TRIP OVERVIEW
Adventure Vietnam – Photography Tour is a 13-day travel itinerary that, as the name suggests, includes the most fascinating and traditional attractions of Vietnam, from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta.
Walking through the streets of beautiful Hanoi and visiting the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, the imposing monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, the hidden charm and antiquity of the old quarter with the wonderful cuisine and the renowned show of puppets on the water.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, surrounded by spectacular karst mountains.
A trip to Yen Bai Province to explore the most amazing scenery of the winding and longest pass in northern Vietnam and discover the most attractive places such as the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, the tranquil land of Nghia Lo of the Thais, the unique green tea plantation of Suoi Giang and join in exciting activities such as trekking and photography.
Sapa is a place of natural beauty, with cascading rice terraces, misty valleys and majestic peaks. It is also a cultural hub, home to several minority ethnic groups with unique customs and traditions.
A day in Ninh Binh is an immersive journey into the cultural and natural wonders of Vietnam, from exploring ancient capitals to rowing a boat through serene landscapes.
Visit the historic former capital Hue, the ancient trading port town of Hoi An with millions of lanterns, and the cosmopolitan Sai Gon.
Experience the enchantment of Mekong delta, sometimes known as the "Vietnam rice bowl", as you sail aboard a traditional sampan between floating cities and colorful riverside markets.
The proposed itinerary can be adapted to your specific travel needs and combined with additional routes.
Group tour: Yes
Data: As you wish
Arrival - Departure: Hanoi – Saigon
Type of tour: Heritage and Nature
Tailor-made tours: Absolutely yes!
Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi – arrival – city tour
Day 02: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Day 03: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai
Day 04: Mu Cang Chai
Day 05: Sapa – weekly market – Hanoi
Day 06: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 07: Ninh Binh – Baia di Halong
Day 08: Halong – Hanoi – volo per Hue
Day 09: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An – My Son
Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang – flight to Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel
Day 12: Saigon – city tour – Mekong Delta – Can Tho
Day 13: Cai Rang – floating market – Saigon – departure
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi – city tour
Welcome to Hanoi – the cultural and political capital city of Vietnam.
At Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by our guide and driver for the transfer to the city center.
The Hanoi city tour begins with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda – Country Defense Pagoda – this 1,500-year-old pagoda combines ancient architecture with the poetic and mesmerizing beauty of the West Lake landscape.
Then we head towards the Ba Dinh National Square where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, It is the ancient Mot Cot Pagoda – One Pillar Pagoda to represent the purity of the lotus flower. Next, we pay a visit to the Van Mieu - National Prisoner (Temple of Literature), the first university in Vietnam built in 1070. We return to the center for a walk Green lake (lake of the returned sword), the Ngoc Son Temple, The old quarter with 36 streets of own goods, Hanoi ancient house.
During the tour here, you could taste some Hanoi specialties such as Egg coffee. Our local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi's best kept secrets, a hidden cafe with breathtaking views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find cafe is one of the few remaining in the city that still serves egg coffee, a delicious local delicacy that we'll sample while admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee isn't your style, a cold beer or fresh coconut awaits you!
Let's relax after the day with one water puppet show reflecting the daily life of Vietnamese farmers (growing rice and catching fish), community entertainment (swimming competition, dragon dance) and historical legends.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: No
Day 02: Hanoi – Nghia L
Departure for the north-west passing through hills of red earth, rice fields, corn, cassava, tea plantations. Lunch along the way and arrival in the early afternoon.
Accommodation in the stilt house of the local residents of the White Thai ethnic group. His wooden house leans against a hill overlooking the Muong Lo valley, the second largest valley in Northern Vietnam and the homeland of the Thai ethnic group. In the afternoon a walk or bike ride in the village of Nghia An to learn about the daily life, habits and customs of the local inhabitants.
Return to the hotel for have dinner with the owners' family.
Overnight in Muong Lo.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 03: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai
After breakfast, transfer to Mu Cang Chai (100km), we have an opportunity to discover the lifestyle of an ethnic group still far from modernity.
Who people live “together” with the livestock: buffaloes, cows, goats, pigs in an environment surrounded by terraced fields, corn and cassava fields. This route promises countless encounters and discoveries off the beaten tourist itineraries.
Hike to Mu Cang Chai through the path of photographers, the most beautiful landscapes of North Vietnam appeared, especially from May to October, in summer. A few stops along the way to admire the panorama of terraced rice fields, in particular a The Pan Tan and on the Khau Pha hill, with beautiful views of the Tu Le valley. Arrival in Mu Cang Chai in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel, then a visit to the Om Khom village on the mountain overlooking vast fields of rice, corn, vegetables and sweet potatoes.
Overnight stay in Mu Cang Chai.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 04: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa
Transfer to Sapa via a plain formed by fiume Nam Na, before crossing the Hoang Lien Son range. Stop at the top of the step of O Quy Ho "one of the four most spectacular passes in Vietnam" and to silver waterfall 15km from Sapa. Arrival at Sapa - capital of Upper Tonkin, populated by different ethnic groups: H'Mong, Dzay, Tay, red Dzao.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we begin to make the trekking to Y Linh Ho village and Muong Hoa valley, hides within blankets of fluffy white clouds, among pristine forests and mountains with lush green terraced rice fields, deserted and peaceful. Y Linh Ho wins the traveler's heart with her small, simple, even very rudimentary houses of the H'Mong people, host a community with preserved ancestral customs, giving you the chance to discover, share and exchange with a community that has remained authentic.
Overnight in Sapa.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 05: Sapa – Lao Cai – Bac Ha weekly market – Hanoi
After breakfast, welcome from the guide and the driver for departure for Bac Ha, 100 km from Sapa, to visit the Bac Ha weekly market - where the Red Dzao and Black H'Mong meet to exchange goods, all types: buffalo, pig, horse, chicken, dog, tobacco, chili pepper, vegetables, medicinal plants, litchi. All markets in the Bac Ha region are held weekly and are particularly colorful and lively thanks to the different traditional costumes, especially the floral costumes of the H'Mong Fiori people. This is a good opportunity to learn about local life.
After that, a visit to the casa del Re H'Mong Hoang A Tuong, subsequently a short walk to Thai Giang Pho village. We will be invited to join a local family for enjoy a green tea or corn schnapps and chat with families. Return to Lao Cai by night train, enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.
Overnight at Hotel
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 06: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – former capital
Arrival at Hanoi station in the morning, a rest at a nearby hotel for a shower and breakfast.
After breakfast, we start the day with a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, also known as "Ha Long Bay on the mainland", the scenery is very similar to Halong, but surrounded by beautiful rice fields instead of the sea.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, we board traditional boats a remi of bamboo floating along this beautiful wetland of Van Long Wetland, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies, lotus ponds and towering limestone mountain peaks.
Afterwards, a visit to the temples of King Dinh and King Le dating back to the 10th century, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both splendid historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era. We continue heading to Tam Coc to do a climb to the Danze Caves (Mua Caves) where they offer a stunning panoramic view of Ninh Binh. (Note: you have to climb 486 steps)
Then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your cycling adventure to explore the hidden corners of Ninh Binh. Explore the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh with a visit to famous Bich Dong Pagoda. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred place, guided by knowledgeable experts who will enlighten you about its rich heritage and traditions. Travel through picturesque valleys, capture breathtaking views of the limestone mountains, and capture timeless photos of authentic Vietnamese rural life.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 07: Ninh Binh – cruise to Halong Bay
After breakfast, departure for Halong Bay - the eighth wonder of the world through the rice fields and countryside of the Red River Delta. Arrive Halong at around noon, board a boat for one cruise magnificent in the bay. During this cruise, you can admire many karst mountains, caves, lagoons in all forms. Furthermore, the light, the clouds and the fog create a magical atmosphere. Free time to do a bath or discover the bay in kayak. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor for the night in the bay. After your seafood dinner on board, you can participate in squid fishing or sing karaoke.
Overnight stay on board in a private cabin.
NB: The program of each cruise will be as on the website of the boat you choose
- Assistance: private guide and driver (the private guide does not come on board)
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner on board
Day 08: Sunrise at the bay** **Halong – volo per Hue
In the morning at 6:00, those who get up early manage to participate in do Tai Chi in the middle of the bay and admire the sunrise. After breakfast, we leave our junk and with sampans (typical boats) and leave for the visit to a cave/island famous or we will have time to a few bathrooms on these small and splendid beaches (if the climate allows it). After brunch (early lunch) on the junk, we return to the port of embarkation. At the end of the morning we return to Hanoi. On the way, we make a stop to visit the Phu Lang pottery village.
Arrival at the airport in Ha Noi, we take the direct flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, meeting with private driver and transfer to hotel in the center (about 15 km).
Overnight in Hue.
(The cruise itinerary will vary depending on the type of junk used and the sea conditions. The common guide on board will be in English/French)
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch on board (brunch)
Day 09: Hue – city tour – Da Nang – Hoi An
Hue - a charming city located on the banks of the Perfume River, where the last feudal Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam was located, offers a tour of cultural heritages and royal architecture.
After breakfast, we begin to visit the pagoda in Thien Mu - Celestial Woman Pagoda - one of the oldest religious buildings in Hue and Vietnam. Next, we head to visit the imperial citadel which was the home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty. It is composed of three distinct parts: the capital city, the imperial city and the forbidden city with the Pavilion of the Five Phoenixes, The Supreme Peace Palace and the Dynastic temple The Mieu: grandiose buildings arranged in a harmonious succession according to the principles established by geomantic science.
Before leaving the city of Hue, we stop to visit the tomba di Minh Mang - a carefully planned place of peace and rest that reflects the peaceful and contemplative spirit of the eponymous emperor.
Departure for Hoi An town, located about thirty kilometers south-east of Da Nang, on the banks of the Thu Bon River. In the 16th century, this ancient port of Champa was called Faifo. You can take a walk in the historic center to admire the glittering and most romantic town with millions of lanterns in Vietnam.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
Day 10: Hoi An – My Son sanctuary – Hoi An – city tour
In the morning visit to the ancient "Holy Land of My Son" of the Kingdom of Champa, the My Son Sanctuary, a group of ruined temples and sanctuaries built about 30 km from Hoi An, which was contemporary and antagonistic to the great Angkor Empire, classified "World Heritage" by UNESCO. In a magnificent rocky amphitheater surrounded by thick wild vegetation, the ancient Cham rulers built brick and sandstone sanctuaries between the 6th and 14th centuries, where they venerated the gods Shiva and Vishnu. Ceremonies in honor of the gods have been celebrated for centuries.
Return to Hoi An for a walking tour of Old Town of Hoi An, one of the most precious jewels of Vietnam's historical heritage, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hoi An is a city full of buildings from this period, including the famous Japanese bridge built in the style of a pagoda in the 16th century, the meeting rooms where locals gathered for celebrations and traditional houses which are still preserved, even the descendants of the first owners still live here. We stop at one workshop to learn silk production and craftsmanship of Hoi An. You have an opportunity to make a lantern of bamboo and silk and you could take it home as a beautiful memory of this romantic town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang - flight to Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang for breakfast I fly to Saigon – the vital city but also rich in testimonies of the past.
Arrival and transfer to visit Cu Chi tunnel located 60 km from Saigon. The tunnels connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapons factories during World War II. There famous underground fortress of the Viet Cong who built an incredible underground network of warehouses, dormitories, armories, kitchens, medical departments and command posts, connected by 250 kilometers of tunnels and tunnels, and withstood every bombing and attack by American forces for years. The visit begins with a documentary on the tunnels and wars of the 60s and 70s. Then we get into underground tunnels, which are only large enough for one person at a time, where there are offices, kitchens, conference rooms, an armory and even a hospital.
Return to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
Day 12: Saigon – city tour – Mekong Delta – Can Tho
In the morning, we visit the most important places in the city: the War Museum, designed to denounce American aggression in Vietnam; Central Post Office, with rich colonial reliefs, gracious shuttered windows, and a vast concourse with arches like those of a Victorian train station; The Notre Dame Cathedral, an elegant combination of red brick and white stone, overlooks a large tree-lined square; Chinatown with Binh Tay market, the pagoda in Thien Hau and finally the Ben Thanh market.
In the following, departure towards Can Tho, along the way we stop to visit the Binh Thuy ancient house, which is recorded in the romantic and famous film of “Lover”. The house contains a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, the place of worship inside the house is still purely Vietnamese. This demonstrates the sophistication and aesthetics of the family owner: absorbing new things but still retaining the soul of the nation.
Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon and check in.
Overnight in Can Tho.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
Day 13: Can Tho – floating market – Saigon – Departure
In the morning visit the Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Here we have the opportunity to see the hustle and bustle of hundreds of boats of different sizes, canoes, boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, rice, spices, clothes and goods of all kinds. A beautiful background for photos and impressive memories.
Next, visit a local orchard where we can taste many tropical fruits.
After the visit, return to Saigon and head to the airport, possibly in the evening, to take the return flight to Italy, or the flight to Siem Reap, to continue the trip to Cambodia.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
End of program
*****
Il tour include:
• Tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 bottles of water/per day/person
• All domestic flights – with Vietnam Airlines (23kg hold and 7kg carry-on)
• All overnight stays with daily breakfast in selected hotels
• Private Italian speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B=breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• Boat cruise as indicated
• Entrances and permits for all places visited
• Mineral water and towel
• Government taxes and service charges
The tour excludes:
• International airfare and airport tax
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills.
• Tips (suggestion 7eu/day/person for guide, 3.5euro/day/person for the driver)