Enchanting Vietnam Journey In 13 Days

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~~$3292~~

$1540

Enchanting Vietnam Journey In 13 Days

13 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Mai Châu District, Sa Pa, Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Đồng Hới, Phong Nha Cave, Tân Hoá, Tú Làn Cave, Ho Chi Minh City

Tour operator:

Realistic Asia

Tour code:

AAA12

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

2-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

From:

$3292

$1540 Operator discount: -$1679 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$73 -53%

NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Adventure is all about the experiences, let's go off the beaten path on this journey to Vietnam. Start Enchanting Vietnam Journey In 13 Days in the charming Hanoi, exploring the city’s labyrinth of backstreets and admire the faded glory of the architecture around the French Quarter on the back of the Vespa bike. Travel out of Hanoi to a rustic, rural region that feels a world away from modern life. Mai Chau is an inspiring combination of stunning scenery and fascinating local culture. At the next stop, we visit the spectacular terraced mountainside of Sapa and Northern Vietnam. Bring your hiking boots and head out into the hills, stopping at minority villages to witness traditional local life first-hand. Then get deep in the misty, vine-clad mountains along the border with Laos lies Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of Vietnam. Discover the breathtaking enormous cave complexes which riddle its towering peaks and explore Hang Va Cave, accessible on all levels as a part of the Son Doong Cave system, reputedly the largest cave in the world. Leaving Quang Binh behind, you’ll fly to Ho Chi Minh for another spot for urban exploration. A restored Army Jeep will take you to get around the bustling street and to the city’s historic landmarks, from the Opera House to the Notre Dame Cathedral. For a full picture of Vietnam’s past, you’ll stop by the War Remnants Museum which offers powerful insight into the Vietnamese War years.

Highlights

Ride on the back of a vintage Vespa bike to explore the hidden gems of Hanoi
Explore the unique culture of the local minorities in Mai Chau
Enjoy the scenic mountainous landscapes in Sapa
Discover the world's most beautiful cave complex Phong Nha Ke Bang
Take a Jeep drive to see the historical landmarks of Ho Chi Minh

Places You'll See

Y Linh Ho

Mai Chau

Sa Pa

Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi

Phong Nha

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 : Hanoi Vespa Tour (B/L)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will explore Hanoi sitting at the back of the vintage Vespa bike. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you for a ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, admiring its famous landmarks such as the Opera House and the train street.

Head toward Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will overview the President’s Place, Parliament House, and other government offices, while your guide tells you the history of Hanoi.

Our next stop will be at Huu Hiep Lake to see the B52 Crash site. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Hanoi, a poignant reminder of recent history. Then ride along calm and beautiful West Lake to see the Monument of John MC Cain and the place where he got shot down.

Later visit a hidden village, located on the island of the Red River. See how locals are farming and living on this island. Your guide will take you to visit a local family so that you can understand better the life of locals here. Then ride through the banana farm enjoying the spectacular view, and visit Kumquat farm. These little trees are a traditional gift for the New Year, symbolizing luck, health, wealth, fertility, and peace.

Have a stop at the local coffee shop where you could try famous egg coffee. Then head back to Old Quarter passing by the Long Bien Bridge. It is a magnificent structure built over a hundred years ago which spans the red river and connects the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and get back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 : Hanoi - Transfer To Mai Chau (B)

Location: Mai Châu District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your trip to Mai Chau. Your private driver will meet you at the hotel and take you on 4 hours trip to Mai Chau. Upon arrival at Mai Chau check-in the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the valley at your own pace. Have a walk around the village and admire the beauty of this place and see the unique culture of the local minorities. Or you could relax in the infinity swimming pool and other resort facilities.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 4 : Mai Chau - Kayaking Trip (B/L)

Location: Mai Châu District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will have a great opportunity to discover Da River ( Black River) and enjoy the scenic landscapes with limestone islets sprinkled all around. Jump on a kayak and explore the true beauty of nature in Northern Vietnam. Visit the fishing village, where you will meet and talk to the local fishermen to know more about their lifestyle. Paddle through islets and explore the fairy pond.
Have lunch with local meals and spend more time kayaking. Later you will be back at your hotel.
Overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 5 : Mai Chau - Transfer To Hanoi (B)

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at your hotel and have some leisure time. Your private driver will meet you at the lobby, and you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6 : Travel From Hanoi To Sapa - Trekking To Cat Cat Village (B/L/D) - Join A Group Tour

Location: Sa Pa, Cat Cat Village

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get up early in the morning and get ready for your adventure to Sapa. We will pick you up from the hotel around 6:0 am and transfer you to Sapa by bus.

