Journey Throughout Vietnam 14-Day (PKHAN144401)

Small Group Tour
  • Explore the lifestyle of Vietnam's ethnic minority communities as you trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages
  • Explore the bustling city of Hanoi on a full-day city tour and immerse yourself in the country's rich history and culture.
  • Cruise along the emerald waters of Halong Bay and spend a night on board
  • Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and explore Tam Coc and Mua Cave during an engaging full-day tour.
  • Cycle to Tra Que Herb Village and learn about traditional farming practices
  • Join a cooking class and creating your own Vietnamese dishes.
  • Experience the unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures in Hoi An

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Sapa (B, L)
Day 3: Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages | Back to Hanoi (B, L)
Day 4: Hanoi City Tour full day (B, L)
Day 5: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave full day Tour (B, L)
Day 6: Hanoi free at Leisure (B)
Day 7: Halong Bay with overnight on a cruise (B, L, D)
Day 8: Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi/Night Train to Hoi An (B, L)
Day 9: Hoi An Arrival/Free for leisure
Day 10: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon River Boat Trip. (B, L)
Day 11: Half day Tour to My Son Sanctuary (B)
Day 12: Cycling to Tra Que Herb Village - Cooking Class (B, L)
Day 13: Hoi An free at Leisure (B)
Day 14: Hoi An Concludes (B)
 
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi, Vietnam
On your first day, you have the flexibility to arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only scheduled activity is airport pick-up. Our car driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. 
Once you have checked in, the day is free for you to take a rest or discover Ha Noi City and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. 
Spend the night in Hanoi and prepare yourself for an exciting adventure on the next day!
**The airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don’t need to worry about arranging the car on your own
Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Sapa (B, L)
06:45 - 07:00: Pickup from your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and depart for Sapa.
9:30: Follow the highway to Lao Cai city where you will make your first stop for breakfast.
11:00: Stop off at Lao Cai city before approaching Sapa. 
12:30: Arrive at Sapa Town, where you'll see the colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao and Tay People. Here enjoy a lunch of local Vietnamese dishes. 
14:30: Take a short trek to the gate of Cat Cat village, home of the Black H’mong ethnic people and located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. A local guide will give you insight into daily life of the locals. Trek down to the bottom of the valley to the waterfall, where the French built a hydraulic power station. Stop to take photos before walking back uphill to meet the bus. The trek is approximately 2.5 kilometers and lasts for 2 hours. 
17:00: Return to Sapa Town. You'll be recommended good local restaurants for your dinner and will stay overnight in a 4-star hotel located in Sapa Centre.
 
The total travel time from Hanoi to Sapa is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, though this may vary based on weather and road conditions. 
Day 3: Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages | Back to Hanoi (B, L)
08:30 – 09:30: Have breakfast at your hotel and prepare a light pack for trekking. You can keep your luggage at the storage at the reception. 
09:45: Take a Trek to Y Linh Ho through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Streams to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.  See the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain before heading to Ta Van village, home of the Dzay People. The trek takes around 3.5 hours and covers about 12 kilometers. 
Tour guide will make the best itinerary for the trek depending on your ability of trekking. 
11:30: The bus will pick you up at Ta Van Bridge to take you back to Sapa center. 
12:00 – 13:00: Have a rest and have lunch, before enjoying some time to explore at your own leisure. 
14:00: Meet the rest of your group at the hotel to prepare for your return to Hanoi. 
14:30: Get back on the bus to go back to Hanoi. During the journey you will stop for a break. 
21:00: Arrive back at your accommodation in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi City Tour full day (B, L)
Highlight: 
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh Complex
Vietnam Ethnology Museum / Women’s Museum 
Temple of Literature
Hoa Lo Prison
 
8:00- 8:30: After the delicious breakfast, our friendly tour guide picks you up from the hotel.
08:45: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda which is situated on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda, constructed in the 6th century, is the oldest in Hanoi
09.30: Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the opportunity to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.
Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.
11:15: Head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. If your tour takes place on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and a visit to the Women's Museum will be substituted.
12:45: Indulge in a delicious lunch at our restaurant
14:00-14:10: Visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.
15:15: The first day trip ends to visit Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."
After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy your free time at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave full day Tour (B, L)
7:30-8:00: After having breakfast at your hotel, the car driver and tour guide will pick you up to depart for Ninh Binh Province. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
10:30: Visit Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty. Here, we go cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people. 
12h30: Have lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice...Vegetarian foods are always available in lunch
13h45: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5 hour bamboo boat. You will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece which Vietnamese people called "Ha Long Bay on land"
15h30: Get back to the Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
17h00: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi
19h00 - 19h30: Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi free at Leisure (B)
After having breakfast at your hotel, you will have the entire day to yourself to explore the city and engage in activities of your choice.
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich history, culture, and scenic landscapes. You may choose to visit some of the popular tourist attractions such as the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter…. Alternatively, you may want to shop for souvenirs or indulge in local cuisine at the many street food stalls and restaurants. Besides, you can consider taking part in one of our suggested such as:
- Water Puppet Performance: Watch the interesting traditional water puppet show which will tell you some Vietnamese fairy tales or historical stories. 
- Vietnamese Cooking Class / Food Tours: Explore the Vietnamese cuisine world in Hanoi by joining a cooking class and learning how to cook some basic but tasty traditional foods or taste the street flavors with a food tour in the capital
The day is entirely yours to enjoy, and you can create your own itinerary based on your interests and preferences. After a fulfilling day of exploration and discovery, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 7: Halong Bay with overnight on a cruise (B, L, D)
08:00-08:30. Our air-conditioned transfer vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to bring you to Tuan Chau Pier.
11:45. Our crew will welcome you at the office of the pier.
12:00. The crew members of Cruise will welcome you. You will be transferred to Cruises by tender boats, welcome drinks and cold towels will be served at first. The cruise manager will share common safety rules before check-in. While Cruises is moving, You will definitely admire the charming scenery of Lan Ha Bay. A special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. 
15:00. We will visit the Frog Pond area - 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 seesights. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy kayaking - which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay. Afterwards, visitors immerse in the emerald green water of Lan Ha with exciting swimming activities.
17:30. Return to Cruises. Enjoy a sunset party on HaLong Bay. It is a ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning moment of sunset at Lan Ha Bay.
19:30 - Midnight. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant.
Enjoy the nightlife of HaLong Bay from the deck. Immerse yourself in music, enjoy a glass of cocktail from the bar, sing karaoke and relax on the cruise. Otherwise, you can fish squid with the sailors or simply relax in the room and watch HaLong Bay from the balcony.
Day 8: Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi - Night Train to Hoi An (B, L)
7:00: Greet your new day with the soft movement of Tai Chi exercises on the sundeck. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat 
7:30: You will visit Amazing Cave, a famous beautiful area of Lan Ha Bay with the pristine natural scenery, charming emerald sea. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery here on the bamboo boat (indigenous people rowing boat) to mingle with nature.
9:30: Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong pier. 
11:30. Disembark and move back to the port.
11:45-12:00: Our bus drives you back to Hanoi.
15:00. Arrive Hanoi. Our driver will be waiting for you to take you directly to the Train Station at 120 Le Duan to Hoi An.
The departure time of the train to Hoi An is 17:40 so please make sure that you will be ready at the Train Station 1 hours before. During the waiting time, you can have dinner by yourself before get on the train. Overnight on the train
Day 9: Hoi An Arrival (D)
Upon arrival in Hoi An via overnight train, which is expected to arrive between 11:40 pm and 12:30 pm, you will be responsible for providing your own breakfast and lunch on the train and covering any associated costs.
Once you disembark, a driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure, exploring the charming town of Hoi An.
Hoi An is situated in central Vietnam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for historic architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture. You can stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town, browse bustling markets, or simply relax and absorb the atmosphere.
Evening at your hotel,where you will enjoy an overnight stay in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon River Boat Trip. (B, L)
8:00: After having breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a captivating and historically significant trading center known as "Faifo" to early Western traders. It served as a bustling port for merchants from various countries, including the Dutch, Portuguese, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, and others from the Far East.
Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum exhibits artifacts from Hoi An's earliest history, providing insight into the city's rich and captivating past.
 
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you can take the unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.
Conclude the day by returning to the renowned "Cua Dai Beach," where you can unwind at your leisure, basking in the beauty of the beach and the breathtaking surroundings. Overnight stay in Hoi An
Day 11: Half day Tour to My Son Sanctuary (B)
8:00 - 8:30: After breakfast, you will depart to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people. It is renowned as one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable archaeological sites, along with Cambodia's Angkor, Myanmar's Bagan, Thailand's Ayutthaya, and Indonesia's Borobudur. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.
Around 1:00 pm, you will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own.
 
