16 Days Vietnam Grand Tour

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL

Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L)

AM: the city tour with visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex in Ba Dinh Square, one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. First stop is Hochiminh Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday, all afternoon and during renovation period June – August yearly) to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to the Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 –  it’s gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Then visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam) before heading to restaurant for lunch

PM: continue the city tour to visit History museum-one of the finest ones in Vietnam or Ethnology Museum. Head to one of the largest and oldest churches in Hanoi – St Joseph’s Cathedral – and admire the Gothic architectural style, often compared to Notre Dame de Paris. Then past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters, and take photo outside the beauty of Ngoc Son temple. You have the chance to stroll along Huc Bridge – featuring classical Vietnamese designs – that connects to a delightful island situated in the north part of the lake, and visit Ngoc Son temple.

Wander the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

At the end, you will watch Water Puppet show a traditional performance that dates back as far as the 11th century in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam or spend time for 01 hour cyclo ride along street to explore the daily life in the Old quarter. Discover a unique part of Vietnamese culture before transfer back to hotel.

Day 3: HANOI – NINH BINH – HANOI (B/L)

AM: Depart for Ninh Binh, 110 km far from Hanoi, this is a cultural and historical destination combined with natural beauty scenic landscapes. It also known as “Halong bay on land”. Upon arrival, visit the historic capital of Vietnam and the famous ancient temples of Le and the Dinh Dynasties. Then proceed to Tam Coc for lunch at local restaurant.

PM: After lunch, boat trip on Ngo Dong River to visit Tam Coc to see the beauty of the karst formations as you pass along their base and row into one of the many caves carved through the limestone. Then, take a bike and start riding around the village to explore the gorgeous rice fields surrounded by limestone mountains with a unique route. Then return to Hanoi

Optional visit to Bich Dong Pagoda under the introduction of our local guide to know more about the Vietnam history and understand the origin of Buddhism.

Leave Ninh Binh and drive straight back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY (O/N on boat) (B/L/D)

AM: pick up at hotel and start a journey 165-km east of Hanoi to Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea” as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Halong Bay has more than 1,000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes.

Upon arrival, have welcome drink on board prior to your check-in.

Lunch with fresh seafood will be served while the boat is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches.

PM: Arrive in kayaking area “Luon Cave”. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature. Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Return to cruise. Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner and overnight on cruise.

Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. 

DAY 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI – HUE (B/Brunch)

AM: Early morning, start Tai Chi demonstration on sundeck.

We will pass by many islets before making a stop at Surprise Cave, one of the widest and most special caves of Halong Bay. So you can explore this stunning attraction of Ha Long Bay. Inside the cave, there have thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. Light posts line the passage and serve as signposts and ornaments, illuminating various hidden shapes. The artificial additions may not be to everyone’s taste, but the space is impressive nonetheless.

Brunch is served on boat while the junk boat continues cruising towards the wharf. Be ready to disembark from boat at about 10.30-11:00 am prior board the transfer back to Hanoi.

PM: Transfer to the airport for flight to Hue.

Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight at hotel in Hue

DAY 6: HUE CITY TOUR – DANANG – HOIAN (B/L)

AM: pick you up at your place in Hue city and transfer to visit the most famous site – Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City which is located on the northern bank of Perfume River on an area of over 500ha, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and has a unique art architecture and garden.

Proceed to the Toa Kham harbor for a leisure boat trip in 30 minutes along the Perfume River. The boat drive in the morning with fresh air from the river will be a great start for the journey. First visit is the towering Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved religious sites in Vietnam.

PM: Return to the city center. Take a short drive into a lush valley of the river where seven tombs were built for seven Nguyen Emperors. We will visit two of the tombs: Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb to help you understand more Royal’s Life and their architecture. Then transfer to Hoian crossing over the winding Hai Van pass (Pass the Ocean Clouds) with stop over en route, enjoying the beauty of the best & longest pass of Vietnam and admiring the stunning views to Lang Co beach & fishing village area. (The journey from Hue to Danang is about 110 km and take 3 hours). On the way, stop in Danang to visit Danang Beach, well known because it is believed this is the beach where American troops first landed into Vietnam; and another highlight of the tour is the Marble Mountain consisting of 5 marble stone hillocks. The Buddhist sanctuaries built over centuries inside the caves are among the best in Asia. Upon arrival in  Hoian, check in and relax. Overnight in Hoian

DAY 7: HOIAN CITY TOUR (B/L)

AM: Start for a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town – the impressively well-preserved trading town is as colorful and lively as it was before hundred years ago.. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest such as: the majestic Kwan Temple, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, the 400-year old Japanese Cover Bridge and the Historic and Cultural Museum. After witnessing the historic architectural structures, you will be entertained by a traditional music performance if time permits, and a visit to Hoi An’s handicraft workshop, art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like. End the tour with visit to Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market.

PM: free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Hoian

DAY 8: HOIAN – DANANG – NHA TRANG (B/L)

AM: Depart for Danang airport for morning flight to Nha Trang – a coastal city in the South Central of Vietnam. It is obviously famous for its beaches but the city is also part of the ancient history of the country. It was known as Kauthara under the Kingdom of Cham, several temples were built by Champa centuries ago that are still stand today. Meet on arrival and transfer to city.

PM: Pick you up at your place and start the half-day city tour. This half-day city tour covers almost interesting sites in Nha Trang. Start with the famous Cham tower of Po Nagar built by Cham civilization between the 7^th and 12^th century to honor the Mother of Cham Kingdom. Nowadays, this site is a famous pilgrimage place for local people. Continue to the Long Son pagoda, which was built in 1886, is one of the oldest and biggest pagodas in Nha Trang. It is famous not only with its architectural features but also its history as well. The current Long Son Pagoda is dedicated to the Buddhist monks and nuns who died protesting against the US supported Diem regime. The next stop is Hon Chong which offers fine views of the mountainous coastline north of Nha Trang and the nearby islands. Here you can listen to the stories of communities surrounding this rock. End the trip by shopping at Dam market.

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 9: NHA TRANG – BOAT TOUR – DALAT (B/L)

AM: Depart hotel to Cau Da Port and embark a boat. Visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island – the huge fish tank was built based on the construction of an ancient fossil ship with 60 meters in length and 30 meters in height. Tri Nguyen Aquarium is a miniature ocean with a diversity of flora and fauna. This is the home of thousands of marine creatures, some of which are exclusive animals of Vietnam. Next, the boat will stop at Mun Island which is the best island for snorkeling and diving where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest. Then relax, swim & do water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island. Take a fresh lunch at the island.

PM: On the way back you will visit a fishing village where the city’s freshest catch are caught and to explore the daily life of fishermen here. Moreover, you will have an opportunity to watch the folk music performance of local people as well as take part in the interesting traditional games there  before going to the shore.

Disembark and overland to Da Lat – the jewel of the Central Highlands. It is featured by a park-like environment, with lovely temperature 15°-24°C and sunlight all year round, which create numerous waterfalls, pinewood hills, lakes and evergreen forests and gardens. Take a new road to Dalat city over a very beautiful Khanh Le Pass, don’t forget to take a short stop for photos. Upon arrival, check in and relax.

Evening, free at leisure to discover the city by night and try their famous coffee and cake. Overnight in Dalat.

DAY 10: DA LAT CITY TOUR (B/L)

AM: Depart for airy space at RoBin Hill, Dalat Cable Car Station to get the panorama view of the Dalat City and enjoy the marvelous sight of the pine forested valley stretched down to the South. After taking some photos of this, an option to take the cable car descending down 300 meters with the nice view of flower, vegetable fields dotted in the pine forested valley below to visit to Tuyen Lam Lake. Surrounding by pine forest, Tuyen Lam Lake looks like a paradise with the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, at present is the biggest Zen University in Viet Nam. Then transfer to visit Datanla Water Fall, there you can play some games at your own expense. Continue to visit Domain de Marie. Enjoy a sense of peace and relaxation at the church.

