Home Vietnam Classic Tours The Best of Vietnam
The Best of Vietnam

The Best of Vietnam

Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Halong, Hue, Danang, Hoian, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Tre, Can Tho
Price
Contact

Vietnam has been a dream destination of both domestic and foreign tourists thanks to its stunning coastline, numerous natural landscapes and unique culture and history which enchant any tourist for the first time. This 21 day tour is a great introduction to the best of Vietnam with famous attractions stretching from the North to the South. It promises to be a memorable trip in your lifetime.

Highlights:

  • Explore the hidden charm of the Red River Delta with interesting destinations
  • Contemplate the stunning view of Halong Bay on a wooden junk
  • Discover the long- lasting and unique culture and history of the central area
  • Immerse into the turquoise water and white sandy beach of Nha Trang
  • Learn more about the history of Vietnam in wartime through a visit to the stunning Cu Chi Tunnel

Brief itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi arrival

Day 2
Hanoi City tour – Lao Cai (B, L)

Day 3
Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B, L)

Day 4
Bac Ha - Sapa (B, L)

Day 5
Sapa - Lao Cai - Ha Noi (B,L)

Day 6
Hanoi - Duong Lam village - Hanoi (B,L)

Day 7
Hanoi - Tam Coc - Bich Dong (B, L, D)

Day 8
Tam Coc - Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Day 9
Halong - Hanoi (B)

Day 10
Hanoi - Hue (B)

Day 11
Hue Exploration (B,L)

Day 12
Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)

Day 13
Hoi An (B,L)

Day 14
Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)

Day 15
Nha Trang Beach Break (B)

Day 16
Nha Trang Beach Break (B)

Day 17
Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)

Day 18
Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B,L)

Day 19
Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B,L)

Day 20
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)

Day 21
Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Upon arrival in the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and taken to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour – Lao Cai (B, L)
Day 2: Hanoi City tour – Lao Cai (B, L)

Spend all day to explore the city. Start you exploration with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology- the largest and most interesting museums in Hanoi where artifacts about 54 ethnic groups are well displayed. Despite being out of the way compared with other museums in Hanoi, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is worth a thorough visit, for those who are keen to learn about the multiculturalism of Vietnam and for those who would appreciate some green space.

Continue on to the Temple of Literature which reveals the Hanoians’ spirit of study in the past. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter- a popular destination of almost all tourists. Wrap your afternoon exploration by paying a visit to Ngoc Son Temple located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

In the evening, you will be taken to Hanoi station for a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

Day 3: Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B, L)
Day 3: Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B, L)

In the morning at around 6.00 am, you will arrive at Lao Cai station. Continue transferring to Bac Ha town for 3 hour drive on beautiful mountain roads surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forest. Along the way, breakfast will be served at a local restaurant.

Make your way to Bac Ha market- famous for the originality and authenticity that the traders still preserve. It is one of the biggest and most well known in all of North Vietnam which takes place every Sunday.

After lunch, proceed to Thai Giang Pho- home to colorful H’mong people. Overnight at the hotel in Bac Ha.

Day 4: Bac Ha - Sapa (B, L)
Day 4: Bac Ha - Sapa (B, L)

After breakfast, drive to Sapa-the town of cloud- where you will arrive in around noon. Check into your hotel and take time to relax.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour to Cat Cat village where H’mong hill tribe inhabits. This is a great chance to get to know more about their traditions and customs. From the village, proceed to handicraft shops to admire beautiful brocade and silver jewelry. Make a stop at a small waterfall where you can pay a visit to the old Hydro Electric Power Station built by the French.

Transfer back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa - Lao Cai - Ha Noi (B,L)
Day 5: Sapa - Lao Cai - Ha Noi (B,L)

Today, you have plenty of time to explore the green land of Sapa which is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, pleasant climate and unique culture of various ethnic groups. Make your way to Muong Hoa Valley to Lao Chai village and Ta Van village to get a true insight into the local life of ethnic minorities. Take your time to admire the breathtaking scenery of terraced rice paddies, green forests and rolling mountains.

