Vietnam Tour 21 days: Less touristic holiday

You will be welcomed by our guide by arrival at Noi Bai Airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check-in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself and of course our tour guide is always available at your request. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 

We start off with a welcome drink and enjoy the most spectacular view of the famous Long Bien Bridge spanning the Red River. We submerge ourselves in the truly unique lifestyle of the floating village of Banana Island. It’s back on our Vespas as we explore the railway tracks cutting through the heart of the city and meet families living and working mere centimeters away in tall narrow houses. We then go to a bustling & vibrant open market to shop with the local people from Hanoi. After zooming through narrow alleyways, we reach the crash site of an American B-52 bomber in a city lake and learn of the city’s more recent history before visiting a peaceful Buddhist temple set in the most beautiful gardens. Our last stop is a tranquil green oasis at a miniature Kumquat farm (seasonal) or we learn about the ancient tradition of making tea at the home of a Vietnamese Tea Master.
 

Today our tour guide and driver will pick you up and depart for Ninh Binh. Upon reach Cuc Phuong National Park, our tour guide will take you to visit the Primate Rescue – home of tens of ape and monkey kinds listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam and the World.
Then, you will move to Bong center before starting a trek through the forest (about 5-6 hours for 17km) to Khanh village. The natural landscape with thousands of wild plants and animals will make you more pleasant and relaxed. A picnic lunch will be served on the way. In the late afternoon, you will reach Khanh Village of Muong ethnic minority where you will dine with locals and stay overnight at stilt-house.
 

Let the mountainous cool air and birds’ songs wake you up early to enjoy peaceful atmosphere and nutritious breakfast. Get ready to continue the trekking tour today, starting with a 3.5km raft trip along Buoi River. Afterwards you will trek 12km from Khuong Village to Mon Village along the poetic stream to reach terraced rice fields and Muong ethnic villages. Lunch will be served on the way at Thuong Village with forest specialties. Upon arrival at Mon village, you’ll have free time for relaxing and local dishes will be served for your dinner. Overnight at home-stay in Mon Village
 

Waking up in the early morning with tranquil village atmosphere and having breakfast with your local host before starting another trekking day along the stream to visit Sat Thuong Village. En route you will have chance to witness the fascinating hill tribes and be captivated by the pristine landscapes and understand further about the intense relationship between the locals and their land.
Upon arrival you will check-in a stilt-house for stay overnight. The slow pace of life in this region, the friendly locals will bring you unforgettable peaceful memories and help you better understand their traditions and local life
 

Today, we will spend your last day of trekking tour to Mu Village. En route we stop and enjoy the breath-taking view at Mu waterfall before having lunch at the center of Ngoc Son – Ngo Luong. The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure before we embark the car for our journey back to Hanoi city. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 

Arrive at Hanoi railway station at around 5.00 AM; you will be picked up to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up before starting a 3.5 hours drive to Ha Long Bay (around 8.00)
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention. 
Arrive in Halong ad board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk
 

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor where our private vehicle waiting for you for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. You have free time until we pick up and transfer you to the railway station for your overnight train to Dong Hoi. 
 

Upon arrival at the railway station, have breakfast then we will drive you to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park has been recognized as a world natural heritage site by the UNESCO in 2003. Visit the cave, you can explore the remain of Cham altars and inscriptions inside.
Getting on boat and cruise on the world's longest underground river to Phong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore the remaining of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Overnight at the hotel in Dong Hoi Town
 

Today we pick up at the hotel and transfer to our base. After a safety briefing to plan the trip, clarify rules and regulations in the National Park, we depart for Abandoned valley by van.
Upon arrive at the trek departure point, we start trekking through the jungle to the Abandoned valley. Arrive at the Dark cave exit, we will explore 800m inside Dark Cave. Afterward we start trekking along the river to Hang E cave. Arrive at the entrance of hang E cave, having a BBQ lunch, swimming in the crystal clear spring from hang E, and exploring hang E river cave (300m – optional).
At around 15:30 we start trekking on a different trail in the Abandoned valley to Ho Chi Minh road. Back to Ho Chi Minh road, enjoy cold drinks on the road. Finally our car will drive you back to Phong Nha village and to your hotel for your overnight
 

After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel and transfer to our base
After a brief meeting to plan the trip, clarify rules and regulations in the National Park, we depart for Elephant Cave by van. Arrive at the trek departure point we start trekking through the jungle to the Elephant cave. At noon time, we reach to Ma Da Lake- swim into Ma Da Crystal Lake. A BBQ lunch will be served here. In the afternoon we continue trekking to Tra Ang Cave and swimming into Tra Ang Cave to explore 600m Tra Ang Cave (optional). At around 16:30 we start trekking to be back Ho Chi Minh road. Arrive at Ho Chi Minh road, enjoy cold drink on the road and then we drive back Phong Nha and your hotels in Phong Nha
 

Morning, we leave the beach town, drive southward through Demilitarized Zone during the war against American to visit Vinh Moc tunnel, which was strategically located on the border of North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The tunnels were built to shelter people from the intense bombing of Son Trung and Son Ha communes in Vinh Linh county of Quang Tri Province in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Lunch served on the way back to Hue.
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Not only is it famous for the splendid architecture of citadels, palaces, royal tombs and pagodas but the ancient traditions of Hue also created a unique romantic city.
On arrival in Hue, you have your own pace to explore the city. Overnight in Hue
 

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers. 
Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue
 

