Journey highlights:
• Blend in the scrambling alleyways of Hanoi’s timeworn Old Quarter
• Experience the unseen hill tribes’ life in Sapa
• Explore Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands on a traditional junk boat
• Visit once the Nguyen emperor’s home and picturesque resident surrounding in Hue
• Stroll around the iconic ancient town of Hoi An and visit the most highlights
• Discover the story of Saigon, from city of conflict to a modern metropolis
• Squeeze through the famous Vietnam War-era tunnels at Cu Chi
• Cruise onward further Southwest Vietnam to the legendary Mekong Delta
• Rise early to discover the colorful floating market of Cai Rang on a sampan

[*Notes]
- This itinerary is a privately guided tour, designed just to show you what is possible.
- We can tailor this trip, specifically inclusive services and accommodations, to meet your requirements, budget, and interests.

Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival  

Welcome to our beautiful Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Check-in and spend the rest of the day free to relax in your room or stroll down the Walking Street to enjoy the ambience of the capital of Vietnam.

 

Meal: None

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

 

Day 2 - Charming Hanoi sightseeing - Night train to Lao Cai (B,L)

After breakfast, set out for a full day tour of Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Vietnam’s first university, the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. Have lunch with Pho bo Hanoi or Hanoi Noodle soup with beef and served with Hanoi flavorful spring roll. 

In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum where you can learn about the customs and culture of Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups.

Finish your day with a walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-reserved secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.  This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits!

Early this evening, ready to transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for your overnight train trip heading to Sapa.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train to Lao Cai

 

Day 3 - Admire the beauty of mountainous Sapa (B,L)

When arriving at Lao Cai Railway station, tour guide and driver will meet you right at the exit of the station. Then, drive up to Sapa town. Check in hotel and have breakfast at the nearby local restaurant.

After that, meet your guide at your hotel and walk south of Sapa towards the busy village of Cat Cat. The valleys that surround the village of Y Linh Ho are some of the most picturesque in the region. Make your way along a gentle incline, through emerald paddy fields above a deep river gorge, before arriving on the riverbank. Take a rest; dip your toes in the cool mountain waters and watch local children fishing with nets, before continuing deeper through the villages and terraces of the Black H’mong.

Enjoy lunch with a view at a local village restaurant before continuing through the valley towards the village of Lao Chai.

Take a well-earned rest and enjoy a soothing cup of tea before learning the art of Batik painting. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home! Afterwards, head to your hotel in town center and stay free at leisure.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

 

Day 4 - Further hill tribes exploration - Night train to Hanoi (B,L)

This morning, you will be transferred a short way north of Sapa town to the quiet valleys and gorges surrounding the village of O Quy Ho. The shallow winding valley sits in the shadow of Indochina’s highest peak named Fanxipan Mountain; also you can enjoy superb views of the range.

Pass by oolong tea farms before joining a local footpath that clings to the contours of the rice terraces and takes you gently down the valley past grazing buffalo and working farmers. Walk along ancient stone paths and hear the story of the Black H’Mong migration to these mountains centuries before. Learn about the distinct cultures, languages, lifestyles, and visit an authentic Black H’Mong house, home to a local family. Finish your walk with a well-earned cup of green tea before transferring back to Sapa town in the early afternoon.

Afterwards, transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station where you will take night train back to Hanoi later in the evening.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train to Hanoi

 

Day 5 - Hanoi - The legendary Halong Bay (B,L,D)

Arrive in Hanoi around 4.30 AM. You will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for freshening up and taking a short rest. After breakfast, depart Hanoi through the Red River Delta for Halong Bay (3.5 hours driving). Upon arrival, embark on the cruise then start cruising among the limestone islands. Keep cruising to the quiet area while enjoy breath-taking seascape along the way, until enjoy sunset party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner is served around 19.00 then it’s time for you to socialize with other guests, to take part in board games, fishing for squid or just to laze around.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight cruise

 

Day 6 - Halong Bay - Hanoi - The royal ancient Hue (B)

Early this morning, start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt. Then, breakfast will be served on board while you immerse into the peaceful morning of Halong Bay. After check out of your cabin, continue your cruise exploring the Bay. While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the cooking class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Disembark around 12.00 then your driver will wait for you to take you back to Noi Bai airport for a brief flight to Hue. Picked up by our local guide and transferred to hotel in city centre.

 

Meal: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

 

Day 7 - Explore the former capital of Vietnam (B,L)

Today you will travel by private vehicle to an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as Thien Mu pagoda. It is famous for its seven storeys, and dedicated to a Manushi-Buddha. After your visit, board a local boat to the peaceful outskirts of Hue, where you will then start cycling on a leisurely tour to Thuy Bieu village. There are plenty of opportunities to admire the quiet and superb landscapes of Hue: rice fields, fruit tree orchards and vegetable gardens, communal houses, primary schools and a valley of cemeteries. Along the cycling route, visit a homemade incense-producing household and observe the daily life of the farmers as they perform their strenuous work with seemingly incredible joy and enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to greet those you meet along the way. Then, you’ll head to Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful tombs of Hue. It was inspired by the concept of tranquility and is a model of Vietnamese traditional art. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial period before returning to the city center.

