Vietnam Tour 16 days: An Amazing Discovery
Overview
The "Vietnam Tour 16 days: An Amazing Discovery" is an incredible journey that takes travelers through the highlights of Vietnam, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. The itinerary is carefully designed to offer a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration.
The tour starts in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and takes travelers to the magnificent Halong Bay, where they can enjoy the spectacular scenery of thousands of limestone islands. From there, the tour moves to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, where travelers can explore the Ha Long Bay on land and learn more about the country's history through the Hue's complex of tombs, pagodas, and palaces.
Travelers can then wander through the charming streets of Hoian town, lined with centuries-old houses and famous tailors. The tour also includes a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, where travelers can explore the city's bustling metropolis and the famous Cu Chi tunnels, an incredible underground network.
The tour concludes with an escape into the heart of the Mekong Delta, home to many bustling floating markets. Throughout the journey, travelers will have the chance to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine, meet locals, and experience the country's unique culture. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of Vietnam, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
- Uncover the attractions of Hanoi, including as its historic temples, colonial architecture, and thriving marketplaces.
- Indulge in a walking street food tour in Hanoi, sampling delicious local cuisine amidst the bustling streets.
- Enjoy the magnificent scenery of thousands of limestone dotted on the emerald water of Halong Bay – Bay of the Descending Dragon
- Venture to Ninh Binh and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, explore the stunning Tam Coc caves, and hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views.
- Navigate the mystical Chay River and venture into the depths of the Dark Cave.
- Learn more about Vietnam history through the Hue’s complex of tombs, pagodas & palaces
- Wander the charming streets of Hoian town - lined with centuries old houses, quiet boutiques and famous tailors
- Ascend to the ethereal heights of Ba Na Hills for panoramic vistas and spiritual experiences
- Cycle through the tranquil countryside of Cam Thanh village and uncover the charm of Hoi An.
- Explore the throbbing metropolis Ho Chi Minh City and the famous Cu Chi – an incredible underground network.
- Escape into the heart of the Mekong Delta, home to many bustling floating market
Itinerary
Arriving at Hanoi airport, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and privately transferred to a hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to warm up for the Vietnam Tour 16 days. Overnight in Hanoi
Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking.
18.00- 18:30 Pick-up from the hotel and transfer to our meeting point by local transportation.
18:30 Our professional English-speaking tour guide will meet you in the Old Quarter and introduce you to the culture and daily life of the locals there.
You will have an opportunity to enjoy green papaya salad, Bun Cha, Pho (Beef or chicken noodle), Banh Cuon, Banh Mi, Hanoi draught beer.
During the tour, you will not only have an opportunity to enjoy delicious local foods but will also be guided about the ingredients and process of making this local tasty dish, as well as introduced to some destinations of culture, history, and temples such as the local market, Heritage house, and the old city gate of Hanoi Old Quarter.
20:00 Our Barista will introduce the info about the class. Such as history of Vietnamese Coffee, Egg Coffee, Phin Coffee…
Following the process for the famous cup of Egg Coffee
- Making coffee based by Phin (filter).
We also introduce the history of Phin (Filter).
The Way we brew coffee by Phin.
What kind of coffee would be perfect for Phin?
Brewing ratio…Then We will demonstrate one Phin step by step.
- Making Egg Cream.
We also introduce history of Egg Coffee Our unique Recipe.
Demonstrate how to make an Egg Cream step by step.
- Egg Coffee Art Ideas.
After pouring Egg Cream into the cup of Coffee. You will spend some time decorating yourself an amazing cup of egg coffee. Enjoy your coffee at the end!
21:00 Return to the meeting place and say goodbye.
TOUR INCLUDED
- English-speaking guide.
- A bottle of Mineral water.
- The best of Hanoi local food.
- Pick-up in the old quarter (local transportation).
- Coffee, fresh beer.
TOUR EXCLUDED
- Pick up outside of the old quarter.
