Colours of Vietnam - 14 Days
Tour Code: VT-4
Start ~ Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish ~ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Physical rating: 2 out of 5
The Itinerary
“Welcome to Vietnam” at the airport by your EMH tours’ transfer team. We then transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Meal is not included on this day.
Suggestions for your free time:
- Take a slow walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is very scenic, so remember to bring your camera.
- In walking distance from your hotel, you can go to Thang Long theatre where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
- Another option is to do shopping, you will find plenty of shops in the old town as well as street night market. Should you wish to taste famous Vietnamese coffee, you will find many coffee shops in French style with a view to the lake.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for the city tour. We first head out to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a 1400 year-old temple, the oldest in the city and is located near West Lake offering a watery landscape, the pagoda is a very scenic attraction.
Then, we’ll drive to Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s House and the One-pillar pagoda – a very iconic temple in Vietnam.
Temple of Literature will be our next stop. This ancient site offers a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature.
Thereafter, we will continue our tour to Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of Jade Mountain, dedicated to Confucian and Taoist philosophers and the national hero Tran Hung Dao. Photography is also popular at this Huc bridge, a landmark red wooden bridge, leading over a lake to a shrine.
This tour will end with a drop off back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up early and depart your hotel in Hanoi for a transfer by shared van to Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the true natural wonders of the world. In this sweet spot where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters and the seascape takes on an otherworldly quality.
The eastward drive from Hanoi takes about four hours, and you’ll arrive at the port about noon. Here you’ll board a pleasure boat for an unforgettable overnight cruise along the bay. After a welcome aboard the ship, you’ll be led to your cabin followed by a short trip briefing.
Once the ship gets underway, you’ll enjoy a lunch of fresh, locally caught seafood.
Cruise at a gentle pace, disembark onto smaller boats to venture into grottos and caves, stop to explore floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points.
You’ll return to the boat just in time to watch the incomparable sunset from the top deck ship before sitting down for a dinner of more delicious, fresh seafood.
Evening entertainments or activities onboard (such as cards game, chess, karaoke, squid fishing) are also available.
Please note, each junk operates with a slightly different itinerary and on board facilities.
Accommodation: Overnight Onboard a Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the cruise’s sundeck accompanied by complimentary tea and coffee. It’s the perfect locale to integrate your mind and body as the sunrise over the bay compliments this internal martial art perfectly. With a rejuvenated spirit and newly healthy qi (life energy), you’ll sit down for a light breakfast to be served on board.
After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunities for a swim, or to explore by kayak or to join other available activities.
Please note, each junk operates with a slightly different itinerary and on board facilities.
Afterward, you’ll return to the cruise where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch. Then you’ll be transferred to a dock on the mainland followed by a drive to Hanoi.
When we arrive in Hanoi, we will check in the hotel for a few hours to take a shower and to have a dinner (dinner is at your own expense). We then drive to the railway station for an express train to Sapa.
Accommodation: Overnight on King Express Train (Private Cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Arrive at Lao Cai railway station in the early morning, then drive straight to your hotel in Sapa for breakfast. The drive will take approximately one hour.
As the check-in time for the hotel is around noon, you can take this morning at leisure at the hotel lobby, or explore the beauty of Sapa independently.
Suggestions for your free time:
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Tribe Village Excursions – You’ll explore the beauty of Sapa, an incredibly charming place on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range near the Chinese border in northwestern Vietnam. Soft-trek through the villages and vibrant green rice fields to discover Lao Chai village, Muong Hoa Valley and the surrounding mountains and rice terrace fields. Next visit the Black H’mong village in Lao Chai, trek further to Ta Van village all while witnessing the simple way of life of the local village people. Return to Sapa town by car in the afternoon. Today requires comfortable walking shoes – while the trek is easy it will take approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at leisure in Sapa. In the afternoon, we will take a bus ride to Noi Bai airport located in Hanoi. When we arrive at the airport, we will check in the flight to fly to Da Nang. The flight time is approx. 1½ hours. On arrival, we’ll drive to Hoi An, about 45 minutes drive, to check-in the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set out on foot to discover the hidden local gems of Hoi An in a day. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere making it the perfect setting for a stroll to take in the historical architecture. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a favourite of visitors who come to admire its pretty riverfront promenade, French-influenced architecture, covered Japanese bridge and busy local market. All the while, your English speaking guide will be relating an animated history of the sites you stroll past.
