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From Hanoi to Saigon: Explore Vietnam from Hill Tribes to Mekong Delta | Authentic Tour – 19 Days

19 Days
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Make the discovery of a lifetime, from the colourful mountains to the bustling river delta. Start from the capital of Hanoi and venture to the Northwest, encounter the ethnic minorities on the hilltop villages and admire the magnificent terraced fields … Stop at the famous heritage sites: Ha Long Bay, Hue ancient capital, Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary… Finally come to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and  journey to the heart of the Mekong Delta…

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Overview

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Overview

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

Visit: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay – Hue – Hoi An – My Son – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Tay Ninh – Ben Tre – Long Xuyen

Duration: 19 Days

Travel style: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage

Category: Private tour

Tour schedule: Daily departure

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

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Highlights

  • Charming Hanoi & bustling Ho Chi Minh City
  • Meet mountain tribe group: Muong, Thai, H'mong, Dao, Dzay, Laotain, Lu
  • Stunning mountain landscapes, amazing rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa
  • Typical mountain market in Bac Ha
  • Homestay experience
  • Overnight on Bay Cruise
  • Indochina train journey
  • Nature & Human Heritage destinations: Bay, Hue ancient capital, Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary
  • Cultural & Historic excursion
  • Interact with locals
  • Authentic experience

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

Later, enjoy a nice walking tour escorted by your tour guide. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

Included:
English speaking guide
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

Day 2 :
Hanoi

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

9:00 AM: After pickup by your guide, visit the Temple of Literature. Founded in the eleventh century by the Ly dynasty, this historic site was dedicated to Confucius and served as a royal academy for educating the elite. Take a leisurely walk through the grounds, admire Khue Van Cac, the city's emblematic pavilion, and explore the "stone steles," which honor the distinguished scholars of ancient Vietnam. Continue your visit at Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first national university.

Next, head to the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which provides an in-depth look at Vietnamese culture through exhibits of traditional homes, tools, clothing, and musical instruments from various ethnic groups. Allow about two hours to fully experience this engaging museum.

Spend the afternoon discovering Hanoi’s French Quarter, known for its broad boulevards, grand plazas, and historic government buildings. Take in the exterior of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and enjoy a stroll through the nearby botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's former residence and office. Continue to the One-Pillar Pagoda, a distinctive Hanoi landmark. Depending on the size of your group, exploring these sites may take one to two hours.

Conclude your day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique performance art that dates back to the eleventh century. The show features puppets performing on water, depicting Vietnamese culture, everyday life, and traditional beliefs, often accompanied by live music.

Return to your hotel at the end of the 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

Enjoying a day to tea plantation, Muong & Thai culture regions

8:00 AM: Pick up your driver and tour guide at your Hanoi hotel, then travel via Thanh Son to Muong Lo. Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen, Muong Than in Than Uyen, and Muong Lo are considered the four most significant fertile valleys in the Northwest, where the Thai ethnic group is the majority. The village's hundreds of wooden stilt-built homes are inhabited by Thai people who grow water rice. Travel down the Black River, also known as the Da River, one of the most significant rivers in the Northwest, to reach National Road Number 32.

We will stop at the green tea plantation hill in Thanh Son and then stroll through the villages with stilt houses. As an authentic Vietnamese group, it is a member of the Muong ethnic group. One of the few ethnic groups in the north unaffected by Chinese influence is the Muong.

Once at Nghia Lo, explore the Thai village on foot or by bicycle, taking in the picturesque rice field valleys and hamlets that have managed to retain their traditional stilt dwellings while mingling with the amiable inhabitants.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
Bike: Nghia Lo
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Nghia Lo Homestay (Ms Loan) (Sharing homestay)
Nghia Lo town, Yen Bai , Vietnam

Exploring the best of terrace in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Tu Le, immersing into Thai, Dao, Dzay culture

After breakfast, visit a local market in Nghia Lo before transferring to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, often cited as among the most beautiful globally. In 2007, the terraces at Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh, and La Pan Tan were listed as national heritage sites.

On the way out of Nghia Lo, you'll travel through a hilly area where the Dao ethnic group resides. Stop to take photos and meet the locals along the route.

Upon reaching Tu Le, consider a trek to the valley where the Thai people live in stilt houses, offering an immersive experience in local life. In the afternoon, head to Khau Pha Pass for panoramic views of the rice terrace landscapes.

