TRAILS & TALES OF HO CHI MINH

14 Days 13 nights

 

DAY 01: HA NOI ARRIVAL                                                                                                                

Welcome to Hanoi – – a thousand years Capital and transfer to hotel. You are then free to unwind after your flight and get settled into your new surroundings.

Transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time at 02.00 PM earlier time will be up on arrival).

Overnight in Hanoi

 

DAY 02: HANOI MEMORY OF WAR                                                                                     

You will have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (close on Monday & Friday afternoon), his modest stilt house and the museum dedicated to his memory. Then moving next step to the Military History Museum, where photos and war remain will give you a first approach of Vietnamese history through its conflicts. Visit nearby Hanoi Flag tower and learn why it is one of the most respected symbols of the country.

After lunch, visiting Hoa Lo Prison, built and used by French rulers in Vietnam for political prisoners, and then by the government of North Vietnam for war prisoners. This building is also known by the name of “Hanoi Hilton” and “hosted” some American prisoners such as Senator John McCain and Pete Peterson, United States’ first post-war ambassador to Vietnam in 1997.

Continue moving to the B-52 Victory Museum, displaying relics of B-52 Stratofortress, an aircraft that played a major role in the American war. On the way back, you also see a small lake contains wreckage of a B-52 bomber shot down over Hanoi in 1972. (now also called B-52 lake).

 

Overnight in Hanoi

 

Note: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & pagodas.

 

OPTION 1: Hanoi – Quang Binh by night train

 

DAY 03: HANOI – HALONG    – SHUTTLE BUS                                                                    

Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to Halong Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities.

After the welcome onboard, be served with lunch while cruising towards the bay.

In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on cruise

 

DAY 04: HALONG – HANOI – SHUTTLE BUS – NIGHT TRAIN TO QUANG BINH            

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. Continue cruising to explore more of the bay and enjoy the brunch breakfast before returning to the Jetty at noon time. Drive transfer directly to Hanoi.

Option 1: Take a flight to Quang Binh for enjoying the street food walking tour. Get more information about Vietnamese traditional cuisines, its culture and the eating habits of locals. Walk through the small streets of the Old Quarter, passing by road-side markets, stop at numbers of food stalls to see the sellers prepare the dishes and taste the food.

Free time before catching the night train to Quang Binh.

Overnight on train.

 

OPTION 2: Hanoi – Quang Binh by flight

 

DAY 03: HALONG        – SHUTTLE BUS                                                                              

The scenic 2.5-hour drive from Ha Noi to Ha Long is full of spectacular scenery as you will pass through seemingly endless green paddy fields and lush fruit farms. Upon arrival, board your traditional junk for a cruise amongst the incredible limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to view Thumb Island, Cock Fighting Island, and Incense Island which can be seen on Vietnam’s 200,000 dong currency note. Explore one of the biggest, most beautiful stalactites and stalagmite cave of the bay. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board while cruising back to the wharf. Dinner is on your own arranged.

Overnight in Hanoi

 

DAY 04: HANOI – FLIGHT TO QUANG BINH                                                                      

Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure before our driver transfer you to Noi Bai Airport to take a flight to Quang Binh. Transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time at 02.00 PM earlier time will be up on arrival).

Overnight in Quang Binh

 

DAY 05: QUANG BINH – PHONG NHA – THIEN DUONG CAVE                                        

Welcome to Dong Hoi with early morning arrival. Enjoy an local breakfast for relax before explore one of the best place for the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park which is listed on the World Heritage in 2003. Covering 85,754 ha of outstanding geological and ecological value, the site will let you immerse into sumptuous landscape of karst plateaus and rainforests by surveying its spectacular underground caves and rivers and discovering its abundance of endemic species.

Enjoy 1 hour drive up hill, passing rural countryside and enter national park to explore Phong Nha Cave. Discovered in 1994, this famous cave is well-known for its underground river and its system of fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Paradise Cave and begin to explore the glamour of Asia’s longest and largest dry cave. You pass through dense forest for about 2km, then climb about 500 rocky steps, and you’re in Paradise. Begin your journey to explore the magical Heaven – the Eden on earth with special stalagmites, stalactites system with sparkling, mysterious beauty, out of human beings’ imagination.

Overnight in Quang Binh

 

 

 

DAY 06: QUANG BINH – VINH MOC TUNNEL – HUE                                            

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Hue the ancient capital of Vietnam. On the way make a visit to the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Local people dug in 2 years (1965 – 1967) to create the system of 1.7 km long and 10 to 23 m deep tunnel which was used as bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. The site is evidence for the heroism of the Vietnamese people.

Continue your journey to Hue stop for an excursion to the well-known 17th Parallel. According to the agreement of Geneva, this historical site was the border of the Communist in the North and the Non Communist in the South of Vietnam. Visit the museum, flag tower, the Ben Hai River and the Hien Luong Bridge to learn more about the special history of this land.

Keep your way to Hue in the late afternoon and check in hotel. Free to leisurely stroll to visit the ancient capital at night.

Overnight in Hue.

 

DAY 07: HUE                                                                                                                       

After breakfast visit the tombs of King Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Each tomb has its own unique architecture reflecting the king’s character and individual philosophy. Tu Duc was a poet, and thus there is a sweeping poetic nature to the design that blends effortlessly with the countryside. Khai Dinh was more eccentric, and his tomb is both striking and cluttered but is a true marvel to behold. Enjoy a great lunch of local Hue food.

In the afternoon, pay an important visit to the impressive abode of the 19th and 20th Century Nguyen Dynasty emperors, the grand Imperial City and the intricate Royal Citadel.

Within the towering outer walls lies the Imperial City containing dynastic temples, stunning garden houses and scenes of Hue’s laidback lifestyle. At the center of the Imperial City rests the Royal Palace of the Forbidden Purple City. Sadly, much of the palace was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but it is gradually being restored and it already makes an extremely impressive place to visit, with gorgeous temples decorated with porcelain art, striking mythological imagery and the odd French colonial architectural beauty.

Then take to the water and sail upstream to the Perfume River until reaching Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest pagoda and one of the most significant places of worship in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue.

 

DAY 08: HUE – DA NANG – MY SON – HOI AN                                                                    

Enjoy another breakfast at your hotel and then transfer to Hoi An by over the glorious Hai Van Pass. Translating into English as ‘the mountain pass of ocean clouds,’ this elevation affords spectacular views of Danang to one side and untouched bays to the other. We also stop at the small fishing village of Lang Co, often referred to as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in a lush valley. My Son is considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites with its towers built between the 4th to 13th centuries. Then arrival in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

 

DAY 09: TRA QUE VILLAGE – HOI AN                                                                               

In the morning, take half day excursion to Tra Que Vegetable Village, walk around a vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land, fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake, raking, sowing, watering greens, picking greens and many more gardening activities. After gardening activities, you will be relaxed with foot massage with much kind of herb remedies. Then spend the rest time to learn how to prepare ‘Tam Huu’ spring roll & banh xeo with your host. Ride back to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will do an easy walking tour to visit Hoi An ancient town, recently named as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit Tan Ky House, a late 18th-century merchant’s residence. The Fukhien Association, also known as the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, was founded as a place where minority Fujian Chinese could hold meetings, the Japanese bridge.  Later it became a temple for the worship of Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen and sailors.

Overnight in Hoian.

 

 

 

DAY 10: HOI AN – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH – HALF DAY CITY                                     

Flight to Ho Chi Minh after breakfast at hotel. Transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time at 02.00 PM earlier time will be up on arrival).

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.

Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

DAY 11: CU CHI – TAY NINH                                                                                  

Today’s tour will begin at 07:30. It’s an early start today on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, departing by 07:30 to make the most of this adventure in the countryside. Relax on the drive to Tay Ninh, watching the landscapes change from concrete buildings to rice paddies and villages dotted with wooden houses.

At Tay Ninh visit the Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy. Admire the whimsical statues and colorful paintings covering this remote temple building. Learn about the origins and beliefs of this unusual religion, which blends the world’s major faiths into a unique mosaic.

Following a lunch break, drive further through the countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend the afternoon exploring this incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Learn how the Vietnamese resistance fighters constructed the tunnels during the French and American wars. Crawl underground and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.

In the late afternoon with a drive back to the city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

 

DAY 12: MEKONG DELTA                                                                                              

Leave bustling Saigon behind, head out to un-touched areas not well-known by tourists in Ben Tre. Board the Cruise, featuring open on all sides to allow the river breezes to flow freely. From the comfort of your Cruise, meander down the Mekong observing local life play out along the river banks. Stop at some local families and see how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Learn how to make local cakes, and why you don’t let a local fortune-teller tell you what is supposed to happen in the future.

It is a full day of interesting experiences: boat rowing through winding water-coconut canals, bike riding along lush rural roads, sampling tasty local cakes, tea with honey, and enjoying lunch served with Mekong specialties at Apricot Riverside Restaurant. Relax, enjoy the tour and have memorable experiences.

After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where your car is ready to take you deeper into the Mekong delta to Can Tho City. The evening is your free time to explore the night market.

Spend a night in Can Tho city.

 

DAY 13: CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MINH                            

Early morning cruising along the picturesque tributaries by motorboat, you will visit the Cai Rang Floating Market – the busiest but nicest one with heaps of boats. See the beautiful scenery and daily activities of the locals. Walk around a village and visit a rice husking mill. Disembark at Ninh Kieu quay, continue visit to Binh Thuy Ancient House. Then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

DAY 14: HO CHI MINH – DEPARTURE 

Free time for last minute shopping or optional visit before transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.

 

End of tour!

 

 

 

DETAILED PRICE OF THIS TRIP:

(PRICE IN USD/PERSON IN GROUP)

OPTION 1 BY TRAIN TO QUANG BINH

 

OPTION 2 BY FLIGHT TO QUANG BINH

 

OPTIONAL SURCHARGE (PRICE IN USD/PAX)

 

 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• 11 or 12 nights shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
• 01 night on Cruise in Halong bay
• 01 night on train (soft berth sleeper – 4 sleepers in one cabin)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (based on Group will be arranged suitable transfer)
• Shuttle bus round trip Hanoi – Halong (Group 6 pax up, a private transfer will be arranged)
• Local ENGLISH-speaking guides
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food)
• 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer

 

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Drinks
• Visas to Vietnam & Cambodia
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above

 

HOTEL LIST

 

Terms & Conditions:

1. Cancellation policy:

• Any cancellation at 35 days prior to arrival date: NO charge (except in case of deposit or issuing the flight tickets to guarantee the seats)
• Any cancellation between 35 days to 20 days prior to arrival date: 25% charge
• Any cancellation between 20 days to 10 days prior to arrival date: 50% charge
• Any cancellation less than 10 days: 100% charge

1. Payment policy:

• Full payment is required soonest possible & latest by 35 days prior to arrival date (except in case we have credit agreement)
• The deposit will be required in case we need to deposit to hotels or airlines
• The bank fees (transfer fees and correspondence fees are on the sender)

 

3. Payment

Method of payment:

• By credit card
• By bank transfer

Please note for any kind of payment: bank fee is on the sender

Payment due: The special payment deadline will be applied and indicated in specific bookings in tour confirmation. Generally, we request payment at 2 weeks in advance for FIT & 30 days in advance for GIT. In case, we have to deposit to the suppliers to guarantee the service availability, we will request you to settle the deposit to us accordingly

 

4. Booking process notes:

• Upon receipt of your request or booking, we will immediately send a short notice to acknowledge the receipt
• We will deal with your requests or bookings and send out our detailed proposal or tour confirmation within 24 hours (or soonest possible) with details of specific terms & conditions

5. Cancellation/ No show

The specific cancellation fee will be indicated in tour confirmation for specific bookings. This is due to the fact that each hotel and each supplier apply their different cancellation policy.

Any cancellation due to irresistible reasons such as war, strikes, earthquarthe.. will be subject to no charge

6. Flights

Please be advised that Flight schedules by Vietnam Airlines are subject to change without prior notice. In case of any flight schedule change, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. We will try to guarantee the price and program as confirmed. But we have the case to inform of any incurred surcharges and clients will need to pay for the surcharges to adjust the programs accordingly. Furthermore, we are not responsible for the fact that in case of flight schedule change that clients cannot connect the international flights

7. Warranty

Connek trip travel will commit all the services as confirmed and stated in tour confirmation. However we are not responsible for any injure, loss or damage borne by clients during their journey due to circumstances beyond Connek trip travel‘s control

In case of a passenger falling sick or being hospitalized, Connek trip travel shall provide all necessary assistance to the tourists. The tourist shall bear his/her own medical expenses and any other incidental expenses

Once we send out tour confirmation, we send all full information on places and destinations; we will not hold any responsibility due to the fact that these destinations change appearances due to any irresistible reasons. In this case, we will arrange the visit to alternative with similar costs