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  • Grand Vietnam

    Code: VCT02 - Duration: 17 days
    Start: Hanoi | Finish: Saigon
  • Capture almost the essences of Vietnam at a leisure pace, this extensive 17-day trip from North to South is designed for you to experience this S-shaped land at all senses.

    Grand Vietnam Trip will mind-blow you about this developing country at different glances, it is not only the countryside with friendly local farmers and local peoples (Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Mekong Delta), a historical land (Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An) but also a cosmopolitan destination (Hanoi capital, Ho Chi Minh City). Last but not least, Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc will welcome you to its sandy shores and marks the perfect end point to the trip of a life time.

    Why still hesitate? Please contact us to build up your own dream trip!

    Highlights:

    • Discover the exotic Hanoi capital- immerse yourself amongst thousands of years of culture.
    • Explore the culture of ethnic minorities in Mai Chau
    • Discover the eco-diversity of Cuc Phuong National Park
    • Sail along the peaceful waterways of Tam Coc
    • Take an overnight cruise in Halong Bayto explore the breathtaking beauty of more than 2000 islands 
    • Discover the Imperial Hue citywell-known for its temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas
    • Visit ancient houses and handicraft village inHoi An
    • Discover the bustling and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
    • Take a boat trip and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Mekong Delta
    • Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc Island
    • Charming hotels in fantastic locations
    • Comfortable spacious vehicle for transfers

    Itinerary in brief:

    Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)
    Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)
    Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau / Home-stay (B/L/D)
    Day 4: Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong National Park – Ninh Binh  (B/L/-)
    Day 5: Tam Coc Boating – Thai Vi Temple – Dancing Cave (B/L/-)
    Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
    Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/-/-)
    Day 8: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)
    Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)
    Day 10: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)
    Day 11: Hoi An - Danang – Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)
    Day 12: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/L/-)
    Day 13: Can Tho - Flight to Phu Quoc (B/-/-)
    Day 14: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)
    Day 15: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)
    Day 16: Phu Quoc - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)
    Day 17: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

    • Ability to change the direction of the program
    • Posibility of an extension in Laos or Cambodia and the route

    Notes:

    + We specialize in “tailor-made” tours for groups of two or more. We carefully inspect each step of your journey from the accommodation to the perfect guide to suit your needs
    + The itinerary is open to modification to fit your personal travel needs
    + Modifications to the itinerary may increase the price of the package
    + For the price of this trip, just ask for a quote by clicking on "TOUR PRICE"

    + If you are looking for a trip modified to your requirements, please send us your needs by filling out the form in Customize your trip” 
    + We will contact and send you a quote, excluding holiday period, within 48 hours of receiving your request .

  • Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-/-/-)

    Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

    Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet our guide and driver who then escort you to the city center. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your own lunch and leisure to recover after the long flight.

    Meals Included: None
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

    Day 2: Hanoi - City (B/L/-)

    After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, named for the beloved father of modern Vietnam. This famous complex is home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honors the eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates that each passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Next stop, lunch!-which will be served at a popular local restaurant. 

    In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology (or Hoa Lo Prison if you visit on Monday) dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognized ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We then enjoy a 45-min-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings.

    Then, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

    You will end up your tour today by a cup of Egg Coffee (cà phê Trứng) at Giang Cafe Shop which is humbly hidden on a small lane on Nguyen Huu Huan Street in the city’s old quarter.

    Then we go back hotel for relaxation.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

     

    Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau/Home-stay (B/L/D)

    Hanoi - Mai Chau: 160km, ~4h drive

    mai chau tours 1

    After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. Stop on the way to visit a Muong village in Thung Khe. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, we check-in the ethnic homestay (a house on stilts!). After lunch with the locals, we spend time walking tour and cycling around the villages of Mai Chau and local crafts. It’s a serene life complemented by verdant landscapes, friendly and hospitable people who live here will leave you unforgettable memories.

    In late afternoon, we invite you to participate in a game of volleyball/soccer with the villagers. Dinner will be prepared by the local family.

    In the evening, you have chance to enjoy the friendliness of the people by participating in a traditional dance show of the ethnic Thais.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau

    Day 4: Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong National Park (B/L/-)

    Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong: 140km, ~3h drive

    After breakfast at the homestay, we will drive towards Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, check into our hotel at the Reserve and have some lunch.  In the afternoon, we visit the Centre of Endangered Rescue, home to 15 different species of endangered primates most of which get confiscated from illegal animal trade. We continue for a 6km through the dense jungle to explore a plethora of trees and animal species and you will even get to visit at a thousand-year-old tree.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

     

    Day 5: Tam Coc Boating – Thai Vi Temple – Dancing Cave (B/L/-)

    After breakfast at hotel, we will we embark a small rowing boat to discover the outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. From the boat, you will enjoy prime views of rice paddies dotted with limestone peaks along the river banks.

    Get off the boat, we will visit Thai Vi Temple which was dedicated to the four Kings of the Tran dynasty in the 13th century and now offers place of peace and simplicity against a backdrop of ancient architecture. After that, we drop a visit to Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Time is then spent to discover its temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009).

    You will end of today by challenge yourself to climb up to the Dancing Cave to admire the panoramic view from the peak above. A stone staircase beside the cave entrance zigzags through the karst (beware the goat droppings) and it’s almost 500 steps to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Look west for the Ngo Dong River winding through Tam Coc.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

     

    Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

    Ninh Binh - Halong: 200km, ~4h drive

    After breakfast, we depart for Halong Bay. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a lush dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

    Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

    Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

    After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Ha Long bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue swimming around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

    Meals Included: Brunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

    Day 8: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)

    After breakfast at hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for a well-deserved lunch!

    In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City or Tu Cam Thanh. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

    Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

    Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30min drive

    After breakfast at hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoian via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Upon arrival Hoian, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoian in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House – one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall – an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

    Day 10: Hoi An - Free (B/-/-)

    Breakfast at the hotel and then the day is yours! Enjoy yourself!

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

    Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

    Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

    After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang International Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your new guide and driver who escort you to the hotel in the city center for an easy check-in. You will then have time to get some lunch on your own and relax.

    In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace (outside visit) which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including, the Notre Dame Cathedral & the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office (still in operation!).

    After visiting the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many delicious dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local crafts and souvenirs.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

    Day 12: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/L/-)

    Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

    After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to local as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre, we embark a boat to cruise along Ben Tre River, a tribute to the Mekong. With stops at the brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal where we witness how to make these local delicacy. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow abundantly in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

    After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm trees. We cruise back to the pier and disembark for a drive to Can Tho where we will spend the night.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

    Day 13: Can Tho – Flight to Phu Quoc (B/-/-)

    Can Tho - Saigon: 170km, ~3h30min drive; Saigon - Phu Quoc: 434km, 55min flight

    Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our day with a boat cruise along the seemingly endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River. We arrive amongst Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. View hundreds of boats which are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple…  all for selling, buying and exchanging. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits.

    After having lunch at the local restaurant, we drive back to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon for a flight to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in and relaxation.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

    Day 14: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

    Day 15: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

    Relax and enjoy your Phu Quoc beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing is available, go scuba diving and enjoy water sports. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

    Day 16: Phu Quoc - Free (B/-/-)

    After breakfast at hotel, time free until our driver meets and transfers you to airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, another driver will meet and transfer to hotel for check-in.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

    Day 17: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

    Today, you are free to spend time relaxing and doing some last minute shopping until you are taken to the airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. We thank you for choosing Tonkin Voyage Travel!

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Prices

    This trip is private and therefore can be altered to suit your needs, date of commencement and budget requirements.

    Prices vary due to a number of specifics:

    • Seasonal: during high season (October-April), the prices of services are generally higher when compared to the low season (May-September).
    • The number of participants: the more of you that travel together the less you will pay!
    • The choice of hotels: Fairly obvious one here; a 5-star hotel can cost ten times as much as a 2 star hotel.
    • The activities during the trip: Two trips on the same itinerary and of the same length can have two different prices depending on the number and nature of activities included.
    • The booking date: In some cases, booking your trip late can drastically affect prices due to their low availability.

    Inclusion:

    • Accommodation as recommended or similar category according to availability.
    • Transfers according to program by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver except free day
    • English-speaking guide’s assistance at every stage
    • Meals as indicated in program (B: Breakfast /L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
    • Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
    • All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
    • Flights: Hanoi – Hue; Danang - Saigon (E-Class on Vietnam Airlines)
    • Halong Bay overnight on boat (sharing boat)
    • Private boat excursion in Hue, Mekong Delta
    • Shuttle bus transfer from Phu Quoc pier to hotel and from hotel to Phu Quoc airport
    • Flights: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Saigon, Can Tho – Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc – Saigon
    • Water and cool tissues
    • Government taxes & service charge

    Exclusion:

    • Other drinks and meals not clearly mentioned
    • Personal expenditures, tips
    • Personal insurance (compulsory)
    • Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
    • International air transfers associated with airport taxes
    • Visa and visa arrangement (available upon request)

    Booking

    Here are 2 steps to book your trip with Tonkin-Travel:

    Step 1. Focus on your travel program:

    You can choose this trip as is or customize it to your specific desires. Just click on the “Customize this trip” tab and fill in the form. One of our travel consultants will contact you within 48 hours to develop the travel program based on your specifications.

    Step 2. Booking:

    • Following the first step, tour program is selected and we access the rates.
    • Upon confirmation of the trip, the registration must be accompanied by a deposit up to 25% of the total estimate.
    • For programs with private junk (cruise) and/or 5 star hotels, the deposit is represented by 30% of the total estimate.
    • Tonkin-Travel carries out the booking process upon receipt of the deposit. Confirmation of these reservations is sent to customer within 10 days via email

    Nature of travel

    This trip is private. That implies:

    • You will be escorted by a private guide and driver. This approach guarantees a smooth trip with fewer organizational constraints.
    • You will be the master of your trip. We guarantee flexibility in organizing visits at your request.
    • Our services will be personalized according to your desires. Thus the proposals in this package are not fixed and you can bring suggest all the desired changes.
    • You receive individualized care: ample food, organizing small events (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.), targeted information, followed necessary modifications, etc.

    Accommodation

    • Accommodation is an important expenditure of your trip. When you choose a luxury trip for example, the accommodation can represent three quarters of the price. Thus, your choice of hotels is closely related to your budget.
    • Tonkin-Travel has negotiated rates with a wide range of hotels from 2 to 5 stars.
    • In some places you will have the option to choose ‘home-stay’. Although this provides less comfort that a hotel it is a truly authentic experience and highly recommended for at least one night of your journey.

    Transport

    All transfers during your trip are covered by private vehicle with driver, unless otherwise indicated in our offer. We ensure that our vehicles are new and comfortable. Fuel, tolls, accommodation, compensation and the driver are included in our offer. Only gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

    The size of the selected vehicle is based on the number of tour participants according to the following quality standards:

    No. of participants

    2 pax

    3 pax

    From 4 to 7 pax

    From 8 to 14 pax

    From 15 to 20 pax

    Vehicle size

    Car 4-7 seats

    Car 7 or minivan 
    16 seats

    Minivan 16 seats

    Bus 24 seats

    Bus 35 or 45 seats

    Domestic flights

    If your trip includes domestic flights if any, they will be operated by Vietnam Airlines, the largest airline in Vietnam. The fleet consists mainly of Airbus and Boeing. On some short trips, the company operates 72 ATR and some Fokker.

    Rail transport

    Train travel can be offered (particularly between Hanoi-Lao Cai and Hanoi-Hue). Travelling at a speed of 60km/h on average it is not necessarily the fastest but an interesting experience nonetheless.

  • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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      the health condition of the participants, your questions on this trip...)

    • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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        Which country would you like to discover? *
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        • Your desire to travel (culture, adventure, beach extension, local meetings, nature, etc.)
        • The desired pace of your trip (moderate, free and easy, etc.)
        • Your knowledge of the country. Your interests
        • The opportunity of your trip (vacation, wedding anniversary, cultural group, etc.)
        • Remarks (Room types, diet, special requests, etc.)

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