Standard
16 days, 15 nights
This tour provides a complete immersion into Vietnamese history, heritage and culture. Travelling from the north of the country and finishing in the south, we visit the country’s pristine beaches, admire its amazing landscapes, learn more about its diverse culture and meet friendly local people on the way. Starting in busy Hanoi, we explore the most important cultural and historical sites before setting off for Central Vietnam and its magnificent beaches of Nha Trang and rural villages in Da Lat, before we head south to fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, we are greeted and transferred to our hotel. Time permitting, as dictated by our arrival time, we embark on an afternoon city tour of this exciting hub to get to grips with Hanoi’s history. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city situated in the north of the country which is steeped in culture and history. Depending on our time we visit Hoan Kiem Lake which translates to ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ which holds a mystical story and Ngoc Son Temple which sits is in the middle of the lake. We round our exploration off with a stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an enclave of both French and Chinese influences. This is best enjoyed on foot to soak up the rich ambiance. Overnight is in Hanoi.
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Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the morning continuing our exploration of Hanoi’s main sites. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays, Fridays and throughout October and November for maintenance) and his former residence to discover more about this much admired revolutionary leader. We continue to the One Pillar Pagoda to learn about Vietnam’s Buddhist origins, before visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum. This has a vast display of weaponry. This attraction can be replaced with the Ethnology Museum depending on individual interest. We then visit the Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university; the Fine Arts Museum; and the Quan Thanh Temple. In the evening we enjoy a performance of a traditional Water Puppet Show where the art of puppetry is performed by puppeteers in water and accompanied by music. Overnight is in Hanoi.
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Hanoi
After breakfast we are collected from our hotel at 8 am for our three-and-a-half-hour road trip through a picturesque rural setting which is framed with lush green valleys inhabited mostly by Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. There will be plenty of photo opportunities enroute and we should arrive in Mai Chau by midday. We explore the surrounding villages of Lac and Poom Coong by foot and meander alongside verdant rice paddies and quaint stilted houses. There is the option to stay in a hotel, or a homestay in a local stilted house which offers a more authentic experience but the comfort level is more basic with a mattress on a bamboo floor under a mosquito net. The bathroom is outside and is equipped with a western-style WC and warm water. Rice alcohol in jars and traditional music performances can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
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Mai Chau
We wake up in the middle of Mai Chau Valley where we can breathe in the fresh air and explore the peaceful atmosphere of this mountainous region. We head through beautiful countryside, quaint villages, visit a local market and ride past verdant rice paddies on a bicycle. Next we drive to Ninh Binh, also known as the dry Ha Long Bay where we hop into a sampan and row alongside limestone rocks that are surrounded by rice paddies and form a landscape similar to that found in Guilin in China. We continue to peaceful Bich Dong Pagoda which was built by Buddhist monks and then visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu which is surrounded by limestone mountains that frame this idyllic location perfectly. Here we have time to explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le. Overnight is in Ninh Binh.
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Ninh Binh
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Ha Long Bay and pass the seaport town of Hai Phong on the way. Here we embark on a sightseeing tour that includes Du Hang Pagoda and Hang Kenh Temple. We then continue to Ha Long Bay to sail the Gulf of Tonkin in style on a traditional junk to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site which is packed with a sublime scenery of 3,000 limestone islands clad in jungle across the emerald waters. We also get the chance to visit some islands, swim and kayak. A seafood lunch is served on board the junk. Overnight is on board.
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on board
Snacks are enjoyed on board while we continue our sightseeing cruise around this peaceful bay. An early lunch is served on board before we disembark and transfer to Hanoi. Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on the cruise company and weather conditions. Overnight is in Hanoi.
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Hanoi
We transfer to Hanoi Airport after breakfast for our domestic flight to Hue to continue our Vietnam journey. Upon arrival we are ready for our discovery of ancient Hue which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once home to princes, princesses, high-ranking mandarins and rich families who occupied private residences across the city that have shaped Hue’s elegant ambiance. Our guided tour takes us to Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb, before cruising the poetical Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of the most ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Time permitting, at the end of the day, we will also take a stroll around the central Dong Ba Market which sells a myriad of homeware, handicrafts and fresh produce. Overnight is in Hue.
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Hue
A journey around Kim Long village by bicycle is a journey that takes us back in time to retrace the glory of the great city between 1636 and 1687 with its cluster of important cultural relics. This residential area was once home to nobles and the elite in a citadel that was built under the strict rules of fengshui. As we ride on our two wheels along paths lined with vegetables, flowers and rice paddies on either side, we pass historic garden homes that are hidden behind evergreen hedges. Exploration of this area makes for a peaceful trip which gives a true perception of the Hue etiquette of yesteryear. An alternative option is to enjoy this tour on a cyclo. Overnight is in Hue.
