12 days from Hanoi

IMPORTANT NOTICES: Tourist seasons in Vietnam

• May to September: low season
• November to April : High season
• December to March : Super peak season

This trip will take you to see the 3 most popular destinations in the Northern part of Vietnam : Hanoi capital, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An

BRIEFING: 

• Day 1 – Hanoi arrival – 3 options – welcome dinner 
• Day 2 – Hanoi full day private tour 
• Day 3 – Hanoi to Halong bay cruise overnight 
• Day 4 – Halong bay back to Hanoi 
• Day 5  -Hanoi to Sapa – afternoon trekking
• Day 6 – Sapa – Fansipan mountain -Sapa
• Day 7 – Sapa – to Hanoi airport – Flight to Hue – Flight MUST BE after 3.00 PM
• Day 8 – Hue Full Day – Overnight in Hue 
• Day 9 – Hue morning train to Danang – Danang half day tour – Overnight in Danang 
• Day 10 – Danang – Ba Na Hills – overnight in Danang
• Day 11 – Danang – Hoi an full day tour – Overnight in Hoi An 
• Day 12 – Hoi an to Danang – departure from Danang 

Day 1 – Hanoi arrival – rest – 4.00 PM 3 wheel pushing bike for one hour – welcome dinner 

INCLUSIONS: Private car  – Private guide – one hour 3 wheel pushing bike ride- set menu welcome dinner – hotel rooms in Hanoi 

It depends on what time you arrive, we will have 3 options:

1. Arrive before noon, we will pick you up and then transfer to the city center for lunch. Then check in hotel for resting after a long flight. Evening, do some light activities like : one hour XICH LO (3 wheel pushing bike) around the old quarters, pleasant walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, night market and dinner.
2. Arrive after noon, we will pick you up and transfer to the city center for hotel check in. Rest after a long flight. Evening, do some light activities like : one hour XICH LO (3 wheel pushing bike) around the old quarters, pleasant walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, night market and dinner.
3. Arrive late afternoon or evening, we will pick you up and transfer to the city center for a welcome dinner. After that, check in the hotel and rest on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi capital

PLEASE NOTE: Hanoi old quarters are very busy, the roads are small and the hotels are small too, rooms are only 20-25 square meters, we choose hotels away from the old quarters

• NOTE: hotel early check in is not promised in advance. It depends on the hotel’s availability and an additional cost will be applied at the moment guests request. 

HOTEL CHOICES

• Acoustic hotel 4 star 
• Thang Long Opera 4 star 
• Q hotel 4 star 
• Hong Ngoc hotel 4 star 
• Grand Peridot 5 star
• Meritel 5 star 
• Apricot 5 star 

DAY 2 – HANOI CITY FULL DAY TOUR – OVERNIGHT IN HANOI

INCLUSIONS:  private car, English speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, water, hotel rooms in Hanoi 

8.00 am: start exploring Hanoi city’s history, culture, and way of life.

The visit includes the following sites:

• Ho Guom Lake known as Hoan Kiem Lake – make a little walk around the lake to see King Ly Thai To statue – the Ly King that made present-day Hanoi as capital from 1010. Learn the history of the Ly Kings through our guide.
• Ngoc Son temple: right at Hoan Kiem Lake. Cross The Huc Bridge which is in scarlet color acrossing the lake to Ngoc Son temple which is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century). Also right there, you will learn a part of Vietnamese religious life.
• Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) – completed in 1070 and known as Vietnam’s first university, now used as a temple to worship Confucius (founder of Confucianism) and Chu Van An (the most beloved and honorable teacher of Vietnam from 13th century). Learn great insight about Vietnam’s educational stories from our guide.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum : to see the body of our most beloved president – Uncle Ho – Ho Chi Minh president. Also visit his simple house and its surroundings which describe how Ho Minh lived throughout the war days (his fruit garden, fish pond) and one-pillar pagoda.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda : more than 1.500 years old, it’s the religious study of Thang Long (now Ha noi) citadel of all people under the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225). It’s located right in the middle of West Lake – the biggest lake of Hanoi.

• Hoa Lo prison : initially named Maison Centrale in French and by France to imprison Vietnamese patriots who were against French control. It’s considered as the “Hell on Earth”, which used so many terrible tools for torture.

