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Fantastic Northern Rice Terraces and Mighty Mekong Delta | Vietnam Classic Tour – 13 Days

13 Days
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Visit many of Vietnam’s highlights in this packaged tour. Venture to the world’s most beautiful rice terraces and experience the diversity of tribal life in hidden hilltop villages in Sapa. Take a leisurely cruise between thousands of limestone mountains jutting out of the blue water aboard a boat in Ha Long Bay and finally experience the heart of the fertile Mekong Delta.

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Overview

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Overview

Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Visit: Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Tay Ninh – Cai Be – Can Tho

Duration: 13 Days

Travel style: Most popular, Mountain & Minority

Category: Private tour

Tour schedule: Daily departure

Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano

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Highlights

  • Soft trek & encounters with mountain minority groups in Sapa
  • Stunning landscapes of rice terraces, Halong Bay, Limestone mountain...
  • Bustling floating market on Mekong River
  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Trekking, biking, boating

Itinerary

Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel.

Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Day 2 :
Hanoi

Visiting the city's highlights, traveling to French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake

9:00 AM: Start your journey with a pick-up at the Temple of Literature, a revered monument established in the 11th century by the Ly dynasty to honor Confucius and provide education to the royal offspring. Take a serene walk through the temple's lush grounds, marvel at Khue Van Cac, the city's iconic symbol, and admire the ancient "stone steles" that celebrate the scholarly achievements of Vietnam’s most distinguished students. Explore Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s pioneering national university, steeped in historical significance.

Next, choose from a selection of Hanoi's captivating museums, including the National History Museum, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Museum of Ethnology, or Fine Arts Museum. After your museum visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch or a refreshing drink at your own pace.

Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s “little Paris” as you explore the French Quarter. Wander through grand plazas, admire the stately government buildings, and stroll along tree-lined boulevards. Admire the exterior of Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, then meander through the tranquil botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, once Ho Chi Minh’s residence and office. Conclude this part of your tour with a visit to the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, a city icon. Depending on the group size, this exploration may take between one to two hours.

Proceed to Quan Thanh Temple, one of the city’s four major temples. Built in the 11th century during King Ly Thai To’s reign, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Tran Vu, a principal Taoist deity. Enjoy a leisurely walk offering panoramic views over the picturesque West Lake, and visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De.

Cap off your day with a mesmerizing water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. The show features vibrant puppetry performed on water, depicting the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, daily life, and spiritual beliefs, often accompanied by traditional music.

After a day full of exploration and cultural immersion, return to your hotel. End of a memorable day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Transferring Hanoi to Sapa, exploring Sin Chai village of Black H'mong people

7:30 AM: Begin your adventure with a morning departure from Hanoi to Sapa. As you travel along the newly paved road, enjoy the scenic vistas of the Red River, rolling mountains, and idyllic rural landscapes. Upon reaching Sapa, settle in with a delightful lunch, soaking in the charm of this mountain town.

Set out for Sin Chai village, home to over 60 Black H'mong families. Marvel at the stunning terraced rice fields, lush farms growing medicinal herbs, vibrant flowers, and fresh vegetables. Walk the scenic trails leading to Sin Chai village and delve into the history of the Black H'mong people, who have called these mountains home for generations. Discover their rich cultural heritage, unique language, and traditional lifestyles. Visit a typical H'mong home and explore a local primary school, gaining insight into the daily life and education of the villagers.

After an enriching afternoon, return to Sapa town for the evening.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room)
3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam

Day 4 :
Sapa

Trekking through the World's most amazing rice terrace in Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, meeting H'mong & Dzay people

8:00 AM: Begin your day with a charming 5-kilometer drive west of Sapa to Y Linh Ho village. From here, embark on a delightful hike.

Follow the trail downhill, engaging with friendly H’mong women and children in their quaint valley homes. Enjoy a moment of tranquility and take in the serene beauty of the surroundings from a picturesque cable bridge. For the more adventurous, the Buffalo Path offers a scenic, less-traveled uphill route. Alternatively, a leisurely walk along the Muong Hoa River provides a shorter hike with equally stunning views.

Continue to Lao Chai village via a scenic trail that meanders through lush rice fields. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet a grandmother, the last traditional artisan in the village, who continues the ancient art of beeswax decoration on distinctive H’mong indigo garments. This visit offers a deep dive into the vibrant culture and traditional craftsmanship of the H’mong people.

Proceed to Ta Van, a charming Dzay village perched on a hill. The village offers panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, a winding river, and lush rice terraces. As you stroll through Ta Van, local villagers will warmly invite you into their homes, providing an authentic glimpse into their daily lives.

After a flavorful lunch at a nearby eatery, head back to your accommodation to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room)
3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam

Discovering the Red Dao culture in Ma Tra & Ta Phin village, transferring back to Hanoi

Start your day with a scenic walk from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village. As you trek, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the lush rice terrace valleys that define the region.

This journey provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local Black Hmong and Red Dao communities. Originally from Southern China, these ethnic groups migrated to Vietnam in the 11th century and have maintained their traditional lifestyles and customs at high altitudes, far from the modern world. Their enduring heritage is evident in their customs, language, and ancestral ways of life.

Along the way, visit a Hmong family in Ma Tra Village and tour a local school, offering a glimpse into daily life and education in this remote area.
After a rewarding three-hour hike, reach Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dao people. Engage with the locals and gain insight into their unique culture and traditions as you explore the village.

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before heading back to Hanoi. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel, concluding your enriching journey.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong

8:00 AM: Begin your adventure by picking up your driver and tour guide from your hotel, then set off for the enchanting Ninh Binh region, a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural wonders. Capture the beauty of the Red River Delta as you journey through its picturesque landscapes.

Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Nestled amidst dramatic limestone peaks and serene rivers, Hoa Lu offers a stunningly scenic and historically rich backdrop.

Explore the sacred temples dedicated to Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968–80) and Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980–1009). These revered structures, dating back to the 17th century, honor the rulers who played pivotal roles in Vietnam’s liberation from a millennium of Chinese rule.

Next, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda, a classic 15th-century relic nestled in the countryside. Cross a charming stone bridge to reach Chua Ha, then ascend over 100 steps to Chua Trung, a cave pagoda adorned with unique clay figurines. From there, continue your climb to Chua Thuong, where you can delve into the teachings of Buddhism while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

After a delightful lunch at a local eatery, journey to Tam Coc, often dubbed "Halong Bay on land" and famously featured in the French film "Indochina." Board a private sampan boat at the river port and embark on a 90-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Discover three mesmerizing caves and take in the stunning vistas of rural life, complete with rice paddies, quaint villages, ancient cemeteries, and tranquil temples.

Return to Hanoi by car around 6:00 PM, filled with memories of a day rich in culture and natural beauty.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Tam Coc
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Amazing sailing route, Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Titov Island, offering a great panoramic views

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or from our Shuttle Bus stop if you are staying outside the Old Quarter (additional fee applies). We’ll start our picturesque drive to Halong City, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional restroom break en route.

11:00 AM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge.

12:00 PM: Board the cruise ship, receive a welcome drink, and get a brief overview of the cruise. Check into your cabin and prepare for lunch.

12:30 PM: Enjoy a lunch featuring both Vietnamese and international cuisine while cruising through Halong Bay, with views of highlights such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.

2:30 PM: Visit the Pearl Farm and engage in kayaking to fully experience the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

4:00 PM: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising. This vast limestone cave is renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. (Appropriate footwear is recommended for wet conditions.)

5:45 PM: Return to the boat and enjoy Happy Hour at the bar (buy 2, get 1 free).

Optional: Book a massage service directly with the Cruise Manager.

7:30 PM: Relish a sumptuous dinner with a blend of traditional and fusion dishes crafted by our expert chefs.

9:00 PM: After dinner, enjoy the bar and spa, try squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or relax on the sundeck.

11:00 PM: Overnight stay on board.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Leisure: Squid fishing,Swimming
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Mila Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
7 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring Sung Sot Cave then leisurely sailing before transferring back to Hanoi for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City

06:15: Kick off your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by a hearty breakfast in the restaurant.

06:30: Enjoy your breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.

07:30: Travel to Titov Island, known for its stunning beaches and panoramic views from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when it’s wet.)

09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Complete your checkout and settle any outstanding bills at the reception.

10:00: Relish brunch as you cruise back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax either on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and say goodbye to the crew.

A driver will meet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge for your transfer to Hanoi (additional fees apply). The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way if needed. You will be dropped off at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel or our Shuttle Bus stop.

A private driver will then collect you from your hotel lobby in Hanoi Old Quarter for a 45-minute ride to Noi Bai airport (either international or domestic terminal based on your request). Thank you for your visit to our city.

Note: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight.

Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat airport, a professional tour guide and driver will greet you at the pickup lobby. During the 30-minute drive to the city center, your guide will introduce you to the city's highlights, dining options, traffic, and culture.

You will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival.
Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN265 (HAN - SGN) - (Direct) / 20:30 - 22:30 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Saigon City full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market

9:00 AM: Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel, setting the stage for a captivating journey through Ho Chi Minh City. First, you'll visit the historic Independence Palace, once the residence and office of South Vietnamese presidents. Discover the iconic North Vietnamese tank that stormed the palace in 1975, marking the dramatic end of the Vietnam War. Explore the five-story building, where rooms are preserved in their 1960s and 70s grandeur, and delve into the secret bunker beneath.

