ACTIVE HONEYMOON VIETNAM

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  Hanoi arrival

  Upon arrival in Hanoi - a thousand years Capital, you are met and transfer to hotel in the city centre.

  Free time at leisure to shake away from jetlag.
   
  Overnight in Hanoi.
• Day 2

  Hanoi – City highlights (Breakfast)

  The day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda- Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake.

  After your lunch, visit Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

  You then take a cyclo (rickshaws) ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake for photos.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Note: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & pagodas.

   - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mons & Fri afternoon.

  Optional for evening excursion (with surcharge): Exclusively designed by Vietnamstay

  SECRET OF PHO

  Pho, Vietnam’s national dish, is a noodle soup served in a large bowl eaten everywhere in Vietnam at any time of day but this evening, you will sample Pho in assorted dishes and drink. Be ready for a new experience awaiting your discovery.

  Pho cuon (Pho rolls) is basically a thicker rice noodle sheet, with sauteed beef, herbs and lettuce wrapped into a roll and dipped in sweetened fish sauce. Pho chien phong (fried Pho noodle) is square sheets of rice noodle, fried and added with fried beef & green broccoli onto the dish. The crunchiness of the noodles, the richness of beef, the sweet broccoli and the tasty sauce make Pho chien phong (fried Pho noodle) a completely different experience.

  Pho xao (stir fry Pho) or Pho tron (Pho in a sweetened & sour fish sauce) offer 2 additional choices for your sampling.

  What list of Vietnamese cuisine would be complete without Pho? A bowl of Pho consists of beef or chicken broth flavored with cloves, cinnamon and star anise, to which are added flat rice noodles, spring onions and slivers of chicken, or beef.

  Last but not least, explore an entirely new way to enjoy Pho: Pho in a glass or Pho cocktail. Invented in 2012 by mixologist Pham Tien Tiep, who was named Vietnam’s best bartender at the Diageo Reserve World Class cocktail competition that year. Pho cocktail contains many of the herbs and spices found in pho, without the broth or meat, its taste is refreshingly sweet. Sipping Pho cocktail, feel the flavor combination between sweet, sour and spicy.

  Return to your hotel after the memorable experience of tasting pho in assorted dishes and drink.

• Day 3

  Hanoi – Pu Luong (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Pu Luong. You enter Pu Luong Nature Reserve by road via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.

  In the afternoon, you will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk to search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.

  Transfer back to Pu Luong Retreat for dinner

  (~3km easy walk)

  Overnight in Pu Luong

• Day 4

  Pu Luong – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

  After breakfast, take a common and easy walk around the most beautiful valley of rice terraces in front of the Retreat. We start to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Then we will walk through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still when you see the panorama view of the village from above.

  Continue walk down hill to Uoi village then on to Lan village. If time permits, we will visit a local family where we can learn about their traditional brocade weaving (not guaranteed). Walk through the rice paddies again to get back to the main road to the car pick-up point. You will be transferred back to Puluong retreat and driver will pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi.

  (~6,5km trekking)

  Overnight in Hanoi.

• Day 5

  Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Make an early morning departure from Hanoi by shuttle bus and drive 3.5hours through the Red River Delta on our way to Halong city. Upon arrival, the crew will greet us abroad the traditional style junk with a refreshing welcome drink and then the cruise begins!

  While navigating the way through the emerald waters and limestone islands, lunch is served with delicious fresh seafood (vegetarians are also catered for). As cruising through the bay, marvel at the amazing karst scenery with different formations. Halong Bay is littered with hidden caves and grottoes and we’ll take some time to explore one of these. For those felling active you then can explore the bay by sea kayak. After the dinner, night fishing is available on the main deck.

  Overnight onboard on the bay.

  Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or local administration regulations.

• Day 6

  Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (Brunch)

  Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. We Continue cruising to explore more of the bay and enjoy the brunch breakfast before returning to the Jetty at noon time. Then shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi. Then private transfer will take you to Noi Bai airport for 1hr flight to Hue city.

  Land in Hue airport and transfer (no tour guide) to your hotel to check-in.

  Overnight in Hue.

• Day 7

  Hue highlights by motorbike (Breakfast, Lunch)

  You will be picked up at hotel by motorbike and leave for Thanh Toan Village where has tile roofed bridge, one of the famous ancient bridges in Vietnam for its old architecture and historical and cultural values. On the way, you will see the rice fields and visit some big temples such as Ngo and Tran Temples. Upon arrival, we visit local market and find out almost every type of product in market such as vegetable, fish, pork and offering.

  Continue to a special impressive cemetery where you learn about burial custom and tomb’s architecture in Vietnam. Keep riding ahead to the tomb of Khai Dinh King, a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. On the way, we stop at remnant Nine Bases Zone, an important weapon store built by colonial French military in 1941.

  Stop at Vong Canh Hill, view the beautiful scenery of natural space, Perfume River and Nguyen King's royal tombs and observe how locals make cinnamon incense as well as traditional Hue conical hats.

  Head out to Kim Long Village where preserves traditional garden houses. The Garden hides themselves after the evergreen hedges and you can listen to the echo of the past through the stories of the hosts and enjoy green tea and ginger jam.

  Lunch is served at a Pagoda where you can get to know more about Vietnamese Buddhism while chatting with the monks (lunch in pagoda is merely vegetarian).

  The next stop at a local family making many kinds of Hue traditional cakes. Warmly greeted by your host, sit down and learn how to make some traditional cakes such as Nam and Loc Cakes. Enjoy Hue cakes while chatting with your host. The last stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most fascinating and ancient pagoda in Hue city. Back to city central via poetic Perfume River by a dragon boat. Transfer to hotel by motorbike and end the trip at hotel.

  Overnight in Hue.

• Day 8

  Hue – Hoian (Breakfast)

  Depart Hue for Hoi An along the Highway 1. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam. The drive passes the coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop and takes us over Hai Van Pass ‘pass of the ocean clouds’. After check-in at hotel, visit the Ancient town – recently named as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit Tan Ky House, a late 18th-century merchant’s residence. The house itself is a fine example of combined Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese architecture, typical of the older houses in Hoi An. The Fukhien Association, also known as the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, was founded as a place where minority Fujian Chinese could hold meetings. Later it became a temple for the worship of Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen and sailors.

  Overnight in Hoi An.

• Day 9

  Hoian – Fish & Chip (Breakfast, Lunch)

  The morning excursion offers you a closer look into the countryside life in the outskirt of Hoi An Ancient town. Such an amazing experience with first easy bike through picturesque villages, rice fields, graveyard, see water buffalos, water coconut gardens, then meet & talk with local villagers as you meet. Continuing with an exciting basket boat rowing on the water coconut river.

  Later on, we take boat ride on a stunning river to see how local fishermen catch fish, reach Tra Que organic village for a mini course of cooking class and enjoy tasty lunch prepared by your host. After lunch, cycle back to hotel.

  Overnight in Hoian.

• Day 10

  Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)

  Take the mid-morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive HCMC, we are transferred to hotel.

  In the afternoon, begin exploring the sights of the city. Explore Saigon from Cho Lon District which is also known as “China Town” Visit the Chinese pagoda of Thien Hau, and Binh Tay Market, and then return to the visit Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Old Post Office in colonial architecture.

  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Day 11

  Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (Breakfast, Lunch)

  After breakfast, leave behind the hustle and bustle of Saigon to delve into the Mekong Delta, a patchwork of emerald greens and the rice bowl of southern Vietnam. After 2hours drive, arrive in Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu Bridge, hop on a private motorize and we cruise through the waterways and cannel of the Mekong delta to visit fruits orchards and learn about the local cottage industries like brick kiln-making, coconut processing, sleeping mats. Take a motorized cart (tuk tuk) or bicycle on shady paths, passing by green rice fiends and vegetable plains. Lunch is served in local restaurant.

  After lunch, experience a rowing-boat ride along beautiful water palm creek before we continue by the motorized boat back to the pier. Have unforgettable memories then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Day 12

  Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne Beach (Breakfast)

  Drive 4 hours to pass through National highway to Mui Ne peninsula (no guide). Phan Thiet – Mui Ne brings you some of the most heavenly settings in Vietnam; from the Sahara like sand dunes to the magical lights of the fishing vessels at sea. Upon arrival, check into one of resort on the beach, which is perfect choice for your honeymoon in Vietnam.

  Rest of day is at your leisure.

  Overnight in Mui Ne.

• Day 13

  Mui Ne Beach (Breakfast)

  Enjoy your beach relax time.

  Overnight in Mui Ne.

• Day 14

  Mui Ne Beach (Breakfast)

  Enjoy your beach relax time.

  Overnight in Mui Ne.

• Day 15

  Mui Ne Beach (Breakfast)

  Enjoy your beach relax time.

  Overnight in Mui Ne.

• Day 16

  Mui Ne Beach – Ho Chi Minh City Departure (Breakfast)

  You will be free today in Mui Ne until being transferred to Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon City in a good time to connect to your departure flight.

  End your honeymoon in Vietnam with good memories. Goodbye to Vietnam!

Kindly contact us or send email to tour@vietnamstay.com for the updated price!

Our services include: 

• Hotel room with daily breakfast as mention or similar
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi by shuttle bus.
• Entrance fees, other boat fees where applicable
• Meals as listed in the program B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner: pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food with set menu.
• Tours with local English speaking guide on day with tours.
• Private excursions on Day 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
• Private escorted guide together with Vietnamese sharing local guide in Puluong.
• Sharing local guide on boat in Halong Bay.
• Government taxes & service charges.

Our services do not include: 

• Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
• Surcharge for special request on food, and meals.
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time.
• Travel insurance
• All kind of gratuities for guides, drivers & others
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Internal airfares in the tour (please refer to the airfare supplement)
• International airfare from/to Vietnam
• Vietnam Visa handling fee, visa stamping fee.
• Personal expenses such as Bar, telephone & Laundry bills
• All other service not stated in the program.

A. CANCELLATION POLICY:
The cancellation charges below refer to the non-transferable fee that is charged to the group member who has cancelled their tour:

• More than 45 days before departure: No cancellation charge
• Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 10% of total tour cost 
• Between 30 days and 15 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
• Between 15 days and 7 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
• Less than 7 days before departure: 90% of total tour cost
• No-show at the airport on the day of arrival/departure: 100% of total tour cost

B. CHILDREN POLICY (land service only)

• Child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing bed with parents 
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate