Explore the Best Vietnam with Sapa Trekking
Duration
13 days, 1 country
Destinations
Vietnam
Travel Type
Private | Customizable
Places You’ll Visit
Tour Overview
Join us on this 13-day Southeast Asia tour in Vietnam, exploring the country from south to north. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City. You will stroll around the bustling streets and admire the European buildings. Cruise the Mekong River, discovering its lush delta and traditional villages. Next, visit the ancient town of Hoi An and the Imperial City of Hue, both featuring cultural heritage.
Continue to North Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, to experience its traditional Vietnamese life. Venture to Sapa for an unforgettable trek through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. The Vietnam trip comes to a perfect end with the relaxing Halong Bay cruise. Marvel at the limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Highlights of This Tour
- In Ho Chi Minh City, admire European architecture and glimpse the city’s history.
- Take a sampan boat tour and visit a local orchard in the Mekong River delta area.
- Feel the charm of Hoi An ancient town and learn to make the local lantern.
- Explore the Imperial City of Hue, the historical heart of Vietnam’s dynastic history.
- Glimpse the traditional Vietnamese life in Hanoi.
- Trek the terraced fields of Sapa and encounter local ethnic minority people.
- Relax on Halong Bay cruise. Enjoy the emerald waters, limestone karsts and explore the fishing village and caves.
Itinerary
Welcome to the most prosperous city in Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the local driver will pick you up with a sign board and send you to your well-selected hotel. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or experience the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Ho Chi Minh
After breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up in the hotel lobby and begin your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon). The Central Post Office was built in the late 19th century and designed by French architects. Entering the hall, you can admire the magnificent decorations and classical dome.
Notre Dame Cathedral is a landmark of Saigon. The unique red brick exterior wall gives it another name, the Red Church. Continue to the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Independence Palace. With the unification of the North and South regions, the “Independence Palace” was renamed as the “Unification Palace” as a symbol of the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national unity and national independence.
After lunch, head to visit the War Remnants Museum. Here, you can enjoy both outdoor and indoor exhibitions. Indoors, images, maps, and text are used to describe how the US military used advanced weapons to kill Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. The outdoor display showcases the aircraft, shells, and various gas bombs used by the US military. Then, experience a unique ride on a cyclo (a bicycle rickshaw) through the bustling streets and witness the local daily life. Last, we will drive to Can Tho (the largest city in the Mekong Delta) for the night.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Can Tho
Do you know that the floating market has existed in Vietnam since the beginning of commodity trading. There is evidence to suggest that Vietnam’s floating market has a history of over 4,500 years. The Cai Rang Floating Market we are going to today is the largest in scale.
Early in the morning, we will head to the dock and take a 45 minute boat ride to reach our destination. The market is busiest in the early morning when you can see fresh, colorful fruits and agricultural products. Some merchant boats also offer breakfast and coffee.
After visiting the market, transfer to a sampan boat along the Mekong River waterway, with dense palm trees on both sides. Stop on a small island and visit a local orchard to taste freshly picked tropical fruits. Strolling around the village, learn about the daily lives of the locals. Finally, we drive back Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Hoi An town for check-in.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hoi An
Today, your Vietnam trip continues on the central part of the county. Hoi An is a charming UNESCO-listed ancient town filled with Chinese and Japanese style architecture.
The Japanese Covered Bridge was built in 1593 by the Japanese and rebuilt by the Chinese in the Ming Dynasty. It’s interesting that one end of the bridge is guarded by monkeys and the other end is guarded by dogs.
Fujian Assembly Hall was built around the 17th century and was initially just a thatched hall. In the 16th year of the Qianlong reign, it was rebuilt as a tile temple with tall front and middle gates. Later, the Assembly Hall became the temple dedicated to Mazu (the most influential goddess of the sea in China). You can see exquisite murals and statues here, as well as an ancient sailboat model.
The Old House of Tan Ky is one of the oldest and most well preserved ancient residences in Hoi An. Constructed in the early 19th century, the beam column structure combined the characteristics of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. The top of the building demonstrated the influence of European culture.
