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Vietnam Tour Test – Sample

Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Phong Nha - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Nha Trang - Saigon - Mekong - Can Tho
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Overview

Overview

This unique Vietnam train journey offers amazing experiences throughout the country. The Reunification Express, known as the Thong Nhat Railway, traverses more than 1,726 kilometers (1,072 miles) between Hanoi and Saigon, the country’s two biggest cities. On the way along Vietnam, you will stop at most major travel destinations, stunning beaches, and join most interesting activities. Vietnam’s north-south railway is listed by the British travel guide, Lonely Planet, as one of 10 world’s ‘most amazing’ train journeys for 2019. Join now for fun!

Travel map

Vietnam Train Journey

Highlights

  • Sit and enjoy romantic scenery and rural landscapes along coastal towns on the train
  • Enjoy scenic rice terraces of Sapa and explore its cultures of ethnic groups
  • Explore the Mekong Delta culture and lifestyle
  • Observe the unique way of trading at floating market where barges loaded with fruits and vegetables gather for the early morning trade
  • Experience a slow pace of life when you walk around the impossibly atmospheric Ancient Town of Hoi An
  • Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of Halong Bay while feasting on sumptuous meals on board

Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.

Vietnam Train Journey
A Conner of Hanoi Old Quarter

Note*:

  • The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
  • Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please contact us, so we could easily search for you

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

In the morning, pickup for a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu 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.

Vietnam Train Journey
Hoan Kiem Lake

Back to the Old Quarter at noon time. Free time to explore Hanoi till pickup for evening overnight train to Lao Cai Station.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Early departure from Lao Cai train station on Saturday morning. Breakfast at local restaurant. Transfer by road 122km to Can Cau via Lao Cai city and Bac Ha Town. The road is good but having many sharp bend with a long descend and a long ascend which takes about 3 hours including one or two breaks along the way.

Vietnam Train Journey
Can Cau market

Arrive to the market place at about 9 am. Spend two hours joining the local tribal peoples including Flower H’mong, Black Zao, Phu La and Tay for the festive market activities where peoples in their best traditional costume gather every Saturday for shopping and socializing. The right location of the market place also offers photo-hunters ideal opportunity for taking photos, not only of peoples in colorful traditional costumes but also breathtaking landscapes of the perfect surrounding. Leaving the market almost at noon, drirve 20 km back to Bac Ha town for lunch break.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho, a small village of Nung and Flower Hmong. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruit of the area is plum. Visit a local house and taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. Then drive to hotel in Sapa in the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Sapa

Pickup at the hotel in the morning.

Followed by a 6 km walk down to Lao Chai village, and continue a further 3 km to Ta Van village where the Dzay minority people live. Here you will enjoy lunch provided for you in a local family home, all for you to discover their daily life, works and special custom, enjoy landscapes…

Vietnam Train Journey
Sapa Town

After lunch we will trek through bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village – home of the red Dzao. Nearby we will rest at a wonderful water fall followed by a rattan bridge crossing taking us back to the Jeep for our return to Sapa. You will have free time to explore Sapa by night.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Sapa

Pickup at the hotel at 07:30. We will be walking down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village where the Black H’mong reside. Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the remnants of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time.

Vietnam Train Journey
Sapa Rice Terrace

Continue on for 3 km to Sin Chai, which is located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, also known as “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here we take in the beautiful picturesque view before returning to Sapa by Jeep/van. Lunch at the local restaurant before the bus ride to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 9pm. Free.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train

Arrive the station in early morning. Pickup and transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Then free time till pickup for Halong tour.
08h00 – 08h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served

Vietnam Train Journey
Sunset in Halong Bay

13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Halong bay cruises

07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.

Vietnam Train Journey
Halong Kayaking

09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm. Drop off at small hotel for shower, then free time to explore Hanoi city till pickup for overnight train to Dong Hoi.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight train

Our driver and Guide will pick you up at Dong Hoi Train station. Transfer to the restaurant for breakfast.

Then we drive on to the Ho Chi Minh-West Trail. There will be a short stop at the 8 Ladies Cave. This is a memorial temple for 8 brave woman that sought shelter inside one of the caves during the war. Our tour guides will explain the entire story to the participants!

Vietnam Train Journey
Phong Nha Cave

Visit Paradise Cave. Named as Heaven in Mother Earth’s Underground, Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and magical wonders in the world. The Bristish Royal Caves Research Association has recognized it as the longest dry cave in Asia. Especially, the stalactite system here are so beautifully glizt and shimmey that beyond human’s imagination
Continue the journey to visit the Mooc Spring Eco Trail. The Mooc Spring Eco-Trail is home to many exotic animals like Gibbons, colorful birds, snakes, many fresh water fish and butterflies. Enjoy the great moments of relaxation, mix the natural scenery of the romantic Mooc stream.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Homestay in Phong Nha

Have breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Visit Phong Nha Cave. The only way to enter the cave is by a short 30 minute boat ride boat on the Son river. Every tour to Phong Nha Cave starts at the boat station at the Phong Nha Ke-Bang Tourism Center. The mouth of the cave is simply beautiful and unlike any other cave entrance in the world.

