Ultimate Vietnam Explore – 12 Days

Xin chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam!
On arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local guide and driver then transfer to our city hotel for check-in and relaxation.
(Note: Hotel’s check-in is at 14.00, early check-in is not included)

Have a rest then at 07:00 PM, meet with a Hanoi food expert for a mouthwatering tour of the capital this evening. Start with a trip to Thanh Ha Market, where you’ll browse food stalls, try local delicacies, and uncover Vietnamese culinary culture. Then, head to Dong Xuan Market, famed for its noodle shops, and sample treats such as pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) and bun dau (tofu served in soup with rice noodles and fermented shrimp paste).

After the street food, your adventure continues as you head to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, a narrow residential street where a train passes just inches from the homes and cafes. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a local cafe, and if you’re lucky, you might witness the thrilling sight of a train passing through this unique neighborhood.

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then be picked up at 8AM by your guide and driver. We will depart for Ninh Binh province (approx. 2 – 2.5 hours driving). Our schedule for the day will go as follows:
10:30: We arrive in Ninh Binh and proceed to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel – the historic capital of Vietnam where you can visit the famous ancient temples of Le and the Dinh Dynasties.
Along the tour, sit down to enjoy a lunch with delicious local dishes at a restaurant in town.

13:00: Depart to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism complex, take a boat trip to visit the impressive cave complex consisting of Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou in the mysterious wilderness, see the scenery of mountains and rivers of the “Halong Bay on land”.

15:30: We arrive at Hang Mua – Dancing Cave, where you can get the impressive panoramic views of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh city, see the amazing scenery of rice fields and river canals when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long Mountain (about 500 stone steps).
After the tour, we will leave Ninh Binh and be escorted safely back to your hotel stay in Hanoi.

Early morning, at 07:00 AM, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Sapa (approx. 7 hours).
(Note: Check-out before 12:00 PM, late check-out is not included)
On your arrival in Sapa, meet our tour guide then transfer to the restaurant to have lunch.

After the lunch, your exploration with a visit to the Sapa Stone Church, a French-built Gothic structure in the heart of town. It is also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and become a suitable colocation for the traditional cultural practices of Christianity of ethnic minority groups there.

Head to Sapa Market, where you can see the vibrant morning activities of the local ethnic minorities. The local market is a selling place for people here, every weekend ethnic minorities come to gather and sell their agricultural products. The market is divided into 3 zones, the first zone is the place for fresh products, the second zone is the place for local food and the final zone is the place for stuff, souvenirs, brocade,…Visit Mat Ngoc Lake is the name of Sapa Lake, this is the most convenient place to go around and enjoy the sunset, the sunrise, or the air in Sapa.

After you have breakfast at your hotel, we take a 4-minute Mountain Train through valleys, viaducts, and tunnels offering beautiful views of surrounding villages as well as nature. Reaching the Cable Car station, we get off the train and enjoy another 20-minute cable car ride up to the top. Normally, it takes at least two or three days to reach the Peak of Fansipan Mountain on foot. However, with the new three-rope cable car system, we can see the peak and spectacular surroundings from the peak within half a day.

After a 20-minute ride, we start challenging ourselves with 636 high steps up to Fansipan Summit – which is considered ‘The Roof of Indochina’ with a 3,143-meter height. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Hoang Lien Mountain and lush forest, we walk down to the cable car station and ride back.

Have a buffet lunch at the Fansipan Lounge. Take the mountain train back to town. In the afternoon, we will explore Cat Cat Village & Y Linh Ho Village.
Highlights:

• Half-day walk through beautiful landscapes with great views over rice-terraced fields.
• Meet the Hmong people and experience their local life.

Itinerary:

09:00 AM: You will be met at your hotel in Sapa and begin your journey by leaving Sapa market town.

The walk starts downhill towards Cat Cat Village. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and scenery along the road. Upon reaching a waterfall and a hydroelectric station, we will take a short rest. Continue trekking on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraced fields. This area is still covered by srain forest, under the protection of Hoang Lien National Park. Arrive in Y Linh Ho village, inhabited by the Black Hmong people, where we will have another rest before climbing towards the main road.

Return to Sapa: Our vehicle will pick us up from the main road and drive us back to Sapa.
Approximate Duration:

• 15 minutes driving
• 3 hours walking

Note: The trail can be slippery during the rainy season from Cat Cat to Y Linh Ho.

At around 08:30 AM, please check-out the room in Sapa, before our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and embark on a memorable adventure to the Ban Mong Alpine Coaster. Situated amidst the breathtaking Hoang Lien Son mountain range, this activity promises an exhilarating experience amidst nature’s beauty.

As part of this journey, you will enjoy a round-trip ride ticket on the alpine coaster, including a 825m descent and a 250m ascent.

Participation Guidelines for the Alpine Coaster:
Who Can Ride?

• Individuals aged 8 years and above, who are at least 1.35m tall, can ride the coaster alone.
• Children aged 3 to 7 years can ride on a two-seater coaster accompanied by an adult who: more than 8 years old, 1.35, at least 1.35m tall, trained by the staff and assumes full responsibility for the child

Who Cannot Ride?

• Pregnant women
• People over 75 years
• Children under 3 years old.
• Individuals unable to sit or operate the coaster properly due to physical or mental limitations may ride only if accompanied by a trusted person or staff member who assumes responsibility.
• Those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications impairing mental faculties.
• Animals, bulky items, sharp objects, or loose belongings are prohibited.

Important Rules and Safety Guidelines:

Personal Responsibility: By riding, you accept all risks and must wear appropriate attire.
Speed Control: Maintain a safe speed to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Keep at least 25m between coasters.
• Tailgating is strictly prohibited.
• The rear driver is fully responsible for any collision.

Brake with Caution:

• Always brake on time, especially near the end of the track.
• Reduce speed to walking pace in station areas.

Stay Alert: Keep your body upright, face forward, and never lean outside the coaster.
Traffic Signs: Follow all posted signs and remain focused on the next 25m of the track.
Staff Instructions: Follow the guidance of staff at all times. Do not operate the coaster too slowly or too fast.
Equipment Use: Only use coasters provided by the system.

• Seat belts must remain fastened throughout the ride.
• The rear passenger is responsible for braking and maintaining safety.

Hands and Feet: Must remain inside the coaster during the ride.
Avoid Loose Clothing: Items such as scarves, long shoelaces, or long hair must be secured to prevent entanglement with the track or wheels.
Designated Boarding: Only board or exit the coaster at specified areas.
No Electronics: Smoking, mobile phones, and cameras are prohibited during the ride. Riders are responsible for any loss or damage to electronic devices.
Weight Limit: The total weight of passengers on one coaster must not exceed 150kg.
Report Incidents: Accidents or damages must be reported immediately to the staff.
Prohibited Activities:

• Damaging equipment or facilities.
• Creating obstacles on the track.
• Unauthorized operation of the system or safety equipment.

Weather Conditions: Operations may be suspended during storms, darkness, or when visibility is below 25m.
Compliance: Failure to follow the rules may result in removal from the activity.
Terms of Participation: By purchasing a ticket, participants fully accept these terms and waive all claims for compensation.
Acceptance of Conditions: By paying for or purchasing a ticket, participants explicitly agree to all these terms and conditions. No claims for compensation will be accepted.

Embark on this thrilling adventure with safety in mind, and enjoy the ride through the stunning mountain landscape!
(Note: Check-out before 12:00 PM, late check-out is not included)
After enjoy the alpine coaster, our tour guide and driver will escort you to have lunch at the local restaurant. Finally, get on the car for back to Hanoi (approx. 7 hours), without tour guide.

Morning
08:00 – 08:30: Pick-up. Transfer from your hotel to Tuan Chau Harbor. (only driver, not including tour guide)
12:30: Welcome on board.
13:00: Lunch (During lunch, the boat is cruising pass the small fishing village)

Afternoon
14:30 – 15:30: Go to visit Sung Sot cave (you should bring hiking shoes, a camera, etc.).
15:30 – 16:30: Visit Titop Island, where you can go swimming and hiking. (When we go, you need to bring a swimsuit, sun cream, sunglasses, and a little money.)
18:00: Enjoy Cooking Class & Happy Hour for drinking, and the Sunset party on the sundeck on the 4th floor.

Nights
19:30: Dinner is served.
20:30: Relaxing time

06:45 – 07:30: Breakfast is served.
07:30 – 08:30: Kayaking to Luon cave (please change your clothes because it will be wet, we don’t recommend you take your camera, cell phone together.)
09:45: Check-out time (for a better arrangement, please put your luggage out of the door and return the room key at the reception). Our staff will help you transfer your luggage to the jetty in advance.
09:45 – 10:30: Early lunch is served.
10:30: Pay the bill at the bar counter on the second floor.
11:00: Say good bye to the crew and disembark in Alisa Harbor.
12:00: Get on the private car and come back to Hanoi. (only car, no tour guide)
When you get back on the port, our private car will escort you to Noi Bai Airport to catch your flight to Danang. (no tour guide)

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: Pick-up. Meet your guide and driver at your hotel and start the journey today.

Explore the Marble Mountains, where you can admire beautiful caves and historic Buddhist pagodas. Learn about the differences between Buddhism and Hinduism and take in the stunning scenery. Visit the Stone Carving Village of Non Nuoc to appreciate the fine art of stone carving and shop for unique souvenirs. Enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant.

Continue your adventure at the Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle. Experience the peaceful green space, participate in round net and cast net fishing, and enjoy a basket boat rowing experience. Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore iconic sites including Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Ancient House, the Japanese Bridge, and various museums. Enjoy shopping at Hoi An Central Market and marvel at the architectural influences from China, Japan, and Vietnam.
Finally, come back to your hotel and relaxing.

Today, time will be free for you to do as you wish until our guide and driver arrive at your hotel stay to escort you to the Airport in good time for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City
(Note: Check-out before 12:00 PM, late check-out is not included)

On arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local guide and driver then transfer to our city hotel for check-in.
(Note: Hotel’s check-in is at 14.00, early check-in is not included)
Have a rest, then around 06:00 PM, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the restaurant for have dinner.

After dinner, we will visit the Saigon Skydeck, an iconic landmark located in the Bitexco Financial Tower. Here, you will marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the 49th floor. The illuminated cityscape at night, with its bustling streets and sparkling lights, offers an unforgettable experience and a perfect photo opportunity. Once you’ve enjoyed the spectacular views, we will transfer you back to your hotel for a restful evening.

*Please note: this trip will around 11 hours, because the transfer from Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne and get back will takes 3 hours*
08:00 AM, we start our Mui Ne Sand Dune tour. We first visit the Fairy Stream, a nice natural stream in Mui Ne which we should not miss.

After that, we visit the White Sand dune. From the top of the huge dune, we can see all of the scenery of Mui Ne. We will also discover the daily activities of the fishing farm. Not only visiting the white sand dune but we will also be fulfilled by the beautiful white sand dune. It is a more romantic time for seeing the sunset, slip on the sand. Moreover, in the middle of the white sand dunes, there is Lotus Lake – lotus is one of the most famous flowers in Vietnam.

After that, we will get on our Quad bike (ATV) for a 20-minute ride around the vast dunes from the foot to the top of the dunes. It’s great fun and exciting way to explore the dunes in a significantly easy-to-use ATV.
After the tour, we transfer back to HCM City.

Take the morning trip to visit and drive 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels. Upon arrival, watch an introductory video about the tunnels and how they were used during the war. Explore the tunnel systems, including living areas, kitchens, weapons factories, and more. You can also try special wartime food like tea and cassava or experience shooting real guns (extra fee by yourself).

After lunch at a local restaurant, Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. (outside)

Along the tour, we then head back to the city center for a visit to the famous Ben Thanh Market, an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit for those seeking the energetic pulse of Ho Chi Minh City. With the distinct infused Indochinese-and-French architectural style, this market offers an insightful glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural heritage. This bustling and well-organized market is popular due to its central location; and a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai.

Today, time will be free for you to do as you wish until our guide and driver arrive at your hotel stay to escort you to the Airport in good time for your departure flight back home. Thanks for traveling with Vietnam local tour operator!
(Note: Check-out before 12:00 PM, late check-out is not included)