- Tax (VAT).
- All services and items are not mentioned specifically in the list above.
- Tips.
Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
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
Waking up surrounded by 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. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup 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 hours journey to Ninh Binh. Overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh
Accommodation : At the hotel in Ninh Binh
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Our tour starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”. Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings’ palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples.
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda under the introduction of our local guide, and you will get to know more about Vietnam's history and understand the origin of Buddhism.
Keep going to visit Mua cave. The place attracts visitors with its many interesting stories. Climb 500 stone steps, here you can see all the way to Tam Coc, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. Transfer to Hanoi for your overnight
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at 07:00 transfer to the airport for your flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival pick up and we depart to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to visit Phong Nha Cave, which is known as the " First Wonder of the Cave".
Cruise up the poetic Son River, enjoy the charming natural scenery on both sides of the river, visitors will encounter images of young women and children playing on the riverbank, experiencing the daily life of riverside villages bearing the Vietnamese soul.
Conquer Phong Nha Cave (Water Cave): Southeast Asia's longest water cave enjoys breathtaking limestone karst landscapes, underground river systems and stalactites that are unique in the world. Explore Co Tien & Cung Dinh caves to admire the beautiful stalactites created by nature over thousands of millennia.
Overnight at the hotel in Phong Nha
Accommodation : At the hotel in Dong Hoi
Meals : Breakfast
After breakfast, continue the journey to visit Chay River - Dark Cave
Join Kayaking on Chay River: visitors will feel the calm, romantic flow with clear jade-green water with spectacular limestone mountains. On both sides of the bank are cornfields stretching to create a charming painting, visitors will enjoy relaxing moments while immersing themselves in the natural world.
Exploring Dark Cave: is a branch of Phong Nha cave system, there is no lighting system, so it still retains the mysterious and pristine beauty of nature. You become a cave explorer with a flashlight and specialized equipment to explore the underground river system, admire thousands of stalactite columns with diverse and unique shapes. Visitors will have an extremely interesting experience when they have the opportunity take a natural mud bath or swim through the cool Thuy Tien and Bong Lai lakes.
Joining Zipline to swing in the air, you can go to the middle of Chay river with a well-invested and very modern zip-line system from which to fall to cool off with this blue and dreamy river and participate in other water games.
Goodbye Phong Nha - Ke Bang we then get on the car (No Guide) and transfer you to Hue for our overnight
Accommodation : At the hotel in Hue
Meals : Breakfast
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
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
07:45 am – 08:15 am: Our Car and tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.
Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car which gains 4 world scores.
Travelling through hills, contemplating the whole primitive forest and travelling freely by the Climbing Train. Come to Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Ling Ung Pagoda and Golden Bridge.
Continue to visit the French Village – a classical ad romantic France with unique architectural works, peak of Chua Mountain, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple and Tru Vu Tea Shop
You have a chance to watch Carnival Performance Show in here.
Challenge the most interesting ride – Slide of Tube Car
Lunch at Restaurant by your own account
Join in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor games zone in Viet Nam. Discover Dinosaur Park and Jurassic Park, watch 5D, 4D and 3D cinemas, ride on Journey into the underground, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.
Return to the Cable Car and go down the mountain.
Our Car will bring you back to your hotel.
Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian
Meals : Breakfast
Stay away from the hustle and bustle of life; your peaceful and beautiful day will begin with a bike ride to Cam Kim village, where you will discover the secrets of making handicrafts such as wood carving, boat building, mosaics, weaving mats, weaving basket boats, etc.
Then head towards Cam Thanh village by boat on the Thu Bon River, where you can discover the beauty of Bay Mau Coconut Forest and learn how to fish like a local on a short basket boat tour in Hoi An.
In the heart of green trees, in harmony with the melodious rhythm of the basket boat, you will experience wonderful moments!
This signature basket boat is called Thuyen Thung! It is made of woven bamboo.
Then it's cooking class time by preparing your own lunch with local guidelines. You will be introduced to some Vietnamese dishes that you will then taste with the locals.
This friendly family get-together will end with a Hoi An herbal foot massage.
Transfer back to your hotel for your overnight
Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian
Meals : Breakfast
In the morning we drive to visit holly land My Son. This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km from Danang, My Son is considered one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam.
In the afternoon transfer you to the airport for your flight to Saigon.
Upon arrival pick up and then drive you to your hotel in Saigon for your overnight
Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals : Breakfast
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 Palace
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 then move 2 hours to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit of Cai Be town & the ancient church from the boat. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong Island for the rowing boat. They will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time under the shade of mangrove trees. Stop at local garden to enjoy some fruits with hot tea when listening to the traditional music.
Then, start the biking trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... (You can walk, but see less).
Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the handmade canal to a local house & have lunch at this traditional house. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at the new boat station of VinhLong city! From here we will pick up and transfer you to Can Tho for your overnight.
Accommodation : At the hotel in Can Tho
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Early morning transfer to pier and taking boat trip on Mekong River to visit Cai Rang floating market the best time of visiting from sunrise, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even smuggled goods like cigarettes. Sellers do not have to cry out about their goods because their goods can be seen in a distance and their cries would not be heard in the vastness of the river and the noise of boat engines. Continue to the inland to see coconut lined channels, “Monkey” bridge and fruit orchard. And after that transfer back to your hotel in Saigon for your overnight
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals : Breakfast
Trip notes
Tour includes:
- Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
- Overnight cruise on board a good-quality boat in Halong Bay (non-private boat)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
- Entrance fees for all visits, as mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Meals as indicated by Vietnamese foods at the restaurant (B= breakfast; L=Lunch; D = Dinner)
- Local private boat excursions in Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoian, Phong Nha, Mekong Delta
- Walking Street food tour in Hanoi
- Bicycle in Hoian
- Cable Cab to Ba Na Hills
- Water & cool towels during transfer
- Government taxes & service charge
Tour excludes:
- Vietnam Evisa
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Early check in/ late check out
- Domestic flights and domestic airport taxes
- Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
- Surcharged for Public holidays
- Drinks and meal not mentioned
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks … etc.
- Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).
- Gratuities/ Tipping
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
You may also like
You may consider the following tours. You can find something interesting. If you dont find any. Please contact us so that we can help you make your itinerary.
Northern Vietnam Tour 10 days: In-Depth Discovery
This Northern Vietnam Tour 10 days: In-Depth Discovery from Asia King Travel fea...
Hanoi Old Quarter Trip 1-day: Explore the beauty of Hanoi by Bike
Discover the charm of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a thrilling Hanoi Old Quarter Trip...
Vietnam Veteran Tour 11 days: War History
A journey to Vietnam, which had been heavily affected by war for centuries, woul...
Center Vietnam Tour 10 days: Hidden Gems of Central Part
With our "Center Vietnam Tour 10 days: Hidden Gems of Central Part" itinerary, w...
Vietnam Laos Tour 19 days: Culture Experience
Embark on an immersive Vietnam Laos Tour 19 days with Asia King Travel. From the...
Mekong Delta Tour 2 days: Cultural exploration of the Mekong Delta
Embark on our Mekong Delta Tour 2 days: Cultural exploration of the Mekong Delta...
Mekong Delta Tour 3 days: Mekong Delta Eco Excursion
Embark on our Mekong Delta Tour 3 days: Mekong Delta Eco Excursion to explore th...
Cu Lao Cham Tour 1-day: Discovery Cu Lao Cham Island
Embark on our Cu Lao Cham Tour 1-day: Discovery Cu Lao Cham Island! Explore this...
Mekong Delta Trip 3 days 2 nights: Escape to Can Tho and Surroundings
Discover the Mekong Delta Trip 3 days 2 nights: Escape to Can Tho and Surroundin...