Proceed to La Pan Tan, a legendary destination for photographers, where you can marvel at the intricate rice terraces crafted by Hmong farmers through generations. Enjoy the majestic scenery as you travel from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi. Check into your accommodation at the end of the day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Sharing homestay)
Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai , Vietnam

Easy trekking in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people

Proceed to Than Uyen, one of Thailand's rice valleys, after breakfast. As you go to Than Uyen, the breathtaking scenery of Mu Cang Chai's rice terraces will accompany you. We will stop to visit the Laotian and Lu communities in Na Tam Village before making the right turn to Sapa. This is a lovely, serene setting. The local ladies are known for their black teeth and their indigo-colored, silver-studded attire. Meet the people and take a leisurely stroll around the village.

Meet our driver and travel across the Hoang Lien Son pass (also known as the O Quy Ho pass) to Sapa. With a length of 54 km and a height of 2047 m, this is Vietnam's longest and highest pass. At the top of the pass, take a moment to unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery. It is also a fantastic location for pictures. Reach Sapa, a town that the French found in the afternoon of 1903. With a moderate temperature, Sapa's stunning rice valley, breathtaking mountain range, and diversity of minority tribes, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay ethnics, made it a popular tourist destination.

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

Trekking through rice terrace in Muong Hoa valley, visiting H'mong, Dzay people, transfer to Bac Ha

8:00 AM: Have breakfast with the tour guide and take a lovely 5-kilometer drive west of town. We will set off from Y Linh Ho village for a full day of hiking. Take the route that leads downhill and engage in conversation with the amiable H'mong women and kids who reside in homes tucked away in the valley. Savor a little peace and quiet while admiring the harmony and beauty of the surrounding environment from the cable-bridge. If you are feeling fit and daring, take the scenic and less-traveled uphill route via the Buffalo Path. Take a stroll along the Muong Hoa River if you are searching for a short hike.

Straight to a quaint hamlet by heading to Lao Chai village and taking a short trail that winds through the rice fields. You will get the opportunity to meet a grandmother who is the last artisan left in the village, decorating the distinctive Hmong indigo garments using ancient methods of beeswax decoration. It is also a great chance to become fully immersed in their lively culture and way of life.

Proceed to Ta Van hamlet, the quaint Dzay homeland, which is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, a river, and rice terraces. Meet people on your stroll and they will extend a warm invitation for you to visit their houses.

After lunch at a neighborhood eatery, return to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, rivers, and hydroelectric lakes along the route. Bac Ha, which lies at an elevation of 1000 meters, is the home of several ethnic groups, including the vibrant Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. The Bac Ha district is well-known for its vibrant, weekly markets set against a backdrop of breathtaking wildness. For ages, the marketplaces have served as a platform for the cultural interchange of many ethnic groups, in addition to the trade of products.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Huy Trung's Homestay(Double Room)
Na Quang 3, Bac Ha town, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai , Vietnam

Exploring a typical mountain Bac Ha Market, back to Hanoi

7:00 AM: Explore Bac Ha starting with a visit to the local market. If it’s Sunday, head to Bac Ha Market; on other days, you can visit Coc Ly Market on Tuesday or Can Cau Market on Saturday. Enjoy the lively market scene with an array of goods like vegetables, poultry, horses, and buffalo, and take in the colorful attire of the ethnic groups. Afterward, walk through the scenic ethnic villages of Bac Ha, characterized by corn fields, cassava hills, clay houses, and plum gardens, with H'Mong women in their striking traditional dresses adding to the charm.

Return to town for lunch and then transfer to Hanoi. You will arrive and check into your hotel around 6:00 PM.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
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

Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class

9:00 AM: Move from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Enjoy a scenic two and a half hour drive along National Highway No5B from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, passing through charming villages and lush rice fields of the Red River Delta. A brief stop will be made for drinks and restroom facilities before continuing to the harbor.

12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Port, Quang Ninh province, where you will be warmly greeted by the Peony Cruises crew.

12:30 PM: Transfer aboard a support vessel to your luxurious Peony Cruises boat. During the journey, you'll receive an itinerary briefing.

1:00 PM: Once onboard, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and wet towels, followed by a special lunch featuring a variety of fresh and delectable dishes. We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

3:30 PM: Explore the Tra Bau area, famous for its pristine beauty and picturesque seascapes. Kayaking in the emerald waters is a perfect way to experience the bay’s limestone islands, or you can unwind in the Jacuzzi pool on the cruise.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Participate in a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, or head to the top deck to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a Happy Hour promotion at the bar with a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE offer, perfect for capturing sunset photos.

