Remarkable FAM Trip to Discover Vietnam’s Unforgettable Charm
(Hanoi – Halong Bay – Danang – Hoian – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta)
12 days / 11 nights (04 – 15 Nov 2023)
4* hotels / Only US$995/person
Experience the INSIGHTS with Indochina Treks Travel!
Whether for a short journey or a long in-depth holiday, Indochina Treks Travel can create an itinerary suited to fit your needs and is sure to create a lifetime of memories. This itinerary is specially designed for Travel Agents/Tour Operators/DMC/Tour Leaders and also first-time travelers to Vietnam.
Travel map
Note*: this tour can be operated from Ho Chi Minh. If you would like to start the tour from Ho Chi Minh, please contact us for detailed itinerary.
Highlights
- Explore the Mekong Delta culture and lifestyle
- Observe the unique way of trading at floating market where barges loaded with fruits and vegetables gather for the early morning trade
- Experience a slow pace of life when you walk around the impossibly atmospheric Ancient Town of Hoi An
- Visit My Son ruined towers by the Cham Kingdom
- Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế
- Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of Halong Bay while feasting on sumptuous meals on board
- Explore the underground system of Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about hard life in war time
The Huc Bridge – Hoan Kiem Lake
Note*:
- The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
- Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please contact us, so we could easily search for you
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Pickup at 08:00 or 13:30. We will spend a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.
Hoam Kiem Lake
Back to the Old Quarter in the late afternoon. Free time to explore Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
Halong bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Halong bay cruises
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
Bamboo Sampan – Halong bay
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm.
Airport transfer for late flight to Danang. Transfer to the hotel in Hoian upon arrival.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
15.30 At your hotel, you meet our drivers, guide and classic vintage Piaggio Vespa. After a quick briefing, it’s time to jump on, click on your helmet and off we go! Listen to the sounds of this famous engine as you whir away on the start of your journey. First stop is a Vietnamese traditional cake: Banh Beo – a popular snack of Hoi An people. You will have a chance to talk and take photos with the owner of the shop.
Vespa Tour
16.30 After our first taster, we head across the Cua Dai bridge with its spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An and surrounds. We take a moment to stop for photos and stretch our legs before continuing the trip along little countryside laneways and alleys to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh.
17.00 Afterwards, on our drive through the countryside, you’ll experience up close the resplendent beauty of the rice paddies, grazing buffalo, all of which are guaranteed to provide plenty of perfect photo opportunities.
17.45 Next, our team will ride and take you to a very old pagoda in Hoi An. The pagoda is a place for quiet reflection, listening to your heart, forgetting your troubles and enjoying the harmonious environment of the monastery. The sun is starting to set and the sky begins to change colour. We then take a lovely trip through the countryside and see farmers working on the rice paddies under the sun to Ha My beach and get to sample some of seafood in an atmospheric Vietnamese seafood restaurant, overlooking beach as the sun sets on Hoi An & enjoy a few cold beers.
19.30 To finish the night visit a local coffee shop for live music. Sit down and enjoy the romantic melody by local people in a cosy atmosphere. All will give you an experience of lifetime.
Meal: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Hoian Ancient Town
8:30: Leaving Hoi An crossing the Cua Dai bridge with its spectacular views of the Hoi An river system, mountains and Cham islands. We arrive at the fishing village alive with activity as the market traders sell their evenings catch, providing some great photo opportunities.
9:45: Arriving at My Son, this “Valley of Kings” as described by French historians was once the capital of the Chăm Pa Kingdom from the 4th to 15th century.
Following a traditional dance performance, your walking tour to the Cham ruins begins with a short ascent along a jungle bordered track. While you explore the area your guide will explain the history of the religious site which served as a burial place for the Cham monarchs centuries ago.
11:30: Commence the drive back to Hoi An to take a cruise through the Hoi An countryside along the picturesque Thu Bon river. You will have a lunch on the boat and see the beautiful views along the river.
14:00: The boat trip will finish at Nguyen Hoang dock in the old town. You will be free to explore the old town or return to your hotel by your own means.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hue.
Train through Hai Van Pass
Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way. Arrive Hue in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Hue Imperial City
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village.
Enjoy free time to explore Hue city.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Ho Chi Minh Post Office
We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office. Then drive to the hotel for checkin. Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh.
You can take a walking to well-known Ben Thanh Market for shopping.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
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.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun (optional). Then get back to to city at about 3pm.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.
Life on the water – Mekong River
In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive your hotel at about 5:30pm.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Note*: late checkout is not included.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Important Note*
- PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
- The itinerary can be customized basing on your interests (you can extend your stay at each location, add/remove activities)
Note*:
- The tour price would vary much depending on your group size, tourtype (group/private), grade of accommodation, and date of departure. Please book the tour or contact us for a free quotation.
- Small group tour – daily departure with max 12 pax (for Halong bay cruise, you will join bus by boat companies)
- In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.
- Similar hotels are selected if any of above are booked
- Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request
Booking Policy
Price Includes
- Overnights in selected hotels or similar
- Halong bay 2 day Cruise package
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles (including airport pick up & see off)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Internal flights (Hanoi – Danang, Hue – Ho Chi Minh )
- 1 day train for Danang – Hue
Price excludes
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
- Visa stamping fee
- International flights pre/post tour
- Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation received 60 days or more before arrival date: 10% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 20% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
- Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate
Note*: Once all flights have been issued, additional cancellation charge of US$180/person for the 2 included flights.
Children Policy
- For infant (<02 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
- 02 – 10 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
- 02 – 10 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
- 02 – 10 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
- from 11 years old: 100% adult rate
Note*: The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
Questions & Answers
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.
Emergency contact numbers
Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655
Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964
Combo Trip
If you book small group tour option, please note that the tour combines with our other tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
You can start the tour on any date (please contact our consultant in advance to avoid peak dates or holidays) and customize itinerary with extra days/activities at any destination.
Private Tour
If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.
Internal Flights
For all internal flights - if included, we would use any as Vietnamairlines, Vietjesair, Jestar, Cambodia Angkorair or Laos Airlines, depending on the itinerary. Most domestic flights in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, airlines would use small 70 seat ATR72 for short distances. Most airlines in Vietnam use the Airbus A321. 20kg for checkin luggage and 7kg for hand-bag is included in the price.
International flights pre/post tour must be booked by your self before travelling date.
Warming
Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
Train Travel
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and not at western standard. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group. For short distance - 3 hours (as Hue to Danang or vv), you will do the trip on soft/hard seat carriage.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. You should have meal and buy water before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Accommodation
We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.
Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.
Is there Wifi available in Vietnam hotel?
Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.
Airport transfers
All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Packing List
Conservative Dress
- Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
- Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Documents
- All tickets (required)
- Passport (required) (With photocopies)
- Required visas
- Hotel & Tour Vouchers
- Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Electricity
Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Please note that visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $35 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
VIETNAM - As of March 2017, a select 80 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa. Please view this link to apply E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
We will help you apply an approval letter for visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam through international airports. You will have to pay for stamping fees to the custom at the airport.
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $35. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Customer Reviews
Write your review
More than a trip, a cultural immersion Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories and insights into local life. From cooking classes with local families to exploring ancient temples, every experience felt authentic and meaningful. We came home feeling like we truly understood Vietnam. 
Beyond tourist traps - Real Vietnam After researching numerous tour companies, we chose Indochina Treks and couldn't be happier. They showed us a side of Hanoi we would never have discovered on our own. From participating in morning tai chi sessions to learning about traditional craft-making,... read more 
A journey that changed our perspective We couldn't have asked for a more authentic experience in Hanoi! Our guide took us to hidden local markets and family homes where we learned to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. The highlight was spending an evening with a local family,... read more 
North of Vietnam tour We had wonderful 8 day tour to north of Vietnam. We started in Hanoi, then traveled to Chapa where we trekked through villages away from the town. We spent 2 nights at homestay at Hmong & Tay families. They were... read more 
Hidden gems & seamless service! We wanted an authentic Vietnamese experience, not just another tourist trap. Indochina Treks Travel delivered! Our itinerary was perfectly tailored to our interests. The booking process was a breeze, and the team's passion for their country was infectious. Highly recommend! 
Our Cambodia - Vietnam tour with Kelvin Do Kelvin Do @ Indochinatreks did his great job. We prepared for this 25 day trip since Feb. It's our longest one for our 15th celebertation. We found this the right man after a few emails. Great communication when Kelvin could... read more - 1
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