Vietnam Mosaic 16 Days 15 Nights

Upon arrival in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. (Check-in standard time: from 14:00). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: No

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our tour guide at the scheduled time and start to explore Hanoi – the charming capital of Vietnam. Our morning journey begins with visits to iconic landmarks, including the One Pillar Pagoda. We’ll then explore the outer part of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument honoring the esteemed country leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as Bác Hồ (Uncle Hồ) by the Vietnamese people. Our tour continues with visits to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Next, we’ll delve into the tranquility of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature), a symbol of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, originally built in 1070 as a Confucian temple and later housing the country’s first university.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Our afternoon adventures take us to the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century. Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional cyclo in the vibrant ambiance of the Old Quarter, renowned for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and ancient temples. Finally, take a leisurely break at a coffee shop, savoring the unique flavors of egg coffee or fresh juice before coming back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, being formed over 500 million years ago. Upon arrival at the boat pier, you’ll be greeted by the cruise members with a refreshing drink at the lounge while awaiting embarkation. A small sampan will transport you to the main cruise, where you’ll complete the check-in process, receive a safety briefing, and get a brief introduction to the cruise itinerary. Enjoy a delectable lunch onboard as the cruise glides past picturesque islands and towering rock formations, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, take a short rest before participating in the afternoon activities offered by the cruise, which could include visiting caves, fishing villages, kayaking*, or swimming at a quiet beach, depending on the cruise’s program. Dinner will be served at the cruise’s restaurant while it anchors in a safe and serene area for the night.

*Activities marked with an asterisk (*) may incur additional charges

Overnight onboard the cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck, allowing yourself to embrace a meditative state through gentle movements and controlled breathing. Witness the tranquil beauty of the bay as the sun slowly ascends behind the limestone cliffs, casting a serene glow over the horizon. Continue with the morning activities outlined in the cruise program or bask in the sun’s warmth on the sundeck. Indulge in a leisurely brunch aboard the cruise, savoring each bite as you glide past majestic rock formations on your journey back to the dock.

Upon disembarking, transfer by sampan to the pier, where transportation awaits to take you to Yen Tu Mountain (about 50 km from Tuan Chau pier). Upon arrival at Yen Tu, check-in at the hotel and join a guided Legacy Tour, exploring various corners of this area while uncovering the captivating story of its legacy over time. Afterward, enjoy leisure time at your own pace.

Note: Legacy Yen Tu – Mgallery and its neighboring Lang Nuong Yen Tu offer a variety of complimentary activities, including yoga, workouts, meditation, Sanskrit chanting, village night shows, traditional music performances, and arts. Additionally, guests can participate in guided tours, workshops, and experiences such as tea brewing, lantern festivals, and archery. For those interested, there are also tours available to explore Yen Tu Mountain, the Zen monastery, and the mysteries of the ancient palace (with supplements). Detailed information about these activities is available upon request.

Overnight at the hotel in Yen Tu

Meals: Brunch

Early in the morning, enjoy various yoga, meditation, or gym activities (Daily activities will be changed and differ day by day). Breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, embark on a journey to explore the holy Yen Tu Mountain, uncovering the thousand-year-old tale of sacredness. Take a cable car ride up to the top of the sacred mountain, immersing yourself in the natural splendor of the landscape and feel the tranquility in your heart and soul (joining tour, minimum 5 people/group). Return by cable car and enjoy free time to participate in other activities at the hotel. Lunch at Lang Nuong Village’s Restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel in Yen Tu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. After checking out at noon, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in at the hotel and spend your free time in the afternoon relaxing or discovering the city by your own.

