Compare Simply Vietnam 14 Days North to South by My Way Travel vs UNESCO Indochina by Encounters Travel

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our guide will meet you (just outside the baggage claim) and transport you to your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. After getting situated at the hotel, you’ll be brought out into the city center to get acquainted with the sites, streets and surrounding areas. From here we will bring you to some of the Old Quarter’s top attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and Hanoi’s iconic Opera House. That evening we will take you out for a special meal, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of Hanoi’s local specialties.

Day 2: Day Tour of Hanoi & Night Train to Lao Cai Station (Sapa)

Today you’ll have an entire day to explore the beautiful sites of Hanoi. Starting at the Ho Chi Minh Complex (home to the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered Uncle Ho & his former “house of stilts), moving on to the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature & Presidential Palace and finally exploring the beautiful Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda & tranquil Tay Ho (West Lake) region, the day will be a fantastic overview of what the capital city has to offer. There will also be an option to visit either the Museum of Ethnology (giving guests a glimpse of the country’s various ethnic groups) or Vietnam’s Museum of History; based solely upon your interests. As you wander the tree-lined boulevards, soak in the charming French-style architecture and witness the area’s tranquil landscapes… you’ll be hard pressed to not fall in love with Hanoi!

That evening you’ll have the chance to witness a traditional show at the Water Puppet Theatre (one of Vietnam’s oldest forms of entertainment) before heading to the train station to catch your train north to Lao Cai.

Day 3: Arrival to Lao Cai- Transport to Sapa

Your train will arrive into Lao Cai Station in the early morning; our guide will be there waiting and will transport you (a 40 kilometer drive) to Sapa. Once in Sapa, you’ll have some time to rest & get situated in your provided hotel; breakfast will be served. As you settle into Sapa, you’ll quickly realize why this hill station is one of the North’s most popular destinations to visit. Clean, crisp air & ideal temperatures, sprawling mountains and tiered rice paddies- Sapa is a traveler (and photographer’s) dream!

In the late morning/early afternoon you’ll be taken on a light mountain trek (2 hours total) through the Cat Cat and Sin Chai Minority Villages, immersing yourself in the iconic landscape and learning about local traditions, customs and daily habits along the way. The rest of the day is open for you to explore Sapa town.

Day 4: Exploring the Hill Tribe Villages of Sapa

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full-day guided trek through Sapa’s idyllic landscape. Guests will have an option as to which trek they’d prefer to take: Light Trek (3 kilometers), Medium (6 kilometers) or Long (12 kilometers). Trekking through Sapa’s villages is an excellent way to get acquainted with not only the landscapes but also the minority groups inhabiting the areas. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the H’mong, Dzao & Dzay people during your hike, learning all about their daily lives, traditions and culture. Lunch will be held inside one of the hill tribe’s villages and you’ll be transported back to Sapa- ultimately making your way to Lao Cai for a return train ride back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi to Halong Bay; Overnight on a Traditional “Junk” Boat

You will arrive into Hanoi in the early morning where our guide will be waiting to pick you up and bring you out to a local breakfast. After breakfast you’ll be transported out to Halong Bay (3-4 hour ride). One of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations, Halong Bay, or the Bay of Descending Dragons, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone karsts and pristine waterways. Upon arrival into Halong Bay (around noon), you’ll be assigned to your traditional “junk” cruise ship where you’ll be spending the evening & following day.

Once on board, you’ll be served a delicious (and super-fresh) seafood lunch as the boat makes its way out into the mystical waters of the bay. In the early afternoon you will be brought to some of the region’s most famous sites including the Dinh Huong & Ga Choi Islands, Thien Cung, Dau Go & Sung Sot Caves (the region’s 3 largest) and a pristine white sand beach where you’ll have the chance to swim in the area’s placid waters (weather permitting). Back on board you’ll be able to catch an unforgettable sunset, enjoy another delicious local meal and watch the stars come out as they saturate the Halong night sky. Allow the lapping of water & the boat’s light rocking to soothe you to sleep in your private cabin.

Day 6: Depart Halong Bay, transport to Hanoi and a flight south to Hue

Wake up early to catch the Halong sunrise (not to be missed!) and enjoy some Tai Chi on the top deck of the cruise boat to kick off your Day 6. Enjoy a light beverage before heading out to explore some nearby islands via rowboat. After a brief morning tour you’ll return to the junk for breakfast and have the chance to soak in some last minute limestone karsts along Bai Tu Long Bay. Before you disembark, you’ll be treated to a lovely brunch before our transport picks you up and brings you back to Hanoi. Once arriving at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, you’ll board a quick flight to the central Vietnam city of Hue. Our guide will pick you up in Hue and transport you to your hotel.

