Vietnam Grand Tour 24 days

Vietnam Grand Tour 24 days is a program specialized for tourists who wish for an essential glimpse into every corner of Vietnam from the North to the South. Landing in Hanoi, tourists will be introduced to the city and later to other provinces and their renowned cultural destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, and more. This program is really an opportunity to learn more and the beautiful Vietnam and its friendly residents.

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (B/-/D)

Day 02: Hanoi City Tour - Lao Cai (B/-/-)

Day 03: Lao Cai - Sapa - Hill Tribes Villages (B/-/-)

Day 04: Sapa - Hiking Tours - Lao Cai - Hanoi (B/-/-)

Day 05: Hanoi - Ninh Binh Tours - Hanoi (B/-/-)

Day 06: Hanoi - Ha Long - Overnight on junk (B/L/D)

Day 07: Ha Long - Cruise - Overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Day 08: Cruise - Kayaking - Hanoi (B/L/-)

Day 09: Hanoi - Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park (B/-/-)

Day 10: Grottes de Phong Nha - Vinh Moc Tunnels - Hue (B/-/-)

Day 11: Hue Imperial City Tour (B/-/-)

Day 12: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B/-/-)

Day 13: Hoi An - Boat Cruise - Craft Villages (B/-/-).

Day 14: Hoi An - Free at leisure (B/-/-)

Day 15: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (B/-/-)

Day 16: Nha Trang - Discovery (B/L/-)

Day 17: Nha Trang - Saigon (B/-/-)

Day 18: Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre (B/-/-)

Day 19: Ben Tre - Tra Vinh - Cycling (B/-/D)

Day 20: Tra Vinh - Can Tho - Son Island (B/-/-)

Day 21: Can Tho - TRa Su Nature Reserve - Chau Doc (B/-/-)

Day 22: Chau Doc - Discovery - Dong Thap (B/-/D)

Day 23: Dong Thap - Gao Giong - Saigon (B/-/-)

Day 24: Saigon City Tour - Departure (B/-/-)

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (B/-/D)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai international airport, be warmly welcomed and picked up by our guide and then transferred to hotel in the centre for check-in. Take your first-hand exploration of city. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with our brief introduction of your tour. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi City Tour - Lao Cai (B/-/-)

Pick up at your hotel for full day tour of Hanoi, a blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - the museum to his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked. Then visit Presidential Palace, house on stilts and One Pillar pagoda (locally known as Chua Mot Cot) originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar constructed of a single large tree trunk.

Next, also visit Van Mieu or Temple of Literature, which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Continue visit National museum of Vietnam history which was built between 1925 and 1932, this architecturally impressive museum was formerly home to the École Française d’Extrême Orient. The museum is keeping bronzes from the Dong Son culture (3rd century BC to 3rd century AD), Hindu statuary from the Khmer and Champa kingdoms, jewellery from imperial Vietnam, and displays relating to the French occupation and the Communist Party.

Visit Hanoi Opera House which was modelled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris two opera houses, and is considered to be one of the architectural landmarks of Hanoi and then take a cyclo ride through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Transfer to Hanoi railway for overnight train to Lao Cai on an A/C soft cabin.

Day 03: Lao Cai - Sapa - Hiking at hill tribes villages (B/-/-)

Upon arrival at Lao Cai railway station, be picked up by our guide and driver, then transfer to hotel for relaxing, showering and breakfast. After that, depart to Sapa. Stroll around the village and visit hospitable Red Zao families to learn about their culture. You will go off the main road, onto hilly mountainous trails. Your surrounding is filled with lush vegetation, pine forest and fresh air. You will experience the untouched beauty of the area.

Ma Tra is about 3 km walking from Ta Phin which is the newly added location in a series of villages in Sapa that visitors can go to. The village is about 5km from the town of Sapa. This has around 50 households, resided by only H’Mong people. Ma Tra village has restored the traditional flax weaving loom, forging tools and carved silver production as part of tourism. Experience tribal life on mountain, see how the locals make clothes and handicrafts, and enjoy amazing scenery that you can never forget. Transfer to the center for overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Sapa - Trekking around Sapa - Hanoi (B/-/-)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel before going down to Muong Hoa valley. Beginning of the trip is the moment for admire the panorama view of the town and then the valley from the main road. After 4km on the main road, we start going down to the valley by the small trails through the terrace rice fields to get to Y Linh Ho hamlet, a small village of the Black Hmong people.

From Y Linh Ho village, we go along the river to go to Lao Chai village (means "old village" in the local dialect). It is time for you to visit the local families, listen to your guide's explanation about the local culture: how they live, way of building the traditional house, and techniques of making clothes... or listen about the way of treatment for a sick person. Stop for lunch. The lunch is served in one of the local refreshment restaurants on the side of the river.

