From Sapa to the Mekong: A Journey Through Vietnam - 12 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's most stunning destinations, from the charming northern city of Hanoi to the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the country's rich culture, natural beauty, and history as you explore picturesque villages, tranquil bays, and ancient temples. This 12-day tour is the perfect way to discover the best of Vietnam.
 

1. Trek through Sapa's lush green mountains and visit the traditional Cat Cat Village, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
2. Discover the stunning rice terraces and unique culture of Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages on a trekking adventure.
3. Explore the vibrant city of Hanoi and learn about its rich history and culture with a full-day city tour, including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
4. Sail on a traditional junk boat and explore the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, with an overnight cruise and visits to hidden caves and secluded beaches.
5. Discover the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An and take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, admiring the ancient architecture and colorful lanterns.
6. Learn about Vietnam's turbulent history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels and immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of the Mekong Delta with a river boat trip.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! On your first day, you can arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only activity scheduled is the airport pick up. A Legend Travel Group car driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. The airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don't have to worry about arranging transportation on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for an exciting adventure!

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

6:30-7:00 am: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi to begin the journey to Sapa. Along the way, we'll make a comfortable stop for a short break before continuing on to Lao Cai City.

10:00 am: Arrive in Lao Cai City and continue the drive to Sapa. Be amazed by the colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic people. Enjoy a welcome drink and itinerary briefing upon arrival in Sapa. After that, indulge in local Vietnamese dishes for lunch before checking into the hotel.

14:30 pm: Embark on a hike downhill to Cat Cat village situated at the bottom of Muong Hoa Valley. Take in the stunning views of the beautiful valley towards Fansipan - the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina. Once we reach the village, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Black H’mong’s traditional stilt houses and observe people weaving, embroidering, and drying their clothes. Then, continue walking to witness the dramatic and picturesque Cat Cat Waterfall - a great spot for photo-shoots.

17:00 pm: Return to Sapa town for dinner. After dinner, you'll have free time to explore the Sapa Market and town. Overnight at the hotel.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Sapa Luxury Hotel - 3-star or similar

Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel - 4-star or similar

Pao's Sapa Leisure Hotel - 5-star or similar

7:30 am - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 am - Embark on a trek from Sapa to another part of Muong Hoa Valley and marvel at the magnificent mountainous landscapes. Walk through lush rice terraces to reach Lao Chai village and witness the daily life and traditional culture of the Black H'mong people.

10:30 am - Visit Ta Van village of the Tay minority, which is strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Then, take a bus back to Sapa.

13:30 pm - Spend some free time in Sapa to refresh yourself.

14:15 pm - Board a bus to return to Hanoi.

20:45 - 21:15 pm - Arrive in Hanoi, check in, and stay overnight in Hanoi. (Please note that your exact arrival time at hotel in Hanoi depends on the traffic conditions)

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi Hotel - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

MILA Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A Legend Travel Group driver will be waiting for you to take you directly to the airport for your flight to Hoi An.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, our staff will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You will have some free time to explore the ancient town of Hoi An and its many attractions at your own pace. You may also choose to stroll along the picturesque streets, try some local delicacies or shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Hoi An Ancient Town.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will leave at 8:00 am to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people and is now home to red brick towers and sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, along with Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

During your visit, you will explore the lush valley and learn about the Cham civilization and their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temples and learn about their significance.

You will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own around 1:00 pm. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you have the morning free to relax or indulge in some shopping in Hoi An. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, a friendly and professional driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh at your own leisure. You could visit some of the city's many cultural attractions such as the War Remnants Museum or the Independence Palace, or take a leisurely stroll around some of the local markets to soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Alternatively, you may want to unwind and relax in your comfortable hotel room after a long day of travel. Whatever you choose to do, there is plenty to keep you entertained in this exciting city.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for more adventure tomorrow.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you'll have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handcrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You'll also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. You'll take a boat trip along the Mekong River to reach the pagoda, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll check in at your hotel and stay overnight.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport for your international flight home or your next destination. We hope that you have had an amazing time in Vietnam with us and have created unforgettable memories. Thank you for choosing Legend Travel Group for your journey and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future.

Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary. Our team will ensure that your departure from Ho Chi Minh City is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.