Treasure of Vietnam Uncovered

Authentik Travel’s tour guide and driver welcome you at the airport and transfer to the city center.
Overnight in Saigon.

Depart Saigon to discover one of the most striking places in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels. 

Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug by the Viet Cong over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. You will also have a chance to visit Ben Duoc memorial temple nearby but far less touristic built in 1993 in memory of the Vietnamese killed at Cu Chi.

Return to Saigon.
Visit the Reunification palace (or the war memorials Museum), Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office inspired by Orsay Station in Paris.
Then, transfer to Cho Lon District to discover its old quarter, Binh Tay Market and the colorful Quan Am pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in the city. Its architecture and decorations have remained since its construction. Overnight in Saigon.

Our tour guide and driver welcome you at your hotel for your transfer to Ben Tre, a beautiful region  in the Mekong Delta River, famous for making coconut candy.
Arrive at Hung Vuong pier, then take a boat trip on the Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life.

Stop to visit the brick kiln of Mr Tu Lo and discover the craft methods of making bricks.
Next, visit the coconut factory and meet Mr Vo Van Ba. He is a man passionate about traditional music and has spent all his life making a collection of fifty folk instruments. Here, you can attend a show to appreciate his passion.
Continue your boat trip on a canal to Nhon Thanh Village. This will be an opportunity to taste the fresh fruits.

Take a bike ride (or Tuk tuk) on a small path through the villages and enjoy views of the coconut ranges, rice fields and vegetable gardens. A lunch of Elephant ear fish is served in the village. A short walk will help you to discover the local life in depth. This is followed by a boat ride on the small canal shaded by the wild palm trees.
Disembark Ben Tre for a 1 hour transfer to Cai Lay.

Arrive in Cai Lay in the late afternoon where you will stay overnight at a homestay. Use this time to get to know the host family and settle in your accommodation.
Take part in making Banh Xeo Nam Bo (traditional food in the region) with the host.
Have dinner and stay overnight in Cai Lay.

 

Have breakfast at the homestay and enjoy a bike ride (1-1.5 hours) on the path from Dong Hoa to Tam Binh, passing the durian gardens, Sapota gardens, and Longan gardens. Encounter the local people then visit the local village market. Return to the homestay for refreshments.

(Extension: Go for a 1 hour walk along the trail with a local and cycle to Ngu Hiep Island where the alluvium of the Mekong River has formed a fertile garden. These are unusual excursions in a luxuriant and authentic place.)
For those who do not wish to ride a bike, it is possible to ask our tour guide for a motorbike and to ride pillion.

Transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec where we can visit Kien An Cung pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le's house from the novel by Marguerite Duras  'L’Amant – the Lover'.  Discover the local market in Sa Dec which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Continue to Long Xuyen and visit Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm on route.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Long Xuyen.

 

In the morning, transfer to  the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen which are animated and authentic on a small tributary of the Mekong River.
Discover the daily activities of people living by the river.
Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho where there is a small museum about our president Ton Duc Thang.

Take a bike ride on the island and enjoy the beauty of the peaceful landscapes.
Take the road back to Saigon and check in at your hotel.

 

Transfer to airport for flight to Danang, pick up and transfer to Hoian ancient town.

Enjoy a city tour in Hoian ancient town which is listed in the Heritage of Humans.
Some real treasures that need to be discovered are Hoian Museum, Japanese bridge, China Town, Quan Thang ancient house, the local market and the old busy port of the 15th century for the international boats from China, Netherlands, Japan, and Poland.
Finally, visit the Thang Loi silk factory, known as a good establishment in Hoian to have tailor-made silk clothes.

In the evening, Embark on a small boat in Hoian town then depart to Thu Bon River which was once a very busy exchange place for a lot of international ships throughout the 15th century. The boat trip will take you along the river. This is a good chance for you to appreciate the landscape of the peaceful village by the river bank and admire the fishermen’s activities on the river. Enjoy the sunset in the late afternoon from April to November.
Overnight at Hoian.

Depart from your hotel in Hoian town either by bike or by boat to Kim Bong Village by the Thu Bon River.
Start a discovery in Kim Bong. This village has long been known for its wood carving. At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style.

Stroll around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products for your souvenirs.
After that, you can enjoy a 5km bike ride or motorbike taxi (if you choose not to ride a bike) from Kim Bong to Tra Nhieu. This is a real immersion into the countryside in the center of Vietnam. 
The trip will allow some unprecedented meetings for instance, Ms Duoc with the mat weaving, Mr Kha with the bamboo sampan basket making and Mr Huynh Ri with his craftsman shipyard.
A countryside landscape of palm and rice fields, buffaloes and farmers in the fields will surround you along the way.

Arrive in Tra Nhieu, then set off on a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village.
Enjoy some green tea at Mr Day's fisherman family then re-embark the bamboo sampan basket to go crab catching in the water palm tree forest. This is a relaxing moment after hours of biking.
Lunch at Mr Day.

