Deep culture exploration in Vietnam in 20 days

DAY 1: HANOI – MAUSOLEUM OF HO CHI MINH – VAN MIEU – VIETNAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY – TRAN QUOC PAGODA (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

After breakfast at the hotel, around 9am (to avoid the rush hour) our guide will greet us at the hotel and go with us via car to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the 1st president of independent Vietnam in 1945. The Mausoleum is a complex of the tomb in which Ho Chi Minh is resting, the house on stilts, where he used to spend his 11 last years, and his fish pond within a poetic large garden. Adjacent to the complex is an ancient Buddhist pagoda, built 1st time since 1049 AD, reflecting the shape of a lotus flower. Leaving the Mausoleum, we will head to Van Mieu, or Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius scholars under feudal dynasties, and also a study place of high-ranking families’ children. We will have lunch at Koto, a restaurant near Van Mieu.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. There, we can learn about the different cultures in Vietnam and see fascinating artifacts. After that, we’ll visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a peaceful temple by West Lake. It’s a great place to find calm and discover more about Vietnam’s spiritual and religious life. After the trip, we will walk around Truc Bach Lake to take photos and enjoy Tay Ho ice cream. Then, we’ll head back to the hotel.

Dinner at your arrangement. Overnight in Hanoi.

Noted: The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh will close on Monday and Friday so we’ll visit the Hilton Hanoi Museum on those days instead.

DAY 2: HANOI – NINH BINH – HANOI (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

About 07h30 or later: Our private Guide and private Car will greet you at your hotel in Hanoi, head to Ninh Binh, about 100km South of the city.

We will visit Hoa Lu ancient capital – a very important relic of VietNam before Hanoi became the country’s capital in the 11th century. Here you will learn about the formation of the first capital located in Ninh Binh, study  about special and unique architecture appearing in some famous temples of King Dinh and King Le, who made a big contribution to this ancient area.

Next, we can enjoy a boat trip at Trang An, which had been recognized by UNESCO as The World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so that Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as: the Light Cave, Dark Cave, Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave), green river and natural view.
After that, we will have lunch at a good local restaurant and relax.

In the afternoon, we will go on to visit:

• Hang Mua (Dancing Cave): Walk up about 400 low steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, getting an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
• Bai Dinh Pagoda – the most famous & biggest Pagoda in the Southeast Asia with many records set such as 500 Stone – Arhat Statues, 36 ton – bronze Bell, 100 ton – Buddha Statue… amongst new Mahayana Buddhist Pagodas in Vietnam, Bai Dinh is a remarkable one for its huge value of architecture and religion.

Around 16h – 17h: our Car will take you and our guide to return to Hanoi. Arrive at your place in Hanoi around 17h30 after 1h30 driving.

Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight at a hotel in Ha Noi

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

After breakfast at hotel, a bus of our Cruise with a cruise guide will pick us up to Halong Bay, a great UNESCO World Heritage in Northern Vietnam. The transfer to the cruise takes about 2h30m. 

Welcome onboard and take a 2 days -1 night trip on a deluxe cruise with excellent and exciting activities [swimsuits recommended]. Being a Bay with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, some with craters, Halong has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage to emphasise its value and the need to be protected. This journey will awaken all our senses with the beauty of nature, the savoury taste, the comfy facility, and the perfect service right at one of the natural wonders of the world. Overnight onboard.

Please note!
The cruises’ buses often pick-up the guests within the Old Quarter only, not other areas, to avoid long transfers within crowded short streets of Hanoi. The specific program of activities will also vary differently, in accordance with the itinerary of each cruise or crew. 

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Wake up in one of the most beautiful bays in the world, enjoy breakfast, and visit stunning caves or pearl farms in the morning. At noon, after the trip, we will be back to Hanoi to rest and prepare for the long journey ahead. 

Afternoon at your own leisure and arrangement. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HANOI – SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Have breakfast at the hotel before our vehicle and guide pick up us to Sapa by highway Hanoi – Lao Cai. The road takes about 5hrs thru magnificent mountains and hills with long and winding roads.

