1. Indochina Treks Travel Co.,Ltd
Add: No 57, lane 205, Giai Phong Str, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Tel: (84) 4 33769113; Fax (84) 4 36285319
Website: http://indochinatreks.com
Vietnam Reunion Express
15 Days (Code-VTS04)
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Itinerary HCMC - Nha Trang - Hoian - Hue - Hanoi - Sapa - Halong
Duration 15 days
Tour
type
Private
Price only from US$859/person
Highlight Express Train throughout the trip, sea kayaking and snorkeling,
Sapa trekking and homestay, charming Hoi An, Hue Imperial
City, My Son Sanctuary, boat cruises, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi
Tunnels
Learning Vietnam in a very nature manner as a local people would be a great experiences with many
travelers. Most of our traveling will be done aboard the Reunification Express train, a fascinating and
unforgettable way to view the unfolding landscape of Vietnam. We begin by discovering the attractions
of the steamy southern city of Saigon, before taking the train to the beach resort city of Nha Trang,
where we cruise to the offshore islands for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in the sun. A long
adventure on the train through some remarkable rural and coastal scenery brings us to Hoi An, where
we spend time in this wonderfully well-preserved ancient port town - a favorite of every traveler to
Vietnam. We continue to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital and a city that's steeped in history
and culture, before once again catching the overnight sleeper train in Hanoi. From here, we start the
excursion to Halong bay, where we spend a night on very romantic boat. Our adventure finishes with
trekking tour to Sapa, where displays living cultures of the ethnic minority group.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival (D)
Today, you are warmly welcomed at the airport in Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This
metropolitan area Hồ Chí Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million, and is
the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital.
Today, we will visit the must to see places in Ho Chi Minh city. We take the half day tour to visit the
Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also admire the
many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville
2. (city hall). If time permits, we will also visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps
you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is
such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine. We will then enjoy the welcome dinner.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta (B/L)
The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: đồng bằng sông Cửu Long “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the region in
southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a
network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern
Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The region is famous as a large rice growing area. It produces
about half of the total of Vietnam's rice output making Vietnam the second largest exporter of rice
globally after Thailand.
We start at the hotel at 7:45am to drive to Tien Giang, on of the provinces of Mekong Delta. Arrive in
My Tho City. Take a boat ride to visit Con Phung Island with full of tropical fruit gardens. We will have
chance to enjoy the fruit and Mekong folk songs performed by the local artists. The visit the most
ancient pagoda in Mekong Delta - Vinh Trang. After lunch, we visit the Dong Tam Snake Farm before
coming back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Nha Trang (B/L)
This morning, we head out to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. to head out of town to visit the Cu Chi
Tunnels, which is an extensive underground network of approximately 200 kilometers of tunnels dug
initially by the Viet Minh and then expanded by the Viet Cong. Here contains hospitals, plus
accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a
military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. We will then transfer back to Saigon for the night train
to Nha Trang.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin).
Day 4: Nha Trang City (B/L)
Located on the South Central Coast of Vietnam Nha Trang is well known for its pristine beaches and
excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting
large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists and is widely considered
as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival,
held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will
also host Miss World 2010.
On arrival in Nha Trang we transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then visit the Po Nagar
Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the
kingdom. It was occupied by the local Buddhists of Nha Trang for prayers and worship. The Po Nagar
Kalan is a structure in dazzling colors and with amazing architecture. The well known Oceanographic
Institute will also be visited. The remainder of the day is free to relax on the beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 5: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling tour (B/L)
There are many sea sport, relaxation activities you can do in Nha Trang. Most common and attractive
things tourists want to do here is a boat cruise through beautiful islands, swimming and snorkeling to
discover wonderful corals here. These are all included in our full day tour. We start from your hotel to
Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha
3. Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island for
snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing
village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which
the sea swallows make their nest.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 6: Nha Trang - Da Nang - Hoi An (train) (B/L)
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of
traders from various cultures. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river
silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and
charm of Hoi An is coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit
in Vietnam.
We leave Nha Trang early in the morning for Da Nang by train. Upon arrival to Da Nang, we transfer
to Hoi An. We visit the famous Cham sculptures museum with its collection of relics from the Cham
Kingdom on the way. We continue to Hoi An ancient town, the port town since the 10th century. Here
we take a walking tour around the town to visit its interesting places including Ong Pagoda, Hoi An
Museum, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese
Congregation.
Free to swim or relax at the Cua Dai Beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary (B)
In the morning, we drive to visit My Son. The Mỹ Sơn temple complex is regarded one of the foremost
Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam.
It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of
Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. Although
badly damaged by bombing raids in the 1960s, the site still has more than 20 structures and was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
You are free in the afternoon to browse for souvenirs, tailor made clothes or hire a bicycle to ride to
the nearby Cua Dai beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Hue (B)
Hue was known as the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here locate many historical buildings, largely a
legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city, there are the
Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once
reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious
site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
After breakfast we travel across the spectacular Hai Van pass to Hue, the ancient Imperial city of the
Nguyen dynasty. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have a short break before heading on to the
see the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc with its lotus-filled lake and central pavilion, and the simple and
serene Tomb of Khai Dinh are the most interesting.
