Vietnam Holiday Package - 16 Days

Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

In the morning, explore the Tran Quoc Buddhism pagoda. It dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty. Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road, crossing West Lake before heading to the Temple of Literature which is best known as the first National University and a World Heritage site.

Continue to the Hoa Lo Prison museum (Hanoi Hilton) which presents Vietnam’s history while the French ruled and the war between Vietnam and the USA.

After lunch, transfer to the French Quarter – a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) the mausoleum, worshipping Ho Chi Minh who got Vietnam Independence back from the French. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the botanical garden to visit the Presidential Palace - Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work.

Continue the trip to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the Pen Tower then cross the Sunlight Bridge to Ngoc Son temple which is located on the Jade islet since the 19th century and is dedicated to Confucian and Taoist philosophers and the national hero Tran Hung Dao.

After that, we will go to the Old Quarter which is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. At last we come to the very historical Long Bien Bridge, enjoy different city views and enjoy the sunset on the Red River. Get back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Pick up from hotel for 15 minutes transfer to train station. You will take an overnight sleeping train to Sapa. The French colonist train style will give you special experience. Arrival in Lao Cai city in early morning.

Arrive in Lao Cai train station in the early morning. Private guide and car will escort you an hour trip up-hill to Sapa. Enjoy the beauty of nature and rice terraces after every turns and meet H’mong, Red Dao people along the way. Have a breakfast at local restaurant before exploring the town.

Leave the luggage at hotel and trek to Lao Chai village. Turn on a small path crossing the rice field to a small hamlet. Have a special visit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and culture.

The next will be Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of river, rice terraces and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.

In the morning, we will start our full day of authentic trekking on a route from the Ta Phin village. This peaceful land was chosen by the Red Dao people when they immigrated to Vietnam from China since the 17th century. Follow a small hill path you can see many orchid gardens that supply even the biggest demands of cities for New Year's decorations. Towards the Ban Khoang village, trek through the corn–farm to the rainforest with amazing views of rice terraces. On season, you may see local people and buffalos working on the field.

Have a picnic lunch on the way (or at a local restaurant in village). Being on an isolated up-hill, the primitive culture of the Red Dao people in Ban Khoang has been preserved. They are not only well-known for the most beautiful attire in Sapa, but also the “No eyebrow” tradition of married woman. Visit some houses and stroll around the village. 

Take a mountain train for 2km with scenic views up to the cable car station. Conquering the peak of Indochina by taking the World’s longestnon-stop three-rope cable car of 6292.5m, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gaze down upon the Hoang Lien Son MountainRange, Muong Hoa Valley and enjoy the magnificent natural landscapes. These breathtaking views and picturesque sceneries appear dramatically and leave unique memorable experiences to all who witness it.

You will then have a break to visit the Buddhist complex. An opportunity to take a 2nd mountain train or hike 500 steps uphill to leave your footprint on the Peak of Indochina, at 3143m high. On the way back, you can enjoy a hot drink at 3000m high café and enjoy the beauty of nature.

In the afternoon, Get pick up by shuttle bus at hotel lobby for a transfer to Hanoi. Arrive to your hotel in Hanoi around 8:00 PM

12:30: Checks in boat with cruise briefing and safety instructions. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Enjoy buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes served while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Islands In the afternoon, visit Tung Sau area, covered by the leaping rocks, cultured pearl fishery. You can wit yourself the process of the jewel, from culturing to harvesting and sculpting. Moreover, you have a chance to do kayaking based on your preference. Enjoy busy space with pearl maker, you can experience the completion of pearl. Visiting the beautiful Titov beach for swimming (if the weather permits), Titov Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance for tourists to relax or passengers can take steps to reach on the top of  Titov island to have a whole panorama view of Halong Bay. Back to the boat and free time while sailing to Luon Bo area, and anchor for overnight.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

18:30: Attend the Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls - traditional Vietnamese food. Then enjoy Happy Hour (Buy one drink-get one free). It is time for chit chat and relaxing. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay. 

Dinner – Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu Dinner

Evening activities include: Leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies and many sort of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Pelican Halong Cruise’s music, playing cards, chess are available, reading magazines in room and dining room. You may also try your luck at squid fishing & fishing from the boat.

06:30: The day starts early onboard with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi also called Tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements.

Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.

Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes to visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the cruise by tender. Check out and settle your bill at reception.

Have a buffet brunch and enjoy the bay scenery while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf.

11h30-12h00: Disembark

Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

the Cantonese Assembly Hall sits right next to the Cau Pagoda, constructed by Cantonese settlers during the 19th century for communication among Chinese residents and worshipping the Thien Hau Holy Mother. On a visit, you can admire the structure as well as the decor, which includes a striking dragon made from pottery.

Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

Hoian center market where is the best place to see the local daily life. Situated on the riverside, the large market is packed with stalls where you easily find a huge variety of food at extremely cheap prices. There is also a great fresh vegetable, meat and fish market which is worth visiting.

Far diffrent from the famous Hoian ancient town or sand beaches, the rural countryside gives you the most authentic experience about life and people here. Cycling through the riverside villages, crossing rice fields and meeting people...

- Gently cycling in Kim Bong carpentering village

- Witness the landscaps from Thu Bon river

- Sampan boat experience

Take a boat to Kim Bong village. On the boat, you will immerse yourselves into the comfortable fresh air and enjoy the idyllic landscapes on both sides of the river.

This village has long been known for its wood carving. At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style. Bike around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products as souvenirs.

Travel to Tra Nhieu village. Immerse into the countryside in the center of Vietnam. The trip will allow some unprecedented meetings for instance, Ms Duoc with the mat weaving, Mr Kha with the bamboo sampan basket making and Mr Huynh Ri with his craftsman shipyard. A countryside landscape of palm and rice fields, buffaloes and farmers in the fields will surround you along the way.

Finally to Cam Thanh village. Along the way the landscapes of fishing farms and water palmtrees will accompany you. Arrive in Cam Thanh and embark a small round bamboo sampan basket boat. Enjoy crab catching in the water palm trees forest. This is a relaxing moment after hours of biking.

After that take a little rest in the house of fisherman (Mr. Phong) enjoy green tea and foot massage with medicinal herbs that planted in the family garden. Then prepare vegetables and herbs from Tra Que village, join in a small practice of cooking the typical dishes: crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, beansprouts…), spring rolls of Hoi An, Tam Huu, grilled fish in banana leaf… Enjoy the dishes you made.

travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

Located in the Center of Vietnam, the poetic Hue city used tube chose as the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. It is also the only city in Vietnam that has been able to preserve its citadel and hundreds of temples and pagodas in original. Since 1993, the Unesco has been recognized the Hue city as a world cultural heritage site.

Transfer to visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

The next is to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.

In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Later, take the boat back to the city.

In the morning, visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. You will also have a chance to visit Ben Duoc memorial temple nearby but far less touristic built in 1993 in memory of the Vietnamese killed at Cu Chi.

the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.

the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.

Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, embark a small private boat for a cruise in a branch of the Mekong River. Experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.

Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.

Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon.  Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.

Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the pier for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning.

Leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden (Option - replace the garden with the nursery field by the river). Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables. Stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which contains the orchid garden where “The Lover” was filmed.

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.