Impressions of Vietnam

  • icon-date14 DAYS
  • icon-date26 Meals

Seeing Vietnam in 2 weeks? It is possible with the Impressions of Vietnam tour! The itinerary will guide you through all the highlights of Vietnam from the South to the North, beginning with the historic metropolis Saigon, down to the Mekong Delta region, and a river cruise upstream to the Cu Chi tunnel, followed by a combination of cultural and natural exploration in the Central, Charming Hanoi and spectacular Ha Long Bay in the North and many more.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Whether you are curious about our services, travel information or an advise for your trip- We are ready to answer any and all questions

    Full Name*

    Email*

    Expecter length?*

    Area code*

    Phone number*

    Number of travelers*

    Destination(s)*

    Departure schedule?*

    Your special request

    Day 1: Welcome to Sai Gon (D)

    Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport, our guide and driver will be there to pick you up and then stop by our hotel to drop off luggage and get some rest. Our first destination in the city is War Remnants Museum to understand the US invasion of Vietnam, and its absorbing exhibits give visitors an invaluable insight into a defining chapter in the Vietnam war’s history. Departure to Reunification Palace which was named in global history in 1975 and was built for the South Vietnam Government during the Vietnam-American War. After that, we will visit the famous French architecture Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office. Having dinner at a local restaurant and then back to the hotel, the rest of the evening is your free time to explore the city.

    Day 2: Mekong Delta – Ben Tre – Sai Gon (B, L)

    After having breakfast, we travel to Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre. Take a boat at Ben Tre River for sightseeing lively activities along the river, such as fishing and water transfer. Arriving at Phong Nam Ferry, we will wander along An Hoa River and stop at a craft brickyard where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to handmade bricks. Watch and learn how coconut candies are made at several workshops, especially at Ms. Lan’s coconut candy workshop, then taste local tropical fruits and honey tea. Afterward, hop on a cart, and travel through some tranquil villages where you can spot fruit gardens and observe the locals in their daily life. After lunch, we will take a rowing boat along water palm creek and go back to Hung Vuong Pier to get back to Sai Gon.

    vietnam-maps

    Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels – Da Lat (B, L)

    First, we will leave the hotel and depart to the Cu Chi tunnels by speedboat from Tan Cang Pier. Cu Chi tunnel is definitely one of the best things to do while we are in the South, not only for its location but also for its location with an extraordinary history. Allow half an hour for the introduction to the history of Cu Chi and its creation and purposes. Then exploring some permitted areas of the systems, including living areas and martial facilities. Try cassava which is the main food of former Vietnamese guerrillas. There is a shooting range activity for your option at your own expense if you are interested. After that, we depart to Binh Quoi Village for our delicious 7 courses lunch, highlighted by one of the specialties of the Mekong Delta region- Elephant Ear fish rolled with many local herbs. Make sure we have enough rest before getting to Tan Son Nhat International airport and catch a short flight to Da Lat.

    Day 4: Da Lat City Tour (B, L)

    Our morning starts by visiting the Summer Palace of Bao Dai King- The last King of Vietnam. Then head to the Robin Hill (1,600m) and Dalat Cable Car Station (2,300) to enjoy the marvelous sight of the pine-forested valley and view of the city. Make our way to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, the biggest Zen University in Vietnam. After climbing 140 steps, we will see the complex of pagodas and monastic buildings. Please dress formally following the Monastery’s dress code and stay in a low voice when talking. Head to Datanla Waterfall for a magnificent view. After having lunch and a short break, we head to the Valley of Love which is one of the most romantic places for lovers with beautiful love signs, flower gardens, and pine-hills scenery. Visit one of the most unique French monuments in Da Lat- Da Lat Railway Station which is designed by two French architects in 1932. The railway is no longer operating, it is used as a tourist attraction.

    Day 5: Da Lat- Nha Trang (B, L)

    Our day starts with a 3-hour drive following road no. 723 from Da Lat to Nha Trang. The short journey offers a wonderful view of peaceful villages, majestic mountains hiding in the cloud, and a view of the sea. After lunch, we start our city tour to discover the beauty of Nha Trang. First, head to Oceanographic Institute which is established in 1923, and was one of the first centers of scientific research in Indochina. The Institute has over 23,000 samples of sea creatures and an indoor and outdoor aquarium with living creatures. Then depart to Long Son Pagoda which was built in the 19th century. At the top of the pagoda, there is a big 79 feet tall white Buddha statue (Kim Than Phat To), from there, you can see the panorama view of Nha Trang. Before our guide and driver will drop you off at the hotel for check-in, spend your last hours delving into the history and amazing architecture at Ponagar Ba Tower, which was built in Cham civilization between the 7th to 12th centuries to honor Yang I Nu Ponagar- the mother of the King.

    Day 6: Nha Trang (B)

    The day is your free day to do what you would like to do in the city. Please do not hesitate to ask us for hot tips!

    Day 7: Da Nang- Hoi An (B, L)

    After having a delicious breakfast at your hotel and getting some rest, we will take you to the airport for a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Ba Na Hill, we will hop on one of the cable cars which achieves two Guinness World Records for the longest non-stop single-track cable car (5,042m) and the highest difference in elevation between the top and bottom station (1,292m). The ride offers us a spectacular view of the endless tree line, lush jungle, and Fairy Waterfalls along the way. Once we get to the first stop, feel free to visit Le Jardin Garden, Debay wine cellar, French village, and Linh Ung Pagoda. We can’t miss the famous Golden Bridge which achieves many rewards for its impressive design. This bridge was built at a height of 1.400m above sea level and features a harmonious blend of groundbreaking architecture and spectacular nature. Get on the second cable car to the top of the mountain where we will have our lunch and a leisure walk or challenge our limits with the Peak of Chua Mountain at a height of 1,487m. Visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, the rainbow Waterfall. We will leave for Hoi An at the end of the day.

    Day 8: My Son Holy Land- Hoi An- Half Day city tour (B, L)

    First, this morning at around 8:30 am, our guide will pick you up at the hotel and leave Hoi An for My Son Holy land, the capital of Champa Kingdom around the 4th to 13th century. My Son Holy land is a vast complex of religious relics that comprises over 70 architectural works including temples and towers. Allow a few hours to explore the ancient Champa arts and get to know the history. Returning to Hoi An for lunch and starting our half-day tour. The tour begins with a walk through the old town to see remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Visit a Japanese Covered Bridge which was first constructed in the 1590s by linking it with the Chinese quarters. Following Tran Phu street, we will get to The Assembly Halls. There are 4 Assembly Halls in Hoi An, each of those Halls has belonged to a Chinese community that has its own beliefs, different assembly halls worship different gods and goddesses. On these tours, we’ll visit a local home on the outskirts of Hoi An to learn about the family’s long tradition of lantern-making.

    Day 9: Welcome to Hanoi- Food tour as dinner (B, D)

    After breakfast, we will go to Da Nang International Airport for a flight to Hanoi. Once arrive at Noi Bai Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel for dropping off luggage and get some rest. In the late afternoon, around 6 pm, our food tour begins! Walking around Hanoi Old Quarter where all the tastiest dishes are, to try Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, best Banh Mi, and many more! After our food adventure, get lost in 36 streets with thousands of shops and cafes and find Hanoi’s best-kept secrets Banh My, a hidden spot for famous Egg coffee and Vietnamese Rice Wine. Related tour: Hanoi Tours (Daily Tour)

    Day 10: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)

    First, we visit the Temple of Literature, Quoc Tu Giam which is the most iconic place in Hanoi. Then, we will make our way to Ho Chi Minh Complex to check out Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum where preserved Uncle Ho’s corpse for people all over the country and international visitors to visit their beloved old father, and Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945. Another signature place in the complex is One Pillar Pagoda- a unique architectural style pagoda built-in 1049. After that, we will visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Residence which was used as his workplace and home back in the old time respectively, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Continue to West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. After lunch, visit the Ethnology Museum which is not only a museum but also a research center, specializing in exhibiting the ethnic people and culture of Vietnam. There will be other activities on the side such as traditional festive and water puppet show to participate in.

