Vietnam Tour 16 Days: Vietnam Panorama

Our Vietnam Tour 16 Days: Vietnam Panorama offers a beautiful and colorful picture of this nation. Travel with us for 16 days and see a world with different colors and shades in the same country from the north to the south, reflected by the diversity of natural beauty, daily lifestyle, cultural heritage, and impressive cuisines.

16 days 15 nights

Vietnam

Classic Highlights

Attractions

Ha Noi - Sapa - Hue - Hoi An - Can Tho - Quang Binh - Sai Gon - Tay Ninh - Ben Tre - Quang Nam

Duration

16 days 15 nights

Code

VCT2

Overview

Embark on an incredible journey through Vietnam with the Vietnam Tour 16 Days: Vietnam Panorama, and discover the best of the country. Start by exploring the ancient city of Hanoi and indulge in a delicious home-cooked meal with a local family to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. The next day, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the limestone formations in Halong Bay and take a boat cruise through the bay to witness the Bay of Descending Dragon.

Travel to Sapa and trek to the ethnic hill tribes' villages to experience their daily life and culture. Visit Bac Ha, one of the most colorful markets in Asia, and admire the vibrant and lively atmosphere. Take a boat cruise in Tha Ba Lake to explore the 300 islands and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Explore Phong Nha Ke Bang, the longest cave in the world, and marvel at its natural beauty. Visit the imperial city of Hue and discover the rich history and culture of Vietnam. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An and its ancient town, and discover the My Son Sanctuary.

Visit the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the famous underground network of the Cu Chi tunnels. Explore the Mekong Delta and its floating markets, and experience the daily life of the people living along the river.

The Vietnam Panorama tour is a comprehensive tour that covers the best of Vietnam, including its culture, history, and natural beauty. With comfortable accommodation and knowledgeable guides, this tour will be a memorable experience.

Highlights

Discover the charming & ancient Hanoi, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a Hanoi family to experience the Vietnamese culinary tradition and the hospitalities of Hanoi people
Enjoying the magnificent scenery of thousands of lime stones dotted on the emerald water of Halong Bay – Bay of Descending Dragon
Get experience during the trek to the ethnic hill tribes village in the area of Sapa
Trekking around Bac Ha and visit the market, one of the most colorful markets in Asia
Take boat cruise in Tha Ba Lake between 300 islands
Visit Phong Nha Ke Bang, the longest cave in the world
Take a boat excursion on gentle Perfume River in Hue to discover the tomb of Tu Duc emperor and visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Visit Hoian ancient town and My Son Sanctuary– UNESCO world heritages
Explore the throbbing metropolis Ho Chi Minh City & famous underground network of the Cu Chi tunnels
Explore the colorful floating markets and the daily life of people living along Mekong Delta

Itinerary

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Arrive at Noi Bai airport, you will be greeted at Noi Bai Airport and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. In the late afternoon, enjoy the Water Puppet Show,

This is the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women-stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.

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.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast we will pick up you and transfer you about 65 km from Hanoi to visit Duong Lam ancient village

Situated in Son Tay province, this village has been known as a museum of laterite with ancient houses aged up to 400 years old Duong Lam, and a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta.

On arrival we take a walk on the village path to visit Mong Phu temple where is dedicated to national heroes, King Ngo Quyen temple and King Phung Hung temple. Enjoy Vietnamese special Vietnamese lunch in an ancient house. While you are in the house you can also join the local people in producing local specialties such as soft green-lentil cake and rice cakes filled with brown onion and enjoy these products (Depends on the season of the year). Continue to visit Mia Pagoda - built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes before transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. You have free time until we transfer to the rail way station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (21:00).

At approximately 06:00 we arrive in Lao Cai. Your chauffeur waits with a 45 minutes’ drive by private car, from Lao Cai Station to Sapa. After a fresh up and breakfast, we drive from Sapa town to Lao Chai village.

Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages are the places where ethnic black H’mong and Dzay people are living. Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terraced fields and stream and visit some of Black H’mong families to learn more about their culture and customs.

Along the road, you have a chance to contemplate the beauty in peace of the Muong Hoa Valley, magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields. Particularly, you can meet many ethnic minority groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) whose stalls are along the way to sell fruits or sweets. From the main road, we get off the car and trek along a local path until we reach the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai and experience the daily life of the villagers. Continue walking from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house.