After the visit, go to a workshop to learn the lantern-making from a skilled local artisan.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hoi An
You can explore more at your own pace this morning. Taste local cuisine in Hoi An, relax on the beach, or…
After lunch, drive for 1 hour and 20 minutes to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. Along the way, make a stop at the Hai Van Pass (496 meters) to appreciate the magnificent panoramic view of the coastline and surrounding mountains. After arrival, check in at the local hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hue
Your Vietnam tour in Hue starts at the main shopping destination in the area, Dong Ba Market. Various items are sold here, from fresh fruits to daily necessities, tourist souvenirs to local snacks.
Next is a historical journey to the Imperial City, the largest and most complete ancient architectural complex in Vietnam. It represents the highest achievement of ancient Vietnamese architectural art. This scenic spot was listed on the World Heritage List in 1993. Its architectural style is basically modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. The city is square with four gates and a moat surrounding it.
In the afternoon, head to Tam Giang Lagoon. It is the largest saltwater lagoon in Southeast Asia with an area of 52 square kilometers. Explore Chuon Wetland, visit Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village, and admire Ru Cha Mangrove Forest. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the beautiful sunset.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hue
After breakfast, check out the hotel and take a flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, the local tour guide will lead you to visit the Museum of Ethnology. It is divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. The indoor section has two floors and introduces all the ethnic groups in Vietnam. Outside, there are many aboriginal houses, burial chambers and bungalows.
Next, go to the middle of Ba Dinh Square, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It was built to commemorate the great Ho Chi Minh. Then, be guided to learn about the history of the Vietnam War at Hoa Lo Prison. It is the largest prison built by the French in North Vietnam.
Later, enjoy a food tour in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Follow your guide through the narrow alleys and try some of the most popular Vietnamese dishes. After that, you will be transferred to the railway station to take an overnight train to Lao Cai in the North Vietnam.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the Train
You will arrive at Lao Cai around 6 am. The local tour guide will pick you up and take you to breakfast. Afterwards, start your visit at a local market. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the daily life and local characteristics of the region.
Then, drive to Sapa, a picturesque summer resort in Vietnam. After arrival, check into the hotel and breathe fresh mountain air.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Sapa
Fuel you up with the breakfast at your hotel for a whole day of trekking in the beautiful Sapa. You will hike up along the scenic route from Cat Cat Village to Y Linh Ho. The distance is about 7 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and lush landscapes.
After a good rest, it is a 13-kilometer-long mountain road waiting for you. En route, encounter local ethnic minorities and through your guide’s translation, you may see their traditions. When the sun sets, you’ll arrive at Lao Chai Village. Stay at a local homestay for an authentic and immersive experience. Share stories and meals with your hosts and learn more about their way of life.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Lao Chai
After breakfast at your homestay, enjoy another hiking day back to Sapa. Walk for 4 kilometers from Lao Chai Village to Giang Ta Chai Village. This part offers amazing views of rice terraces and the green countryside. Then have a simple lunch.
In the afternoon, hike along a rustic path from Giang Ta Chai Village to Hau Thao, covering a distance of 14 kilometers. You’ll see beautiful terraced fields and the warm hospitality of the local people. Upon reaching Hau Thao, your driver will transfer you back to Sapa, where you can relax before departing for Lao Cai. In Lao Cai, catch the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the Train
Get off from the train and then you will be transferred to the Halong Bay pier. Board your cruise ship and sail through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. You will visit the Cua Van Floating Village, actually a fishing village. The guide will tell their unique way of life to you.
Continue to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, to gain an insight into the traditional fishing methods of the locals. Next, go to explore a natural museum of the ocean, Me Cung Cave. It features intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Then, discover Virgin Cave and Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, both famous for the breathtaking geological formations with the colorful lights.
Go back to the cruise ship. In the evening, the cruise ship will anchor in a secluded harbor. Enjoy a peaceful rest on the cruise.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on the Cruise
Wake up early to and take pictures of the beautiful sunrise over Halong Bay. Then take a Tai Chi class on the deck. Tai Chi is a traditional martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises.
After brunch, say good bye to Halong Bay and disembark at 11 am. Then return to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You can catch the last moment to explore Hanoi further.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Hanoi
This morning is free for you. Depending on your departure time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination or back home. This is the end of your 13-day Vietnam tour package from south to North. Safe travels!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
What’s Included
Dates & Availability
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
