11-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour with Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An

1

Day 01

Arrival in Da Nang and Dragon Bridge by Night

• Our tour begins in the city of Da Nang. Worth checking out are the Dragon Bridge, which features a rather unique architectural design, the night market, and a nearby lounge and club complex. Dress nicely.

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Day 02

Marble Mountains and Charming Hoi An

• We make an excursion from Da Nang. Firstly, we are taken to a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. Collectively, they are called the Marble Mountains, a.k.a. Ngu Hanh Son.
• In the early evening, we are taken to the town of Hoi An. There, we are provided with a guided tour.
• Highlights include a local outdoor market called Nguyen Hoang, traditional homes, pagodas, an assembly hall called Phuc Kien, the Japanese Bridge, Hoai River, Lantern Street, and the silk shops. Dinner is included on today's tour and is served in Hoi An.

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Day 03

Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge, and Flight to Hanoi

• Before relocating by flight from Da Nang to the capital, Hanoi, we visit a hill station and resort called Ba Na Hill Station, a.k.a. Ba Na Hills.
• It was founded in 1919 by French colonists. It was built as a leisure destination for French tourists. Being located 1,500 meters above sea level, it has a view of the East Sea and the surrounding mountains.
• We reach this hill station and resort by cable car. In operation since March 29, 2013, it holds the world record for the longest nonstop single-track cable car, at 5,801 meters (19,032 feet) in length.
• Highlights of our tour include the internationally acclaimed Golden Bridge, the garden, and the wine cellar.
• Another detail worth mentioning is that a buffet-style lunch is included on today's tour and is served in the charming 'French Village,' which is reached by cable car.

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Day 04

Hanoi Highlights Before the Journey to Ha Giang

• Before relocating by land to the town of Ha Giang, we explore Hanoi. Highlights include the Opera House, Ho Tay Lake, Chua Tran Quoc Temple, the Temple of Literature, Saint Joseph's Cathedral, and Hoan Kiem Lake, a.k.a. Restored Sword Lake.
• Hanoi is home to little streets and alleyways with food stalls, as well as restaurants squeezed up next to each other.
• The city vibe is one that visitors can easily feel and appreciate.

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Day 05

Ha Giang Scenic Route to Dong Van

• There is much to see as we relocate today by land from Ha Giang to the village of Dong Van.
• Firstly, we are taken to Thach Son Than Buckwheat Flowers Fields. It is a perfect spot for taking selfies. Next, we are taken to Quan Ba Heaven Gate. There, we can purchase a coffee while overlooking the fine valley.
• Next, we are taken to Fairy Bosom, a.k.a. Núi đôi Quản Bạ. There, we walk to a beautiful lookout point.
• Next, we are taken to the settlement of Lung Tam. Upon arrival in Lung Tam, we see how locals do centuries-old weaving and embroidery techniques.
• Next, we are taken to an observation deck called Đài Quan Sát Yên Minh. Next, we are taken to a viewpoint called Dốc Thẩm Mã.
• Meeting a local tribe while taking photos of the winding road between the mountains makes for a great 10-minute stop.
• Before reaching Dong Van, finally, we are taken to the Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village, which is located in the Sung La Valley. There, we meet another local tribe.

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Day 06

Dong Van Markets, Ma Pí Leng Pass, and Ba Bể

• Before leaving Dong Van, we walk to a lookout point and then visit two local markets.
• After leaving this village, our first destination is a scenic pass called Ma Pí Leng. Next, we are taken to a village called Meo Vac.
• There, we meet a local tribe wearing traditional black attire, see traditional homes, and pass by Nho Que River.
• Lastly, we are taken to our hotel, located in the area of Ba Be National Park. Note that dinner is included on today's tour, at our hotel specifically.

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Day 07

Ba Bể Lake Cruise, Caves, and Return to Hanoi

• Before relocating back to Hanoi, there is much to see and do in and around Ba Be National Park.
• Highlights include a boat cruise around the lake, Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, kayaking at Widow's Island, and meeting tribal Thai people and seeing rice fields in a village called Cam Ha.
• Dinner to go is included on today's tour and is provided right before leaving the park. Before returning to Hanoi, we explore Hua Ma Cave.

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Day 08

Ha Long Bay Cruise, Caves, and Sunset

• We go on a day trip today to Ha Long Bay. This is Vietnam's most popular day-trip destination... and for good reason.
• Ha Long Bay is arguably the country's most naturally gifted area, along with the rice fields of the North.
• Highlights today include Surprising Cave, swimming, and kayaking or bamboo rafting at Titov Island, as well as watching the sunset if visiting between April and September. Note that lunch is included on today's tour, during the boat ride.

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Day 09

Hoa Lư, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave

• We go on another day trip today. Firstly, we are taken to the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is called Hoa Lư. At this village, we check out the temple. Nearby and next, we go on a guided bike ride.
• After exploring the countryside, we can eat. Lunch is included on today's tour. After our meal, we are taken to a river called Tam Coc. There, we go on a paddle boat ride, led by a local.
• The highlights are the mountains, the surrounding rice fields, and the caves. Upon returning to the dock, we are taken to Mua Cave.
• The cave itself pales in comparison to the views we get after ascending Lying Dragon Mountain. After hiking to the top, we return to Hanoi.
• This evening, we recommend you watch the train pass by a popular coffee shop located at 29A P. Nguyễn Thái Học, Cửa Nam, Ba Đình.
• After seeing it squeeze between residential buildings, consider walking to Ta Hien Street. This is Hanoi's most popular street for nightlife.

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Day 10

Hanoi Landmarks and Mama's Home Cooking

• Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
• Presidential Palace
• Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House: This is the former residence of Communist Ho Chi Minh.
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
• Vietnam Military History Museum
• B52 Victory Museum
• Lotte Observation Deck
• In the afternoon, we are taken to a local market to shop for groceries.
• We are then taken to a local home.
• There, we are provided with a cooking class.
• Dinner is included on today's tour.

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Day 11

Departure from Hanoi and Optional Extensions

• Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Hanoi.
• Phu Quoc is undoubtedly Vietnam's most beautiful and tropical island.
• It is quite mountainous, densely forested, and ringed with some fine beaches. Additionally, it offers arguably the best seafood in the country.
• If you are interested in our tour to Phu Quoc, ask us for details. Excluding the days of arrival and departure, we recommend 2 full days there.
• Also, would you like to add a day trip from the city of Ho Chi Minh to the Cu Chi War Tunnels? There, an entire army was planning and training without outside disturbance.
• Not least, would you like to add a day trip from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong River Delta? This is where boats, houses, and markets float upon the rivers.