GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Quy Nhon - Hoi An - Hue - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Luang Prabang - Pakbeng - Houeixay
Duration: 16 Days/ 15 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Houeixay
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (D)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
Day 3: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Quy Nhon (B, L)
Day 5: Quy Nhon – Free Time (B)
Day 6: Quy Nhon – Vintage Train to Hoi An (B)
Day 7: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Tour with Walking Around Hoi An (B, L)
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue-Tam Giang Lagoon (B, L)
Day 9: Hue – Heritage Tour with 1-Traditional Village (B, L)
Day 10: Hue – Fly to Hanoi – ½ Day City with Cyclo & Water Puppet Show (B, L, D)
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 13: Luang Prabang – Alms giving – City Tour – Communication with the Elephant (B, L)
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Living Land Experience – Khoang Si Waterfall (B, L)
Day 15: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Pakbeng by Le Grand Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 16: Pakbeng – Houeixay by Le Grand Cruise (B, L)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (D)
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transferred to the hotel to check in and relax. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city before enjoying a welcome dinner at local Restaurant.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)
We pick you up at the hotel after breakfast and transfer you to Cai Be. The program will start with a visit to Tan Phong Island for biking/walking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can have some stops to see how they wave the dried water hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes...
Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy a peaceful time. Next, we back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, the Mekong River, to come to An Binh Island. While we travel on a handmade canal to homestay, we can walk around this orchard & enjoy some cups of tea while listening to the traditional music in the ancient house.
After that, we walk into the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice and enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. It’ll give you an unforgettable experience. One more thing to do on this trip is visiting the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise transfers us back to Vinh Long city where we take our own vehicle to Can Tho and spend our night here.
Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Early morning today, we will take the boat trip to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market with the busy sense right at the time. This is a biggest floating market in Mekong Delta where we can see the daily life and local people selling their products on boats. If the time permits, we can visit Binh Thuy Ancient House here.
After that, you will be back to the hotel and have free time until check out. At noon, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch en-route. Arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have free time at leisure. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Quy Nhon (B)
At 8.00 AM, we will be met by local tour guide and driver at the lobby of hotel then depart to Cu Chi Tunnel for our half day visit. Cu Chi Tunnels is 50 km far from the city center. It’s located in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh city. These are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels that were the location of military campaigns during American wars. This area is now a “should-not-be-missed” site for all visitors traveling to Vietnam. We will watch a short introduction video showing the foundation, activities… of Cu Chi tunnels and people lived here in the past then we will crawl all the safe parts of the tunnel system; enjoy some special cassava and tea that served free in the tour. Later, we can go to the shooting range where we can try to fire real bullets: (costs US$3/bullet) or free for shopping at the souvenir shops. Back to Tan Son Nhat Airport at noontime.
On your arrival, the hotel’s car will pick you up from here and we transfer you to the hotel to relax. After check-in, you can spend time lying on the beach and enjoy some delicious seafood in some local restaurants here.
Overnight in Quy Nhon
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Quy Nhon – Free Time (B)
Today is a free day.
Overnight in Quy Nhon
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Quy Nhon – Vietage Train to Hoi An (B)
From Anantara Quy Nhon, we transfer to the station and depart the Vintage train to Anantara Ho
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Hoi An – Farming & Fishing Eco Tour with Walking Around Hoi An (B, L)
We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.
After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town center and we then start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the Silk Street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we transfer back to Hoi An for overnight accommodation.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue – Tam Giang Lagoon (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hue along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate north to Danang city and the stunning views North, to Lang Co Beach. Spend time visiting the Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire and earth). We will arrive in Hue in the afternoon and have the rest of the day free at leisure. You will spend the night at a hotel in Hue.
After enjoy delicious lunch. It’s time for harmony with nature and drink a cup of lotus tea and enjoy pomelo jam bring you moments to relax. Before departure to Tam Giang lagoon by car. Firstly, stop visiting Uncle Ho memorial area at Duong No village. This is a place to keep many memories about Uncle Ho, the period when he and his family come here to live and study. In particular, the cottage, the communal house of Duong No, Ben Da, Am Ba, … imprinted with memories of Uncle Ho. Continue visiting Ru Cha mangroves. This is a primeval forest with an area of about 4 hectares and exists more than 100 years ago.
We will get on boat (sampan) and cruise to Sam Chuon area to start your trip on Tam Giang lagoon. It’s the largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia and have a chance to discover the biggest part of Tam Giang lagoon. On the late afternoon, this is the wonderful moments to take your photos. Floating on the water, you will have time to see the changes of time and life as well as the local life of fishing village. An interesting to play kayaking on the lagoon and visit “Cho house”, nò, sáo…
Enjoy a seafood break at Chuon Lagoon with local specialties “Seafood pancake with “Kinh” and Chuon wine of soaked crab”. Then out boat will take you around Tam Giang Lagoon to see beautiful sunset on the Lagoon. The most beautiful moments on the lagoon are at sunset when it turns purple. Our hunting sunset photos at Tam Giang lagoon around 18:00 then Our car will take you back to your hotel in Hue. Thank you and say goodbye.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Hue – Heritage Tour with 1-Traditional Village (B, L)
Around 8.00 – 8.30 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hue to start our journey. The first place of our trip is Thien Mu Pagoda - The oldest pagoda in Hue city. We go there by Dragon boat to have a different look at the fabled Perfume River and also fully admire the beauty of Thien Mu pagoda from afar. After that, we explore the Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam & the last royal dynasty - the Nguyen Dynasty. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam.
Following, we go to Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. It’s relatively clean, with ample space, and most of what's sold will fit in your suitcase. This place is designed for locals so you can pick up some cheap and tasty eats. The market ranges from raw foods to t-shirts and the usual stuff you find at tourist markets.
After lunch, we continue to visit Tu Duc & Khai Dinh King’s Tomb - a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh designed his tomb himself, after exposure to France, and surely Chinese aesthetics, and it is very different from most other temples with nice colors, and beautiful fusion costumes (although he set a trend if you look at newer temples). This place will suitable for someone who likes history. The view is amazing, if try you can get a lot of perfect pictures. You will be impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.
One more place on this trip is Conical Hat Village, an incense stick-making village. It has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. When it comes to Hue’s traditional villages, conical hat village is one of the most well-known brands. It is dedicated to preserving Hue’s distinctive cultural attractiveness. At around 4:00 – 4:30 pm, we go back to your hotel. Tour ends
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Hue – Fly to Hanoi – ½ Day City with Cyclo & Water Puppet Show (B, L, D)
From Hue, we transfer to airport for the flight to Hanoi. Welcome up on arrival by local tour guide and driver then we transfer to hotel to check-in. After a short rest, we will drive to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (outside), his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. Followings we visit the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius.
Then, we enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". We will be free for shopping in the old quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. Then, we transfer back to hotel and start a walking tour around the old quarter of Hanoi along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.
Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fortunately, as it’s Friday so there’s night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.
These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:
- Bánh Cuốn - Steamed rice paper rolls
- Bún Ốc - Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
- Bún Riêu Cua - The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells) o Bún Cá - Noodle soup with fish
- Bánh Xèo & Nem Lụi - Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
- Miến Xào Lươn - Glass noodles with eel
- Bánh Đa Trộn - Mixed flat rice noodles
- Bánh Tôm - Hanoi shrimp cakes
- Chả Rươi - Fried Worm (Based on season)
- Bánh Gối - Crispy 'empanadas'
- Mỳ Gà Tần - Chicken noodles in herbal broth
- Chè - Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
- Lẩu - Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, ...)
- Steaky Rices - Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs, etc)
- Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
08.00 – 08.30 Hotel pick-up for trip on new highway to Tuan Chau International Marina, Halong City (if you book our shuttle bus).
11.30 – 12.00 Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding.
12.00 – 12.15 Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.
13.15 – 14.00 A set lunch menu will be served at our Panorama Restaurant on the 03rd deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.
14.45 – 16.30 Visit “Sung Sot” Cave (Surprising cave) – the biggest and the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay & Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids.
17.00 – 18.30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting. 19.30 – 21.00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.
21.00 – 22.00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B, L)
06.00 – 06.30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.
06.45 – 07.15 Enjoy a light breakfast including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, and fresh juices… at our luxury restaurant.
07.15 – 08.30 Visit Titov island was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach or climbing the steps of the Rock to the top of the island. A magical panoramic view of Halong Bay will surprise you there.
08.30 – 09.15 Finish packing all the luggage and check out.
09.30 – 10.30 Enjoy brunch at A La Carte in Can Chanh restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.
11.00 – 11.15 Arrive at Tuan Chau International Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for disembarkation on your onward journey. From Tuan Chau, we transfer to Noi Bai Airport directly for the flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Luang Prabang – Alms giving – City Tour – Communication with the
Elephant (B, L)
You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
After breakfast at hotel, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Afterthat, we will visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name.
Afternoon, meet tour guide and transfer to MandaLao, we will get an in-depth introduction into elephant behavior and communication. Then hand on preparing special treats for the elephants that help in their digestion. Fun hands-on time preparing tasty food we only feed the elephants in the afternoon. After that, we cross the Nam Khan river by longtail boat for the first introduction to our elephants. MandaLao guides introduce guests to our elephants and mahouts, providing background on our elephants. We feed the elephants the special treats we prepared for the elephants. We will take a short 1 Km trek up Hoy Kang stream side by side with these gentle giants. This trek is flat and can be catered to clients’ needs. After a few more treats head back across the Nam Khan river to MandaLao. Enjoy the afternoon with snacks on our beautiful deck. Return to Luang Prabang
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Living Land Experience – Khoang Si Waterfall (B, L)
Spend a morning on a community based living rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer and try your hand at some of the activities. Or just view it all from the comfort of our traditional Lao rice house balcony, which is surrounded by rice terraces and our organic vegetable farm. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. While there, spend some time to visit some local handicraft workshops like bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Finally, join a tour of the organic garden with explanation on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Lunch at Living Land Farm.
After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village and also visit Buffalo Dairy Farm where you will have chance to join a scheduled tour of the farm, cuddle up to the beautiful Buffalos, give them a bath or feeding them, hands on milking demonstration and learn how to milk a buffalo, also trying some tasty ice-cream and cheese. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Pakbeng by Le Grand Cruise (B, L, D)
We are ready to welcome you on board and your boarding time at 06:30am, we expect your arrival earlier by 06:15 at the Le Calao pier. Today, the Le Grand Cruiser will take you upstream the Mekong to Pakbeng, we estimate your journey by 8-9hrs. Your continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you will visit Tam Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddha. Enjoy your lunch on board. Arrive at Pakbeng around sunset and check-in at Le Grand Pakbeng. Dinner is served on the terrace overlooking the Mekong.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Pakbeng – Houeixay by Le Grand Cruise (B, L)
Very early morning breakfast, you will be transferred you to Pakbeng Pier. Your boarding time at 06:30am. You will board the second leg of the cruise upstream the Mighty Mekong River. Enroute one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and minorities such as Khmu ethnic minority village. Lunch will be served on board and then continue to Houeixay where you will arrive around 05:00-05:30pm. You may proceed to Chiang Rai on the same day.
Inclusions:
- 15-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Western food is available (upon request) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
- English Speaking Guide (no guide on board Le Grand Cruise – the cruise will have local English speaking staff)
- Alms giving (offerings paid by clients)
- Half day communication with the Elephant (join in at site)
- Half day Living Land Experience (join in at site)
- Mini tour at Buffalo Dairy Farm (join in at site)
- Join in cruise Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Houeixay 2 days
- Government tax and service charge
- Farming & Fishing Eco Tour
- 1-Way Luxury Train from Quy Nhon to Hoi An
- Entrance fees & permits
- Bottle of drinking water
Exclusions:
- International flights and airport taxes
- Domestic flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam E-Visa
- Travel insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.