In the afternoon, we leave Lao Chai to continue to Ta Van village, the Giay people's residence. The guide to bring you into some family: listen about their life, enjoy some green tea, and learn about the differences of their culture from the other hill tribes even they leave close to each other. Finally, depart from Sapa to Hanoi by overnight train.

Day 05: Hanoi - Ninh Binh Tours - Hanoi (B/-/-)

Upon arrival at Hanoi railway station, have a relax and breakfast and shower at hotel right in front of the station. After breakfast, you will be picked up by guide around 8 am to Ninh Binh known as “Halong Bay on land” one of the most beautiful land for its relics and impressive limestone peaks. Visit Hoa Lu which was once depicted the ancient capital of Viet Nam, settling up in the 10th century. Also, visit temples of two dynasties of Dinh and Le with a very unique architecture in the old time. Learn about ancient culture through an excavation of vestiges of Royal Palaces ground dated 10th century.

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel and then transfer to Thien Ha Cave, which is the 200-meter-high Tuong Mountain - part of the mountain range that helped to protect the Hoa Lu ancient capital from invaders in 10th century.

Although the mouth of the Thien Ha Cave is only about 4 meter across, the visitors who desire to go inside this cave will not be disappointed with its size. The entire cave is around 900 meters deep, but only 700 of those meters are accessible by foot, others are by boat as they are under water. Get on the port in Tam Coc, then, travel back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 06: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Overnight on boat (B/L/D)

07.45 – 08.15: - Cruise's guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to Halong Bay.

- Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta

- Get your camera ready to take photos. Comfort break. The time from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 ½ hours.

12 – 12.30 - Arriving Tuan Chau marina. Welcome aboard the cruise. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain, crew in the cruise briefing.

Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind. Set sail as lunch is served

Join us for a typical local lunch in the dining room or at the outdoor dining area.

Afternoon:

- Arrive at Surprising Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), explore the cave and find out how the cave was named a Surprising.

- Heading to Titop island area. Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by beautiful islets. Visit Titop island for swimming and snorkeling or do the short trek to the top of island to have the overview of Halong bay from here. Then, heading back toward the sleeping area

Early evening

- Summit on the sundeck watching the sunset, enjoy Sunset party. It’s ideal time to make acquaintance with new friends, sharing your traveling experience or simply watching the sunset. Later, an authentic Vietnamese menu is served

- After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at our bar, or take for you one of our onboard activities: book reading, games, movies, and squid fishing…

Day 07: Cruise - Kayak - Swimming – Overnight on boat (B/L/D)

06:30 - For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands. Then, enjoy a local breakfast.

- Transfer to smaller boat to exploring Maze Cave, you will have change to visit one of the most beautiful cave in Halong bay and step up to the top of the mountain to get the amazing view of World Heritage.

- Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets as we sail through the calm emerald waters heading to Cửa Vạn floating Village.

- Arrive Cửa Vạn Floating Village: Our guide will brief you information and the highlights about this fascinating floating village and its local community

- Take your option either exploring the village yourself on kayak or comfortably capture the daily life of the fishermen on bamboo boat rowed by the locals.

12:00: Lunch is served on board

Afternoon: Cruising to Visit the Peal Farm, you will have chance to witness the whole process to make a valuable pearl from first step of growing to harvesting pearl in Halong Bay. Return to your cruise, take time to refresh and relax

Early evening

- Summit on the sundeck watching the sunset, It’s ideal time to make acquaintance with new friends, sharing your traveling experience or simply watching the sunset

- An authentic Vietnamese menu is served

- After dinner, reward yourself with a tasteful cocktail, or take for you one of our onboard activities: book reading, games, movies, squid fishing….

Day 08: Cruise - Swimmung - Hanoi (B/L/-)

06:30: For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body, joining Tai Chi session to full charge your energy for the day.

07:00 – 08:00:  Local breakfast is served

08:00: Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets as we sail through the calm emerald waters heading to Luon Cave (Hang Luồn)

- Take your option either exploring the cave yourself on kayak or comfortably on bamboo boat rowed by the locals.

09:00: Check out the cabins, at your leisure while our cruise taking you pass by other beautiful highlights in the bay.

10:00: You will join with our short class of Cooking demonstration, how to make spring rolls before an early lunch is served.

12:00: Return to the shore and disembark from the cruise as our crew say farewell.
Transfer back to Hanoi.

Day 09: Hanoi – Phong Nha Ke Bang (B/-/-)

Enjoy your last day in Hanoi until being picked up by our driver then transfer to the airport for flight to Dong Hoi (Quang Binh). Be welcomed and met our guide and driver, then transfer to Phong Nha Cave, you will then take a 25-minute ride to the cave via traditional dragon boat. This cave is called a water cave as it exhibits an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. Then, you will be taken back by boat. This cave is famous for its spectacular rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha. Back to Dong Hoi or stay in Phong Nha for overnight.

Day 10: Dong Hoi – Vinh Moc Tunnels - Hue (B/-/-)

Enjoy your breakfast, then drive to Hue via Hien Luong Bridge, and Vinh Mooc tunnel which is the extensive tunnels used by the communist Viet Cong to conduct guerrilla warfare up and down the country are famous all over the world, and you can visit them at Cu Chi near Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels, however, are rather different. Whereas the Viet Cong Tunnels spanned thousands of miles and were used for transporting personnel, storing weapons, and sheltering from enemy forces, the tunnels at Vinh Moc were built as a semi-permanent underground home for the people of Son Trung and Son Ha.

Arrival in Hue, check in hotel and then relax or take your own time to have first-hand experience of ancient city of Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Day 11: Hue Imperial City Tour (B/-/-)

In the morning, start Hue city tour today by exploring the Imperial Citadel of Hue (the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945) with Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynasty Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace. Have boat ride along the Perfume River and the countryside through rarely visited villages to Thien Mu Pagoda (one of the most atmospheric and picturesque places in the former imperial capital, listen legend story about Thien Mu pagoda).

Next, visit the tombs of Minh Mang (is impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions. Learn more about the Royal’s life, and Vietnam’s conception of death) and Khai Dinh (a blend of Western and Eastern architecture). Later, transfer back to hotel and overnight in Hue.

Day 12: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B/-/-)

Enjoy your free time in Hue before travelling to Hoi An ancient town through small villages and emerald green rivers in the blue water of Lang Co Beach. We will conquer the 10-km long, 500 meters high Hai Van Pass (pass of the Clouds). At the summit, explore French and American forts, while enjoying panoramic views of the coast.

Next, visit the Marble mountain which is a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble, Marble Mountains are a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, Marble Mountains exist in a coastal area.

Arrive in Hoi An which was recognized by UNESCO as being World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoi An used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries. Check in hotel and overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 13: Hoi An - Boat Cruise - Craft Villages (B/-/-)

After your breakfast at hotel, enjoy a comfortable ride to the Thu Bon River to board your river boat. As you sail down the river, discover the amazing Hoi An craft villages dotting the riverside, and hop off the boat to explore them more deeply. Visit the Thanh Ha ceramic village to admire its intricate pottery, and stop off at the Kim Bong furniture village to check out the hand-crafted tables and chairs. Return to the land to have your own lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon you will take Hoi An sightseeing of Japanese covered bridge, Handicraft workshops, Tan Ky old house, Fujian assembly hall and the 15th century Chuc Thanh Pagoda.

Also, visit around the small and beautiful streets of Hoi An which is famous for its numerous tailor-made clothing shops. You may also enjoy the relax on the beaches of Cua Dai or Ang Bang. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An - Free at leisure (B/-/-)

Enjoy your free time in Hoi An to explore further the ancient and peaceful town on your own way with special architecture and attractive local cultures. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 15: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (B/-/-)

Take your time to enjoy the last day in Hoi An until being transferred to the airport for flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, be picked up by our driver and then transfer to hotel for check-in. Have your first-hand exploration of the most bustling and hustling city of Vietnam. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 16: Nha Trang - Discovery (B/L/-)

Tri Nguyen Aquarium - Tranh Beach - Mun Marine Park - Fishing Village - Con Se Tre Village

Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nests from the boat. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore.

Day 17: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/-)

Enjoy your time in the coastal city by relaxing on the beach or get deeper understanding of the local culture, history and custom before transferring to the airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, be welcomed by our guide and then transfer to hotel in center for check-in and overnight in Saigon.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre (B/-/-)

Our guide and driver pick you up at your hotel; head out to My Tho in Mekong Delta. Dip into the beauty of rice fields along the way. Firstly, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which is the “must visit” site in Tien Giang. The pagoda is an ancient Southern gem with the combination of Asian and European architecture including Renaissance period and Romanesque style.

Next, continue to My Tho, up on arrival, take a boat trip on Mekong River to visit farmer’s house and garden. View the fishing port, the traditional stilt houses and boat building workshops and islands including Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn and Tortoise. Enjoy lunch on the beautiful island. Next, ride horse and carriage around villages to see the local life; taste tropical fruits and honey tea at bee-keeping farm; listen to traditional music and visit coconut candy manufacturer. Roam on village path with fruit orchards and bonsai garden. Meet the locals to get deeper understanding about their daily life in the watery area.

Continue to Ben Tre for check-in hotel. Have your own exploration of Ben Tre which is itself one of the two main branches of the Mekong. Ben Tre is very well-known for its ecotourism with many green fruit gardens. Besides, this province is homeland of coconut. It is known with Ben Tre coconut candy, Cai Mon Ornamental Plant Garden. Overnight at hotel in Ben Tre.

