Within 1 week in Vietnam, you will have various options for your travel plan. You can go the northern of Vietnam with an amazing adventure of the Indochina Rooftop in Sapa or go on a southern region with cannals system in Mekong delta. Of course, each region above we can includes stops at coastal cities like Hoi An and Hue, or choose an off-the-beaten-path adventure to river caves, national parks, and country villages. The below itineraries cover all these options and more. Just see and let me know what you like the best and then our sales team will come and offer the full packages to you. Let’s find out!
1 week in Vietnam – 05 ideas for your choice
Within 1 week in Vietnam, you will have various option for your travel plan. You can go the northern of Vietnam with an amazing adventure of the Indochina Rooftop in Sapa or go on a southern region with cannals system in Mekong delta. Of course, each region above we can includes stops at coastal cities like Hoi An and Hue, or choose an off-the-beaten-path adventure to river caves, national parks, and country villages. The below itineraries cover all these options and more. Just see and let me know what you like the best and then our sales team will come and offer the full packages to you. Let’s find out!
Itinerary #1: Best of Northern Vietnam in 1 week
This weeklong tour that will take you from the French-colonial capital of Hanoi to the terraced rice paddies of Sapa and finally to the emerald waters of Hạ Long Bay.
Breift Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Tour Hanoi and Take the Train to Lào Cai
Day 3: Explore Sapa and Sa Seng
Day 4: Hike to Country Villages
Day 5: Drive from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay
Day 6: Tour Hạ Long Bay
Day 7: Depart Hanoi
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (Dinner)
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! As one of the world's oldest capital cities, Hanoi dates all the way back to 200 BCE. It's a dynamic mix of the old and the new, as here you'll find 1,000-year temples sitting next to French colonial homes as well as modern shopping complexes. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up in the city. Then you can see this unique architecture for yourself as you explore the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by foot or on a traditional three-wheeled cyclo.
Day 2: Tour Hanoi and Take the Train to Lào Cai (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Put on your walking shoes, because at 8 am a guide will pick you up for a full-day tour of Hanoi. First, you'll visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Dating to the Ly Nam De Dynasty of the sixth century, this is the oldest Buddhist shrine in Hanoi. Then you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the embalmed body of revolutionary leader "Uncle Ho," who died in 1969. Continue to the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that is regarded as the most unique pagoda in Asia due to its lotus-flower design perched on a stone pillar rising out of a pond.
After lunch, you'll head over to the 11th-century Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first-ever national university. Even today students pray at its altars for academic success. Next up is the Museum of Ethnology, which preserves the cultural heritage of the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Finish the tour with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison Museum. It was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina as a jail for political prisoners, then later by North Vietnam to detain US POWs during the American War. During this later period, it was known as the "Hanoi Hilton."
Have dinner before taking a night train to Sapa.
FYI: By train, the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai (the nearest railway station 35 kilometres or 22 miles from Sapa) takes 8 hours. From Lao Cai Train Station, it takes an additional 65 minutes to reach Sapa town by road.
There are currently two trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi every night, the SP1 and SP3. SP1 departs Hanoi at 9.35pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 5.30am the next morning/ SP3 departs Hanoi at 10pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 6am the next morning. Generally, it can be divided into three types of cabins: 4-berth cabin, 6-berth cabin and soft-seat cabin. Tourist trains also run VIP cabin where the upper berths are removed, allowing for more space and privacy for just 2 people.
Day 3: Explore Sapa with Love Waterfall - Fansipan Mountain by Cable car (Breakfast, Lunch)
Arrive Lao Cai you will meet your local tour guide then drive uphill to Sa Pa. Check in to your hotel and enjoy breakfast.
In the morning, A 40-minute drive takes you to Tram Ton Pass at the height of 2047 meters above sea level (the highest pass in Vietnam) where great views are offered of the surrounding mountains and lush forests of the Hoang Lien National Park. From there you will trek 30 minutes through forest. Along the way you have many chances to see wild flowers. Trekking along the stream you will arrive the Love Waterfall. It is the best place for relax in Sa Pa then return Tram Ton and drive back to Sa Pa. have lunch at the local restaurant
Then, You will take a car from Sa Pa toisit Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains. It normally takes people one or two days to reach the peak of Fansipan mountain on foot. However, you will take The three-rope cable car system which carry you from the bottom to the highest point of the mountain in 15-20 minutes. Fansipan cable car is kind of a modern three-wire cable in the world, the first time presence in Asia. Distance from the Muong Hoa Valley to the peak is 6,2km long, a total of 35 cabins, passing 6 main pillars, each pillar is away from each other 1 km.
From there, you can enjoy the scenery and magnificent views to Sapa and can admire views of Muong Hoa valley and Hoang Lien National Forest from above. also beautiful landscape of Lai Chau province. Then, you will be transferred back to Sapa. Overnight at hotel in town.
Day 4: Hike to Country Villages: Muong Hoa Valley – Ta Phin village – Herbal bath (Breakfast, Lunch)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel then start to visit Muong Hoa valley.
A short journey of 20 minutes by car takes you to Muong Hoa valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in northwest Viet Nam. Descending into the valley by foot you will see the largest terraced rice paddy in the Sa Pa area (If you visit the valley between May and October, there is a chance to experience and observe how the locals plant and harvest rice). The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of the Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of the Zay minority, providing the opportunity to see the different traditions and costumes of the two ethnic minority groups. Return to Sa Pa by car. Have lunch at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon, Travel by car to Ta Phin where you can meet Red Dao people (the most colorfull people in Sapa). You will walk around Ta Phin village where 2 ethnic groups, Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, live their own way with no cultural mixture. Experience how different they are in many ways by visiting their house and interact with the locals. In the afternoon, take your time for a herbal bath. Red Dao people will boil a collection of fresh and dried plants and bark in a water filled giant wok, over a charcoal fire. Then this water will be transferred to a wooden barrel tub and ready for you to come and soak your bones in the Dao traditional bath and wash away your aches, pains, worries and woes all at once in the privacy of a separate bathhouse. Afterward we will be picked up again by our private awaiting van and transferred back to Hanoi by limousine van. Arrive in Hanoi at late evening, check in hotel for overnight.
Day 5: Drive from Hanoi to Hạ Long Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, your personal driver will take you on a 2.5-hour ride east to Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature ("ha long" actually translates to "descending dragon"). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon arrival at the marina, you'll board a ship for an overnight cruise to adjacent Lan Ha Bay.
After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck where a delicious buffet lunch awaits. Then enjoy some optional activities like soaking in a jacuzzi, going for a kayak ride, or playing a round of mini-golf. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck with snacks and drinks until it's time to watch the sunset over the emerald waters. After a gourmet dinner, finish the evening with cigars and a game of poker or head out on the water to do some night squid fishing.
Day 6: Tour Hạ Long Bay – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Wake up early and get the blood pumping with a tai chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, the ship will cruise to the Dark and Light Cave. You'll then board a traditional bamboo boat and enter this system of two sea caverns. The "dark" cave stretches over 328 feet (100 m) and you'll explore the interior with a flashlight. The "light" cave is shorter and is filled with natural light, illuminating the white limestone karst walls and emerald waters of the grotto. Its cathedral-like interior is a great place to snap photos.
Afterward, return to the ship for brunch and head back to the pier. From there, you'll hop in a vehicle for the ride back to Hanoi.
Let’s explore Hanoi by your own way!
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7: Depart Hanoi (Breakfast)
Our 365Aplus Travel’s driver greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.
Itinerary #2: North & Central Vietnam
This seven-day highlights of the previous northern itinerary and a visit to the historic river city of Hội An in the country's center.
Breift Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Explore Hanoi City and Take a Street Food Tour
Day 3: Discover the magic Halong Bay
Day 4: Visit the cave of Halong & Transfer to Hội An
Day 5: Farming & Fishing Jack Tran Eco Tour
Day 6: Enjoy a Free Day in Hội An
Day 7: End of Trip, Depart Vietnam
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (Dinner)
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! As one of the world's oldest capital cities, Hanoi dates all the way back to 200 BCE. It's a dynamic mix of the old and the new, as here you'll find 1,000-year temples sitting next to French colonial homes as well as modern shopping complexes. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up in the city. Then you can see this unique architecture for yourself as you explore the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by foot or on a traditional three-wheeled cyclo.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi City and Take a Street Food Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Put on your walking shoes, because at 8 am a guide will pick you up for a full-day tour of Hanoi. First, you'll visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Dating to the Ly Nam De Dynasty of the sixth century, this is the oldest Buddhist shrine in Hanoi. Then you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the embalmed body of revolutionary leader "Uncle Ho," who died in 1969. Continue to the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that is regarded as the most unique pagoda in Asia due to its lotus-flower design perched on a stone pillar rising out of a pond.
After lunch, you'll head over to the 11th-century Temple of Literature. Then return to the Old Quarter for a mouth-watering food tour of Hanoi. Start with a trip to Thanh Ha Market, where you'll browse food stalls, try local delicacies, and learn about Vietnamese culinary culture. Head to Dong Xuan Market, famed for its noodle shops, and sample treats such as pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) and bun dau (tofu served in soup with rice noodles and fermented shrimp paste).
Day 3: Discover the magic Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast today, we travel northeast Quang Ninh province to enjoy our time in the tranquil Halong Bay. Arriving at Tuan Chau pier at midday, we are welcome by the crew team then check in a tender which transfers us to the cruise. Checking in the room before we enjoy the first delicious seafood lunch. The cruise takes us deeper into the Bay passing thousands of islands and islets with various shapes of Fighting Cocks, Dogs islets….The cruise also passes and stops at the floating village that is free from busy traffic, electric lights, houses, shops, and buildings…
Our activities this afternoon are kayaking, cooking demonstrations, relaxing or swimming at the beach, or climbing up to the top of the island to catch the panorama of the Bay…. Enjoying dinner and relaxing in the evening on the cruise.
Day 4: Visit the cave of Halong & Transfer to Hội An (Breakfast, Lunch)
Sunrise moment is the best time ever in Halong Bay that should not be missed. Getting up a little early this morning we enjoy the morning view with a cup of tea or coffee then have breakfast. After that, we continue cruising around this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site and exploring some more of the intricate cave systems (Sung Sot cave) that make Halong truly unique. After a delicious lunch, we head back to Hanoi, take a transfer to airport for one -hour flight to Danang.
Upon Danang airport, you are welcome by our 365Aplus Travel English speaking guide and driver with your name signal board. Transfer to hotel in Hoi An ancient town for hotel check-in.
Day 5: Farming & Fishing Jack Tran Eco Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
This morning you will spend your day in a Farming & Fishing Life Tour which provides you with a close-up and intimate exposure to both the local farming and fishing communities. Accompanied by your tour guide, you will start the day cycling slowly along country roads and witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand and where you will have many photo opportunities. Then you will visit a beautiful organic vegetable village, where you will help watering and planting vegetable, hoeing the soil with a local farmer and seeing a water buffalo in a rice paddy field. The photo opportunities are endless. Later you will board our eco-tour boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen and enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also experience paddling the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat along the waterways of coconut palm paradise. This tour provides you with a cultural window into the ways of life of both Vietnamese farming and fishing communities. When the tour finishes, you will be taken back to the hotel where you will have free time at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.
Day 6: Enjoy a Free Day in Hội An (Breakfast)
Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An however you like. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle and ride along the quiet streets (motorized vehicles are banned in the city). Later, perhaps get measured for a custom-made outfit (Hoi An is famous for its expert tailors), or head to one of the city's nearby white-sand beaches. For dinner, try local dishes such as com hen (sauteed clams), nem lui (ground pork), and cao lau (pork and greens).
You should save some time to see the historic landmarks in Hoi An's Ancient Town. There are a number of architectural gems here, like the arched Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You can also browse local markets selling colorful souvenirs and fine silk textiles.
