fbpx

Highlights and Central Highland of Vietnam 17 days

0
Hanoi Voyages > Panorama > Highlights and Central Highland of Vietnam 17 days
HIGHLIGHTS

Visit all must-see iconic places
Discover the Unesco sites: Halong Bay and Hue, Hoian

Witness how cultures merge
From the coffee capital of Buon Ma Thuot to fresh and green Dalat

Gain insights into multiple religious influences
See the mind-blowing pagodas and temples, such as Temple of Caodaism near Saigon

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1Hanoi - Arrival

A Hanoi Voyages representative will welcome you when you arrive at the airport and transfer you to your arranged accommodation where check-in time is 2:00 pm.

  • A water-puppet show, a traditional and ancient art form, unique to Vietnam.
  • As an introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and culture, a “welcome dinner” with a Hanoi Voyages representative will be used as an opportunity to clarify and review your itinerary. Let the excitement commence!

Highlight experience: Traditional Vietnamese food

Day 2Hanoi - Highlights

Begin the journey by unraveling Vietnamese culture, history, and religion in the capital of Vietnam with Hanoi’s highlights:

  • Ho Chi Minh complex which includes the mausoleum for the nation’s hero-Ho Chi Minh, his modest former residence, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda
  • The Temple of Literature, a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, and dedicated to Confucius to honour literary scholars. Vietnam’s first university was also established here in 1076
  • The museum of your choice either the National Fine Arts Museum, the Ethnology Museum, or the Vietnamese Women Museum
  • A ride of exploration through the lively ‘Old Quarter’ (over 1000 years old) by traditional cyclo

Highlight experience: Grabbing a coffee at the Old Quarter

Day 3Hanoi - Halong Bay - CRUISE and NIGHT on board

Transfer to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay.

  • Your cruise will navigate to Bai Tu Long Bay, a well-selected route away from the main tourist circuit. Get ready to experience the bay’s treasures and enjoy your time away from the crowd on a traditional wooden boat.
  • Adventure within the fantastically formed Thien Canh Son Cave and be fascinated by the formations of the bay.
  • Participate in kayaking, swimming or relax on the white sand beach of Hon Co Island.
  • Taste skillfully prepared local seafood and settle into your cabin while the boat anchors for the night.

Highlight experience: Escape the crowd and relax in the Bai Tu Long Bay

Day 4Halong Bay - Cruise - Hanoi - FLY - HUE

For the final day in the bay, you will adventure through activities that become memories:

  • Delight in breakfast with an astonishingly enchanting view under the morning sun
  • Help the local people replace the soft float by plastic float to protect the environment in Halong Bay
  • Visit the Vung Vieng fishing and pearl farm via a rustic row-boat
  • Dive and dip into the refreshing bay
  • Indulge in lunch and appreciate the local ingredients used to craft the dish
  • Return to the port in the early afternoon to travel back to Hanoi

Settle into an evening flight from Hanoi to Hue. Arrive and be welcomed by our guide and be transferred to your arranged accommodation.

Highlight experience: Breakfast in breathtaking surroundings

Day 5Hue - Highlights

The cultural and geographical centre of Vietnam, Hue has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the ancient relics, historical monuments, and fine continuation of imperial traditions.

  • Stroll through the Imperial Citadel
  • Visit Thanh Tien village – a village that has been crafting paper flowers for 400 years
  • Experience a conical hat and incense-making village
  • Have a look at the mausoleum of Khai Dinh, the final emperor’s resting place
  • Explore the Thien Mu pagoda – the symbol of Hue city
  • Admire the garden-style homes at An Hien

Highlight experience: Discover Hue, Vietnam’s former capital, built by the Nguyen Dynasty
 

Day 6Thuy Bieu Cooking class

After breakfast, a transfer from your hotel to Toa Kham wharf for a cruise on the legendary Perfume River.

  • Buy fresh ingredients for the cooking class at Dong Ba in the packed open-air market.
  • Embark on a traditional dragon boat heading for Thien Mu pagoda – the symbol of Hue city.

Continue cruising the picturesque Perfume River, surrounded by rural scenery, before reaching Thuy Bieu Village:

  • Go for an adventurous amble or bicycle ride to visit the garden-house styled homes, ancestral temple, and the village.
  • Prepare traditional Hue cuisine carefully with the chef and tuck into your “achievement” afterwards.
  • Relax by dipping your feet in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice – and unwind with an excellent massage by a visually-impaired masseuse.

Settle into an evening flight from Hanoi to Saigon. Arrive and be welcomed by our guide and be transferred to your arranged accommodation.

Highlight experience: Cook your very own Vietnamese dish

Day 7Hue - Hai Van Pass - HOIAN - Ancient town highlights

Take a drive to Hoian via the Hai Van Pass, known as “the pass in the clouds”, which offers spectacular views.

Take in the breath of fresh air that is the riverside port town of Hoian:

  • Stroll through the delightful trading port and see the remaining century-old buildings in Hoian
  • Appreciate Hoian’s narrow alleys, charming homes with wooden balconies, fascinating architectural features, beautiful temples, and the famous covered Japanese Bridge
  • Visit a lantern factory where you can make your own lantern
  • Discover the historic port of Hoian, that is lit up at dusk by hundreds of beautifully coloured lanterns that create spectacular photo opportunities

Highlight experience: Explore the charming lantern town of Hoian

Day 8Hoian - FREE time

  • Enjoy free time to wander the Hoian ancient town or leisurely lounge on the An Bang beach
  • Relaxed and rejuvenated, you will fly to Saigon to experience the expanding cosmopolitan city

Highlight experience: Unwind yourself in An Bang beach

Day 9 Hoian - FLY - Buon Ma Thuot

  • Spend the morning relaxing in your hotel and some free time before departing for Buon Ma Thuot
  • Free time discovering Buon Ma Thuot

Highlight experience: Free time to do whatever you’d like

Day 10Hue - An Bang Village - Bach Ma National Park - Jungle trekking

This morning we travel along the scenic Highway 27 to Lak Lake, stopping at Jun Village. We cross Lak Lake and arrive at Mlieng village, home to the M’nong and Ede Minorities. Stroll through the village and see their traditional longhouses and then return to the other side of the bank via a dugout canoe!  Drive back to Buon Ma Thuot.

  • Depart along the scenic Highway 27 to Lak Lake
  • Stop at Jun Village
  • Cross Lak Lake to Mlieng village which is home to the M’nong and Ede Minorities
  • Walk through the village and see their traditional longhouses
  • Cross back to the other side of the river in a dugout canoe
  • Overnight at a resort in Lak Lake, including breakfast

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Highlight experience: Get to know the M’nong and Ede ethnics

Day 11Buon Ma Thuot - Dalat

Drive to Dalat then take a half day Dalat city tour:

  • Take the cable car to visit Tuyen Lam Lake
  • Keep driving southward and visit Datanla waterfall with a magnificent view and can be approached by the roller coaster
  • Visit the Cao Dai temple then Bao Dai King’s Summer Palace on the way back to Dalat
  • Finish with a trip to Dalat center market

Overnight in Dalat.

Highlight experience: Bao Dai King’s Summer Palace

Day 12Dalat - Highlight

Depart from Dalat and ride on the pristine roads going over the Cam Ly waterfall, Nguyen Huu Hao temple, Cam Ly airport, Van Thanh village, and jungle forests:

  • Visit Elephant Waterfall – the most natural and majestic falls in Lam Dong
  • Drink wine in Rice wine making farm and try weasel coffee making and tasting try this coffee
  • Visit the Vegetable and Flower Farms, Silk factory, Linh An Pagoda with the big Happy Buddha, and the Tea and Coffee Plantations
  • Explore Hang Nga Crazy House – a joyously designed, outrageously artistic private home

Overnight in Dalat.

Highlight experience: Try wine tasting and coffee making

Day 13Dalat - FLY - Saigon - Highlights

Saigon (currently Ho Chi Minh city) varies from the rest of Vietnam due to its modern flair. Various cultures mesh together to create a colourful city with foreign influences:

  • Explore Thien Hau Temple and the Binh Tay Market, where resides the largest community of Chinese
  • Visit The War Remnants Museum, which houses a history of locals’ perspectives of the American/Vietnam War
  • Go to the old Presidential Palace – where victory was declared after years of fighting and is preserved as found with vehicles still in the garages
  • Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office

Highlight experience: Explore the many faces of Saigon

Day 14Saigon - Cu Chi tunnels - Cao Dai temples

Saigon (currently Ho Chi Minh city) varies from the rest of Vietnam due to its modern flair. Various cultures mesh together to create a colourful city with foreign influences:

  • Built by the Cantonese congregation, Thien Hau Temple and the Binh Tay Market both reside in the Cholon district, which is presently the largest community of Chinese
  • The War Remnants Museum houses a history of locals’ perspectives of the American/Vietnam War
  • The old Presidential Palace is where victory was declared after years of fighting and is preserved as found with vehicles still in the garages
  • The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office are both magnificent displays of French architecture
  • Witness the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, and scramble through part of an unbelievably complex system of tunnels built by the Vietnamese resistance fighters

Overnight in Saigon

Highlight experience: Discover the many faces of Saigon

Day 15Saigon - Mekong Delta

Move from Saigon and head for the rich, fertile lands of the Mekong Delta region and its extraordinarily busy inhabitants:

  • Wind along narrow waterways on a local sampan and observe productive rice fields, fruit orchards, and historic buildings
  • Visit a rice popcorn factory and an ancient colonial house in Vinh Long
  • Travel by road to Can Tho, the largest town and trading center in the Mekong Delta

Highlight experience: Explore the Mekong Delta regions

Day 16Mekong Delta - Saigon

Start the eventful final day in the Mekong Delta full of vibrant opportunities:

  • Journey to the colourful Cai Rang floating market and Ba Cong fruit orchard to taste their fresh products
  • Visit the 100-year-old Binh Thuy Ancient House to appreciate the historic workmanship and architecture
  • Admire the lush vegetation and active life of the local people along the riverbanks
  • Close the Mekong Delta trip by wandering Can Tho’s bright market.

Highlight experience: Fruit tasting on Cai Rang floating market

Day 17 Saigon - Departure

Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight

What makes our tailor-made holidays different?

  • Unique activities and places
  • Itinerary crafted by you, and us, local experts
  • Hand-picked authentic experiences
  • Well-selected accommodation with spirit
  • Adjusted to your budget and your time
  • Private assistant and English speaking guides

Entrust us with your dream

Together we will create it

  info@hanoivoyage.com
  + 84 98 30 33 966 

Feeling inspired from this journey?

Enquire now and get your free quotation!

EXTENSION

BEACH BREAK - 4 DAYS - VIETNAM
SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT - 4 DAYS - CAMBODIA
LUANG PRABANG ANCIENT TOWN - 4 DAYS - LAOS

 

Lounge on the beach and let the sand kiss your toes!

Vietnam’s 3,444 km (2,140 miles) long coastline and tropical/ subtropical climate make it the perfect place for those who wish to spend their holidays swimming in warm turquoise water and sunbathing on a white-sand beach, at all times of the year!

PHU QUOC – FLY from SAIGON Ready your senses for something truly exceptional? Phu Quoc is worth the wait. This island is the perfect tropical paradise for your getaway.

NHA TRANG Wide boulevards and white sandy beaches signal relaxation and happiness, the Nha Trang Bay is an attractive seaside stopover.

CON DAO – FLY from SAIGON An hour flight from Saigon to the white-sand beaches, translucent water, well-preserved scenery. On the program: idleness, diving, trekking in the jungle and visiting the National Park to meet sea turtles.

MUINE 4 hours’ drive from HCM, with coconut trees, white sand, and ochre sand dunes, all on a canvas of deep blue sky. Just divine! You will have fun sliding on the sand dunes and love the charming images of the animated port. Muine is a beach with a small market in that open fresh shellfish; and small round fishermen’s boats that are so special. Nature also offers you the sight of beautiful red canyons, the result of erosion in the rainy season.

 

THE CULTURAL SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT 4 days/3 nights

Be enchanted by the awesome Temples of Angkor and the history of Khmer Kings discovered at the magnificent UNESCO Heritage site.

Day 1 – SAIGON – FLY – SIEM REAP   Settle into a flight from Saigon to Siem Reap. Arrive and be welcomed by our guide and be transferred to your arranged accommodation. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 2 – SIEM REAP – ANGKOR THOM – TA PHROM – ANGKOR WAT   Arriving in Angkor Wat, you will rove among the ruins of the world’s most famous Hindu temple complexes, built for gods, and fit for kings: Baphuon (a temple in honour of another Hindu deity, Shiva) with its spectacular layered structure, the Terrace of the Leper King with its beautiful carvings of gods, nagas, and dancers; the Royal Enclosure and its small and particularly significant temple, Phimeanakas. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 3 – SIEM REAP – BANTEAY SREI – BANTEAY SAMRE Advance to an off-the-beaten-track site, an hour away from Angkor Wat, encountering stunning Cambodian countryside and uncovering more temples: visit Banteay Srei, called the citadel of women and come face to face with the meticulously restored enclosed temple of Banteay Samre, complete with carvings of lions and nagas. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 4 – SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP – Departure Travel to Tonle Sap and find yourself surrounded by a completely aquatic landscape, see how everyday life is transformed by its proximity to and dependence on water. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight

 

 

A natural wild and mysterious! /2 days 1 night

« History, Nature and Spirituality » are the word that resonates with travelers of this divine, landlocked country“The ancient kingdom of a million elephants” reflects its rich historical heritage by the splendor of its many temples dedicated to Buddha.

Day 1 – Luang Prabang – Highlights – Dinner on Cruise
Discover this serenity town, a designated UNESCO Heritage Site on Tuk Tuk to visit: The National Museum (Ancient Royal Palace), the Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Ahman, Wat Mai the richly decorated temple. See the Ock Pop Tok textile gallery. In the afternoon, embark on a traditional boat to cruise long Nava Mekong river. Enjoy dinner with Baci ceremony and traditional dance show. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 2 – Luang Prabang – Khuang Sy Waterfall – Ethnic Minority Villages

Departure to the beautiful waterfalls Khuang Sy about 30km from Luang Prabang. En route, visiting min0rity villages such as H’mong village of Ban Thinkeo, Khmu village of Ban Thapaene and weaving village of Ban Xang Khong where traditional product also called Saa paper made from mulberry leaves.  Get to the waterfall, nestled in the lush tropical vegetation, a beautiful clear pool for swimming. Back to Luang Prabang for your departure flight.

 

TRAVEL NOTE

TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM

Northern Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)
Cloudy skies and little rain
17°C-25°C (63°-77°F)
Cloudy skies and little rain
17°C-25°C (63°-77°F)
Temperatures are getting higher and the rain start to fall
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)

Central Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)

Southern Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)

PHYSICAL LEVEL

Cycling Tour:
Level:
This is a middle-level Cycling Tour, appropriate for kids over 6 years old
Kayaking Tour:

Level:
This is a low-level Kayaking Tour, appropriate for kids over 6 years old

PASSPORT AND VISA

Your passport must be valid 6 months after the expected date of your departure from the country.
For Vietnam, we will take care of the whole process for your VISA on arrival.
Cost: $25 US dollars.

  1. After receiving your scanned passport information, Hanoi Voyages will process and obtain an entry permit-Invitation Letter, which is an official document of the Vietnamese government that allows you to enter the Vietnamese soil and guarantees that the visa will be issued at the airport on arrival.
  2. Once Hanoi Voyages receives the Invitation Letter, we will send the document directly to you by email.

WHAT TO PACK

To make sure you will enjoy all of the activities included in this trip without missing of anything, here is a short list of what you should bring with you:
– Trekking shoes (or running shoes)
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
– A Raincoat


Feeling inspired from this journey?

Let us create your very own tailor-made holiday!
Handpicking tea in Vietnam

In the words of our customers...

Amazing experience! Thanks to this company we were able to explore the beauties of Viet Nam. Personnel of the company, who we met in person in their office, was very kind and polite. We didn’t have any problems during our trip. Thank you for everything.

Trip to Viet Nam
Katarina B

Everything ran smoothly. Hanoi Voyages treated us to a meal in a lovely restaurant in Hanoi and presented us with gifts to each one of us. I cannot understand why they do not appear at the top of the TripAdvisor list of agents in Vietnam.

Personalised trip for 4
DenisDesollies

Our two weeks in North and Central Vietnam ran like clockwork. The customer service and the level of engagement that the team offered was 5 star. So much so that there is no doubt we will use Hanoi Voyages again for our next trip.

Highly recommended
Avixlee

Thanks to Hanoi Voyages and especially to Mrs Thuy who was so kind with my group of 10 people. I organized the route and they prepared and contracted everything for us. If I ever come back to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Thailand I’ll deal with them again.

A very professional agency
Andreu R

What makes Hanoi Voyages so different?

Authentic

Being born and raised across this continent, we are seasoned local experts with more than a decade of experience, who know how to capture and show you the real Southeast Asia.

Inspiring

With our unique tailor-made tours, our desire is to capture you by our passion for each destination, so together we can create your dream holiday.

Flexible

We listen to you and keep altering the proposal until it fits your idea and we adapt your trip depending on your desires and any circumstances to ensure your smooth and memorable journey.

Attentive

Being responsive and permanently available is what we commit to. From making a perfect plan to ensuring everything goes smoothly throughout your holiday to listening to your feedback, we are here for you.

Dedicated

Customer and community satisfaction is a number one priority for Hanoi Voyages. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service, partnering with local suppliers and being reachable at all times.

Proceed Booking