Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Tour Overview
Welcome to our Authentic Vietnam in 12 days tour, brought to you by Asia Links Travel! If you're looking for an immersive and unforgettable experience exploring the beauty of Vietnam, then look no further. From the charming streets of Hanoi to the stunning vistas of Sapa, the deluxe cruise in majestic Halong Bay to the leisure tours in Hoian-Danang, the vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh to the unique culture of Mekong Delta - this tour has it all!
Over 12 days, you'll get to discover the country's rich culture, captivating history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Join us as we explore all that Vietnam has to offer in a tailor-made itinerary by local experts. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this tour offers something for everyone.
So why? Book your Authentic Vietnam in 12 days tour today and take advantage of our exclusive discount offer. Let Asia Links Travel show you the very best of Vietnam and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
- Immerse in the nostalgic Hanoi on a cyclo.
- Wide-open your eyes with the slope mountains of Sapa and meet local ethnic groups.
- Sail by limestone masterpieces in Halong Bay the UNESCO World Heritage.
- Enjoy a leisure optional tour in Hoian and Danang the most worth-living city in Vietnam.
- Stroll around the highlights of ancient and modern in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Feel the unique culture while cruising down the canals in Mekong Delta.
- Pick among various options of accommodations and full packages of transfer.
Itinerary
When you arrive at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi, our driver is ready to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check in (your room is available at 14:00).
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals on your own account. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
At 8h30 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel.
In the morning, we will visit:
Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the east side isle of the West Lake. It is considered as the most ancient pagoda in Thang Long - Hanoi with its historical progression in 1500 years. It has a harmonious combination between the majesty, nostalgic architecture and peaceful landscape of the West Lake. From the period in the Ly and Tran dynasties, it had become the Buddhist center of Thang Long.
Next is visiting to the Complex of President Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt house) - Where the Great Father of Vietnam lived and worked until the last years of his life. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about Uncle Ho's life. In addition, we will stop by One Pillar Pagoda to admire one of the 4 symbols of Hanoi.
Note: with departure days on Monday and Friday, Mausoleum Management Board will carry out maintenance of the mausoleum, you will visit only outside of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stilt house and One Pillar Pagoda.
The Temple of Literature - the very first university in Vietnam. Literature Lake, Khue Van Pavilion, stele house... are valuable literature complex that you cannot ignore. The tour guide will tell you about of 82 doctor stele stones with names of 1306 people standing until nowadays. But it is not all this place can offer, join us in this tour to see with your eyes!
Afternoon: We will visit:
Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a complex of relics associated with the history of Thang Long - Dong Kinh and Hanoi City starting from the pre-Thang Long period (An Nam dominated the 7th century) through the Dinh - Tien Le dynasties, flourished under the Ly, Tran and Le dynasties and the citadel of Hanoi under the Nguyen Dynasty. This is a massive architectural work, built by kings in many historical periods and has become one of the most important monuments in the system of Vietnamese monuments.
Note: With every Monday, Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be closed. If departing on Monday, the attractions of Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be compensated with tickets to visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Hoa Lo Prison: It is a former prison located in Hanoi Vietnam, also called Central House or ironically Hanoi Hilton. It was built when Indochina was an integral part of the French Empire. Partly destroyed in 1990, it is now a museum. Hoa Lo Prison is a popular attraction even for Vietnamese these days. Send requests now to visit this precious historical site!
Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) - center of Hanoi with Turtle tower, Ngoc Son Temple and some other relics. Furthermore, you could discover the Vietnamese traditional and French colonial architecture through buildings surrounding the lake.
17h00: End of Hanoi City tour, you can rent a cyclo around the Old Quarter and Sword Lake or buy the ticket for Water Puppet Show on your own (performance schedule may change depending on the specific period).
Dinner on your own. Enjoy your time in Hanoi before you are transferred to the railway station for a night train to Lao Cai in a shared 4 berth cabin.
Overnight on train.
Upon arrival in Lao Cai station, you will be picked up and transferred up the Hoang Lien Son mountains where possess endless nature spectacles and rich ethnic culture. En route, enjoy the scenic landscape of magnificent valleys and vast rice paddies.
Then, we take a relaxing walk to the local market where people from different ethnic groups in colorful traditional costume gather and sell local produce from vegetables, medicinal herbs to beautiful brocade. Don’t miss a chance to buy some lovely gifts for your friends and family back home. You can also take a picture with the sellers but remember to ask their permission!
Back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Lunch & Dinner on your own account. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Lao Cai markets schedule:
Monday – Phiet Village Market; Tuesday – Coc Ly Market; Wednesday – Cao Son Market; Thursday – Lung Khau Nhin Market; Friday – Chau Market; Saturday – Can Cau Market; Sunday – Bac Ha Market.
Recharge your energy with a great breakfast at the hotel. Then, we head off to explore the beauty of Muong Hoa valley. The drive takes you on a scenic road of the Northern Vietnam with magnificent mountain range and stunning valley below. Enjoy the peaceful landscape and the singing of birds en route. And if lucky, you can also catch an interesting moment of a local boy leading a group of buffaloes with a stick.
We reach Lao Chai village after about 7 km drive on the main road and pass through a small trail crossing the rice paddies. Here, you will have an opportunity to learn about the local’s way of life, their culture and traditions. Ta Van village is our next stop where is home to Giay ethnic group. We pay a visit to some local families experience their life and learn about the differences between the hill tribes. If you are passionate to learn about unique cultures, book tour here because this experience is perfect for you.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, the car is waiting for us at the main road for a drive back to Sapa. After some time to freshen up, we get on a bus back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi in the evening.
Dinner on your own. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Have breakfast at hotel.
7:45 AM - 8:15 AM Tour guide of the cruise will meet you at your hotel with a shuttle bus pick up. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmland and Red River delta.
11:30 - 12:00: Arriving Tuan Chau Marina. Welcome aboard the cruise. Meet the captain, crew and join us for welcome drink as we tell you about life onboard. Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind. Served a delectable lunch while cruising ahead to Halong Bay.
In the afternoon, explore the Surprising Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. It is one of the widest grottoes in Halong Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.
Back to the Cruise, we will take you to visit the Titop Island – free to choose between swimming or climbing up to the Top of the Island and take the best view of Halong Bay.
Continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoy beautiful seascape on the way.
After that, come back to the boat, enjoy the Sunset Party on sundeck.
Evening Relaxing: Dinner is served.
Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.
Overnight on board.
Note: Shuttle bus with English speaking guide will take you to Halong Bay. Please kindly contact our Sales consultant for further information about private transfer of this trip (with surcharge). The cruise program may have a little different between each Cruise in Halong Bay.
06:30 AM - 06:45 AM: Have breakfast on board while the boat starts cruising to the Natural Preservation Zone.
Kayaking to explore around the area or visit a floating house and learn about the daily life of the local fishermen who live there.
We board the cruise again while you taking time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in luggage store.
Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
Time for brunch.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Disembark at the harbor, Tuan Chau Marina.
Then cruise shuttle bus transfers you back to hotel in Hanoi where private car and driver is ready to transfer to Hanoi airport for a flight to Danang. Arrival in Danang, our driver will pick you up and then transfer you to your hotel in Hoian.
Check in and enjoy your night at the hotel. Dinner on your own account.
Note: The cruise program may have a little different between each Cruise in Halong Bay.
Today is at your leisure. Meals on your own account. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hoian.
Optional Tours:
Option 1: Bana Hill and Golden Bridge Full Day – Joined in Group Tour extra US$72/pax (lunch included)
07:30 AM - 08:00 AM: Our Minivan and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby, enjoy a ride to Bana Hills via Cable Car.
Spend your time in the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable car Station and admire the breath-taking view of Danang coastal city.
After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge – which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amourn (consists of 9 gardens), Linh Ung pagoda.
Sit on the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village where you could enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome ...Challenge the most popular adventure ride – Slide of Tube Car (free ride)...
Have lunch at restaurant (Buffet).
Take the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to many new attractions for check-in such as Helios waterfall, Time Gate, and The Moon Kingdom …Join in Fantasy Park by walking in Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D wild west, enjoying 4D death race ride, watching 3D mega 360 degrees, riding on journey into the underground, entering Jurassic Park, challenging Freefall Tower and participating in an adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.
15:00: Return to the Cable Car for leaving Bana Hills.
16:45 - 17:45: Our Minivan brings you back to your hotel. Tour ends.
Tour Inclusion
- Transportation & English-speaking tour guide
- Cable cars, entrance fees in the Fantasy Park & outdoor activities
- Golden Bridge, Funicular, Le Jardin D’amour
- Lunch with buffet
- A bottle of water
Today is at your leisure.
Optional Tours are available upon your request.
Meals on your own account. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hoian.
This morning is free at your leisure. You can spend time exploring the ancient town buying some lovely gifts for your family and friends back home.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred without guide to Danang airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon your arrival, our driver in Ho Chi Minh are ready to pick up and transfer you to the hotel for check in.
Meals on your own account. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
PICK UP: 07:30 AM - 08:00 AM
RETURN: 19:00
Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. 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, free to spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities 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.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun (on your own account).
Return to Ho Chi Minh.
Dinner on your own expense. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Note: Drop off time is subject to traffic, weather... so the finished time could be later than expecting.
Breakfast at hotel.
PICK UP: 07:30 AM - 08:00 AM
RETURN: 17:30
Leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, a town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then get on the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
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 and taste the ripe ones right from the branch.
After the fruit adventure, ride 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. Excited about this series of hands-on experiences yet? Wait no more and book this tour with discounts here!
Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.
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.
Dinner on your own account. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Note: Drop off time is subject to traffic, weather...so the finished time could be later than expecting.
Take this last day of your trip to select some great souvenirs for your loved ones back home. You will be transferred without guide to the airport for your departure flight. Meals on your own account.
Hotel room is at your disposal until 12.00 noon.
End of service!
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around. March to June and September to October are best time in Sapa when the weather is warmer and days are mainly sunny.
Rooms are available from 14.00 on arrival day until 12.00 on departure day, room supplement charge will be added for request of early/late check in/out.
Airfares (if any) may change without notice prior to e-ticket issuance.
Price for infants and children will be quoted as follow:
- Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (Maximum 1 child under 2 years old travels with 2 adults; from the second child, 50% of the regular fare will be applied)
- Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 12 years: 100% of the regular fare will be applied
During Peak Season and special occasions, surcharges may be added to the price:
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Compulsory meals would be added during these times of the years, depends on hotels or resorts you will stay overnight.
- Vietnam Lunar New Year: 24 January – 27 January: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
Visa requirements:
For Vietnam: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval letter for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Our consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank page for each visa stamp.
Customer Reviews (8)
Awesome experience as listed
An authentic Vietnam tour experience
Beautiful tour with lots to see
Our favorite tour in Vietnam
Love Vietnam! Paradise with captivating beauty
Memorable journey in Vietnam
Vietnam is so amazing. Highly rcm a tour here!
12 memorable days in Vietnam
We can customize this tour just for you
We'll get back to you within 6 - 12 business hours
You might also like...
