Vietnam 2 weeks from South Africa

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, our arranged driver will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel.

Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Please note that standard check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Early check-in is not guaranteed and depends on hotel availability.

Meals will be at your own expense.

7:00 AM: Our guide will pick you up from your hotel, and we will begin the journey to Ninh Binh, which is about 120 km from Hanoi.

9:00 AM: We will stop for a short break lasting 20 minutes to relax.

10:30 AM: The first destination is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam. Here, you will discover why the capital was moved to Hanoi. You will visit the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, built in the 17th century, and experience the ancient atmosphere of the site.

11:30 AM: We will continue with a 45-minute cycling tour around the village to explore local life.

12:30 PM: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, offering a variety of dishes such as goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.

1:30 - 2:00 PM: The next stop is Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will take a boat trip through the stunning landscape, passing through caves like Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, while appreciating the natural beauty.

4:00 PM: We will head to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). After climbing nearly 500 steps, you will reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc.

5:30 PM: We will board the bus and return to Hanoi.

7:30 PM: The tour will conclude upon your arrival in Hanoi, and you will be dropped off at your hotel.

08:15 - 08:45 AM: Our shared Limousine Bus will pick you up from your hotel.

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Guests will arrive at the V’Spirit Cruises lounge at Tuan Chau International Harbour for check-in.

12:00 - 12:30 PM: Guests will be transferred to the V’Spirit Cruises boat via a tender boat. A welcome drink will be served on board while guests receive a cruise briefing and safety introduction.

1:00 PM: Lunch will be served at The Dawn Restaurant as the cruise navigates through the stunning scenery of Halong Bay toward the peaceful Lan Ha Bay.

2:45 PM: Guests will explore the Tra Bau area by kayaking. They will have the chance to paddle past the rocky islands and admire the beauty of the bay. If weather permits, a hidden temple can also be visited.

4:15 PM: Guests will enjoy swimming and other water activities, floating in the refreshing green waters of the bay.

5:00 PM: A cooking demonstration will allow guests to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and create their own dish.

5:30 - 6:30 PM: A Sunset Party will be held with complimentary drinks, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the view as the sun sets over the limestone islands. Guests can also take advantage of the Happy Hour for discounted drinks.

7:00 PM: Dinner will be served in the restaurant, providing a fine dining experience that ensures a memorable evening.

9:00 PM: Guests will be able to enjoy the evening views of the bay from the top deck. They can also participate in a game show at the bar for a chance to win local gifts. 

For those who wish, squid fishing is available as an optional activity.

06:15 AM: Guests can enjoy a peaceful moment with sunrise views and a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

07:00 AM: A light breakfast will be served on board.

07:30 - 08:45 AM: You will explore Bright Cave on a traditional bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area.

09:00 AM: After exploring, guests will return to the cruise and check out.

09:30 AM: A luxury Set menu brunch will be served while the cruise heads back to Tuan Chau Port.

11:00 AM: The cruise will disembark at Tuan Chau Port.

3:00 PM: Guests will be dropped off at their hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Afterward, they will be transferred by private car to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, our driver will meet guests and transfer them to their hotel in Hoi An (approximately 40 minutes away) for check-in. The remainder of the day will be free for personal exploration.

Dinner on your own.

07:30 - 08:00 AM: Our minivan and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel. You’ll enjoy a scenic ride to Bana Hills, taking the Cable Car, one of the most modern in Southeast Asia. Admire breathtaking views of Da Nang from the Dream Stream Cable Car Station.

After the first cable car ride, you’ll visit the Golden Bridge, famous for its stunning design and hailed as one of the world's most prominent pedestrian bridges. Continue to explore Le Jardin D’amourn with its nine beautiful gardens and the Linh Ung Pagoda.

Take the second cable car to reach the French Village, where you can enjoy street music, view art statues, visit the Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, and the Tombstone Temple. You can also watch a performance at the Square Du Dome or challenge yourself with the Slide of Tube Car adventure ride (free ride).

Buffet lunch will be served at a restaurant.

In the afternoon, take the Lava Train to explore attractions like Helios Waterfall, Time Gate, and The Moon Kingdom. Visit Fantasy Park to walk through the Fairy Forest, discover Dinosaur Park, enjoy 5D and 4D rides, or visit Jurassic Park. Thrill-seekers can challenge themselves with the Freefall Tower and explore the Horror House among more than 90 free games.

3:00 PM: Return to the Cable Car for your journey back from Bana Hills.

4:45 - 5:45 PM: Our minivan will bring you back to your hotel in Hoi An.

12:00 - 12:15 PM: Our van and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in the Da Nang area to begin your adventure.

Start your Hoi An Day Tour in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you'll experience the life of a fisherman. Learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row the distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the serene coconut palm waterways, remnants of Vietnam's wartime past. Gain authentic insights into local social and cultural life, and enjoy fun, hands-on activities that are suitable for all ages.

2:30 PM: Continue your tour with a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, famous for its vibrant gates, dragon statues, and intricate rooftops. Discover the customs of ancestor worship as you visit the family altar and observe local devotees making offerings.

Next, we’ll visit the Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, which have stood the test of time for over 200 years. Learn about the prosperous merchants who once lived there, trading with buyers from around the globe. Enjoy an art show at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

We’ll make a stop at the iconic Japanese Bridge, constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities. Admire the beautiful carvings and paintings inside the bridge, and learn about their cultural significance.

You can explore Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and art galleries, and stroll through the charming laneways and neighborhoods, gaining a deeper appreciation for Hoi An's unique charm.

Enjoy a meal featuring Hoi An's specialty foods for dinner.

6:00 PM: You can experience a magical boat ride on the Hoai River. Release flower lanterns to pray for good luck for yourself and your family. Take in the enchanting atmosphere of the lantern street and wander through the night market, soaking in the shimmering lights of Hoi An at night.

6:30 PM: Return to your hotel.

7:30 - 8:00 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang City (approximately 30 km).

8:30 AM: The van will take you to Monkey Mountain, where you will see the impressive statue of Lady Buddha surrounded by stunning mountains and a beautiful bonsai garden. You can stroll through this "heavenly" garden, enjoy the fresh breeze, and listen to gripping stories about the site.

9:30 - 10:00 AM: We will visit the Marble Mountains, where you will stop to explore local stone sculpture factories, known for producing Da Nang’s famous handicrafts. You can choose to take the elevator (at your own expense) or climb to the top of the mountains. At the summit, you will explore ancient pagodas built by Vietnam’s last monarchy in the 19th century, and visit Huyen Khong and Tang Chon Caves.

Next, we will continue to Am Phu Cave, the largest and most fascinating cave in the area. Here, you will learn about Buddhist philosophies and capture photographs of the natural formations inside the cave.

11:45 AM: We will have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

1:00 PM: We will drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An, marking the end of the tour.

Dinner on your own.

7:30 - 8:00 AM: Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and depart for My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

9:30 AM: Arrive at My Son and explore the site for 2 hours. You will walk through the landscape, learn about the history from our local English-speaking guide, and enjoy traditional Champa performances.

11:45 AM: After the visit, we will return to the minivan and head to a local house. Here, you will learn how to make traditional rice paper and have the opportunity to enjoy the product you made yourself!

12:30 PM: We will move to another local house for lunch. You can relax with cold herbal tea, enjoy fresh food, and take in the cool, fresh air.

1:00 PM: After lunch, you will take a boat trip back to Hoi An. The boat ride offers a refreshing breeze and beautiful river views along the Thu Bon River, the largest river in Central Vietnam.

1:30 PM: Arrive in Hoi An and we will drop you off at your hotel. The tour will conclude.

Dinner on your own.

7:00 - 7:30 AM: The van and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An.

8:00 - 8:30 AM: Pick-up at Da Nang city, and we will leave for Hue city.

On the way to Hue, we will stop to visit the following scenic attractions:

- Hai Van Pass: A 21km long mountain pass on National Route 1A, which forms the natural border between Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City. This pass offers some of the most stunning hillside views in Vietnam.

- Lap An Lagoon & Lang Co Beach: Lang Co Beach is a 10km-long stretch of white sand with crystal-clear blue water, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and taking photos.

10:45 AM: Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, which blends Eastern and Western architectural styles, showcasing the grandeur and significance of Vietnam’s 12th emperor.

12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious Hue cuisine lunch and take a break at a beautiful restaurant.

1:00 PM: Continue to visit Hue Imperial City, the palace of 13 Nguyen Kings. Key sites include the Ngo Mon Gate, Library, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Nine Dynastic Urns.

3:00 PM: Explore Thien Mu Pagoda, a cultural and historical symbol of Hue, which is closely linked to the region’s heritage.

3:45 PM: Begin the return journey to Hoi An.

7:00 PM: We will drop you off back at your hotel in Hoi An. The tour concludes.

On day 11 of the tour, in the morning you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel. About 2.5 hours before your flight, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet our driver and head to your hotel for check-in.

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.

7:30 - 8:00 AM: Our tour begins with a visit to Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), one of Ho Chi Minh City's most famous landmarks. The palace was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. Ngo Viet Thu, the architect, designed this historical building, which now serves as a symbol of Vietnam's journey to independence. 

Afterward, we will head to explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both representing beautiful examples of French Colonial architecture. We will conclude the morning by visiting the War Remnants Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Indochina Wars through a vast array of exhibits.

For lunch, we will dine at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will leave for the Cu Chi Tunnels, a journey that takes about 1.5 hours by bus. Once we arrive, we will first watch an introductory video that explains how the tunnels were built and how the Vietnamese soldiers survived during the war. After the video, we will explore the tunnels, which contain living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and various other facilities like storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers. You will also see hidden trapdoors and dangerous traps, strategically placed for protection.

We will then enjoy a traditional snack of tea and cassava, the staple food for soldiers during the war. For those interested, you will have the chance to try shooting real guns (optional, at extra cost).

We will return to Ho Chi Minh City around 7:00 PM.

Dinner on your own.

7:30 AM: Our journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City as we head to Cai Be. Upon arrival, we will board a boat to explore the remains of a once-renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River. This site offers an opportunity to learn about traditional local trading practices, which have evolved with the rise of modern transportation and agricultural advancements. You will also notice the area’s rich orchard gardens, which have earned the region the title of the “fruit basket” of the lower Mekong Delta.

We will take a walk through small villages, where you will discover an ancient house and gain insights into the local culture. Next, we will visit a small family business where coconut fudge and crispy rice popcorn are made. Enjoy fresh fruit and listen to the soothing sounds of Southern Vietnamese folk music, which reflects the lifestyle of the Mekong Delta people.

Afterward, you’ll paddle through narrow canals, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. On Tan Phong Island, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.

For lunch, we will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal, which you will help prepare. The meal is served in the heart of a local garden, offering an authentic experience. After lunch, we will cycle through village paths lined with orchards, meeting islanders to learn about their daily lives. A visit to Ba Kiet’s Ancient House will give you a glimpse into the history of the region.

We will then return to Cai Be by boat and meet our bus for the drive to Can Tho City. Once in Can Tho, we will check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Dinner on your own.

You will have breakfast at the hotel to start your day. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). The boat will take you to Cai Rang Floating Market, which is the most bustling and colorful market in the area. You will witness the local trading lifestyle on the water.

Next, you will take a walking tour of a local noodle factory to see the traditional process of noodle making. Afterward, you will visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple known for its unique architectural style.

We will continue our journey by boat to the Con Son tourist area, where you will visit a fruit plantation. You will have the chance to taste a variety of seasonal fruits.

You will enjoy a delicious lunch before we return to Ho Chi Minh City for the evening.

Dinner on your own.

You will have breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, you will have free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You can choose to shop for lovely souvenirs for your friends and family or simply wander around the city to capture your last moments with photos.

At noon, the room will be available to you until 12:00 PM, after which we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

End of service! Hope that you can enjoy 15 Days Discover Vietnam by Incredible Asia Journeys!