Mekong Delta and Northern Minority Culture | Vietnam Authentic Tour - 14 Days

14 Days      
Tay Ninh - Cao Dai temple
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
Ninh Binh - Van Long
Pu Luong
Mai Chau
Mai Chau
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Saigon - Post Office
Huynh Thuy Le House
Long Xuyen - Ong Ho Island
Long Xuyen - Kien An Cung Pagoda
Long Xuyen - Floating market
Long Xuyen - Floating market
Ben Tre
Saigon - Independence Palace
Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral
Overview
mekong-delta-and-northern-minority-culture-vietnam-authentic-tour.webp
  • Start/End: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/Hanoi
  • Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Ben Tre - Long Xuyen - Tay Ninh - Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Bai Tu Long Bay
  • Duration: 14 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily Departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

Authentic discovery of Vietnam from the Southern delta to the Northern mountains on a path less travelled. You are guaranteed the best experience of the true Vietnam, one that few tourists have yet had the chance to have. This package tour includes a visit to one of the largest and most dynamic cities of Vietnam and also a scenic cruise on Bay...

  • Dynamic Saigon city & Hanoi capital
  • Cu Chi historic lyric
  • Authentic Mekong discovery
  • Soft trek & encounter with mountain minority groups in Mai Chau, Pu Luong
  • Homestay experience
  • Scenic landscapes from mountainous to delta and the bay.
  • Overnight on Bay Cruise
  • History, culture, local life and stunning landscapes
  • Walking, boating, cycling, cave exploring, cooking
Notes
  • Bring your shoes, hat, sunglasses, sun cream
  • For more interactions with local people and a more authentic experience, we invite you stay at a homestay with only basic traditional equipment: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC and hot water shower. Hotel service is also available; please contact us for more information. 
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand all days
  • Ho Chi Minh City arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel

    Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city, a journey of approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Once you arrive, proceed with check-in* and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—whether you choose to relax or begin exploring on your own.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
    233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

    9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

    Countinue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.

    Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, walk to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.

    Pick up by car then short drive to have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

    Continue visit Quan Am Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in city and dedicated to Guan Yin, elements of Taoism, and the folk worship of the "Queen of Heaven".

    Finally visit the Traditional Medicine Museum (FITO) where the medicinal herb recipes, magic potions and special antique tools are preserved.

    End of the day, drop you back to hotel

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
    233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour, overnight in a homestay

    8:00 AM: Pick up 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, take a boat trip on the Ben Tre River to discover the daily local life. 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 with 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. Upon your arrival, get warmly welcomed by the host of homestay. Take part in making Banh Xeo Nam Bo (a traditional dish in the region) with your host.

    Have dinner and stay overnight in Cai Lay.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Ben Tre
    Transportation
    Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
    Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hai My's Homestay(Standard Room)
    864 Provincial street, Dong Hoa hamlet, Tam Binh village, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang , Vietnam
  • Mekong discovery: Enjoying fruit garden tour, Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le's house

    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 with 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 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.  

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ben Tre
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hoa Binh 1 Hotel(Standard Room)
    130 Tran Hung Dao street, Long Xuyen city, An Giang , Vietnam
  • Mekong discovery: Long Xuyen floating village, Cu Lao Ong Ho island

    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 famous 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 your hotel in late afternoon. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Long Xuyen
    Transportation
    Bike: Long Xuyen
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
    233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple, flying to Hanoi

    8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place 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 long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. 

    Continue to visit one of the most sacred attractions in Vietnam - the Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. On a visit, you can attend the midday mass.

    Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to city center. Take flight to Hanoi

    Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN256 (SGN - HAN) - (Direct) / 20:45 - 22:50 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

    9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 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 name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    Next stop at the Ethnology Museum (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 after noon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, 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 the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

    Finally enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

    Come back to hotel. End of the day

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Visiting Muong village, scenic views at Thung Khe pass, exploring Thai culture in Mai Hich then overnight in homestay

    8:00 Am: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

    Arrival in Mai Hich, check in your accommodation and enjoy local food cooked by the host. Later explore Mai Hich by bike(optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

    Note: Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $35/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
  • Enjoying an excursion to Muong homeland from Eo Ken to Ban Hang village, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Chieng Lau discovery

    Depart from Mai Hich directly to Eo Ken, 30km away, where the Muong ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Kenvillage and discover their authentic life. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach HangVillage.

    Pick up by driver for transfering to Pu Luong. Check in your accommodation. In the afternoon Head to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Here, embark on a scenic walk, allowing you to engage with local residents and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Home(Double Room (Shared bathroom))
    Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
  • Trekking in the rice terraces, exploring the Thai culture in Chom Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages and transferring to Ninh Binh

    8:00 Am: Start your day by hiking down into the beautiful valley from your accommodation, passing through spectacular rice fields and follow small paths to slowly reach Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will help you capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will witness the changing landscapes of rice terraces intermingled with villages, fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Continue walking to Pho Doan to have lunch at a local restaurant. 

    Transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a break to explore the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong. This location is renowned for a unique species of fish that inhabit the stream, often referred to as sacred due to the numerous mysterious tales woven around this extraordinary creature. Continue the journey to Ninh Binh, and check into your accommodation.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room)
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
  • Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience

    8:00 AM: You can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

    Continue to 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 your bike to homestay, say good bye the host. Head from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and soak in the scenic beauty as you traverse the Red River Delta. Take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities amidst the lush rice fields and tranquil countryside along the way.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Van Long
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Leisure: Thung La temple music
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat

    8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

    11:30 - 11:45 AM: Arrive at our waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port. Take some time to relax while waiting for our captain to complete the registration process. Then, transfer by tender to our boat.

    12:00 - 12:15 PM: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a brief safety briefing about activities onboard before checking into our cabins.

    13:00: Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

    15:00: Arrive at the kayaking area – Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst formations and breathtaking scenery, as well as swimming and relaxing.

    17:40: Return to the boat and enjoy our Sunset Party as our cruise sails to the overnight anchorage. Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you can learn to make a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish like Nem Cuon, or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

    19:00: Delight in a sumptuous set dinner onboard.

    20:30 - 22:00: Enjoy free time to challenge yourself with Vietnamese puzzle games, gather your group/family for a board game, try your luck with squid fishing, or simply relax with a cocktail and soak in the quiet night on the bay.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Swimming
    Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

    06:30 AM: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the morning view of the stunning bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

    07:00: Breakfast will be served in a Western style to prepare you for another day of exploration.

    07:45 AM: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

    09:00 AM: Return to the boat and enjoy about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

    09:30 AM: Check out.

    10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat.

    10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

    11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Included:
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

    Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Swan Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Ben Tre, Long Xuyen, Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Van Long
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
  • Flight Ticket: VN256 SGN - HAN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 09, Dinner: 05
  • Bike: Ben Tre, Long Xuyen, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Thung La temple music, Swimming, Morning Tai Chi
  • Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
  • Cooking class: Ben Tre homestay, Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
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Price per person in US$
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,616
  • Adult in single room $1,995

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