In the afternoon, have a closer look at the home of the royal family with a visit to the impressive Citadel. Round off your day with a walk around Dong Ba Market for a glimpse of local life. Back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free at your leisure.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

 

Day 8 - Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)

In the morning, we will drive over the mighty Hai Van pass, take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village.  Passing Danang and you will eventually reach Hoi An shortly – an small lovely ancient town that is full of stories. Originally known as Faifo, Hoi An used to be a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the foreign influences are discernible to this day. Check in at the hotel in town center then spend the balance of day free at your leisure.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 9 - Xin Chao Hoi An (B,L)

At good time, take a stroll to visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with the more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house. After the visit, free to wander around, our guide is happy to suggest some best tailor shops in town for you. Or if you are looking for a relaxing end, try out a cup of tea or coffee at "Reaching Out Tea House" - a very special and unique ancient house that offers fabulous drinks served by impaired staff. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for relaxation. The rest of day is then free at your leisure.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 10 - Hoi An - Danang - The story of Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Following your breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Saigon. When arriving, you will be met our tour expert and transferred to your hotel.

Saigon half-day city tour includes the Post Office and the Museum of History to see some interesting displays and photographs following the path of the revolution. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the democratic regime of former South Vietnam. End your trip with a visit to Tan Dinh church and Tan Dinh market next door to understand more about the diversity of religion beliefs in Vietnam.

 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 11 - Back to history: Cu Chi tunnels and Cao Dai temple (B,L)

Having breakfast at the hotel then the trip will be continued to Cu Chi Tunnel system that was created to assist the Vietnamese Revolutionists against the French in 1948. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, etc. Especially, you will have the opportunity to take part in the unique experience of guerillas living underground during the war, with a crawl through 20/30/50 meters of the tunnel system.

We then drive 30km toward Tay Ninh, and visit The Great Temple of Caodaism (a famous local religion). It was built on 9 levels that represent 9 steps to heaven at which you will see a prayer session at noon with beautiful music prayer with Vietnamese folk instrument in a very spiritual environment.  

We then come back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City - Into the Mekong Delta - Can Tho (B,L)

Today you will travel from Ho Chi Minh City to explore Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta (130km - 2.5 - 3 hour travel time). From Phong Nam pier you will board a boat and cruise along the Chet Say river (a branch of the Mekong) and stop off at various local workplaces to give you a picture of how the local economy works, including a coconut activated charcoal factory where coconut shell is put into a high heat kiln to produce coconut charcoal; a coconut processing workshop, where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products. Then the boat will cruise through the small canal offering an opportunity to discover the local sights and sounds. Eventually the boat will stop at a quiet village where you can have a short walk to experience real Delta village life, visit a mat weaving house, where straw mats are woven using a hand loom – you can even have a go at weaving yourself before boarding your xe loi (a kind of motorized rickshaw) or biking into the village where you can see a farm, rice fields and vegetable plantings before stopping at a local house for a delicious and filling lunch, featuring such local specialties as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp, washed down with some cold drinks or beers.
After lunch, it’s time to board a sampan for a relaxing trip along narrow canals and back to the pier. From there it’s back to the main road for the trip deeper to the Mekong Delta – Can Tho province. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel, spend the evening free at leisure. 

Today you will travel from Ho Chi Minh City to explore Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta (130km - 2.5 - 3 hour travel time). From Phong Nam pier you will board a boat and cruise along the Chet Say river (a branch of the Mekong) and stop off at various local workplaces to give you a picture of how the local economy works, including a coconut activated charcoal factory where coconut shell is put into a high heat kiln to produce coconut charcoal; a coconut processing workshop, where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products. Then the boat will cruise through the small canal offering an opportunity to discover the local sights and sounds. Eventually the boat will stop at a quiet village where you can have a short walk to experience real Delta village life, visit a mat weaving house, where straw mats are woven using a hand loom – you can even have a go at weaving yourself before boarding your xe loi (a kind of motorized rickshaw) or biking into the village where you can see a farm, rice fields and vegetable plantings before stopping at a local house for a delicious and filling lunch, featuring such local specialties as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp, washed down with some cold drinks or beers.
After lunch, it’s time to board a sampan for a relaxing trip along narrow canals and back to the pier. From there it’s back to the main road for the trip deeper to the Mekong Delta – Can Tho province. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel, spend the evening free at leisure. 
 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

 

Day 13 - Can Tho: Cai Rang market - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)

This morning, we will visit one of the most legendary floating markets which named 'Cai Rang'. We board our boat and commence our journey along the Mekong River, observing ‘true life on the river’, the hustle and bustle of families carrying out their morning chores and the locals heading our way to the markets to pick up their daily supplies. We will be back to the hotel for taking a shower before coming back to Saigon. 

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 14 - Goodbye Ho Chi Minh City (B)

At good time, our local driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer back to Tan Son Nhat airport for boarding your flight back home or onward other destinations.

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Tour ends.

 

 

HOTEL SELECTION:

ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:
 

Superior/ 3 Star (from US$ 50 - US$ 80 per room/night)

The Superior/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

First-Class/ 4 star (from US$ 100 - US$ 150/ per room/night)

The 4* First-Class Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$160 - US$ 240++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.