Vietnam in 26 Days: Traveling from North to South Vietnam

Vietnam in 26 Days: Traveling from North to South Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

You will be welcomed upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) by our driver before transferring to your hotel for check-in.

17.00: Enjoy 3 hours walking around Hanoi old quarter area and try some street foods of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: D (Food Tour)

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 2: Hanoi city tour

Have breakfast at hotel.

8h00 – 8h30: Our Tour guide and our Bus pick up at your hotel and start to discover Hanoi City.

08h45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century. 

09h30: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho. You have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. 

Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world 

11h15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

12h45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian foods are available.

14h00-14h15: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Northern Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070.

15h15: Keep going to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the prison was built by the French, from 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The prison was called “A Hell on Earth” and now the prison is like a war museum for those who want to understand more about the war against France by Vietnamese people.

16h30: Our bus takes you back to the Hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa

Have breakfast and check out.

6.00-6:20: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, get on a big bus and depart for Sapa Town.

9.30: Follow the highway to Lao Cai city and have the first rest stop. 

11.00: Second rest stop at Lao Cai city before heading to Sapa. 

13.00: Arrive at Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, and Tay  ethnic people. The guide will pick you up to have lunch with local Vietnamese dishes. 

14.30: A short walk to the gate of Cat Cat village, which is the home of Black H’mong ethnic  people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local  guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trek down to the valley bottom to the  waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station; stop for photos with the bridge  and waterfall; then you will walk up hill for the bus to pick you up to get back to Sapa in the  afternoon. 

16.30: Come back to Sapa Town. Have dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van

7:00-8:30: Have breakfast at the hotel in SaPa town, check out the hotel and start a new day  with a more interesting trek. 

8.30-8.45: Trek through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong  village of Lao Chai to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain.

12.00 – 13.30: Have lunch with delicious Vietnamese dishes made by the family. In the late  afternoon, you arrive at Ta Van Village – home of the Dzay ethnic group.

14.30: Check in the bungalow; get to know the family of Dzay People. Spend time enjoying  the mountain life on Sunset.

In the evening, you can join the local bar nearby with music and socialize with other tourists, then overnight at the bungalow in Ta Van Village.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 5: Ta Van – Sapa – Hanoi

8.00: Have breakfast prepared by the family and start a new day with a more interesting trek. 

8.45: Keep walking to the rice paddies where you have a nice photo session of the amazing  surrounding landscapes; a trek through the bamboo forest; a stop to have a panorama view of  Giang Ta Chai village – home of the red Dzao people.

11.00: Trek through the Giang Ta Chai Bridge to the main road, the bus picks you up to come  back to Sapa Town. 

13.30 – 14.45: Relax and enjoy yourself, and if you want, take a shower in the hotel’s public  bathroom.

14.45 – 15.00: Meet all the group members at the hotel to get ready for Hanoi.

15.30: Get on the bus to go back to Hanoi with two rest stops. 

21.30- 21.45: Arrive Hanoi, and go back to your hotel by yourself.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 6: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

Our tour guide will pick you up by car at your hotel in Hanoi about 7:30 AM to transfer you to Bac Kan. We will start by driving in the direction of Ba Be National Park for about 4 hours. You will be welcomed by Mr Loc, a friendly host of Mr Linh’s Homestay and enjoy your lunch after checking in your room.

In the afternoon, start your boat trip around Ba Be Lake with our local guide. Ba Be Lake was recently recognised by UNESCO as the third Ramsar site in Vietnam – an important wetland of the world. The lake bed is made up of limestone with millions of crags and crevasses that are ideal for a large variety of marine life – there are over a hundred species of freshwater fish in the lakes. The boat will take you to visit the missable spots on Ba Be Lake such as Widow island, Cam village, An Ma temple. After that, you take a short hike on the trail to the panorama viewpoint of the animal observation huts ranger station and to the harbour. Moreover, you will have a chance to kayak amidst the mystery sunset of the late afternoon before getting back to your homestay for dinner.

Overnight at homestay.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 7: Ba Be Lake – Ban Gioc Waterfall

After breakfast at Mr Linh’s Homestay, you will depart for Quang Uyen. a district inhabited primarily by Nung ethnic minority communities. Due to their isolation and the remote nature of the district, their centuries old traditions and culture remain recognizably distinct from other minorities in Vietnam. This remoteness and traditional simplicity are what makes Quang Uyen so appealing, and you will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy your lunch.

In the early afternoon, continue to drive to venture deep underground into the magical Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. And,  your highlight of the tour is that we take you to one of the most incredible natural wonders in Northern Vietnam: Ban Gioc Waterfall. This breath-taking 300-metre wide waterfall sits right on the border between China and Vietnam, amidst a beautiful mountainous landscape. While you’re here you can spend your time relaxing in the glow of the natural beauty, take some amazing photos, and board a bamboo boat that will take you so close to the falls you’ll feel the water splashes on your face, practically sitting at the very edge of Vietnam, so close to China that you can actually touch it.

Rounding out the day, you will then travel to Quang Uyen where you will have dinner and stay overnight at Nung’s house.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 8: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Hanoi

After breakfast we’ll kick the final day of the tour by continue your trip into the pass to Dong Dang, stopping to visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe – an important historical site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. In fact, this was the very first battle of the Indochina Wars, and the fighting here took place through September and October 1950, ending in a resounding victory for the Viet Minh.

Transferring you to Lang Son for Lunch then we will start by driving in the direction of the Chinese border for about 3 hours, before stopping at Chi Lang Pass – a 20-km-long gorge created from a narrow valley between two mountains.

This place occupies an important position in Vietnamese history, being the place of many victories against various Chinese invasions over the centuries and millennia, as far back as 981AD. As such it bears the reputation of Vietnam’s strongest citadel and bastion. Here you will have roughly an hour to walk around and explore the area around the Quy Mon Quan Gate, which translates as “The Gate of Monsters”, named for the many invasion forces that would spill through the pass over the course of history only to be beaten back by stalwart Vietnamese defenders.

Arrive Hanoi in late afternoon. Get dropped off at hotel.

Deinner on your own and overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 9: Hanoi – Ninh Binh

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

07:30 – 08:00: Get picked up by our friendly guide and limousine bus then depart for Ninh Binh province.

09:15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax.

10:30: Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under the Dinh, Le and Ly Dynasty.

11:45: Have buffet lunch in the restaurant with local food. Vegetarian food is available.

13:00: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5 hours bamboo boat ride. During the boat trip, you will be surprised by the charming beauty here with the paddy field, river, water, cloud, sky and stunning cave system. All make a masterpiece which Vietnamese people call “Halong Bay on land”.

14:30: Continue the tour with 45 minutes cycling around the village to discover the life of local people.

15:15: Get back to the bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc.

16:30: Take transfer to homestay.

Have dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 10: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay

Have breakfast at homestay and check out.

Take transfer to Halong city.

11.30: Arrive at the port.

12:00: Meet tour guide and welcome to cruise and enjoy welcome to drink and get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check- in your room with Air-Conditioning. 

13h00: Enjoy a special lunch with Vietnamese traditional dishes, while cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay. 

Afternoon Itinerary: 

15h00: Visiting Sung Sot Cave (Surprising cave). 

16h00: Our cruise will take you to Titop Island. It is noted for having a viewpoint at its peak which affords splendid views all around Halong Bay or you can enjoy your swimming on a romance sandy beach. 

17h30: Return to cruise then take a shower, relax on the sundeck, sunset watching in comfortable lounge chairs while drinking a cocktail or reading a book in the most magical moment.

18h00: Enjoy Sunset Party and Cooking Class. How to make a fresh noodle roll, you can enjoy the product which you made.

Evening Relaxing:

19h00: Enjoy your Barbecue Dinner when sitting by overlooking the sea view window in the night romantic bay.

20h30: After having dinner, our customers will be served the natural herbal foot bath, to help reduce foot pain and toxin excretion.

21h00: Playing some sports games like: Squid Fishing, singing karaoke, or relaxing on the sundeck.

*  Overnight on boat: Clean air – conditioning room.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: 3-star cruise

Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

6h00: Wake up in the early morning to see the sunrise on the sundeck.

7h00: Morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee. Have Buffet Breakfast! 

7h45: Start visiting Halong Bay Pearl farm. The pearls in Halong are the most renowned in Vietnam. The process of farming and retrieving pearls takes years.

8h30: Do kayaking to explore Halong Bay on your own. 

9h30: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay. 

10h45: Enjoy lunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Harbour. 

12h00: Return to harbor, say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise.

After that, get on the Bus to return to Hanoi by Expressway. 

14h15: Stop halfway for a short break. 

15h30: Arrive at Ha Noi Old Quarter. Free time.

Dinner on your own and transfer to Hanoi staion for overnight train to Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: Overnight train

Day 12: Hue city tour

Have breakfast at hotel.

08:00 am – 08:3 0am: Pick up at your hotel in Hue city center and get on the dragon boat to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

09:15 am: Visit Imperial Citadel.

11:30 am: Continue to see Dong Ba Market.

12:15 pm: Have Lunch at a local restaurant.

13:30 pm: After lunch, continue to visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb.

16:00 pm: Visit and take photo at Conical hat and incense making village.

16:45 pm: Arrive at Hue city center and drop off at hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 13: DMZ tour

Have breakfast at hotel.

In the morning:

7:00 a.m: Our driver and guide will collect you at the lobby of your hotel in Hue central and then transfer to Dong Ha Town. On the way, you will have chance to stop and visit :

Long Hung Church – a National Relic in the town of Quang Tri Vietnam. 

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel – is seen as an eye-witness of fierce battles during the anti-American resistance war in 1972.

Dakrong bridge: is midway along Highway 9, and is the starting point of Highway 15, one of the main branches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a graceful bridge between the immense sky, rivers and mountains.

Khe Sanh Combat base: a United States Marine Corps outpost south of the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) used during the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon:

Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River: an important landmark in the partition of the country into a northern and a southern zone along the 17th parallel by the Geneva Accords of 1954.

Doc Mieu Base

Vinh Moc tunnels: an underground miniaturized village – it’s the largest historical tunnel in the DMZ of Vietnam

6:00 p.m: Back to Hue. Drop off at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 14: Bach Ma National Park

Have breakfast at hotel.

8:00: Our Guide will pick you up at your hotel. Then, you will depart to Bach Ma national Park.

At Hue National Park, visit Bach Ma gallery house.

Heading up to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, at an elevation of 1.450 meters above sea level.

From Hai Vong Dai (watching tower), visitors enjoy the magnificent views from the summit over the mountain such as Cau Hai lagoon, Hai Van pass, Hue City.

Trekking through the jungle to Five Lakes (5 lakes Cascades).

Have a picnic lunch, relax and swim in cool water.

Visit Do Quyen Waterfall – it is astounding and huge in the wooded mountain. It is more than 300m high and 20-30m wide.

Admire the Marble statue of Lady Buddha in the middle of jungle.

5:00 pm: Arrive in Hue and drop you off at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 15: Phong Nha Cave

Have breakfast at hotel.

At 6:30 a.m: Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city. Then, you will depart to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, classified as a World heritage site.

On the way, you will stop to visit La Vang holy land – a national shrine located in Hai Lang district, Quang Tri Province, an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics in Vietnam.

You will also have a chance to stop at Hien Luong Bridge, and Ben Hai river for taking photos.

At 12:00 p.m: Have lunch at restaurant and have a short rest.

At 1 p.m: Boat trip on Son River to visit Phong Nha cave. After 25 mins on the boat, you will arrive at Phong Nha cave. Take a couple of hours to visit the cave.

You discover Phong Nha Cave, which contains many fascinating rock formations given beautiful names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”.

At 3:30 p.m.: Back to Hue on Legendary road.

At 7:30 p.m -8:00 pm: Arrive in Hue and drop you off at the hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 16: Chay River & Dark Cave

Have breakfast at hotel.

At 6:30 a.m: Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city. Then, you will depart to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, classified as a World heritage site.

On the way, you will stop to visit La Vang holy land – a national shrine located in Hai Lang district, Quang Tri Province, an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics in Vietnam.

You will also have a chance to stop at Hien Luong Bridge, and Ben Hai river for taking photos.

At 12:00 p.m: Have Lunch at restaurant and have a short rest

At 1 p.m:  Coming to Chay River – Dark Cave, you will enjoy a 400m zip-line from the wildlife observation tower to Dark Cave by equipment dedicated for exploring the cave as a headlight and helmet.

After swimming across the Chay River and soaking in the mud, you will return to another smaller zip-line and allow you to jump off into the refreshing water. Dark cave where some adventurous games await…

 At 3:30 p.m: Back to Hue on Legendary road.

At 7:30 p.m-8:00 pm: Arrive in Hue and drop you off at the hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 17: Jeep Car Hue to Hoi An

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

9.00: Pickup from your hotel and depart for Hoi An.

Visit ghost city.

Stop at Tu Hien Bridge for taking photos.

Lunch at restaurant.

Keep driving to Lang Co Bay.

Passing by Lap An Lagoon.

Stop at Hai Van Pass and enjoy the panoramic view of Da Nang.

16.00: Arrive at Hoi An. Dop off at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 18: Cam Thanh Coconut village – My Son Sanctuary

Have breakfast at hotel.

9:00 am: Transfer to Cam Thanh village by car on the way, meet local fishermen and experience the daily life.

Enjoy hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing done by local fishermen.

Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race.

You will see the basket boat performance.

Go to catch the crabs, drop the net.

Return fisherman’s house and joinning the cooking show with fire performance of the master Chef (if you would like to be the Chef is possible ) 

Enjoy have Lunch (7 local dishes) and mineral water.

1:00 pm: Keep your moving to Hoi An city and depart to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage. 

2:30 pm: Arrive at My Son Sanctuary and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking throughout the landscape, learning histories with our local English-speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.

4:30 pm: Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people’s activities along the river 

6:00 pm: Arrive at Hoi An, we will drop you at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 19: Cooking Class – Hoi An City

Have breakfast at hotel.

8:45 – 9:00 am: A local guide will meet you at your hotel and provide a bicycle ride to the local market, where you’ll learn about vegetables’ uses in food and medicine. Passing through small roads, rice fields, and taking pictures of buffalo, cows, or farmers working daily. Explore many beautiful views of the Hoi An countryside and meet many warm-hearted and lovely farmers. Then, visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, a traditional craft village.

10:15 am: At the Tra Que village, you will have a chance to enjoy É Water, a health-promoting tea made from garden herbs. Wear a farmer’s uniform and a conical hat, and experience growing organic vegetables from ancient times.

10:50 am: Returning to the people’s house, you will have your head, shoulders, and feet massaged with herbs from the garden.

11:30 am: After a relaxing massage, you’ll prepare for a cooking class, learning how to make flowers from vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and spring onions. Then you will start learning five dishes and eating more rice and stir-fried morning glory with garlic.

Enjoy your lunch after the cooking class (vegetarian is available if requested).

1:30 pm: Take a rest and return to the hotel on your bike for short break.

About 2:30 pm: Our guide will meet you at our hotel in Hoi An City Center and start the Hoi An City Tour.

Firstly, you’ll visit Hoi An Market which is always bustling. It offers an unmissable shopping experience. This market is full of sights, colors, sounds and smells.

Next to Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses: Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House – That have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

After that, going to Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An – A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. 

Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for the lucks to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.

6.30pm: Our guide will take you back to your hotel in Hoi An.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 20: Cham Island

Have breakfast at hotel.

8:00 – 08:30 am – Pick up at hotel to Cua Dai harbour.

09:00 am  – Relaxing in fresh cool wind , you will enjoy the beautiful landscape on a speed boat to Cham Island.

09:30 am – Arriving at Lang Beach.Visiting the Marine Protected Area, The Boat Shelter, Hai Tang pagoda, Traditional fishing Village

10:00 am – Swimming and snorkeling

11:30 am – Staying at Bai Ong ecological zone or Bai Chong beach, swimming, taking time to enjoy a sea food lunch.

2:00 pm – Packing luggage for return trip to Hoi An

2:30 pm – Seeing you off at your hotel.

Free time in the afternoon.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 21: Ba Na Hills

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

07:30 am – 08:00 am: Our Minivan and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby, enjoy a ride to Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.

Spend your time in the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable car Station and admire the breath-taking view of Da Nang coastal city.

After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge – which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amourn (consists of 9 gardens), Linh Ung pagoda.

Sit on the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village where you could enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome …

Have lunch at restaurant (Buffet).

Take the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to many new attractions for check-in such as Helios waterfall, Time Gate, and The Moon Kingdom …Join in Fantasy Park by walking in Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D wild west, enjoying 4D death race ride, watching 3D mega 360 degrees, riding on journey into the underground, entering Jurassic Park, challenging Freefall Tower and participating in an adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

3:00 pm: Return to the Cable Car for leaving Ba Na Hills.

4:45 – 5:45 pm: Our Minivan brings you back to your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Danang.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 22: Marble Mountain – Monkey Mountain – Ho Chi Minh

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

8:00–8:20 AM: We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Danang City.

8:30 AM: Our van will transfer you to Monkey Mountain. A giant statue of Lady Buddha with a beautiful background such as mountains and a huge garden of bonsai would draw your attention. You will definitely get lost in the garden of heaven with gripping stories when gently walking and enjoying a fresh breeze.

9:30 AM: Discover the Marble Mountains and stop for a walk along the site to see local factories of stone sculptures—the most impressive handicrafts village in Da Nang.

Check out the Marble Mountains by climbing up to the top (the elevator is optional). Marble Mountain, also known as Ngu Hanh Son, is a group of five limestone and marble hills. It looks like five fingers lying close to the sea. It features caves, caverns, pagodas, stairs, and two viewing points. The mountains are home to Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes, popular places of worship for the local population. It’s a must-see destination for nature lovers who want a respite from the busy urban areas.

Keep going to see the biggest fascinating cave named Âm Phủ Cave. You will learn the interesting philosophies of Buddhism and take photos of amazing natural creations.

11:45 AM: Have lunch at a local restaurant with local and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

12:30 PM–1:00 PM: We will drop you off at your hotel.

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Pickup from Ho Chi Minh airport to hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 23: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels

Have breakfast at hotel.

7.30 – 8.00: Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. 

Have lunch at local restaurant.

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. 

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun then return to Saigon.

19.00: Arrive at Saigon. Drop off at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 24: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be – Can Tho

Have breakfast at hotel and check out.

07:30: Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to Cai Be. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to learn something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high techniques of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.

Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden.

Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house.

Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip to Can Tho City. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Can Tho.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 25: Can Tho – Cai Rang floating market – Ho Chi Minh

Have breakfast at the hotel. You can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area.

Walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda – Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then, move by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit the fruit plantation, and enjoy seasonal fruits.

Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

17.00: Arrive at Ho Chi Minh city. Drop off at your hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: B, L

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 26: Ho Chi Minh departure

Have breakfast at hotel.

Have free time on your own.

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport for your flight home. End Vietnam in 26 Days: Traveling from North to South Vietnam.