We Love —
- Enjoying a one-night cruise on the serene waters of Ha Long Bay.
- Visiting pagodas, temples and taking in the visually splendid rice paddies in the north.
- Relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun in Phu Quoc.
Experience beautiful steep rice fields in Pu Luong - one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country! Cruise to the mythical Halong Bay and relax on the island of Phu Quoc (with a possible extension)!
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Our offers:
11-Night Tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi - Pu Luong National Reserve
Day 4: Pu Luong
Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
Day 6: Ninh- Binh - Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay- Hanoi - Flight to Phu Quoc
Day 8: Phu Quoc
Day 9: Phu Quoc
Day 10: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City Airport
14-Night Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi - Pu Luong Natural Retreat
Day 4: Pu Luong
Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
Day 6: Ninh- Binh - Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay- Hanoi - Flight to Phu Quoc
Day 8: Phu Quoc
Day 9: Phu Quoc
Day 10: Phu Quoc
Day 11: Phu Quoc
Day 12: Phu Quoc
Day 13: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City Airport
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1-2
Day 1: Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Hanoi is traditional and refined, with its ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Revel in the ambience of its vibrant street culture.
Stay overnight in Hanoi City.
Day 2: After a delicious breakfast, spend this half-day exploring Hanoi's history and culture. Meet with your guide and head to the historic Huu Tiep Lake in Ngoc Ha village, where a B52 plane was shot down. Catch a glimpse of the wreckage and meet one of the witnesses.
Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder and affectionately known to the Vietnamese as 'Uncle Ho'. Make the first stop at the historic Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an imposing monument built to serve as the final resting place of Uncle Ho.
Continue walking through the beautiful botanical gardens of the Presidential Palace to visit Uncle Ho’s humble house, built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house with simple design in a tranquil setting, reflecting his simple, pure and noble lifestyle.
Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 of wood on a single stone pillar, designed to resemble a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity.
Enjoy a walking tour of Phan Dinh Phung Street, known as one of the most romantic roads in Hanoi, with ancient dracotomelum trees along the sidewalks, green space, and historic buildings such as the North Gate and old French Colonial villas.
The Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ dates from the 15th century. On rickshaw explore the narrow streets whose names reflect the business once conducted there; silk street, rice street, paper street, lacquerware street, and jewellery street. On foot, explore the fascinating maze and browse shops for unique gifts.
Cap off your trip by wandering around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), named after a magical sword once used by the most revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and then returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake.
Stay overnight in Hanoi, meal included: breakfast
Day 3-4
Day 3: Depart early morning from downtown Ha Noi and drive 4 hours southwest, past lush mountain scenery, and rice filed to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Arrive at your accommodation at lunchtime.
Laying 500 meters above sea level, the beautiful retreat is a truly relaxing escape with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
During the afternoon, get close to the rural life of local people by walking downhill and uphill passing through lush terraced fields and breathtaking mountains. Engage with locals for a glimpse into their daily farming activities. Return to your Retreat and spend the remainder of the day free at your leisure.
Please note: Hiking Grade: Easy, 5km (uphill and downhill)
Overnight at Pu Luong Retreat, meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 4: Start your day early and descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat and wander along the small and winding roads of the gorgeous mountains which will take you to the hidden Uoi Village, located at the base of a towering mountain and in the middle of the forest.
Enjoy lunch during this visit.
Afterwards, wind your way to Lan village where you will hop on your bicycle for a relaxing ride through farmland, villages, wild fields, ponds, rivers, and mountains. Stop along the way to have a chat with local villagers for an insight into their traditional customs and culture.
End up your today exploration at Hieu waterfall, which stands out hidden inside the Nature Reserve. Return to your Retreat and spend the remainder of the day free at your leisure.
Please note:
Hiking Grade: Easy with 5km on the flat terrain
Biking Grade: Medium with 12km on the flat terrain
Overnight at Pu Luong Retreat, meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 5-6
Day 5: Wake up early to enjoy the wonderful view from your room’s balcony and take a leisurely walk to nearby villages.
In the mid-morning, we continue a 3-hour scenic drive to Ninh Binh Province, home of green valleys, Karst Mountains jut out from the river. Check into your hotel and then take a short rest.
During the afternoon, explore Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land” where a local skilful rower will take you on a slow boat journey on the winding rivers. Observe the stretching mountain views and the beautiful waterways of the rice paddies along the river. Explore the Thai Vi temple to admire special features of unique art in the style of temple architecture, constructed by a glorious feudal reign. Continuing by road to Bich Dong, which was conferred by a King as “Vietnam’s second most beautiful grotto”. Climb up the Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha’s Palm Mountain) to be charmed by the marvellous scenery offered by the mountains, rivers, and pagodas. Return to your hotel after the exploration and say goodbye to the tour guide.
Stay overnight in Ninh Binh, meals included: breakfast & lunch
Day 6: After breakfast at the hotel, leave Ninh Binh for a 3-hour drive to Halong Bay, a World Wonder of Nature. Please note there is only a driver and not a guide for this drive. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed to a comfortable overnight cruise.
Enjoy a welcome drink as the crew shares some information briefly about the itinerary and boat.
Head for lunch in the dining room and enjoy the stunning views and unique rocks formation from the window as you cruise by.
After lunch, enjoy a bamboo boat trip and some natural swimming.
Return to the boat and relax and enjoy the view and join the cooking demonstration on the sundeck.
Dinner will be served on the boat.
Stay overnight on boat in Halong Bay, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Please Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to boat availability or weather condition without prior notice. There is an in-house English Speaking guide on the boat (There is no private guide for transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi and onboard)
Day 7-9
Day 7: Awake early for sunrise from the sea (if the weather permits) and join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay while the boat cruises leisurely through Halong Bay. After breakfast, enjoy a cave excursion. Then go back to your cabin to freshen up and check out of your room. Enjoy brunch on board while cruising toward the pier for disembarking around noon. Take a drive (without a guide) to Hanoi airport for the afternoon flight to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is called the island of pearls of the wealth bestowed upon it by nature. This is a haven for nature and sea lovers looking for a place to unwind. The island is considered “off the beaten track” as it remains remarkably undeveloped. Phu Quoc’s forests and pristine white sand beaches make this an ideal place for trekking, diving, and snorkeling. Upon arrival at the airport, the resort’s shuttle bus transfers you to the resort.
Overnight in Phu Quoc Island, meal included: brunch
Days 8-9: Enjoy two full days at your leisure to relax, sunbathe, read and sip on refreshing cocktails.
For an additional cost, enjoy a Half Day Snorkeling and Sunset Excursion or a Full Day Kayaking Excursion (see below).
Stay overnight on Phu Quoc Island, meal included: breakfast
Day 10-12 & Possible Extension
Day 10: After breakfast, the resort’s shuttle bus will transfer you back to the airport. Take a morning flight from Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City (or 'Saigon'). Located on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known, is Vietnam's major port and largest city.
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be greeted by a local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Set off with your guide for a half-day excursion. Visit the War Remnants Museum which presents a vivid view of the American War with artefacts and photographs dating from the time (Please note: that some displays are very graphic).
A short drive or walk away is one of Saigon’s most historic landmarks, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction in Paris.
Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, built before he became famous for the Eiffel Tower.
Wander along the many tantalizing shops of Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat. Conclude your visit with a trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping time.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh, meal included: breakfast
Day 11: You'll have a full day free to explore at your leisure, or you may select the optional Mekong cruise excursion.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, meal included: breakfast
Day 12: Free time for last-minute shopping, or take the morning Cu Chi tunnels excursion before your transfer to the airport for a late afternoon or evening departure flight.
Meal included: breakfast
14-Night Trip with a 3-Night Extension on Phu Quoc Island
The itinerary trip for this is identical however on days 10, 11 and 12 you will enjoy a relaxing stay on Phu Quoc Island before enjoying days 13 and 14 in Ho Chi Min and departing on day 15.