Day 19: Ben Tre - Boat Cruise - Tra Vinh (B/-/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the river port to take a boat trip around Bến Tre River, Sight-seeing local activities on river. Stop to see how people make bricks, salts. Coconut workshop.  Boat to Cai Sơn and Nhơn Thạnh creeks to see some family making mats.  Take motor cart (xe lôi) Pass by rice fields and vegetable plains to know how culture in country. 

In the afternoon, take rowing-boat along water palm creek. Boat along Cái Cối creek.  Later Continue your trip to Mekong Garden in Tra Vinh where you will immerse in the peace and beauty. Enjoy the beauty of countryside during your travel by boat to Mekong Garden. After check-in the bungalow, have a short bike ride or wander around the area surrounded by orchards, rice fields, canals and lines of coconut tree. After that have a cooking demonstration in which you can learn to make Vietnamese food.

Day 20: Tra Vinh - Can Tho - Son Island (B/-/-)

After your breakfast, head out to the center of Tra Vinh. Visit Khmer Culture Museum, Co (Stork) and Hang (cave) temples. Continue traveling to Can Tho to visit Binh Thuy ancient house. Binh Thuy ancient house was built in 1870 with French style in architecture but still remained traditional features of Southern style. This is the private property of Duong’s family, it however has been acknowledged as a valuable construction of the city and nation for its architectural and historical values.

Later, take the boat to Con Son island where you stay away from the bustling and noisy city. Here, you will see the real authenticity with farming activities. There are only under 100 households on the island. There is no vehicle here and people have to walk from this place to others. Learn to make traditional local cake before transfer back to the land for check-in hotel and overnight in Can Tho.

Day 21: Can Tho - Chau Doc - Tra Su Nature Reserve (B/-/-)

You will leave hotel early for visiting Cai Rang floating market. The landscape is very beautiful: hundred sampans with full of rice, fruits and handicraft products…they are here to exchange their products. We will then visit the central market and explore the local activities. After leaving the market, we are going to visit a luxuriant orchard of Little Hien Farm and enjoy fruits. To get deeper understanding of local life, you may join the farming such as, fishing, planting… (at your own cost).

Next, transfer to Tra Su Cajeput forest which will show a wide variety of colorful birds and other animals can be found here: storks, bats, snakes, turtles… Particularly, you will enjoy interesting boat ride to watch birds that can walk on water: because of their low body weight they do not fall through the densely grown floating habitats. The locals in this area built their houses with bamboo canes and fastened the roofs in trees. During the Vietnam War, the Tra Su forest Cajuput was a base of revolutionaries. Finally, head out to Chau Doc. Check in hotel and overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.

Day 22: Chau Doc - Discovery - Dong Thap (B/-/D)

After breakfast at hotel. Board on a boat to visit floating houses, raft village to learn the history of development of fishery. A visit to the Chau Doc floating village in An Giang Province is truly a fascinating excursion, providing provocative insight into the lives of the Khmer people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Vietnam. Next, continue to Cham ethnic minority villages where you visit the ancient largest Mosques of Cham community and see the unique architecture and customs of the locals. Also, you will have an opportunity to meet and to discover the daily life of the hospitable locals.

Afterwards, depart to Dong Thap which is famous for its breathtaking natural landscape rich in cultural and historical treasures, Dong Thap typifies the Mekong Delta region. Check in homestay and then walk or have a bike ride around the village to get deeper understanding the rural life learn to make some Vietnamese food with the host. Overnight in Dong Thap.

Day 23: Dong Thap - Gao Giong Eco Tourism - Saigon (B/-/-)

After your breakfast, transfer to Gao Giong Eco tourism which is well-known for a beautiful and charming landscape, the site is considered the miniature of the Plain of Reeds in the southwestern region of Vietnam.

Gao Giong eco-tourism area was built in 2003 in Cao Lanh district, Dong Thap province, 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh city. The green oasis-like area is divided into four zones with over 70km of canals. 

The mangrove forest in Gao Giong creates a wild beauty. This is the habitat of dozens of water birds, such as whistling ducks, wild ducks, and tens of thousands of white egrets, making the area the largest habitat of white egrets in Dong Thap Muoi of Plain of Reeds. Finally, transfer back to Saigon. Check in hotel and overnight in Saigon.

Day 24: Saigon City Tour - Departure (B/-/-)

Start your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi St, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such the old Opera House (may only be viewed from the outside), visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Continue the trip to War Remnants Museum which once known as the Museum of American War Crimes preserving the items and documents in the war. The War Remnants Museum is consistently the most popular museum in Saigon. Finally, transfer to the airport for flight back to your country.