EXPLORATION VIETNAM PANORAMA IN 21 DAYS

01 - Overview

03 - Tour Detailed

1. 1

   Day 1: Hanoi arrival

   Welcome to Vietnam!

   After arriving at Noi Bai Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in the city center. Hotel check-in is available from 2 pm. The rest of the day is free for relax or for discovering the city by yourself. Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

   

   

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2. 2

   Day 2: Hanoi city tour

   Breakfast at your hotel. The first stop is the flower market of Quang Ba – the biggest flower market in the North of Vietnam. Arriving at the market, visitors will be fascinated by the stalls of colorful and fragrant flowers of all kinds. From common flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies, to the more unusual and wildflowers of Vietnam.

   Then, we will drive to Tran Quoc Pagoda. The pagoda, now nearly 1,500 years old, is located on a small peninsula on the east side of West Lake, situated among lush greenery. It was the center of Buddhism in the imperial city of Thang Long (former name of Hà Nội) during the Ly Dynasty and the Tran Dynasty (11th – 15th centuries). After, we will drive back to the Old Quarter for a 1.5-hour walking tour, specially designed for a deeper insight into Hanoian daily life. We will visit the Ngoc Son temple which sits on a green islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected to the lakeside by a graceful scarlet bridge named The Huc. The temple is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao – the General who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century and Van Xuong De Quan – the patron of literature and examinations.

   We will continue with a visit to a wellness center for a traditional therapeutic massage to energize and revitalize. After transferring back to the hotel, the rest of the day is free to rest or do your own exploration of the city. In the late night, our driver will pick up you to station for the train to Sapa. Overnight in a comfortable cabin.

   

   

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3. 3

   Day 3: Sapa – Lao Chai Ta Van- Giang Ta Chai – Sapa

   The train arrives in Lao Cai early at 6.00 am. We will have breakfast in a local restaurant before heading to Sapa. Arrival to Sapa, we will have a beautiful hike through the amazing scenery of Sa Pa valley. On the way up, we have a panorama view on rice terraces hidden behind morning fog. Following a small track and crossing the Muong Hoa River to Lao Chai Village of Black Hmong people, we will pass by well-tended paddy fields. We continued walking through the beautiful terraces to reach Ta Van Giay village. We will have lunch with a family in the village. In the afternoon, we will continue hiking through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai – the village of Red Dao ethnic. After taking a rest next to a waterfall, we will start climbing uphill to the main road where the car is waiting to take us back to Sapa.
   Overnight at the hotel in Sapa.

   

   

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4. 4

   Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha – Hanoi

   Delicious breakfast in your hotel, meet our guide and driver and transfer to Bac Ha to visit the biggest local ethnic market of the region. Bac Ha Market takes place every Sunday; the tribal people from surrounding villages come to exchange their products. A lot of people still use horses to carry their loads; they must depart early to get to the market in time. If you come to visit Bac Ha during a spring weekend, it’s easy to meet the locals in their most beautiful and colorful costumes in the market. Nature also contributes to the atmosphere with vibrant red and white flowers blooming everywhere. After a tasty lunch, we will leave the colorful market behind, and follow a zigzag road to visit Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, inhabited by Flower Hmong people. In the afternoon, we go back to Hanoi.
   Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
   

   

   

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5. 5

   Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh

   After breakfast, depart for Ninh Binh. First stop is the Trang An complex which is a wonderful ecotourism destination with breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history and cultural significance. Take a rowing boat tour to immerse yourself in peaceful nature, passing beautiful limestone cliffs and picturesque landscapes. Also pass through the Trang An caves to explore the spectacular karst formations. Along the way, opportunities to stop and visit temples hidden in the mountains with the majestic scenery. Afterwards, we will take a bicycle ride and get lost on winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples, and cottages. We will stop to visit Bich Dong pagoda, which hides amongst the trees on a lush hillside. After that, we will go to Hang Mua, which literally means Dancing Cave because King Tran used to come here to enjoy dancing and singing shows performed in this cave.
   Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh

   

   

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6. 6

   Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong bay

   After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the harbour of Ha Long Bay, whose name means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, already recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Accommodation in the furnished cabin with a splendid view of the bay, welcome drink and an information briefing during your stay on board. An exquisite lunch is served with fresh seafood. Free time to relax before the afternoon’s interesting activities.

   Start with an exploration of Cap La Island, the most beautiful island in the bay. This is also the best time to enjoy a kayak ride through the breathtaking karst nature and dive into the emerald water. Later in the cruise, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Dinner is served on board. Free time to challenge yourself in night squid fishing or enjoy the tranquility of the night from your cruise.
   Overnight onboard.

   

   

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7. 7

   Day 5: Halong bay – Hanoi - flight to Hue

   Wake up early to witness an enchanting sunrise. For those interested, a short Tai Chi lession on the terrace will refresh your mind and body. In the morning, you can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the extraordinary landscape.

   After breakfast, do not miss a visit to the hidden cave of Thien Canh Son. You will also participate in a demonstration cooking class. The chef will show you the tricks of cooking our country’s typical dishes and then enjoy them with brunch.

   Disembark from the ship around noon and meet our guide for the transfer to Noi Bai airport. Flight to Hue – our imperial city. Arrival at the hotel and check in in your hotel in Hue.

   

   

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8. 8

   Day 8: Hue city tour

   In the morning, we will take a boat trip on the poetic Perfume River. Our first visit will be to Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 on the bank of the river. With its seven-storey Phuoc Duyen tower, Thien Mu Pagoda became the symbol of the ancient capital and has often been mentioned in folk rhymes about Hue. We will continue cruising upstream and arrive at Minh Mang Mausoleum, one of Hue’s finest royal tombs. The complex, built from 1840 to 1843 by more than ten thousand workers and soldiers, comprises 40 buildings including palaces, temples and a pavilion. After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to visit Hue Imperial City. We will visit beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Nine Holy Cannons, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns and the Forbidden Purple City. We will then continue to visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc designed by himself before his death. The Tomb includes 50 monuments arranged unsymmetrically and shows the perfect harmony of buildings and nature.
   Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

   

   

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9. 9

   Day 9: Hue – Danang – Ba Na Hills

   After a yummy breakfast, we will transfer to Da Nang by the mountainous road to arrive at Ba Na hill. After checking in at the ticket counter, we will walk to Hoi An Station. We will take a cable car which reaches a height of nearly 5,000 feet (1,487m), stretching over three and a half miles in length (5,771m). We will admire the truly spectacular views of luscious dense rainforest and beautiful waterfalls below, above you at the peak can be seen enormous stone hands holding the magnificent Golden Bridge. On arrival at Marseille Station, it’s time to enjoy an amazing view from the mountain to the beach below, while strolling on the recently world-famous Golden Bridge at 150m in length and at a height of 1,414m above sea level. After wandering through D’Amour flower garden and Debay Wine Cellar, another cable car ride will take you to the French Village, a romantic replica of a classical French town.

   Don’t forget to visit Ba Na’s spiritual attractions such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Rain Sheltering Teahouse, Linh Phong Stupa, the Holy Mother Shrine, etc. You will also have free time to enjoy the attractions at Fantasy Park – The “Entertainment Paradise”, discover the ghost house before going to your hotel in Danang.

   

   

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10. 10

    Day 10: Danang city tour – Hoi An

    Breakfast delicious at your hotel, meet our guide and driver and transfer to Mable Mountain. This mountain has the Vietnamese name ‘Ngu Hanh Son’, meaning it is a combination of the five mountains representing five important elements of our culture: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Upon arrival, take a lift to the top of the mountain to begin your visit to the different temples and pagodas, particularly Linh Ung Pagoda, the limestone caves,… Not to be missed is to enjoy an astonishing view of the city from above. You will continue the trip by visiting the well-known and modern bridges of Danang: Han Bridge and Dragon Bridge. These are the most famous photographic location with thousands of beautiful scenes of “The City of Bridges”. Visit the large museum of Cham sculpture which houses over 300 works of art dating from the 7th to the 15th century. It was founded in 1915 during French rule and is the only museum dedicated to the Champa kingdom in the world. Once at the museum, together with our guide, discover the history, culture and distinctive thinking of the Champa kingdom. Transfer to Hoi An for overnight at the hotel.

    

    

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11. 11

    Day 11: Hoi An – Bay Mau forest – Hoi An city tour

    After a delicious breakfast, our guide and driver will take you to the fishing village of Cam Thanh to explore the daily life of the local fishermen. We will get on a boat to cruise downstream on Cua Dai River and drop in on a local fisherman to see how he catches fish by net. Then, we will try paddling in a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat to traverse a tranquil waterway bordered by coconut-palms. Back on the boat, we will enjoy a typical fisherman’s lunch.

    In the afternoon, we will take a half-day walking tour of Hoi An ancient town. In this UNESCO-classified world heritage site, we will visit Chua Ong Pagoda (dedicated to “Quan Thanh De Quan” – an ancient Chinese general), the 200-years-old Tan Ky house (with Japanese and Chinese influenced architecture), and the Japanese Covered Bridge (built by the Japanese then living in Hoi An to connect their quarter to that of the Chinese).
    Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

    

    

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12. 12

    Day 12: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An villages

    After a delicious breakfast, our guide and driver will take you to My Son Sanctuary – the ancient city of the Champa Kingdom. The Sanctuary is considered one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia with more than 70 architectural works formed between the 4th and 14th centuries. The complex exhibits not only the mystery building technique but also the sophisticated art of sculpture on brick and stone with vivid images of gods, monks, dancers, flowers, animals, and sacrifices of Cham people.

    In the afternoon, we will visit Thanh Ha pottery village where you can experience the daily life of villagers who have been making pottery for over 500 years. Here, we will learn about the process of crafting pottery products such as vases, pots, and kettles. We will then take a 30-minute boat ride on Thu Bon River to Kim Bong village. The Kim Bong carpentry style is the finest mix of Cham people, China, Japanese and the talented hands of Vietnamese artisans. We will travel back to Hoi An City.
    Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

    

    

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13. 13

    Day 13: Hoi An – Danang – Nha Trang

    Breakfast is served at your hotel; our driver will pick you up and transfer to the airport. Flight to Nha Trang. Arrival and check-in hotel near the beach. Free time on the beach.

    

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14. 14

    Day 14-15: Nha Trang in beach

    Free on the beach

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15. 15

    Day 16: Nha Trang – Dalat

    In the morning, you will be free in beach. Last moment in Nha Trang. Our driver will pick up you at the hotel and transfer to Dalat. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

    

    

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16. 16

    Day 17: Dalat city tour

    Start your day with a visit to Xuan Huong Lake, a magnificent lake in the heart of Da Lat. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore and admire the enchanting scenery surrounding the lake. Next, visit the Linh Phuoc temple, also known as the Pagoda of Broken Glass. This temple is famous for its unique architecture, decorated with thousands of shards of glass and ceramic. Explore the different rooms of the temple and discover the artistic details that make it so special.

    Continue your day with a visit to the Truc Lam Institute, a Buddhist monastery set on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Enjoy the serene, meditative atmosphere of the monastery. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Bao Dai Palace, once the summer residence of Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. Explore the different rooms of the palace and discover the history of this ancient dynasty. Afterwards, head to Da Lat market to discover the bustle and diversity of local produce. You can buy souvenirs and handicrafts and sample regional specialities. Round off your day with a visit to one of Da Lat’s famous gardens, such as the rose garden, orchid garden or lavender garden. Admire the colorful beauty of the flowers and enjoy a moment of relaxation in the midst of nature.
    Overnight at the hotel in Dalat.

    

    

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17. 17

    Day 18: Dalat - flight to Ho Chi Minh city – Ho Chi Minh city tour

    Say goodbye to Dalat and flight to Saigon. On your arrival to Ho Chi Minh City (former name is Saigon), you will be welcomed by our tour guide and driver. After transferring to your hotel at the city centre (Check-in is available from 2pm), there will be time for your free exploration of the largest city in Vietnam. We will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed between 1877 and 1880 by the French. We will take a few steps from the Cathedral to the General Post Office to admire its interior with the arched roof and curved windows, reminiscent of early European railway stations.

    We will visit the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. We will visit some local markets with several stops arranged at Ho Thi Ky flower market; The medicinal plant store; the Thien Hau Temple in the Cho Lon town, 5th district.
    Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

    

    

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18. 18

    Day 19: Ho Chi Minh city – Ben Tre – Can Tho

    After a yummy breakfast, we will leave the hotel at 8am and make our way to Ben Tre Province in the Mekong delta. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier (90km from Saigon), we get on a boat and cruise along the Ben Tre River. The boat will stop at a traditional brick factory for you to explore its imposing ovens.

     

    We will have a short break at a coconut candies workshop, where you will observe how coconut flesh is used and processed. A short tuk-tuk ride on the winding small road of the countryside will take you into the green villages and we will stop at a family braiding mats. The local restaurant will prepare typical dishes of the Mekong delta for your lunch. Following this, we will board a rowing boat to join the maze of canals and return to the landing stage. We will then transfer to Can Tho province.
    Overnight at the hotel or homestay in Can Tho.

    

    

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19. 19

    Day 20: Can Tho visit – Ho Chi Minh city

    In the morning, we will take an early boat trip to the well-known Cai Rang floating market. The largest in the region, Cai Rang has a variety of boats stuffed with fruit and vegetables which are freshly gathered every day. After exploring the busy market, you will take a walk in Mr. Tu Dung’s orchard to taste fresh local tropical fruits. We will then visit a workshop where you will see how the local (canna indica) vermicelli is made. Continuing, we will visit Binh Thuy’s old house, the site of the 1992 film adaptation of Marguerite Duras’ novel l’Amant. Back to Ho Chi Minh city.
    Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

    

    

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20. 20

    Day 21: Ho Chi Minh city - Departure

    Breakfast will be served in your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you will have free time to relax or buy souvenirs for your relatives or friends. Our driver will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport at least 3 hours before departure.

    Thank you very much for travelling with Asia Viva Travel.

    See you again !

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