7:30 PM: Enjoy a delectable dinner prepared by our talented chef in a cozy and romantic setting.

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Relax with exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (additional charges apply), treat yourself to an optional spa service, or simply unwind on the top deck. You can also try squid fishing on the main deck for a bit of evening fun.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Swimming,Squid fishing
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Peony Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi for a night train to Hue

6:00 AM: Begin your morning with a Tai Chi session as you witness the sunrise.

6:45 AM - 7:15 AM: Have breakfast while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (The breakfast time may adjust according to the real itinerary).

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Tour the Cat Ba World Biosphere and visit Trung Trang Cave, known for its impressive limestone formations and diverse cave ecosystem.

9:30 AM: Head back to the main boat, check out of your cabin, and place your luggage outside.

Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant. Don’t forget to clear any bar bills at the restaurant desk.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Disembark from Peony Cruises and transfer to Tuan Chau port.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau port and meet your driver.

Travel back to Hanoi in 2.5 hours via the new No5B highway, crossing the Red River Delta and local villages. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Later, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for an overnight train journey to Hue.

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Train:SE3 (Hanoi - Hue) / 19:20 - 08:40 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 06 tickets

Full day for Hue city discovery, Perfume River boat trip, excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh village, the most well-known Thien Mu pagoda and Hue Citadel

On arrival at Hue railway station in the morning, you will be greeted by our tour guide and driver who will assist you with your luggage and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll embark on a discovery tour of the mystical Hue city.
Transfer to the Huong River (also known as the Perfume River) and board a Royal boat for a serene cruise to the villages on the river's east side. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe local life along this scenic waterway. Disembark at Tien Non village for a bike ride through the countryside, covering Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of these rural communities.

In Tien Non village, you’ll encounter local farmers working in the fields and visit a family worship house. Next, proceed to Thanh Tien village, known for its 400-year history of creating paper flowers. Here, you’ll meet Mr. Hieu, a master artisan who will guide you in the art of making these traditional flowers. Continue to Sinh village, a hub of 400-year-old folklore prints, where Mr. Phuoc will share the secrets of traditional printmaking. You’ll find exquisite souvenirs along the way before returning to Hue by boat.

In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in Hue, founded in 1601. The pagoda is renowned for its impressive octagonal tower and its stunning views over the Perfume River.

Afterward, explore the Hue Citadel, a symbol of Vietnam’s imperial past. Modeled after Vauban’s fortifications, the Citadel comprises three main sections: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Key sites within the Citadel include the flag tower, the South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Dynasty Temple area, and the residential quarters.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Hue
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

A short trip to Khai Dinh Tomb before traveling to Hoian, passing by Hai Van pass, Cham sculpture museum. Hoi An half day city

7:30 AM:Head to Khai Dinh King’s tomb, which was constructed over 11 years (1920-1931) on Chau Tru Hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb stands apart from other emperor tombs due to its blend of western and oriental architectural elements. You may reach the worship palace at the summit by ascending a hundred steps. You will find a little royal relics museum next door, an enormous artwork on the ceiling, and an incredible ornamentation with charming porcelain fragments. At last, the descent provides a broad perspective of the tomb and surroundings.

Proceed to travel via Sea Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass) and Mandarin Road to Hoi An. Take a break at the pass's summit to take in the stunning views of Da Nang's city and the water. When you get to Da Nang, make time to see the Cham Museum, which is home to the world's most significant collections of Cham artifacts. After that, take a stroll along My Khe Beach to see the enormous Goodness of Mercy sculptures within the Linh Ung Pagoda. After taking pictures of the fisherman near the shore, drive down the coast to the historic town of Hoi An.

Investigate the town in the afternoon. From the 15th to the 19th centuries, Hoi An was one of the most characteristic South-East Asian commerce ports, and its Old Town is still intact. Numerous historical structures, daily activities, religion, and the genuine way of life of the locals all reflect the traded cultures.

The first place to visit is Cam Pho, which is among Hoi An's oldest community homes. Its construction in the form of a Chinese character designates it as a nation dedicated to religion, trade, and cross-cultural interaction between the local community and Chinese and Japanese traders.