A site that MUST NOT be missed is the TRain Street in old quarters of Hanoi. Why is it so special? Because the railway is “cutting through” the residential area. It’s so much fun to witness the old style passenger train going through in front of your face while you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or beer. in front of your face while you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or beer.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, Vietnamese food

Get back to the hotel at around 6.00 PM and rest.

Dinner and evening time are on your own

DAY 3 – HANOI TO HALONG BAY overnight trip –  OVERNIGHT on Halong bay cruise

INCLUSIONS:  shared bus from Hanoi, English speaking guide , lunch and dinner on board, entrance fees to visit Halong Bay’s highlighted sites, 5 star Halong bay cruise cabins.

Please click on this link for 2 day cruise itinerary 

DAY 4: SUNG SOT CAVE – HALONG BAY – HANOI 

INCLUSIONS: breakfast and lunch on board, English speaking tour guide, entrance fees and all activities on board, shared bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi, hotel rooms in Hanoi

Please follow day 2 in the previous link

11.00 Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina. YOU will be transferred to Hanoi by our shared bus.

15.00 : Arrive Hanoi, you will get off and check in your hotel and the rest is on your own.

NOTES: 

• The above 2 day Halong Bay cruise is JUST a typical itinerary from Amanda Cruise (click here for details) which we are partnering with.
• The itinerary and cost will change if you choose a different cruise or Amanda Cruise is sold out at the moment of Requesting and we will have to replace by a similar cruise or higher.

ADDITIONAL COST PER PERSON IF GUESTS CHOOSE ONE OF THESE CRUISES:

• Le Journey Cruise: Same cost
• Syrena Cruise: 300.000 VND
• Alisa cruise : 500.000 – 800.000 VND
• Rita Cruises : 500.000 – 800.000 VND

DAY 5 HANOI TO SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE TREKKING – OVERNIGHT IN SAPA 

INCLUSIONS:  shared LIMOUSINE LUXURY bus from  Hanoi to Sapa, hotel in Sapa, guide for trekking, entrance fee to villages. 

You can request private transportation and decide your time (but still  your time must suit the bus schedule as we only use one way)

7.30 AM, You will be picked up by our Limousine driver and enjoy a 5 hour drive to Sapa with one one – two stops for the toilet.

Lunch is on your own account at the bus stop half way.

After arrival, check in the hotel and rest. Then, take a walking tour around  Cat Cat village to enjoy the great simple village life; to admire the significance of nature. Our local guide will help you to get the true feel of the local lifestyle. During the trek, you might see some of these activities and scenes:

• Children taking care of buffalos in the rice fields
• People cutting rice in the fields
• Families prepare dinner
• Naive kids playing in front of their house.

HOTEL CHOICES:

• Hotel De Sapa 4 star 
• Sapa Highland 4 star 
• Pistachio 4 star 
• KK hotel 5 star 

DAY 6 – MOANA CAFE – FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN- OVERNIGHT IN SAPA 

INCLUSIONS:  Private car to get around, English speaking guide, entrance, 2 way cable car to Fansipan mountain, 2 ways train from Sapa downtown to Fansipan cable car, 01 way train on the mountain,  water.

Suggested Timing: 08.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Start the day by taxi to Muong Hoa train station in the center of Sapa. Take a 6 min train to Fansipan cable car. This is a very beautiful train line taking you through the peaceful and romantic villages, flower gardens and rice terraces of Sapa.

Upon arrival, take the cable car up to the mountain and enjoy the great sceneries there. From here you will explore the beauty of natural Sapa with a lot of spots for photo check in.

From there, you will take another train to the top of the mountain – which is considered the ROOF OF INDOCHINA 3143 meters. From there you will walk down to the cable car station (600 steps) to enjoy the atmosphere and natural beauty.

Enjoy lunch on your own account with a wide range of food selections on the mountain

Take the cable car down, and then take the train back to Sapa downtown.

From here, take our private car to visit Moana cafe,which is a hotspot for photo check in, one drink included.

After that, get in our private car to get back to the hotel.

The day ends at around 5-6.00 PM when you are dropped at the hotel

Evening time and dinner are on your own.

Day 7 – Sapa Limousine bus to Hanoi airport – flight to Hue

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Shared Limousine Bus, flight to Hue, guide and car pick up at Hue, hotel rooms in Hue city

Breakfast at hotel

Check out and get on our shared luxury Limousine bus at 7.30 AM and spend about 5 hours with one stop en route. Lunch is on your own.

1.00 PM : Arrive at Noi Bai airport of Hanoi capital. Check in your flight for HUE city. Flight MUST BE after 3.00 PM.

6.00 PM: Upon arrival at Phu Bai airport of Hue city, our guide and car pick up and transfer you to hotel for check in.

EVENING OPTIONS :

• 3 wheel pushing bike ride
• Street food tour by motorbike

Day 8 – Hue Full Day – Overnight in Hue 

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, private car,  guide, entrance fees to visiting places, lunch, hotel rooms in Hue city. 

Hue is the former capital of Vietnam’s imperialism period. It’s where the last Nguyen Dynasty ruled the country from 1802 to 1945 through 13 kings. It’s where you can recall the old days of Vietnam, get to understand Vietnam’s history and visit the King’s RIP places.

Today, you will explore the ancient city of Hue where the last Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam imperialism period lasted. 

The sightseeing sites:

• Hue former citadel : 1.5 hours – get to know how the Nguyen kings lived. 
• 01 hour cruise on a dragon shaped boat on Huong river (Parfume river) to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and the view of Hue city from the river. 
• Thien Mu Pagoda: 30 minutes – built in 1601 on a hill overlooking to Parfume river. 
• Lunch at local restaurant 
• Tu Duc King tomb – the 4th King that had a traumatic life: 1,5 hour 
• Conical and incense production village : This is where you can enjoy how the locals produce traditional conical hats and incense which is used for worshipping ancestors. 
• Dong Ba market – the biggest market of Hue downtown

NOTE: You can replace any Tomb you like 

Day 9 – Hue morning train to Danang – Danang half day tour – Overnight in Danang 

INCLUSIONS: private car and guide to drop off at Hue train station,, train tickets to Danang, private car and guide to pick up at Danang train station, and for Danang city tour, entrance fees, water, simple lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel

You will get picked up at your hotel by our guide and driver to drop you off at Hue train station, our guide will help you to check in the train cabins and remind you of everything.

The train will last 3 hours with one stop through Hai Van Pass (the most spectacular pass in South Vietnam) and beautiful Lang Co Beach. 

Upon arrival at Danang train station, our guide and driver will pick you up and take you to local restaurant for a simple Vietnamese lunch. 

After lunch, explore Danang city by visiting the following sites:

• Linh Ung pagoda on Son Tra Island) – admire the 67m high Lady Buddha statue and the great view of Danang sea from the Son Tra hill.
• An option of taking a Parachute ride is ready at Son Tra island – cost is on your own (have to book in advance)
• Visit Marble mountain – take the elevator to the middle part of the mountain and enjoy the scenery of Linh Ung pagoda. Make a walk through the mountain with about 300 steps, stop by some natural caves. Get down by elevator or walking.  
• stop by Dragon bridge for photo – a symbolic landmark of Danang city 

After all, check in your hotel and rest on your own in the evening.

HOTEL CHOICES: Click on hotel names to see hotel website 

• Minh Toan Galaxy 4 star 
• Eden Danang Hotel 4 star 
• Royal Ocean 4 star
• Nalod 5 star
• Hilton Garden in 5 star 
• Grand-Vrio Ocean 5 star 

Day 10 – Danang – Ba Na Hills – overnight in Danang

Inclusions: Private car, guide, 2 way cable car, entrance fees, water, hotel rooms

• 08:00 am: Our private car and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby, enjoy a drive to Ba Na Mountain
• Arrive at Ba Na Mountain, get out of the car and walk about one km to the cable car Station. Spend your time in the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia.
• After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge – which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amour (consists of 9 gardens), Linh Ung pagoda.
• Get in the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village where you could enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome …Challenge the most popular adventure ride – Slide of Tube Car (free ride)…
• Ba Na has a diverse variety of food choices. You can just pick whatever you like there, so lunch is on your own account.
• Take the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to many new attractions for check-in such as Helios waterfall, Time Gate, and The Moon Kingdom …Join in Fantasy Park by walking in Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D wild west, enjoying 4D death race ride, watching 3D mega 360 degrees, riding on journey into the underground, entering Jurassic Park, challenging Freefall Tower and participating in an adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

• 3:00 pm: Return to the Cable Car to get down the hills
• 3.30 PM: Get in our private car and drive about 45 mins  back to hotel
• 5.00 PM :Reach the hotel in Danang, and rest on your own.

