Authentic Local Experiences in Vietnam

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The Best Authentic Local Experiences in Vietnam Services

Duration: 14 Days
Trip Code: ORG-CLO14

Best places to visit:

Overview

Vietnam is a country rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of authentic local experiences to be had. From exploring the ancient city of Hanoi to visiting the picturesque Ha Long Bay, there is much to see and do in Vietnam. For those looking to experience the true culture of Vietnam, a visit to Ho Chi Minh City is a must. This bustling city is home to a variety of traditional markets, temples, and museums, and is the perfect place to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be an authentic local experience in Vietnam that you will never forget.

Highlights:

  • Free flow explore Hanoi capital as your own way with different experience for a modern city and hidden Hanoi Old Quarter with rich history
  • Get fresh air and discover diversity cultures of minority people in Sapa and Bac Ha market
  • Experience on an overnight on Prince Junk in Halong Bay to get the amazing landscapes and seascapes in this natural wonder with many different activities of kayaking, rowing boat, floating village, etc
  • Discover Trang An Grottoes known as Halong Bay on land and visit as the route of King Kong Skull Island film plus experience different handicraft villages in Ninh Binh
  • Visit and get different values in Hue Imperial City and Hoian ancient town with different senses
  • Get the daily life at Mekong Delta famous for small canals and riverlife plus visit Cu Chi Tunnel for more experience of Vietnam War against in the past

Book it and let the countdown to your perfect holiday begin!

Notes:

Authentic Local Experiences in Vietnam 14 days travel maps

Authentic Vietnam 14 days travel maps

Itinerary Details

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 1: Xin Chao (Welcome To Hanoi - Vietnam). O/n In Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam – the charming and authentic one with a rich history for discovery, meet our guide and driver at Noi Bai international airport to hotel for starting Authentic Vietnam tour 14 days! You have free time to stroll around the city. Dinner as your own account.

Evening is your free time for walking around Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the nightlife. O/N in Hanoi.

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Half Day - Night Train To Sapa. O/n On Train (BL)

Morning activities:

Have this morning free in Hanoi city to experience as your own way the beautiful and charming of this capital city. Hanoi is famous for its Old Quarter with 36 streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, many museums, etc.

Afternoon activities:

Spend this afternoon visiting Hanoi capital city and discover the hidden charms of Hanoi city.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda -the oldest one in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 – 548). And you have a chance to see the beauty of WestLake and its charm. Continue to visit Metropole Sofitel hotel Tunnel to learn about history.

Have a walk to discover the deep Hanoi Old Quarter and reach very narrow lands to catch inside the local life. Spend time tasting a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop to enjoy it as Vietnamese.

Evening activities:

Free to have your own dinner as your own account. Then at 20.30 pm the driver and guide will welcome you at the hotel and transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station for taking the night train to Lao Cai – Sapa. Spending night on the train in AC soft sleeper coach 4 leaves Hanoi at 21.50 pm. O/N on train.

(Optional: you can choose VIP cabin for only 2 berth for more comfortable with extra charge)

Optional tour with additional charge:

  • You can take ½ day tour to Bat Trang Ceramic village to discover its traditional way to produce ceramic products as well as experience the way to make it
  • Street food in Hanoi and fresh beer “ Bia Hoi” is a famous and popular experience which you should try while staying in Hanoi city
Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sa Pa - Ta Phin Village. O/n At Homestay In Ta Phin (BLD)

Morning activities:

You arrive at Lao Cai train station at 5.30 am and meet our guide with the driver at the exit gate. You have a mini hotel in Lao Cai for a shower after a night on the train. Have breakfast at a local restaurant.

Then you start your journey to Sapa town. You have a first impression of a famous Sapa town with many tourists.

Then you start to leave Sapa town for Ta Phin village. From the main road you start a beautiful trek inside the village. Have chances to meet and talk with local minority people working on their fields. You will be amazed by terrace fields, bamboo forests. Have a picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon activities:

Afternoon you continue your trek to the village where the Red Dzao people live. Being warmly welcomed by Red Dzao host family in their traditional stilt-house. Have dinner with the family.

Evening activities:

Have a chance to share and interact with local Red Dzao people and learn more of their culture. O/N in Ta Phin village.

  • Trekking Distance: 14 km (4-5 hours)
  • Trail Difficulty: 4/5
  • Traditional house of Red Dzao minority – basic & simple standard, share with many other people, toilet, bathroom is outside of the house and there is not hot shower.

Remark: The itinerary of trekking to village can be adjusted depending on the weather conditions, your age and your healthy status:

Option 1: Cat Cat village/ Ham Rong Mountain and overnight at hotel in Sapa town (4 km, easy trek)

Option 2: Y Linh Ho/ Lao chai / Ta Van and homestay in Ta Van village (6 km, soft trek, very touristy)

Option 3: Sa Seng / Hang Da/ Hau Thao / Giang Ta Chai & homestay at Giang Ta Chai (14 km, medium trek, off the beaten track)

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 4: Ta Phin Village - Bac Ha Sundays Market - Lao Cai. Night Train Back Hanoi . O/n On Train (BL)

Morning activities:

Have breakfast with the family and get more experience of local life in the mountainous village. Enjoy the fresh air and then say goodbye to the family.

The driver is waiting for you at the main road and transferring you back to Sapa town. And then you go ahead to Bac Ha market 102 km from Sapa town via a windy road with the breathtaking mountain views. Visit Bac Ha market on Sundays only where you can see the liveliest and the most crowded in this region. It attracts a large number of hill tribe groups such as Flower H’mong, Nung, Phu La, Tay, ect to have trading activities. No more better than for photo hunters can shoot attractive ones here. Have lunch at a very local food stall.

Afternoon & evening activities:

Leave Bac Ha Town and travel back to Lao Cai and take the night train back to Hanoi city. Have dinner on your own. Spending night on the train on AC soft sleeper coach 4 berths. O/N on train.

Remark: Bac Ha market is open on Sunday only, so you can alternative to visit other market according to your arrival date

  • Ban Phiet Mondays market
  • Coc Ly Tuesdays market
  • Cao Son Wednesdays market
  • Lung Khau Nhin Thursday market
  • Chau Fridays market
  • Can Cau Saturday’s market n (20 km from Bac Ha)
Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 5: Hanoi Arrival Back - Halong - Bai Tu Long Bay On Prince Junk. O/n On Board (BLD)

Morning activities:

Arrive back at Hanoi Railway at 5.30 am and you are welcomed by guide and driver to the city center. Check in the hotel for a morning shower after a night on the train. Have breakfast at the hotel.

Travel out of Hanoi’s Old Quarter area around 8:00 am in a private car or arrange by yourself) to Halong Bay. It takes 3,5 hours to reach Halong Bay. Embark at Hon Gai International harbor at noon time.

Afternoon activities:

Make check-in Prince Junk (2 cabins maximum 5 people or 4 cabins) for private or share junk with some people. Enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing. You have lunch on junk while the cruise leaves the harbor to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay.

The cruise takes you to discover the well- hidden Thien Canh Son cave. And then relax on a white sandy beach at Hon Co island, swimming or kayaking.

Thanks to the small junk you can sail through the bay and get closer to nature and the island than a big cruise. It will be a great experience if travel on a big cruise will not get.

After that you pack the junk for swimming or relaxing. Have dinner on board

Evening activities:

Have your free time to enjoy the bay at night or simply relax in your room and fresh yourself. O/N on board

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay - Ninh Binh. O/n In Ninh Binh (BL)

Morning activities:

Have more chances to see the sun rise over the bay. Have breakfast on board. Then the cruise sails to Vung Ha area where you are on a rustic rowing boat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village. This is the chance for you to discover the local life of fishermen here.

Check out of the cabin around 10.00 am and cruise towards the harbor while having an A la carte lunch on board. Disembark the harbor at noon time

Afternoon activities:

At noon time the cruise back to the harbor. Continue your journey by private car to the peaceful province of Ninh Binh where you can see local countryside life.

Evening activities:

Evening is the time for free and enjoy in your hotel to get the tranquil atmosphere in Ninh Binh. O/N in Ninh Binh.

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 7: Visit Handicraft Villages - Trang An - Night Train To Hue. O/n On Train(BL)

Morning activities:

You spend your time this afternoon for discover traditional handicraft villages at Van Lam Embroidery village. And then to Kim Son village to see craftsmen in their work to make embroidery or products for daily life from wild plants.

Continue visiting Phat Diem Stone Church with the technical level and traffic conditions of the late 19th century. You can see the method to transfer thousands of tons of stone, hundreds of ironwood trees to build the cathedral.

Have lunch at a restaurant.

Afternoon activities:

Get a different experience at Trang An Grottoes which is famous in King Kong Skull Island Film 2017 to discover the beautiful landscapes. It is a complex and beautiful landscape. You have a chance to visit an “outdoor geological museum” with numerous caves, mountains, valley water, trees and the historic relic.

Evening activities:

Take a night train from Ninh Binh to Hue and get the experience of railway in Vietnam on AC soft sleeper coach 4. O/N on train

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 8: Discover The Forbidden City Of Hue. O/n In Hue (BL)

Morning activities:

You arrive in Hue Railways Station at 8.00 am. Our guide and driver welcome you and transfer to a mini hotel for a shower after a night on the train. Have breakfast at a local restaurant.

Start a half day to discover the beauties of Hue Imperial City of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors. You will make a visit to Thien Mu pagoda lies on the bank of the famous Perfume River to discover the history of Nguyen Reign starting from here.

Next is the continuing trip to visit The Citadel called the Forbidden City with unique architectures. Have the chance to see the last Royal Palace in Vietnam with many constructions. They are Five Phoenix Tower, Thai Hoa Palace, The Mieu Temple, Nine Urn Dynasty with unique architecture, etc.

Afternoon activities:

Afternoon is the time to grab the tranquil life in Hue outskirt with different beauties at Thanh Toan title Bridge. Have more opportunity to discover the countryside life as well as see some Family Temple House to learn more of culture.

Evening activities:

Evening is the time you wander around Hue city along Perfume River, Trang Tien Bridge, walking roads to get more enjoyment. O/N in Hue

Optional tour with additional charge:

  • Afternoon you can choose to visit 2 famous mausoleums of Nguyen Reign including Tu Duc tomb, Khai Dinh tomb of Minh Mang tomb.
  • Royal performance of ancient dancing and music called “ Nha Nhac Cung Dinh” which you can combine to enjoy when you visit Citadel at Royal Theater.
  • Royal Dinner: Here is the chance you can try to be a King and Queen and taste the Royal Dishes while enjoying ancient music show.
Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 9: Hue - Ba Na Hill With Golden Bridge - Hoi An. O/n In Hoi An (BL)

Morning activities:

Stroll along National Highway No 1 to leave Hue for Hoian and have a chance to experience fishing life at Lang Co fishing village.

Have a stop and enjoy the fresh air at Lang Co Beach. And then you conquer the beauties of Hai Van Pass from the summit.

Go on your trip to Ba Na Hill and take a cable car to reach its summit. You will visit some sites like flower garden, French villa village, Wine Tunnel. In Particular, you visit the Golden Hand Bridge to catch a panorama of spectacular forest and scenery.

Afternoon activities:

Leave Ba Na and travel to Hoi An. No better than to have the beach road from Danang to Hoi An and chill out sandy beaches along the coastline. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Optional: On the way from Hue to Hoi An you can order more visits to Son Tra Peninsula to experience the forest beauties at famous monkey island in Danang city. Catch the panorama of Danang beach city and many other discovery.

Evening activities:

Free wander around small roads to pass through Hoian ancient town to discover its charmings. O/N in Hoi An.

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 10: Hoian Walking Tour - Free Afternoon (BL)

Hoi An Free - Da Nang - Flight To Ho Chi Minh

Morning activities:

Take a stroll in Hoi An Ancient town half day, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and ancient houses.

Set out to discover on foot famous sites include the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Ong Pagoda, Sa Huynh Museum, ect. Our guide will be pleased to tell you the tales behind them during every step, every visit to the city’s historical monuments. Our guide will be pleased to tell you the tales behind them to discover its hidden.

Try yourself at a workshop to learn how to make a lantern the traditional way. It will give you an impressive experience while doing it.

Have breakfast at a restaurant.

Afternoon activities:

Free time in the afternoon for getting more experience around Hoi An ancient town. Hoi An is famous for shopping, souvenir shops, narrow lanes through ancient towns, old houses etc.

Optional tour with additional charge:

  • Dinner cooking class at a restaurant in ancient town will be a great experience to learn local cuisine lessons.
  • Cycling around countryside of Tra Que Organic vegetable village or Cam Thanh village to get more beautiful and tranquil life.
  • Wear Ao Dai – traditional costumes to take photos at the Old Town – a memorial experience.

Evening activities:

Evening is a great time to taste local foods, Hoian is famous for street foods along streets inside the ancient town. O/N in Hoi An

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 11: Hoian - Danang - Flight To Ho Chi Minh & Visit Cu Chi Tunnel. O/n In HCM (BL)

Morning activities:

Be transferred to Danang airport for taking flight to Ho Chi Minh city, our local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to the city center. Have you ever felt curious about this busiest city of Vietnam and the past? With full day to Cu Chi tunnel will bring you back the past when Vietnamese against American in the war. Everything will suit your expectation and taste.

Have lunch at restaurant

Afternoon activities:

Afternoon is your free time to have your own experience and visit around Ho Chi Minh City. Famous for many French style constructions: Opera House, The Independent Palace, Notre Dame Catholic. And Cafe Do Phu to evid the hidden activities of soldiers during the time finding the independence for the country with hidden tunnels. Ho Chi Minh will show you modern life with ancient value still remaining.

Optional tour with additional charge:

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market to enjoy your hobbies with local products in Vietnam for souvenir gifts. Or catch the panorama of the city from the summit of Bitexco Tower as your own.

Evening activities:

Evening is free time to wander around the city to get the impression of the unsleep city of Vietnam. O/N in HCM

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta/Cai Be Floating Market. O/n At Homestay (BLD)

Morning activities:

The Mekong Delta is one of the must see in South Vietnam to discover riverlife. Take a local boat to experience the idyllic lifeline on the river. Cruising through coconut lines to discover tropical gardens and try yourself in making local specialty. Homestay at a local house will give you more experience at countryside

This morning you leave the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Cai Be. Pass through Trung Luong Expressway. On arrival in Cai Be, you first visit the Cai Be floating market by motor boats. Here is the chance you see the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on their vessels.

Also you can visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. You have a walk in small villages, visit fruit plantations, accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.

Then you paddle through small canals to experience the charm of the Upper Mekong Delta. Reach the green pearl Tan Phong Island where you can harmonize with nature. Have lunch at a local garden restaurant.

Afternoon activities:

Continue your cycling this afternoon through orchards. Have a chance to meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta as well as its beauties. Check in for a homestay.

Evening activities:

Evening is the time for you to interact with family members and learn more about local cultures. Enjoy dinner and have a homestay experience. O/N at Tien Giang.

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 13: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh. O/n In HCM (BL)

Morning activities:

Immersed more in the water to discover the authentic life in Mekong Delta with tropical fruit gardens. The local boat takes you to discover its beauties and meet local friendly people.

After breakfast, you will visit the Mr Ba Duc‘s ancient house. This is one of several houses designed in the harmonious combination of two architectural styles: Vietnamese and French. The shape is unique during the colonial period.

Then you will also visit a rice husking mill to learn about the process of rice production. Mekong Delta is a famous area for its own unique charm.

You can see the coconut leaves used to weave the roofs of homes. Also have a chance to learn how bricks are made, your question will be solved here. Have lunch at restaurant

Afternoon activities:

You leave Cai Be to return to Ho Chi Minh City, en route there is more chance to see beautiful scenery. You will stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda to discover more unique architecture.

After that you return to Ho Chi Minh city. Check in at the hotel and free your own dinner.

Evening activities:

Evening is free time to wander around the city to get the impression of the unsleep city of Vietnam. O/N in HCM

Origin Vietnam Pin Location

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh Depart (B)

Find the balance of the day as your own until the driver transfers you to the airport for taking flight back home or to your next destination. Say goodbye and wish you a great experience holiday in Vietnam and see you again in the near future!

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Inclusions

  • PRIVATE door to door transport (new vehicle) with air-conditioned
  • Domestic Air Danang – Ho Chi Minh (Priority Vietnam airline first)
  • Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi +  Ninh Binh – Hue
  • Experience English speaking guide
  • Meals as mentioned above (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Great 3 star hotel with good location selected. Buffet Breakfast included at hotel
  • Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise trip 2days/1night on Prince Junk 4* Cruise (or similar) – Deluxe cabin
  • Homestay in Sapa and Mekong Delta
  • Local boat in Trang An & Mekong Delta
  • Free visa letter to Vietnam (If yes except for difficult countries will have extra charge)
  • Cable car to Ba Na Hill
  • Entrance fees
  • Mineral water daily 2 bottle 500ml/per day
  • Permission
  • 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
  • Bank fees if payment by credit card
  • Gov tax and service charge
  • No extra charge after final confirmation

Exclusions

  • International Air Fare in & out Vietnam
  • Single room
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle
  • Other than mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, soft & hard drinks
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Tips are welcomed!
  • Travel Insurance
Ms Angela

Ms Angela

Ms Lucy

Ms Lucy

Ms. Angela & Ms. Lucy is our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers she has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

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Origin Vietnam Pin Location

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