DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI

Meals: Not available

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed and greeted by the Custom Asia Travel tour guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The remainder of the day is relaxing or be on your own discovery.
- Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi capital is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Here, visitors are able to find well-preserved colonial buildings, old Buddhist pagodas, and unique museums within the city. The best way to explore its Old Quarter is on foot. This French-colonial city is also known for its delicious cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and souvenir shopping…

DAY 2: HANOI - NINH BINH (TRANG AN & HANG MUA)

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Depart from Hanoi at 7.30 AM. The morning drive to Ninh Binh takes about 2,5 hours. Upon arrival at Trang An boat operation station, get on a small sampan boat and enjoy a 3-hour row on a little river that goes through many small limestone caves. This is a very interesting discovery! The scenery is spectacular as you are rowing in between the towering karst formations of this newly recognized Unesco’s heritage. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a stunning bycicle on back roads through the beautiful scenery of towering karsts on the ground of ponds, rice paddies and rural villages in the area.
While cycling, you are able to make stops as many as you want for photographing. Arrive at Hang Mua, go for a hike to Ngoa Long mountain summit. The hike consists of about 500 steps, it is a bit challenging for some senior visitors on a hot day. Once you are on the top, it is really worth your hard work. The bird-view scenery over the limestone mountain is incredible.
After that, get back and keep pedaling to Tam Coc to finish the biking tour. Check-in a hotel, relax and dinner.

DAY 3: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

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Have breakfast at the hotel. Get transferred to Cuc Phuong National Park. The drive takes about 1.5 hours away. On arrival, after get the permit, continue on driving 30 more minutes inside the forest to Bong Sub-center. Embark on 3-hour trek on a small trail into the dense forest, enjoying the rain forest atmosphere & admiring the diversity of the tropical flora system, viewing ancient trees here and there. Drive back to the park's headquarter. Having a set menu lunch at the park's restaurant. Followed by a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center where you'll have a chance to watch some different species of Vietnam's rare langurs, learn about the center's rescue program and then visit to the Turtle Conservation Center. This is another flagship for efforts to protect tortoise and freshwater turtles in Vietnam. After that, start driving back to Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI - SAPA

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

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At 7:30 a.m. Spend the morning travel to Sapa on the HW Noi Bai – Lao Cai. Arrive in Sapa around noon, go for lunch at a restaurant in town. After that, transfer to the trekking point to Y Linh Ho village at Muong Hoa Valley. Muong Hoa is the biggest valley in Sapa region and bottomed by a rocky river.
Start with a downhill trek to the valley, the scenery of the rice terraces along your way is very beautiful and this will be the highlight of the day. Crossing the river on a small suspension bridge and continue the trek uphill on a concrete path. This is a bit challenging when it is wet but definitely offers you a spectacular view over the valley.
Finish your afternoon scenic trek at Lao Chai village where your private vehicle awaits you.
Get in your car and drive back to Sapa town, check-in your hotel.

DAY 5: SAPA - BAC HA

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

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This morning you will embark on another trek to Sa Xeng Valley - a less-traveled path in the region. Your driver transfers you up over the big road before the trek starts. At the beginning, it is a bit steep but most of the way is gently downhill, makes it fairly moderate. On the path, beside the beautiful mountain views, you will enjoy watching daily life of Black H'mong rustics at peaceful villages along the way. Get picked up at the other side by your driver and heading down to Lao Cai City for lunch at a restaurant. Afternoon, continue driving to Bac Ha. On arrival at the homestay, check into your room, take a short rest, then set out for 1,5 hour hike to visit Ban Pho Village. Ban Pho is located nearby Bac Ha Township, it is a typical one where the colorful Flower H'mong minority live. Back to the homestay, refreshment, dinner and stay overnight.

DAY 6: BAC HA - HANOI (SUN)

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy the breakfast at the family. This morning, the tour guide will walk you around the Sunday Market of Bac Ha.
The hill tribe market is very colorful and really like a local festival. Here you will see Flower Hmong, Phu La, Dao, Tay, Nung… the hill-tribe groups gather around for trading. It is an awesome experience of seeing colors, understanding traditions and feeling the atmosphere. The market offers a variety of local products includes colorful embroidery, handicrafts and all types of daily necessary stuff.
Here also available animal markets where people sell and buy or barter animals such as dogs, pot-bellied pigs, cows, buffaloes and so on.
After lunch, you will spend the whole afternoon driving back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi early in the evening.

DAY 7: HANOI CITY TOUR

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

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This day tour to learn about the capital city of Vietnam occupies your whole day with featured sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his house-on-stilts, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university for the morning.
Your lunch today is served at a restaurant in town with local tastes.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to one of the following museums (you can pick the one you like): the Ethnology Museum, Army Museum, National Fine Arts Museum, Hanoi Hilton prison, or Vietnam Women Museum). Followed by a short walk or a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter.
End the day tour with a traditional Water Puppet show. Spend your second night in Hanoi.

DAY 8: HANOI - HALONG BAY

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on boat

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Halong Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, the bay is a "must-see" place for any visitor to Vietnam, especially an overnight trip on a traditional wooden junk.
Take the morning transfer to Halong Bay pier.
Around noon - Board your boat and start the cruising itinerary with lunch and dinner aboard.
Some interesting activities are available include kayaking, swimming, sunbathing on the sun deck.
Overnight at an en-suite cabin on the boat.

DAY 9: HALONG BAY - FLY TO DONG HOI

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi

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This morning get up early this morning for some fresh-air on the open deck and join the Tai-chi class for some gentle moves if you wish. Otherwise, you are able to remain in your cabin until breakfast time. After breakfast, the crew will pull up the anchor, start the engine again for more cruising to other part of the bay. After visiting a big limestone cave, the boat is gently heading back to the pier. The early lunch (Brunch) will be served aboard. Around noon, you are ferried in and take the afternoon drive to the airport for your evening flight to Dong Hoi in the center of Vietnam. Get picked up on arrival and transferred to the hotel for the night.

DAY 10: PHONG NHA & PARADISE CAVES

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi

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This morning, set off at 8 a.m. and transfer to Phong Nha where you will discover the 2 amazing limestone caves: Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave. The first destination to explore is the impressive Paradise Cave. This is the longest dry cave in Asia.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a 25-minute boat trip upstream the Son River to Phong Nha Caves. It takes you a couple of hours to see the cave. This cave is called as water cave, is famous for its rock formation which has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”.
Back to your hotel for the second night.

DAY 11: DONG HOI - HUE

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

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Depart at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel, your destination today is Hue - Vietnam's last capital. On the way, you will visit:

• Vinh Moc tunnels - an underground miniature village, the largest historical tunnel in the DMZ of Vietnam. Here, you will hear some stories about the tunnels and resilience against the enemy of Vietnamese people during the war.

• Hien Luong Bridge + Ben Hai River: located in 17th Parallel, was bisected between South Vietnam and North Vietnam in the war.

Have Lunch in Dong Ha town

• La Vang Holy: a shrine located in Hai Lang district, Quang Tri Province. It is an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics of Vietnam

Arrive in Hue, check-in and relax. The evening is yours.

DAY 12: TOUR OF HUE

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

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- Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centers of Vietnam. So far, Hue remains to be the only originally historical vestige city in Vietnam. Many of Hue’s attractions are found along the banks of the romantically named Perfume River
In the morning, breakfast in the hotel as usual. Drive to visit King Minh Mang's tomb & King Khai Dinh tomb.
Return to the city for lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, discover the Ancient Citadel. The walk through the complex is very interesting and informative.
Followed by a short transfer to visit the charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda). Setting on the bank of rivers, it gives you a great view of the Perfume River and the surrounding area.
Ending the day by boarding on a private boat, cruising on the romantic Perfume River back to the city center.

DAY 13: HUE - HOI AN

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

- Ancient and peaceful, Hoi An has to these days well preserved its most sacred treasure, the centuries-old architecture. The town used to harbor foreign traders back in the 17-18th, and once is an important heavily-frequented trading port in Southeast Asia. ​
The morning drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass will occupy half of your day. There are a few stops for photo opportunities such as at Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass you may want to take
Arrive at Hoi An ancient town. Check-in your hotel. The remainder of the day is on your own discovery.

DAY 14: COOKING CLASS & OLD TOWN WALKING TOUR

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

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After breakfast, get picked up and make the way to the cooking class. Start the day at 8.15 a.m. visit Hoi An’s colorful market. Boarding the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view the local river life. On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chefs before you prepare the same dish yourself. After the lesson, you will enjoy your excellent work. In the afternoon, the tour guide will join you on a walking tour which offers you a chance to see how charming the Old Quarter area is. The sites include the Japanese Covered Bridge; Phuoc Kien Assembly; Tan Ky ancient house; Hoi An Culture and History Museum and Quan Cong temple. The evening is on your own discovery.

DAY 15: HOI AN RURAL BIKE

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

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Breakfast at the hotel. Start your cycling tour at 8:30 from the hotel.
The destination is Cam Kim island. It is a beautiful rural area, with a lot of vegetation, little temples, and nice rice fields. Along the ride, you will have chances to get some local interactions such as visiting local families and watch the traditional works of making noodles, home-made rice wine, weaving sleeping mats.
Enjoy a soft lunch with traditional noodle soup.
Ride back to the hotel in the early afternoon and relax for the rest of your day.

DAY 16: HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY

Included meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

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Breakfast at the hotel as usual.
This morning it is easy for you to relax on the beach or doing some shopping in the Old Quarter.
Check out your hotel by noon.
In the afternoon, transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Get picked up on arrival and rest for the remainder of the day.

DAY 17: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho City

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- The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, Mekong Delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses, and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals, and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.
Depart for Mekong Delta at 8:00 a.m. The drive takes nearly 2.5 hours. Arrive at Ben Tre, embark on a motorized boat trip along the scenic Ben Tre River, viewing various local industries along the way. Have some stops to visit local workshops: making bricks by the kilns; Making coconut candy; Sleeping straw mats. Take a motor cart passing fruit and vegetable fields. Ride a short sampan boat on a small creek of water coconut trees. Lunch at a garden restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to Can Tho City which is considered as the capital of the Delta. Check-in your hotel. The evening is on your own discovery or just relaxing.

DAY 18: MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

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Have you heard about A floating market in Mekong? The watery world of the Mekong Delta is home to many bustling floating markets. This day is when you can feast your eyes on many interesting things on the water at Cai Rang Floating Market.
In the morning, have breakfast at your hotel and check out. 08:00
Get to Ninh Kieu quay where you board a motorized boat to meandering through the market. Followed by a short ride to Ba Cong village to pay a visit to a family who specializes in making rice paper and noodle. Cruise back to the quay and make your way back to HCMC.
Lunch is at a restaurant on the way back.
Arrive at your hotel, the remainder of the day is for relaxation.

DAY 19: SAIGON CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

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Today you will spend the whole day to visit the featured sites of Saigon and the famous underground tunnel network in Cu Chi.
In the morning, 8:00 start with a 1.5-hour drive to Cu Chi tunnels. Get an overview of Cu Chi by watching a documentary. Your guide walks you around to witness the traps, bunkers, trenches, and experience crawling a piece of the underground tunnels.
Drive back to the city for a set menu lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, the city tour of Saigon consists of visits to the featured sites such as the War Remnants Museum; The former Presidential Palace; The Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office.
End the day with a stroll through Ben Thanh Market.

DAY 20: HO CHI MINH CITY - MUI NE BEACH

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Mui Ne

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After breakfast, your private driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the Railway Station to catch a four-hour train ride (Air-conditioned) to Phan Thiet. On this scenic train trip, you will get to lots of things in close-up; towns, farms, and local villages. The fun train journey will be definitely a great experience.
Upon arrival in Phat Thiet train station, you will be picked up by your private driver and transferred (15 minutes) to your resort in Mui Ne to check-in.
Your Beach Relaxation began!
- About 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is Phan Thiet’s most prominent coastal resort town, spanning 15 kilometers of sandy beaches that are lined with an array of dining and shopping venues as well as luxurious beachfront resorts.

DAY 21 - 22: MUI NE BEACH RELAXATION

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Mui Ne

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The two days here are yours!
You may just relax by sunbathing, swimming and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or take an optional tour of the surroundings.

- FYI, located about 180 km to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is famous for its beautiful scenery and clean beaches. The most interesting thing in Mui Ne is to visit the sand dunes, sand is stacked in hills and mountains, one after another like in a desert, running towards horizon, this is really a heaven for photo lovers, the best time to visit sandhills is in the late afternoon when sun is about to set, it is time to discover the magic of the sands. You can also visit the local fishing villages and a fish sauce store to see how this delicious local delicacy is made.

DAY 23: MUI NE - HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE

Meals: Breakfast

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Today is your last day in Vietnam!
Enjoy your morning at the hotel.
Check out by midday and get picked up by your private transport, make your way back to Ho Chi Minh City airport. Take your flight home.
Goodbye Vietnam!