After breakfast we pick up you at your hotel and transfer you to Toa Kham wharf. Upon arrival we take a dragon boat along Perfume River forward Thuy Bieu Village. From Phu Wharf, you keep cycling along verdant paths visit Nguyen Phuoc Toc worship palace, Luong Quan temple and visit local people’s daily life. Afterward visit ancient houses, calls “Nha Ruong” which is over 100 years old and take part in daily activities with the local people such as making sesame candy, processing rural dishes. Lunch will be served with a Vietnamese traditional family. Here you have a chance to try sesame candy and special dishes which are made from local materials by skillful hand of poetic Hue woman. In the afternoon ride to visit Than temple- worship Mai-am princess- the daughter of Ming Mang King. Mr. Hieu will introduce to you about his ancient tamp and money collection. Leave Thuy Bieu village to come back to city. Don’t forget to say thanks to friendly people and skillful woman, who gave you an impressive experience in Vietnam countryside. On the way come back to Hue city, we stop to visit Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen) and Screaming Elephants Altar (Voi Re), Long Tho pagoda, Long Tho market ... Tour guide also introduces to you about Hue Railway station, Ho Chi Minh museum, Quoc Hoc School. Overnight in Hue
 

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian
 

Ecotour Cam Thanh
• Distance: ∼10km
• Transport: Bicycle
• Activities: Cycling, basket boat cruise, fishing, relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs, cooking classes and lunch at local family house.
Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far away from the noise of the city. After passing through town, you will find yourself cycling amongst villages of rice fields on quiet roads, ending up in Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest - 7 hectares of mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place played refuge to people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, but nowadays it is famous for its abundance of seafood. On our journey to the village we will stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries and schools...In the village you will be warmly welcomed with a green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live here. You are then free to stroll through the village, before rowing a basket boat with the help of skillful locals, learning their traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest. After returning to Mr. Han and his family, you will enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs, before helping to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local dishes, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf, among many other Vietnamese delicacies. Free time and the opportunity for a short rest will follow lunch, before we return to your hotel.
Menu :
Hoian nem
Hoian Crispy Pancakes
Tam Huu: Port, shrimp, herbs
Grilled fish with curcumas in banana leaf
Sautéed Vegetables with the garlic
Spinach Soup
Steamed Rice
Desert.
In the afternoon, we will pick up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival pick up and drop off you at your hotel in Saigon
 

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels 
Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.
Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palac
Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.
Followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. Both its exterior and interior are impressive with bright red color of bricks, stained glass panels and carved tiles, attracting many tourists.
After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. 
Overnight at the hotel in HCM city
 

Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and transfer you to Ben Tre. On arrival at Ham Luong Pier (Ben Tre town) which is opposite the same name’s hotel. Take a boat on Ben Tre River – one of tributaries of Mekong River, sight-seeing lively activities along river as fishing, water transferring… Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in handy traditional style by printing and baking. We then visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshop located along the canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Have a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits and tea. Take a motor cart (Xe Loi) or cycle riding under tree shades, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on really life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch served at Hai Ho family
In the afternoon we will start to ride to Mr. Sau khanh s‘ house seeing ancient porcelains collecting set. 
We then transfer by boat to Mrs Mai’house. After checking at the homestay, we will relax with interesting activities such as rowing boat, catching shrimps in a creek
In the evening join cooking & have dinner with local family 
 

Today we will depart for Cai Be. Before going to the central of Cai Be market, the car stops at Cai Be Cao Dai Oratories, which is the religious symbol of local uniqueness. Then the visitors are picked up by the tourist boats to visit the floating market of rice in An Cu commune, Cai Be district – where is the rice trade largest exporter Southwest region of Vietnam, tourists will chat to learn more about daily life of the trader. The next destinations are the ancient village of Dong Hoa Hiep commune and Cai Be floating market. Leaving the floating market, tourist boats take visitors to Tan Phong islet and go to  Hai Yen bee farm. Here, guests will visit big flower garden where bees produce honey, ẹnjoy fresh honey tea and understand more about bee’s life, visit Linhzhi mushroom area, try to pulling fish hooves, experience the monkey bridges. Then, guests continue visiting the orchard of Ms. Hang and enjoy the fruits in the garden picked by themselves , listening to Vietnamese folk music then getting in a rowing boat to a small canal .The Mekong Eco restaurant is the next destination guests arrive to Mekong Ecolodge and participate in cooking and having lunch. After having lunch, guests cycle to Ms Ba’s house to learn how to make the rice paper which used to make the sping roll dishes. Then, the passengers continue going to Ms. Sau’s house to see the method to knit the banana hammock from the rope of dry banana leaves. After that, the tourists will visit Ms Muoi- a very old woman- to see the method to make the nipa leaves that can be the roof of Vietnamese house. Say goodbye to Ms Muoi, visitors cycle to Thao’s house to know how to knit water hyacinth, guests can also enjoy their first handmade lovely gift with the guidance of Ms. Thao. Finally, tourists come back to Mekong Ecolodge to take a rest.
 At around 4.30 p.m : Guests have an opportunity to experience the Hiep Duc ferry boat with the local people to go through Tien River and the car will pick guests up in the opposite side. We then pick up and transfer you to Can Tho for your overnight
 

Another discovery in the Mekong Delta: the floating markets. You will wake up early to visit the floating market of Cai Rang where a great variety of fruits and vegetables found in the region are sold. From Can Tho, you will travel the colorful road to the bustling river town of Chau Doc. On the way we stop to visit Tra Su mangrove forest, one of the lesser-known attractions of the Mekong Delta region. Best time to visit should be from November to March when the canals are flooded. A short walk or taxi motor from the parking area takes us to the small pier where boats wait to take us into the flooded forest.
 Overnight at the hotel in Chau Doc
 

This morning we will have a boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh departing at around 8:00 AM. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will have your own arrangement. Thank you for choosing our Vietnam Veteran Tours 17 days. End of Asia King Travel’s service.