VIETNAM DISCOVERY - 21 Day 20 Night

 
Vietnam DISCOVERY 21D20N PACAKGE

(HANOI-CULTURAL VILLAGE-Sapa-HALONG BAY - HUE - DANANG/HOIAN - NHA TRANG BEACH - SAIGON-CU CHI TUNNELS - CAI BE/MEKONG DELTA)

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon your arrival, you will be greeted at the airport by a tour guide of Indochina Travelland and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
 
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)
This morning we embark on a an exhilarating and unforgettable ‘Xich Lo’ ride through the charming, yet bustling, 36 Street Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square where we disembark to explore Ho Chi Minh’s Quarter.
Hanoi is well known for its history, architecture, charm, tranquility and cuisine. Our first visit is to the most well respected site of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum which includes the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.
 
We meet our bus for a short journey to visit the infamous Hanoi Hilton Prison and the 11th century Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first University.
 
After our exciting adventures we’ve all worked up a hunger! We cross the street for lunch (pay yourself) at famous KOTO restaurant - www.koto.com.au
 
Afternoon, we drive approximately 25minutes to the Ethnology Museum.
 
Here you will learn of the traditional cultures of 54 different ethnic minority groups in Vietnam through articles, stories, displays of traditional houses, costumes, hunting equipment and much more wares used in day to day life.
 
Enjoy the famous traditional Water Puppets Show in the evening.
 
Overnight at your hotel
 
Day 3: Dong Ngac Cultural Village with country bike - Full day tour – Lao Cai by TRAIN (B/L)
This morning, you will arrive in the village where you will embark on an interesting market tour.
At the local market you will have the chance to experience the bustling market and local life, your tour guide will show you and help you to purchase the some offering for families we visit.
 
Take a short walk from Dong Ngac market to the hosting family’s house for a welcome drink and get ready for the biking around the Village
 
Start biking and venture deeper into the village: Visit Dong Ngac Communal House, the grounds and architecture of which are built in the shape of a dragon, the oldest house in the village belongs to the Do family and is more than 300 years old or the Nguyen family with a house given by the King 
 
Passing by the oldest school in the Village built in 1921
 
Back to the hosting family, it is time for your private cooking demonstration. After watching your host then practice yourself and then the best part of all, try your dishes! After all your efforts you can reward yourself and rest back into some reclining chairs in the fragrant retreat of your host’s village garden. All too soon it is mid-afternoon and time to say good bye to your new friends
 
Continue your cycle to Lien Mac village, a beautiful vegetables and flower growing area. We have chance to join the farming activities and interact with local
 
Cycle back to Dong Ngac for catching your Van back to Hanoi
 
Arrive back to Hanoi in late afternoon
 
We return to the center Hanoi for some time at leisure before our exciting overnight train journey to Lao Cai.
 
Overnight on train
 
Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa (B)
We arrive in Lao Cai around 5 am and met by our transport for a spectacular hour’s journey up the impressive mountains to Sapa.
 
Seeing is believing! The imagination could not visualize, nor appreciate the beauty of the stunning vistas and breathtaking mountainous rice terraces until you observe in true form.
 
Upon arrival in Sapa, we check into the hotel for a little rest and relaxation before our exploration this afternoon.
 
In the early afternoon we commence our exciting trek downhill from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village. Our 2 hour walk takes us through rice paddies passing by different ethnic minority villages hard at work and flower and vegetable gardens until we reach a magnificent waterfall set within the lush mountains.
 
We take a rest and continue to Cat Cat village where the village is eagerly awaiting our arrival. With the children’s glee and excitement and a village full of big smiling faces, we are welcomed by a local Black Hmong people.
 
After a welcoming and a rest, we stroll around the village, learning about the traditional way of life of the Black Hmong. We observe the fascinating demonstration of traditional fiber processing including; Weaving, Dying hemp cloth, Peeling bark from the dried hemp stalks, Tying stripped bark ribbons to form bundles and with the locals strongly encouraging  us to try our hand in perfect their art….they certainly get a lot of laughs watching us!
 
