AUTHENTIC VIETNAM CLASSIC TOUR

Authentic Vietnam is a 16-day journey through Vietnam, traveling all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and showcasing the country’s remarkable diversity. From the historic capital and the spectacular mountains of the north to the ancient cities of Central Vietnam, beautiful beaches, and the vibrant Mekong Delta in the south, this Vietnam tour allows travelers to experience many different sides of the country in a single journey.

Features Of Authentic Vietnam Tour

Authentic Vietnam covers many of the highlights of Vietnam, allowing visitors to admire the hidden charm of Hanoi, discover the unique customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities in the mountainous region of Sapa, and witness the extraordinary natural beauty of Halong Bay. The journey also takes visitors deep into the history and culture of Vietnam, where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hue Citadel and Hoi An Ancient Town. The white sandy beaches of Nha Trang provide a relaxing stop before heading south to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, the mighty Mekong Delta, and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. From northern mountains and traditional villages to ancient towns, beaches, and bustling cities, there is much more waiting for you to discover throughout this Authentic Vietnam tour.

Booking code for Authentic Vietnam: OV14

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in the city center of Hanoi and settle in after your arrival. Take an orientation tour by cyclo around Hanoi, time permitting, before enjoying a welcome dinner. This first evening provides a gentle introduction to the atmosphere, history, and traditional character of Vietnam’s capital city. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Ha Noi City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and one of Hanoi’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple. Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, traveling around the atmospheric streets from Hang Dau to Hang Gai and experiencing the traditional heart of the city. Dinner is on guests’ account. Later, transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Sapa (schedule: 21:00 – 05:00). Overnight in an A/C soft sleeper cabin.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station at approximately 5:00 in the morning. Pick-up at Lao Cai Station and transfer to Sapa, one of the most famous mountain destinations in northern Vietnam. Have breakfast and take a shower at the hotel before starting today’s journey.

Trek down to Lao Chai Village to visit the Tay and Day hill tribes and experience the traditional lifestyle of the local mountain communities. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing along the bottom of the beautiful Sapa Valley toward Ta Van Village, which is considered one of the most scenic villages in the area. Take time to appreciate the surrounding rice terraces, mountains, and rural landscapes before returning to Sapa. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, start today’s Sapa trekking tour, heading toward Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao ethnic minority. Enjoy lunch in the village and experience more of the spectacular mountain scenery and local culture of the Sapa region.

After lunch, check out of the hotel and leave your luggage there. Get yourself ready before heading down toward Cat Cat and Sin Chai Villages, home to the Black H’Mong tribe. Enjoy the famous waterfall at Cat Cat and admire the beautiful scenery along the trail. After the trek, return to Sapa and collect your luggage. Dinner is on guests’ account. Transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi. Overnight in an A/C soft sleeper cabin.

Day 5: Ha Noi – Ha Long

Arrive in Hanoi at around 05:00 in the morning and meet our team at the train station. Transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast before leaving Hanoi for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Halong, board the Huong Hai junk and check in to your cabin.

Enjoy lunch on board before beginning your Halong Bay cruise. Explore the spectacular limestone karst landscape and visit Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave. Cruise around Tuan Chau Island and pass fascinating landmarks including Dog Island, Sail Island, and Ti Top Beach. As the afternoon progresses, relax on the junk, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and watch the beautiful Halong Bay sunset. Have dinner on board and enjoy drinks while spending the night on the junk. Kayaking is available as an optional activity for those who would like to explore the bay more closely.

Day 6: Ha Long – Ha Noi

Have breakfast on board while continuing to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay. Cruise past some of the bay’s distinctive limestone formations, including Man’s Head Island, Tortoise Island, Toad Island, and Bai Tho Mountain. These impressive rock formations rising from the emerald waters are among the most memorable sights of a Halong Bay cruise.

Return to the boat and enjoy lunch on the junk before cruising back to Halong Bay Wharf. Disembark and begin the coach journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the capital, the remainder of the evening is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Hue

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time for shopping in Hanoi before transferring to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Hue on flight VN 245 (12:40 – 13:50). Upon arrival in Hue, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

After checking in, visit a local market in Hanoi if time permits before continuing your journey to the historic former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the afternoon, explore Dong Ba Market and the Imperial Citadel of Hue, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Discover the remaining ruins of the Purple Forbidden City and learn more about Vietnam’s royal history.

In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner cruise on the Perfume River, accompanied by traditional Hue folk songs. This relaxing evening combines local cuisine, music, and the atmosphere of one of Vietnam’s most historic cities. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hue.

Day 8: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take a scenic cruise along the Perfume River to visit some of the most important historical and cultural attractions around Hue. Visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, beautifully situated among gardens, lakes, and peaceful countryside.

These historic monuments provide a fascinating insight into the architecture, traditions, and imperial heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty. The combination of ancient buildings, landscaped gardens, and the surrounding natural scenery makes Hue one of the most culturally significant destinations in Vietnam.

The afternoon is free at leisure, allowing you to relax at the hotel or explore more of Hue City independently. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hue.

Day 9: Hue – Danang- Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart Hue and drive toward Hoi An, a journey of approximately four hours. Travel along the scenic Lang Co Beach before crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Central Vietnam. Continue to Danang City and then onward to Hoi An.

Hoi An was originally an important Cham seaport and later became an international trading center influenced over the centuries by merchants from different cultures and countries. On the way, stop at the impressive Marble Mountains near Danang to explore the caves, temples, and spectacular views.

Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, whose historic architecture, narrow streets, colorful lanterns, and riverside atmosphere make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel. Start early in the morning with a visit to the lively Hoi An morning market, where you can experience the local atmosphere and see fresh produce, seafood, and everyday life in this historic trading town. Afterward, take a leisurely walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, and the traditional silk street of Hoi An.

Continue exploring the historic temples and pagodas of Chinese architectural influence, which reflect the town’s long history as an international trading port. In the afternoon, visit My Son Holy Land, an important archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the remains of the ancient Cham civilization. Return to Hoi An after the visit. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Hoi An.

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Nha Trang

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some free time for shopping in Hoi An, with an opportunity to explore the town’s many tailor shops, handicraft stores, galleries, and local markets. Later, depart Hoi An for Danang and visit the Cham Museum, home to Vietnam’s largest and most important collection of Cham art and cultural treasures.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Nha Trang on flight VN 337 (14:10 – 15:30). Upon arrival, pick-up at Cam Ranh International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Nha Trang. The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beach atmosphere of this popular Vietnam coastal destination. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 12: Nha Trang and its offshore islands

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take a scenic Nha Trang island boat trip to explore the offshore islands and beautiful waters of Nha Trang Bay. Visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and continue to the surrounding islands, including Mun Mot Island, where you can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, and other seaside activities.

Have lunch at Tam Island, featuring fresh local seafood and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Spend some time enjoying the peaceful island atmosphere before returning to Nha Trang by boat. The afternoon and evening are free at leisure. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang – HCMC, City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on flight VN 451 (08:15 – 09:30). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Begin a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Continue to some of the city’s most impressive French colonial landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Saigon Central Post Office.

Continue to Chinatown (Cho Lon) and visit the atmospheric Thien Hau Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda, important places of worship within Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum, end the city tour at Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s best-known markets, where almost everything from local food and souvenirs to clothing and everyday goods can be found. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in HCMC.

Day 14: HCMC – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi – HCMC

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive west from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh, the center of Vietnam’s Cao Dai religion. Upon arrival, attend the fascinating midday service at the Cao Dai Temple, where followers gather in colorful ceremonial robes. The temple and its ceremonies reflect the distinctive combination of influences from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and other religious traditions, making Cao Dai one of Vietnam’s most unique spiritual traditions.

On the return journey to HCMC, stop to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground tunnel network constructed and used by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. The tunnels included living quarters, hospitals, kitchens, meeting areas, and military facilities, allowing the network to function as an important base during the Vietnam War. Explore this remarkable underground system before continuing back to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in HCMC.

Day 15: HCMC – Cai Be – Vinh Long

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, heading toward the upper Mekong region and the town of Cai Be. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat for a memorable Mekong Delta boat trip. Visit the famous Cai Be Floating Market and cruise along the waterways before exploring the surrounding villages on foot.

Roam through the local villages to experience the traditional daily life of the people living along the Mekong River. Visit tropical orchards and enjoy an abundance of fresh Mekong Delta fruit while discovering the peaceful countryside and waterways. Continue cruising toward Vinh Long, enjoying the charm and scenery of the upper Mekong River, before visiting Binh Hoa Phuoc Village, known for its gardens and traditional rural lifestyle.

Enjoy lunch in the heart of a beautiful bonsai garden, surrounded by lush greenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, return to the mainland and begin the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner is on guests’ account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in HCMC.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City and departure. End of Authentic Vietnam classic tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy free time for your own activities, shopping, or last-minute exploration of Ho Chi Minh City until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of our memorable Authentic Vietnam Tour, a 16-day journey through Vietnam from the northern capital of Hanoi to the vibrant south, combining Vietnamese culture, mountain landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, coastal destinations, historic cities, and the Mekong Delta.

Contact us at [email protected] if you need more details, additional options, or availability for this Authentic Vietnam tour.

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