From Saigon to Hanoi: Vietnam Discovery | Family Package Tour – 14 Days

Start/End: Ho Chi Minh city/Hanoi
Visit: Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh – Cai Be – Can Tho – Hoi An – Danang – Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long bay
Duration: 14 Days
Travel style: Most popular
Category: Private tour
Tour schedule: Daily Departure
Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano

Day 1,Ho Chi Minh city
Ho Chi Minh City arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel
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
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 2,Ho Chi Minh city
Saigon City full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market
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.

Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to 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.

End of the day, visit 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.

Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax

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 3,Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh – Ho Chi Minh city
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 tour, get transfer 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 drive back to city center. End of the day.

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 4,Ho Chi Minh city – Cai Be – Can Tho175km – 4h
From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking, overnight in Mekong Delta
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.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Cai Be
Private transportation
Bike: Cai Be
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Holiday 2 Hotel(Deluxe Room )
79 Pham Ngoc Thach, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city, Vietnam
https://hotelholiday2.com.vn

Day 5,Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh city175km – 4h
Visiting famous Cai Rang market, fruit garden tour, Binh Thuy ancient house
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.

Transfer back to Saigon.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Cai Rang
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 6,Ho Chi Minh city – Hoi An
From Saigon to Danang by flight. Transferring to Hoi An, free and easy
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.

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.

Rest of the day, you are free & easy on tropical beach or just spend time for family.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Flight :VN116 (SGN – DAD)/ 9:30 – 10:50 – 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 7,Hoi An
Enjoying Hoi An family tour
9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hoi An ancient town. On arrival, visit 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.

Have a short waking 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.

Continue 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.

Follow itinerary to Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

Have a break for lunch then go for an exciting Lantern making class. You tour guide will introduce about the history and development of lanterns which with uncountable numbers have been lighted on every night at everywhere you can go in the town. Choose your style then start to make up your lantern by assistance from step to step. It must be unforgettable memory in Hoi An, you also have chance to buy other lanterns to bring home.

Continue with leisurely walk to the pier for boat trip to Thanh Ha village, located 2km from the town. The village is known for its pottery restoration activities and we can view the village’s pottery in the ancient house in the town. There are still 23 families who have done pottery as their main job since the 16th century. After the visit to Thanh Ha, we will discover the village’s private porcelain museum.

Making some pottery is available and end of tour get pick up by driver, transfer back to your hotel.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Kim Bong
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 8,Hoi An – Danang – Hoi An50km – 1.5h
Exploring the world’s impressive cable car, French colonist style complex, Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park
8:00 AM: Start from your hotel to have a full day visit to Ba Na hill complex. Located at 1478m high above the sea level and 25 km to the west of Da Nang, Ba Na Hill has a year round cool climate which makes it an ideal resort since French colonist time. On arrival, take 20 minutes of the world’s impressive cable car in order to reach the peak of Ba Na hill and observe the beautiful scenery.

Arrive at the station, take a visit to pagoda with giant Buddha statue, green gardens of multiple kinds of flora and flower interleaved by French architecture buildings and wine storages. Leisurely walk on the World’s top ten impressive architecture bridges – Golden Bridge. Immerse into the stunning views of national park, waterfall, ocean and city in remote distance which can hardly found in other regions.

Enjoy the entertainments in Fantasy Park – the third biggest indoor games zone in Vietnam with series of interesting games before getting transfer back to city.

On the way back to Hoi An visit Marble Mountain which is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Da Nang. It resembles five fingers rising out of the ground and named after the basic elements of the universe: water, wood, metal, fire and earth. The tour consists of exploring the mysterious Tang Chon, Huyen Khong and Am Phu caves with pagodas and temples inside, hiking up the very scenic viewpoint where the Emperors of Nguyen dynasty often prioritized for visiting.

Stroll around the Non Nuoc village that located at the base of the mountain specialize in marble sculpture, admire amazing products of the creativity and skillful hands. Take your time to collect your favor souvenirs.

End of the day at your hotel.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Cable car: Ba Na Hills
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 9,Hoi An – Hanoi
Hoi An free & easy, flying to Hanoi capital
Set a free & easy day. You can be lazy on the beach with family and friends or leisurely walk around the old town, find yourself a gift from this beautiful town or create your own journey …

In the afternoon, take flight to Hanoi capital.

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

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Flight :VN176 (DAD – HAN)/ 14:30 – 15:50 – Vietnam Airlines – Economy / 06 tickets
Hanoi Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
7 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
https://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn

Day 10,Hanoi
Visiting and making pottery in Bat Trang village, next to Temple of literature, driving through French quarter, water puppet show
8:30 AM: pick up from your hotel to Bat Trang Village, located on the bank of the Red River 20km from the Hanoi center. Bat Trang is one of the most famous traditional craft villages in the country, specializing in porcelain crafts. Built over 700 years ago, Bat Trangs’ name has a Chinese origin meaning “a large field where the bowls are made”. Bat means bowl and Trang means a specialized area.

On arrival, we will visit the communal house dedicated to the man who created the porcelain craft village. Make a special visit to a family factory. Your tour guide will explain the processes of making ceramic products and you might have a chance to work with the craftsmen. Stroll around to explore village, visit some traditional ceramic ovens and have a look beautiful products in the shops. Enjoy time for shopping souvenirs.

Travel back to city center, have a break for lunch (by your own account) before visit 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.

Continue by driving through French quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace to the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter 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. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.

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 your hotel.

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 11,Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi100km – 2h
A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Bich Dong
8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

Keep your tour to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfer to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

Drive back to Hanoi around 6:00 PM

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Tam Coc
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 12,Hanoi – Bai Tu Long bay160km – 3h
Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat
8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

12:45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staffs. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin

13:30: Enjoying delicious Vietnamese dishes for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island- the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing

17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. In addition, cooking class is also organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine by yourself.

19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.

20:30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.

If you want to join in karaoke activity, please inform our tour guide to be supported

Overnight on board on Bai Tu Long bay

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi – Hon Gai
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Beach swimming
Cooking class: Halong (on board)
02 bottles of water/pax/day
Swan Cruise – 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
Website: http://swancruiseshalong.com

Day 13,Bai Tu Long bay – Hanoi160km – 3h
Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi
06:30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi

07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available

08:00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature

09:30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.

Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

10:30: Join in and show your creativity in fruit carving activity

11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

12:00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier

Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
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 14,Hanoi35km – 0.75h
Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations
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.

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