Deep Insight Vietnam Soft Adventure 18 days

Morning/ Afternoon

After arriving in Hanoi, our tour guide will escort you to the hotel to check in. Check-in time at the hotel is available from 14:00 (Early check-in will require additional charges)

You will have the rest of the day to rest and recover, or wander around for some adventurous exploration. Active travelers can consider taking part in one of our suggested optional activities:

Please contact our travel consultant if you are interested in these services, we are available 24/7 to assist you.

Morning

08:00: Start the day with a half-day tour around Hanoi (by car or by motorbike). Morning or afternoon departure depends on your availability:

The first stop of our Hanoi tour is Vietnam’s first university - the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076 and established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite, it now stands as a symbol of education in Vietnam. 

Next, we explore One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic Buddhist temples with a special design as a lotus flower. Built in the Ly dynasty, One Pillar Pagoda now stands as the most famous and important historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi. 

The trip continues to lead tourists to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where they can show their respect to one of the historic father figures of modern Vietnam. We can also take a look at his modest house on stilts (Sites are viewed from outside; closed on Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug).

Lastly, visit the picturesque West Lake and its sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda - regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history of more than 1,500 years.

Savor a tasty meal at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

Evening

The spare time in the evening is yours to use. You can either relax or have a self-exploring of the city on your own. 

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Morning

In the morning, you will enjoy your meal at the hotel. Around 08:00, we will head to Mai Chau by van. Upon arrival, you are welcomed with a drink and a traditional lunch in the village (vegetarian available).

Afternoon

We start the afternoon itinerary at 14:00. Go on a relaxing cycling trip led by our tour guide to observe farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves, and surrounding peaceful villages. It’s time for retreaters to unwind in the countryside’s serene atmosphere

You can go shopping and buy some souvenirs to bring home after the journey to Vietnam

Return to your bungalow in Mai Chau and have an overnight stay.

Morning

Around 08:00, enjoy your last breakfast in Mai Chau, then take part in an excursion to Na Meo and Na Mo villages with your local tour guides and learn about their culture and traditions.

Then we return to the bungalow to have lunch, shopping, and rest afterward.

Afternoon

Start to transport back to Hanoi by bus, which takes around 3.5 - 4 hours. 

Upon arrival, you have free time to explore the dynamic city or stay in your room to rest.

Morning

Following a full breakfast at the hotel, you will meet our driver at 08:00 - 08:30, who will drive you to the cruise port in Halong Bay. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours.

At noon, you will reach the harbor and start to do some check-in procedures with the boat crew. Get on the boat and receive a friendly welcome from the cruise staff team with a cold drink.

A seafood-themed meal will be served for everyone at lunch. Have time to enjoy the cruise trip around Halong Bay and behold thousands of limestone islands along with grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water.

Afternoon

Join in a variety of activities on board and discover the glamour of Halong Bay, including visiting caves, kayaking, and swimming

Get back on the cruise for relaxing and dining in the evening. After dinner, you can spend a night on the cruise by joining some exciting activities such as squid fishing, card games, etc.

NOTE: Depending on the cruise liner you choose, the itinerary might be different. 

Morning

The day kicks off early with a Tai Chi Class with a stunning sunrise view of the bay, and enjoy a light breakfast at the cruise’s restaurant.

Begin a new adventure as the cruise takes you around exploring the most amazing caves in Halong and their breathtaking natural complex.

After the tours, you will return to the main cruise to pack your luggage and have the check out process done.

The brunch will be served so you can enjoy the last meal on board as the cruise heads to the harbor.

Afternoon

At noon, you will reach the port and a driver will take you back to Hanoi Old Quarter. Around 19:00, meet our tour guide for transportation to Hanoi Train Station

The train departs at around 21:35, you will have an overnight train to Dong Hoi (Shared sleeping cabins). 

NOTE: 

• Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip.
• The train schedule is subject to change. Private cabins on request at a surcharge.
• Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with additional fees). 

Morning

You will arrive at Dong Hoi Train Station in the early morning.

08:00: Head to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and explore its impressive caves. On the way, you will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.

Reach Phong Nha Cave - a water cave that is famous for its rock formation, and dive deep into the real wilderness of Vietnam, where the lost world of ancient stalactites - formed by drips of water and minerals at the ceiling of the caves throughout history.

Enjoy a delectable lunch after visiting the cave.

Afternoon

13:30: Continue your quest of the caves with Paradise Cave - labeled as one of the most beautiful caves in the world and the longest dry cave in Asia. Admire the magnificent landscape of Paradise Cave, attracting the eyes of visitors at a glance.

After that, you will be back at a hotel in town. Take a rest and spend the night in Dong Hoi.

Morning /Afternoon

08:00: Visit Vinh Moc Tunnel by car (2.5 hours away). On the way to the Tunnel, we will stop by some destinations:

1st stop: Former US military bases and a small church suffered from mortar attacks in the war

2nd stop: Continue to DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - where once witnessed many fierce battles in the Vietnam War

3rd stop: Walk along Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge - the demarcation point divided the Northern and Southern regions of Vietnam between 1954 - 1975 and visit museums of photographs and memorials of the war.

Afternoon 

Explore Vinh Moc Tunnel on a fascinating tour with fragments from the war in the past.You will walk through huge bomb craters and fighting trenches, enture into tunnels furnished with tiny living rooms, and isit food, weapon storage, and a school that villagers survived on.

After sightseeing and experiencing, you will transport to Hue. Spend time in Hue discovering the historic city and stay overnight in your hotel.

Morning /Afternoon

08:00: Start exploring the tranquil city of Hue - founded in the 17th century as Vietnam’s imperial capital (before Hanoi replaced it)

Our first destination in Hue is Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient architectural Buddhist attraction located in a favorable location by the peaceful Huong River. It is only 5 km to transfer from the center of Hue to Thien Mu Pagoda. 

Continue to visit the Imperial Citadel accommodated by the Nguyen Royal Family - the last dynasty in Vietnam reflects the luxurious and prosperous life of the royal family. Explore a part of Vietnam's pre-modern history by spending time around the citadel, visit the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the front gate.

On the way back to the hotel, the group might stop by Dong Ba Market for some shopping. The largest traditional trading center in the city of Hue provides souvenirs and cuisine for tourists. Walk through kiosks, you will have a chance to understand the daily business of local sellers, as well as have some interesting purchases.

After a city tour, the guide will take you back to the hotel to take a rest.

You will stay overnight in Hue.

Morning

We transport from Hue to Hoi An by shuttle bus or private car at 08:00. On the way to Hai Van Pass, stop at some spots for sightseeing and taking some photos (The admission fee is not included).

Afternoon

Enjoy your spare time to relax and explore Hoi An on your own. Stay overnight in Hoi An and be well-prepared for the next day.

Morning /Afternoon

Wake up early to have a flavorful breakfast and enjoy the fresh air in the morning.

At 07:00, we transport to My Son Sanctuary - a collection of Champa ruins that lies amongst mountains of the Quang Nam province (45 km to the West of Hoi An town).

After exploring a plaza of temples where the history of the Champa Kingdom, we would visit Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum in Tra Kieu before returning to Hoi An.

Guests stay overnight in Hoi An.

Morning /Afternoon

Have a free day to explore the town on your own. You can take part in some optional tours to explore the beauty of Hoi An:

Morning

You will have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the Da Nang airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Sai Gon, our driver will transport you to the hotel in the center of the city. Have free time on your own for relaxation after checking in at the hotel.

Evening

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning

You have time for a light breakfast and rest until our guide comes to pick you up for the city tour.

Around 08:00, start the half-day city tour to some significant destinations of Ho Chi Minh City.

Firstly, pay a visit to the Independence Palace, the famously iconic site of Saigonese liberation. It was designed by the well-known architect Ngo Viet Thu. It is not only a former presidential palace but also one of the greatest architectural buildings in Saigon until this day. 

Have a short stop at the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, symbol of classical French colonial architecture since the late 19th century. Under the order from French Admiral Bonard, this place became the most complex construction at that time. 

The Old Post Office is another French vestige from the past in the area of the old Ho Chi Minh city. Despite years passed, it still remains its everlasting beauty and still in working condition. 

Visit the last stop of the tour at Ben Thanh Market and shop for souvenirs, as well as discover the life of the friendly locals.

Afternoon

Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

NOTE: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation so it might not be included in the tour. 

We will kick off a tour that breaks away from the city to immerse yourself in the incredibly fertilized Mekong Delta, where half of Vietnam's total agricultural output is produced.

The tour begins by getting on a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, going along small canals, and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the typical lush surroundings that only this delta has

Admire the orchards, paddy fields, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, still untouched by tourism, and also attend the fish farms and exotic fruit farms.

After finishing the Mekong Delta tour, we are transported to the next accommodation in Can Tho.

Morning

Have a light breakfast at the hotel around 08:00.

Afterwards, we take a motorboat to visit Cai Rang - the most fascinating floating market where we can see all trading activities on the Mekong River. Try “Hu Tieu” - Traditional rice noodles of Mekong Delta people or a small piece of durian, which is the most addictive fruit to local people.

Stop by and visit the rice husking mill and walk around the village. See the beautiful scenery and daily activities of the locals.

A delicious lunch will be served in a restaurant.

Afternoon

Transport back to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch. You will have a half day left in your free time exploring the city on your own.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning /Afternoon

Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City - The bustling and vibrating economic center of the South.

If you want a deeper exploration into the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City, you can contact us for some optional tours:

Morning

After breakfast, you are free until the transfer to the airport for a flight to return home.

This is the end of your 18-day Vietnam tour. BestPrice Travel wishes you a wonderful time on your journey and hopes to see you again!