Description
GOLDEN ROAD OF VIETNAM 14 DAYS
Hanoi → Halong Bay → Sapa → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh → Ben Tre
Come to discover the Golden Road of Vietnam on this 14-day program. From North to South. Start with the colonial charm of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, then travel to the natural wonderland of Ha Long Bay . Expore lush Sa Pa with Visit the ancient capital Hue and bask on the beaches of Hoian. Explore the lush landscape of the Mekong Delta and the bright lights and urban bustle of Saigon. This tour will take you deep into our beautiful country, immersing you in our rich culture and elegant landscapes.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Activities:
Ha Noi is filled with modern energetic neighborhoods while also maintaining a connection to its traditions. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians. Dine on the wild and wonderful at every corner, sample market wares, uncover an evolving arts scene, then sleep soundly in luxury for very little cost. Meet the people, delve into the past and witness the awakening of a Hanoi on the move.
Welcome the city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a place that combines serenity and energy with ease. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and soon you are settled into your accommodation within the center of the city.
Meals: N/A
Included: Car, HaNoi Hotel
Day 2: Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay
Activities:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is scattered with more than 2000 floating islands of karstic rock. Legend has it that these floating islands were created by a family of dragons who were invoked by the Emperor to protect Vietnam against Chinese invaders. The dragons flew across the bay, spitting out jewels and jade, which magically turned into scattered islands. Together, these islands linked to create a protective barrier, which can still be admired to this day.
This morning you find yourself on the banks of the world-renowned Ha Long Bay. The early mist is subtle and cool. It soon dissipates and is replaced by the rising sun. You can see the water glowing a faded emerald in the early light. Climb aboard your cruise and venture out onto the bay. You can’t miss the incredible karsts that protrude from the water. Some of the limestone is covered with lush greenery; other times you can see the dark gray boulders peeking into the sky. The collection of karsts that rise out of the water look like dragon’s teeth and gave way to the legend of the bay. Anchoring in the Cong Do area, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration will take place on the sundeck, followed by a sumptuous seafood dinner on board before you retire to your cabin for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Bus, Tour Guide, Cruise in Ha Long Bay, Cultural, Heritage, Kayaking
Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi – Overnight Train to Lao Cai
Activities:
The morning stretches over the bay and makes the karsts glint in the light. In the early daylight hours, you can enjoy the view of the bay from the ship’s deck while partaking in a Tai Chi demonstration. Each movement is slow and controlled to help soothe the body and the mind. Then the cruise will tour around the bay until you disembark at the end of the morning. After that, you will then return to Hanoi on a road lined with typical rice fields of the Red River Delta.
You will then have some free time till 20.30, our guide will pick you up from hotel lobby and take you to your cabin in the train station.
Train schedule 21:30 – 05:35 (tentative)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Train, Tour Guide, Sleep on Train, Cultural, Nature
Day 4: Lao Cai Arrival – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van villages
Activities:
Sa Pa is oriented to make the most of the spectacular views emerging on clear days; it overlooks a plunging valley, with mountains towering above on all sides. Views are often subdued by thick mist rolling across the peaks, but even when it’s cloudy, local hill-tribe people fill the town with color. But you’re not here to hang out in town. This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking base, from where hikers launch themselves into a surrounding countryside of cascading rice terraces and tiny hill-tribe villages that seem a world apart. Once you’ve stepped out into the lush fields, you’ll understand the Sapa area’s real charm.