Arriving in Sapa, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before check in hotel. After a short rest we will visit Cat Cat village, located about 4km from Sapa town (you can cycle from homestay to Cat Cat village) to explore the life of the H’Mong ethnic people, visit traditional craft villages, or go shopping for brocade souvenirs like towels, shirts, skirts, bags made by the Hmong batik. Later, we can walk around to Sapa Church and night market at our leisure time to spend a great time by ourselves in the evening. 

Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight at a hotel in Sapa.

DAY 6: SAPA – FANSIPAN – SAPA (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Our guide will pick us up this morning to head to the Sapa Legend Tourist Area, where we get in cable cars to conquer the top of Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina at an altitude of 3,143m. The cable cars have many records: the longest 3-wire cable car in the world is 6292.5m long, the cable car with the largest difference between arrival and departure station at 1,410m high, and The safest rope in the world. We can take the cables up to an altitude of about 2,900m, then walk to Thanh Van Dac Lo and Bich Van Thien Tu to perform an incense offering ceremony at an altitude of 3,037m. 

Let’s continue the journey to conquer the roof of Indochina! When standing on the top of Fansipan, we’ll have the opportunity to see Sapa town in the clouds and the majestic northwestern mountains of Vietnam. Have lunch at a restaurant at the Fansipan Tourist Area.

After taking the cable cars down the mountain, our Vehicle will pick up us back to the hotel to relax.

Dinner at your own arrangement. You can hang around and taste delicious mountain street foods like baked corn, cassava or eggs. Overnight at a hotel in Sapa.

DAY 7: SAPA – HAM RONG MOUNTAIN – HANOI (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will discover Ham Rong Mountain with impressive scenery – visit the Indochina orchid garden with all kinds of colorful orchids, the glorious Thach Lam Dragon head. Passing the Heaven Gate, we will reach the highest point of Ham Rong, which is San May, and enjoy the panoramic view of Sapa from above.

After the visit, around 10h00, our vehicle and guide will take us back to Hanoi Airport for your departure flight.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Hanoi.

Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 8: HANOI – HUE (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Have breakfast at the hotel before our vehicle and guide take us to Noi Bai Airport to depart for Hue city.

Arrive in Hue. Our vehicle and guide will pick us up at Phu Bai Airport and take you to the hotel for checking-in. Have lunch at the restaurant. You will have a short rest before visiting Hue Citadel (the Royal Palace of the 13 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam, with Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden City, The Mieu, Hien Lam Cac, and Cuu Dinh places). Later, we will visit the Tomb of Khai Dinh King, one of the massive mausoleums built over 11 years with unique architecture and structure, with local and foreign materials. 

Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 9: HUE – DANANG (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

After breakfast, we head to Da Nang City. Along the way, you can  make stops to take pictures and relax at Lang Co Beach in Thua Thien Hue. From Lang Co Beach, you can see beautiful landscape of Vietnam, with Bach Ma mountains and Son Tra Peninsula in the distance.

You’ll have lunch at Lang Co. 

Continue to Da Nang City, you’ll check in hotel located in the city centre, near to the beach. You’ll have free time to enjoy the beach and explore the city of Da Nang on your own.

Dinner at your arrangement. Overnight in Da Nang.

DAY 10: DA NANG – GOLDEN BRIDGE – HOIAN (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Have breakfast at hotel until our guide and car come to pick us up at Ba Na Hills and spend a full day there. Sun World Ba Na Hills is the most significant resort and recreational complex in Vietnam. At a height of 1,487 meters from sea level, we will find ourselves relaxing in the typical rotation of four seasons in a single day and numerous festivities, recreations, and diverse cuisine. Having a buffet lunch at Ba Na Hills.  

We will visit the Golden Bridge – a prominent golden silk stripe that shines among the majestic mountains, along with a pair of giant stone hands that seemingly hold the Golden Bridge. A modern masterpiece that is memorable to many tourists. After getting off the cable car, our van and guide will take you to Hoi An. Then our guide will take you on a walk to explore the culture of Hoi An people at night. You can taste various kinds of street food like Bánh Mì or Mì Quảng that famous for the town, once called by Wanderlust magazine the must to see ancient town in Southeast Asia.

Dinner at your arrangement. Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 11: HOI AN – TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE – BAY MAU COCONUT FOREST – HOI AN (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

After having breakfast, our guide will take you to Tra Que vegetable to enjoy the fragrant aftertaste of vegetables and watch the villagers in their daily activities

Have lunch at Tra Que vegetable.

In the afternoon,  we will go to Bay Mau Coconut Forest. You will discover the peaceful coconut forest and be welcomed warmly by the local people here. You can enjoy some fun activities at the village such as basket boat spinning, fishing crabs, casting the fishing net and the fisherman will show you how to paddle a basket boat. 

Dinner at your arrangement. Then you can freetime to enjoy the Hoi An Memories Show, where you can experience fantastic displays that showcase the unique traditional culture and history of the ancient town of Hoi An (personal expenses).

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 12: HOI AN – DANANG – FLY TO SAIGON (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Have breakfast at our hotel, we can buy souvenirs on the local streets of Hoi An before our guide and car pick us up in Da Nang city. Lunch at a local restaurant before going to the airport for a flight to Sai Gon. 

Welcomed by our Guide and vehicle in Saigon! Being less than 400 years old, Saigon is dynamic yet peaceful, a warm city with lower humidity and no cold season like Hanoi or cities up north. We will have a nice trip today, visiting a couple of cultural landmarks, such as the People’s Committee Of Ho Chi Minh City, Central Post Office And War Remnants Museum. 

Dinner at your arrangement. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 13: SAIGON (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

In the morning, after breakfast, our guide will take you to Ben Thanh Market; this is not only a trading place for the townspeople but also becomes a tourist destination not to be missed when coming to Saigon. And then we will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, and the FITO Museum.  

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will have a nice trip learning the cultural aspects of Saigon, from its nice Binh Tay market to Thien Hau Pagoda. Then we will walk around to visit ChinaTown and taste street foods. 

Dinner at your arrangement. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 14: SAIGON – TAY NINH HOLYSEE – CU CHI TUNNELS – SAIGON (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Morning, after breakfast our Guide and car will pickup us at the hotel and head to a far area in Tay Ninh province to visit an important cultural relic of the South: The Tay Ninh Holysee. The architecture is a little bit strange, but the followers of the temple (Caodaists, a local sect of Buddhism) are nice, religious, and strongly believe in the Kindness which can improve the lives of everyone. Around 12:00 noon every day, the Cao Dai people gather up in the Holysee temples in their wait dress, carrying on a short but solemn ceremony.  

After the visit, we will go for lunch before going back to Saigon with a visit of a strange construction: Cu Chi Tunnels. A huge underground system not far from Saigon, Cu Chi is the evidence of a very fierce war that the Vietnamese called “the War against the Americans” and the whole world calls it “The Vietnam War.” For many years before 1975, Cu Chi covered troops of Vietnamese guerillas not only from attacks but protected their daily lives; it became a strong base for the Vietnamese forces during the conflicts and is now a weird war remnant that can make anyone of us feel a stronger love to peace and everyday life upon each time visiting this place.

Back to Saigon. Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight in Saigon. 

DAY 15: SAIGON – TIEN GIANG – FRUIT GARDEN – VINH TRANG PAGODA – SAI GON (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

In the morning, Our car and Guide from ABI HOLIDAYS will meet us at our hotel.

We start our trip today by going to Tien Giang – a province to the north of Saigon. First, we will visit the Cai Mon Fruit Garden with luxuriant fruit trees and flowers.  

After the visit, our car and Guide will take us to a local restaurant to have lunch.

In the afternoon, we will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda – the biggest pagoda in Tien Giang, with an area of 2000 square meters with many beautiful trees. Then, we will visit Man Dinh Hong Flower Garden before our car and Guide will take us back to our hotel in Sai Gon.

Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 16: FREE DAY IN SAI GON (BREAKFAST)

Today you’ll have a free day to explore Saigon at your leisure.

DAY 17: SAI GON – FLY TO PHU QUOC (BREAKFAST)

Have breakfast at the hotel until our vehicle and guide take us to Saigon airport for our flight Phu Quoc.  

Welcomed by our Guide and vehicle in Phu Quoc.

Check in hotel. Dinner at your own arrangement. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

DAY 18&19: PHU QUOC FREE (BREAKFAST)

Today you’ll have a free day to explore Phu Quoc at your leisure.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

DAY 20: PHU QUOC – SAI GON – DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST)

Have breakfast at the hotel.

We will say goodbye. Hope to see you for a longer trip in Vietnam!