Day 7: End of Trip, Depart Vietnam (Breakfast)
Have breakfast at hotel, enjoy a bit more of Hoi An and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
Itinerary #3: Vietnam South to North
Doesn’t look like these previous itineraries, this Vietnam plan begins in the south, in Ho Chi Minh City, and covers diverse destinations throughout the country before ending up in Hanoi.
Breift Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: See Củ Chi Tunnel & Go on a City Tour
Day 3: Day Trip Along the Mekong Delta
Day 4: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Day 5: Explore the magic Scenery of Hạ Long Bay
Day 6: Marvel at Sunrise Over the Bay & Travel back to Hanoi
Day 7: Depart Hanoi, End of Trip
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Dinner)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy your free time with a visit to the commercial areas of the city, where you can browse the shops and grab an authentic bite to eat. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 2: See Củ Chi Tunnel & Go on a City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll leave Ho Chi Minh in a private car for the short drive north to Củ Chi. This area is home to a massive tunnel network made famous during the Vietnam War as the Viet Cong's base of operations, particularly during the Tết Offensive of 1968.
This 155-mile (250-km) tunnel network once sheltered over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas. First constructed in 1948 to guard against French air and ground sweeps, the tunnels then served as supply routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the American war. Here you'll have the option to go into the tunnels and get a glimpse of the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived here, plus see the innovative booby traps they left for unlucky enemy soldiers.
Later in the afternoon, you'll discover the highlights of this former capital of French Indochina on a tour. Historic sights include the 19th-century Gothic/Renaissance Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in the late 19th century with materials imported from France), and the Opera House, which was built in 1897.
You'll also visit the Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace. This is the former home of the president of South Vietnam, which was taken over when Saigon fell in 1975. You'll end the tour with a visit to the Buddhist Thien Hau Temple and the Ben Thanh Market for some souvenir shopping. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 3: Day Trip Along the Mekong Delta (Breakfast, Lunch)
At 8 am a driver will pick you up from your hotel for a trip outside of Ho Chi Minh City to one of the most famous regions in the country: the Mekong Delta. You'll drive south for about 2.5 hours to the heart of the delta region and the town of Cai Be, which sits on the Mekong River. During the drive, you'll be treated to scenes of traditional countryside life.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, you'll visit its famous floating market. We can walk around this orchard & enjoy some fruits when listening to the traditional music at local garden.
Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time.
Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on a handmade canal to Ut Trinh home & have an optional lunch. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Optional biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses...
Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city. Later, you'll return to the car for the ride back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
In the morning, enjoy a bit more of Ho Chi Minh City and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your 2- hour flight to Hanoi.
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! As one of the world's oldest capital cities, Hanoi dates all the way back to 200 BCE. It's a dynamic mix of the old and the new, as here you'll find 1,000-year temples sitting next to French colonial homes as well as modern shopping complexes. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up in the city. Then you can see this unique architecture for yourself as you explore the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by foot or on a traditional three-wheeled cyclo.
Let’s explore Hanoi by your own way. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 5: Explore the magic Scenery of Hạ Long Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, your personal driver will take you on a 2.5-hour ride east to Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature ("ha long" actually translates to "descending dragon"). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon arrival at the marina, you'll board a ship for an overnight cruise to adjacent Lan Ha Bay.
After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck where a delicious buffet lunch awaits. Then enjoy some optional activities like soaking in a jacuzzi, going for a kayak ride, or playing a round of mini-golf. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck with snacks and drinks until it's time to watch the sunset over the emerald waters. After a gourmet dinner, finish the evening with cigars and a game of poker or head out on the water to do some night squid fishing.
Day 6: Marvel at Sunrise Over the Bay & Travel back to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Wake up early and get the blood pumping with a tai chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, the ship will cruise to the Dark and Light Cave. You'll then board a traditional bamboo boat and enter this system of two sea caverns. The "dark" cave stretches over 328 feet (100 m) and you'll explore the interior with a flashlight. The "light" cave is shorter and is filled with natural light, illuminating the white limestone karst walls and emerald waters of the grotto. Its cathedral-like interior is a great place to snap photos.
Afterward, return to the ship for brunch and head back to the pier. From there, you'll hop in a vehicle for the ride back to Hanoi.
