Vietnam
See & Experience Almost it ALL in
11 Days
Highlights
►Cooking Class
►Interacting with Mountain Tribes & Immersing in Their Cultures
►Watching One of the Best Sunsets on Earth at Ha Long Bay (April through September only)
►The Inviting Little Streets, Alleyways & Food Stalls Found in the Capital, Hanoi
►Cruises on Tranquil Lakes & Postcard-Perfect Bays
►Majestic Rice Fields
►Kayaking
►Bamboo Rafting
►Biking in the Countryside
►A Hill Station Resembling a ‘Mini Paris’
►Traditional Markets
►Guided Tours to Caves & Temples
►And Much, Much More..
Type of Tour: Adventure & Sightseeing
Fully Guided? All tours are almost fully guided.
Although virtually all actives on this multi-day tour are shared with other travelers, we can make the trip almost completely private, per your request.
Are Solo Travelers Welcomed?
Yes & There are No Supplemental Fees for the Tours!
Dates & Availability for the Next 12 Months. Any Date w/ 7-Day Notice (some exceptions are made)
Prices are subject to changed until booked.
Itinerary
Day 1: Where Your Fantasy Trip Begins
Our tour begins in the city of Da Nang. Worth checking out are the Dragon Bridge, which features a rather unique architectural design, the night market and a nearby lounge and club complex. Dress nicely.
Day 2: Walking on Marble Mountains & the Country’s Prettiest Town
We make an excursion from Da Nang. Firstly, we are taken to a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. Collectively they are called the Marble Mountains, a.k.a. Ngu Hanh Son. In the early-evening, we are taken to the town of Hoi An. There we are provided with a guided tour. Highlights include a local outdoor market called Nguyen Hoang, traditional homes, pagodas, an assembly hall called Phuc Kien, the Japanese bridge, Hoai River, Lantern Street and the silk shops. Dinner is included on today’s tour and is served in Hoi An.
Day 3: A Resort Built by French Architects
& a Bridge Designed Like No Other
Before relocating by flight from Da Nang to the capital that is Hanoi, we visit a hill station and resort called Ba Na Hill Station (a.k.a. Ba Na Hills). It was founded in 1919 by French colonists. It was built as a leisure destination for French tourists. Being located 1500 meters above sea level, it has a view of the East Sea and the surrounding mountains. We reach this hill station and resort by cable car. In operation since March 29, 2013, it holds the world record for the longest nonstop single track cable car, at 5,801 meters (19,032 feet) in length. Highlights of our tour include the internationally acclaimed Golden Bridge, the garden, and the wine cellar. Another detail worth mentioning is that a buffet-style lunch is included on today’s tour and is served in the charming ‘French Village’, which is reached by cable car.
Day 4: Sightseeing in the Capital
Before relocating by land to the town of Ha Giang, we explore Hanoi. Highlights include the Opera House, Ho Tay Lake, Chua Tran Quoc Temple, Temple of Literature, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake (a.k.a. Restored Sword Lake). Hanoi is home to little streets and alleyways with food stalls, as well as restaurants squeezed up next to each other. The city vibe is one that visitors can easily feel and appreciate.
Day 5: Scenic Valleys, Winding Roads & Selfies
There is much to see as we relocate today by land from Ha Giang to the village of Dong Van. Firstly, we are taken to Thach Son Than Buckwheat Flowers Fields. It is a perfect spot for taking selfies. Next, we are taken to Quan Ba Heaven Gate. There we can purchase a coffee while overlooking the fine valley. Next, we are taken to Fairy Bosom (a.k.a. Núi đôi Quản Bạ). There we walk to a beautiful lookout point. Next, we are taken to the settlement of Lung Tam. Upon arrival in Lung Tam, we see how locals do centuries-old weaving and embroidery techniques. Next, we are taken to an observation deck called Đài Quan Sát Yên Minh. Next, we are taken to a viewpoint called Dốc Thẩm Mã. Meeting a local tribe while taking photos of the winding road between the mountains makes for a great 10-minute stop. Before reaching Dong Van, finally we are taken to the Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village, which is located in the Sung La Valley. There we meet another local tribe.
Day 6: An Authentic Outdoor Market, Tribal People & the North’s Picturesque Landscape
Before leaving Dong Van, we walk to a lookout point and then visit two local markets. After leaving this village, our first destination is a scenic pass called Ma Pí Leng. Next, we are taken to a village called Meo Vac. There we meet a local tribe wearing traditional black attire, see traditional homes and pass by Nho Que River. Lastly, we are taken to our hotel, located in the area of Ba Be National Park. Note that dinner is included on today’s tour, at our hotel specifically.
Day 7: A Lake Cruise, Caves & Canoeing
Before relocating back to Hanoi, there is much to see and do in and around Ba Be National Park. Highlights include a boat cruise around the lake, Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, kayaking at Widow's Island and meeting tribal Thai people and seeing rice fields in a village called Cam Ha. Dinner to-go is included on today’s tour and is provided right before leaving the park. Before returning to Hanoi, we explore Hua Ma Cave.
Day 8: Floating in the Water & One of Southeast Asia’s Greatest Sunset Locations
We go on a day trip today to Ha Long Bay. This is Vietnam’s most popular day trip destination…and for good reason. Ha Long Bay is arguably the country’s most naturally gifted area, along with the rice fields of the North. Highlights today include Surprising Cave, swimming and kayaking or bamboo rafting at Titov Island, and watching the sunset (if visiting between April and September). Note that lunch is included on today’s tour, during the boat ride.
Day 9: Rice Fields, Peddling, Paddling & the Ancient City
We go on another daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is called Hoa Lu. At this village, we check out the temple. Nearby and next, we go on a guided bike ride. After exploring the countryside, we can eat. Lunch is included on today’s tour. After our meal, we are taken to a river called Tam Coc. There we go on a paddle boat ride, led by a local. The highlights are the mountains, the surrounding rice fields and the caves. Upon returning to the dock, we are taken to Mua Cave. The cave itself pales in comparison to the views we get after ascending Lying Dragon Mountain. After hiking to the top, we return to Hanoi.
This evening we recommend you watch the train pass by a popular coffee shop located at 29A P. Nguyễn Thái Học, Cửa Nam, Ba Đình. After seeing it squeeze between residential buildings, consider walking to Ta Hien Street. This is Hanoi’s most popular street for nightlife.
Day 10: Mausoleums, Palaces & Mama's Home Cooking
Below is the list of attractions we will try to see today.
1. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
2. Presidential Palace
3. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: This is the former residence of Communist Ho Chi Minh.
4. One Pillar Pagoda
5. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
6. Vietnam Military History Museum
7. B52 Victory Museum
8. Lotte Observation Deck
In the afternoon, we are taken to a local market to shop for groceries. We are then taken to a local home. There we are provided with a cooking class. Dinner is included on today’s tour.
Day 11: Our Tour Ends This Morning
Our tour ends this morning. Hanoi is the final destination on our tour of Vietnam. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport.
Optional
Phu Quoc is undoubtedly Vietnam’s most beautiful and tropical island. It is quite mountainous, densely forested, and ringed with some fine beaches. Additionally, it offers arguably the best seafood in the country. If you are interested in our tour to Phu Quoc, ask us for details. Excluding the days of arrival and departure, we recommend 2 full days there.
Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax?
On a side note, if you want to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, it would need to be after Ba Be National Park and before returning to Hanoi. The drive from Ba Be National Park to Ban Gioc Waterfall takes about 5.5 hours.
You go bamboo rafting close to the waterfall. Afterwards, you are taken to the nearby Tiger Cave (a.k.a. Nguom Ngao Cave). It all sounds great, but note there is a lot of driving involved. The drive from Ban Gioc Waterfall to Hanoi takes around 7 hours. We generally discourage adding this waterfall onto our standard itinerary, but we do allow it. Would you like to add Ban Gioc Waterfall and the nearby Tiger Cave? This increases the tour by 2 days.
On a final note, Phu Quoc is quite mountainous, densely forested and ringed with some fine beaches. It otherwise offers arguably the best seafood in the country. If you are interested in our tour to Phu Quoc, ask us for details. Excluding the days of arrival and departure, we recommend 2 full days there. Would you like to add a visit to Vietnam’s most beautiful and tropical island?
What's Included
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lodging included for all nights on this tour
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All Ground & Water Transportation
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Male or Female Tour Guides
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Breakfasts
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3 Dinners
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3 Lunches
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All Activities in Itinerary
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Entry fees
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Your Own On-Call Concierge
What’s Excluded
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Any airfare
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Alcohol
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Travel insurance
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Any government-imposed visa fees
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Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Please Note
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Travel Insurance is required for this tour. You will be asked to provide your Travel insurance information after your booking is confirmed. It must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
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As much as we want for this trip to go exactly as planned, we can't predicted complications that may arise; due to inclement weather and/or closures due to uncontrollable circumstances like Covid-19. We will do our very best to make onsite scheduling adjustments as needed, but please note that all listed and intended activities are weather permitting. No refunds will be given if an activity has to be pulled. Additionally, the tour is listed as a package, and no price adjustments will be given if someone wants to "opt-out" of an included activity
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Not liable to any losses, damages, accidents, injuries, death, or sickness during your trip. The same applies to any changes in trip schedule due to weather, strikes, or any other force majeure. Service providers reserve the right to change routes, schedules, and itineraries if needed because of weather, road conditions or should the necessity arise because of unforeseen reasons or circumstances.
Contact me to book or if you have questions
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Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you protect your investment with travel insurance. Cancellation and interruption insurance covers in case of cancellation due to an insurable reason. We require adequate out of country medical insurance for unforeseen medical emergencies while traveling. The All Inclusive Plan includes emergency and health coverage and cancellation/interruption insurance. The rate for travel insurance is determined by the cost of the tour (can be increased to cover flights and other extras), the length of travel and your age.
Terms & Conditions
It is the responsibility of the passengers to verify documentation requirements directly with the embassy or consulate of the country of travel. Customs and/or immigration officials can deny a person entry into their country at their own discretion. We strongly recommend traveling with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Please be aware that different living standards and practices exist outside of North America including but not limited to provisions of utilities, accommodations and services of all kinds.
One Who Loves Travel cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or mistakes in this form. Your reservation is subject to the rules and conditions of the tour operator