Deep Insight Vietnam Soft Adventure 18 days

Morning/ Afternoon

After arriving in Hanoi, our tour guide will escort you to the hotel to check in. Check-in time at the hotel is available from 14:00 (Early check-in will require additional charges)

You will have the rest of the day to rest and recover, or wander around for some adventurous exploration. Active travelers can consider taking part in one of our suggested optionalactivities:

Please contact our travel consultant if you are interested in these services, we are available 24/7 to assist you.

Morning

08:00: Start the day with a half-day tour around Hanoi (by car or by motorbike). Morning or afternoon departure depends on your availability:

The first stop of our Hanoi tour is Vietnam’s first university - the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076 and established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite, it now stands as a symbol of education in Vietnam. 

Next, we explore One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic Buddhist temples with a special design as a lotus flower. Built in the Ly dynasty, One Pillar Pagoda now stands as the most famous and important historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi. 

The trip continues to lead tourists to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where they can show their respect to one of the historic father figures of modern Vietnam. We can also take a look at his modest house on stilts (Sites are viewed from outside; closed on Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug).

Lastly, visit the picturesque West Lake and its sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda - regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history of more than 1,500 years.

Savor a tasty meal at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

Evening

The spare time in the evening is yours to use. You can either relax or have a self-exploring of the city on your own. 

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Morning

In the morning, you will enjoy your meal at the hotel. Around 08:00, we will head to Mai Chau by van.

The journey to Mai Chau takes visitors along winding mountain roads, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys and traditional stilt houses. Along the way, travelers can observe the daily life of the Muong and Thai ethnic communities, whose villages are nestled harmoniously within the mountainous landscape.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you are welcomed with a drink and a traditional lunch in the village (vegetarian available).

Afternoon

Go on a relaxing cycling trip led by our tour guide to observe farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves, and surrounding peaceful villages (Additional cost applies). It’s time for retreaters to unwind in the countryside’s serene atmosphere.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy free time to walk around the village or shop for traditional handicrafts.

A special dinner featuring authentic Thai cuisine will be served. Guests traveling in groups of more than five people will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance and experience “Ruou Can,” a unique communal rice wine traditionally shared through bamboo straws.

Morning

A traditional breakfast will be served at the homestay, offering guests a taste of local flavors.

Accompanied by a local Thai guide, guests will embark on a 2 km cycling journey before beginning a guided trek to the remote villages of Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa. This trek provides a deeper insight into the daily lives of the Thai ethnic people, allowing visitors to admire the breathtaking rice terraces and learn more about their cultural heritage.

Upon returning to the homestay, guests will check out and enjoy a farewell lunch before departure.

Afternoon

Guests will have free time to relax, explore the village at their own pace, or purchase local souvenirs.

Around 15:30 - The return journey to Hanoi will begin, offering one last opportunity to take in the scenic countryside views. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore the dynamic city or stay in your room to rest.

Morning

Following a full breakfast at the hotel, you will meet our driver at 08:00 - 08:30, who will drive you to the cruise port in Halong Bay. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours.

At noon, you will reach the harbor and start to do some check-in procedures with the boat crew. Get on the boat and receive a friendly welcome from the cruise staff team with a cold drink.

A seafood-themed meal will be served for everyone at lunch. Have time to enjoy the cruise trip around Halong Bay and behold thousands of limestone islands along with grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water.

Afternoon

Join in a variety of activities on board and discover the glamour of Halong Bay, including visiting caves, kayaking, and swimming

Get back on the cruise for relaxing and dining in the evening. After dinner, you can spend a night on the cruise by joining some exciting activities such as squid fishing, card games, etc.

NOTE: Depending on the cruise liner you choose, the itinerary might be different. 

Morning

The day kicks off early with a Tai Chi Class with a stunning sunrise view of the bay, and enjoy a light breakfast at the cruise’s restaurant.

Begin a new adventure as the cruise takes you around exploring the most amazing caves in Halong and their breathtaking natural complex.

After the tours, you will return to the main cruise to pack your luggage and have the check out process done.

The brunch will be served so you can enjoy the last meal on board as the cruise heads to the harbor.

Afternoon

At noon, you will reach the port and a driver will take you back to Hanoi Old Quarter. Around 19:00, meet our tour guide for transportation to Hanoi Train Station

The train departs at around 21:35, you will have an overnight train to Dong Hoi (Shared sleeping cabins). 

NOTE: 

• Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip.
• The train schedule is subject to change. Private cabins on request at a surcharge.
• Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with additional fees). 

Morning

You will arrive at Dong Hoi Train Station in the early morning.

08:00: Head to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and explore its impressive caves. On the way, you will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.

Reach Phong Nha Cave - a water cave that is famous for its rock formation, and dive deep into the real wilderness of Vietnam, where the lost world of ancient stalactites - formed by drips of water and minerals at the ceiling of the caves throughout history.

Enjoy a delectable lunch after visiting the cave.

Afternoon

13:30: Continue your quest of the caves with Paradise Cave - labeled as one of the most beautiful caves in the world and the longest dry cave in Asia. Admire the magnificent landscape of Paradise Cave, attracting the eyes of visitors at a glance.

After that, you will be back at a hotel in town. Take a rest and spend the night in Dong Hoi.

After breakfast at the hotel in Dong Hoi, you will check out and begin your journey southward to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Hue, you will check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Evening

Step into the elegance of Vietnam’s imperial era with a royal dining experience in Hue. Guests are warmly welcomed with a glass of Minh Mang wine and invited to dress in traditional Nguyen Dynasty costumes, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Dine like royalty as you savor a multi-course feast inspired by ancient court cuisine, all set to the soothing melodies of live Hue folk music. Surrounded by the rich ambiance of Vietnam’s former imperial capital, this immersive cultural experience offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of royal life.

Morning /Afternoon

08:00: Start exploring the tranquil city of Hue - founded in the 17th century as Vietnam’s imperial capital (before Hanoi replaced it)

Our first destination in Hue is Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient architectural Buddhist attraction located in a favorable location by the peaceful Huong River. It is only 5 km to transfer from the center of Hue to Thien Mu Pagoda. 

Continue to visit the Imperial Citadel accommodated by the Nguyen Royal Family - the last dynasty in Vietnam reflects the luxurious and prosperous life of the royal family. Explore a part of Vietnam's pre-modern history by spending time around the citadel, visit the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the front gate.

On the way back to the hotel, the group might stop by Dong Ba Market for some shopping. The largest traditional trading center in the city of Hue provides souvenirs and cuisine for tourists. Walk through kiosks, you will have a chance to understand the daily business of local sellers, as well as have some interesting purchases.

After a city tour, the guide will take you back to the hotel to take a rest.

You will stay overnight in Hue.

Morning

We'll transport from Hue to Hoi An by shuttle bus or private car at 08:00. 

Afternoon

Enjoy your spare time to relax and explore Hoi An on your own. Stay overnight in Hoi An and be well-prepared for the next day.

Your journey begins as our guide picks you up from your hotel in Hoi An city center. From there, travel comfortably to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains.

Upon arrival, spend about 2 hours discovering the ancient temple complex. Walk through the historic ruins while your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the Champa Kingdom, its spiritual traditions, and the architectural wonders of the site. During the visit, you will also enjoy a traditional Champa cultural dance performance, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Leave the sanctuary and travel to a local home where you will learn how to make traditional Vietnamese rice paper. After the demonstration, you can taste the rice paper you helped create.

Continue to another local house for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes along with refreshing herbal tea in a peaceful countryside setting. For the Sunset Tour, the lunch and rice paper activity are replaced with a light local snack such as Banh Mi and fresh coconut.

After lunch, embark on a scenic boat ride back to Hoi An along the beautiful Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam. Relax and enjoy the cool breeze while admiring the tranquil river landscapes.

Arrive back in Hoi An, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Morning /Afternoon

Have a free day to explore the town on your own. You can take part in some optionaltours to explore the beauty of Hoi An:

Morning

You will have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the Da Nang airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Sai Gon, our driver will transport you to the hotel in the center of the city. Have free time on your own for relaxation after checking in at the hotel.

Evening

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning

You have time for a light breakfast and rest until our guide comes to pick you up for the city tour.

Around 08:00, start the half-day city tour to some significant destinations of Ho Chi Minh City.

Firstly, pay a visit to the Independence Palace, the famously iconic site of Saigonese liberation. It was designed by the well-known architect Ngo Viet Thu. It is not only a former presidential palace but also one of the greatest architectural buildings in Saigon until this day. 

Have a short stop at the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, symbol of classical French colonial architecture since the late 19th century. Under the order from French Admiral Bonard, this place became the most complex construction at that time. 

The Old Post Office is another French vestige from the past in the area of the old Ho Chi Minh city. Despite years passed, it still remains its everlasting beauty and still in working condition. 

Visit the last stop of the tour at Ben Thanh Market and shop for souvenirs, as well as discover the life of the friendly locals.

Afternoon

Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

NOTE: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation so it might not be included in the tour. 

We will kick off a tour that breaks away from the city to immerse yourself in the incredibly fertilized Mekong Delta, where half of Vietnam's total agricultural output is produced.

The tour begins by getting on a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, going along small canals, and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the typical lush surroundings that only this delta has

Admire the orchards, paddy fields, and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, still untouched by tourism, and also attend the fish farms and exotic fruit farms.

After finishing the Mekong Delta tour, we are transported to the next accommodation in Can Tho.

Morning

You will start the day by transferring from your hotel to the pier and boarding a wooden boat to the Cai Rang floating market. As you move along the river, you can watch how locals trade from boat to boat and get a better idea of daily life in the Mekong Delta.

During the trip, you will stop at a small noodle workshop and see how local noodles are made. You’ll also have the chance to try some fresh tropical fruits while cruising back.

After the visit, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. A lunch stop along the way will be arranged before the tour ends back in the city.

Afternoon

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning /Afternoon

Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City - The bustling and vibrating economic center of the South.

If you want a deeper exploration into the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City, you can contact us for some optional tours:

Morning

After breakfast, you are free until the transfer to the airport for a flight to return home.

This is the end of your 18-day Vietnam tour. BestPrice Travel wishes you a wonderful time on your journey and hopes to see you again!