Overnight at Hotel, Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hanoi (B/L)
This morning we cruise on the Perfume River. The Perfume River is 30km long and that is from Bang
Lang to Thuan An estuary. The River is gorgeous sight from its basis, and runs among peaks, jungle
4. trees and plants, bringing with it fragrances of tropical flora. Probably that's why the name of the river
has been the Perfume River. We disembark the boat and visit legend pagoda of Thien Mu and the
impressive tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. We visit the Imperial City then enjoy few free hours for
shopping at Dong Ba market before transferring to Hue railway station to catch train to Hanoi late
afternoon.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin)
Day 10: Hanoi city (B/L)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the
capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, the enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of
cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even
though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting
cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
We arrive in Hanoi early morning and transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then spend a full
day touring Hanoi. We begin with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We
also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we visit the Temple of
Literature (Văn Miếu). Although several Văn Miếu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most
prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first
university. Then we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the
ethnic costumes of the various minorities of Vietnam, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas
of their homes and buildings. We take a walking tour around the beautiful Restored Sword Lake, and
around the Old Quarter before enjoy the unique traditional Water Puppet show.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional
scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging
uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands,
we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
8:00: You are picked up at the hotel. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel in Hanoi and
pack an overnight bag. Upon arrival in Halong city, we board our traditional wooden junk boat for an
overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise
through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet,
Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay
and visit Sung Sot cave, which is well situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage
area and is one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then have chance to explore Halong
bay on your own by kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of
the bay. We will have dinner with fresh seafood on board then free time for squid fishing or relaxing
and chatting with your partner, friends, family.
Overnight on Halong Bay Junk.
Day 12: Halong - Hanoi (B/L)
7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served. Enjoy Sunrise on the
Bay or practice Tai Chi lesson with our professional (this is not included with standard and superior
options). Continue to explore the Bay.
5. 8.00am: Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet,
Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the
way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am.
Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to
your Hanoi, on the way call on a ceramic village to see craftsmen do their works. Free time for your
personal activities and dinner until transfer for the night train to Sapa.
Overnight on train.
Day 13: Sapa trekking and homestay (B)
Sapa town is located in Lao Cai Province, north-west Vietnam, and 350 km north-west of Hanoi, close
to the border with China. Many ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong and the Dao, Dzay are living in
and around Sapa, forming very unique lifestyle and cultures like no other where in Vietnam.
We arrive at the station in the early morning. Upon arrival to Sapa, we transfer to a small hotel for
bathing and refreshing. You will also have short time to explore Sapa on your own before starting for
our hard trek to Ta Van village. It is a 12 km of trekking. On the way, visit Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai
villages of the H’mong minority. After having a very basic lunch at a local family in Lao Chai or in a
drinking shop nearby the river bank, we keep on hiking to Ta Van village of the Dzay where we stay
overnight in a local family. Here you have opportunity to experience their daily life, work in their own
traditional customs.
Home-stay at the Dzay local house
Day 14: Sapa - Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan - Hanoi (B)
We will do trek of 14 km today, walking to visit 2 villages of the red Dzao, the H’mong (Giang Ta Chai
& Su Pan). Visit a beautiful waterfall and rattan bridge. Enjoy landscapes… through bamboo forest on
the way to the main road to get the jeep to return to Sapa. We will have bath at a small hotel and
time to explore Sapa town and market before transferring to the station for night train to Hanoi.
Day 15: Hanoi - Departure (B)
You arrive Hanoi in the early morning. You are picked at the station for the transfer to next
destination. Tour ends.
Note*:
1. Packing list: See our suggested vacation packing tips
2. The itinerary for Halong bay tour would be a little different depending on the option you
choose.
Quotation (US$/person)
Category
Net rate in US$/person in party of Sgl
Sup2 - 3 pax 4 - 5 pax 6 pax up
2* Hotels 1287 973 859 192
3* Hotels 1371 1053 940 292
4* Hotels 1526 1203 1090 420
Note*:
• Rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals..
• See our list of hotels for the above options.
• Early checkin or late checkout is subject to availability with/without additional charge (if any).
6. • Accommodation bases on ROH rooms. Higher room grade can be arranged with additional
charge. Similar hotel of the same rate will be selected in case pointed one(s) is (are) full.
Inclusion:
• Visa approval code
• Twin-shared rooms at 2-4 star hotels.
• Admission fees for all sightseeing places
• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.
• Boat trip in Mekong River, Nha Trang Bay, Hue and Halong Bay.
• English or French speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.
• Land transfer by Reunification Train (4-soft berths, A/C cabin) and private car or van for whole
trip.
• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.)
could be arranged upon prior notice.
Exclusion:
• Travel insurances.
• Services not clearly mentioned above.
• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).
• International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax.
7. • Accommodation bases on ROH rooms. Higher room grade can be arranged with additional
charge. Similar hotel of the same rate will be selected in case pointed one(s) is (are) full.
Inclusion:
• Visa approval code
• Twin-shared rooms at 2-4 star hotels.
• Admission fees for all sightseeing places
• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.
• Boat trip in Mekong River, Nha Trang Bay, Hue and Halong Bay.
• English or French speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.
• Land transfer by Reunification Train (4-soft berths, A/C cabin) and private car or van for whole
trip.
• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.)
could be arranged upon prior notice.
Exclusion:
• Travel insurances.
• Services not clearly mentioned above.
• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).
• International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax.