, then explore villages by motor cart or bicycle.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Ben Tre
    Transportation
    Bike: Ben Tre
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sanouva Hotel(Premium Deluxe Double Room)
    177 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, fly to Da Nang, and transfer to Hoi An.

    8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

    Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. You will also have a chance to visit Ben Duoc memorial temple nearby but far less touristic built in 1993 in memory of the Vietnamese killed at Cu Chi.

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :Flight (SGN - DAD) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover My Son Sanctuary, uncover Champa culture, and explore Hoi An Ancient Town.

    Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

    Recognized as a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO, the site preserves the 70 ruined architecture works of bricks and stones built between the 7th and 13th century. Your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical and architecture values as you leisurely visit each relic. Tour also enrich with an attending to the traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Travel to Hue, visit the Cham Museum, cross the Hai Van Pass, and explore Thien Mu Pagoda and the Hue Citadel.

    travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

    visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

    visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
    36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover Hue’s countryside by visiting Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages, explore Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, and board the overnight train to Ninh Binh.

    8:00 AM: Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.

    In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Later, take the boat back to the city.

    In the afternoon, drive to Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

    At the end of the day, you will be dropped off at the train station to catch an overnight train to Hanoi capital.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Hue
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Train:SE2 (Hue - Hanoi) / 16:22 - 05:55 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 02 tickets
    Video:
  • Explore Thung La Temple by bicycle or car, take part in a hands-on family embroidery workshop, and join a local cooking class.

    take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Leisure: Thung La temple music
    Cooking class: Nep House
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room)
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover Phat Diem Cathedral, sail a bamboo boat through Tam Coc, visit King Dinh and King Le temples in Hoa Lu, then return to Hanoi.

    the Phat Diem cathedral which is well-known as the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. The construction of the cathedral between 1875-1899 with a unique combination of traditional pagoda architecture and a western church made of stone and wood.

    On arrival, take a leisurely walk to visit the Jesus Christ on the middle islet and the impressive house-gate. Then continue to the grand Catholic Church named “Nha Tho Duc Me Man Coi” which was built with 6 rows of monolithic ironwood with 2 layers of tile roof. Located at the end of the courtyard, the completely stone church is the most incredible building in the complex.

    Leave the church, enjoy leisurely walk to Chinh Kim village and visit some of the work-shops knitting sedge products or try a cup of well-known rice wine liquor.

    Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

    On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room)
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Mai Chau via Pu Luong, with a scenic stop for a hike through Lan and Don villages, exploring authentic communities and breathtaking rice terraces.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow Double )
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Walk amidst rice fields and limestone mountains, passing through stilt-house villages, and journeying back to Hanoi.

    explore Mai Hich by bike(optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

    Leave Mai Chau for the 4-hour journey back to Hanoi. On the way, stop to take pictures as you wish. Arrival your hotel, check in and free to explore the city on your own

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    La Nueva Boutique Hotel(Premium Room)
    32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore the Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum, Ho Chi Minh Complex, French Quarter, and Old Quarter.

    the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

    the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.      

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    La Nueva Boutique Hotel(Premium Room)
    32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Halong, Cruise Lan Ha Bay, Explore Caves, Bamboo Boat Ride & Swim

    Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy 3-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at reception.

    07:45 – 08:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (for private transfers) or at our Shuttle Bus stop (for shared transfers). We'll head to Halong City.

    11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Transfer to the main boat by tender. Embark on Sena Cruise. Warmly welcome to Sena Cruise! While enjoying a welcome drink, our cruise manager will deliver a cruise briefing and safety introduction. After that, you will check in to your cabin.

    13:00 – 13:30: A fabulous lunch is served as Sena Cruise starts her sail into magnificent Lan Ha Bay – an extension of Halong Wonder, much quieter with fewer tourists. She will pass thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.