Day 7: Hue City Tour

Today you’ll have the chance to explore Vietnam’s former royal capital. Once home to the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is most famous for its Forbidden Purple City, or the Imperial Citadel (the Nguyen Dynasty’s private residence). Fashioned after China’s Forbidden City (back in the 19^th century), this compounded fortress is home to a number of palaces, houses and temples that once were completely off limits to non-royalty. Our guide will bring you around this iconic site, explaining all the historical facts and destinations along the way. In the afternoon you’ll pay a visit to the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda and Hue’s Cho Dong Ba- the bustling riverside market.

Day 8: Hue Tour; Transport to Da Nang & Hoi An

The morning of Day 8 you’ll enjoy a private boat cruise down Hue’s romantic Perfume River. Your guide will bring you through the Thien Mu Pagoda (Lady Pagoda) and ornate tomb of Minh Mang, followed by a memorable lunch along the riverside (at one of our favorite local restaurants). After lunch you will begin your trip south to the Ancient Town of Hoi An, passing Da Nang City and the picturesque Hai Van Pass along the way (one of the country & world’s most beautiful coastal roads… featured in Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear!). Stopping off in Da Nang city, you’ll have the chance to visit the Cham Museum (the only of its kind in Asia) and some handicraft villages located at the base of the mythical Marble Mountains.

Finally reaching Hoi An, you’ll be transported to your hotel (in the late afternoon), giving you some free time to explore the Ancient Town on your own.

Day 9: Exploring My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Town

The morning of Day 9 you’ll be transported 40 kilometers south of Hoi An to the historic My Son Sanctuary (Vietnam’s version of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat & Thailand’s Ayutthaya). Home to a number of striking Cham temple ruins & statues, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural background in connection with the Champa Kingdom. That afternoon you’ll be transported back to Hoi An where you’ll have some more free time to explore the beaches, pedestrian streets & lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An. Feel free to shop, dine, visit the countryside or beaches in Hoi An (always a tourist’s favorite destination!).

Day 10: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City via Flight

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transported back to Da Nang where you’ll board a domestic flight to the southern Vietnam city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon). Arriving late in the morning, you’ll have a chance to explore some of the iconic sites of Vietnam’s largest city as you make your way to your hotel (with private guide & transport). After check in, you’ll have lunch in a buzzing, local restaurant, followed by a fully guided tour through the southern city. Your visit will include the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Post Office, plus a number of other sites along the way. After your guided tour you have the evening to enjoy free time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Day Trip to Tay Ninh & Cu Chi Tunnel Complex

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take a short bus ride out to the historic Cu Chi Tunnel Complex. An extensive maze of underground war tunnels, these subterranean hideouts were crucial to the Viet Cong during raids and bombings in the American War. For those who can brave the descent (and don’t mind some serious tight spaces!), you’ll have the opportunity to actually climb into and around the tunnels to see what life was like for Vietnamese soldiers during the wartime period. After visiting Cu Chi, we will visit Tay Ninh’s beautiful Cao Dai Temple (a stark contrast to the wartime tunnels!) where you can observe or take part in a noontime service. This temple practices Caodaism, a peaceful & hybrid religion that observes nearly all major religions (Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam & Hinduism). After taking lunch in Tay Ninh, you will be brought back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll have the afternoon free to explore.

Day 12: Exploring Vietnam’s Mekong Delta Region: Cai Be- Vinh Long- Can Tho

After taking breakfast at the hotel, you’ll begin the ride further south to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. You’ll first stop off in the riverside town of Cai Bai, where you’ll visit a local candy factory, fruit orchard and enjoy a beautiful cultural performance. We will have lunch here at a relaxing riverside restaurant before heading out onto the river via motorboat. From the boat you’ll be able to visit some local villages and have the opportunity to bike your way around the countryside. Our driver will meet you at the Vinh Long pier to continue your journey farther south (ending up in Can Tho by nightfall).

Day 13: Exploring Can Tho; Transport to Saigon

Today you’ll have the chance to explore another of Vietnam’s largest cities: Can Tho. Most famous for its floating markets, you’ll be able to embark on a morning riverboat ride to the iconic Cai Rang floating markets, where locals buy & sell everything from fruits and vegetables to breakfast, coffees and local delicacies. From here you’ll visit a local fruit orchard (where you can sample some of the delicious, exotic fruits), moving deeper into the countryside where you’ll have the chance to meet and greet some of the locals. Learn a bit about their daily life & customs before heading back to Can Tho. From Can Tho you’ll start the journey back north to Saigon, arriving to the city in late afternoon.