In the evening, head back to Lao Cai for the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 6: Hanoi - Duong Lam village - Hanoi (B,L)
Day 6: Hanoi - Duong Lam village - Hanoi (B,L)

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up at the station for a transfer to Duong Lam Ancient village. The village attracts visitors because of its ancient houses and the architectural features of a typical old Vietnamese village with banyan trees and a wharf on the river. Pay a visit to Mong Phu Temple- a gathering place of the villagers for cultural activities. It is considered as a flower of unique sculptural architecture. Stroll around the village to get an insight into the daily life of the locals. Make a stop at two ancient houses: the biggest one and the oldest one

Take a short break for lunch. Afterwards, pay a visit to Ngo Quyen Temple and Phung Hung temple. Continue your trail to Mia Pagoda-located in a small hill at Dong Sang village. The pagoda has the traditional architecture features and a valued Buddha statues system.

Drive back to Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Hanoi - Tam Coc - Bich Dong (B, L, D)
Day 7: Hanoi - Tam Coc - Bich Dong (B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Tam Coc- also known as “Halong Bay on land”. En-route, make a stop to visit Hoa Lu- the capital of the first feudal state in Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Tam Coc, embark on a small rowing boat to explore spectacular limestone karst along Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc is known as the second nicest grotto in Vietnam for its poetic and inspirational natural scenery. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice paddies along the river bank as floating on the river.

After a short break for lunch, take your biking tour along beautiful winding roads through lotus ponds, temples and cottages to visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Overnight at the hotel in Tam Coc.

Day 8: Tam Coc - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Day 8: Tam Coc - Halong Bay (B, L, D)

After breakfast, make your way to Halong Bay- famous for its breathtaking caves and grottos. The scenic drive will take you through beautiful scenery filled with rice fields, charming rivers and peaceful villages. Upon arriving at the wharf, board the wooden junk. Enjoy lunch on board as the boat cruises through numerous islands and majestic limestone karst. A fabulous dinner with delicious seafood will be prepared by our experienced chef. Overnight on board.

Day 9: Halong - Hanoi (B)
Day 9: Halong - Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, you have plenty of time to admire magnificent sunrise while the ship cruises to Luon Cave. You also have chance to visit a fishing village on the bay to get a glimpse of daily local life. Afterwards, cruise back to the harbor and drive back to Hanoi.

Along the way, make a stop at Phu Lang Pottery village in Bac Ninh to first hand witness the making process of beautiful pots. In the late afternoon, arrive in Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi - Hue (B)
Day 10: Hanoi - Hue (B)

This morning, you will be taken to the airport for the flight to Hue- famous for its historical and cultural relics built by Nguyen Dynasty. Around noon, arrive in Hue. Transfer to the hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, take a cycling tour around Hue- one of seven World Heritage Sites of Vietnam. You will have the chance to learn in depth the history of the region with its all sites including Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Ums, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and Forbidden Purple City. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Day 11: Hue Exploration (B,L)
Day 11: Hue Exploration (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, pay a visit to Tu Duc Tomb- one of the most beautiful works of architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. Take a boat trip and cruise along Perfume River. Along the way, make a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda – well known for its beautiful and ancient architectural structures of worship. Your boat then drops at Thuy Bieu eco-village which is featured by its rustic settings- a typical of Hue countryside. Lunch will be served at the village.

In your afternoon journey, you will paddle through the peaceful atmosphere of the village, traditional communal houses, ancient temples and lush garden house. After a day of adventure, take time to relax and indulge your body with a medical herb water treatment. Back to the hotel for the night.

Day 12: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)
Day 12: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)

This morning, you will be taken to Hoi An. The drive will take you through stunning views of beautiful beaches and lush tropical forest. Do not miss the chance to take as many photos as you want along the road. Pay a visit to Cham Museum- a graceful building and an eclectic mix of French-colonial architecture and Cham elements.

Arrive at Hoi An ancient town- an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city at night on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Hoi An (B,L)
Day 13: Hoi An (B,L)

This morning, set off your exploration to the ancient town with some famous attractions including Japanese Pagoda Bridge- a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, Phung Hung Ancient House which is considered the heritage of the town; Chinese street, Hoi An market and the ancient port.

Your afternoon journey will set off with a visit to Kim Bong carpentry village which allows visitors to see the artisans working with their skillful hands on the crafts. You also have time to explore further around the village in your own.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)
Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a flight to Nha Trang famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear water and white sandy beach. Free time to relax. Overnight at the hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 15: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)
Day 15: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)

Today you have plenty of time to immerse into fresh air of the beach. Ovenight in Nha Trang.