The train arrives at around 6:00 am. Our guide will pick you up with sign “Viet Heritage Travel and your name” and transfer to local restaurant for breakfast. After settling in, you will begin with a hike to the heart of the Hoang Lien Mountain range. En route, you will get to admire vast rice fields on the terraces with rivers that wind around, a definite feature of the region. The path passes through Cat Cat village, populated by the black H’mong and then through Y Linh Ho village, giving you a great opportunity to observe the local people in their colorful clothing. The journey will continue along winding paths and offer breathtaking views of the rice fields nestled in the Muong Hoa valley. You will head to Lao Chai before ending the hike at Ta Van. With ‘Homestay’ experience, your overnight accommodation is provided by a local family in their traditional house-on-stilts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Homestay, Cultural, Nature
Day 5: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan Village – Overnight train back to Ha Noi
Activities:
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your friendly local host and continue to explore Muong Hoa valley. In the morning, you will reach Giang Ta Chai village, populated by the Red Dao minority. The Red Dao migrated from China around the 12th or 13th century and often wear bright red head scarfs and blouses with intricately embroidered lining. The sloping hills are terraced with paddy fields texturing the landscape. The homes feature thatched roofs and are perched atop stilts. The villagers are eager to share their culture with you within the grand landscape of their surroundings that offer you a quintessential picture of what you imagined the countryside of Vietnam to be. Close to waterfalls and surrounded by a bamboo forest, this mountain village offers a superb panoramic view of the surrounding valley. You will be amazed by skillful embroidery of Red Dao and unique culture. In the afternoon you will continue the hike towards Su Pan village, populated by two ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam, the Black H’mong and the Red Dao. Then you will return to Sapa and enjoy free time before heading back to Lao Cai Station for the overnight train to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Sleep on Train, Cultural, Nature
Day 6: Ha Noi City Tour – Flight To Hoi An via Da Nang Airport – Hoi An
Activities:
Upon arrival after night train, you will be picked up by your tour guide from Viet Heritage Travel. You will be transfer back to a mini hotel. When morning washes over the city you can see the streets spring to life. The aroma of fresh drip Vietnamese coffee is enough to draw you from bed. The locals enjoy the rich and almost chocolaty flavor. In certain neighborhoods you can find people mixing the coffee with condensed milk to add a thick and sweet cream to the rich and dark drink. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and our guide will pick you up from hotel for Ha Noi exploration. There is an abundance of history and culture to see. One Pillar Pagoda is an historic Buddhist temple that was constructed in the 11th century. It hovers over the serene waters of a lotus pond. The temple is quaint but impressive. A stone staircase leads up to the sanctuary’s entrance. Its roofs slope and curve in a quintessential example of ancient Vietnamese architectural design. The surrounding trees rustle in the breeze. The lotus pond is quiet and perfectly still. It feels so far removed from the movement of the city even though you are in the city’s center. The Temple of Literature is nearby and is home to the university that was started in the 11th century. It is the oldest university in Vietnam. The old university and the temple, the pagodas and the courtyard have become an oasis in the large city, filled with tranquil atmosphere and pristine scenery. In the center of the Garden of the Stele you will find a walled pond known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity. Two halls border the well and contain 82 steles, each one sitting on the back of a tortoise. By the end of the trip, you will visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the middle of the Sword Lake. To begin, take a walk across the majestic red wood bridge, officially named the Huc bridge (Bridge of the rising sun), to reach Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade mountain), standing on an enticing islet connected to the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.
After the tour ends, our driver will transfer you to airport to take short flight to Da Nang. Then, you will get to hotel in Hoi An. Dinner on your own account.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Hoi An Hotel, Cultural, Heritage
Day 7: Hoi An Tour
Activities:
The ancient town of Hoi An, 30 km south of Da Nang, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. The face of the Old Town has preserved its incredible legacy of tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea warehouses – though, of course, residents and rice fields have been gradually replaced by tourist businesses. Lounge bars, boutique hotels, travel agents and a glut of tailor shops are very much part of the scene here.
Our guide will pick you up from hotel in the morning. You will then explore the quiet Thu Bon River with the charm and elegance of history displayed in the soft sway of the Chinese lanterns which drape across the main streets. The city was once the center of trade for silk, porcelain, pepper, and cinnamon dating back to the 16th century. After breakfast your guide will take you through the streets that make the town feel more like an outdoor museum than a living, breathing, working city. The Japanese Covered Bridge has become an icon of the city. The structure reaches over the riverbed in a lovely artistry featuring sloping, tiled roofs and statues paired on either side of the entryways, monkeys on one and dogs on the other, both guarding the bridge from intruders and spirits. When visiting the Tan Ky House you will come to the quintessential building that stood during the heyday of the city’s trading. Constructed by a Vietnamese family over 200 years ago, you can still find Japanese and Chinese influence in its architecture, from the ceiling along the sitting area to the delicate Chinese poems inlaid on mother-of-pearl and hung from the various columns that support the roof. The back of the house faces the river and was once rented to merchants, allowing them access to the waterway which was once the most prosperous point of the city. Although the streets are filled with locals and visitors alike, the quaint buildings and lavish history create a charming atmosphere that is hard to ignore and impossible not to enjoy. Then, you will travel by boat on the Thu Bon river and arrive at the Kim Bong village ( or the “carpenter’s village”) and Thanh Ha pottery village. You will have the opportunity to learn about the local traditions and techniques from local workshop. Have soft lunch in local restaurant. Early in the afternoon, you will get back to Hoi An town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Hoi An Hotel, Cultural, Heritage
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue By Deluxe Bus
Activities:
After breakfast and check out hotel, about 8h00 to 8h30am.We will pick up by deluxe bus and transfer to Hue. You will have a short break on the way and arrive Hoi An in the early afternoon.You will have meals by yourself and free time.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Bus, Hue Hotel, Heritage, History
Day 9: Hue Sightseeing
Activities:
Hue was once the Imperial capital and now listed as a World heritage site. Sitting on the Banks of the delightful Perfume River you will find amazing citadels, fabulous palaces and royal tombs. Many of the sites can be reached by river and this makes an excellent way to see the city.
Start your day with a take a Dragon boat along Perfume River for visiting Thien Mu Pagoda one of the most famous Vietnamese landmarks. Continue your journey to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder of the Citadel including the Forbidden Purple City. Continue on car to visit Imperial Citadel. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam. The Imperial City of Hue was actually a walled fortress and palace belonged to the ancient city of Hue which was a capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty for 140 years date back from 1805 until 1945. Then visit Hue Royal Antiques Museum – A collection of ornaments from the Nguyen Dynasty. Then, you will pay a visit to Dong Ba market to see the daily lives of local people. Have lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, we visit Khai Dinh King’s Tomb – a blend of Western and Eastern, Minh Mang King’s Tomb, one is impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions. You will fishish day tour with Conical hat making village, incense stick making village
Back to your hotel 16.00 – 16h30.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Hue Hotel, Cultural, History
Day 10: Hue – Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Activities:
Welcome to the once southern capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, where the streets are lively and the scents are enticing, from chili to garlic, ginger to coriander. You arrive at the airport and are met by your private transfer who will soon have you relaxing in the comforts of your hotel centrally located within the city. Vietnam’s center of commerce, the modern metropolis, wraps around the Saigon River bringing a vibrant skyline to the soothing waterway. Through a blend of tradition, modernity, colonial history, and reunification, the wonder of Vietnam has begun.
After checking out, our driver will transfer you to airport take short flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, our driver will take you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure. Meals on your own account. Overnight in hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Car, Ho Chi Minh Hotel, Cultural, Nature
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnel
Activities:
Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeingthe beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. Have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hour driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Late in the afternoon, you will get back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city. Dinner on your own account.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Ho Chi Minh Hotel, History, Walking
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Activities:
Outside of Saigon the Mekong Delta rushes along the southwestern edges of the countryside. The river stretches from the Tibetan Plateau down to the South China Sea. Your guide escorts you to the riverbanks and you board a boat to discover the sensational culture of the waterway’s endless canals. Over the riverbanks the landscape is awash with paddy fields as far as the eye can see. Farmers stand knee deep in water and pick at the budding grains. Stop at brick work – coconut charcoal making and coconut husking. Visit one of the plenty of coconut processing workshops where coconut candies are made and have a chance to learn the coconut candies making process located along canals. Then, turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family making sleep mats. Afterward, being on a cart powered by a motorbike or biking and traveling through some tranquil villages where vegetables gardens to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, take biking around the village, rowing-boat along water palm creek and boat to Hung Vuong Pier. Driving to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Can Tho Hotel, Cultural, Nature, Biking
Day 13: Cai Rang Floating Village – Ho Chi Minh
Activities:
This is one of the most impressive floating market – a living museum. Packed into a section of river, large vessels sell all sorts of fruits and vegetables grown in the Delta. Cai Rang is the largest whole sale market. You’ll see one boat heaped with pineapples, another with carrots while sellers nimbly toss watermelons down to a smaller boat that has latched on. Vessels advertise what they sell by hanging their product from the top of a long bamboo pole at the bow. Need garlic? Scan the horizon and look for the bouquet of bulbs dangling off a boat. Get your radishes! Come here for gourds! they announce. In between the large cargo vessels, smaller sampans weave in and out selling anything from banh mi to bun rieu, to coffee, coconut water and lottery tickets. The experience of flagging down a sampan loaded with boiling pots of stock and having a bowl of noodle soup on the river is a fun one. It gives new meaning to getting a coffee to go. Travelers get to experience water commerce in the Delta and observe life on the boat, which is their business, method of transport and home. You can find everything here!
The remarkable waterway breaks into nine major arteries that have given life, culture, and sustainability to various regions of Southeast Asia. Once in Cai Rang you will board your boat and find the extraordinary calls of the Floating Market. Traditional canoes are stacked with barrels of produce, from chilies to pineapple, and the market is a place where you can see local traditions at work. The scent of simmering soups and fried fish help bring the day to life. People pass large poles through the air filled with a vendor’s goods or passing back the money owed. The marvelous display of culture readies you for the day cruise to come as you begin to glide along the water finding the grandeur of the landscape accompanying you. After checking out, the journey will continue with a visit to a local family who made noodles by handmade or relax in fruits garden. Check out and having lunch. After lunch, transfer you back to Ho Chi Minh City. Late in the afternoon, you will get back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Car, Tour Guide, Ho Chi Minh Hotel, Boating, Cultural
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Activities:
Your time will be your own until your private car and driver (No guide) arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to next destination. Finish unforgettable Vietnam Tour with Viet Heritage Travel. Good bye & see you in the next time! Viet Heritage Travel can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Car,…
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