Conquering the Phong Nha Cave is the longest wet cave or river cave in the world , enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world.
Continue the journey to visit the Chay River – Dark Cave.

The entrance of the Dark Cave is at the opposite river bank from the Zip-Line tower. The beautiful deep blue color of the Chay river will catch your eye while riding the Zip-Line and a short 20 meter swim is required to actually enter the cave after the ride.

The cave is home to many lakes, with a water temperature of about 18 degrees. Inside the cave there are many unique things to see and experience! There is a natural mud bath at the end of one of the narrow passages and there are many ancient fossils to be found. The fossils are over a million years old!

Vietnam Train Journey
Phong Nha Caves

Our guides will provide information about the history of the cave while exploring it. After successfully exploring the cave it’s time to take the kayak and paddle back to the boat station. Pickup and drive to the train station to transfer to Hue Transfer to the hotel in Hue upon arrival.

Note*: we would have to arrange bus transfer in case there is not suitable train today.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

08:00: Pickup at the hotel.

Today, we will spend a full day touring Hue city.

In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.

Vietnam Train Journey
Thien My Pagoda

In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then free to explore Hue city.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Free to explore Hue city till transfer to the station for 2.5 hour day train to Danang.

Vietnam Train Journey
My Khe Beach

Enjoy scenic train journey through the most stunning route while passing Hai Van pass. Transfer to the hotel in Danang. Enjoy your free time to relax at a nearby beach hotel. Relax or swim at My Khe Beach.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang

In the morning, enjoy your free time to relax and swim at beautiful My Khe Beach.

Vietnam Train Journey
Cua Dai Beach – Hoian

In the afternoon, transfer to Hoian. Upon arrival, enjoy walking tour to visit Hoian ancient town. The interesting walking tour which brings you through Hoi An old streets, see many ancient houses with special architecture, observe the crowded daily life of locals, and also visit some famous sites here such as Fujian Assembly Hall or Japanese Covered Bridge. Also, you will have a chance to taste a cup of the famous herbal drink in Hoi An bought from a small lovely teashop on the street.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

8:30 AM – Your guide will meet you at your hotel. We’ll then take a gentle cycle on a short but beautiful ride through lush garden land, rice fields and small villages to a riverside garden.

Upon arrival, we’ll get embark a short basket ride along the village river. Basket boat is an unique mean of transportation in Hoi An to glide along its mangrove forest. After the ride, you’ll be welcome by a passionate team of gardeners and join them with some daily gardening. Depending on the time of year, this may include tilling the land, fertilizing the garden with seaweed or picking ripe vegetables. Throughout the experience, learn more about their daily lives and the rich culture that exists in the Vietnamese countryside.

Vietnam Train Journey
Hoian cooking

As midday approaches, we’ll join in to prepare our lunch using vegetables and herbs straight from the garden, then sit down and enjoy the tasty meal, wrapping up a memorable day in the countryside.

Cycling back to your hotel at around 2:00 PM. Arrive the hotel at about 3pm.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

It’s the day for you to experience Hoi An freely. You can take a day for relaxation after a long tiring trip, taste more outstanding street foods, and go shopping for handicraft products and souvenirs.

Vietnam Train Journey
Cua Dai beach

On the other hand, you may consider some suggestions for day tours below:

  • My Son Holy Land Tour: For anyone who loves historical stories and relics, a short trip to explore My Son Sanctuary where you can find many glorious and interesting Champa ruins.
  • Hoi An Vespa Tour: Somehow, the Vespa matches perfectly with the small ancient streets in Hoi An and becomes one of the best ways to explore and check-in in the town.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Enjoy your free day to explore Hoian ancient town or nearby Cua Dai Beach.

Vietnam Train Journey
Hoian Ancient town

In the evening, pickup and transfer to the station for overnight train to Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Arrive station early in the morning. Pickup and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. Then free time to swim or relax in Danang.

Vietnam Train Journey
Nha Trang Beach

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

Arrive Saigon early in the morning. Pickup and transfer to the the hotel for breakfast (early checkin is not included). After breakfast, half day city tour to explore Saigon.

Vietnam Train Journey
Saigon Post Office

Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and start the trip to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding 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 in the village paths to contemplate orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and Vietnamese folk music performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Vietnam Train Journey
Mekong River Delta

Be rowed in a small sampan through the Thoi Son canal and treat yourself to the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business & bee-keeping farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at the local restaurant. Break time.
The afternoon is time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meeting the local people to experience their daily life in the Mekong delta. Relaxing on hammocks to enjoy the cool breeze is for those do not want to join the cycling trip. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a leisure boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River) then visit to Cai Rang floating market which is the liveliest one in the whole of region.

Vietnam Train Journey
Mekong River life

Walking trip to visit the fruit plantation and local noodle factory. Visit Binh Thuy communal house and Munir Ansay Pagoda – a Khmer pagoda, renowned for its unique structure.
Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Saigon in late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Free till airport transfer for departure flight. Trip ends.
Meal Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Important Note*

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
  • The itinerary can be customized basing on your interests (you can extend your stay at each location, add/remove activities)

Price & Inclusion

Hotel category Private Tour
(US$/person)
2 – 4 pax 5-8 pax 9+ pax
3* Hotels US$ US$ US$
4* Hotels US$ US$ US$
5* Hotels US$ US$ US$
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Note*:

  • All prices are in USD per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
  • Small group tour – daily departure with max 12 pax (for Halong and Mekong Cruises, you will join bus by boat companies)
  • In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.
  • Similar hotels are selected if any of above are booked
  • Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Booking Policy

Price Includes

  • Overnights in selected hotels or similar
  • Halong bay 2 day Cruise package
  • All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
  • Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles (including pick up & see off)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Overnight train: Hanoi – Lao Cai, Hanoi – Dong Hoi, Danang – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Saigon
  • Day train: Dong Hoi – Hue, Hue – Danang

Price excludes

  • Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
  • Visa stamping fee
  • International flights pre/post tour
  • Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation received 60 days or more before arrival date: 15% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 25% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 70% of total rate
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate

Children Policy

  • For infant (<02 years old): FOC except charge for trains ($100)
  • 02 – 10 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
  • 02 – 10 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 02 – 10 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
  • from 11 years old: 100% adult rate

Note*: The rate is for 1 child accompanied by two adults

Questions & Answers

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.

Emergency contact numbers

Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655

Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964

If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.

Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.

We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.

Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.

Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.

All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.

Conservative Dress

  • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
  • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.

Documents

  • All tickets (required)
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Required visas
  • Hotel & Tour Vouchers
  • Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

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5 star ratingWonderful Time in Vietnam with Indochina Trek Visited Vietnam with my mother and needed help with arranging transportation, accommodation and specific tours. Consulted with Kelvin Do from Indochina Trek on a customized private tour. He was great to work with. Always helpful with suggestions. Made sure we... read more
Es C
01/12/24
5 star ratingCambodia for 18 days - A journey through time Amazing experience through out Cambodia. We are well traveled senior couple and usually travel least once every year for about 20 days. Cambodia was in our most recent list. We sellected Kelvin and his team for excellent reviews we had... read more
Meggi O
01/12/24
5 star ratingFrom Luang Prabang to Halong Bay, a tale of two nations The Vietnam & Laos combination was perfect. Watching monks collect alms in Luang Prabang, exploring the mysterious Plain of Jars, then transitioning to Vietnam's dynamic energy - simply incredible. The guides' knowledge enhanced every experience, and the accommodations were consistently excellent.
Edie Herd Avatar
Edie Herd
30/11/24
5 star ratingTwo countries, one amazing adventure What a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia! The transitions were seamless, and the contrast between the two cultures was fascinating. Highlights included sunrise at Angkor Wat, the Cu Chi tunnels, impressive halong bay, Hoian ancient town and a magical Mekong... read more
Brynna Murphy Avatar
Brynna Murphy
25/11/24
5 star ratingA perfect first timer's tour Anna Pham was our travel consultant. She suggested an itinerary that provided an excellent balance of cultural immersion and comfort. We had time to explore cultures & history and to relax. We liked street food tour by scooter through Hanoi's... read more
Sheila C Avatar
Sheila C
24/11/24
5 star ratingOur authentic Vietnam journey This tour took us beyond the tourist trail! We loved the homestay in Mai Chau, where we learned traditional weaving. The street food tour in Hanoi was mind-blowing - our guide knew all the local secrets. Cycling through Hoi An's... read more
Leonidaho Avatar
Leonidaho
20/11/24
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from £1,175

Our selected Hotels

Cities 3* Hotels 4* hotels 5* Hotels
Hanoi Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa Golden Silk Boutique Oriental Jade
Sapa Sapa Panorama Hotel Sapa Amazing Hotel Victoria Resort
Halong Bay Cruise Swan Cruise La Regina Cruise Sealife Legend
Ninh Binh Tam Coc Friendly homestay Lalita Boutique Hotel
Hue Hue Orchid hotel Hue Eldora Imperial Hotel
Hoian Kim Ann Hoi An Vinh Hung Riverside Victoria Hoian Resort
Saigon Queen Ann Hotel Alagon D'Antique hotel & Spa Renaissance Riverside
Phnom Penh Saravoan Royal Palace Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel Shokha Phnom Penh
Siem Reap Angkor Holiday Hotel Somadevi Angkor Shokha Angkor

Note*:

  • Depending on your budget, you can choose a suitable hotel category

  • Early checking/late checkout are not included and you can change the to any other hotels  and room type if required. Additional charge/discount will be made accordingly

  • The list of hotels are used for our all tour itineraries which may includes Cambodia

  • We would use similar hotels in case any of above are fully booked.

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