Day 16: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)
Day 16: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)

Spend all day relaxing on the beach. Overnight at the hotel in Nha Trang

Day 17: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
Day 17: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city- the most bustling city in Viet Nam. Spend full day exploring this vibrant city. Highlights include Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Hue Avenue; the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independent Palace which is a historical work with its own charm; the Notre Dame Cathedral – one of the most popular tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City with unique and interesting history and the Central Post Office. End the tour with a stroll around Ben Thanh Market- the most bustling area of the city.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B,L)
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B,L)

This morning is spent visiting Cu Chi Tunnels. This is unusual underground tunnel which is used to serve as a shelter, a base for Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Your excursion will start at the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections- a great way to have a closer look at the life of soldiers in the past.

Afterwards, proceed to Tay Ninh to visit Cao Dai Temple featuring a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. It is a perfect synthesis of the world’s most powerful religions.

Return to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B,L)
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B,L)

This morning, you will leave the bustling city of Saigon for an adventure to the Mekong Delta famous for its stunning floating markets. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre, embark on the boat for a cruise along Ben Tre River where you will get a glimpse of local lifestyle. Make a stop at the brickfield to learn more about how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory to see interesting making process of the specialty of the region.

As moving to a local honey farm, you have the opportunity to try bee honey tea and many other tropical fruits growing in the fertile orchards. For more adventure, you could take a walking or biking tour through coconut groves and green rice paddies to take in the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful countryside.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip through quaint waterways surrounded by lush palm trees. Cruise back to the pier and disembark. Transfer to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.

Day 20: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
 Day 20: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)

In this morning, around 7.00 am, take a boat trip through winding canals to Cai Rang floating market- one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. This is the best time to visit the market where you can mingle with numerous trading boats offering various kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables and other specialties. You could also stop to taste fresh tropical fruit before leaving the market for a transfer back to Sagon.

Along the way, make a stop at an old Binh Thuy House –renowned for its ancient beauty and unique architecture. Continue onto Long Dinh mat weaving village to see colorful mats made by skillful hands of local artisans. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

This morning, free time to relax or do some shopping until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End of service.

► More Options: Vietnam Classic Tours & Vietnam Private Tours

Hotel Class
Prices are quoted in US dollars per person for double occupancy
Click buttons to reveal hotel details
2 persons
4 persons
6 persons
8 persons

Inclusion:

  • Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast
  • Internal flight in economy class (Hanoi - Hue; Danang - Nha Trang; Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Vietnam visa approval letter
  • Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
  • Train ticket
  • Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary (Non private boat of Halong Bay cruise)
  • Local English speaking guide
  • Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
  • Entrance fees

 

Exclusion:

 

  • International flight tickets
  • Vietnam visa stamp fee
  • Other meals than mentioned
  • Other services than mentioned
  • Drinks, other than water on activity days
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
  • Travel insurance

Important notes:

  • We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
  • Prices are valid 30 days from the date of offer. After this date, price and conditions may be readjusted.
  • The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
  • Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
  • Rooms at hotels are available only from 14.00 on arrival day till 12.00 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
  • Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
  • If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.
Visa:
You will require a visa to enter Vietnam. Your consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.
 
Passport:
Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your return date. You will also need at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting.
 
Booking Procedure:
Only once you are completely happy with any holiday itinerary we create for you will we ask for a payment. In order that we can secure availability for your booking we would typically require a deposit of 30%.
 
Money Exchange:
The official currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB).
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel (KHR). 
Unofficially however, US currency (US$) runs the country and is the currency you should bring, mostly in cash - notes should be 2006 series onwards. Clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Notes should be 2006 series onwards. Torn, dirty or old notes, as well as the $2US note will be refused in most businesses. ATMs are available in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap and also dispense in both KHR and US$. 
The official currency of Vietnam is Dong (VND).
Some establishments will accept US currency (USD), but usually only for large purchases and in some restaurants and hotels that cater to tourists. It's not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country, so convert or spend all your Dong before leaving.
The most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). ATMs are now available in most towns and visa cash advances are available in major banks. The use of credit cards is restricted, mainly to major hotels. Foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded can be very difficult to exchange; clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Traveller's cheques are unacceptable to change. 
 
