Non Cycling Tours

Overview

We invite you to discover the depth of Vietnam's beauty on this 18 day journey. Travelling the length of Vietnam will allow you to see the full spectrum of life in Vietnam from farming rice in the rural countryside to vendors selling local delicacies. Hanoi, Saigon and Halong Bay are the justifiable celebrities. Spend a night with a hill tribe family and take light hikes in the area as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Mai Chau Valley on this Northern Vietnam tour. Look just beneath the surface and you’ll discover the authentic Vietnam with beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities, striking coastlines, lush jungles and welcoming locals. 

 

18 days / 17 nights

Private tour, Small group

Theme: Nature/Soft Adventure

Suitable: Travel with friends, Active traveler

Highlights

Be mesmerized by the mixture of history and modernity in the diverse neighborhoods of Hanoi

Explore one of the world’s great natural wonders cruising the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes

Discover the beauty and exotic cultures of Vietnam’s highlands with an overnight visit to Mai Chau.

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An that are sure to delight

Travel deep into the earth while exploring the exceptional Cu Chi Tunnels

Savor the rural delights of the Mekong Delta and discover the lifestyle of inhabitants

Itinerary 

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Meet your tour guide on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel in the city center and check-in.

(Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge.). Rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional: We introduce two one-of-a-kind traditional performances which are found nowhere else than in Vietnam. You can choose one of below options:

- Water Puppet Show where puppets are performed on water stage with folk music, presenting ancient tales, folklores and daily life in Vietnamese countryside.

If you're interested in the shows, please contact our travel consultants to book.

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Welcome to Hanoi - capital city of Vietnam! Pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel in the city center. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour Half day

Half day Hanoi city tour 

Depart from the hotel at 08:30 for a visit to Vietnam’s first university: the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. Continue with a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov) Wrap up the morning with a visit to the picturesque West Lake and its sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism.

You will experience lunch at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant. Free time at leisure for rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

 

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau - Trekking to village

In the morning, pickup at your hotel and head to Mai Chau by van with a short break along the way. Mid day, arrive in Mai Chau, enjoy welcome drink. Then enjoy traditional lunch in village (vegetarian available).

In the afternoon, bicycle ride with your tour guide, see farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit surrounding peaceful villages. Then you will have free time for bicycling, walking, shopping Late afternoon, return to the accommodation. Enjoy the outdoor BBQ party in the garden and watch the Thai’s traditional dance and drink the traditional liquor “ruou can”.

Overnight in the communal stilt house or Valley View Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Communal stilt house or Valley View Bungalow in Mai Chau

Activities: Leave Hanoi for Mai Chau town. In the afternoon, follow tour guide ride bicycle around the villages and meet friendly Thai people.

 

Day 4: Mai Chau – Hanoi

After breakfast, go with local tour guide to visit more remote rural villages Na Meo and Na Mo villages to understand more about their culture and customs. Mid day, back to the home stay for lunch and check-out. Free time for shopping and relaxing.

15:00 – 15:30 Say goodbye to the family to get on the bus to drive back to Hanoi (3.5 ~ 4 hours drive). Arrive in Hanoi, drop you off at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: In the morning, follow tour guide walk to remote rural villages Na Meo and Na Mo villages. In the afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi.

 

Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on cruise

Halong Bay is listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. You will have a night staying in this world famous bay.

After breakfast in Hanoi, depart the capital for the 3hr 30mins drive to Halong Bay. Arrive to Halong City’s jetty (around noon) and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing, on-board activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on the vessel. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations.

Dinner is served on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on board in Halong Bay

Activities: Depart for Halong Bay. Embark on a cruise and set sail into the magical bay. Depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you may visit a beautiful cave, swim or relax on beach, kayak... Overnight on cruise.

 

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi - Overnight train to Dong Hoi

Wake up by the sounds of the sea. After breakfast, cruise will take tourists to explore the most stunning caves in Halong. At around boat starts cruising back to the harbor while brunch is served. We continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Back on shore we will then transfer back to hotel in Ha Noi

Spend leisure time to relax or discover Ha Noi on your own, our tour guide will pick you up then transfer you to the railway station to catch night train to Dong Hoi

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Overnight on Train

Activities: Continue cruising to explore the most stunning caves in Halong and have the brunch on board. Disembark then back to Hanoi. Taking night train to Dong Hoi - Quang Binh

 

Day 7: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave – Paradise Cave – Dong Hoi

Arrive at Dong Hoi Train Station in early morning.

Pick up at the train station and drive heading to Phong Nha with a stop at a local restaurant for breakfast. You will explore impressive caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.

Tour guide will bring you into depths of Vietnamese jungle where the lost world of ancient rock configurations can be found dripping from the ceilings. This is truly a unique chance to enjoy the real wilderness of Vietnam. After 25 minutes on boat, visitors will arrive at Phong Nha Cave, take a couple hours to see the cave. This cave is called as water cave, is famous for its rock formation which has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Paradise cave – the cave was labeled as one of most beautiful caves in the world and is the longest dry cave in Asia. With naturally primitive features, Paradise Cave looks like a landscape painting, making it very attractive to visitors.

After exploring Paradise Cave, drive to hotel in town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi

Day 8: Dong Hoi - Vinh Moc - DMZ - Hue

Tour tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Dong Hoi, drive to Vinh Moc Tunnel approximately 2.5 hours away.

Your guide will recommend stops along the way to see a small church showing the signs of mortar attack in the area and visit former US Bases. You will go through the DMZ, where some of the bloodiest battles were fought during the Vietnam/American War, you will walk cross the Ben Hai River on Hien Luong Bridge that used to demarcate the division between North and South Vietnam (1954-1975). You will visit the museums containing photographs and memorials of the war before taking a fascinating tour of the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Your guide will take you into the tunnels and explore the complex; you will walk past huge bomb craters, amazing fighting trench and even venture into the tunnels and explore the tiny living rooms, food and weapon storage and school that villagers would have survived on.

Ending trip transfer to Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

 

Day 9: Hue Half day City tour

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

The tranquil Hue city was founded in 17th century as a royal city and a capital (before Hanoi replaced it), and now has become one of top destinations in the middle of Vietnam. Our itineraries today start with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhism attraction which is located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River. The pagoda is fascinating because of not only ancient design of the buildings, but also good location at which you could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Perfume River. Leaving the pagoda, we continue our journey today with a visit to the Imperial Citadel.

Being the “house” of Nguyen Royal Family, the last dynasty in Vietnam, the citadel reflects luxurious and prosper lives of the royal family, and allows visitor to explore a part of Vietnam pre-modern history. Even though some buildings were damaged or destructed during some wars, but crucial constructions are still remained and currently being conserved at good condition. We will spend most of the time around the citadel, with visit to front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the Museums of Royal Antiquities. Time for the buildings is finished, and now is time for interaction with the local people.

Our next and last stop will be Dong Ba market, the largest traditional trading place in not only Hue City, but also the adjacent provinces. Walking through kiosks, you will have chance to understand daily business of local sellers, their way of doing business, as well as purchase some interesting souvenirs before we drive you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Activities: Explore Tombs and pagodas lie everywhere in and around Hue. The city has preserved its cultural heritage including music, the arts and many other traditions and is probably the best place in Vietnam to get a sense of the past and imperial court life.

 

Day 10: Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Road transfer

Pick up at hotel in Hue, then transfer to hotel in Hoi An via Cloudy Pass. Land transportation by shuttle bus or private car will be used, with stop at some spots on the way for sightseeing and photoshoot (admission fee is not included).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 11: My Son Half day

In the morning, pick up at your hotel in Hoi An. Drive to My Son Sanctuary, a collection of Champa ruins nestled amongst the mountains in a geological basin of the Quang Nam province (45km west of Hoi An town). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, My Son is the cultural highlight of central Vietnam and well worth the hour's drive from town.

Follow tour guide exploring the groups of temples, you will learn more about history of the Champa Kingdom. On the way back, stop to visit to the Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum in Tra Kieu. Around noon, return to your hotel.

Free in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

Day 12: Hoi An - Free day

Optional: We introduce some ways to explore the beauty of Hoi An.

You can choose one of below options:

Option 1:Life as a farmer in Cam Thanh village: Join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land. Get to know the villagers’ daily working routines, like raking the ground, sowing, watering and picking greens and many more gardening activities.

Price from $ US70/ person

Option 2:Hoi An vespa Tour

Price from $ US80/ person

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

 

 

Day 13: Hoi An – Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the Da Nang airport to take a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our driver will wait and transfer you to the hotel in the center of city.

Check-in hotel and free at leisure to relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities: Transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Hanoi.

 

Day 14: Half day City tour

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

Enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Sightseeing examples of French colonial architecture and exploring the Vietnam’s turbulent in past at the Museum. Our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Afterward, we visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Our last stop would be at a local Market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Discover local life and culture. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city in here.

Return your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Free time in the rest of day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Activities: gain an insight into the city’s development through a city tour to the most significant landmarks.

 

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta - Can Tho

Escape the city for a tour of the Mekong delta, where you'll see what life is like beyond the urban centre of the south. An incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta's prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road. Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, still untouched by tourism. Board on boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms. Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Activities: Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong delta explore tour begins with a short drive south, leaving the city behind and entering the rural landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Passing motorbikes piled high with goods, large water buffalos working in the fields and school children cycling to school, you will be entertained by the endlessly entertaining scenery.

 

Day 16: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh

After Breakfast at hotel, take a motor boat to visit Cai Rang – the most fascinating floating market where we can see all trading activities on Mekong river. Do you mind to taste a bowl of “ hu tieu”- traditional rice noodle of Mekong delta person or try a small piece of durian which is the most addicted fruit to local people? A short stop to visit rice husking mill and walk around the village. See the beautiful scenery and daily activities of the locals.

Disembark at Ninh Kieu and transfer back to HCMC after lunch in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Activities: Early wake up with a “should not be missed” floating market in Can Tho. Travel along the Mekong and the natural network of canals by motor boat and sampan under the shadows of water coconut trees. Taste seasonal fruits right from the orchard, meet friendly locals, and visit the region’s lively floating markets. After lunch, back to Ho Chi Minh.

 

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - Free

Formerly known as Saigon, todays Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River.

Optional: We introduce some ways to explore the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City.

You can choose one of below options:

Option 1:Dinner Cruise on Sagon River: Spend romantic evening time to enjoy a special dinner on boat while the cruise setting sail on the Saigon River. Traditional music and dance performance is a worth-to-wait part of the night making everything even more memorable. Relax yourself among the amazingly beautiful views and scenery of Saigon nightlife.

Price from $ US33/ person

Option 2:Cu Chi tunnels and cooking class full day: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels - have a unique experience about underground life during the war time. Visit Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, work in the garden like a real farmer, pick organic ingredients from the garden for your cooking class. Hand on cooking class, enjoy great healthy cooking tips and leave with nice certificate, recipes, souvenirs

Price from $ US74/ person

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

 

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh Departure

After breakfast, free until transferring to the airport for boarding home sweet home or next destination.

End of your.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA

Activities: Transfer to the airport for boarding home sweet home or next destination.

 

Important Notes:

PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

In case of unpredictable bad conditions of weather in Halong Bay, please kindly understand that the cancellation will be made ONLY by the Management Board of Halong Bay and normally the announcement will be informed in short notice.

Price & Inclusion

01 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2022	Small Group	Private Tour
Economy 2* Hanoi: La Suite Hotel & Spa Mai Chau: Homestay Halong Bay:Oriental Sails - Deluxe Cabin Hoi An: Hoi An Venus Hotel Hue: Than Thien Hotel Ho Chi Minh City: Thien Hai Hotel Can Tho: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel	US $1246	US $1497
Superior 3* Hanoi: Angel Palace hotel Mai Chau: Bungalow in Mai Chau Halong Bay: Swan cruise Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hue: Serene Palace Hue Ho Chi Minh City: Park View Hotel Saigon Can Tho: Saigon Can Tho Hotel	US $1374	US $1632
First Class 4* Hanoi:Hanoi:Hanoi Pearl Hotel Mai Chau: Bungalow in Mai Chau Halong Bay: Peony cruise Hoi An: Silk Luxury Hotel & Spa Hue:Eldora hotel  Ho Chi Minh City:Eden Star Saigon Hotel  Can Tho: Muong Thanh Can Tho Hotel	US $1632	US $1899

 

01 Jan 2021 - 30 Apr 2022	Small Group	Private Tour
Economy 2* Hanoi: La Suite Hotel & Spa Mai Chau: Homestay Halong Bay:Oriental Sails  - Deluxe Cabin Hoi An: Hoi An Venus Hotel Hue: Than Thien Hotel Ho Chi Minh City: Thien Hai Hotel Can Tho: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel	US $1283	US $1542
Superior 3* Hanoi: Angel Palace hotel Mai Chau: Bungalow in Mai Chau Halong Bay: Swan cruise Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hue:Serene Palace Hue  Ho Chi Minh City: Park View Hotel Saigon Can Tho: Saigon Can Tho Hotel	US $1415	US $1681
First Class 4* Hanoi:Hanoi Pearl Hotel  Mai Chau: Bungalow in Mai Chau Halong Bay: Peony cruise Hoi An: Silk Luxury Hotel & Spa Hue: Eldora hotel  Ho Chi Minh City: Eden Star Saigon Hotel  Can Tho: Muong Thanh Can Tho Hotel	US $1618	US $1956

Notes:

*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing

Small group tour available (max 10 guests): HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

 

Important Information

 

Meals

17 Breakfast, 8 Lunch, 1 Brunch, 1 Dinner

Transportation

Airplane, Car, Train, Cruise, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights), Communal stilt house or Valley View Bungalow in Mai Chau (1 night), Overnight on board in Halong Bay (1 night), Overnight on Train (1 night), NA (1 night)

Price Includes

Accommodation in TWN/ DBL sharing except overnight at local homestay or on train

All transport and transfer by air conditioned vehicle (including airport pick up & see off), as per itinerary

All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.

Flight ticket Danang - Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight train Hanoi - Dong Hoi (sharing cabin 4 berths with air-condition)

Entrance fees as per itinerary

Meals as indicated in the program

Price Excludes

Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out

Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner in the accommodation.

Transport to or from Vietnam

International or departure taxes

Vietnam Visa or Passport Fees

Travel Insurance while in Vietnam

Tips, laundry and gratuities

Meals not marked on itinerary

Any other personal expense not mentioned

Price Excludes

Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out

Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner in the accommodation.

Transport to or from Vietnam

International or departure taxes

Vietnam Visa or Passport Fees

Travel Insurance while in Vietnam

Tips, laundry and gratuities

Meals not marked on itinerary

Any other personal expense not mentioned

Cancellation by Customer

Cancellation received before 60 days: FREE of charge

Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate

Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate

Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate

Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate

Children Policy

The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults

For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost

04 - 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate

04 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate

04 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate