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Ultimate Vietnam: Sept 23rd to Oct 1st' 2023
Vietnam is an assault on the senses. Life in its feverish cities is conducted largely on the streets, among chattering bia hois (pavement pubs) and steaming pho (noodle soup) stands. The country’s two main cities – Hanoi in the north, Ho Chi Minh in the south – are different in many ways, but they share an intoxicating energy. Ancient pagodas and colonial houses jostle for space with new-build skyscrapers, while labyrinthine back-alleys hum with life. These narrow streets are atmospheric places to spend time, day or night. A frenetic and fascinating country, it calls to mind conical-hatted street vendors, water buffalo plodding across rice fields, mopeds buzzing through cities and floating markets on the Mekong River.
Explore Vietnam on this journey that takes you from North to South. Start with the colonial elegance and charm of Vietnam’s atmospheric capital – Hanoi, travel to the natural wonderland of Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the emerald waters of this beautiful bay, wander the ancient street of of tranquil Hoi An, bask on the beaches of Hoi An and Danang, explore the beautiful water-world and landscape of the Mekong delta and finish off in the fast pace and bustle of modern day Saigon. Experience Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and the renowned friendliness of the Vietnamese people on this 9 day journey that takes you from north to south.
Essential Info
Cost: Rs 54500/-
Country: Vietnam
Start: Hanoi
End: Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon )
Start Date: Sept 23rd’ 2023
End Date: Oct 1st’ 2023
Duration: 9 Days
Group Size : Min 5 / Max 15
Theme: Culture, Adventure, Experience
Highlights
– Get on a boat and cruise the mesmerizing natural wonder that is Halong Bay
– Discover the atmospheric elegance of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
– Feast on mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine
– Go snorkeling and meet colorful fishes at Cham Islands
– Explore the countryside of Hoi An on a scooty/bike
– Explore the rice paddies and fruit orchards on a boat ride through the Mekong Delta
– Experience the energetic and captivating bustle of Ho Chi Minh City
– Become a Vietnamese soldier while exploring the Cu Chi tunnels
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sept 23rd – Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital and transfer to hotel. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. After lunch takes a guided 3-hour walking tour of the charming Old Quarter Area – the soul of Hanoi and Hoan Kiem Lake area. On our stroll through hidden alleyways and bustling markets of Hanoi’s charming old quarter we wander past small shops, ( selling a wide range of products from china bowls, jewelries, shoes & sandals, silk, mixed fruits, comb, candies & dry apricot, bamboo products and souvenirs ) street food stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. The evening we walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple along the lake. Later in the evening we go on a food exploration journey and sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do — on the street. Dig in on a variety of Hanoi specialties like Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Steam Rice Rolls), Cha ca ( small fish fillets marinated in turmeric and galangal, and sauteed with a very generous helping of dill ), Pho xao ( Stir-fried noodles ), Bun rieu ( Crab noodle soup ), Bun nem ( Spring rolls ), Bun Cha ( barbecued pork in a sweet and sour soup with bun noodles and herbs ), Pho ( Noodle soup served with herbs and either chicken or beef ), Xoi Xeo ( sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion). Overnight at Hanoi.
Day 2: Sept 24th – Hanoi ( Day trip to Halong Bay )
After an early breakfast, we leave for Halong Bay. On the way to Halong city enjoy the journey through the farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffaloes, and everyday Vietnamese village life. Around 12.30 Bai Cháy Pier and board the cruise boat. Take photos of the stunning scenery. Enjoy seafood lunch while cruising through the emerald water between the limestone outcrops and long corridors, passing by Dog Stone, Chicken Stone, and the Burning Incense Islet. Stop at Fishing Village for Kayaking(optional). Visit Thien Cung – the cave of the heavenly palace, famous for its stalagmites and stalactites, and Dau Go Cave. Keep cruising around islands of Ha Long Bay. Return to the harbor by 5 p.m.to get on the shuttle bus back to Ha Noi. Overnight at Hanoi.
Day 3: Sept 25th – Hanoi
After breakfast, we head out on a full day tour of Hanoi. We visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Temple of Literature & National University, Hoa Lo Prison, Ho Chi Min Mausoleum and French Quarter. After the day of sightseeing drop into a traditional teahouse to taste some of the best Vietnamese flavored green teas or sample the signature Vietnamese black coffee ( there is also egg coffee to choose from if you like to try ). Evening free or optionally you could visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. It is an exploration of the historical traditions and culture of Hanoi. The show gives you an insight into a musical aspect of their culture, performed live with a small band. Overnight at Hanoi.
Day 4: Sept 26th – Hanoi to Hoi An
After breakfast drive to the airport to catch the flight to Da Nang. Arrive by afternoon and transfer to hotel in Hoi An. After lunch, we go on a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An’s ancient core is a rich architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences dating back to the sixteenth century. In its heyday, the now drowsy channel of the Thu Bon River was a jostling crowd of merchant vessels representing the world’s great trading nations, and the mellow streets of this small, amiable town still emanate a timeless air.
We visit the central market to see the local vendors selling fresh meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other food items. It is full of colorful fresh food and fabulous tantalizing smells of cooking classes. Next stop The Old House of Tan Ky and Phun Hung and Quan Cong Chinese Temple. Later walk the narrow streets comprising wooden-fronted houses topped with moss-covered tiles and plenty of shops, art galleries, tailor shops, and restaurants. As night falls the town is glimmering with silk lanterns shining out from narrow alleys and the riverbank in their hundreds, the light reflecting in the waters of the Thu Bon River. Explore the riverside and night market before hitting one of the many restaurants for dinner. Overnight at Hoi An.
Day 5: Sept 27th– Hoi An & Da Nang
Today we explore Hoi An and the villages and beaches around it. The best way to explore the surroundings of Hoi An is by scooter/motorbike and that’s our plan for the day. After breakfast with our ammunition of cap, sunscreen, water bottle, and camera we are ready to pick up our bikes and embark on the interesting day’s journey ahead. We load our bikes into a ferry that crosses over the Thu Bon river to the island of Cam Kim. Cam Kim is a scenic rural island which is almost entirely free of tourists. Stunning rural scenes, rice paddies, villages, and quiet roads are the draws of Cam Kim apart from the Kim Bong Carpentry village. Visit the wood-carving shops, to see artisans at work and explore the beautiful rural countryside along picturesque pathways with some amazing bamboo bridges. Later we visit Pottery village, silk village, and vegetable village and A Bang beach. After lunch, we visit Da Nang to see the long stretch of Da Nang beach and taste the seafood for which the town is famous for. Later we ride back to Hoi An. Overnight at Hoi An.
Day 6: Sept 28th – Hoi An ( Cham Islands day trip and snorkeling)
Today is the day for some water activities and sea adventures at Cham Islands. Lying 18 km offshore from Hoi An, the Cham Islands feature beautiful seascapes and landscapes and is the perfect spot for a day trip with snorkeling. After breakfast, we reach the Cua Dai harbor to catch the boat for a 30-minute cruise out into the sea to reach Cham Islands. We arrive at Lang village and the tour guide will help us understand more about Cham island with its history. Make a visit to the Marine Protected Area, the boat shelter, Hai Tang pagoda, traditional fishing village, and the local market then go swimming, snorkeling and having lunch with some seafood afterward. Relax or go for another swim after lunch then get on board the boat at 14:00 and cruise back to Cua Dai beach harbor. We spend the afternoon at the beautiful Cua Dai beach taking walks or just relaxing. Evening head back to town. Overnight at Hoi An.
Day 7: Sept 29th – Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon )
Arrive breakfast drive to Da Nang to catch the flight to Saigon. Arrive in Saigon and visit the Cu Chi tunnels before transfer to the hotel. The evening we explore Ben Thanh market and District one for different shopping and food options. Overnight at Saigon.
