Vietnam Culture and History Tour

Overview

Vietnam Culture and History Tour offers a rich 15-day exploration of Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Starting in Hanoi, this tour takes you through ancient villages, vibrant cityscapes, and stunning landscapes. Discover traditional markets in Sapa and Mai Chau, embark on a breathtaking Halong Bay cruise, and visit the historical sites of Hue and Hoi An. Experience the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh and the tranquil Mekong Delta. With a blend of cultural insights, historical exploration, and natural beauty, this tour provides a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s heritage.

Trip code: HER0007VN15D

Destination: Vietnam

Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport.

You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hanoi.

After breakfast, you will transfer back to Ha Noi. Explore the beauty of the ancient village of Duong Lam - Son Tay, Ha Noi. 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.

Transfer to a hotel in downtown Ha Noi.

08:00 A.m: We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the French colonial Styled Presidential Palace, and the historical Temple of Literature, the first university of VietNam, built-in 1070 in honor of Confucius.

In the afternoon we will see the Museum of Ethnology and then attend a traditional Water Puppet show. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists – men and women – stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The audience is meant to experience the atmosphere of a village festival. Then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Restored Sword Lake) and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is on an island in the northern part of the lake. We will enjoy a Cyclo tour along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets with each name representative of the type of merchandise sold in it.

After dinner at a local restaurant (pay by yourself), we will transfer to Railway Station for a night train to Lao Cai

Overnight in train (Cabin 4 bed)

Arrived in Lao Cai and had a small breakfast in a restaurant near the station. Transfer by private car to Bac Ha to visit the local market depending on the day (Coc Ly market on Tuesday, Can Cau market on Saturday, and Bac Ha market on Sunday). Then depart for Sa Pa with stops along the way to take pictures. This is a very pleasant trip that takes you past impressive landscapes including terraced rice paddies. Visit the ethnic minorities such as the Nung, H’Mong, and Dao… and enjoy their market wares. Sapa is noted for its silk clothing and lacquerware as well as handmade items from ethnic minorities.

Arrive at the town, free time to discover the Sapa church and the Sapa market by yourself, where the red Dzao, the black Hmong, and the Kinh sell their products.
Overnight in Sa Pa.
Distance Lao Cai – Sapa: 60 km => about 1hour30minute

8:00: After breakfast in the hotel, the driver and tour guide take you to Cable Car Station in Muong Hoa Valley and spend 20 minutes with a cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
9:00: Reach the altitude of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations, and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. You will spend half of a day enjoying all the beauty of Fansipan Legend with Bamboo Garden, Bao An Thien Tu, Bich Van Thien……From the cable car, you can see it is the primitive forest Hoang Lien Son, poetic Muong Hoa, the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountain range, etc. The higher you go, the more clouds you see, the temperature will also decrease and the wind can make your cable swing a little. Do not fear. It is just a little challenge for your courage!
12:30: Lunch in the restaurant in Fansipan
13:30: Come back to Cable Car Station and return to Sapa town,
14:30 - 15.45: Relax and discover Sapa town by yourself with some souvenirs, Meet all group members at the hotel to get ready for Hanoi
16.30: Get on the bus to go back to Lao Cai station
Dinner at your account
Overnight at the A/C soft sleeper cabin to Hanoi (schedule: 21:15 – 05:30)

07:45 Pickup at your hotel in for transfer to Mai Chau
10:00 Short break
11:30 Scenic photo stop of Mai Chau valley/arrive in Mai Chau
12:15 Traditional lunch in local village (vegetarian available)
13:00 Bicycle ride with local tour guide, see farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit surrounding peaceful villages to visit the Lác and Pom Cọong villages where a Thai minority lives.
15:00 Free time for bicycling, walking, shopping
18:00 Free at leisure before having set menu dinner with host
Overnight Homestay in Mai Chau

Free at leisure before transfer to Ha Noi

Overnight in Ha Noi

07:30 -08:00 am. After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whoever comes to Vietnam should not miss the chance to visit Halong Bay, a picturesque blend of harmonious transition between the mountains and the sea. Halong Bay is in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf and stretches over an area of 1,500 km2 with three thousand green islands that look like jewels.

We will take a cruise on the bay (for 4 hours) to visit the caves and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. Drive back to Hanoi late afternoon.
Distance Hanoi Central – Ha Long: 200 km =3-4hour transfer

06.30-07.00: Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.

07.00-07.30: Catch the morning view of the seascape while enjoying breakfast with cookies and tea, at the café in the restaurant.

07.30-08.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover the life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay. (No swimming).

08.30-9.30: Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.

09.30-10.40: Enjoy brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to the tourist harbor.

11.00: Disembark from boat.

12.00: Your driver takes you back to Ha Noi.

Transfer to flight to Hue

Continue to visit Hue city tour:

In the morning we will take a dragon boat trip along the Perfume River.

We will stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on the southwest bank of the Perfume River and was the center of Buddhism in Central Vietnam.

After finishing the Hue city tour, we head on to Hoi An with a photo stop on the summit of the breathtaking Hai Van Pass.

Arrive in Hoian, and enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky's old house, a handicraft market where you can see the artists at work making beautiful silk lanterns, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, temples and pagodas in the Chinese architectural style, and the large colorful market.

Afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to enjoy the sunset.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Distance: Hue center- Hoian: 150 km => 3-hour transfer

A half day trip to visit the former Champa Kingdom capital and religious centre, My Son.

My Son was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty, between the 4th and 12th centuries.

My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers with complicated red brick designs that connect to each other.

In the afternoon, free time at your leisure.

Arrive at Ho Chi Minh – Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Sai Gon

Overnight Sai Gon

8:00 am: We drive to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which are an incredible underground network of passages constructed by the Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.

After lunch, we drive to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The trip ends after the arrival back in Ho Chi Minh City

Distance Ho Chi Minh Central – Cu Chi: 50 km => 1-hour 20-minute transfer

8:00 am: After breakfast, we depart to Cai Be. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark on a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people selling, buying, and exchanging goods from their boats. Visit a local garden and house to see orchards, rice crisped producing process, etc... After lunch cruise along the river to see the peaceful tranquil life of villagers, and admire the marvelous natural setting of the Mekong Delta region.

At about 3 pm, the boat will arrive at Vinh Long Market; walk around to explore Vinh Long Market before returning to Saigon

End tour in Sai Gon

Distance Ho Chi Minh Central – Cai Be 100 km => 2hour transfer

Free time at leisure for last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for departure home

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Reviews

"The Vietnam Culture and History Tour exceeded all my expectations. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and the serene beauty of Halong Bay to the rich history of Hue and the charming streets of Hoi An, every destination was a new adventure. The trek in Sapa was a highlight, offering stunning views and a glimpse into local life. The Mekong Delta cruise was a peaceful end to a fantastic trip. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, and the itinerary was well-organized. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam's culture and history!"

Inclusions

Accommodation in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability) based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
All local boat rentals and cycling as mentioned in the program.
Transfer from and to the airports by private vehicle with A/C. Transportation by private vehicle with A/C.
Local OR National English speaking guide(s) in Vietnam.
Meals as mentioned in the program. B: 14 Breakfast, L: 3 Lunch.
All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program. Mineral Water (01 bottle/pax/day)

Exclusions

Late check out or Early check in
Visa fee upon arrival in Vietnam.Vietnam visa authorization letter (5 USD/ pax).
International flight/ Domestic flight tickets and airport taxes.
All internal/ regional flight tickets in economy class with/without departure tax (? USD/Pax).
Tips & personal expenses. Personal insurance. Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.

Accommodation

3* First Class : 3-Star Hotel

4* Superior : 4-Star Hotel

Vietnam Culture and History Tour

Photos

Overview

Itinerary

Reviews

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Important Info

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Sign in

Vietnam Culture and History Tour

Photos

Overview

Itinerary

Reviews

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Important Info

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