Hanoi
Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today’s Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing bia hơi.
Ha long
For many, the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations. Ha Long Bay’s mystical beauty has made it a bucket list attraction within the country, but it’s still possible to find secluded corners to call your own.
Hue
Hue is a city chock-full of stories. The Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty built their feudal capital along Hue’s fertile riverbanks and atop its forested hills, but their imperial legacy is just one of many reasons to visit. Hue’s refined cuisine is the stuff of legend, and its leafy streets are lined with mossy pagodas, art déco mansions, and eye-popping markets. Through the whole scene flows the Perfume River, setting a languid pace the rest of the city is happy to follow.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a place where the bold march of progress peters into a leisurely amble. In this one-time trading port, the Thu Bon River meanders past crumbling shop houses and weathered pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Outside the Old Town, two-lane roads slice through waving rice fields and emerge at a frothy coastline. Stay a couple of days, and Hoi An’s easygoing beauty and lantern-lit nights may leave you hopelessly beguiled.
Ho Chi Minh
Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future.
Bangkok
You will be amazed by Bangkok temples and its Palace. The beauty and architecture of all its religious and historical sites combined with the modern feel of this city is what makes it such a popular city to visit.
Chiang Mai
With beautiful nature blended with Lanna Culture and colours of contemporary perfectly Chiang Mai is, therefore, a province that has many tourists, both Thai and foreigners, come in many millions each year. Popular tourist activities in Chiang Mai include worshipping the Phra That doi suthep, which is an important Landmark of Chiang Mai people.
Mae Hong Soon Province
Known for its nearby gorges, hot springs like the Tha Pai Hot Spring and waterfalls. You will have a feel of Thailand countryside and its people in amazing natural surroundings.
Inclusions
20-night accommodation
30 meals: 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 2 dinners
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Local English-speaking tour guide
Ground transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle
Drinking water and cold towels during sightseeing
Multilingual 24-hour customer support hotline in all destinations
All applicable local taxes
Domestic flights: Hanoi-Hue, Danang-Saigon(Ho chi Minh), Saigon (Ho chi Minh)-Bangkok, Bangkok-Chiang Mai
Exclusions
International airfare – Beverages – Gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff – Optional excursions – Personal expenses – Visa fees when applicable – Travel insurances – All other items not mentioned in the inclusions
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN HANOI
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which makes it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence.
Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel and time for leisure.
Note: Hotel check-in time is 14h00; early check-in can be arranged at additional cost.
Accommodation : Hanoi for 3 nights
DAY 2 HANOI
In the evening, watch a Water Puppet Show - a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Note: Most of the museums are closed on Mondays; Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday, Friday and in the afternoons.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 3 HANOI - KY SON
Drive to Ky Son village in the morning. Take a pleasant walk or bike ride around the village to get a taste of the northern countryside lifestyle of Vietnam. Be back to the Moon Garden for a cooking demo and have your lunch. Relax before setting out on a bike ride to Duong Lam Village with stops for taking pictures, chatting with children and farmers. Visit Mia pagoda, some old houses, the Mong Phu communal house and Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples before returning to Ky Son Village. Relax and drive back to Hanoi.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 HANOI - HALONG - CRUISE
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).
Surrounded by the hundreds of limestone karst-mountains and rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water; Halong bay is listed as one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Let’s spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder. Arrive at the harbor at noon time and do the check-in procedure on your boat. You will be welcomed and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, beach, relax or simply enjoy sunbathing on the sundeck (the program varies depending on each boat cruise). Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset. Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : On board for 1 night
DAY 5 CRUISE - HALONG - HUE
Note: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization.
Transfer by vehicle from Halong to the Noi Bai Airport (160 km).
Arrival in Hue and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hue for 2 nights
DAY 6 HUE
Starting your day by taking a boat trip to visit one of the oldest pagoda which is called Thien Mu Pagoda. Its iconic seven-story pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city and the temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes about Hue.
Visit the Royal Imperial City, located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.
Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House, special place reflect the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city, it is the manor of mandarin of the feudal court. The house has garden covered with full of fruit trees including mangosteen, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, baccaurea, figs and grapefruits.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 7 HUE - HOI AN
This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We’ll also stop at the Marble Mountains - a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves.
Afternoon at leisure (without guide).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hoi An for 3 nights
DAY 8 HOI AN
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 9 HOI AN
A unique eco-tour experience exploring Hoi An’s captivating countryside on a comfortable electric scooter. Discover some of Hoi An’s most beautiful hidden spots, meet locals and learn first-hand about their daily routines. This is the only scooter tour in Vietnam where clients can legally drive themselves!
You will be met by our tour guide at your hotel and transferred by electric car to our parking lot where you learn and get familiar with how to ride on Electric Scooter. We head toward Cam Nam village to experience some hidden gems and charismatic locals of the daily life on this beautiful island.
We will visit a boat repair yard to see and understand how hard work is involved in maintaining a fishing boat. We then take a short drive through the zig-zag village roads and make a stop enroute at a local family chapel to have a brief understanding of the spiritual and religious beliefs of a traditional Vietnamese family. Our next visits to local handmade products from Hoi An: lanterns and leather workshops where you can have a DIY or a customized one.
Before brunch break at a local café by the riverside, we make another stop at a stall overlooking Hoi An Ancient Town and Thu Bon River, where we will learn how the rice cracker is being processed and have a bite on site of this popular snack.
Afterward, keep going on our drive, cutting through beautiful rice fields to Tra Que Village, where people planted herbs and vegetables organically by compost fertilizing from river weeds. By the end of the tour, unwind at a stunning beach lounge of An Bang Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a refreshing drink.
** Please join us in minimizing plastic waste for environmental protection by carrying your own reusable water bottle or you can use our bamboo water bottle.
Return to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 10 HOI AN - SAIGON
Arrival in Saigon, we will be going underground - deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Saigon for 2 nights
DAY 11 SAIGON
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975.
We’ll head out to Cholon, the historic Chinatown district to discover colonial-era gems, Chinese temples and vivacious street life. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Today’s Highlights: War Remnants, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Cholon, lantern streets and medicine streets, Chinse temple, Ben Thanh Market.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 12 DEPARTURE FROM SAIGON - BANGKOK
Welcome to Thailand!
Thailand might almost have been designed with holidays in mind, so blessed is the country with attractions from bustling modern cities to golden tropical beaches. It’s a famously friendly country; thanks to the renowned hospitality of the Thai people, it’s known as ‘The Land of Smiles’.
Arrival at Bangkok Airport. Proceed to closest Exit of the International Arrival. (Exit B & C) Then, go through and turn right. Please, follow the sign “Meeting Point”. You can meet our tour guide or airport representative who will hold your welcome sign with the Exotik Logo at the Gate 4 area zone.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Bangkok for 3 nights
DAY 13 BANGKOK
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a giant lying Buddha, covered in gold leaf. The Grand Palace is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses Thailand most precious image of the Lord Buddha.
After lunch, we will take the riverboat to Wat Arun, named the number 1 landmark in Thailand on TripAdvisor, there’s no excuse for missing Wat Arun. This religious complex, also called the Temple of Dawn, is known for its dreamy white spires that can be seen for miles around. Then continue walking to the old town where all the religious and cultures mixed Kudi Chin. The Kudi Chin or also known as “Kadi Chin”, is one of a historic neighborhood found near the bank of the Chao Phraya River during the reign of King Taksin the Great who established the City of Thonburi as the new capital city.
Although the Portuguese – Thai community has settled in Bangkok for more than 200 years, they have amassed a wealth of Culture, History and Tradition to pass on to subsequent generations. It’s a unique community that harmonizes Buddhists, Christians and Muslims way of life together with diverse Thai and Chinese cultures. Hence, this cultural variety makes Kudi China unique and charming community for everyone to experience.
Duration: 7 – 8 hrs depending on the hotel location and traffic situation.
Pick-up time from the hotel: 08:30
Important: Please note that for visiting the Grand Palace, you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulder, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings as a symbol of respect.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14 BANGKOK
Duration: 5 - 6 hrs., depending on the hotel location and traffic situation. / Pick-up time: 07:00 am
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 15 BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
Arrive at Chiang Mai, transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai by private transfer and rest of the day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Chiang Mai for 2 nights
DAY 16 CHIANG MAI
In the evening, enjoy a superb Kantoke dinner while being entertained by a selection of traditional Thai culture and folk performances. Kantoke is the customary northern Thai style of eating with the food being served in large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor. As you enjoy your meal, let yourself be entertained by a selection of northern Thai cultural performances.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 17 CHIANG MAI TO PAI
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Pai for 1 night
DAY 18 PAI TO MAE HONG SON
Afternoon explore Baan Rak Thai or “the Thai-Loving village” located in Mae Aw near Thai – Myanmar border. It is one of the three Chinese villages found in northern Thailand. Founded by Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) Chinese soldiers, the people in the village still preserve their unique Chinese culture and traditions. The village also offers views of the lake and small tea plantation. Visitors can taste some delicious Oo-long tea , a kind of famous tea. Check in at hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Mae Hong Son for 2 nights
DAY 19 MAE HONG SON
Continue to visit Long Neck Karen Paduang Village. The Karen women wear numerous brass coils round their necks and legs. The coils are considered beautiful and are a sign of wealth.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 20 MAE HONG SON TO CHIANG MAI
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Chiang Mai for 1 night
DAY 21 CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE
Note: Hotel check-out time is 14h00; late check-out can be arranged at additional cost.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
OPTION A – 3*
Hanoi: Flower Garden Hanoi 3* – Deluxe room
Cruise: La Regina Classic Cruise – Deluxe Ocean View cabin /2D1N/With Kayak
Hue: Spatel d’Annam 3* – Superior room
Hoi An: Shining Riverside Hoi An 3* – Deluxe Green Field room
Saigon: The Odys Boutique Saigon 3* – Deluxe room
Bangkok: Ibis Riverside Bangkok 3* – Standard Room
Chiang Mai: De Charme Hotel Chiang Mai 3* – Deluxe Room
Pai: Pai Hotspring Resort 3* – Standard Room
Mae Hong Son: The Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort 3* – Superior Room
OPTION B – 3* and 4*
Hanoi: Meritel Hanoi 4* – Deluxe room
Cruise: Peony Cruise – Deluxe Balcony cabin /2D1N/With Kayak
Hue: Pilgrimage Village 4* – Superior room
Hoi An: Little Hoi An 3*+- Little Deluxe room
Saigon: La Siesta Premium Saigon 4*+ – Deluxe room
Bangkok: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok 3*+- Deluxe Room
Chiang Mai: Bodhi Serene, Chiang Mai 4* – Deluxe Room
Pai: Pai Hotspring Resort 3* – Chalet Mountain View
Mae Hong Son: The Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort 3* – Deluxe Room
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy | Land Package | |
Daily departures September 1st, 2024 – December 20th , 2025 | Hotels Option A | Hotels Option B |
2 people | 7320 | 8159 |
3-4 people | 6490 | 6455 |
Single occupancy supplement (with min. 2 people traveling) | +1490 | +2300 |
Solo traveler | On request |
*Any holidays and peak season surcharges have not been included in the above prices (December 24 and 31) and Vietnamese public holidays. Surcharge for peak season will be advised at time of booking.
A solo traveler is a person who travels completely alone with services such as guides and drivers, on a private basis. A solo traveler rate should not be mistaken by a single occupancy rate.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
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