PM: Visit Dalat Flower Garden, where you can see hundreds kind of flower blossom, you can take many beautiful picture here. Hang Nga Crazy House. Transfer to Old Railway Station of Indochina with ancient French architectures, the old steam locomotive of Japan and the unique cog railway with Swiss technology offering an atmospheric slice of Dalat history before getting back your hotel (view only). If you love art work, XQ Embroidery village (XQ Historical Village) is a worthy place to see many miraculous hand made embroidery works and find out how they make those fantastic artwork, this is the head and original hand embroidered works of XQ in Vietnam, you will be surprised and admired the charming ladies working here. Keeping on visiting a giant golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha

Then free time at leisure for your own discovey and relax at coffee shop or shopping moment. Overnight in Dalat.

DAY 11: DA LAT – PHAN THIET – MUI NE (B/L)

AM: depart Da Lat for Mui Ne in Phan Thiet (170km from Dalat – 4 hours), one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Pass through minority villages before you reach kilometres of pristine beaches.

PM:  Visit Flying Yellow Sand Hills, proceed to visit White Sand Dunes ( jeep pax pay by own if want to discovery white sand) and Fairy Stream. Dinner and overnight in Mui Ne

DAY 12: MUI NE – HOCHIMINH CITY (B/L) 

AM: Driver to visit Ta Cu Mountain, enjoying a cable car up to Linh Son Trong Pagoda. This is the site of the largest Reclining Buddha in Vietnam, which gleams white against the surrounding greenery..

Then, proceed to visit Poshanu Cham Tower – the rare and precious remains of Cham culture. Afterwards, visit Phi Long Sand Picture Center where the disabled people are trained to make the sand pictures. Sand picture is a very famous art in Vietnam, also has been known and attracted many people in Malaysia Fair.

PM: Transfer to Hochiminh city. Free time for shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Hochiminh City.

DAY 13: HOCHIMINH CITY TOUR (B/L) 

AM: Start the city tour with the War Remnants Museum has a wealth of images from the wars, the most moving being a gallery entitled ‘Requiem’ which is dedicated to Vietnamese and foreign journalists and photographers who perished during the French and American conflicts. The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. Close to the palace some of the best examples of French colonial architecture are represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and the stone used to create it was imported entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam‘s largest post office. For all its French colonial history though, Ho Chi Minh City is by far and away Vietnam‘s most modern city. It has numerous shopping malls, cinemas, discotheques and a bewildering number of bars. Have a short time for shopping at shopping malls or biggest wholesales Ben Thanh market.

PM: Proceed to visit one of  the charming park Ao Dai Museum. The Ao Dai Museum is not just a gallery for exhibiting and storing, but also for exploring, collecting and archiving the materials. Here you will find numerous pictures and artifacts of the Vietnamese Ao Dai from different times. Observe 500 long dresses from different eras, from the first drafts in the 17th century to the modern designs of today.

Return to city and discover the hidden of China town, Thien Hau Pagoda and shopping at Cho Lon market.

Overnight at Hochiminh city.

DAY 14: HOCHIMINH CITY – TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNELS (B/L)

AM: Depart hotel for 90km to Tay Ninh province, visit the Cao Dai Great Holy See Temple, one of the most striking temples of Southeast Asia with its unique architectural style that reflects the blended religious traditions of Caodaism, which combines elements of Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism. A highlight of this tour is the very colourful yet formal service held at midday.

PM: Continue the trip to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, which stretched for over 200km from Saigon to the Cambodian border, became legendary during the 1960s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specifically constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have been widened and become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like. For those interested there’s even the opportunity to try an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Return to city in late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 15: HOCHIMINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA (B/L)

AM: Depart for My Tho, the Gateway to the Mekong Delta and the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 km from Ho Chi Minh City (Former Saigon). The Mekong Delta is known as the Delta of Nine Dragons for the 9 tributaries that splinter from the main Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with a mixture structure of many styles. Then take a boat trip round 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. And we also enjoy seasonal fruit and honey tea or Mekong whiskey and listen to the sound of Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals.

Continue to take a boat ride to Ben Tre province. Experience a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals and visit traditional house (all made from coconut). The next place is a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle. Here, we will have the chance to particular visits or photos making and taste the delicious coconut candy, observe the pastoral life as you wander through the fruit plantation and village.

PM: Enjoy fantastic lunch with special Elephant Ear fish at a local restaurant before coming back to Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

DAY 16: HOCHIMINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)

Leisure time until transfer to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.