Day 8: Sept 30th– Ho Chi Minh City ( Day trip to Mekong Delta )
After breakfast leave for a day trip to Mekong Delta, the rice bowl of Vietnam. Board the bus at Saigon around 8 a.m. for the 2-hour ride to My Tho. On arrival at Mekong Delta board a wooden motorboat to Unicorn Island. On this boat cruise along the river’s bank, you pass through natural creeks and quiet villages and watch rural people going about their daily life. See fisherman’s port, stilt houses, and the interesting transportation modes that local people use to move around. Along the journey visit a bee farm where you can taste a cup of authentic honey tea while checking out the folk music that is typical to only the people in Southern Vietnam. After that, we go to a village where you can smell the flavor of coconut candies being made and witness how village people make candy and handcrafted items from coconuts. As you go around, you’ll find exotic fruits like the durian and you will be served with platters of local fruits like dragon fruit and ripe mangoes. Then on to small canoe boat ride through the narrow channels of the delta that pass through narrow canals with a canopy of palms and beautiful mangroves. Then after, ride on a horse-driven cart to a sumptuous lunch in a nearby village. Finally, board on a motorized small boat coasting through the small water channels back to Mekong River and back to land. Leave from Ben Tre by 5 p.m. and back to Saigon by 6 p.m. Overnight at Saigon.
Day 9: Oct 1st – Ho Chi Minh City ( Departure )
After breakfast transfer to the airport. End of tour.
Trip Info
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Hoi An
Cham Island
Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City
INCLUSIONS
-3 Night stay in Hanoi, 3 Nights stay in Hoi An, 2 Nights stay in Ho Chi Minh City
– Breakfast on all days
– 3 Lunches
– Hanoi to Da Nang & Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City flight tickets
– Airport transfer’s at Hanoi, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City
– Half day guided walking tour of Hanoi Old Quarters & Hoan Kiem Lake
– Hanoi City tour in Private Vehicle
– Cu Chi Tunnels tour : Private Vehicle
– Halong Bay day tour : Group Tour
– Mekong Delta day tour : Group Tour
– Cham Island day trip and snorkeling tour: Group Tour
– Hoi An walking tour
– Hoi An village exploration motorbike tour
– Service charges
EXCLUSIONS
– India to Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City to India flight tickets ( we can advise you which flights to book )
– Bike / Scooter hire charges in Hoi An
– Vietnam Visa
– Any extra excursions and tours other than mentioned
– Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing points ( wherever applicable )
– Dinner & Lunch ( Lunch is included on 3 days )
Day 1: Sept 23rd – Hanoi
Hotel : Hanoi Fiesta / Bella Rose Hotel or similar
Included Activities : Guided Food walk around Old Quarter, Walking tour of French Quarter and Hoan Khem Lake
Included Transport : Airport pickup
Meal : None
Day 2: Sept 24th – Hanoi ( Day trip to Halong Bay )
Hotel :Hanoi Fiesta / Bella Rose Hotel or similar
Included Activities :Halong Bay Tour
Included Transport :Hanoi to Halong Bay and back
Included Entry tickets : Halong Bay Ticket
Meal :Breakfast, Lunch
Distance :120 kms one way | 3 hours one way | By bus or van
Day 3: Sept 25th – Hanoi
Hotel :Hanoi Fiesta / Bella Rose Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Hanoi city tour
Optional Activities : Water Puppet Show
Included Transport : Full day tour ( car or van )
Included Entry tickets: None
Meal : Breakfast
Day 4: Sept 26th – Hanoi to Hoi An
Hotel : Threeway Riverside Villa/ Hoianation Villa Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Hoi An Town and Market Walk
Included Transport: Airport Drop ( Hanoi ), Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang , Airport Pick up ( Hoi An )
Included Entry tickets: None
Meal : Breakfast
Day 5: Sept 27th – Hoi An ( Village discovery tour around Hoi An )
Hotel :Threeway Riverside Villa/ Hoianation Villa Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Motorbike ( scooty ) village discovery tour of Hoi An and surroundings, Visit to Da Nang beach and town, Visit to Cua Dai and An Bang beach
Included Transport : None
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal : Breakfast
Day 6: Sept 28th – Hoi An ( Cham Islands day trip and snorkeling )
Hotel:Threeway Riverside Villa/ Hoianation Villa Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Cham Islands visit and walk Snorkeling
Included Transport: Hoi An to Cham Island and back ( Van and Speedboat )
Included Entry tickets: Cham Island
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Sept 29th – Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels Visit
Hotel: GK Central Hotel / Aluna Ben Thanh or similar
Included Activities: Cu Chi Tunnels visit
Included Transport : Airport Drop ( Hoi An ), Flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, Airport Pick up ( Ho Chi Minh City ), Visit to Cu Chi tunnels.
Included Entry tickets: Cu Chi Tunnels
Meal : Breakfast
Day 8: Sept 30th– Ho Chi Minh City ( Day trip to Mekong Delta )
Hotel:GK Central Hotel / Aluna Ben Thanh or similar
Included Activities: Mekong Delta Tour
Included Transport: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong and back
Included Entry tickets: All entry tickets on tour
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 110 km | 3 hours | By bus or van
Day 9: Oct 1st – Ho Chi Minh City ( Departure )
Included Transport: Drop to airport
Meal: Breakfast
- Vietnam provides e-visa for Indian passport holders. We will help you with the process of applying for the e-visa.
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( for our regular guests )
- Rs 2000/- Discount ( for 2 to 3 people booking together )
- Rs 3500/- Discount ( for 4 or more people booking together )
- Stay will be in Standard category hotels and Bed n Breakfast places with good reviews on double/twin sharing basis.
- Asian, Western and Vietnamese food is available at all places. All the places also have few Indian restaurants
- Breakfast ( Included ) with me mostly western breakfast at most places
- Private car/van for Airport transfers
- Frights Included ( Hanoi to Da Nang & Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City )
- Private car/ van for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Car/ Van for group tours
For this trip
This tour is for travellers who want to experience the best of Vietnam with a good mixed of the popular and the offbeat. For the exploring traveler to soak in the culture, adventure, food, and topography of the country in this Ultimate Vietnamese experience.
For all our trips
Our small group tours also allow enough time for yourself ( mostly in the evenings ) and the group leaders will assist you too if you need to do your own thing.
Stay and food is a big part of the travel and we make sure you are made comfortable and therefore we choose some of the best-reviewed places to stay and eat.
We try to incorporate more local experiences on our tours with the help of our experienced tour leader and local guides to make your experience even more memorable.
Our tours are not standard sightseeing package tours, it’s more experience-oriented so as to give a real travel value to the guests.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions is an experiential based travel company founded in 2010. We are based out of Bangalore and Mumbai and we create uniquely designed tours that have high travel value. We include activities, local interactions, and offbeat destinations so that the guests go back with experiences to remember for a long time.
What are all included in our tours?
A comprehensive list of inclusions and exclusions is mentioned on the respective trip page, but across all our trips, we have these in common: exclusive private transfers, breakfast on most days, good accommodation, unique experiences,
expert guides and an experienced trip leader who’s there to assist you around the clock.
Are flights & visas included in your costs?
No.We don’t include flights and visa costs in our prices unless specified. We, however, will help you with booking flights and getting the visa done.
What is the typical group size?
We believe that a small group is can enjoy the journey better and have closer interactions with the group members, therefore, we restrict our group size to a maximum of 15. Group size typically between 5 and 15. Our travelers are
friendly, open-minded, well traveled and we have a good gender mix on our tours.
Who can join this trip?
Anyone above 18 years of age can join our trips. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an elder.
Which cities do travelers come from?
Our travelers come from all over India. Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Calcutta are represented the most.
What are the payment options?
You can make payments through credit and debit cards, net-banking, cash or cheque. Installment options are also available.
Can solo travelers join one of the tours?
Yes. On most of our tours, we have a high turnout of solo travelers seeking a different travel experience. Many of them even end up becoming friends after the tour.
How safe is it to travel with you?
Your safety is our number one priority and we design our travel journeys keeping this in mind.
- You can contact us at contact@exoticexpeditions.org / exoticexpeditions@gmail.com
- Call / whatsapp us at 9986450370
- Bookings can be done by online bank transfer / cash/ cheque or credit / debit card
- Installment options are also available