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The Authentic Vietnam tour is an amazing trip for active persons who want to explore culture, nature and history. This trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches, ruins, urban culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong for 2 days and overnight on a boat cruise in Halong Bay. Explore amazing Pu Luong Nature Reserve, boat trip for Trang An, and Phong Nha with Paradise cave. Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An with daily vivid life to the modern day life of Saigon. And experience amazing unique train journey.
Note*: this tour can be operated from Saigon. If you would like to start the tour from Saigon, please contact us for detailed itinerary.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Note*:
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Hanoi Opera House
Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Halong bay cruise
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
Halong Kayaking
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Halong bay cruises
Tai Chi
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew. Pickup and transfer to Hanoi.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Pu Luong
13:00: Check in and lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat.
14:30: Board the van to the starting point. Following the small road through the terrace rice and sugar cane fields, cross the Hanging Bridges to visit other remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic. Stop at the giant waterwheels, ducks farm to learn about the agriculture before getting on the Bamboo Raft for a relaxing cruise on Cham stream (cruise depending on weather conditions).
17:30: Pick up the van to go to the Eco Garden – Mountain Retreat. Enjoy swimming in the Infinity Pool.
19:00: BBQ Dinner at the lodge, enjoy some local rice wine. Have a quiet night in the middle of the Reserve.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Pu Luong
Ninh Binh
17:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh homestay, check in and have free time.
19:00: Have dinner at the homestay.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Homestay in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh – Cycling
12:00: have lunch at the homestay
13:30: Go to Trang An for a boat ride in between the karst pics and enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
16:00: Drop you off at the hotel. Free to relax till pickup for overnight train to Dong Hoi
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight train
Then we drive on to the Ho Chi Minh-West Trail. There will be a short stop at the 8 Ladies Cave. This is a memorial temple for 8 brave woman that sought shelter inside one of the caves during the war. Our tour guides will explain the entire story to the participants!
Visit Paradise Cave. Named as Heaven in Mother Earth’s Underground, Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. The Bristish Royal Caves Research Association has recognized it as the longest dry cave in Asia. Especially, the stalactite system here are so beautifully glizt and shimmey that beyond human’s imagination
Phong Nha Cave
Continue the journey to visit the Mooc Spring Eco Trail.
The Mooc Spring Eco-Trail is home to many exotic animals like Gibbons, colorful birds, snakes, many fresh water fish and butterflies. Enjoy the great moments of relaxation, mix the natural scenery of the romantic Mooc stream.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Phong Nha
Visit Phong Nha Cave. The only way to enter the cave is by a short 30 minute boat ride boat on the Son river. Every tour to Phong Nha Cave starts at the boat station at the Phong Nha Ke-Bang Tourism Center. The mouth of the cave is simply beautiful and unlike any other cave entrance in the world.
Conquering the Phong Nha Cave is the longest wet cave or river cave in the world , enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world.
Continue the journey to visit the Chay River – Dark Cave.
The entrance of the Dark Cave is at the opposite river bank from the Zip-Line tower. The beautiful deep blue color of the Chay river will catch your eye while riding the Zip-Line and a short 20 meter swim is required to actually enter the cave after the ride.
The cave is home to many lakes, with a water temperature of about 18 degrees. Inside the cave there are many unique things to see and experience! There is a natural mud bath at the end of one of the narrow passages and there are many ancient fossils to be found. The fossils are over a million years old!
Our guides will provide information about the history of the cave while exploring it. After successfully exploring the cave it’s time to take the kayak and paddle back to the boat station. Pickup and drive to the train station to transfer to Hue Transfer to the hotel in Hue upon arrival.
Hue City
Note: we would have to arrange bus transfer to Hue in case there is not suitable train today.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Thien My Pagoda
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then enjoy your free time to explore Hue city.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
In the afternoon, pickup to transfer to the station for scenic train journey to Danang. The train journey take you through Hai Van pass – one of world’s most amazing train routes.
Hai Van Pass
Arrive Danang in the late afternoon, pickup and transfer to the hotel in Danang. Enjoy free time to relax at the hotel at beautiful My Khe beach.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang
Golden Hand Bridge
After lunch, discover and play games at the Fantasy Park – a perfect tourist attraction for an entire family as well as to explore King Peak. Return to the Cable Car Station and back to the Gateway then transfer to the hotel in Hoian. Arrive the hotel in late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Hoian Cycling
After around 2 hours cycling, we’ll cross the river in a wooden boat then continue pedaling to a riverside garden. It’s time to relax, sock your feet in an herbal bath and enjoy a tasty lunch with local products.
Trip ends with a quick transfer by Jeep back to your hotel at around 2:00 PM.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Hoian Ancient Town
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Upon arrivel, pickup for half day city tour. Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
Mekong River Cruise
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Mekong Eyes/Le Cochinchine Cruise
Mekong River life
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Important Note*
Note*:
Note*: Once all flights and trains have been issued, additional cancellation charge of US$140/person for all included routes.
Note*: The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.
Emergency contact numbers
Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655
Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964
If you book small group tour option, please note that the tour combines with our other tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
You can start the tour on any date (please contact our consultant in advance to avoid peak dates or holidays) and customize itinerary with extra days/activities at any destination.
If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.
For all internal flights - if included, we would use any as Vietnamairlines, Vietjesair, Jestar, Cambodia Angkorair or Laos Airlines, depending on the itinerary. Most domestic flights in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, airlines would use small 70 seat ATR72 for short distances. Most airlines in Vietnam use the Airbus A321. 20kg for checkin luggage and 7kg for hand-bag is included in the price.
International flights pre/post tour must be booked by your self before travelling date.
Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and not at western standard. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group. For short distance - 3 hours (as Hue to Danang or vv), you will do the trip on soft/hard seat carriage.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. You should have meal and buy water before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.
Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.
Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.
All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Conservative Dress
Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Documents
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.
Please note that visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $35 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
VIETNAM - As of March 2017, a select 80 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa. Please view this link to apply E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
We will help you apply an approval letter for visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam through international airports. You will have to pay for stamping fees to the custom at the airport.
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $35. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Cities | 3* Hotels | 4* hotels | 5* Hotels |
Hanoi | Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa | Golden Silk Boutique | Oriental Jade |
Sapa | Sapa Panorama Hotel | Sapa Amazing Hotel | Victoria Resort |
Halong Bay Cruise | Swan Cruise | La Regina Cruise | Sealife Legend |
Ninh Binh | Tam Coc Friendly homestay | Lalita Boutique Hotel | |
Hue | Hue Orchid hotel | Hue Eldora | Imperial Hotel |
Hoian | Kim Ann Hoi An | Vinh Hung Riverside | Victoria Hoian Resort |
Saigon | Queen Ann Hotel | Alagon D'Antique hotel & Spa | Renaissance Riverside |
Phnom Penh | Saravoan Royal Palace | Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel | Shokha Phnom Penh |
Siem Reap | Angkor Holiday Hotel | Somadevi Angkor | Shokha Angkor |
Note*:
Depending on your budget, you can choose a suitable hotel category
Early checking/late checkout are not included and you can change the to any other hotels and room type if required. Additional charge/discount will be made accordingly
The list of hotels are used for our all tour itineraries which may includes Cambodia
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