Compare Family adventure to Vietnam by Audley Travel vs Essence of Vietnam by Odynovo
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 6,141 | $ 2,279 |
| Price Per Day | $ 361 | $ 163 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
13 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 10 lunches, 1 dinner |
| Description |
From the French-colonial architecture of Hanoi and the karst scenery of Halong Bay to the mercantile history of Hoi An, our Vietnam specialists will use their personal experience of the country to plan your holiday to Vietnam in detail. That might include arranging for you to view fast-paced Saigon from the back of a Vespa, or spend languid days cruising the Mekong Delta or by the beach in Ninh Van Bay. |
Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour visiting sought-after destinations from north to south. This is an adventure full of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural delights that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3 : Hanoi
Today embark on a half day tour of the old quarter with your cyclo driver and guide. In the afternoon explore the world of Hanoi street food with this fascinating tour of Hanoi's best street food outlets with a celebrated street food blogger.
Day 4 : Halong City
This morning you will leave the city for the coast. Spend the afternoon cruising around Halong Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves and see the sun setting over the calm waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars.
Day 5 : Halong City
Spend a second day exploring some of the further reaches of the Bay, exploring caves and coves nestled among the dramatic pinnacles.
Day 6 : Ky Son
Wake up to see sunrise over the bay. Continue cruising before heading on to Ky Son, a beautiful village where you can experience rural life in Vietnam.
Day 7 : Ky Son
Full day in Ky Son enjoying a range of activities.
Day 8 : Hue
Morning to relax before a drive back to Hanoi for your flight to Hue.Here you will be met and taken to your hotel.
Day 9 : Hue
Cruise along the Perfume River this morning visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and the ancient tomb of Minh Mang along the journey. You will then enjoy lunch at Duc Son Pagoda and orphanage.This afternoon spend time learning some traditional Vietnamese martial arts with an experienced master!
Day 10 : Hoi An
This morning explore the Citadel with your guide and learn of its turbulent past and how it has withstood the test of time.You will then drive from Hue to Hoi An taking in the scenery along the journey. Pass abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear day has spectacular views of the coastline.
Day 11 : Hoi An
Accompanied by your guide, spend the morning cruising along the Thu Bon River with one of the local fisherman. They will show you how to cast the traditional nets and you get to eat your catch on board for lunch.Afternoon at leisure.
Day 12 : Hoi An
A day at leisure today, you could enjoy having a new wardrobe made at one of the many tailors or perhaps take a trip to the ruins at My Son.
Day 13 : Hoi An
Your cycling tour takes you through small traditional villages and the Vietnamese countryside giving you a glimpse of more rural life.
Day 14 : Cai Be
Transfer to Danang Airport early this morning for your flight to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon you will be met and driven to Cai Be where you will board your private Sampan boat and begin cruising through the Mekong Delta.
Day 15 : Saigon
Watch life on the river unfold whilst enjoying cruising along the river to the Cai Rang floating market. On arrival at the market transfer to a smaller boat to weave in between the market and experience everyday life of buying and selling on the waters. Later this morning return to Saigon by car.
Day 16 : Saigon
Today you have a half day tour of this vibrant city and then your guide and driver will take you on a half day excursion to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.Afternoon at leisure.
Day 17 : International return flight
After a leisurely morning you will be collected and transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
Overnight: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. You arrive in the country's charming capital city of Hanoi on an international flight and will be collected from the airport by your private guide. A private transfer afterwards will whisk you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.
Day 2: Hanoi, City Discovery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Get acquainted with the city on a morning excursion to some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison and Temple of Literature. This afternoon, browse informative exhibitions related to the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, before hopping aboard a cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) to explore the maze-like streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. End today's trip at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can walk leisurely to explore its surroundings like Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a brilliant performance of traditional water puppetry.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: On Board
Depart from Hanoi in the morning and drive southward across some 90 km to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province. You will be rewarded with excellent views of atmospheric ruins surrounded by unspoiled scenery. Move forward to the magnificent Bai Dinh, the largest Buddhist pagoda in South-East Asia. Arguably today's highlight is the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, which promises the chance to cruise through many amazing caves aboard a traditional bamboo boat.
Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On Board
After breakfast, travel onward by driving to the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, where over 1,600 largely uninhabited limestone islands rise out of crystal-blue waters. After boarding the cruise boat, you will sail through the bay enjoying the sights and activities: visit the Vung Vieng floating fishing village by kayaking, partake in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and join the others for squid fishing. For total relaxation, other options for you are to unwind in a sauna or simply sun yourself on the deck.
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Dong Hoi
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight: Dong Hoi
Wake up in paradise and kick off the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise on the deck. After a light breakfast, venture out to explore the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave strewn with limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Once back on the boat, check out and enjoy the brunch. As your cruise boat arrives at the pier around 10:45 am, disembark and take a private transfer back to Hanoi airport for a brief flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel for the night.
Day 6: Dong Hoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Dong Hoi
Today, embark on an excursion to the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which protects a large number of karst caves and underground rivers. A scenic boat ride down the Son River will take you to first explore the mystical tunnels filled with mighty stalactites and stalagmites at Phong Nha Cave. You will then admire the magical beauty of sparkling Paradise Cave, dubbed as "Underground Royal Palace", which is believed to be the longest dry cave in Asia. After that, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 7: Dong Hoi - Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
After breakfast, continue your onward journey to the Imperial City of Hue in Central Vietnam, pausing on route to visit several historical relics left over from Vietnam War, like Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River. Once reaching there, settle into your Hue hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.
Day 8: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Today, delve deep into Hue's royal past as you explore the splendid Tomb of King Minh Mang, sail along the attractive Perfume River to the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, and wander around the walled fortress and palace of Imperial Citadel. To close the day, take a relaxing stroll along the vibrant Dong Ba Market for a true insight into local life. After that, return to your hotel for a rest.
Day 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, set off on a 3.5-hour drive departing Hue for the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Along the way, you will pass by the Hai Van Pass, visit Cham Museum, and take a break at the Non Nuoc Beach. Check into your hotel on arrival, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 10: Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary & Ancient Town Exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, set out to explore the ruined Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary in a lush valley, about 1-hour drive from Hoi An. At the spiritual center of the once-mighty Cham
Empire, admire the crumbling ruins, hear about the Cham culture, and imagine what My Son was like in its heyday. Once back to Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town center to fully absorb its old-world charms, from Vietnamese former merchant's house to the Japanese Covered Bridge, and wooden Chinese temples.
Day 11: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy this morning at leisure before taking a private transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight southward to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and taken to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, drive out of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground stronghold once served as a hidden location and supply line of the Viet Cong. Crawling through the subterranean causeway, you will get to know the hardship of life in the complex and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. After that, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and take in major sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat).
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City, Day Excursion to Mekong Delta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, head out on a day trip to explore Mekong Delta, a fertile agricultural area referred to as the country's rice bowl. A 1.5-hour scenic drive will take you through urbanized areas to My Tho, the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. You will first visit a local wholesale fruit market - Thanh Tri Market, before boarding a local ferry for a cruise on the Tien River dotted with lush islets and fishing villages. Disembark and take a short walk to Vuondau, with the chance to taste seasonal fruits and honey tea. Following this, a list of fun activities for you are drifting through the palm-shaded creek in a wooden canoe, visiting a coconut candy workshop and enjoying a horse-cart ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, hit the road for your return drive to Ho Chi Minh City, with an en-route visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda with an elegant blend of Asian and European styles.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Say goodbye to Vietnam and board your departure flight, either home or to your next destination.