Hanoi is known for its tasty street eats, but knowing what to sample takes insider knowledge. Explore the city's diverse culinary scene, including vegan and vegetarian options, on this local-led foodie tour. Taste an array of regional foods and beverages, learn the little-known historical background of each dish, and see where locals prefer to eat. You’ll also discover the history and architecture of Old Hanoi along the way.
You'll meet with a local guide for a mouth-watering food tour of Hanoi. Start with a trip to Thanh Ha Market, where you'll browse food stalls, try local delicacies, and learn about Vietnamese culinary culture. Head to Dong Xuan Market, famed for its noodle shops, and sample treats such as pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) and bun dau (tofu served in soup with rice noodles and fermented shrimp paste).
Come back hotel with a full stomach!!! Overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Depart Hanoi, End of Trip (Breakfast)
Our 365Aplus Travel’s driver greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures.
Itinerary #4: Off the Beaten Path in Vietnam
This option is much different above, the tour see the country's famous cities and detour to more remote locales, like the massive caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Breift Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi & Cyclo ride and Water puppet show
Day 2: Hanoi Orientation – Fly to Dong Hoi
Day 3: Take a Boat Tour Through Phong Nha Cave & Thien Duong Cave
Day 4: Discover an Underground Village
Day 5: Hue imperial citadel and royal tombs
Day 6: Visit Phuoc Tich and Tam Giang Lagoon
Day 7: Depart Hue, End of Trip
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi & Cyclo ride and Water puppet show (Dinner)
Upon our arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, we are welcomed and picked up by our local tour guide & driver to the arranged hotel in the city center. Check-in and free for relaxing.
Then, we experience 1-hour cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers, and then enjoy the unique Water Puppet show to hear to know Vietnamese traditional instruments and singing from the live musicians who play throughout the show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Orientation – Fly to Dong Hoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Morning tour today we visit Ho Chi Minh Complex including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, we then stop for lunch. After lunch, we keep on going to one of the most interesting museums in Vietnam, the Ethnology museum to see the pictures, objects on a display of 54 ethnic minority people.
Transfer directly to airport for one – hour flight to Dong Hoi, where we will explore a fabulous adventure of Phong Nha cave in next days.
Arrive in Dong Hoi airport, welcome by our local guide and driver & transfer downtown for hotel check-in. Overnight in Dong Hoi.
Day 3: Take a Boat Tour Through Phong Nha Cave & Thien Duong Cave (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we will go to Phong Nha Ke Bang national park to visit Paradise cave.
Paradise cave was discovered by scientists of the British Caving Research Association in 2005, has the length of 31km, the longest dry cave in Asia.
You will be taken by the electrical car from the parking to the foothills of the cave (2km). You will go jungle, see many kind of trees and hear the sound of animals. Expore the cave about 1km on the wood foor and see lot of stalactites with different shapes.
With naturally primitive features Paradise Cave looks like a landscape painting, making it very attractive to visitors. There are a series of white crystal stalactites resembling glass pillars and many other spectacular formations.
At noontime, we have lunch at a restaurant with local specialties from the people here processing then continue the journey to visit the PhongNha Cave.
Visit Phong Nha Cave is considered "First Cave wonders". Take a boat about 5km along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave (river cave).
On Son river, you will see pictures of the girls, the children have fun on the waterfront and have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the neighborhood riverside village bearing the Vietnamese country soul.
Conquering the Phong Nha Cave: The longest wet cave, enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world. Caving Fairy & Imperial admire the beautiful stalactites blocks are created by nature over thousands of millennia.
Return to the boat station where our driver is ready to transfer you back hotel.
Day 4: Discover an Underground Village (Breakfast, Lunch)
Step back into Vietnam’s wartime history without the hassle of organizing transport or a guide with this private tour. Avoid the large tour groups and explore landmarks of the Hue Demilitarized Zone, with your own private guide to tell you the stories behind each stop. Drive to sites like the ruined citadel of Quang Tri, the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Hien Luong Bridge, which marked the border between North and South Vietnam during the war.
Our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel in Hue central, then transfer to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri province. Ready to start the DMZ Tour Hue.
The first stop is Horror Highway: May 1, 1972, will never be forgotten by people in Quang Tri and Thua Thien provinces not because it is International Labor Day, but because of the horrible carnage on Vietnam Highway 1, the Horror Highway. Thousands of civilians, mostly the elders, women, children, and scores of soldiers were killed by artillery and infantry weapons in hours of shooting.
Secondly, we continue to visit Long Hung Church: one of the very few existing buildings remains in Quang Tri town during “Fire Summer” or Eastern Offensive in 1972. It is a National Relic in the town of Quang Tri Vietnam – BA5453.
After then, we visit Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, which is seen as an eye-witness of fierce battles during the anti-American resistance war in 1972. During the 81-day fighting, the citadel was almost destroyed by thousands of tons of bombs released by the US army. Nowadays, the citadel becomes a place to mark immortal victories of the Vietnamese army and people and to educate youths about the nation’s revolutionary tradition and its patriotism.
We keep stopping at Dakrong Bridge: the bridge was considered the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh Trail network, and during many years of Vietnam War, this access point was hotly contested. The Dakrong Bridge fell many times. Now it’s a grand suspension bridge, a proud thumbed nose as if to say, “You can’t knock down my bridge anymore.”
On the way, we may also have chances to meet Paco minority village.
The tour goes on for Ta Con Airport: now the Khe Sanh Combat Base Museum, contains a boneyard of several captured U.S. tanks and aircraft destroyed during the Battle of Khe Sanh. According to the official accounts provided by the museum, 197 U.S. planes were shot down or captured during the 170-day battle.
After the airport, we move to Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River: The Geneva Agreements on Vietnam signed in 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South with the 17th Parallel where the Ben Hai River runs through the central province of Quang Tri as a borderline. Hien Luong Bridge, also knows as the Peace Bridge, was built by the French in 1950, across Ben Hai River. It is 178 m long but it took 21 years for Vietnamese people from the North and the South to be united.
Final stop is Vinh Moc Tunnels and Tunnels Museum: The most highlight part of DMZ Tour during Vietnam War. The complex of Vinh Moc tunnel located deep in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone and sheltered Vinh Linh county people from the intense bombing. The tunnels were a success in saving the villagers’ lives and providing them the necessary living conditions to fight back the American enemy. We return back hotel for overnight.
Day 5: Hue imperial citadel and royal tombs (Breakfast, Lunch)
Have breakfast at hotel. Today, you start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Built in 1804 and located along the Perfume River, the fortress is composed of three parts: the Capital City (Kinh Thanh), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). Although it suffered severe damage during the Vietnam War in 1968, many recent endowments are used to restore and revive this heritage site.Have lunch at local restaurant.
Afterward, you'll embark on a scenic boat ride down the beautiful Perfume River, stopping at the Thien Mu Pagoda, then we visit Khai Dinh royal tomb before rerturning hotel.
Day 6: Visit Phuoc Tich and Tam Giang Lagoon (Breakfast, Lunch)
Our guide and driver meet you at hotel in Hue city and transfer to Tam Giang lagoon.On the road, you will stopover to visit Bao La – Bamboo weaving village located in Quang Dien District along the Bo River. This village is very famous for unique products which are familiar with family daily life made by bamboo such as basketry, basket, chair, light…Nowadays, Ba La village is also well-known with handicraft produce of co-operative of this village.
Arrive the lagoon region, you will have chance to listen local people guide the way how to make the net which will use to catch fish and seafood…Then you make boat trip on the blue water to enjoy the pure fresh atmosphere and learn fishing for more experience under the instruction of the local people. Especially, you will practice by yourselves how to catch fish, how to catch the net into the river…It’s excited activity for you to get more knowledge about the life of fishing man. This is also good change for you to take great photograph with fantastic scenery here.
Have lunch at the restaurant while contemplate the beautiful view of Tam Giang Lagoon.