    15:00: Visit the Dark and Bright Cave – famous for its pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Take photos of the romantic, lyrical local sights. This is the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming, revealing the true beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay. Afterward, immerse in the emerald green water of Lan Ha Bay with exciting swimming activities.

    17:00: Return to Sena Cruise and relax on the cruise. Enjoy our sunset time and the “Happy Hour Deal” in all bars on the cruise. You will also have a chance to join our cooking class to challenge your skills in preparing the famous Vietnamese spring rolls. Before dinner, our experienced captain will choose the most tranquil area to anchor for overnight.

    19:00: Savor a deluxe dinner. After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at a panoramic bar or partake in onboard activities: squid fishing, karaoke. Stay overnight on the cruise.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Halong bamboo boat
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Lan Ha (on board) - cooking demonstration
    Sena Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
    3b Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Practice Tai Chi, kayak through Tra Bau, swim in emerald waters, return to Hanoi, and savour authentic street food.

    06:00: Be an early bird for a photo hunt and join our Tai-chi session on the sundeck to refresh your body and mind.

    07:00: Have a light breakfast. Sena Cruises continues her sail, passing amazing karst towers. Tea, coffee, and a light breakfast are served with fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

    08:15: Explore Tra Bau Area. Join kayaking & swimming to explore the Tra Bau area – the famous filming location for Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.

    09:30: Return to the boat for check-out.

    10:00: Lunchtime. During the time, a well-prepared Set menu lunch is served. Sena Cruise slowly navigates emerald water and thousands of Karst Mountains towards the Harbor.

    11:30 – 12:00: Return to Tuan Chau Port and disembark. Our driver will meet you at the port and bring you back to Hanoi. You are expected to arrive in Hanoi at about 3 PM.

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Enjoy a walk to the Hoan Kiem Lake – the heart of the city. Turn into a small alley Bao Khanh. Your first experience is Banh Cuon. A thin steamed rice flour pancakes filled with minced pork and cloud ear mushrooms served with nuoc cham (a fish-sauce based dipping sauce), fried shallots and fresh herbs. You have an opportunity to make yourself a cake.

    After passing the Hanoi Cathedral, built by the French in 1884, we come to Hang Manh Street. The street is famous for Bun Cha Dac Kim. Minced pork and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals and served with fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar and lime which, when combined, creates a sort of barbecue soup that is eaten with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. Accompanied by deep-fried spring rolls, this calorie rich dish is served with garlic and chilies on the side for an extra kick.

    Hanoi street food tour is not perfectly complete without having a Banh Mi. It is what local people call a fusion sandwich as it originated from the French colonialism days. There are so many banh mi shops but we stop at Banh Mi 25 that is a very cozy homemade shop.

    Next stop is Pho (rice noodle soup). Almost all international tourists coming to Vietnam want a chance to enjoy a bowl of Pho in its birthplace, Hanoi.  A fragrant rice noodle soup served with fresh herbs that have become popular all over the world. There are two popular variations: pho ga (with chicken) and pho bo (with beef). We highly recommend you try Pho Suong, it is located in a small alley where Hanoians often come for beef noodle soup.

    Start by eating and ending with a drink. Walk to Hidden Gem Coffee - a unique home where discarded materials are used not only to protect the environment but also be revived in new artistic values. Enjoy local drinks (egg coffee, honey ginger tea, lemongrass tea or a local beer bottle) before coming back to hotel.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Tuan Chau - Hanoi
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Lan Ha
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    La Nueva Boutique Hotel(Premium Room)
    32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Video:
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Sena Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Ben Tre, Sinh - Tien Non, Halong bamboo boat
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau, Tuan Chau - Hanoi
  • Train: SE2 (Hue - Hanoi)
  • Flight Ticket: Flight SGN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 10, Dinner: 03
  • Bike: Ben Tre, Hue, Ninh Binh
  • Kayak: Lan Ha
  • Leisure: Thung La temple music, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Nep House, Lan Ha (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
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Prices are for a private tour.

  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,786
  • Adult in single room $2,209

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