A Glimpse Of Vietnam 12 Days

Begin this 12-day tour in Vietnam with a trip around Hanoi, to get a feel for the country blended between ancient and modern world as we travel to the Ho Chi Minh complex dedicated to Vietnam's hero Ho Chi Minh, who devoted his whole life to liberating Vietnam from colonial rule. 

Our next stop is The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070. This temple is Vietnam's first university. Lunch is just across the road at KOTO - a great restaurant set up with the purpose to train former street kids to assist them in having a new career.

In the afternoon, let's wander through Old Hanoi Quarter and visit the local market (if on the weekend) where we can find massive commodities on offer including fresh fruits, embroidered clothes, lacquered pictures etc..

Then, let's celebrate our first night together in a special restaurant that only serves fish on the menu!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi 

We leave Hanoi for the journey to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is located in Ninh Binh province and covers over 200 sq km with various kinds of flora and fauna, endangered species such as Langur etc.

This is then followed by a short walk in the rainforest, which offers some wildlife viewing. The night is spent in a comfortable guest house in the Park’s headquarters, which are surrounded by spectacular mountains and rainforest.

Accommodation: Guest house in the Park’s headquarters

Start your morning with a trip to the beautiful Halong Bay. We follow its scenic roads through the delta flanked by endless green carpets of rice paddies.

After the arrival in Halong Bay, lunch is served as we cruise along the spectacular sinking limestone plateau, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty. For whom admire an up close and personal view of the scenic limestone formations can hop on our kayaks for a leisurely exploration of the bay – time to relax and appreciate the sublime beauty of the bay.

On Cai Rong Island we stay overnight in a hotel. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Halong  

Cai Rong is located in Bai Tu Long Bay. The island is every bit as beautiful as its neighbor (Halong Bay) with gorgeous beaches and lush jungles dotted with all-yellow paddy fields. Local farmers plant seasonal crops and make a living from fishing offshore and gathering under the ocean.

As cycling can open up the whole island to you, just take your time to cycle across the island and admire some of the island's truly amazing scenery – vertical and unusual rocks and some small islands emerge from the sea.

In the early afternoon, we drive back to Hanoi, arriving there at about 5pm. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi 

After a simple breakfast, we will transfer by car to catch a short flight taking us to Danang. This is followed by our short journey to My Son Sanctuary. From here, we explore its temples, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam region for many centuries. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An 

Your guide will take you for a stroll around the ancient town, from historical architecture to art galleries and wooden bridges. The 'real' Vietnam is found in some unexpected places like some hidden valleys, back streets, cafes, gastronomic restaurants and shops that filled with silks and lanterns. Yet with around 850 buildings heritage-protected to visit. Plus there are cold drinks for sale no matter the time of year as it is either only hot and dry or hot and wet weather.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Activities: Follow local to stroll through the famous ancient town and learn about the blend of Orient and Western culture. Free in the afternoon

Transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After a short lunch, we drive to Cu Chi district and wander around some local villages and spend time interacting with the local people and orchards, admiring the beauty of the people, before crawling the incredible tunnels which stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border. Then, we will view command centers and booby traps, firing an AK-47 rifle on a firing range.

Finally, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for our accommodation for the night in a hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in HCMC

Activities: Wander around the Cu Chi district and its famous tunnels. Night in a hotel in HCMC.

The charming, glassy rivers of Vinh Long is a must for a perfect getaway from bustling HCMC. Enjoy the fresh air and blend yourself into the tranquil atmosphere during the visit of bonsai gardens, various exotic workshops and fruit orchards. The night is spent in a hotel in the township of Vinh Long. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Vinh Long

This morning board on a long tail boat to explore the tributaries of the Mekong River then to Cai Be to observe the floating markets and learn about the untouched countryside parts of Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, we drive to Ben Tre province, home to lush fruit orchards, rivers and enjoy some local fresh fruits. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend the night with a hospitable and friendly local family. 

Accommodation: Homestay

We resume our discovery of the delta by hopping on a boat on the Hau river, and cycling along its banks, passing through mangroves and fruit orchards to savor the delta's succulent fruits and meeting with local people. 

Following that, we board our vehicle and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, we are at leisure for exploring the city, before concluding our trip with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants. 

Accommodation: Hotel in HCMC