This afternoon, you will transfer to visit Phuoc Tich Ancient Village where is the home of old garden houses, come cross rice paddy fields. Visit the village you have chance to learn more of the oldest houses 200 – 300 years old known as Nha Ruong built by ironwood with tiled roofs and graceful green fences, enjoy quiet atmosphere in the countryside, walk around the see local people, pottery workshop to learn about the procedure to make pottery products under the instruction of local artisans. Today the production is based on orders only.
Transfer back to Hue in the late afternoon.
Day 7: Depart Hue, End of Trip (Breakfast)
You are free until our driver come and transfer to airport for your homeward or next trip flight.
Itinerary #5: Southern Vietnam City and Beach Holiday
This itinerary is well – balance between sightseeing and relaxing, you'll discover the gems of Vietnam's southern region, from Ho Chi Minh City to the beaches of Phan Thiết.
Breift Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Explore Củ Chi Tunnel & Take a City Tour
Day 3: Discover Mekong Cannals
Day 4: Make the 5-Hour Drive to Paradise Beach
Day 5: Relax on the Beach
Day 6: Relax on the Beach
Day 7: Return to Ho Chi Minh City, Depart
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival (Dinner)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy your free time with a visit to the commercial areas of the city, where you can browse the shops and grab an authentic bite to eat. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 2: Explore Củ Chi Tunnel & Take a City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll leave Ho Chi Minh in a private car for the short drive north to Củ Chi. This area is home to a massive tunnel network made famous during the Vietnam War as the Viet Cong's base of operations, particularly during the Tết Offensive of 1968.
This 155-mile (250-km) tunnel network once sheltered over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas. First constructed in 1948 to guard against French air and ground sweeps, the tunnels then served as supply routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the American war. Here you'll have the option to go into the tunnels and get a glimpse of the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived here, plus see the innovative booby traps they left for unlucky enemy soldiers.
Later in the afternoon, you'll discover the highlights of this former capital of French Indochina on a tour. Historic sights include the 19th-century Gothic/Renaissance Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in the late 19th century with materials imported from France), and the Opera House, which was built in 1897.
You'll also visit the Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace. This is the former home of the president of South Vietnam, which was taken over when Saigon fell in 1975. You'll end the tour with a visit to the Buddhist Thien Hau Temple and the Ben Thanh Market for some souvenir shopping. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 3: Discover Mekong Cannals (Breakfast, Lunch)
the most famous regions in the country: the Mekong Delta. You'll drive south for about 2.5 hours to the heart of the delta region and the town of Cai Be, which sits on the Mekong River. During the drive, you'll be treated to scenes of traditional countryside life. Upon arrival in Cai Be, you'll visit its famous floating market. We can walk around this orchard & enjoy some fruits when listening to the traditional music at local garden. Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time.
Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on a handmade canal to Ut Trinh home & have an optional lunch. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Optional biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses...
Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at Vinh Long city. Later, you'll return to the car for the ride back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Make the 5-Hour Drive to Paradise Beach (Breakfast)
Today we have a 5-hour drive journey to Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, which is a coastal fishing town in the south central Bình Thuan Province of Vietnam. The distance is about 200km from Ho Chi Minh City and it takes 4.5 hours of driving. Mui Ne has beautiful beaches and steady wind conditions that make it a good destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and other water sports. Check in resort.
Day 5: Relax on the Beach (Breakfast)
Today is your leisure, enjoy this beach how you like
- You can experience a sightseeing adventure filled with local daily life from Mui Ne Fishing village, White sand dunes or called white lake, Red sand dunes and Fairy spring through a safari jeep tour.
- Mui Ne sand dunes jeep tour is great and good value, you will have chance to ride an ostridge beside Fairy spring, sand sliding on the white and red sand dunes to get the rest and away from hustling city. Experience driving quad bike rental at the white dunes. There are extra fee for riding the Ostridge and hiring sand boards. Quad Biking was an added $40 for 30 minutes but it was definitely worth it, cruising up and down the sand dunes.
Day 6: Relax on the Beach (Breakfast)
Today is your leisure, enjoy this beach how you like.
Day 7: Return to Ho Chi Minh City, Depart (Breakfast)
In the morning, enjoy a bit more of Ho Chi Minh City and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