    Day 11: Ninh Binh (B, L)

    Today, we will head to Ninh Binh which is a 120kms drive south of Hanoi, a World Natural Heritage Site since 2014. The following activities will be hopping on a bamboo boat and rowing along the Ngo Dong River where you could see the “Indochine” film set. The boat ride offers an outstanding view of thousands of astonishing limestone cliffs and an exciting experience going under Hang Ca and Hang Ba caves. After lunch, our tour guide will take you to Bich Dong pagoda which is built on top of a mountain and therefore offers us the view of the best appalling scenery of all Hanoi holidays on each level.

    Day 12: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

    One of the “cannot miss” destinations when visiting Vietnam is Ha Long Bay the wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, get on a cruise ship to start the journey around Ha Long Bay. It is no need to describe how amazing it is to see the spectacular landscapes with approximately 1600 limestone islands scattering the emerald green water surface and numerous natural caves. You will immerse yourself in nature by floating in the middle of the sea with a kayaking adventure. After kayaking, watch the sunset. I am sure being there at that magical hour will be a memorable experience for your trip. There will be drinks at the desk or interesting activities such as fishing with local people in the evening

    Day 13: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B, Br)

    Your breakfast will be served while floating on the sea giving you another opportunity to capture the beauty of Ha Long Bay before disembarking time or join a cooking class that shows you how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and other traditional food. We will get back to Hanoi after having lunch on the boat. Enjoy the rest of the day in your own free time. Don’t forget to get lost in the Old Town for good food and drinks.

    Day 14: Farewell Hanoi (B)

    We enjoy one last hearty breakfast with our travel companions before getting transferred to Noi Bai Airport where your journey with us ends.

    Flights
    RouteAgentClass
    Saigon – Da LatVietnam AirlinesEconomy
    Nha Trang – Da NangVietnam Airlines/Bamboo AirwaysEconomy
    Da Nang – HanoiVietnam Airlines/Bamboo AirwaysEconomy
    Accommodation
    Location/Category3*4*5*
    SaigonOrchid Hotel SaigonNovotel Saigon CentreHôtel des Arts Saigon
    Can ThoIris Can ThoVictoria Can Tho ResortAzerai Can Tho
    Da LatTTC Hotel Ngoc LanTerracotta Hotel & Resort DalatAna Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa
    Nha TrangMaple Hotel & ApartmentCitadines Bayfront Nha TrangThe Anam
    Hoi AnSilk Luxury Hotel & SpaLa Siesta Resort & Spa Hoi AnHotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery
    HanoiThang Long Opera Hotel HanoiHanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be HotelHotel de l’Opera Hanoi
    Ninh BinhThe Reed Hotel Ninh BinhNinh Binh Hidden CharmTam Coc Garden Resort
    HalongOasis Bay CruiseLe Theatre CruiseHeritage Cruise
    INCLUSIVE:
    • Accommodation based on twin sharing occupancy
    • Meals as indicated in program, (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • Private A/C car or van with driver during on tour.
    • English or French speaking guide (any other requested language guide)
    • All entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated in the program
    • Service charges, rooms tax and handling fees
    EXCLUSIVE:
    • International air tickets and airport departure taxes
    • Visa stamping fee
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Personal expenses and other services
    • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program

    NOTES: Tour can be modified, hotels changed to suit your tastes and budget. Minor program changes are sometime necessary, depending on road conditions and weather.

    Reviewed by

    Diep Van

    Phone: +84901166884

    Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

    Diep Van

    Founder & Photography Guide

    Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

    Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

    Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

    I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


    RELATED TOURS