Day 11 – Danang – Hoi an full day tour – Overnight in Hoi An 

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, private guide and car, entrance fees, boat trip, lunch, hotel rooms in Da Nang city. 

Breakfast at the hotel and check out with all your luggage on car.

9.00 AM, depart for Hoi An ancient town in 40 minutes.  Hoi An is UNESCO cultural heritage thanks to its historical and traditional values. Visit and enjoy the following activities:

• First get to Coconut Jungle to join the MUST-DO round bamboo boat trip with a lot of fun and great experiences.
• An optional bike ride around the old town  is recommended with visits of some Chinese temples and highlights of Hoi An ancient town (Hoi An market, Japanese bridge, ect)
• Visit Tra Que vegetable farm, the biggest green farm for Hoi an city.
• Enjoy your own free time in Hoi an : walk along the river, join the public street performances, enjoy evening boat rides to release lanterns, shopping and dinner. All of these are on your own account.
• Enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant in town. After lunch, get back on car and check in hotel for resting.
• Afternoon, join a motorbike tour around 3 hours into villages, visiting some traditional villages making mats, bricks, and potteries.
• Get back to hotel or old town at 6.00 PM, then free on your own.

HOTEL CHOICES: Please click on hotel names for references

• Coco river resort 4 star 
• Hoi An Royal riverside hotel 4 star 
• Ann Retreat 4 star 
• Bel Marina 5 star
• Almanity 5 star 
• La Siesta resort 5 star 

Day 12 – Hoi an to Danang – departure from Danang 

Inclusions: Private car and guide 

Morning, breakfast at hotel, then check out and move to Danang airport with our guide’s supports

Take your flight back home.

THE TRIP ENDS!

*** AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS: 

• The cost is based on the hotel suggestions, all of which have windows of random views and breakfast. The hotels can be replaced and the cost might increase/decrease if guests require to change

• In case the suggested hotel is sold out by the date guests request, a similar hotel with the same cost will be replaced. 

• Included lunches will be local speciality/set menu/buffet stated clearly in each day. 

• SIMPLE LUNCH means it’s where the locals eat/not designed for tourists but meet all the hygiene standards (one dish one drink)

• Some days have buffet lunch as it’s a must, no other choices.

• The timing and order in the daily plan for private tours is just suggestion, please feel free to change/adjust as long as it doesn’t cause extra costs. 

• For group tours, the timing is fixed, guests cannot change. 

• Tipping is customary in Vietnam and it’s suggested 20 USD for guide per day and 10 USD for driver per day (for the whole group)
•  Tipping is a MUST in Cambodia (at least 5 USD/person/day) 

***TRIP INCLUSIONS CLARIFICATION: beside the detailed inclusions in each day’s itinerary:

• 11nights in 4-5 star hotels/ 5 star cruise cabin in all cities with buffet breakfast included

• Hotel rooms are defaulted for 2 persons ( 1 or 2 beds) with specific room type. 

• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned above

• 2 bottles of water per guest per day

• Travel insurance valued at 3.000 USD
• Private/group English speaking tour guide for daily tours – not for airport pickup/dropoff/transfer and not for daily group tours.

TRIP EXCLUSIONS: 

• International air tickets

• Visa to Vietnam and Cambodia 

• Tips for guides and drivers – It’s customary to TIP 10USD/day/group for driver and 20 USD/day for guides. For big groups from 10 people up, TIP will be a MUST : 3USD per person per day (for both drivers and guides) 

• Ordering drinks during included meals 

HOTEL REGULATIONS

Check in / check out time: 2.00 PM – 12.00 PM for all hotels

Early check in and late check out are not Promised by the hotels. This can ONLY be discussed upon arrival with the hotel staff and additional costs MUST be paid if the rooms are available.

FOR CRUISES: check in/out time: 12.00 PM – 9.30 AM

TOUR COST per person depends on:

• The total number of travelers
• Specific hotel choices and room type
• Please contact us directly for specific tour costs