We say goodbye to the village and drive back to Sapa.
 
Overnight at your hotel in Sapa.
 
Day 5: Sapa Villages – Lao Cai train station – Hanoi Overnight Train (B)
 
After re energizing and a hearty breakfast, we are picked up by our vehicle and transferred to Lao Chai village.
 
We start our trek at the village and continue down the valley, along local trails and across rice paddies to visit Dzay ethnic minorities and Black H’mong communities living within a different environment.
The interaction and closeness we experience with the local minority groups is an absolutely incredible experience.
 
We return to Sapa for some free time before our transfer to Lao Cai for our overnight train to Hanoi.
 
Overnight on train
 
Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long (B/L/D)
We return to Hanoi around 6am and head to town for breakfast.
 
After freshening up and full tummy’s we meet our vehicle for our journey to Halong Bay.
 
Ha Long Bay is one of the most enchanting and memorable experiences in Vietnam. The postcard pictures you so often see of Ha Long Bay, will become a memory to last a lifetime.
 
We leave the city behind and drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay, taking around 3.5 hours. The beautiful countryside that awaits your imagination, takes us through local farming life and villages, providing us plenty of opportunities to stop and capture some spectacular photographs. Be sure to keep an eye out for the amazing things the locals load onto their motorbikes!!
 
On-route, we make a stop at one of our favorite organizations in Vietnam. Hong Ngoc Humanities centre in Sao Do Town.
 
This wonderful establishment has been set up to provide skill and employment to people from small villages throughout the north of Vietnam, creating jobs and providing accommodation to disadvantaged people.  You have the opportunity to purchase some exquisite local handicrafts and wares or just watch and admire the amazing and intricate workmanship involved in the production.
 
Arriving in Ha Long Bay, we board our boat and enjoy a spectacular seafood lunch as we sail off into Dragon Bay, gazing at the breathtaking karst formations within the bay.
 
After lunch have some free time to relax and admire the beauty of the Bay as we cruise through hundreds of formations.
 
Throughout our cruise today, you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore Sung Sot cave, where you will learn how karsts were formed in this area millions of years ago.
 
For beach lovers and swimmers, we make a stop at one of the sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing.
 
We continue cruising the bay until the late afternoon, before setting anchor for the night.
 
Once anchored, there’s plenty of time for swimming or just relaxing to admire the scenery before settling into another scrumptious meal.
 
After dinner, why not head to the top deck and enjoy a relaxing drink whilst admiring the peaceful ambience and gazing at the millions of stars.
 
Overnight onboard
 
Day 7: Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue by FLIGHT (BRUNCH)
This morning we take a small bamboo boat to visit Luon, a beautiful tunnel cave set within a lagoon.
 
We re-board our boat and continue cruising the bay, through the old part of Ha Long City, known as the fishing town and the new built harbor bridge, whilst we enjoy our seafood brunch before heading back to the pier for our return to Hanoi.
 
Return to Hanoi, with time to relax or grab a last minute bargain before our late afternoon flight to Hue. Arrival Hue, you will transfer to hotel for check-in.
 
Overnight at your hotel in Hue.
 
Day 8: Hue City Tour (B)
We commence our exploration and head to one of the most serene and tranquil tombs in Hue, Minh Mang’s Tomb. Set back from the river bank and hidden within the luscious forest area, surrounded by a beautiful lake, this tomb has a peaceful ambience like no other.
 
A 20 minute drive takes us to the beautiful construction of Khai Dinh’s Tomb, where we see the intricate workmanship of the mosaic architecture within and gaze at the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
 
On route we make a stop at a small workshop to see the interesting process of making traditional Hue Conical hats and incense sticks. 
We return to town and visit Hues oldest 19th Century Pagoda, ‘Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) Pagoda, which is famous for it’s Buddhist Centre teachings.
Boarding our dragon boat from the base of the Pagoda, we cruise down the Perfume River, watching local fisherman, whilst passing through the banks of Hue’s town.
After disembarking our boat we enjoy a delicious lunch (pay yourself) at a nearby Garden Restaurant
 
After lunch we visit the Citadel (Forbidden Purple City), located in Hues town. The Citadel is the former living place of the Royal family during the Nguyen dynasty, from 19th century to mid 20th century.
 