Next, enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city. Head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture constructed between 1863 and 1880. Its charming presence offers a peaceful respite in the heart of bustling Saigon.
Stroll towards Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where you'll find the architectural gem of Saigon Central Post Office, designed by the famed Gustave Eiffel. Its beautiful interior design makes it not just a landmark but also an active post office.

Afterward, take some time to relax with lunch or a drink (at your own expense). In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the profound exhibits at the War Remnants Museum. As Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited attraction, the museum provides a deep and often eye-opening perspective on the Vietnam War, offering insights that may differ significantly from familiar narratives.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple.

9:00 AM: Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel and head to the historic Independence Palace. This iconic building, once the residence and office of the South Vietnamese presidents, is a key site in Vietnam's history. Marvel at the North Vietnamese tank that famously stormed the palace in 1975, bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic close. Explore the palace's five stories, preserved in their late 1960s and early 1970s styles, and venture into the secret bunker below.

Next, enjoy a relaxed tour of the city. Begin with the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture built between 1863 and 1880. Its elegant design provides a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.

Continue your walk towards Nguyen Hue Walking Street to visit Saigon Central Post Office, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. Admire the beautiful interior and the fact that this grand building is still an active post office.
Take a break for lunch or drinks at your leisure (at your own expense), then spend your afternoon at the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited attraction. The museum's powerful exhibits offer an in-depth perspective on the Vietnam War, providing insights that might challenge what you already know.

Wrap up your day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant hub of activity since 1870. This bustling market caters to locals and visitors alike, offering a range of affordable souvenirs and a chance to sample delicious Vietnamese street food.

Return to your hotel to unwind or explore the city at your own pace.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking, overnight in Mekong Delta

For your transfer to Cai Be, you'll meet your driver and tour guide. On the way, visit the Cao Dai temple, a striking example of the syncretic Cao Dai religion. Upon arrival in Cai Be, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals lined with lush orchards, capturing the essence of life along the Mekong River.

Immerse yourself in local traditions with hands-on craft classes where you’ll learn to make rice cakes, coconut caramel, and popcorn. Then, visit the tranquil Phu Chau Pagoda, where you can either bike or walk along scenic village paths, interacting with the welcoming locals.

For lunch, dine at a charming outdoor restaurant where you can sample the famous elephant ear fish, a regional delicacy. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing rowboat ride through the serene canals, surrounded by fruit trees, and savor fresh tropical fruits.

Continue your journey by boat to Vinh Long, where you’ll meet your driver at the port for the transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening unwinding or exploring the lively city along the Mekong River at your leisure.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Cai Be
Private transportation
Bike: Cai Be
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Holiday 2 Hotel(Deluxe Room )
79 Pham Ngoc Thach, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city, Vietnam

Visiting famous Cai Rang market, fruit garden tour, Binh Thuy ancient house

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the pier for a boat ride to the Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most vibrant market in the Mekong Delta. The market buzzes with activity, showcasing a colorful array of goods including rice, fruits, and craft items, all displayed from early morning on numerous sampans.

After exploring the market, continue your boat journey through the canals and visit a fruit garden (or opt for a nursery field by the river instead). Proceed to An Binh Market, known for its variety of fish, fruits, and vegetables. You'll also visit the Binh Thuy ancient house, famous for its orchid garden and as a filming location for "The Lover."

Return to Saigon and arrive in the late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Cai Rang
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day

Cost Includes

  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Mila Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Tam Coc, Cai Be, Cai Rang
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Flight Ticket: VN265 HAN - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 09, Dinner: 01
  • Bike: Cai Be
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Squid fishing, Swimming, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • Service charges and Taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
What is the itinerary for the 13-day tour?

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The tour begins in Hanoi, followed by visits to Sapa, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), including experiences in Tay Ninh, Cai Be, and Can Tho.

 

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What are the highlights of this tour?

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Key highlights include the stunning rice terraces in Sapa, the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay, cultural interactions in Ninh Binh, and the vibrant Mekong Delta lifestyle.

 

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What is the best time to join this tour?

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The best time to visit is from September to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring both the northern and southern regions.

 

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Is this tour suitable for all ages?

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Yes, the tour is family-friendly, although some activities may involve moderate hiking or walking. It’s ideal for anyone interested in culture, nature, and adventure.

 

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What should I pack for this tour?

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Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medications. A light jacket is advisable for cooler evenings, especially in the north.

 

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Fantastic Northern Rice Terraces and Mighty Mekong Delta | Vietnam Classic Tour – 13 Days
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/ Adult
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