If you want to combine the culture, nature and cuisine of Vietnam with an uncomplicated beach extension, this example route is perfect. In just under three weeks you can explore large cities and remote villages, traveling by ship, train, car, bike, Vespa and on foot. During the entire tour you have the opportunity to be accompanied by local guides – in either English or German, depending on your personal preference.
This is an example of one of our tours and should serve as a source of inspiration. Of course, the itinerary including the destinations can be adapted and we will be happy to work out a round trip for you that is tailored to your interests and budget. According to COUNTRYAAH, Vietnam is a country located in southeastern Asia starting with V.
Best travel time: November to April
Travel Duration: This journey lasts 20 days. In general, we recommend planning at least 14 days for a Vietnam tour in order to get to know the country and its people away from the tourist hotspots. After all, there should still be enough time to just let your mind wander and let what you have experienced have an effect on you.
Travel planning: In Vietnam, immerse yourself in a country with moving history, breathtaking nature and one of the most delicious cuisines in all of Southeast Asia. Make sure to choose one of the lovingly furnished boutique or. Heritage hotels to stay overnight instead of the anonymous accommodations offered in many places.
Tip: Do not travel during the Vietnamese New Year, when all shops and museums are closed and the prices for accommodation are much more expensive than usual.
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to the hotel with a local German-speaking tour guide. In the evening you go on a street food tour with your guide to get an insight into the various delicacies of North Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 Hanoi
City tour of Hanoi with a visit to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, the Jade Mountain Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and the old town, which looks back on a thousand-year history. Its 36 alleys, assigned to the respective guilds, are among the liveliest and most unusual places in Vietnam. A special highlight is a visit to the water puppet theater: The water puppets were created more than a thousand years ago in the Red River delta near Hanoi for entertainment during the rainy season. The show program is a combination of 17 different stories about the life of the farmers. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay with cruise
After breakfast you will be picked up and driven to the unique Halong Bay. Halong Bay, 170 km east of Hanoi, offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam and was already placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. In the large bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, around 2000 islands of all sizes and in bizarre shapes rise from the blue-green water. Enjoy this fairytale sight on a two-day cruise through Halong Bay. You can also go kayaking or swimming along the way. Overnight on board.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi
Start the day with a tai chi lesson on the sun deck before continuing your cruise and visiting beautiful locations such as Trong (drum), Trinh Nu (virgin), Me Cung caves and Coc Ngoi (Toad) drive past the island. Then transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a village in the mountains. In the afternoon you will go on a bike tour to Tong Dau, Na Tang, Cha Long, where there are fewer tourists. Back to Mai Chau for dinner.
Day 6: Mai Chau (Hoa Binh Reserve)
Today a beautiful and varied landscape awaits you with limestone mountains, waterfalls, rice terraces, floating villages and the Hoa Binh Lake, which is known as the Halong Bay of the Mountains. Discover the beautiful landscape and everyday life of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. Afterwards, hike through the Tan Mai, Ba Khan and Phu Cuong communities to learn about the everyday life of the Muong ethnic minority.
Day 7: Mai Chau – Hanoi – Hue
Free time then drive back to Hanoi. Overnight on the night train from Hanoi to Hue.
Day 8: Hue
Treat yourself to a good breakfast upon arrival in Hue. You will then visit the grave of Emperor Tu Duc. It is one of the finest works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, set in a vast, lush pine forest just 8 km from Hue. This tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (1848-1883) who ruled the longest of all monarchs of the Nguyen Dynasty. Construction of the tomb began in December 1864 and it was completed in 1867. The mausoleum of the later King Khai Dinh (1916-1925) is similar in structure but completely different in terms of furnishings. The way to the mausoleum goes up a hill 10 km southwest of Hue. The elaborate decorations are in Western and Vietnamese styles. Colored glass and sheet metal dominate the tomb itself. On the way back to the hotel, you will stop in a village known for the production of incense sticks and typical Vietnamese hats. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue
The guide will pick you up from the hotel and the bike tour will start on Le Loi Street. After crossing the Truong Tien Bridge, you will experience the real life of the local people at the Dong Ba Market. Then we continue along the Dong Ba River. You will then be picked up and start a ride on a traditional “dragon boat” on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda is considered to be one of the most important in the country. Afterwards you visit the citadel with the old royal palace with the hall of the highest harmony (Dien Thai Hoa). A one-hour rickshaw ride gives you an impression of the size of the citadel. In the afternoon you will visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture in Vietnam. On the way back stop in a village which is known for making typical Vietnamese hats. Overnight in Hue.
Day 10: Hue – Hoi An
In the morning about 3 hours drive from Hue to Hoi An (140 km) over the cloud pass. Upon arrival in Hoi An, check-in at the hotel and a short refreshment break. This is followed by a city tour in the old district of Hoi Ans with a visit to the history museum, the assembly hall of the Chinese community and the Japanese bridge. The tour ends with a visit to one of the historic houses in the old town, which is under UNESCO protection. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An
Free time. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang / Dalat
In the morning you will be brought to the airport and fly from Da Nang to Dalat with transfer to the hotel. City tour in the afternoon. Overnight in Dalat. Dalat is a piece of Europe in the central highlands of Vietnam. The French rulers chose Dalat as a retreat because of the cool climate during the colonial times. Dalat is very popular with tourists because of the mild temperatures, the attractive landscape, the colonial villas, gardens and lakes.
Day 13: Dalat
cooking class at the Ana Mandara Villas with lunch: Transfer from the hotel to the Ana Mandara Villas. Here you will learn how to prepare typical Vietnamese dishes. After the cooking class we will eat together. You cook a starter and a main course (including meat / seafood and vegetables). The dessert consists of seasonal fruits. The recipe is then made available for all home-cooked dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Bao Dais Summer Palace, the old Dalat Railway Station and the Valley of Love.
Day 14: Dalat – Phan Thiet
Today the journey continues to Phan Thiet. On the way, visit the Po Klong Garai Towers, which were built by King Jaya Simhavarman during the Champa Empire. When you arrive in Phan Thiet, we will bring you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy the time on the beach or at the hotel pool.
15th – 17th day: Phan Thiet
Relaxing stay on the beach in Phan Thiet. Take a relaxed look back at your experiences in Vietnam and treat yourself to a break.
Day 18: Phan Thiet – Saigon
Overland trip to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon – is the largest city in Vietnam with a steadily growing population of around 10 million people today. The pulsating metropolis lives in a 24-hour rhythm, life here takes place on the streets. Modern skyscrapers now dominate the cityscape, but the splendid colonial architecture has largely been preserved. In the evening Saigon by Night Vespa tour with an experienced Vespa driver and an English-speaking guide. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 19: Saigon
The full day city tour gives you a wonderful overview of the rapidly developing city. You will learn a lot about the history and culture of Saigon during a visit to the History Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic post office. You can experience everyday life up close with the street vendors and vendors in the Binh Tay market, in the Museum of Traditional Medicine, but also in the Chinese-influenced Thien Hau Temple of Cholon. After the tour you will have time to shop in the Ben Thanh Market and on the old Dong Khoi promenade.
Day 20: Saigon – Cu Chi – Saigon
The tunnel system, which can be visited at Cu Chi, 75 km from Saigon, measures a total of 200 km. In the tunnels, which run on three levels, there are living rooms, storage rooms, hospital wards, command posts and kitchens. The fighters of the liberation front hid here and transported weapons and goods from near the Cambodian border to Saigon. Today’s tunnels have been expanded and paved so that visitors can enter them. You have the afternoon at leisure in Saigon before you are driven to the airport and it is time to say goodbye to Vietnam. Onward journey to Cambodia or back to Switzerland. Or how about a few relaxing days at the beach in one of the dreamily located resorts?