Meal included: breakfast
Your Hotels —
Hand-picked Just For You
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay in Standard Rooms in the following Comfort or Deluxe hotels (or similar):
Comfort Hotels
- Hanoi: The Q 4* hotel (Deluxe Room)
- Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat 4* (Deluxe Room)
- Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm 4* (Superior Room)
- Halong Bay / Lan Ha: Indochine Cruise 5* (Junior Suite Cabin)
- Phu Quoc: Novotel Phu Quoc Resort 5* (Superior Room)
- Ho Chi Minh City: Muong Thanh Central 4* (Deluxe Room)
Deluxe Hotels
- Hanoi: Melia Hotel 5* (Deluxe Room)
- Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat 4* (Deluxe Room)
- Ninh Binh: Emeralda Resort 4* (Superior Room)
- Halong Bay / Lan Ha: Indochine Cruise 5* (Junior Suite Cabin)
- Phu Quoc: Novotel Phu Quoc Resort 5* (Superior Room with Ocean View)
- Ho Chi Minh City: Mai House 5* (Premier Room)
Your dining choices
The meal plan offered for this tour is according to programme.
Your Optional Excursions —
Rustic Charm of Mekong delta full day - private tour
Travel (2 hours) to the province of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, well known for its gardens of tropical fruits, traditional products made from coconuts. Upon arrival, board a local wooden boat to enjoy the countryside scenery and river life!
Then stretch your legs a bit at a local family-run workshop to learn how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 3-4km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Stop en route at local families and chat with the local farmers to understand their daily farming activities, while enjoying the opportunity to taste fresh fruits and local tea with honey. Board a traditional rowing sampan for close-up views of the water palm-lined waterways of the Delta
After feasting on Mekong Delta specialities, you may wish to take a stroll around the orchard to see how the fruit is cultivated. Then, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Snorkelling & Sunset BBQ Dinner on Islet – private excursion
Enjoy the cool breeze on the boat trip to Buom Island and May Rut islets. Explore the colourful, diverse sea life with a variety of coral and fish while swimming and snorkelling, or just relax and sip a refreshing cocktail at the beach bar. A BBQ dinner is served on the islet before returning to the harbour and heading back to your hotel.
River Kayaking North Island (North of Phu Quoc) - Shared Tour
Start your exploration by visiting some local manufacturers. Vietnam is the world's leading exporter of pepper and the best quality harvest comes from Phu Quoc. It is worth visiting one of the farms to understand the whole process in detail.
Head to a bee farm to observe how to make honey straight from the source. Wind your way to the charming River of Cua Can to board the kayak and gently paddle your way downstream. Then, head out to Rach Vem floating fishing village that stays away from the tourism crowd. Spend some time relaxing, swimming, or observing the beauty of starfishes.
Your Journey to Vietnam —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your Destinations —
Hanoi
Vietnam's capital is located in the north of the country, and has a history spanning over the past 1000 years. Known for its rich and vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, Hanoi has no end of things to do.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoan Kiem Lake, and try the city's famous street food, which includes warming pho and tasty banh mi.
Phu Quoc
Lined with white sandy beaches and vast stretches still shrouded in the dense tropical jungle, Phu Quoc has quickly transformed from a sleepy island to a must-see for Western ex-pats and sun-seeking tourists. Beyond the resorts lining Long Beach, the rapid development taking place on the east coast, and the prominent resorts of Sao Beach, there is still plenty of room for exploration and escape from the waters. Dive the coral reefs, kayak the bays, devour the miles of back roads on a motorcycle, or simply relax on the beach, followed by a massage and a fresh fish dinner - tropical bliss!
Phu Quoc is not really part of the Mekong Delta and its rice production; its most famous, and most valuable, crop is black pepper. However, the inhabitants of this island have traditionally made their living from the sea, and it's renowned throughout Vietnam for the production of a high-quality fish sauce: nuoc mam.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam. It's renowned for its dynamic energy, impressive skyscrapers, historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and a rich culinary scene. The city serves as a bustling economic and cultural hub in Southeast Asia, attracting visitors with its blend of modernity and historical charm.
