Tour of the Unusual in Vietnam 14 Days

Embark on a unique 14-day journey through Vietnam, blending classic attractions with extraordinary, hands-on experiences. This tour immerses you in the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering activities that go beyond typical sightseeing.

Start in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, where you’ll explore iconic sites like Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the lively Old Quarter. Add a creative twist with a Candle Making Workshop, crafting your own scented candles from natural wax and essential oils—a unique souvenir.

Travel to the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces and traditional Red Dao herb baths. Engage deeply with local culture in Ta Phin village, learning traditional crafts like weaving, batik, and dyeing from artisans. Enhance your experience with a session in Hmong and Vietnamese cooking.

Journey to Bai Tu Long Bay for a serene alternative to the crowded Halong Bay. Aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, explore stunning limestone karsts, clear waters, Thien Canh Son cave, and Hon Co Island. Practice Tai Chi on the sundeck and visit Vung Vieng fishing village by row-boat, providing an authentic glimpse into local life.

In Yen Duc village, experience rural Vietnamese life through farming activities, a traditional water puppet show, and making floating rice cakes. These activities offer an intimate look at agricultural traditions and folk culture often overlooked in conventional tours.

Hue adds another layer of cultural richness with a cycling tour through Thuy Bieu Village, visiting incense makers and silk painters, cooking local dishes, and enjoying a herbal foot bath. Explore Hue’s ancient citadel and conclude with a royal-themed dinner, complete with traditional costumes and cuisine.

Hoi An, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town, offers classic charm with a twist. Participate in a lantern-making class and enjoy a fisherman tour in Phuoc Hai Fishing Village, including a seafood dinner on board. A free day allows you to explore at your own pace.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the tour incorporates modern vibrancy with a scooter nightlife tour, sampling street food and experiencing the lively atmosphere. Delve into Vietnamese coffee culture, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy a traditional music performance, rounding off your journey with a blend of the classic and unique.

This tour combines iconic sites and hands-on activities, offering a distinctive and enriching travel experience that showcases Vietnam’s diverse beauty and cultural depth.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (GP)

Touching down at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted by our friendly guide and whisked away to your hotel. Take the evening to unwind and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Vietnam’s bustling capital.

Day 2: Discovering Hanoi and Candle Making Workshop (B, L, G)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before meeting your guide for a whirlwind tour of Hanoi’s heart. Explore the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, the serene Ngoc Son Temple, and the lively Old Quarter, a charming jumble of shops, eateries, and historic architecture. Enjoy a street food brunch, sampling delights like Hanoi Pho, Nom, Banh Goi, and Bun Cha.

In the afternoon, dive into a hands-on Candle Making Workshop, creating your own scented candles with natural wax and essential oils. Let your creativity flow and take home your beautiful creations. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Journey to Sapa and Ethnic Village Hike (B,L, DP in Hanoi, G in Sapa)

At 6:30 am, depart for Sapa via a scenic drive through Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces. Arrive in Sapa, a charming mountain town near Vietnam’s highest peak, Mt. Fan Si Pan.

After lunch and a short rest, embark on a hike to Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao ethnic minority. Marvel at the stunning rice terraces and experience the local culture, finishing the day with a traditional Red Dao herb bath. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4: Craftsmanship and Culture in Sapa (B, L, G)

Travel to Ta Phin village for a day of traditional crafts. Learn weaving, batik, and dyeing techniques from local experts, then try your hand at Hmong and Vietnamese cooking.

After lunch, trek to a sacred cave before diving into an embroidery session. In the evening, board an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Cruise Through Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D, G)

Arrive in Hanoi early and freshen up before heading to Bai Tu Long Bay. Board a traditional wooden junk boat to explore the stunning limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters.

Visit Thien Canh Son cave, relax on Hon Co Island’s sandy beach, and enjoy the amenities of the luxurious Dragon Legend Cruise. Overnight on the boat in Tra San.

Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay to Yen Duc Village (B, L, D, G)

Begin the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck, then visit Vung Vieng fishing village by row-boat. After lunch, disembark and head to Yen Duc village.

Watch a traditional water puppet show, participate in farming activities, and enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese dinner. End the evening making traditional floating rice cakes. Overnight in Viet House.

Day 7: Explore Yen Duc and Fly to Hue (B, L, G)

Start with Tai Chi, breakfast, and a village stroll. Visit the local market and a villager’s home to learn traditional crafts. After lunch, travel to Hanoi for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 8: Cycling in Thuy Bieu Village and Hue’s Ancient Citadel (B, L, D, G)

Cycle through Thuy Bieu Village, visiting incense makers and silk painters. Learn to cook local dishes and enjoy a relaxing herbal foot bath. In the afternoon, tour Hue’s ancient citadel, exploring royal palaces and historic sites. End the day with a royal-themed dinner, complete with traditional costumes and cuisine. Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Hoi An and Lantern Making Class (B, L, G)

In the morning you’ll be driven to Danang, crossing the picturesque Hai Van Pass. In Hoi An, tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town and participate in a lantern-making class. Enjoy the evening exploring Hoi An’s charming streets and vibrant markets. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An Cooking Class and Fisherman Tour (B, L, D, G)

In the morning you’ll be joining a cooking class at Otta Cuisine, starting with a market tour to buy fresh ingredients. After preparing and enjoying your meal, head to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village for a basket boat demonstration, fishing experience, and a seafood dinner on board. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11: Free Day in Hoi An (B)

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Hoi An at your own pace. Stroll through the town, relax on the beach, or shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and Scooter Nightlife Tour (B, D, DP in Hoi An, G in Ho Chi Minh City)

After a morning of leisure, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife on a scooter, visiting markets, tasting local street food, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Saigon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: The Rhythm of Saigon (B, Street Food, G)

Start your day with a coffee experience, learning about Vietnamese coffee culture and tasting various brews. Visit Tan Dinh Church and Market, then sample local street food.

In the afternoon, tour historic landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Central Post Office. End the day with a traditional music performance at Truc Mai Music House. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14: Departure Flight Home from Ho Chi Minh City (B, DP)

Enjoy a final free morning before your driver takes you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight home.

Price

Price per person based on small group size of 2 people: from £2709

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.