At 6:00 pm, meet up with our tour guide at your hotel, and we will start a delightful journey to explore Hanoi’s street food – a paradise for both local and international foodies. Our first dish will be the world-famous Phở (beef or chicken noodle soup). The broth is made from beef or chicken and pork bones, along with local herbs, giving the soup a distinct smell and taste. Combined with the fresh, tender beef and chicken, it satisfies even the most discerning guests. Our next dish that will make you crave more is Bún Chả (BBQ grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs). Along with Pho, Bun Cha represents the sophistication and deliciousness of Hanoi’s food. We will continue our culinary journey by strolling slowly to the Old Quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake area. We will reach the St. Joseph Cathedral, established in 1886 by the French, making it the oldest cathedral in Hanoi. Next to it, you will find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and lime tea shops (trà chanh). Find your seats in one of the shops and try their signature nem chua rán (deep-fried minced pork) or nem chua nướng (grilled minced pork). Our journey is not completed without a drink or dessert to complete the dinner. Feel free to choose any drink of your choice: coffee with eggs, coffee with salt, coffee with coconut milk, fresh fruit juice, or the popular lime tea. We will then bid farewell to the bustling streets and return to your hotel.

Note: The above itinerary is also a guideline for you, and it only covers a small part of the diversity of street food in Hanoi. You might want to explore other dishes that also taste great and provide insight into Vietnamese culture, such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Snails, Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancake), Chả cá (not really street food, but highly recommended)… For more adventurous foodies, try Trứng vịt lộn or Trứng cút lộn – baby duck or baby bird in the shells!

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Quang Binh. Upon arrival in Quang Binh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. (Check-in standard time: from 14:00). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the nearby area or relaxing at your hotel, preparing for the next day’s adventure. Overnight at the hotel in Quang Binh.

Overnight at the hotel in Quang Binh

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Phong Nha Town and transfer you to the trekking center. After the safety briefing, we embark on a scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park to reach the trailhead. Once we arrive at the starting point of the trail, we begin our jungle hiking adventure. Along the narrow trail with challenging terrain, our local guide will share insights into local plant life and share about the cultural practices of the local minority group here, who rely on the resources of the jungle for survival. We ascend to the summit of Wind Peak to relish the refreshing mountain air and enjoy lunch with stunning panoramic views. In the afternoon, we continue our journey with a downhill trek towards Eelfish Slope “Dốc Lươn”, characterized by its steep and slippery terrain. After a short rest here, we proceed past this slope towards Hang Over Cave. Here we will explore this 3.2-kilometer-long cave known for its mesmerizing formations. Hang Over Cave boasts a long, narrow shaft adorned with various cave formations that increase in size and beauty as you progress. You’ll eventually reach a vast grotto named Massive Attack, adorned with spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, and beautiful pools. Enjoy salad and snacks next to these remarkable cave formations. In the late afternoon, navigate through the doline between Hang Over and Hang Pygmy, experiencing a unique jungle ecosystem created by a ceiling collapse that divided the caves. Prepare for an exhilarating 80-meter descent into the cavern of Hang Pygmy, where our guides will ensure your safety and equip you with abseiling gear. Upon arrival at the main entrance of Pygmy Cave, the fourth largest cave in the world, we establish the campsite and start to explore its natural beauty and magnificence. Settle in at the campsite for dinner, relaxation, and storytelling under the stars before lights out for a restful night’s sleep amid the awe-inspiring surroundings of Pygmy Cave. Accommodation will be at the campsite.

Note: Departures are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with group sizes ranging from 2 to 14 people and an age requirement of 15 to 65 years old. Program 2D1N Pygmy Cave offers an adventurous experience with a fitness level rated as difficult/strenuous. The jungle trek covers a distance of 20km, with 4.5km caving. Activities include cave exploring, rope rappelling, and rock scrambling.

Overnight at the campsite in Pygmy Cave, Quang Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with breakfast at Hang Pygmy before concluding our campsite activities. Bid farewell to Pygmy Cave as we commence our jungle trek. Embark on the trek out of the Hang Pygmy entrance, traversing diverse valleys and mountains. This trek entails challenging terrain, promising an adventurous journey. Capture some final photographs of Hang Pygmy and the team to preserve cherished memories. Venture through “Dốc Cỏ”, also known as Grass Slope, a steep and slippery hill that requires considerable energy. This challenging ascent may afford views of cascading waterfalls if weather conditions permit. Enjoy a snack lunch during the trek to replenish our energy for the day. Arrive at the main road by 2:00 p.m, where we’ll stop to enjoy a refreshing cold drink before the van arrives to transport us back to the trekking center. From there, you’ll be transferred by car back to your hotel in Quang Binh.

Overnight at hotel in Quang Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we’ll set off for Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Upon reaching Hue, check-in at the hotel, free time in the evening to explore the city.

Distance from Quang Binh to Hue: Approximately 220 km, about 5-5.5 hours by car

Overnight at hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey to explore Hue City, once the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled the country from 1802 to 1945. First, we’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic landmark nestled on the banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong). Our journey continues with a visit to the complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Our first stop is the Hue Imperial City, spanning 520 hectares. It is divided into three main sections: Kinh Thành Huế (Hue Citadel), a square fortress enclosing the entire compound; Đại Nội (Royal City), serving as the administrative center where the kings and their entourage conducted their affairs; and Tử Cấm Thành (Forbidden Purple City), a private enclave reserved exclusively for emperors and royal families. After lunch, we’ll venture to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, an architectural marvel blending Western influences with traditional Vietnamese design. Reigning from 1916 to 1925, Emperor Khai Dinh’s elaborate tomb stands as a testament to his era’s cultural shifts and influences. Finally, we’ll venture into the bustling Dong Ba market where you can immerse yourself in vibrant local culture.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Hoi An via Hai Au Pass.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and free time to explore the charming town by yourself.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the city by your own account.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the city, which includes a visit to the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (Jade Emperor Pagoda). Originally constructed by a Cantonese migrant named Liu Daoyuan, the pagoda was intended to invoke good fortune in his business ventures. Inside, you’ll admire various artworks, including statues, worship paintings, altars, and intricately crafted parallel sentences made from wood, ceramic, and cardboard. Next, enjoy a leisurely ride on a traditional cyclo through Saigon. Our route includes the iconic Reunification Palace (the Independence Palace), Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, and Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People’s Committee Building). Continuing our tour on cyclo, we’ll be enchanted by the grandeur of the Municipal Theatre (Saigon Opera House), the historic Saigon Post Office, and the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral – all designed by French architects. We’ll catch a glimpse of modern Saigon, with a pass by the towering Bitexco Tower, the city’s second tallest building, after the iconic Landmark 81. Return to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we’ll depart for the Mekong Delta. We’ll transfer by motorboat on the Tien River (Sông Tiền), enjoying the fresh air as the boat passes local houses, pagodas, and markets along the way. Shortly, the boat will take us to a local house where you’ll meet friendly hosts who will invite you to taste their home-grown seasonal fruits, and you can also enjoy live traditional music. Say goodbye to the family, and we will walk to another neighborhood. After 10 minutes, you will arrive at Mr. Nam’s orchard, where you’ll have the chance to taste honey with tea or wine and see bees breeding in wooden boxes under longan trees. Next, you will hop on the motorboat again and enjoy a refreshing coconut drink to cool down. After 30-40 minutes of cruising, we’ll arrive at Ben Tre land, where you’ll transfer to a smaller hand-paddled wooden sampan. This sampan will take you through the quiet, narrow waterways of the delta, passing through the Xep canal in Ben Tre (land of coconuts), amidst green coconut grove ranges. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while listening to the water’s sound and the birds’ songs. After about 20-30 minutes of riding on the sampan, we’ll disembark and start our exploration of the local villages. Along a small route, we’ll walk through lush tropical fruit gardens, fresh vegetables, and plants such as bananas, pomelos, jackfruits, longyans, oranges…, admiring the richness that the Mekong Delta has bestowed upon this region. Hop onto a traditional Vietnamese tuktuk (xe lôi) and continue our journey to a small factory producing coconut candies, where you’ll observe the way coconut candies are made through different stages.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant*. At the restaurant, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy a short ride around the local village (at your own expense) before heading back to My Tho pier via motorboat. After a day filled with excitement and discovery, we’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh City by road.

*Lunch at a local restaurant here offers simple fare, and while the flavors may not cater to every palate, it provides an authentic taste of the region. Adjusting expectations accordingly will ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast