Journey highlights:

 

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City arrival – Cameras warm-up

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh International airport, you will be welcomed by our local expert and transferred to the hotel in town. Check in and get acquainted to your room then spend the day free at your leisure after your long flight journey.

 

Meals: None

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 2 - The untold story of Saigon – Opening lens (B)

After breakfast at hotel, you will have a full day to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Not only take time to see, but also feel the local people’s life and open your lens now. This is best time for portrait and architect photo shoots. Then, visit Independent Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post office, Thien Hau pagoda... It’s time to capture the locals’ moments. Return to your hotel around noon time and the rest of day is free at your leisure.

Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation; therefore, only outside visit is allowed. You may ask your guide to switch to a visit of Tan Dinh church and Tan Dinh market next door.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong delta captures - 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 4 - Can Tho: Cai Rang floating market - Saigon (B,L)

This day, you will awake at around 4.00am to take boat ride to Cai Rang floating market. It is the wholesales floating market for this region. You can see traders selling everything here, especially plenty of fruits. Here is a heaven for photo taking: crowded market, boats full of commodities, happy faces when get a good deals …which are all gone after just about 3-4 hours. At around 7.00am, the river is back to quiet and seems bigger.

We will return to the hotel to take some snack and drive for short visit surroundings. Lunch will be served at local restaurant and drive back to Saigon.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day 5 - Ho Chi Minh City - Danang - Xin Chao Hoi An (B,L)

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your internal flight to Danang. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you on the short drive to the sleepy riverside town, Hoi An. Then, 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, end the day with a boat trip on Thu Bon River admiring the beauty of sunset scenery.

 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 6 - Optimistic photo shooting leisure day in Hoi An (B)

Hoi An is famous for a peaceful and lovely town to self-explore. And this is the best chance for photographers to capture awesome moments there.

You should rent a bike or motorbike to visit neighbor villages (Thuan Tinh, Tra Que, Kim Bong ect) to get the most unique yet culture rich pictures of Hoi An.

 

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 7 - Hoi An - Danang - The royal ancient Hue (B,L)

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel then checkout and drive over the 500m-high Hai Van pass to Hue. Hai Van pass, or Ocean Cloud pass, is the most stunning pass of Vietnam directly overlooking the East Sea. You have opportunities to capture spectacular pictures of natural beauty here.  Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lang Co Beach for a short break where you can stretch your legs and immerse into the serenity of the amazing beach here before continuing on to Hue - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s former capital. Set along the banks of Perfume River, Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 under the reign of the Nguyen Emperors, later on under French colonial domination. Arrive at the hotel in city center for check in then spend the rest of day relaxing after your transfer journey.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

 

Day 8 - 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 centre.

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 9 - Hue - Overnight train to Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, you will have free time for photo hunting. Then, at good time, meet up your local driver and transfer to Hue Railway Station to catch your overnight train to the capital city – Hanoi. 

 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight train - Non-private air-conditioned 4 sleeping berths cabin

 

Day 10 - Hanoi: the charming capital (B,L)

Early in the morning, you will arrive in Hanoi and warmly welcomed by your local guide. Enjoy breakfast and take time to relax before setting out for a 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. Finish the morning 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!

So, set your camera ready and don’t miss out any fascinating moments while in Hanoi. After lunch, transfer to your hotel for check in then free at your leisure 

 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

 

Day 11 - Hanoi - Fascinating Halong Bay (B,L,D)

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 12 - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa (B)

Wake up early to take unique photos for sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for lunch then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to Halong City, where your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi this later afternoon.

Then, wander around for some shooting before a short transfer to Hanoi’s railway station for your overnight train journey to the highlands north of Hanoi and the remote hill station of Sapa town.

 

Meal: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Overnight train - Non-private air-conditioned 4 sleeping berths cabin

 

Day 13 - Sapa: Cat Cat Village (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, walk around Sapa town, experience Sapa market and chat with H’Mong, Dao vendors who are all able to speak fluently English. A lunch of Sapa specialties at a popular local eatery in the town has been scheduled for you.

After lunch, ramble down hill to the nearby Cat Cat village of the Black H’Mong people. Have a brief tour inside an H’Mong hospitable family’s house and get to know more about their way of life, customs and habits. Return to Sapa center, and enjoy your time at leisure.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

 

Day 14 - Sapa’s local market visit - Night train to Hanoi (B,L)

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy mountainous atmosphere. Today, we will depend on the date because of two options: to visit ethnic minority villages around Sapa or drive to Bac Ha market on Sunday, Coc ly Market on Tuesday and Can Cau Market on Saturday. There, you can watch and even join trading activities of real hill-tribe people. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Then transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for a ride back to Hanoi.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train - Non-private air-conditioned 4 sleeping berths cabin

 

Day 15 - Hanoi: last free day for photo hunting (B)

Arrive in Hanoi at around 4.30am – 5.00am. You will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for fresh up. Depending on season, we can take you to West Lake where has huge lotus pond. On blossoming season in summer, the beautiful fragrance overwhelmed the whole are and you can see lots of local teenagers coming here to take cute photos. In other season, a short photo shot at Hoan Kiem lake, along Thanh Nien street (view to West lake), Tran Phu – Hoang Dieu streets, flowers market on Nghi Tam are all best alternative before you back to hotel.

This last day is free for your own pace to capture your unforgettable memos of our country.

 

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

 

Day 16 - Goodbye Hanoi (B)

At good time, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer back to Noi Bai International airport for boarding your flight back home or 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$ 40 - US$ 60 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$ 80 - US$ 110/ 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$120 - US$ 180++/ 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.