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Hue
After breakfast, we depart for Da Nang and travel on the winding Hai Van Pass which offers spectacular views of the ocean and pretty red-tiled villages. On the way we stop at the Cham Museum which houses an extensive collection of sculptures dating between the 7th to 15th centuries, before proceeding to tranquil Hoi An. Arriving in this ancient seaport, we set out on our walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage destination. Hoi An oozes romance and it was once a former prosperous trading post during the 16th to 18th centuries. We visit Tan Ky Old House; Fukien Assembly Hall, and the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge. We also observe locals who raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry. Overnight is in Hoi An.
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Hoi An
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on an adventure to see a different side of Hoi An – an experience where we meet the local fishing community and try our hand at traditional fishing methods. Our guide will collect us at the hotel to transfer us to the village where we start preparing our equipment that includes a net, basket boats and rods. The fishermen teach us the techniques to spread the ‘ro’ nets in the water into a perfect circle and we will probably appreciate how hard it is to lift them! We will also learn how to retrieve the fish from the baskets too. Throughout this experience we will have plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals and tap into their knowledge. A seafood lunch is included. Overnight is in Hoi An.
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Hoi An
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Da Nang to transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Nha Trang. Dubbed the Riviera of the Southeast Asia Sea, Nha Trang is considered the most charming coastal city in Vietnam, in part due to its 6 km stretch of white sands and swaying coconut trees. The city has a fairly organised layout and was once a base for the former French General-Governor. French influences remain today with large colonial style buildings, villas and hotels. Upon arrival we visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers which is a sacred Hindu site. This tower was built between the 7th and 12th centuries and is still used today as a place of pilgrimage by Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists. Next we visit the Long Son Pagoda, followed by the transfer to the hotel. Overnight is in Nha Trang.
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Nha Trang
We depart Nha Trang after breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the former hill station of Da Lat. This cool mountain resort is considered one of Vietnam’s most picturesque spots thanks to its wealth of natural beauty, which includes beautiful lakes, scenic waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens that can all be enjoyed in cool temperatures. Highlights include the summer Palace of Emperor Bao Dai and Xuan Huong Lake. Upon arrival at Da Lat, we visit the summer Palace of Emperor Bao Dai, which is home to an array of artefacts that belonged to the royal family; Xuan Huong Lake that is in the centre of Da Lat and is regularly frequented by runners; and the old colonial style train station that was built by the French in the early 20th century. We can also visit Crazy House where we can learn more about surrealist architecture. Overnight is in Da Lat.
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Da Lat
Da Lat is dubbed as the ‘City of Flowers’ and this morning after breakfast at the hotel we learn why, with a visit the Da Lat Flower Garden. Home to an array of both native and foreign flower species that blossom at different times of the year, Da Lat Flower Garden is brimming with plants from every colour of the rainbow. After we have explored this well-manicured venue we continue our journey south and transfer to Chi Minh City, stopping at Prenn Waterfall at the bottom of the Prenn Pass on the way. Our journey takes us through Vietnam’s rural and rustic life, alongside rubber plantations and fertile agricultural land. Upon arrival at the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City we transfer to our hotel. Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Ho Chi Minh City
Today we embark on a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Our expedition takes us to the History Museum; the former Presidential Palace; the beautifully preserved French colonial Central Post Office and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral that gives us a glimpse into western influences in the country. In the afternoon we continue our exploration of this dynamic and cosmopolitan city. We soak up the ambience of China Town which is the largest in the country, with its colourful Binh Tay market that sells an array of exotic ingredients and we also visit the ornate Thien Hau Temple. Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Tay Ninh to visit the centre of Cao-Daism, a religion that combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Next we head to the war-era Cu Chi Tunnels and pass picturesque rice fields and rubber plantations to reach this 200 km labyrinth of underground tunnels used by the Vietcong soldiers during the American war. An alternative programme takes us to Ben Tre. This peaceful retreat in the Mekong Delta, with its lush vegetation, snaking canals, and enchanting smiles, is a delight to explore. Here we immerse ourselves in local life and learn how bricks and grass mats are made with traditional techniques, as well as how products are extracted from coco. We taste local exotic fruits and admire the stunning panoramic countryside of green coconut palms, yellow river streams and colourful local products. Lunch is at a local restaurant for both programmes. Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure until the transfer to Ho Chi Minh International Airport for the departure flight.
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Standard
Junior Deluxe
Superior
Superior
Palace Deluxe
Superior
Standard
Deluxe
Superior
16 days, 15 nights
All tours and services can be booked directly with our office in China
A TRAILS CHINA / DAOCHENG
Beijing Office
Suite 810, SunFlower Tower
#37 Maizidian Street Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100022, P.R. China
Tel: (86-10) 6515 9259
Fax: (86-10) 6515 9293
Email: info@atrails.cn
All reservations are confirmed by return with the up-dated booking status within 2 working days. Due to occasional delays in communication with more remote destinations, it may take a few days longer to get confirmation.
All rates are quoted in RMB and are subject to change without prior notice. Inclusions and exclusions in the tour packages are indicated at the end of each itinerary. Commonly our package tour rates include accommodation, transfers, certain meals, and other tour related services. Domestic or international airfares are included where mentioned. Our tour itineraries do not include visa fees and expenses of a personal nature. The validity of our rates is November 01, 2018, until October 31, 2019, unless otherwise specified.
Local English speaking guides are accompanying tours and transfers in each destination. German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian and Chinese speaking guides are available on request in major cities and subject to confirmation.
A delivery fee will be charged according to the distance traveled, if any train tickets are required to be delivered to clients’ hotel.
Full pre-payment by bank transfer is required 30 days before the commencement of services.
Our bank account details are:
Bank Name: Bank of China Beijing JianGuoMen Wai Sub-Branch
开 户 行:中国银行北京建国门外支行
Account Name:ATC TRAVEL SERVICES (BEIJING) LTD.
账 户 名:北京道成国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.:3259 6908 9747
账 号:3259 6908 9747
Swiftcode : BKCH CN BJ 110
For itineraries operated outside China
Account Name:BEIJING GLORY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE CO, LTD.
账 户 名:北京千乘假期国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.:3211 6010 0100 1577 67
账号:3211 6010 0100 1577 67
Bank Name: Industrial Bank Co., Ltd Sanyuanqiao Sub-Branch
开 户 行:兴业银行三元桥支行
For children aged between 2 and 11 years following rates will apply:
A maximum of two children per party is granted such a discount. Besides this general policy, specific conditions may apply case by case.
For cancellation of confirmed reservations, following general cancellation charges apply :
Special conditions apply for cruises, beach resorts as well as for some of the boutique and landmark hotels. Expeditions and specific products may have different conditions.
Domestic and international air tickets are non-refundable once issued. You are obliged to pay full airfare (inclusive of any tax and fuel surcharge) of any cancelled tickets based on the contract rate.
We reserve the right to re-arrange the order of any tour program, to cancel or substitute elements of any tour itinerary without notice, when local conditions require such changes. All itineraries depending on domestic flight confirmations are subject to changes.
Any increase in taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the authorities will be advised as soon as we are informed of them, and they will be added to the invoice.
Flight and train details mentioned in our itineraries are for indicative purposes only.
This agreement, its contents and all related documentation sent over to the customer/tour operator are strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any third parties.
We consider complaints as valuable feedback to improve service delivery levels. We request that service delivery failures or customer concerns, be reported during the customer’s stay, to one of our representatives. It is the aim of the company to solve any irregularity on the spot. The company reserves the right to refuse to take action on perceived irregularities submitted to the company 14 days after the customer returns back home.
During the term of this agreement, neither party shall be in default of its obligations to the extent that its performance is delayed or prevented by causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, bankruptcy of a vendor, strikes and other labor disturbances, acts of war, or civil disturbances, or other equivalent or comparable events.
The client agrees to indemnify and to save A Trails – Daocheng from harm and against all damage or injury (including death) to property or person(s) resulting from intentional or negligent acts or omissions from their respective officers, employees, agents, contractor or subcontractor in connection with the performance of this agreement.
This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China (and/or applicable in relation to the country it is legally represented) for the time being in force and the parties agree to submit any dispute arising between the parties under this agreement to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the respectable Arbitration Institute, Office of the Judiciary applicable at the time of submission of the dispute to arbitration and the conduct of the arbitration thereof shall be under the auspices of the specific Arbitration Institute accordingly.
Images displayed on the website have a promotional intent only and are not necessarily reflecting the actual destinations and service conditions. These may belong to ATrails staff, customers, photographers we are collaborating with or retrieved from websites such as Pexel, Pixabay, Unsplash or Originoo. While trying to be the most accurate as possible, is agreed that those images do not necessarily depict the actual services promoted.
We act as an intermediary between the concerned airlines, hotels, all transport operators and local tourist offices providing the services. The Company is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by the tourists, including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accidents, natural and disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Programs and prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of printing and are therefore subject to change without advance notice before or during the tour. Acknowledgment and confirmation of the above-mentioned conditions is active, once clients participate in one of the provided services via us. The itinerary of the excursion, package and/or tour cannot be altered or changed without prior permission from us. We cannot be held liable if you amend the excursion and its content in your brochures or give wrong descriptions to clients that are travelling.
The Company is not responsible for any last-minute closure of specific regions or tourism sites caused by decisions taken by local or national authorities to restrict access hereto. We will provide alternative itineraries where necessary and reduce cancellation fees to a minimum, however, such imposed closures are beyond our control and constitute a case of force majeure.
The areas concerned include but are not restricted to : The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, minority regions in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.
Travel breaks down borders and brings people together: The nearly 900 million people who travel every year make the sector one of the biggest in the world, a major employer and a key element in the global economy. But this has its downside, too: increasing pollutant emissions from the tourist traffic, loss of coastlines and other landscapes through excessive building development and sexual exploitation of children are just some of the negative consequences of the growth in global tourist travel. In order to minimize the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones, our Corporate Responsibility Strategy focuses on four prime issues: