Vietnam Tour 17 days: Homestay Experiences

Homestay is a great way to learn the culture of the destination you’re visiting. On this "Vietnam Tour 17 days: Homestay Experiences", you will have the opportunity to stay with local families in almost all areas of Vietnam from the north to the south and enjoy the different lifestyles of local people reflecting the diverse culture of Vietnam

17 days 16 nights

Vietnam

Classic Highlights

Attractions

Cai Be - Hoi An - Hue - Ha Noi - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Ha Long City

Duration

17 days 16 nights

Code

VCT11

Type of tour

Private tour

Overview

Experience the beauty and warmth of Vietnam with the Vietnam Tour 17 days: Homestay Experiences. This immersive tour takes you through the Mekong Delta, Hoian, Hue, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, and offers a unique opportunity to stay with local families to learn about their daily lives.

Explore the scenic floating markets in the Mekong Delta and discover the local way of life. Experience the life of a fisherman and learn how to cast a net, go fishing, row a basket boat, and cut fishing rope in Cam Thanh village. In Hue, explore the Imperial city with its palaces, tombs, temples, and pagodas. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 2,000 islands rising from emerald water. Visit the Bac Ha market on Sunday, which showcases the cultural features of remote mountainous areas. Trek to the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van to enjoy the stunning scenery of rice field terraces.

The tour also provides ample time to explore major cities such as Saigon, Hanoi, and Da Nang, and engage in local culture with a city tour, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and an overnight train to Lao Cai/Sapa. Your stay in homestays in Ba Duc, Hoian Life, Tam Tinh Vien, and Chez Loan will give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, traditions, and way of life.

This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Vietnam and experience it from the locals' perspective. With an immersive and authentic approach, this tour will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Come and join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Vietnam!

Highlights

Experience homestay in Mekong Delta, Hoian, Hue, Sapa, and Ninh Binh - a good opportunity to better understand the daily life of the inhabitants.
Explore the heart of the Mekong delta with its scenic floating markets and discover how life really is in around this majestic river.
Experience the local life of fisherman through his daily activities such as: casting the net, go fishing, rowing the basket boat, cutting the fishing rope… in Cam Thanh village
Gain a deeper understand of Imperial city Hue known for its temples, tombs, palaces & pagodas
Explore the breathtaking beauty of more than 2000 islands rising from emerald water of Halong Bay recognized World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Pay a visit to Bac Ha market on Sunday. The market deeply shows the typical cultural features of the minorities in remote mountainous areas.
Short trekking to visit Lao Chai and Ta van the village of the Hmong and Zay people. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of rice field terrace
Amazing boat trip in Tam Coc, known as Dry Ha Long Bay

Itinerary

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On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, welcome by Asia King Travel's guide and transfer to the hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafes. If time permits, we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

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 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.

The Mekong Delta is the region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields, that produces about half of the total of Vietnam’s agricultural output.

Drive to Mekong Delta, we take a riverboat for a cruise along the riverbank of the Mekong Delta. Landing on the Tortoise Island to visit fruit garden, enjoy some of tropical fruits. Take a horse cart to visit from garden to garden in a small village. Rowing boat cruise along wonderful canals to visit orchards and the houses of local people. Visit a coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre. Then takes a boat cruise to small waterway and come to have lunch at a local restaurant. Boat cruise again to a small riverside village and join in a home stay in the garden to learn Vietnamese culture of the Mekong Delta. Take some catch fishing tools, the farmers will show you how to catch fishes and shrimps in the canals and learn to cook local cakes and foods. In the afternoon drive to Cai Be and Homestay Ba Duc for your overnight. Dinner served at the homestay

Today we take a boat trip passing through floating market, viewing the people of Mekong Delta are doing business on the water, gliding through the lush green vegetation of the canals, reach to an orchard for a delicious local lunch with completely tropical fruits. After lunch we keep on cruising along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 03:00PM, the boat wills arrival at Vinh Long town, walking around to explore local market of Vinh Long.

Vinh Long is a province located in the Mekong River Delta of southern Vietnam. Traveling by water is a common practice here for grocery shopping and getting to restaurants and tourist attractions located on small islets accessible only by boat.

On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at Bonsai Garden to a little rest. Overnight in Saigon

This morning you have free time until we transfer you to the airport for your short flight to Da Nang.

With 10 km of white sand beaches together with a lot of luxury resorts and restaurants, Da Nang becomes an attractive destination of tourists. Coming to Da Nang, visitors also have a chance to visit the picturesque Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Moutains,… which should not be missed.

Upon arrival transfer you to Hoian Life homestay for your overnight. 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. You have a half day walking tour in Hoian for shopping and visiting this charming town. A welcome dinner will be served with your lovely hosted to enjoy a cozy atmosphere of Hoian people. Overnight in Hoian

Get on your bike and start visiting the surrounding areas of Hoian, the village of Cam Thanh to sample the stunning landscape with river, palm forest and fishing boats. Boat to transfer to Cam Thanh Island .Admiring iconic landscape and discover riverbanks dotted with green islands, see big fishing nets hanging on water and locals fishing in the river…visit the carpentry village. When ready, we ride pass though endless rice fields, farms to the river where a ferry boat ride take us to a local family for lunch. After lunch you have some time to relax before riding back to your hotel in Hoi An, on the way visit the oldest Buddhist temple to sample the unique architecture of Buddhist culture with the beautiful bonsai garden, and whether you want to ride to the beach for swimming, we have you covered. Overnight in Hoian life homestay

Having breakfast, then we spend this morning exploring and relaxing. In the afternoon we bid Hoian farewell and continue our south bound journey in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way through we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. We also will stop at the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hue, we overnight at Tam Tinh Vien homestay in Hue - located 5km from the city center of Hue, the heart of the tranquil garden.

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 create a unique romantic city.

Morning, walking for few minutes to the boat pier in Perfume River, we then take a boat trip on the picturesque Thien Mu pagoda, 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.

Have lunch at a traditional restaurant. Afternoon, 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.

Overnight at homestay in Hue

In the afternoon take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi and enjoy 1 hour water puppet show at the theater- the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women-stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

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 closes on every Monday.

You have free time until we transfer to the rail way station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (21:00).

At approximately 06:00 we arrive in Lao Cai. Your chauffeur waits with a 45 minutes’ drive by private car, from Lao Cai Station to Sapa. After a fresh up and breakfast, we begin our exploration day by walking along buffalo paths through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests to H’mong and Dzay Village of Lao Chai & Ta Van.

Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages are the places where ethnic black H’mong and Dzay people are living. Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terraced fields and stream and visit some of Black H’mong families to learn more about their culture and customs.

We have picnic lunch in Lao Chai or at a convenient spot en route before heading to a family in Ta Van. Have dinner and overnight in lovely homestay in Tavan village

Enjoy mountainous landscape with your delicious breakfast ready to trek through bamboo forests towards Giang Ta Chai waterfall, cross over a rattan suspension bridge and enter into Giang Ta Chai village which is inhabited by the Red Zao minorities. Back to Sapa and enjoy the remaining day by your own. A fascinating place to visit is the Sapa market where many ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to seel their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts and to buy provisions. Overnight at a hotel in Sapa

After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery for a 100km to the tranquil town of Bac Ha, home of the Flower Hmong and amazing Sunday market.
Located 105 km from Sapa, this is the biggest weekly market opening every Sunday morning. Here you will have a chance to witness thousands of local minority people in their traditional ethnic dress, drink alcohol and trade goods.

Upon arrival, we will explore Bac Ha lively Market which not much changed by time. Drive to Lao Cai then board the overnight train to Hanoi (19.00)

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-hour drive to Ninh Binh-

Situated in the south of the Northern Delta region, Ninh Binh is well known as the first imperial capital of Vietnam under Dinh, Le & Ly Dynasties. Come here, you will admire a gorgeous countryside with water buffalos, majestic limestone and grottos.

The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc

Nestled in a scenic landscape of limestone karsts and paddy fields, Tam Coc is known as “Ha Long Bay on Land”. The whole area is surrounded by limestone grottoes which are believed to be submerged by water some 200 million years ago.

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 temple.

The former capital of Vietnam during King Dinh and King Le dynasties in the 10th century covers an area of 300 ha. Today, the ancient citadel no longer exists, and few vestiges still remain. In Hoa Lu there are now 2 temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

Stay overnight at Chez Loan Homestay in Ninh Binh. This homestay is located 1km from Bai Dinh pagoda, 5 km from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh. It's a perfect get-away for those who is bored of the big noisy and busy city. The owner has been working for tourism industry for over 10 years and speaks English very well.

Breakfast at hotel and then start a 3-hour drive through 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.

Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a traditional 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. Overnight on board

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 Hanoi. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi

Say goodbye to Hanoi, we will transfer you to the airport for your fight home. End of Asiaking travel’s service. Hope you had a great journey with Vietnam Tour 17 days.

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Trip notes

Tour includes:

Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
Homestay in Cai Be, Hoian, Hue, Ninh Binh, Sapa
Overnight cruise on board a good-quality boat in Halong Bay (non-private boat)
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
TSC Train or similar (sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths) : Hanoi - Lao Cai
Mini-hotel for freshen up & breakfast after get off the train (in Hanoi)
Water Puppet show ticket & cyclo tour in the old quarter
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
Local private boat cruise: Ninh Binh, Hue, Mekong Delta,
Cycle in Cam Thanh village
Water & cool towels
Government taxes & service charge

Tour excludes:

Vietnam Visa stamp fee: USD 25/ person
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