Vietnam Tour 18 days: Reveal Vietnamese Rural Life

Vietnam Tour 18 days start in Hanoi. Warmly welcome you on arrival at Noi Bai international 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.

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.
Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.
The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.
Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.
We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closed on every Monday.
 

After breakfast, we start our tour to visit Thay pagoda and Tay Phuong pagoda to learn about the Vietnamese traditional architectural style, the Vietnamese Buddhism religion. You can enjoy a splendid panorama on the pagoda, the village and the surrounding countryside. After about 2 hours of visit, transfer for half an hour to reach the ancient village of Duong Lam, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where they still preserve many a-hundred-years-old houses, also the home village of 2 mighty kings (Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung). This is a unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys, visiting Mong Phu temple in the Mong Phu communal house – the only communal house whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Here you will have some talks with the locals in their ancient houses by visiting the ancient houses.
Return to Hanoi at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 

After breakfast, our driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Nam Dinh. Upon arrival we start to discover Hong Quang Village – one of the most beautiful of water puppet making village in Vietnam, experience how to do the Puppet and enjoy how to play puppet in water. Have lunch with local food at Ecohost Hai Hau. In the afternoon we will cycle around the village and visit Pham Phao cathedral and traditional brass trumpet making village. On the way, you will also see the Tile-roofed Bridge built in 16th century with unique architecture. Explore of the daily life of local people and understand about the ancestor worship. Enjoy dinner with typical local foods. Overnight in Ecohost Hai Hau – living with enthusiastic of local people
 

After breakfast at Ecohost Hai Hau, we will visit Hai Trieu Village, where you can experience how to make the mesh in the fishing village, check in the Boat Trip to visit Xuan Thuy National park. Lunch will be served on the Clam Hut. In the afternoon we will transfer to visit Co Chat silk-worm village or Vi Khe bonsai village on the way continuing to Ninh Binh. Overnight at Tam Coc Serene Bungalow.
 

Today we start your first visit on a sampan boat rowed by a local for about 1.5 hours in Tam Coc.  Known as “Halong Bay on land”, the boat trip is a nice journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains, rice paddy if traveling during harvest season. Enjoy a delicious lunch served at the restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon we will visit a local family in Tam Coc. They are a traditional Vietnamese family with three generations living together. Here you will get the chance to see the house architecture and their daily life and their handicraft job of making traditional embroidery. Leaving the family, you will take a bike and start riding to explore the rice fields and limestone mountains with a unique route. We then continue to get on a small sampan to visit Thung Nham bird reserve, discover the most features of this area with more than 50.000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Cycling back to the host family for free time relax with afternoon tea break. Dinner served with Vietnamese local cuisine, then stay overnight at Tam Coc Serene Bungalow.
 

Morning after breakfast, we will start to cycle to Mua Cave, one of the most alluring places to get the panorama view in Ninh Binh. Hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain to take your amazing views of the Tam Coc, Ninh Binh area. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. In the afternoon continue your explorer to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, visit the temple of King Dinh. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about the Vietnamese history. Finally we will transfer you back to Hanoi for your overnight
 

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.
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 before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for flight 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.
Upon arrival Hue, pick up & transfer to hotel in Hue. Overnight at the hotel 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
 

Start your day with a visit to HCM agricultural villages where you have chance to visit the cow areas, Buffalo Areas, Rice Fields, Big Herbs, Spices, Vegetables and Mushrooms areas and become a real Vietnamese farmer to pick up the ingredients for your cooking class. We then continue join our hand on cooking class with 3 famous main dishes and 1 dessert and conclude by enjoying what you have cooked. In the afternoon we explore the rice paper factory where you can understand the whole process to make rice paper from the flour to the final products. Lastly amaze yourself with a visit to cow milk and animal farm. Here you have chance to understand the whole the process to look after the Dairy Cow, get hands to milk the cow and enjoyed to make the aroma Vietnamese coffee by your self
Transfer back to Saigon for your overnight
 

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 
 

Morning after breakfast, we will bike to see local market, drum making workshop, soya sauce making workshop, a local school and then transfer you back to Saigon for your overnight 
 

Today is at your leisure before checking out and transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight home