Highlights of Vietnam and Mekong River Cruise
Highlights of Vietnam and Mekong River Cruise is a good trip to discover the whole Vietnam from the North to the South to famous tourist destinations, visit hill tribes in Sapa, relaxing on cruises in Halong Bay and Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Nha Trang Beach. Explore the busy lives of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour brief
- Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
- Day 2: Hanoi City excursion
- Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long
- Day 4: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai
- Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa
- Day 6: Sapa – Local Market - Hanoi
- Day 7: Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An
- Day 8,9: Hoi An Free time
- Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Nha Trang
- Day 11 – 12: Nha Trang Free time
- Day 13: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh
- Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels
- Day 15-17: Mekong River Cruise
- Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City Departure
PRICE AND BOOKING
Tours & Packages | 2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-6 pax | 7 pax | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Private Package | 2 pax$2316 | 3-4 pax$2245 | 5-6 pax$2162 | 7 pax$1965 | Tour Enquiry |
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
You are welcome at the airport and then transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Free time and enjoy a show of water puppet which is not only kids' favorite but also a cultural spotlight of your Vietnam tours.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Bat Trang Pottery village - Hanoi City excursion (B,L)
In the morning (09.00 AM), driver to Bat Trang (10kms from the city center), the famous pottery village surrounded by fertile farmland. You'll stroll in the small alleys of this old village to watch local people producing their fine products and visit some of the houses used as workshops and showrooms.
Join the local crafts and make your own product - a lovely souvenir from Vietnam.
After a break, we'll continue your Vietnam holiday with a cyclo tour of the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 streets in old-schooled French colonial style would present you the past days.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long, overnight onboard (B,L,D)
After breakfast (09.00 AM), drive to Ha Long Bay with 2.5 hours travelling for the overnight cruise on a luxury cruise
11:30 – 11:45 Check-in & Registration Arrive at Indochine Lounge (Indochina Sails), Tuan Chau International Port (No. 22), Halong City.
11:45 – 12:00 Embark & Orientation Board Indochine Premium Cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and attend a safety briefing.
13:15 – 14:00 Lunch Buffet with Scenic Views Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant as you sail past Ha Long Bay’s stunning islands.
14:00 Scenic Cruise Through Iconic Sites Cruise through Halong Bay, passing famous landmarks like Incense Burner and Kissing Rock.
14:30 Luon Cave Adventure Choose between a Sampan boat ride rowed by locals or a two-person kayak to explore the serene Luon Cave.
16:00 Discover Surprise Cave Take a guided walk through Surprise Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s largest grottoes, with around 45 minutes to explore.
17:30 Sunset Leisure Time Anchor for the night, relax on the sundeck, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a round of mini-golf.
18:30 – 19:00 Culinary Lesson Join a cooking class or a fruit and vegetable carving lesson led by our Head Chef.
19:30 Fine Dining Dinner Savor an exquisite dinner prepared by our talented culinary team.
20:30 Nighttime Fun & Emtertainment Relax with board games, try squid fishing, or simply unwind under the night sky.
Time at leisure
Day 4: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai (Br)
06:00 Continental Light Breakfast. Start the day with a selection of coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries
06:30 Tai Chi on Deck Revitalize with a 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck or Sky Lounge (weather permitting).
07:45 – 09:00 Explore Titov Island Choose between a refreshing swim or a climb to the peak for breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
09:00 Prepare for Departure Return to the boat for a quick freshen-up and finish packing. Leave heavy bags outside your cabin for transfer.
09:30 Check-Out & Brunch Settle your bill at reception on Deck 1, then enjoy a scenic brunch as we approach the pier.
11:00 Arrival at Tuan Chau Port Disembark and relax at the pier while awaiting your return transport.
Arrive at Hanoi around 03.00 PM. Have some free time before boarding the night train to Lao Cai, departing at 21.00.
Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa (B)
Upon arrival (approx.5:30AM), our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and transfer to Sapa with 1.5 hours driving.
Breakfast at hotel is available.
In the afternoon, there will be a walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Black H'mong minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area.
Day 6 : Sapa – Local market – Limousine transfer back to Hanoi (B,L)
There are many local markets with colorful hill tribes around Sapa. Depend on your day in Sapa we will arrange the suitable market for you.
In the morning, get transferred to a local market by private car. This market is a place for many small ethnic groups such as: Flower H’mong, Nung, Giay… gather to exchange tobacco, fruit, clothes, horses, buffaloes.. You also enjoy amazing mountain scenery, charming river, and terraced rice field along Chinese border on the way to local market.
After visit the market. We will transfer you to Lao Cai for the Limousine tourist bus back to Hanoi
19h30: Arrive in Hanoi, check in your hotel
Day 7: Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Da Nang
On arrival at Danang, take a short journey (30mins) to the quaint, picturesque town of Hoi An. On arrival After lunch visit the tranquillity and charm of Hoi An Town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese Covered Bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam, Cyclo trip around the old town then free time. Spend your first evening in Hoi An strolling its romantic, silk lantern lit streets and dine in one of its fantastic riverside restaurants.
Day 8 – 9: Hoi An Free time (B)
Sandy beach earns Hoi An the reputation as one of the best beach destinations of all Vietnam tours. Today, you will be free to enjoy the water, sand and sun!
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Nha Trang (B,)
Get transferred to Danang’s airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. With seven kilometers of golden beaches, Nha Trang is often referred to as Vietnam’s Mediterranean Coast. Around the islands you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, whilst in the afternoon you can chill out at the beachfront ‘Sailing Club’ with a cool drink and watch the sunset.
Day 11 – 12: Nha Trang Free time (B)
Days at leisure to sunbathe on the beach, enjoy your resort spa facilities or take an optional snorkeling and boat cruise day trip around the islands.
Day 13: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
12h00: Check out your hotel then transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, on arrival, our tour guide will meet you and take you to the hotel in the Center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnel(B,L)
08h00: Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for the City tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the former Presidential Palace, War Museum of Remnants, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sai Gon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, a stop at lacquer ware workplace.
12h00 Lunch.
After lunch, drive to extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1½ hours drive) from Sai Gon. The complicated system of underground network was built by Viet Cong guerillas. En route, you have chance to see rural people live and work. View occupations such as cashew nut farming, duck breeding, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.
17h00: Return to Saigon. End of services.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong River Cruise(B, L, D)
In the morning we pick you up at your hotel in Saigon and take you to Can Tho or Cai Be. You board your wooden river cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The cruise boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
Day 16: Life on the water and floating markets (B, L, D)
Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. On even dates, you will explore the small channels of the mekong delta around Cai Be with a small sampan or by foot. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits and vegetables. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Later in the morning your can boat through the green water landscape on a little rowing sampan to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards. Alternatively you can discover the nearby town by foot or explore the small side canals of the Mekong river on a bicycle.
The cruise boat then resumes its journey as lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be another side trip to one of the exotic villages along the way.
Day 17: Mekong River Cruise- Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
After breakfast and an early start through the glorious morning atmosphere on the Mekong river. In Can Tho we will visit the floating market of Cai Rang. In Cai Be will will explore the delta by foot or with a small sampan. Be sure not to miss the great photo opportunities for authentic snapshots of the Mekong people and their life.Take another sampan side trip right into the lush rural landscape, the fertile fields, the exuberant green.
Disembark the boat at around 11.00 — 11.30h on the pier and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Sit back in the shuttle (bus or car) and watch the water landscape from a land perspective until you reach to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
Time at your own leisure until get transferred to the airport for your flight departure.
You are welcome at the airport and then transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Free time and enjoy a show of water puppet which is not only kids' favorite but also a cultural spotlight of your Vietnam tours.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Bat Trang Pottery village - Hanoi City excursion (B,L)
In the morning (09.00 AM), driver to Bat Trang (10kms from the city center), the famous pottery village surrounded by fertile farmland. You'll stroll in the small alleys of this old village to watch local people producing their fine products and visit some of the houses used as workshops and showrooms.
Join the local crafts and make your own product - a lovely souvenir from Vietnam.
After a break, we'll continue your Vietnam holiday with a cyclo tour of the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 streets in old-schooled French colonial style would present you the past days.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long, overnight onboard (B,L,D)
After breakfast (09.00 AM), drive to Ha Long Bay with 2.5 hours travelling for the overnight cruise on a luxury cruise
11:30 – 11:45 Check-in & Registration Arrive at Indochine Lounge (Indochina Sails), Tuan Chau International Port (No. 22), Halong City.
11:45 – 12:00 Embark & Orientation Board Indochine Premium Cruise, enjoy a welcome drink, and attend a safety briefing.
13:15 – 14:00 Lunch Buffet with Scenic Views Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant as you sail past Ha Long Bay’s stunning islands.
14:00 Scenic Cruise Through Iconic Sites Cruise through Halong Bay, passing famous landmarks like Incense Burner and Kissing Rock.
14:30 Luon Cave Adventure Choose between a Sampan boat ride rowed by locals or a two-person kayak to explore the serene Luon Cave.
16:00 Discover Surprise Cave Take a guided walk through Surprise Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s largest grottoes, with around 45 minutes to explore.
17:30 Sunset Leisure Time Anchor for the night, relax on the sundeck, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a round of mini-golf.
18:30 – 19:00 Culinary Lesson Join a cooking class or a fruit and vegetable carving lesson led by our Head Chef.
19:30 Fine Dining Dinner Savor an exquisite dinner prepared by our talented culinary team.
20:30 Nighttime Fun & Emtertainment Relax with board games, try squid fishing, or simply unwind under the night sky.
Time at leisure
Day 4: Ha Long – Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai (Br)
06:00 Continental Light Breakfast. Start the day with a selection of coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries
06:30 Tai Chi on Deck Revitalize with a 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck or Sky Lounge (weather permitting).
07:45 – 09:00 Explore Titov Island Choose between a refreshing swim or a climb to the peak for breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
09:00 Prepare for Departure Return to the boat for a quick freshen-up and finish packing. Leave heavy bags outside your cabin for transfer.
09:30 Check-Out & Brunch Settle your bill at reception on Deck 1, then enjoy a scenic brunch as we approach the pier.
11:00 Arrival at Tuan Chau Port Disembark and relax at the pier while awaiting your return transport.
Arrive at Hanoi around 03.00 PM. Have some free time before boarding the night train to Lao Cai, departing at 21.00.
Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa (B)
Upon arrival (approx.5:30AM), our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and transfer to Sapa with 1.5 hours driving.
Breakfast at hotel is available.
In the afternoon, there will be a walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Black H'mong minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area.
Day 6 : Sapa – Local market – Limousine transfer back to Hanoi (B,L)
There are many local markets with colorful hill tribes around Sapa. Depend on your day in Sapa we will arrange the suitable market for you.
In the morning, get transferred to a local market by private car. This market is a place for many small ethnic groups such as: Flower H’mong, Nung, Giay… gather to exchange tobacco, fruit, clothes, horses, buffaloes.. You also enjoy amazing mountain scenery, charming river, and terraced rice field along Chinese border on the way to local market.
After visit the market. We will transfer you to Lao Cai for the Limousine tourist bus back to Hanoi
19h30: Arrive in Hanoi, check in your hotel
Day 7: Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Da Nang
On arrival at Danang, take a short journey (30mins) to the quaint, picturesque town of Hoi An. On arrival After lunch visit the tranquillity and charm of Hoi An Town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese Covered Bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam, Cyclo trip around the old town then free time. Spend your first evening in Hoi An strolling its romantic, silk lantern lit streets and dine in one of its fantastic riverside restaurants.
Day 8 – 9: Hoi An Free time (B)
Sandy beach earns Hoi An the reputation as one of the best beach destinations of all Vietnam tours. Today, you will be free to enjoy the water, sand and sun!
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Nha Trang (B,)
Get transferred to Danang’s airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. With seven kilometers of golden beaches, Nha Trang is often referred to as Vietnam’s Mediterranean Coast. Around the islands you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, whilst in the afternoon you can chill out at the beachfront ‘Sailing Club’ with a cool drink and watch the sunset.
Day 11 – 12: Nha Trang Free time (B)
Days at leisure to sunbathe on the beach, enjoy your resort spa facilities or take an optional snorkeling and boat cruise day trip around the islands.
Day 13: Nha Trang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh (B,L)
12h00: Check out your hotel then transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, on arrival, our tour guide will meet you and take you to the hotel in the Center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnel(B,L)
08h00: Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for the City tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the former Presidential Palace, War Museum of Remnants, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sai Gon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, a stop at lacquer ware workplace.
12h00 Lunch.
After lunch, drive to extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1½ hours drive) from Sai Gon. The complicated system of underground network was built by Viet Cong guerillas. En route, you have chance to see rural people live and work. View occupations such as cashew nut farming, duck breeding, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.
17h00: Return to Saigon. End of services.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong River Cruise(B, L, D)
In the morning we pick you up at your hotel in Saigon and take you to Can Tho or Cai Be. You board your wooden river cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The cruise boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
Day 16: Life on the water and floating markets (B, L, D)
Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. On even dates, you will explore the small channels of the mekong delta around Cai Be with a small sampan or by foot. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits and vegetables. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Later in the morning your can boat through the green water landscape on a little rowing sampan to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards. Alternatively you can discover the nearby town by foot or explore the small side canals of the Mekong river on a bicycle.
The cruise boat then resumes its journey as lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be another side trip to one of the exotic villages along the way.
Day 17: Mekong River Cruise- Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
After breakfast and an early start through the glorious morning atmosphere on the Mekong river. In Can Tho we will visit the floating market of Cai Rang. In Cai Be will will explore the delta by foot or with a small sampan. Be sure not to miss the great photo opportunities for authentic snapshots of the Mekong people and their life.Take another sampan side trip right into the lush rural landscape, the fertile fields, the exuberant green.
Disembark the boat at around 11.00 — 11.30h on the pier and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Sit back in the shuttle (bus or car) and watch the water landscape from a land perspective until you reach to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
Time at your own leisure until get transferred to the airport for your flight departure.
Inclusions
- Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services.
- All private transportation on tour
- Limousine bus Sapa - Hanoi
- Accommodation shared double/twin room with daily breakfast
- English speaking local tour guides (except on leisure days)
- Train tickets Hanoi - Lao Cai
- Boat trips,
- Overnight Cruises in Halong Bay and Mekong River
- Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees
- Services charges and government tax.
- Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service.
- No extra charge after services confirmation
- 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
Exclusions
- Personal expenses, other meals, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Beverage
- Vietnam visa stamp fee
- Flight tickets Hanoi- Da Nang, Da Nang - Nha Trang, Nha Trang - HCMC
Hotels
3 nights in Hanoi at Silk Path 4* hotel1 night onboard Indochine 5* cruise
1 night on Express train
1 night in Sapa at Pao Hotel Sapa 5*
3 nights in Hoi An at Koi Hoi An Resort
3 nights in Nha Trang at Intercontinental Hotel
3 nights in Ho Chi Minh at Rex Hotel 5*
2 Nights on Mekong Eyes Cruise
Please contact us if you would like to stay in other hotels
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