If time allows, we will take a 30-minutes cruise ride along Thu Bon River to enjoy the beauty of this ancient town.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is at leisure to relax at your hotel, or explore the area of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site, independently.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Suggestions for your free time:
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Golden Bridge – Travel to the foot of the Ba Na Hills and ride by cable car up to the Marseille station. It is a short walk to the Golden Bridge from the station. The newly-opened bridge has been designed to make its visitors feel as though they’re walking on clouds. Make sure your camera is charged for the incredible photo opportunities! Continue with a walk into le Jardin d’Amour. The whole garden is made up of 9 gardens, all telling different stories and designed in different styles. The last stop of the excursion is a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the 27-metre high Shakyamuni statue.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): My Son Sanctuary Tour – Depart the hotel for the 40km journey outside Hoi An. Arrive at My Son Sanctuary, a great sample of ancient Champa civilization situated in the southern region of Vietnam. Stand astounded by a great number of exquisite stone sculptures, temples and towers nestled in tropical jungle.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Tra Que Vegetable Village Tour – Observe and try the local farming activities. Learn the process of planting vegetable such as raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many others. A light meal will be served during the tour.
Yet another leisurely, relaxing day, or explore more of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site, independently.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Suggestions for your free time:
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Golden Bridge – Travel to the foot of the Ba Na Hills and ride by cable car up to the Marseille station. It is a short walk to the Golden Bridge from the station. The newly-opened bridge has been designed to make its visitors feel as though they’re walking on clouds. Make sure your camera is charged for the incredible photo opportunities! Continue with a walk into le Jardin d’Amour. The whole garden is made up of 9 gardens, all telling different stories and designed in different styles. The last stop of the excursion is a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the 27-metre high Shakyamuni statue.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): My Son Sanctuary Tour – Depart the hotel for the 40km journey outside Hoi An. Arrive at My Son Sanctuary, a great sample of ancient Champa civilization situated in the southern region of Vietnam. Stand astounded by a great number of exquisite stone sculptures, temples and towers nestled in tropical jungle.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Tra Que Vegetable Village Tour – Observe and try the local farming activities. Learn the process of planting vegetable such as raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many others. A light meal will be served during the tour.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll leave for the Da Nang airport to fly to the Ho Chi Minh City. The flight time is approx. 1½ hours. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off to explore Vietnam’s picturesque Mekong Delta on this day trip. The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a stunning maze of rivers, islets, small villages with rice paddies and fruit plantations.
Firstly, we’ll drive to My Tho City. We can observe as the bustling city views transition to serene rice fields and rural settings. On the way, you will have a visit at the Vinh Trang Pagoda. On arrival in My Tho, hop on a boat for a calm cruise along the river observing stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. Then, continue to Tortoise Islet where we’ll have our lunch in the orchard garden.
After lunch, your boat will take you to An Khanh in the beautiful green province of Ben Tre. Taste some local treats like coconut candy and honey tea as you sit back and relax on your wooden river boat in the comfort of the shaded canals covered by water-coconut trees.
Then, your boat will bring you to the marvellous tropical fruit gardens to enjoy a Southern Vietnamese folk music performance by the local islanders. After a relaxing cultural experience on the water, we’ll return to the Ho Chi Minh City by road.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we will start our sightseeing tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Walk the streets of Ho Chi Minh to soak in its unique atmosphere and see its key sights.
- Visit important historical monuments: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Nortre Dame Cathedral and more.
- Take pictures with well-known landmarks.
- Learn about this fascinating and historic Vietnamese city from your English speaking guide.
We will return to the hotel after lunch at the local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is at leisure to relax at your hotel, or explore more of the local area independently.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Suggestions for your free time:
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Cu Chi Tunnels: A byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers and booby traps used by both the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong during Vietnam-US war. The tunnel system had become legendary during the 1960s as a strategic military base and underground community life.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): A O Show is a sophisticated cultural show featuring talented. This show will bring you on a journey from the rural to the urban life of Vietnam via a series of sketches and acts involving Vietnamese traditional props.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Teh Dar Show – Join us a fantastic cultural Teh Dar Show and immerse in an interesting story of Vietnamese highlanders. Get ready to be amazed at the stunning acrobatic movements of the skilled artists and feel the spiritual life’s beauty through an exceptional background live music.
Optional Tour (additional cost applies, this tour can be booked locally): Dinner on Saigon River Cruise Tour
Breakfast and free time until time to go to the airport for departure flight. Then, transfer you to the Ho Chi Minh International Airport according to your flight departure time.
Meals: Breakfast
~ 12 nights accommodation: Standard Option (3 Star Hotels) or Premium Option (4 Star Hotels)
~ 1 night accommodation onboard on Halong Bay
~ 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner as mentioned
~ 2 internal flights
~ professional English speaking tour guides
~ sightseeing tours with air-conditioned vehicles
~ express train travel to Sapa with private cabin
~ kayaking in Halong Bay
~ entrance fees for mentioned visits
~ return airport transfers
~ enjoy exploring Vietnam as per itinerary
~ Visa fee
~ Meals not specified in the “Inclusions” section
~ Personal insurance and other personal expense
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most nationalities are required to obtain tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa, you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate, the cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.
Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam. This exemption period is currently effective until 30 June 2021, and is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days, you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy).
An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia (from 2018), France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website, https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.
E-visas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Vietnam?
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Vietnam and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are strongly recommended.
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
As drinking tap water isn’t safe in Vietnam, only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. You can help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your tour guides and your hotels can tell you where to find filtered water at hotels.
What is currency in Vietnam?
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, which is abbreviated to ‘d’.
Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged locally at the airport, bureau de changes or banks. US Dollar notes are widely accepted and shopkeepers use both currencies interchangeably. You can often pay for items in USD and receive your change in USD notes and VND coins. Make sure that your USD bills are crisp and clean and you will have no problem using or exchanging these throughout your stay.
ATM machines can be found in all major cities though it is not common to pay with credit card in restaurants, cafes or shops for purchases.
Please note, it’s nearly impossible to change the currency outside of Vietnam so make sure you exchange any leftover notes before you leave.
What do foods and drinks cost in Vietnam?
Local-style coffee at a cafe = around 15,000 VND
Bowl of pho from street stall = between 20,000-30,000 VND
Dinner at a simple restaurant = between 70,000-100,000 VND
Dinner at a up-market restaurant = 200,000+ VND
What’s the food like in Vietnam?
Traditional Vietnamese food is typified by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables and it is wide regional variance. Vietnamese food is influenced by its Chinese and Khmer neighbours and echoes of French colonisation. Some of the best things to eat in Vietnam are noodle soups (pho, bun mam, bun bo hue), bread rolls (banh mi), savoury pancakes (banh xeo) and fresh tropical fruits.
Is tipping customary in Vietnam?
Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.
What’re the toilets like in Vietnam?
Although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in your hotels and tourist areas, squat toilets are most common in Vietnam. Please ensure that you carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided.
Is WiFi widely available in Vietnam?
Internet can be accessed at tourist areas and most hotels, but be aware, the speed may be slower than what you are used to.
Can I use my mobile phone while in Vietnam?
You’ll be able to use your mobile phone in most tourist areas of Vietnam, although rural and remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.
What to wear in Vietnam?
While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the North, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket.
What sort of sockets are used in Vietnam and what is the voltage?
The standard voltage in Vietnam is 220 volts. Primary sockets generally require 2 flat prong plugs, 2 round pin plugs, and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use British standard 3-pin plugs. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Weather overview
While Vietnam is typically warm and humid, the country has a highly variable climate that’s best explained by dividing the country into three distinct regions – the north, central and the south.
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh) has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C with the coldest months being January – March.
Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall. July to September are often the wettest months of the year. During these months, severe weather can prevent junks sailing in Halong Bay although such weather is rare.
Mountainous Far North (Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai) is divided into two seasons: the dry season runs from October to late March with the wet season lasting from April to September. It can get very cold and frosty in December and January, especially at night.
The best months to travel in the north-east (Ha Giang) is during the dry season, from October to April, although December and January can get very cold. We recommend avoiding travelling in Ha Giang during the rainy season (May to September).
Trekking and adventure:
The best trekking conditions in Sapa and around Mu Cang Chai can be experienced between September & November, and from March to May. Daytime temperatures range from 15-28°C, and night-time temperatures from 10-18°C. Trekking and cycling are possible year round, however the winter time can be rather chilly, and the summer rather wet.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang) have hot and dry weather from mid-January to late August, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30’s °C. During the winter months the rainfall increases with October and November achieving peak levels, occasionally in the form of typhoons.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc & Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai): the climate of the south is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends in April/early May with late February to May being slightly hotter and more humid. The wet season lasts from May until early November with the months from June, July & August receiving the highest rainfall of the year. Throughout much of the wet season rainfall is generally heavy but short lasting, often occurring in a mid-afternoon heavy downpour. The average temperatures in the south range between 25 – 35°C year round.
Don’t forget you can modify this tour. Whether you enjoy travelling as a part of a small group with other like-minded travellers, or perhaps you are looking for your very own private journey, we have the right option for you. Click on talk to us button to send us your enquiry.