Day 14: Final Day of Tour in Saigon

Today you’ll have the chance to explore Ho Chi Minh City one more time. After having breakfast at the hotel you can explore the city, do a bit more sightseeing or get some last minute shopping done before completing the tour. Our driver will transport you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure/flight back home.

DAY 1: Arrive Luang Prabang
Meet and greet at airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day if free for you to start exploring the local area.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
None
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (LATMUI), Extra day in Luang Prabang - pre-tour
DAY 2: Luang Prabang city tour, Pak Ou caves, & night markets
After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 3: Luang Prabang alms giving, Kuang Si waterfalls, fly to Hanoi
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life. After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 Apr – 30 Jun; 01-14 Sep, & 01 Jan every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, where upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 4: Hanoi, Halong Bay
This morning we drive to the coastal town of Halong where we transfer you to your private traditional wooden junk where you'll enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise into the bay. The scenery is just amazing as you pass close to the towering limestone karsts jutting up into the sky. At the end of the day you can enjoy a drink on deck whilst watching the sun set over the bay. Dinner will follow, freshly prepared seafood served under the stars, then it's off to your cabin for the night.
| OVERNIGHT:
Junk boat
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Halong Bay, overnight train to Dong Hoi
After an early breakfast we rise to see daylight emerging from the mist, revealing the dreamlike rocky formations of Halong Bay. Whilst sailing back to the mainland, why not join the onboard Tai Chi Class. From here, we return to dry land and make our way back to Hanoi for the overnight train to Dong Hoi.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Dong Hoi, Phong Nha Cave
We arrive into Dong Hoi station and transfer to Chay Lap village, a 45 minute drive and just on the edge of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Upon arrival at the village, you will then be warmly welcomed by a local family and invited to their house. You'll stay the night in a traditional, yet very comfortable house built built from local materials. Your day will be filled with activities including a Dragon Boat tour into the Phong Nha Cave. This enormous cave is one of the best in the world and holds for records: the longest underground river, the highest & longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, and the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. After returning to the village you can explore the local life of the villagers, and participate in social activities such as fishing in the pond, planting and gardening, or even playing football with the local children. In the evening you will be served dinner using fresh locally grown food.
| OVERNIGHT:
Homestay
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Hue, half day citadel tour
This morning we'll transfer you to Hue. Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and this imperial city was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. There are many temples and palaces within the walls and although much was damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968, there are plenty of impressive structures still standing. Your tour starts with the ancient walled Citadel, which contained the former Imperial Palace. We enjoy wandering through the enclosure during the afternoon before we take a cruise along the Perfume River.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hue hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Hue, drive to Hoi An
Your morning is free in Hue before we drive south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The drive follows the coastline along the South China Sea as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass ("Pass of the Clouds"). From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 9: Hoi An, half day tour
We start the day early with a walking tour of this former trading port famous for its restored architecture, home-made silk, expert tailors and delicious noodles and seafood. Our first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653, built in honour of the Chinese general Quan Cong, worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next stop is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, where we will see the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. A short walk takes us to Tam Ky House, which is a classic example of a 200 year old ancestral house. Finally we cross the well photographed 17th century Japanese covered bridge, which doubles as a temple and is a famous landmark of Hoi An.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 10: Hoi An free day
Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 11: Hoi An, fly to Siem Reap
Today we transfer you to nearby Danang for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival we'll transfer you to you hotel where the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 12: Full day tour of Angkor
We start your tour of Angkor at the South Gate of Angkor Thom where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Next we head to the Bayon, known for the numerous smiling faces that line the towers. These bas reliefs tell a story of daily life and the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. The next stop is Phimeanakas, which is shaped roughly like a pyramid and has two ponds in the rear. A climb to the top of the temple will be rewarded with a fabulous view over the Angkor complex. We move on to the Terrace of the Elephants, a rows of trunks that form the wall and was used as a platform from which King Jayavarman surveyed his army. Close by we visit the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a statue depicting Yana, the Hindu god of death. Then it's a short drive to the iconic temple, Ta Prohm. This small, crumbling temple, made famous in the Tomb Raider film, is pierced by giant tree roots giving it an almost magical feel. We head back to Siem Reap for lunch and to get out of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon we explore the mighty Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. This massive, three-tiered pyramid rises 65m from the ground and is topped by five lotus towers. We end the day watching the sun set over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup Temple, before returning to Siem Reap for the evening.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: Transfer to the airport for departure
Free time until we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Siem Reap - post-tour