Upon arrival in Sapa, your guide will meet you and take you to the hotel to check in and have lunch. After that, we will have a short trek to the gate of Cat Cat village which is home to Black Hmong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. You will see the daily life activities of the locals which are kept the same for centuries. Then trek down to the valley bottom to the waterfall to see an old Hydraulic Power Station built by the French during colonial times. Spend some time making amazing pictures with the waterfall, station, and bridge and taking some rest in this picturesque place before walking uphill to the road. When you reach the road you will be transferred to your hotel for some rest and have dinner.

Overnight in Sapa

The trekking distance is about 3.5 km
Difficulty level - easy

Day 7 : Trek Through The Rice Terraces To Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, And Ta Van - Transfer Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Location: Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for one more day of trekking. We will leave the hotel around 9:30 am and enjoy a nice walk to Y Linh Ho. First start of 6km of walking down to the southeast of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong. Continue a 2km-trekking down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. Lunch with a local family, gives you a worthwhile chance for you to learn about the local house architecture which is full of their daily lifestyles and exclusive custom. Enjoy the landscapes…on the way. The last trek is about 2 km to the bus stop in Tavan then get back to Sapa by jeep or minivan.

14h30-14h45: transfer back to Hanoi by bus

Overnight in Hanoi

Trekking distance is about 12 km

Day 8 : Hanoi - Flight To Dong Hoi (B)

Location: Đồng Hới

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Relish the remaining moment in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Dong Hoi. When you arrive at Dong Hoi airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.
Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Day 9 : Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Ken Cave - Tu Lan Campsite (B) - Group Tour

Location: Phong Nha Cave, Tân Hoá, Tú Làn Cave

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Have breakfast and check out of the hotel. TBetween 07:30 to 08:00, the guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha town and take the group to the Oxalis office in Tan Hoa Village, which is 70km from Phong Nha. At the office, the guide will give you a short briefing about the trekking itinerary and safety regulations; pack your bag, sign the Release Form and receive essential safety equipment (The transportation cost to Tan Hoa is included in the price of Tu Lan 2 days 1 night trip).

The group will hike around 2.5km through corn and peanut fields to reach the Rao Nan River bank. From there, you will need to cross the river and climb over a small hill (around 50 m) which is rocky in places. Continuing down the other side the group will reach the flat Hung Ton Valley. After crossing the valley, the group will rest and enjoy lunch at the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. After lunch the trek is a bit more challenging with some steep hills leading to the Tu Lan Valley campsite by the waterfall.

Afternoon activities include swimming and exploring Ken Cave, which is located close to the campsite. Then return to the campsite and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared for you by the chefs. As you immerse yourself in the peaceful natural scenery of mountains and forests as well as the sound of the waterfall, you will feel calm and have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 10 : Tu Lan Cave - Kim Cave - Hung Ton Cave - Tan Hoa (B) - Group Tour

Location: Tú Làn Cave, Tân Hoá

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The next day, you will trek, explore and swim through Hang Tu Lan and Hang Kim to reach To Mo Valley, two spectacular caves. You will have lunch at To Mo campsite before swimming into Hung Ton Cave, at the side of the waterfall. Inside the cave, the group will have to climb up a 10m high ladder with safety harnesses. A short hike leads to the cave entrance. In front of the cave entrance is the beautiful scene of the Hung Ton Valley, a great spot for beautiful photos. From there the group will return to Oxalis Tan Hoa office along the Hung Ton Valley, crossing the Rao Nan River and the peanut corn fields one last time. At Oxalis Tan Hoa office, everyone can relax, take a shower, enjoy a drink and say goodbye to your team before getting on the car back to Phong Nha town.

The group goes back to Phong Nha and the Tu Lan Cave Encounter tour ends at about 18:00.

Please note that: Due to the weather and to give the Tu Lan cave system a rest time to balance the ecosystem, the Tu Lan cave trekking tour only operates from November to the end of September every year.

Transfer back to Phong Nha Lake House.

Day 11 : Explore Tan Hoa Village And Atv Tour - Phong Nha - Fly To Ho Chi Minh (B) Flight Included

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early in the morning, waking up from your Rural Homestay, there will be a peaceful review of the lives of the villagers, guests can explore Tan Hoa village and enjoy the sunrise over the Tan Hoa paddy fields or corn fields by biking around the village. You can also enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge Restaurant.

Adventure enthusiasts can also join the ATV - Squat bike off-road tour to explore Lim forest and Kong's home, for two hours. This is a sporty driving tourism activity that takes you up hills, across streams, and through the beautiful Lim forest and Kong’s tunnel.

Homestay check-out time is 12:00 PM. There will be a shuttle service from Tan Hoa to Phong Nha after the Tu Lan Cave Encounter tour. You can consider visiting other sightseeing and exploring destinations in Phong Nha, such as Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Blue Diamond Camp, Mooc Spring, or Chay River-Dark Cave.

Your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 12 : Explore The Vibrant Ho Chi Minh By Jeep Car (B) - Private Tour

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will explore the most remarkable places of Ho Chi Minh city in military-style by Jeep.
Have breakfast at your hotel before your guide and driver pick you up to begin your Jeep adventure. Drive through Saigon streets towards the Independence Palace/ the Reunification Palace. The palace is a symbolic destination of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when the North Vietnamese Army tank number 843 crashed through the gates of what was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
Next, you will admire the Museum of American War Crimes/ the War Remnants Museum is the most popular museum in Ho Chi Minh City. It gathers a collection of the machinery, weapons, photos, and documentation of Vietnam’s wars.
After the Museum, you will see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, which are the best highlights of old Saigon architecture and are located next to each other right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
And then, Jeep will take you for a drive along famous roads in Saigon as Dong Khoi Street, and Nguyen Hue Street, and head to Ben Thanh Market, a lively market in District 1, where your guide can help you barter for goods. And then, Jeep goes to Bui Vien Street and back to your hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13 : Time To Say Goodbye - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Trip Ends.

What's Included

Accommodation

Single/Twin/double/triple room with breakfast included
Fully Guided

Experienced English speaking guide French/German/Spanish/Russian/Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied
Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Limousine bus from Hanoi to Sapa and from Sapa to Hanoi - Air-conditioned bus or private cars for the excursions
Meals

As per the tour program: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D= Dinner
Flights

Domestic flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi (included 20kg luggage per person ) Domestic flight from Dong Hoi to Ho Chi Minh City ( included 20 kg luggage per person) No international or other internal flights are included in the tour price
Other included

– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary – Tissues and water on coach – Service charges and government tax – 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

What's Not Included

International flights and departure taxes
Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned)
Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday) if applicable
Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet)
Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am
Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person)
Services not mentioned above
Insurance

Mode of Transport

- Private car
- Jeep car
- Plane

Accommodation

3-stars hotels:

Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar
Mai Chau: Mai Chau Hideaway or similar
Sapa: The View Sapa Hotel or similar
Dong Hoi: Phong Nha Lake House or similar
Hang Va Cave: Camping
Ho Chi Minh City: Prague Hotel or similar

4-stars hotels:

Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Mai Chau: Mai Chau Hideaway or similar
Sapa: Amazing Hotel Sapa or similar
Dong Hoi: Phong Nha Lake House or similar
Hang Va Cave: Camping
Ho Chi Minh City: Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa or similar

5-stars hotels:

Hanoi: The Oriental Jade Hotel and Spa or similar
Mai Chau: Mai Chau Hideaway or similar
Dong Hoi: Phong Nha Lake House or similar
Sapa: Silk Path Grand Resort and Spa or similar
Hang Va Cave: Camping
Ho Chi Minh City: The Myst Hotel or similar
Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program)

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

Yes, during group tour days you can meet people from other countries.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

This tour requires good fitness as it involves trekking, kayaking, and caving.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Yes, the visa is not included in this tour but you can easily apply for it. If you are a UK citizen you do not need to arrange a visa to Vietnam. The rest can apply for visas online on the immigration portal, it will cost 25 USD per person.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

During this tour you will have free evenings to explore the places you visit, also the dates with flights do not have other activities to give you some time to rest after the travel and explore the destination on your own.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Yes, the luggage limit depends on the airline's policy, the limit is 20 kg per person.

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We have various options of hotels for this trip. The standard price includes 3-star accommodations, but it can be upgraded to 4 and 5 stars with the surcharge.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, the solo traveler will need to pay for the single supplement. You can find the rates for solo travelers in the tour details, or ask the travel advisor.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, children are permitted, please note due to our children's policy, kids up to 12 years old are charged 85% of the tour price, after 12 years old they are considered as adults. Are flights included in this tour?
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, once you book the tour, we will send you the confirmation voucher with all the trip details you will need. The final package of documents including the domestic flight tickets will be sent 2-4 weeks before the trip.
What currencies are required for this tour?

In Vietnam you will need to use Vietnamese Dongs, the rate is approximately 1 USD = 24000 VND, or 1 GBP = 30000 VND, you can exchange it in the banks or money exchange counters.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

No, we will not provide an escort for this tour, but you will have a personal travel advisor who will be in touch with you all the time during the tour to coordinate everything and make sure you are safe and happy.
What is the maximum group size?

This package combines private and group tours and private transfers. The group tours you will take part in are generally no more than 15 people.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can. Please contact our travel advisors and they will be happy to arrange it for you.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, all local guides speak English. We also can arrange Spanish/German/French/Chinese/Russian speaking guides, but the surcharge will apply and be available only for private tours.
What is the tipping policy?

The tips are not compulsory but welcome. Generally, the tip amount is 5 USD per person per day tour (for both guide and driver).
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, all transports on this tour have air conditioners.
Are flights included in this tour?

The international flights are not included in this tour, the in-tour domestic flights are included.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the airport transfers are included, please provide us with your flight details before arrival to arrange it accordingly.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees during excursions are included.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Yes, all accommodations have free wi-fi on this tour.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

After you book the tour you will receive the confirmation voucher with your trip details. 15 days before the trip we will send you the flight/train tickets (if any), visa approval letter (if necessary) and some useful information about the places you visit and your trip.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

If you are travelling solo, you will need to pay the surcharge. Sometimes we could arrange solo travellers share the room if there will be some people of the same gender looking for a travel partner for your dates and tour.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It will depend on the availability of the services and seats in the group (if it is a group tour), you can discuss it with our team, and they will check the possibility.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

We contribute part of the profit from some day trips to support the local community. Our main sustainable project is Ba Vi Eco Tour which has been designed by us to give the real insight to the Vietnamese traditional life and to support the people who live there.
Any policies are in place for children?

The rate for children applicable for child sharing a room or cabin with two adults: - For infant (<02 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost. - 02 – 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.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You will need to contact our team as soon as possible and they will check the possibility
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

If you take part in a group tour you might travel with
How long has the tour company been trading?

We are operating since 2010
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

If your trip is cancelled by us due to Covid-19 situation and restrictions on entering the country, we will give you the full credit for the next trip
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes, all accommodations in the tour meet local health and safety regulations.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Jessica Schnapp

worthy trip

11-Oct-2023

Thanks for your assistance during our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty and Vietnam cuisine. Everything was perfectly organized and well-balanced. The hotels and transport were comfortable, and the places we visited were away from mass tourism. Will recommend Realistic Asia to everyone.

Schofield Terrell Germany

Nice people

18-Oct-2023

It was an unforgettable trip for me. I have been to Vietnam a few times, but this was the first time when I visited the mountains. I loved walking along the Sapa valley, it was very beautiful, and the scenery was impressive. The hike on the third day was a bit tiring, but it was the most impressive one. I like Vietnamese food a lot. Thank you, Realistic Asia, and especially Lucy, for arranging such a wonderful trip!

Laura Bowtell UK

Beautiful countries

22-Dec-2023

The holiday of a lifetime! Our adventure in Vietnam is without any doubt our favorite trip. There were some challenging activities, but incredibly caring guides made it comfortable. The trekking to the caves I will remember for the rest of my life, it was a really special experience. The hotels at each location were exceptional, and the sceneries we saw were stunning. I highly recommend all adventure lovers taling this trip!

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