Walk slowly on to the Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge, which was constructed in the 17th century to connect the Chinese districts with the Japanese area. It is the icon of the city of Hoi An. The previous four centuries have seen a meticulous preservation of the bridge's original architecture.

Next, we visit Quan Thang Ancient House, which is among the most genuine old residences in Hoi An. Its exquisite architecture and vibrant, oriental-style sculptures were created by skilled artisans from the renowned Kim Bong Carpentry Village. A clear view of the Hoi An family's daily life is provided by the residence.
Our final destination for the day is Phuc Kien, also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall. Constructed in the 17th century, it serves as a meeting place for locals, tourists, and traders from the Fujian region of China. In addition, it is a place of worship for the goddess Thien Hau. Upon visiting, you will be in awe of the intricately carved dragons in the main chamber, the colorful fountains in the courtyard, and the elaborate gates around the estate.

Return to the hotel after exploring the city on your own.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Day 12 :
Hoi An

A great day to Kim Bong, Tra Nhieu, Cam Thanh village, boat trip & biking in country side, interact with local people.

Start your day by meeting at your hotel, then cycle to the Hoi An pier to board a ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong village. Relax on the boat while taking in the serene landscape on both sides of the river.

The wood carving in this village has long been well-known. Originally, the northern Vietnamese were the source of the craftsmen' methods. They were later able to effectively absorb the techniques of Chinese and Japanese sculptors and develop their own style via commercial interchange. Tour the town on a bike to get a sense of how people live there every day and stop by a carpenter's shop to see how talented they are. Certain wood pieces are available for purchase as keepsakes.

Riding your bike through rice farms and across bamboo bridges across rivers will bring you to Tra Nhieu village. Take in the scenery of the central regions of Vietnam. Some previously unarranged contacts will be possible thanks to the trip, including those with Mr. Kha, who makes baskets out of bamboo sampans, Ms. Duoc, who weaves mats, and Mr. Huynh Ri, who has a shipbuilding business. Along the route, you will be surrounded by a rural scene with rice and palm farms, buffaloes, and farmers working in the fields.

Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River from Tra Nhieu to Cam Thanh hamlet. You will be accompanied on your journey by the scenery of water palm trees and fishing farms. When you reach Cam Thanh, get into a tiny, circular bamboo sampan basket boat. Enjoy collecting crabs in the jungle with palm trees and water. It is a peaceful moment following hours of cycling.

Following that, take a little nap in Mr. Phong's (the fisherman) home and enjoy some green tea and a foot massage with healing herbs from the family garden. Then prepare the Tra Que village's veggies and herbs, and take part in a little culinary demonstration of the local specialties: crispy pancakes with beef, shrimp, and bean sprouts; Hoi An and Tam Huu spring rolls; grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. Savor the food that you prepared.
In the afternoon, head back to the hotel.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh,Cam Thanh
Entrance fees
Bike: Hoi An
Leisure: Foot massage
Cooking class: Cam Thanh
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture. Then fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Pickup from your hotel by a vehicle and tour guide at 8:00 AM. A half-day tour to the Champa Kingdom's holy valley is recommended. Located 40 kilometers from Hoi An Town, My Son was formerly the principal seat of scholarship and religion in the Cham kingdom. It is possible that the site also housed the tombs of the Cham kings.

UNESCO has designated the site as a World Cultural Heritage site, protecting 70 examples of damaged stone and brick construction from the 7th to the 13th centuries. When you visit each relic at your leisure, your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical, and architectural significance. Attending the traditional Champa dance performance enriches the tour even more before departing the temple.

After the adventure, head to the airport in Danang to catch your aircraft to Ho Chi Minh City. A knowledgeable tour guide and driver greet you at the pickup lobby upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport. Your tour guide will give you an overview of the city's attractions and discuss things like dining and drinking, traffic, and culture during the 30-minute drive from the airport to the city center.

Once there, make your way to your accommodation.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN143 (DAD - SGN) - (Direct) / 20:10 - 22:05 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

9:00 AM: Travel from your hotel to visit the Independence Palace, the former residence and office of South Vietnam's Presidents. Your tour includes seeing the North Vietnamese tank that famously breached the palace in 1975, ending the Vietnam War. Explore the five-story palace, including its preserved rooms from the 1960s and 1970s and its bunker basement.
Next, enjoy a leisurely walk to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880, a striking example of French colonial architecture.

Proceed to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and visit the Saigon Central Post Office, a beautiful structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, which remains an active post office with intricate interior designs.

A short drive will bring you to Binh Tay Market in Saigon’s Chinatown. This expansive market, the largest in the city, offers a wide range of clothing, souvenirs, and food. Visit the food court to taste local dishes and street food.

Continue to Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Guan Yin and reflecting elements of Taoism and folk worship.

End your tour at the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO), where you can see collections of medicinal herbs, traditional remedies, and antique medical instruments.

Return to your hotel to conclude the day.

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.

8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant historical site from the Vietnam War. This extensive underground network, stretching over 250 kilometers, was used by the Viet Cong in their resistance against American forces. The tunnels, excavated over twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels, offer a glimpse into wartime life. Your tour will include entry into some sections of the tunnels and a visit to the nearby Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, a quieter site established in 1993 to honor the Vietnamese who died at Cu Chi.

Next, head to the Cao Dai Temple, one of Vietnam's most sacred sites. Caodaism, a unique Vietnamese religion, blends elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Roman Catholicism. You may have the opportunity to attend the midday mass if timing allows.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
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

From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay

8:00 AM: Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel and a journey to Ben Tre, a picturesque region in the Mekong Delta famous for its coconut candy.

Arrive at Hung Vuong Pier and set off on a boat ride along the Ben Tre River to experience local life. Continue by boat through a canal to Nhon Thanh Village, where you’ll have the chance to sample fresh fruits. Explore the village by bike or tuk-tuk along a small path, enjoying the sights of coconut groves, rice fields, and vegetable gardens.

Savor a lunch of elephant ear fish in the village. After lunch, take a short walk to further explore local life, followed by a boat ride on a canal shaded by wild palm trees. Proceed to Cai Lay for a 1-hour transfer, where you’ll be warmly received by your homestay host. Learn to make Banh Xeo Nam Bo, a traditional dish, with your host.

Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the homestay in Cai Lay.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hai My's Homestay(Standard Room)
864 Provincial street, Dong Hoa hamlet, Tam Binh village, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house

Have breakfast at the homestay, then enjoy a bike ride of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh. Your route will take you through lush gardens filled with longan, sapota, and durian trees. Along the way, take the opportunity to chat with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant community life. After exploring the village market, return to your homestay for some refreshments.

For an extended adventure, consider cycling to Ngu Hiep Island. Here, the fertile alluvium of the Mekong River has created a lush and verdant landscape. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour walk with a local guide to discover this picturesque and tranquil setting. If biking is not your preference, you can opt for a motorcycle ride with our tour guide, allowing you to relax as a passenger.

Next, travel to Long Xuyen, making a stop in Sa Dec to visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le’s historic home, featured in Marguerite Duras' novel "L’Amant – The Lover." Explore the bustling local market in Sa Dec, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

On your way to Long Xuyen, visit the Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm. After a day full of exploration, check into your hotel in Long Xuyen for a comfortable overnight stay.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam

Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, transfer to the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our famous president Ton Duc Thang. Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes.

Take the road back to Saigon and check in your hotel in late afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Long Xuyen
Private transportation
Bike: Long Xuyen
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

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

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: Peony Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Sinh - Tien Non, Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh, Cam Thanh, Ben Tre, Long Xuyen
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Train: SE3 (Hanoi - Hue)
  • Flight Ticket: VN143 DAD - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 18, Lunch: 14, Dinner: 05
  • Bike: Nghia Lo, Hue, Hoi An, Ben Tre, Long Xuyen
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Swimming, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi, Foot massage
  • Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration, Cam Thanh, Ben Tre homestay
  • 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 does the tour include?

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This 19-day private tour includes accommodations, daily meals, transportation between destinations, entrance fees to attractions, and the services of an experienced tour guide fluent in English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian.

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Is this tour suitable for families with children?

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Yes! This tour can be adapted to accommodate families. Please inform us of the ages of your children, and we can suggest suitable activities and accommodations.

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When is the best time to join this tour?

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The ideal times to visit Vietnam are generally from November to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, though each region has its own best season.

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What should I pack for the trip?

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We recommend packing light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear for coastal areas, and a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in the northern regions.

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From Hanoi to Saigon: Explore Vietnam from Hill Tribes to Mekong Delta | Authentic Tour – 19 Days
From $1,448
/ Adult
  • Best Price Guaranteed
  • No Booking Fees
  • Professional Local Guide