After lunch, enjoy a nice walk in the village to discover how they make nipa for roofs and their daily activities.
Return to your hotel by 15:30
 

Depart from Hoian ancient town to Hue. Drive along the coastline and arrive in Danang. Enjoy a walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach and visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world.

Continue to Hue on the Mandarin Road via Sea Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass). Stop on the top of the pass to enjoy the breathtaking view to the ocean and Da Nang city.
Arrive in Hue and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda,  one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
Then, continue to the most anticipated site in Hue, Hue citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue.

Transfer to the pier by the Perfume River bank to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river.

Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride (or  motorbike) in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village.  The trip will immerse you into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.
In Tien Non Village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village.

Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. 

Keep going to Sinh Village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip.
Finally, Take boat back to the city. And transfer to airport for a short flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and driver to hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Exploring the Temple of Literature or Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, the outstanding Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, visiting the French Quarter, and discovering the Hanoi Old Quarter

9:00 AM: Get picked up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in the 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the names of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered the first national university of Vietnam.

The next stop is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments, and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

In the afternoon, visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing the day with a walking tour in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only a few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism in the 19th century. Your tour guide takes you to typical streets of Hanoi, such as Lan Ong Street, which sells traditional medicine, and Lo Ren Street, where metal items are produced. Stop to visit the Dong Xuan Central Market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien Street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of amazing local foods and drinks. Try to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

In the late afternoon, take a night train to Sapa.
Overnight on Train (Share 4 Berth AC cabin).

Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning, our local guide will pick you up at the railway station and transfer to Sapa town. 

Enjoy breakfast at local restaurant and start a full day of trekking from Cat Cat Village of the Black Hmong. Visit its beautiful waterfall then follow the path to Y Linh Ho village.
Arrive at Y Linh Ho bridge. Stop to relax a little bit then resume trekking along the buffalo path through the hills. You will have chance to enjoy the splendid view over the rice terrace valley considered one of the most fantastic of the world.
Lunch will be served on the way.
After lunch take a short break before trekking to the Lao Chai village of the black Hmong and Ta Van village of the Zay people.
At 16.00 meet our driver and transfer to Sapa
Overnight in Sapa.

Depart from your accommodation for the hike following the itinerary: Ma Tra – Ta Phin which is less touristic.

The journey will lead you to the superb rice terrace valley, meeting the local people of the Black Hmong and Red Zao ethnic groups. They were originally from southern China. They settled in Vietnam in the 11 century and still live at high altitude, far away from the modern world. This helps them to preserve their traditions, language and especially their ancestral way of life. Make a stop on the way to visit a Hmong family and school in Ma Tra Village. After a 3 hour trek, you will reach the Red Zao village for a transfer to the town.
Trekking distance: 12km – 3 hours.

In the afternoon, free to discover the town till meet our driver for a transfer to Lao Cai Railway station for train to Hanoi.
( Share 4 berth AC cabin).

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, Transfer to hotel by the gate of railway station to relax and at 8.00am meet guide and driver for a transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, driving through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta, painted by rice and vegetable fields.

After a 1.5 hour drive, you will arrive in Van Long (100km from Hanoi) where you will meet a typical 3-generation rural family. Be welcomed to their home with a cup of tea and learn about their idyllic local lifestyles through intimate conversation.
Take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century. 
Meet Mr Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy an authentic conversation as well as a 20 minute drum show. 

Later, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long Nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs.
After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.

Return to home stay in the late afternoon.
It is possible to take part in preparing dinner together with the host. Learn how to make traditional spring rolls (Nem)
Overnight homestay in Van Long.

After breakfast, we will depart for Halong via Nam Dinh and Thai Binh province. These areas are famous for  large rice fields as far as your eyes can see will follow you along the way.
12:00 - Embarkation at Hon Gai port, relax with a welcome drink.
13:00 – Enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat while cruising in to the bay through the enchanting landscapes of Bai Tu Long Bay ( Small Dragon Bay).
15:30 - Take part in activities according to the boat such as: visit Thien Canh Son cave, go kayaking, take a bamboo sampan ride to the Vang Vieng fishing village or simply just relax on the boat.
18:00 - Return to the boat, shower and take a rest.
19:00 - Enjoy a delicious dinner on the boat.
Stay overnight in a private cabin (with air conditioner and shower)

You are advised to get up early to enjoy the fresh air and sunrise in the beautiful scenery of Bai Tu Long.
Breakfast on the boat.
08:30 - Enjoy activities. Either visit the cave or embark a small bamboo sampan to visit Vung Vieng Fishing village, one of the spectacular floating villages in Halong. Encounter the locals and fishermen’s farm as well as a floating school (depends on the boat’s activity schedule)
09:30 - Return to the boat and check out of the cabin.
10:00 - Cruise back to Hon Gai port. On the way back, we will enjoy lunch on the boat. Last look at the legendary bay where dragons once descended.
11:45 - Arrive at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi.

Check in hotel and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Free till transfer to airport for flight home or next destinations.

Tour ends.