In the afternoon, you will have leisure time to indulge in shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is famous for its enchanting lanterns, custom-made clothing, and handmade souvenirs, providing ample opportunities to peruse local shops and markets. Dinner by yourself. 
The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.
Day 12: Cycling to Tra Que Herb Village - Cooking Class (B, L)
08:00: After having breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your guide in Hoi An and ride bicycles to Tra Que Vegetable Village, just 3km from Hoi An Ancient Town. Pedal through serene villages, soaking in the picturesque countryside.
08:30: Arrive Tra Que Village, Immerse yourself in the life of local farmers at an organic vegetable and herb garden. Enjoy a 15-minute foot massage using herbs to refresh yourself.
09:00: Join a cooking class hosted by a local family. Receive step-by-step guidance on crafting Hoi An's signature dishes like Tam Huu Spring Roll and Banh Xeo Pancake. 
12:00 - 12:30: Following the cooking class, you will enjoy a delicious lunch with the family.
Later in the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Hoi An Town and purchase some souvenir gifts. Alternatively, you can choose to spend your time relaxing at Cua Dai beach, which is only 4 km away from the ancient town.
15:30: End trip at your hotel and you are free to have dinner on your own. You will stay overnight in Hoi An Town.
Day 13: Hoi An free at Leisure (B)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a free day to explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town on your own. Take the time to wander the quaint streets and admire the well-preserved traditional architecture of the town.
Hoi An Ancient Town is known as a shopping paradise, so make sure to take advantage of the many unique boutiques, galleries, and markets that offer a wide range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fashion items. You can also visit the many cultural and historical sites in the area, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Assembly Halls, and the Quan Cong Temple.
In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind and recharge for more adventures in Hoi An. With its picturesque beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, Hoi An is sure to capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Stay overnight in Hoi An and get ready for another exciting day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 14: Departure from Hoi An (B)
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before saying bye with us. On this day, you are free to explore the beautiful city of Hoi An at your leisure. Please note that the hotel check-out time is 12:00 pm.
If you have arranged your next destination, you may leave Hoi An on your own. Alternatively, if you have decided to extend your stay in Hoi An, please let us know if you require assistance in arranging additional nights at the same hotel or other accommodation options.
Please note that the airport transfer is not included in the tour package. If you require assistance with transportation to the airport or your next destination, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you at an additional cost.
Included
Accommodation
Accommodations based on single/twin/double/triple sharing with daily buffet breakfast. All taxes and service charges included.
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Hanoi: Anatole Hotel or similar
Sapa: Sapa Charm Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: La Regina Cruises or similar
Sleeper train: Dream Train shared Cabin or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Resort or similar
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"All accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. The final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalized travel documents.
"Subject to change" means that we may use an alternative hotel if the hotel listed in the tour package is fully booked or not available during your stay period. The alternative hotel must be of the same quality as the indicated hotel or better than the indicated hotel in the package."
 
Flights
Included:
Internal flight tickets: Hanoi - Hoi An; Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (Economy class, Vietnam Airlines or similar, airport taxes and service charges included)
Checked baggage allowance: 20kg + Handing Luggage: 7kg.
 
Guide
Professional tour guides with excellent English skills in every destination.
 
Meals
Meals mentioned in the program include Vietnamese cuisine, Asian cuisine, and Western cuisine. The meals are categorized as B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). The program includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 1 dinner.
 
Additional Services
Boat trips in Halong Bay and Hoi An
All entrance and sightseeing fees
Trek to the villages in Sapa
Kayaking in Halong Bay if complimentary
Sleeper cabin on the train: Hanoi - Hoi An
All taxes and services charge
 
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for transportation during the tour. This includes pick-up and drop-off at airports, hotels, and all other tour destinations.
For any flights included in the itinerary, plane transportation will be arranged with reputable airlines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
For boat trips, comfortable and secure vessels will be used to take you to your destinations. Our boats are equipped with life jackets and other necessary safety equipment, and operated by experienced and licensed captains.
Excluded
Insurance
Insurance is not covered by Charming Viet Nam Travel
 
Additional Services
International airfare and airport tax in Vietnam
Pre and post tour accommodation
Beverages and other meals that are not indicated in the program
Visa to Vietnam if applicable
Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
Massage services on board
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, shopping, etc.
Tipping/Gratuities
Single supplement fees
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
Cancellation policy
60 days or more prior to departure 5% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
30-59 days prior departure: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
15-29 days prior to departure: 20% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
7-14 days prior to departure: 50% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Within 6 days prior to departure: 90 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Children policy
Child under 5 years old is = 50% Adult`s cost.. Sharing the same existing bed with parents
Children from 5 - 11 years old = 75% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Child from 12 - up = 100% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Triple room = 3 Persons sharing one room (01 Double Bed + 01 Single Bed)
What to bring
Original passport
Sunscreen
Wide-brimmed hat
Swimsuit
Insect repellent
Sunglasses (especially from April to October)
Light jacket (from November to March)
Camera with sufficient battery and memory card capacity
How to book and payment
Dragonfly Cruise - Charming Vietnam Travel offers you a “Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle instalments when you select to book your departure tour.
 
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
 
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to info@charmingvietnamtravel.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Flight information
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or similar airlines (20kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Important information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
 
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is AU$10/person per day. Tipping is collected by agent before travelling or the day of your arrival.
 
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
 
Special Refund Policy
You will receive a refund for the price difference between staying in 2 rooms for 3 adult and staying in a triple room if you want to stay at the triple room
 
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with NibTravel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
 
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
A visa is required for travel to Vietnam. The visa is easiest to complete with Charming Viet Nam Travel and just need to pay $160 for single entry (30-day-stay-limited)
 
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
 
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to extend your stay
If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
 
Follow the “Book Now” prompts, until you reach the “Anything else we need to know?” field
Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
After finalizing your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our Reservation team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre-tour night: Depend on the hotel standard and availability
Post-tour night: Depend on the hotel standard and availability

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