From Hanoi to Saigon: Vietnam Adventure | Authentic Tour – 19 Days

Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh city
Visit: Hanoi – Sapa – Bac Ha – Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay – Hoi An – My Son – Hue – Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh – Long Xuyen – Chau Doc
Duration: 19 Days
Travel style: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
Category: Private tour
Tour schedule: Daily departure
Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano

Day 1,Hanoi35km – 0.75h
Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter
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

Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley – only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced … Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market – the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food – Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.
Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Hanoi Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
7 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
https://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn

Day 2,Hanoi
Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town
9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage “stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Next stop at the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours.

In the afternoon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

Finally enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

Come back to hotel. End of the day

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Hanoi Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
7 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
https://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn

Day 3,Hanoi – Sapa320km – 6h
From Hanoi to Sapa, visiting the silver waterfall, highest mountain Tram Ton pass & New route to Sin Chai village of Black H’mong
7:30 AM: Get a pick up by tour guide and driver for a journey from Hanoi to Sapa. The drive on new highway offers beautiful views of rural countryside, mountain and Red River.

Arrive in Sapa, enjoy lunch then drive to Tram Ton pass with stunning views of the Fanxipang Mountain and valley. Countinue to the Silver waterfall, which is the biggest one in Sapa. Hike up 200 steps and cross the bridge to get as close as possible to the waterfall, enjoy the views (if the weather permits).

After that, set off the trek to Sin Chai village, which is home of over 60 Black H’mong families. Immerse yourself into the beauty of nature with flowers, vegetables, medicine plant farms and amazing rice terraces. Walk along the path to Sin Chai village and discover the story of the Black H’Mong people who immigrated to these mountains centuries ago. The distinct of cultures, languages and lifestyles that make this group is so fascinating. Visit a primary school and an authentic H’mong house then get a transfer back to the town.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room)
3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
https://www.sapaelegancehotel.com/en-us

Day 4,Sapa – Bac Ha100km – 2h
Trekking in a mountain path from Ban Khoang to Ta Phin villages of Red Dao & H’mong group. Then travelling to Bac Ha
8:00 AM: Travel from Sapa on direction to Silver waterfall. Travel on a less touristic road to the isolated up-hill Ban Khoang village. Today we will take an off the beaten track of 12 km up and downhill on a new trail to explore the primitive culture of the Red Dao who is well-known for the most beautiful attire in Sapa.

After a picnic lunch (or early lunch at a local restaurant) in the village, follow a small hill path, trek through the corn–farm to a rainforest with amazing views of rice terraces, and on season, you may see local people and buffalos work on the field. Stop to visit orchid gardens that supply even the biggest of cities’ demands for the New Year decorations. As you walk towards the Ta Phin village, be greeted as family members by villagers. Explore the unique culture and daily life of the Red Dao people who immigrated to this mountain from China, even have a special traditional herb bath.

Pick up by driver then transfer to Bac Ha. Located at an altitude of 1000m, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La and Tay. Bac Ha region is well known for its weekly, colorful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery. The markets are not only for the exchange of goods but also for the cultural exchange of the ethnic groups for centuries.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L, D
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Huy Trung’s Homestay(Double Room)
Na Quang 3, Bac Ha town, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai , Vietnam

Day 5,Bac Ha – Hanoi320km – 6h
Exploring a typical mountain Bac Ha Maket, back to Hanoi
7:00 AM: Start to explore Bac Ha, it is possible to visit a colorful, ethnic market ( Bac Ha market is on Sunday. Otherwise we can visit Coc Ly market on Tuesday, Can Cau market on Saturday instead). Enjoy the striking atmosphere with so many goods such as vegetables, poultry, horses and buffalos while capturing many minority groups in their best colorful clothing of the week. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, which is a typical Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with corn fields, cassava hills and clay houses, plum gardens adorned by H’Mong women and their colorful dresses will accompany you throughout the trip.

Come back to town for lunch before transfer to Hanoi. Check in hotel around 6:00 PM

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Hanoi Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
7 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
https://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn

Day 6,Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi100km – 2h
Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience
8:00 AM: Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, driving through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta, painted by rice and vegetable fields. After a 1.5 hour drive, you will arrive in Van Long where you will meet a typical 3-generation rural family. Be welcomed to their home with a cup of tea and learn about their idyllic local lifestyles through intimate conversation.

Take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century. Meet Mr Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy an authentic conversation as well as a 20 minute drum show.

Later, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.

End of the day, transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Van Long
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ninh Binh
Leisure: Thung La temple music
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Hanoi Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
7 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
https://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn

Day 7,Hanoi – Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay140km – 2.5h
Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class
9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

12:30: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. Welcome fresh drinks, cold towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay – A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

15:30: We will visit the Dark and Bright Cave – famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Here you will take some photos of the romantic, lyrical local see-sights. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boat and swimming – which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of LanHa Bay. Afterwards, visitors immerse in the emerald green water of LanHa Bay with exciting swimming activities or enjoy mini pool with jacuzzi on Peony Cruise.

17:30: Return to Peony Cruise. Enjoy sunset party on Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning moment of sunset at Lan Ha Bay.

19:30: Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant on Peony Cruise.

21:00: Enjoy the nightlife of the bay from the top deck. Immerse yourself in music, enjoying a glass of cocktail from the bar, watching famous films and relaxing on the cruise. Otherwise, you can fish squid with the sailors or simply relax in the room and watch the bay from the balcony.

Overnight on the cruise.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi – Hai Phong (Got)
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Beach swimming,Squid fishing
Cooking class: Halong (on board)
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Peony Cruise – 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
Website: http://www.peonycruises.com

Day 8,Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay – Hoi An
Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang – Hoi An
6:30-7:30: Breakfast is served at Peony Cruise Cruise restaurant.

8:00: Cruise will arrival Frog Pond area, in here you have kayaking and free to relax in the four-season mini pool on Lan Ha Bay – A silk ribbon made from green mountains, blue seas and diverse fauna and flora.

9:30: Checking out of the room. Then the lunch in the restaurant is ready for you, pay the extra fee (if any) at the reception while traveling to the port. Kindly needed to pay for the costs in charge of the front desk (if any) while traveling to the port.

11:15 – 11:30: Disembark and move back the port.

11h30 – 11h45: You are at Tuan Chau International Marina Station

Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy 2 and a half hour travel back to Hanoi on the new highway No5B crossing the Red River Delta and villages. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai 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.

Landing at Da Nang airport you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby.

On the about 30 – 45 minute driving from the airport to your accommodation, your tour guide will introduce you about the city’s highlights and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture….

Drive along the beautiful coastline to your hotel, check in and relax.

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Flight :VN181 (HAN – DAD)/ 16:30 – 17:50 – Vietnam Airlines – Economy / 06 tickets
Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa(Deluxe Room)
488 Cua Dai road, Hoi An city, Quang Nam , Vietnam
http://www.phuthinhhotels.com

Day 9,Hoi An
Discovering Hoi An rural by cycling and city walking tour
8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel to Hoi An town center. Our first stop is 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. A non-touristic destination makes your visit more enjoyable and enriched by learning Japanese tea-ceremony or making toys from coconut leafs with local expert.

Leisurely walk to 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.

Immersing into the life of town, walk through the town to Quan Thang ancient house – one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family’s daily life.

Next stop is the Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall before embark on the ferry crossing the Thu Bon river 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.

Continue cycling on the trails 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.

From Tra Nhieu, set off on a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. Along the way the landscapes of fishing farms and water palmtrees will accompany you.

Arrive in Cam Thanh, 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, small practice of cooking the dishes: crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, beansprouts…), spring rolls of Hoi An, Tam Huu, grilled fish in banana leaf… Enjoy the dishes that you made.

In the afternoon, embark a small round bamboo sampan basket boat to the water palm trees forest. This is a relaxing moment after hours of biking.

Transfer back to hotel at the end of the day.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Tra Nhieu – Cam Thanh,Cam Thanh
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Hoi An
Leisure: Foot massage
Cooking class: Cam Thanh
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa(Deluxe Room)
488 Cua Dai road, Hoi An city, Quang Nam , Vietnam
http://www.phuthinhhotels.com

Day 10,Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An40km – 1h
Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture.
8:00 AM: Pick up by tour guide and driver from your hotel. Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

Recognized as a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO, the site preserves the 70 ruined architecture works of bricks and stones built between the 7th and 13th century. Your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical and architecture values as you leisurely visit each relic. Tour also enrich with an attending to the traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

After the excursion, travel back to city, free to explore town or leisure on beach.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa(Deluxe Room)
488 Cua Dai road, Hoi An city, Quang Nam , Vietnam
http://www.phuthinhhotels.com

Day 11,Hoi An – Hue125km – 3h
Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel
8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then 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.

Arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch then 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.

Keep your tour 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.

End of the day, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
http://www.rosaleenhotel.com

Day 12,Hue – Ho Chi Minh city
Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang’s tomb, Thuy Bieu village, flying to Ho Chi Minh city.
8:00 AM: 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 afternoon, drive to Khai Dinh King’s tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King’s tomb is distinguished from other emperor’s tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

End of day, transfer to Hue airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Landing at the Tan Son Nhat airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. On the 30-minute driving from the airport to the city center, your tour guide will introduce you about the highlights of the city, and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture….

On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Boat: Sinh – Tien Non
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Hue
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Flight :VN1375 (HUI – SGN)/ 17:15 – 18:45 – Vietnam Airlines – Economy / 06 tickets
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
http://www.elioshotel.vn

Day 13,Ho Chi Minh city
Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine
9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to 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.

Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to 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.

Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, walk to the unmissable city’s famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.

Pick up by car then short drive to have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

Continue visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in city and dedicated to Guan Yin, elements of Taoism, and the folk worship of the “Queen of Heaven”.

Finally visit the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO) where the medicinal herb recipes, magic potions and special antique tools are preserved.

End of the day, drop you back to hotel

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
http://www.elioshotel.vn

Day 14,Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh – Ho Chi Minh city100km – 2.5h
Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple
8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to 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.

Continue to visit one of the most sacred attractions in Vietnam – the Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. On a visit, you can attend the midday mass.

Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to hotel in the afternoon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
http://www.elioshotel.vn

Day 15,Ho Chi Minh city – Long Xuyen200km – 4h
From Saigon to Mekong, travelling to Cai Be, fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda and famous Huynh Thuy Le’s house
8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver for a transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, embark the boat and head across Cai Be floating market, then take an easy walk to a village to discover the beauty of Phu Chau pagoda and life on the village. Continue the boat trip to Tan Phong Island then walk through fruit gardens, meeting locals and enjoy a lunch of local specialties and fruit in the garden.

Disembark and continue the car transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec where we can visit Kien An Cung pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le’s house from the novel by Marguerite Duras ‘L’Amant – the Lover’. Discover the local market in Sa Dec which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Enjoy some free time and stay overnight in Long Xuyen.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Cai Be
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam
http://hoabinhhotel.vn

Day 16,Long Xuyen – Chau Doc100km – 2.5h
Boat trip to floating market, Cu Lao Ong Ho island, Tra Su Reserve, discovering Sam mountain, Xu lady pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau, Tay An temple
Have early breakfast then transfer to the animated and authentic floating market and village in Long Xuyen on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Then take a short walk (or 1 hour biking) on Cu Lao Ong Ho Island.

After that, go back to the car for a transfer to Chau Doc. On arrival, visit Chau Doc Market and enjoy a boat trip to the floating fish village and Cham village. Return to the town for a transfer to Tra Su reserve, an exceptional biodiversity ecosystem with typical cajuput forest. This is also a famous bird park, known for a variety of species.

Return to Chau Doc to discover Sam Mountain (287m) with colorful temples and Pagodas (Xu Lady Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau temple, Tay An pagoda). It’s possible to walk up to the top of mountain or take a motorbike taxi (40 000 VND/pp at your expense) to enjoy the awesome sunset over the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Stay overnight at a hotel in Chau Doc.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Chau Doc,Tra Su,Long Xuyen
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Long Xuyen
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Chau Pho Hotel(Superior Room)
88 Trung Nu Vuong street, Chau Doc city, An Giang , Vietnam
http://chauphohotel.com

Day 17,Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh city250km – 6h
Chau Doc to Saigon / Chau Doc to Phnompenh
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and drive back to Saigon via a ferry from Tan Chau – Hong Ngu – Long An. Stop on the way as you wish for photos.

Optional route: Take a 3-hour motor boat ride to discover Tram Chim National Park (45$ for boat rental at your own expense). Tram Chim is a large, flooded mangrove forest where the flora and fauna are typical of the region. This bird sanctuary is home to several immigrant species, the rarest of which are red head cranes. Arrive in Saigon in the late afternoon.

NOTE: It’s possible to take a high-speed boat (at 7.00 AM) to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
http://www.elioshotel.vn

Day 18,Ho Chi Minh city10km – 0.5h
Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations
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.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of water/pax/day