Vietnam Tour 16 days: An Active Vacation

For those wanting a bit more excitement on their holiday, our “Vietnam Tour 16 days: An Active Vacation” tour is designed just for you. Especially for those who are falling in love with bicycles but are not really experts, this tour will be a great combination of classic highlights and cycling.

16 days 15 nights

Vietnam

Classic Highlights

Attractions

Ha Noi - Ha Long City - Ninh Binh - Hue - Hoi An - Can Tho - Chau Doc

Duration

16 days 15 nights

Code

VCT10

Overview

Embark on an adventurous journey with this "Vietnam Tour 16 days: An Active Vacation" filled with thrilling activities and breathtaking scenery. Begin your trip in the bustling capital city of Hanoi, where you'll explore the rich cultural heritage of this 1000-year-old city. Cruise through the enchanting Ha Long Bay and bask in the pure, fresh atmosphere as you spend a night on board.

Take a bike ride through the rice fields of Ninh Binh, and discover the local life of a fisherman as you engage in daily activities like casting the net, rowing the basket boat, and cutting the fishing rope in Cam Thanh village. Cycle through the lush countryside to the ancient Thuy Bieu village and explore the beautiful landscape along the way.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon and explore the green tributaries of the Mekong Delta by speed boat to the Can Gio Forest. Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in a unique way, by cycling through the countryside. Get a truly immersive experience as you ride through the Mekong Delta and explore the lush fruit orchards and busy canals.

This action-packed itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore Vietnam's breathtaking natural beauty while staying active. Whether you're cruising through Ha Long Bay, biking through the countryside, or exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels on two wheels, this tour is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime.

Experience the best of Vietnam and enjoy unforgettable moments with your loved ones on the Vietnam Active Tour. With comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable guides, you're sure to have an incredible experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights

Discover a city tour to explore the 1000 year old Hanoi and its cultural richness
Cruise through enchanting Ha Long Bay and enjoy a quiet night with pure, fresh atmosphere on board in Halong Bay
Reveal the beauty of “Halong Bay on the rice fields” on bikes
Experience the local life of fisherman through his daily activities such as: casting the net, go fishing, rowing the basket boat, cutting the fishing rope… in Cam Thanh village
Cycling to the ancient Thuy Bieu village to observe and explore the beautiful countryside along the way
Escape from bustle Saigon for the lush, green tributaries of the Mekong Delta by a speed boat to Can Gio Forest.
Reach the famous Cu Chi Tunnel by a different way- on your bike
A truly experience with your bikes through the Mekong Delta - ride inside beautiful island of lush fruit orchards and busy canals.

Itinerary

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Arrive Hanoi airport, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and privately transferred to hotel located in the heart of the city. The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh

Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.

The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.

Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.

We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closes on every Monday.

To round off the day, take 1 hour water puppet show, a unique Vietnam traditional art, in Thang Long theatre.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.

Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.

Arrive in Halong ad board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor where our private vehicle waiting for you for a 3-hour journey to Ninh Binh via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh.

Situated in the south of the Northern Delta region, Ninh Binh is well known as the first imperial capital of Vietnam under Dinh, Le & Ly Dynasties. Come here, you will admire a gorgeous countryside with water buffalos, majestic limestone and grottos.

Upon arrival, the rest of the day would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight in Ninh Binh

After breakfast we cycle through local villages and farms to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s old capital (968-1009). Here we are given a brief introduction of Vietnam’s 10th century history and visit the temple of the Dinh King. Next we cycle to Tam Coc through more unspoilt villages. There, you’ll be rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through the caves. This area is known as ‘Halong Bay on land’. The scenery is utterly stunning. After lunch, we will start a pleasant ride (about 7km) through the rural scenery to Bich Dong temple. Return to hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ninh Binh

After breakfast you have free time until we transfer you back to Hanoi and Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue – the centre of Vietnam.

Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Not only is it famous for the splendid architecture of citadels, palaces, royal tombs and pagodas but the ancient traditions of Hue also create a unique romantic city.

Upon arrival the rest of the day would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight in Hue

Morning, walking for few minutes to the boat pier in Perfume River, we then take a boat trip on the picturesque Thien Mu pagoda, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda.

Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.

Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

Have lunch by your own account. In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City

Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

08:30 Depart from hotel. Starting to bike to Thuy Bieu Village- a very famous bronze foundry under the Nguyen Dynasty. At this time there was a battle arena between elephants and tigers - a typical relaxing activity of the King and royal family. The last battle was held in 1904 under the King Thanh Thai. This arena was built in 1830 under reign of the king Minh Mang (1820-1841). We continue biking through an orphanage …. to fulfill their dream to go to school.

09:30 Continue your trip to bike around the village which is located in the city center and the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs. Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Village along verdant paths; you can see local people’s daily life. Thuy Bieu Village has been well-known with its immense grapefruit gardens, which are really different from other species that you could see in Viet Nam. It’s smaller but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra people which was only provided for the Royal Family. Have a nice biking and walking tour around quiet Thuy Bieu Village, feeling the comfortable vibes in a friendly air of local life. While biking , taking short stop in schools, communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden house - Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty with small cottages hidden in large luxuriant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. Thuy Bieu is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture in Vietnam. Keep biking through the most famous pristine hamlets Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan where you can contemplate lush greens, and its laid back lifestyle. This village makes great contribution on preserving the traditional culture and architecture of Vietnam.

12:00 Come back to a local house in Thuy Bieu for cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction to make Hue’s specialties. Then you will have lunch with the Hue’s traditional specialties that you have just cooked.

13h:30 Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice.

14:00 Walking to pier, embarking on your boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River to experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1960-the symbol of Hue city.

15:00 On the boat you can admire the daily life of local, old bridge built by the French- Trang Tien bridge and stroll sunset on the river. Come back to your hotel at 16h.

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Get on your bike and start visiting the surrounding areas of Hoian, the village of Cam Thanh to sample the stunning landscape with river, palm forest and fishing boats. Boat to transfer to Cam Thanh Island .Admiring iconic landscape and discover riverbanks dotted with green islands, see big fishing nets hanging on water and locals fishing in the river…visit the carpentry village. When ready, we ride pass though endless rice fields, farms to the river where a ferry boat ride take us to a local family for lunch. After lunch you have some time to relax before riding back to your hotel in Hoi An, on the way visit the oldest buddhist temple to sample the unique architecture of Buddhist culture with the beautiful bonsai garden, and whether you want to ride to the beach for swimming, we have you covered. Overnight in Hoian

Morning after having breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Lunch served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon we pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.

Afterwards we will visit some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office.

We then continue to see the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum

War Remnants Museum primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. War Remnants Museum comprises a series of themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment placed within a walled yard.

To round off the day, do walking and shopping at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

After breakfast, our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and bring you by car to our boat at our pier. Your boat will depart Saigon for the lush, green tributaries of the Mekong Delta. A light breakfast of pastries or sandwiches, tropical fruit and Vietnamese white/black coffee is served. Begin your exploration with a visit Can Giuoc Market, a bustling local riverside market at the gateway to the Mekong Delta. At around this time, the surrounding landscape will begin to change from lush riverside water palms to dusky mangrove swamps as you move from the Delta towards Can Gio Forest. Arrive at the Giant Bat Lagoon and explore gently by rowing boat, before trekking through the mangrove jungle. Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at a private riverside location, including the Mekong Delta speciality, Elephant Ear Fish. Continue your trip to Vam Sat Eco Park, where you will visit a crocodile reserve (and feed them if you wish!) and see monkey in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy crab fishing and bird-watching for exotic local and migratory species. You can also enjoy another mangrove jungle walk. In the early afternoon we depart Can Gio’s mangrove jungles for a journey back to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon pier, we will pick up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Saigon

Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.

To visit the tunnels, we’ll transfer out of Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Phu Trung village. We’ll ride through rubber plantations, and see locals making rice paper. You have the option to descend into the real tunnels where the Viet Congs hid and fought. Have a lunch before heading back to the bus for a transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City the remaining day is open for your own exploration, shopping or have a relaxing Vietnamese massage. Overnight in Saigon

Morning, pick up from hotel and transfer by vehicle to Cai Lay and get acquainted with your bicycle. Then we enjoy riding around 40 km along well paved, sand and dirt paths through different local villages and rice fields and fruit orchards. Along the way, there are chances to see real-life activities of Mekong delta as kids going to local school, farmers growing rice and vegetables or keeping ducks on the field! We continue vehicle journey to Can Tho

Can Tho, situated in the heart of the Mekong delta, is well-known for Ninh Kieu wharf and Bang Lang garden. With plenty of restaurants, floating markets and friendly people, this riverside province never fails to capture the traveler’s heart.

Check in hotel and stay overnight in Can Tho. You have free time to promenade at your leisure along the city’s romantic quay-side.

After breakfast we take a boat to explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Mekong Delta is visiting Cai Rang Floating Market where you can see fruits, specialties of Mekong Delta. Beside, you can also buy garden tools or enjoy a Vietnamese breakfast dishes like rice noodle “Pho”.

Next it’s back on the bikes for a ride along country lanes where you will have ample chance to interact with the locals - by now you will be able to say a few pleasantries in Vietnamese so this is a fine time to practice them! We then enjoy a picnic lunch from a local café and continue cycling to O Mon. From here we transfer to Chau Doc, a small town near the Cambodian border.

Nestling at the foot of Sam Mountain, Chau Doc is a bustling city with heavy trade of illegal goods crossing the Cambodian border. A short boat trip across the Bassac takes you to several floating fish farms and villages. A little further takes you to the other bank and a Cham community.

Overnight in Chau Doc

This morning you can will take a speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh departing at 7.30 am or further discover Mekong Delta by your own arrangement. End of Asia King Travel

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Trip notes

Tour includes:

Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
1 night homestay in Cai Be
Overnight cruise on board a good-quality boat in Halong Bay (non-private boat)
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
High-quality mountain bike for cycling trip in Mekong Delta & helmet
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
Local private boat cruise: Ninh Binh, Hue, Mekong Delta,
Water Puppet show ticket
Cycle in Cam Thanh village, Thuy Bieu village
Daily supply of bottled mineral water & fresh fruits during cycling day in Mekong Delta
Sharing speed boat excursion to Can Gio forest
Water & cool towels
Government taxes & service charge

Tour excludes:

Vietnam Visa stamp fee: USD 25/ person
International airfare and departure taxes
Speed boat ticket from Chau Doc- Phnom Penh
Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
Early check in/ late check out
Domestic flights and domestic airport taxes
Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
Surcharged for Public holidays
Drinks and meal not mentioned
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks … etc.
Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).
Gratuities/ Tipping
All other services not specified in the itinerary