After lunch, relax and continue trekking to the meeting point on the main road for transferring back to Sapa town. The rest of this day is at leisure. Discover the fanciful Sapa town on your own, its bustling market with colorful handmade brocatelle stuffs of the ethnic people, tea and coffee shops as well as the local culture in this mountainous town. Overnight in Sapa

After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery for a 100km to the tranquil town of Bac Ha,

Located 105 km from Sapa, this is the biggest weekly market opening every Sunday morning. Here you will have a chance to witness thousands of local minority people in their traditional ethnic dress, drink alcohol and trade goods.

Upon arrival, we will explore Bac Ha lively Market which not much changed by time. It is considered the most unique and colorful market in the region where thousands of local minority people in their traditional attires busily meet, drink alcohol and trade goods. We then continue our trip to Thac Ba Lake. The night in a beautifully constructed stilt house down by the lakeside.

Thac Ba is the biggest man-made lake in Vietnam and captivates travelers with its incredible authentic beauty and more than 300 islands under lush vegetation. We participate in a boat trip and visit some Dzao and Tay villages. After lunch in a local restaurant our expedition North West comes to the end. In the afternoon we arrive back in Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Early morning transfer to Hanoi airport for flight to Dong Hoi. Arrive in Dong Hoi in the morning, have breakfast then we will drive you to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.

Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park has been recognized as a world natural heritage site by the UNESCO in 2003. Visit the cave, you can explore the remain of Cham altars and inscriptions inside.

Getting on boat and cruise on the world's longest underground river to Phong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore the remaining of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Overnight at the hotel in Dong Hoi Town

Our second day is explore the Paradise Cave

Considered the largest complex of caves in the world, Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 by scientists from the British Cave Research Association with the help of a local man. With naturally primitive features, it looks like a landscape painting, attracting many visitors.

In the afternoon transfer back to your hotel in Hue for check-in and relaxing.

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.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, 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.
Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.

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

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

Start your exploration today with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son,

Located in a beautiful green valley, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people.

Return to Hoian for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a leisure cruise on Thu Bon River to visit the Thanh Ha ceramic Pottery village, where we can see old men who produce jars, bowls, vases… Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

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.

We then move to some French colonial structures including the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. Both its exterior and interior are impressive with bright red color of bricks, stained glass panels and carved tiles, attracting many tourists.

We continue our trip to 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.

Our last stop is to visit bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

After breakfast, we depart for a long day of visit including of Cao Dai Temples

Located in Tay Ninh province, Cao Dai Temple will be a good choice for those interested in the Vietnamese religion. In its main building, there are four prayers conducted daily, and travellers can witness or even join in the ceremonies. Tay Ninh is also famous for Ba Den Mountain Festival which is attractive to lots of visitors.

Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels

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.

Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

We will transfer from your hotel in Saigon to Cai Thia pier.

The program will start at Cái Thia pier, pass by Cai Thia church. Boat to Mrs Năm to see how this old lady makes rice paper in the local house. We have one more option to see more about Mekong Delta if we have a biking trip in an hour to explore the famous village of Hoa Loc mango on the small beautiful roads. It is so interesting to see orchards, traditional houses, school in Mekong Delta. Come to a local and peaceful home, we can create some cakes (local donuts) and taste it with hot tea.

After biking, we’ll come back Cai Thia village. Be on our boat and enjoy the best optional lunch on boat when the boat is towards to An Binh Island. Check in Ut Trinh homestay, make friend with members of the family.

Have a fresh shower before cooking pancakes with the family. We’ll enjoy dinner & overnight at homestay.

Have breakfast. Check out and say goodbye to Út Trinh family for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning.. Stop at local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with cups of hot tea.
Boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will see how to farm catfish on Mekong river.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer back to Saigon for around 3.5 hours. Overnight in Saigon

Today you are free until time to transfer to airport for flight home. End of Asia King Travel services

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Trip notes

Tour includes:

Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
Overnight cruise on board a good-quality boat in Halong Bay (non-private boat)
TSC Train or similar (sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths) : Hanoi - Lao Cai
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
Meals as indicated by Vietnamese foods at the restaurant (B= breakfast; L=Lunch; D = Dinner)
Local private boat excursions in Hue, Hoian, Phong Nha, Mekong Delta
Water Puppet show ticket
Water & cool towels during transfer
Government taxes & service charge

Tour excludes:

Vietnam Visa stamp fee: USD 25/ person
International airfare and departure taxes
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