Here you will discover the history of Vietnam during this period of time, as well as the daily life of the Royal family and the typical architecture of this Imperial construction.
 
Overnight at your hotel in Hue.
 
Day 9: Hue to Hoi An (B)
After a relaxing morning we set out on our spectacular drive to Hoi An.
 
We pass through Lang Co fishing village, set within beautiful blue lagoons, before heading up and over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, where we stop at the highest point to immerse ourselves and gaze at the spectacular scenery at 980 meters above sea level.
 
20 minutes from the base of the pass we arrive in Da Nang where we visit Cham Museum, built in 1915, which contains intricate ancient Champa sculptures.
We continue driving to the stunning Marble Mountains, where we climb the marble stairs to reach the peak of the largest mountains of the 5 elements, Thuy Son or more commonly known as ‘Water Mountain’.
 
We admire the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, countryside and China Beach and continue on to ‘Huyen Khong’, an underground cave, which was a former hospital through the War.
 
After stopping for lunch at China Beach, where you have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the ocean we head to Hoi An.
 
Upon arrival in Hoi An we stroll through the quaint streets of Hoi An, visiting an Ancient Chinese Temple, The Chinese Assembly Hall and the Japanese covered bridge.
 
The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure for you to enjoy the peaceful ambience of this quaint ancient town or spend some time with the skillful tailors, treating yourself to tailor made clothes, which Hoi An is renowned for.
 
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.
 
Day 10: Hoi An - Free at Leisure (B)
 
Today, you will have free time to further explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
 
You may want to visit Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge, followed by relaxing at a local pub, shopping or visiting the local tailors who make quality clothes in a flash. Or, you can take a boat trip to Cu Lao Cham, visit its fishing villages and do some snorkeling before enjoying a Vietnamese seafood lunch at a Cham jungle restaurant.
 
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.
 
 
Day 11: Exploring Hoi An – Tra Que/ Cooking Class (B/L)
Today’s incredible cultural experience will have you cropping a veggie patch in no time!
 
We have the great privilege to be spending the day at a local family home within a small farming village, just outside of Hoi An town. 
 
Upon arrival we are welcomed by the family and enjoy a traditional herbal drink, before setting out on our guided walk through the local farmland. We learn about the history of the village, observe the processes of harvesting, and discover the many traditional uses, in both cooking and Vietnamese medicines, with the herbs and vegetables grown.
 
For those who have a ‘green thumb’, you have the opportunity to join the farmers in preparing the land, seeding, watering, and picking the crops.
 
After trying your hand in harvesting a crop, what better way then to take a rest, freshen up and soak your feet in a traditional lemongrass and rose petal foot bath, before sitting down for a delicious lunch of local delicacies, using the fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden.
 
The family also love showing off their skills in whipping up your lunch, giving you a very creative cooking demonstration.
 
In the afternoon, we bid farewell to the family and head back to town.
 
We then make a stop at a local fishing village, where we board a boat for a magical cruise down the Cua Dai estuary and enjoy the scenic view of life along the river.
 
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An
 
Day 12: Hoi An/Danang – Nha Trang by FLIGHT (B)
This morning we take a short flight to Nha Trang.
 
We check into our hotel with a day of leisure for you to explore the town and enjoy the picturesque turquoise waters of the South China Sea, with its many restaurants and café’s dotted along the white sandy beach, sheltered by coconut trees.
 
Overnight in Nha Trang
 
Day 13 - 15:  Nha Trang – Free & Easy (B)
In these three days you will have free time at leisure in Nha Trang for relaxing and unwinding at the resort overlooking beautiful Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views.
 Overnight in Nha Trang
 
Day 16: Nha Trang – Saigon by FLIGHT (B)
After a relaxing morning we take a flight to Saigon.
 
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, you will be met by Tour guide and Driver and transferred to hotel for check-in
 
Tonight is free at leisure to explore this bustling city of Saigon
 
Overnight at your hotel in Saigon
 
Day 17: Saigon City Tour (B)
We set out this morning to explore Saigon City, from Central Saigon to Chinatown, providing a general overview of this fascinating city with its history and culture.
 
We explore the historical sights of the Reunification Palace, the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, The War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in 1877) and the City’s Post Office.
 
In the afternoon, you will explore colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city's main shopping boulevard with shops selling clothes and accessories by new Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares.
 
Overnight at hotel
 
Day 18:  Cu Chi Tunnels – Cao Dai Temple (B)
We set out this morning for our 100km spectacular drive to Tay Ninh, The Great Temple of Caodaism (a famous local religion).
 
The Temple was built on nine levels that represent nine steps to heaven at which you will see a prayer session at noon with beautiful music prayer with Vietnamese folk instrument in a very spiritual environment.
 
We have some lunch in this great little local town before our 30 km journey, heading back towards Ho Chi Minh City, to visit Cu Chi Tunnels.
 
The famous Cu Chi Tunnel system was created to assist the Vietnamese Revolutionists against the French in 1948. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers etc and in certain areas, housed up to 10,000 people, who virtually lived underground for years.
 
After a video introduction and a guided tour through the grounds, you will have the opportunity to take part in the unique experience of guerillas living underground during the war, with a crawl through 20/30/50 meters of the tunnel system.
 
We return to Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon
 
Overnight at your hotel in Saigon
 
Day 19:  Saigon – Cai Be – Tan Phong Island (B/L/D)
Today we head to Cai Be floating market, to explore the typical Vietnamese life of the Mekong Delta
 
Upon arrival we board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River to discover the beautiful landscapers and immerse in the local people’s life market with the real trading going on, such as selling, buying, exchanging the fruits, vegetables and other wares from their boats.
 
Then, continuing we have an experience how the local people make their living from fruit trees. A local family will serve us local seasonal fruits and honey tea whilst performing traditional southern Vietnamese folk music, called Tai Tu music.
 
We continue our exploration with a pleasant rowing trip down small canals and dense palm trees, experiencing the local villages between the islands to a small islet. Arrive in Tan Phong Island, you will check-in your homestay and tantalize our taste buds with a magnificent seafood lunch prepared by the family with a unique experience of tasting local delicacies. It is really the unforgettable day menu, set of typical Mekong delta’s food.
 
After relaxing, we could walk around the village, visit the rice paddy, talk to the local farmers. Especially, you will have a great experience to directly join with the local farmers in their daily activities, such as how to catch the fish, crab for your own dinner.
 
Late afternoon participating in cooking class and diner with what you’ve cooked
 
In the late afternoon, the family would love showing off their skills in whipping up your dinner, giving you a very creative cooking demonstration. Enjoy the dinner what you have just cooked.
 
Overnight at Tan Phong homstay.
 
Day 20: Tan Phong Island – Saigon (B)
After breakfast, we take a cycling walking through the traditional villages with many ancient traditional houses, set amongst a peaceful atmosphere and fruit trees, bonsai garden and witness the unusual yet fascinating process of coconut candy, the bang conical hat and rice paper in the making.
 It is the typical and cultural lifestyle of South – Western region.
 
Cycle back to the homestay for check-out and freshen up before our return journey back to Saigon.
 
We return to Saigon by the mid afternoon and enjoy your free time.
Overnight at your hotel in Saigon.
 
Day 21: Saigon Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel and free until transfer to the Airport for departure
Trip ends.
Price for the PRIVATE trip (USD/per person):

 
Policy for children
 

 
Accommodation list:

 
SPECIAL NOTE: