Overview
Stray off the beaten track on this adventurous 14-day Vietnam tour. Touch down in Hanoi and head north to trek through Sapa’s towering rice terraces and visit remote villages where you’ll meet Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities. Continue with an overnight cruise of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and a trip to the lush Mekong Delta, where floating markets and peaceful river life awaits
Itinerary
Your trip begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel by private transportation. Check in to the hotel and get over the jet lag.
You can mooch through the streets of the city. Historic charm, architectural marvels, and various products are splashed all over this area.
After enjoying the first day yourself and return to the hotel for a relaxing sleep.
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Overnight in Hanoi
3 Stars - Mina Hotel & Spa or similar
Start your walk on Phung Hung st. Here there’s ample space to enjoy a leisurely walk. As the road curves, you’ll find immense mural paintings, depicting scenes from Hanoi’s past — a great spot to snap a photo.
Make a left on Hang Cot st., passing a small park, then find your feet on tree-lined Phan Dinh Phung, considered one of the most beautiful boulevards in the city. Stop at the Northern Gate of the Hanoi Citadel (still peppered with bullet holes from the war), and the yellow-hued Cua Bac Church across the road. Continue down Phan Dinh Phung to Hung Vuong st. and right to Truc Bach Lake. Truc Bach is one of the most scenic corners of Hanoi, with plenty of interesting sights. Stop at the 11th century Quan Thanh Taoist temple before enjoying a walk down Thanh Nien St. with views of lakes on both sides.
Walk it off on the way back to Phan Dinh Phung st. and the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or walk along leafy Nguyen Tri Phuong Boulevard, to see the ancient Citadel of Hanoi. Back to hotel for relax
Everning, you will have a chance to taste some of the most famous dishes of Hanoi people, described as “Hanoi style fast foods.” Your local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Many delicious dishes are waiting for your tasting in the Old quarters. Here are some examples:
• Bun cha (noodles with grilled pork)
• Pho (flat rice noodles)
• Banh my Hanoi (local bread)
• Drink: Bia hoi (local bear)
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Overnight in Hanoi
3 Stars - Mina Hotel & Spa or similar
Have an early breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out formalities. Take the limousine bus to get to Sapa, the travel time will take around 6 hours. Upon arrival to Sapa, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore this charming town right in the middle of the mountains.
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Overnight in Sapa
3 Stars - Sapa Panorama Hotel or similar
Have breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide around 9:30 am and start your 12 km trekking. You will visit Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages of the Hmong minorities. On the way admire the breathtaking landscapes of rice terraces and mountains. Have lunch in Lao Chai village nearby the river. Continue your hike to Ta Van village of the Dzay people. Here you will stay overnight and have the opportunity to experience the daily life of and original customs of local people.
Overnight at the Dzay local house.
Once you get energy for your last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, you leave for Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dao minority. You will trek through a bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way, you will pass by a waterfall and rattan bridge, where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. You will find a nice place to enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. From here you will start your journey back to Sapa by car. You will be transferred back to Hanoi by limousine bus.
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Overnight in Hanoi
3 Stars - Mina Hotel & Spa or similar
In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.
On arrival at Halong, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.
The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.
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Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay
3 Stars - Le Journey Cruise or similar
Rise early today to view the dawn at the Wonder of the Nature World with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.
Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. Then return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
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Overnight in Hanoi
3 Stars - Mina Hotel & Spa or similar
Have breakfast at the hotel, have some free leisure time until there will be a private cab to transfer you to the airport, and get ready for the next flight to Hoi An.
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Overnight in Hoi An
3 Stars - Aurora Riverside or similar
Custom tailoring is a huge industry in Hoi An. Hoi An is home to more than 400 tailoring shops and thousands of tailors who are not only talented at making clothes but are skilled in making shoes and handbags as well! The average turnaround time for full suits is a day and about 4 hours for handbags or shoes! If you are interested in getting custom-made items, try to find a shop of your liking as early as possible during your visit.
The afternoon is the perfect time of day to see some of the famous sights within Hoi An. But first, before you set out on foot to discover the city, we recommend that you grab a Banh Mi sandwich to fuel you for the afternoon. Banh Mi Sandwich in Hoi An is both famous and different from any sandwich you will get in other parts of Vietnam. The bread and fillings are unique to the region and it is a great first insight into local cuisine. We highly recommend Madam Khanh’s stand, who has been dubbed the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An.
After dark, the Old Town in Hoi An transforms into a mystical row of lights and lanterns. In fact, Hoi An is a big center for paper lantern manufacturers and merchants. Every shop or establishment will have a few lanterns outside, but the real sight is the lantern market. Here you’ll be able to see how these lanterns are made and will have a plethora of choices should you wish to take some home with you.
After a stroll through the market, check out the outdoor traditional theatre. You will have a chance to see Vietnamese folk dancers and musicians perform traditional pieces. The theatre runs from 9 pm to 10 pm at the square on Nguyen Thai Hoc street. It is completely free and open to the public so it’s interesting to see, even if it’s just for a few minutes as you pass by. Before you get back to your hotel, be sure to light a candle box and set it in the water. Many kids sit along the banks of the channel and offer candles to you – remember to make a wish.
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Overnight in Hoi An
3 Stars - Aurora Riverside or similar
Today you will have free time to explore Hoi An at your own pace, seeing what interests you. This ancient town is full of Japanese merchant houses and pagodas, temples, and antique warehouses. Or just lounge about in a laid-back riverside café on the bank of the Thu Bon River.
(OPTIONAL TOUR: HOI AN ECO TOUR)
Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour of the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way. After that, you will board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise.
In the afternoon, leisure time on your own exploring the ancient town or relaxing at the hotel.
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Overnight in Hoi An
3 Stars - Aurora Riverside or similar
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, taking the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in your hotel and free at your leisure time to get your energy back.
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Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
3 Stars - Acnos Hotel or similar
(Start 7:20 am – return around 17.30)
7:20 am Pick up from the hotel.
Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast and a trip to Mekong Delta follows, depart for My Tho, the town that lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit a honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time.
In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh.
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Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
3 Stars - Acnos Hotel or similar
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Return to Ho Chi Minh.
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Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
3 Stars - Acnos Hotel or similar
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home.
Trip Ends.
INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES
Trip inclusion
- Accommodation in the room category indicated in the program or similar (subject to availability)
- Meals as mentioned in the program: B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Tours and transfers in private AC vehicles
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- Excursions by boat/sampan/tuk-tuk as mentioned in the program
- Drinking water bottle on tour days
- Service charges and government tax
Trip exclusion
- International and domestic airfares,
- Meals and drinks which are not mentioned in the program
- Optional tour.
- Other services are not mentioned in the program
- International flight tickets and airport taxes in economy class/business class
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travelers’ Personal insurance.
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the program.
- Porters at hotel
- Surcharge for Peak season; Festivals; X-Mas; New Year (if any)
FAQs
We understand that things happen, sometimes you need to cancel your travel plans, and we are here to help you minimize any inconvenience.
In the event of cancellation, we will refund any payment made to Realistic Asia given that a cancellation fee is applicable.
The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:
- 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge. We Guarantee 100% money back + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 59 – 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 29 – 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 14 – 8 days prior to arrival date: 40% cancellation charge + Airfare cancellation fees (according to the airline’s cancellation policy) if any
- 07 days prior to arrival date: 100 % cancellation charge
- No show: 100% cancellation charge
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
Yes, we offer special rates for children. The rate for children applicable for child sharing a room or cabin with two adults is as follows:
- For infant (0 – 2 years old): 10% adult rate.
- 03 – 11 years old: 85% adult rate.
- Child from 12 years old and above will pay as adult.
All tickets: Based on each airlines policy, the price for children will be applied at time of booking.
To book a trip with Wonderscape Travel, you will need to pay a 10% deposit. The deposit is non-refundable.
Final payment is required no later than 30 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. Some airfares or services must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Yes, there is a single supplement for travelers who request a single room. This is because all of our prices are based on per adult, in double/twin sharing.
