12 Days UNESCO Heritage Vietnam Tour

Today you are free for your own exploration in Ho Chi Minh City.

Optional tour to Cu Chi

Cu Chi Tunnels is a legendary underground system of over 220 km of tunnels, a must-see for both Vietnamese and foreign travelers who are interested in the history of the Vietnam War. The tunnels are now a historical structure of Vietnam and considered a heroic district for the role they played in the resistance to US forces during the Vietnam War.

The tunnels are located approximately 60km from Ho Chi Minh city. The tour departs at 8:00 am or 12:45 from the Vietnam Adventure Tours office or from your hotel in district 1. Enjoy the scenery along the way, as we pass the lush, endless rice fields and the ducks are water buffaloes swimming in the rivers. You might find it hard to imagine that once the area was almost destroyed by bombs and mines from the war, when Cu Chi was a “free target zone “.

Once we arrive, you will get a chance to walk through some of the tunnels, discover the hidden corners and imagine what life was like here for the resistance soldiers. If you like, try to cook with the smokeless stoves used by Vietnamese soldiers to cook during the war. You can even try foods which the soldiers lived on. If you’re feeling brave, or curious, you can even try your hand at shooting at an AK-47, one of the guns used during the war.

Head back to the city in the afternoon; the tour finishes at 2:30 PM.

Optional tour to Mekong Delta

07:30 – 08:00 we will transfer to the Mekong Delta by bus. Enjoy the scenery and green rice paddies during the one-and-a-half-hour bus ride. Along the way, we will visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the biggest pagoda in the Mekong delta. Continue to My Tho, where we take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can see fish cages and floating houses on the river.

The boat takes you to a small canal, escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. We disembark at a coconut island in Ben Tre and enjoy a walk around the village. Stop at a local family home to enjoy tropical fruit, taste the honey tea, and honey wine and listen to Vietnamese traditional music performed by the villagers. Check out the coconut candy shop and learn how to make candy, and see handicrafts made from coconuts.

Take your time snapping photos and enjoy the natural scenery before we head to the local restaurant. Lunch is set with special Vietnamese food. Enjoy your lunch outside under the shade of the trees. After lunch, enjoy your time relaxing, walking around the village, or perhaps going for a short bike ride. Travel back to Saigon and arrive around 5.00 pm for the end of the tour.

• Overnight: in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

There is some free time for your own exploration in Ho Chi Minh until we transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang where you will be greeted and driven to Hoi An, originally a Cham seaport but influenced over the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. Upon arrival, check in the hotel for refreshments – time for a rest, food, and drinks (at your own expenses). The rest of the day is yours. Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An ancient town is a Unesco world heritage site by the Thu Bon River, in the heart of Hoi An city. From the 15th to 19th centuries, it’s one of the favourite stopovers of merchants who sought silk, spices, and valuable things to bring home for sale. They come from many countries all over the world, and now their traces are still visible around. This is the best preserved Asian traditional trading port in Vietnam and throughout South-east Asia.

The tour is in walking streets of the world heritage only. The entrance fee covers 5 places amongst well-protected historical sites, museums, and art theatre. Above all, the Japanese covered bridge – the emblem of the town and traditional performances in the theatre are a must, because both are one of a kind. 3 remaining places include the finest one of Chinese assembly halls, old Vietnamese houses and museums. There are plenty of photo opportunities, apart from lots of knowledge learnt from the guide. On the way from one attraction to the other, visitors have many times to see dependable tailors to make their own custom-made garments, buy souvenirs and taste local foods. Free spots such as markets, galleries, temples and more, will be combined to make the half day “fully covered”.

• Overnight: in Hoi An.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Today you are free for your own exploration in Hoi An.

Optional tour to Tra Que Village – Cooking Class

08:00: we take a short drive through the local countryside to arrive at Tra Que village and the home of your host. A welcome drink of freshly picked fruits is waiting before we take a walk around the village and learn about the history and customs of this charming village. We walk through the organic herb gardens where hundreds of local farmers work in their fields using the traditional methods of generations gone by – no electrical machinery here. Our farmer describes the traditional farming methods before some time is spent picking vegetables and herbs and learning how to wrap them to prevent damage. Many of the local herbs are used by the farmers for traditional village medicines. Afterwards you join a hands-on cooking class making the village specialty named “Tam Huu” spring rolls – using the local herbs and vegetables we have just picked. We then sit down for a lovely lunch before returning to your hotel.

• Overnight: in Hoi An.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Upon leaving Hoi An, we will transfer to Hue – Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. The scenic road hugs the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes of Lang Co Beach. On arrival in Hue, check in your hotel. Then you are free.

Suggestion for half day tour in Hue:

• Hue Citadel
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Ming Mang tomb, Khai Dinh tomb…
• Dong Ba Market

• Overnight: in Hue.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Today you will depart for Dong Hoi city along the coastline road with lots of photographic opportunities. On the way, you will: pass through the former DMZ – the Hien Luong bridge – the Vinh Moc tunnel. Afterwards continue to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for refreshments. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

• Overnight: in Dong Hoi.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

07:30 – 08:00 Our car and tour guide will pick up guests in Dong Hoi and drive you to Paradise Cave – the longest dry cave in Asia (located in Phong Nha – Ke bang National Park’s core zone). It is approximately 75 km from Dong Hoi and an 80-minute drive).

8:30 – 9:00: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha village, then transfer you to Paradise Cave – the longest dry cave in Asia (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park’s core zone).

You will then be taken by golf cart (1.6km) from the main gate through the jungle, where you will then climb to the mouth of the cave; a climb that boasts spectacular views of the mountainous region around the cave.

12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant in Phong Nha village. Here you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish. Vegetarian option available. Please contact us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you.

13:30 Depart for Phong Nha Cave. You will then take a 25-minute ride to the cave by a traditional dragon boat. This cave is called a water cave as it exhibits an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. Then, you will be taken back by boat. This cave is famous for its spectacular rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”.

17:00 Back to Dong Hoi then back to your hotel for leisure.

• Overnight: in Dong Hoi.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

You are free until we transfer to the airport to take a flight to Hanoi. Hanoi the capital of Vietnam, is rich with culture thanks to an eclectic mix of influences including French, which is evident through the fine old colonial buildings and tree lined boulevards. After checking into the hotel, you are free.

• Overnight: in Hanoi.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Today you are free for your own exploration in Hanoi.

Optional tour: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua cave (World Heritage sites)

07:00 – 07:30 – Our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay and start a 110km modern Bus-journey through the verdant landscape of the countryside. Short-brake en route.
10:45 – Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple dating back to the 17th Century.
12:00 – Enjoying the lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.
13:30 – Leaving for the Trang An Grottoes, an out-standing natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometers rises dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountains are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle.
Embarking on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave,…and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple…
15:30 – Arriving at Mua Cave and starting an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with a specious view of nature.
17:15 – Returning to our bus and then come back to Ha Noi
19:30 – Dropping you off at your hotel.

Optional tour: Hanoi full day city tour

8.00- 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City
08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake
It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.
09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world.
Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June – 15th August) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area.
11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam
Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays.
12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.
14.00-14.15: Continue to visit the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century.
15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton
16.15 -16.30: Tour finishes.

• Overnight: in Hanoi.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

You will take a 3-hour drive on a countryside road through the paddy fields to Ha Long Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders.

Itinerary for 4-star cruise – Calypso Cruise

12:15 – 13:00 From Tuan Chau wharf, Tuan Chau Island of Ha Long city, we go to Calypso Cruise by small boat. A warmly welcome drink will be served upon arrival the cruise then has a short time for check in proceeds: get a brief introduction and safety guidelines then check in.

Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating nature, then anchor at Lan Ha Bay area.

15:00 Join a guide to explore hidden parts of the bay, the area of Dark and Bright cave where to goes through the cave, under the mountain to a lake which is formed by a Karst – well like a dragon eye inside the mountain. This is a very beautiful sight that visitors like the most. You share a sampan with other tourists with a local rower OR taking a kayak on your own.

Return to Calypso Cruises for changing swimming suits then join swimming time in the sea or at the swimming pool on sundeck.

17:30 Enjoy happy hours with various drinks on discounts, try swimming pool and charming the bay with our handsome bartenders. Sun set can be seen from the sundeck if it is a lucky day.

18:00 Take part in a cooking demonstration and food décor with our Chef.

19:00 Join dinner at Calypso Cruises restaurant.

20:30 – 22:00 Time of relaxation after a day on sundeck, leisure in room for watching films, sing karaoke in restaurant or go to tender for squid fishing with cruise staffs.

Overnight in Lan Ha Bay.

Itinerary for 5-star cruise – La Regina Cruise

08:00 – 08:30 La Regina Grand Cruise luxury limousine picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter to start your journey to La Regina Private Lounge.

11:30 Arrive at La Regina private lounge – Lot 24, Tuan Chau Marina – Ha Long, enjoy welcome drink and express check-in before boarding.

12:15 Transferred by speed boat to La Regina Grand Cruises. Welcome aboard the cruise, refresh with our welcome drink while Cruise Manager briefing cruise orientation, activities & on-board safety. The boat starts to cruise to Lan Ha Bay.

13:00 Cruise leaves to explore Lan Ha Bay. You will be enjoying a meal that features the distinctive Vietnamese cuisine taste while relaxing and avoiding the crowds on well-traveled roads.

15:30 You will arrive at Light and Dark Cave – one of the best attractions on Lan Ha Bay which is best known for its pristine and tranquil beauty. Exploring the area by local boat or kayaking. After that, you can swim in the green emerald and cool water around the cruise.
17:30 Return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

19:00 If the weather permits, enjoy dinner on the sundeck or in Ha Long Bar & Restaurant, which is on the second floor. You will have the chance to savor meals produced from premium, fresh ingredients in a distinctive fusion style that fuses the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with the innovative influences of modern cuisine.

After dinner, it’s your choice for fun squid fishing, spa (charge fees) or relaxing.

• Overnight: in Halong Bay.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel. Lunch and dinner on cruise.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Itinerary for 4-star cruise – Calypso Cruise

06:00 Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body & soul by taking a Tai-chi lesson on the sundeck.

06:45 – 7:30 Have breakfast in the restaurant.

07:30 – 08:30 Join a guided and get your hands on some Kayaking to explore Tra Bau area. For those who do not fancy at kayaking can swim at the swimming pool on sundeck or swim in the sea.

08:30 – 9:30 Return to Calypso Cruises for shower. Check out of your room.

09:30 – 10:30 An early lunch will be severed.

10:45 – 11:00 After paying the bills, a small boat will take all of us to Tuan Chau wharf.

11:00 – 11:45 Calypso cruises end at Tuan Chau wharf. We arrive in Hanoi in the right time to visit enjoy the always impressive Ethnology Museum dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and the remarkable Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam first university before watching the water puppet show in the front of Hoan Kiem lake. Overnight in Hanoi.

Itinerary for 5-star cruise – La Regina Cruise

06:00 Greet the new day on the sundeck with a tachi session. Enjoy the fresh air on the bay while you unwind with a cup of tea or coffee.

06:45 Enjoy a quick breakfast on board and get your day going with plenty of energy.

07:30 You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere. It will take you around 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.

09:40 Lunch is served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.

11:00 Disembark from the cruise as our crew say farewell, back to Tuan Chau Marina by our speed boat. Then we will return to Hanoi for your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

*Details cruise program will be update upon confirmation. Anyway it still can change prior to departure date without notification due the weather or quay policy

Optional tour: Hanoi Street food

Your English-speaking local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. We eat as we go, sampling a tasty Hanoian street food from a street cart.

Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our tastebuds with the famed Hanoi dish Bun Cha Ta, Nen Ran, Pho … at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago.

Now, it’s time for dessert as we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this specialty is one not to be missed!

Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden café inside the old quarter. This hard-to-find café is one of the few lefts in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits!

At the end of our Hanoi Street food tour, you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

• Overnight: in Hanoi.
• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel. Brunch.
• Accommodation: 4, 5 stars hotels as mentioned or similar.

Your final day starts with breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. You will then be transferred to the airport for the departure flight to the next destination.

• Meal Included: Breakfast at hotel.