Tipping:
If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Asia destinations. Although can be difficult to source we advise you to carry small notes of local currency each day to make tipping easier. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest US$2-US$3 per day for local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however, we suggest US$1-US$2 per day for drivers.
Please don't tip with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
Thank you for your interest in The Best of Vietnam. Please fill in your details below and we will contact you by phone or email within 24 hours.
Anything else we should know?
* Required fields

Security Code

1. ITINERARY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
DAILY PROGRAM
Your change
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City tour – Lao Cai (B, L)
Day 3: Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B, L)
Day 4: Bac Ha - Sapa (B, L)
Day 5: Sapa - Lao Cai - Ha Noi (B,L)
Day 6: Hanoi - Duong Lam village - Hanoi (B,L)
Day 7: Hanoi - Tam Coc - Bich Dong (B, L, D)
Day 8: Tam Coc - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Day 9: Halong - Hanoi (B)
Day 10: Hanoi - Hue (B)
Day 11: Hue Exploration (B,L)
Day 12: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)
Day 13: Hoi An (B,L)
Day 14: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)
Day 15: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)
Day 16: Nha Trang Beach Break (B)
Day 17: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B,L)
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B,L)
Day 20: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

2. PARTICIPANTS AND DATE OF TRAVEL

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Adult(s)
Child(ren) (2 - 11 years)

3. YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS

Security Code

Other Tours

Have you ever traveled to Vietnam before? It doesn't matter. Whatever you decide to visit this country the first time or come back to ...

View Trip...

One of the best 12-day Vietnam private tours giving you chance to discover the most famous destinations in Vietnam with perfect combination of learning about nature ...

View Trip...

For those who want to explore the real taste of Vietnam from the North to the South, this 10 day 9 night ...

View Trip...

If you are looking for a chance to discover the beautiful Vietnam country with its traditional river life, the tour absolutely can meet your demand. ...

View Trip...

During the tour, you will have chance to relax on some most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Additionally, you can discover Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh ...

View Trip...

The tour is particularly designed for those who want to discover Vietnam at second time. The tour will lead you to some destinations considered being ...

View Trip...

Special Offers

 
Vietnam at a Glance - 12 Days 12 days
Sale - 20%

Vietnam at a Glance - 12 Days

Hanoi, Halong, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Saigon, Ben Tre
Price:   $1,142  $913 View Trip
Vietnam from North to South in 10 Days 10 days

Vietnam from North to South in 10 Days

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoian, Saigon, Cu Chi
Price:   $657 View Trip
Unique Journey from Vietnam to Laos - 12 Days 12 days

Unique Journey from Vietnam to Laos - 12 Days

Saigon, Dalat, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Vientiane, Luang Prabang
Price:   $1,235 View Trip
Treasure of Indochina - 20 Days / 19 Nights 20 days
Sale - 10%

Treasure of Indochina - 20 Days / 19 Nights

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Saigon, Danang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luang Prabang
Price:   $2,165  $1,931 View Trip

How to book

 
 
STEP 1: Choose a tour you prefer or complete the CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP form OR send an email to info@hellovietnamtravel.com about your desired tour.
 
STEP 2: REPLY from Hello Vietnam Travel with service confirmation. Several email exchanges to finalize your tour program.
 
STEP 3: Secure PAYMENT or deposit via our secured online payment SSL (OnePAY) OR via your bank transfer.
 
STEP 4: Get your Visa On Arrival. Book your international flights. Pack your suitcase and be ready for an exciting holiday with us.

 

Travel Blog

 
Phu Quoc Travel Guide - A-Z Handbook for Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc Travel Guide - A-Z Handbook for Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island Travel Guide - If you intend to travel to Phu ...

Vietnam waives visa for 5 European countries Vietnam waives visa for 5 European countries
Vietnam Prime Minister has approved official decree of waiving visa unilaterally for tourists of 5 ...
Son Doong Cave tops world’s incredible beauties Son Doong Cave tops world’s incredible beauties
Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh province ranked first in the list of the top 10 incredible beauties ...