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Vietnam: Beyond the Ordinary!
More and more travelers from all over the world are choosing Vietnam to experience not just a trip, but an adventure. Many combine this trip with Laos and Cambodia. However, we believe that this way you can’t truly get to know any of these three countries. Trust us, there’s so much to see and experience in Vietnam that if you had more days, you’d want just as many. Unique landscapes, hospitable people, exciting activities, and a rich history will make you lose track of time. They’ll make you realize that the more places you visit, the more trapped you are in the “microcosm” of everyday life and how much you still have to learn. In eleven days, you’ll lose count of the experiences you’ll have. But the best part is that on this trip, you’ll have the best travel buddies you could ever dream of!
We’re starting in Ho Chi Minh City, because that’s where the War Museum is located—perhaps one of the most moving museums we’ve ever visited—as well as the Cu Chi Tunnels. So, right from the start, you’ll learn about the history of this place. Of course, anything related to war has a negative psychological impact, but it’s something you can’t skip. As the days go by, however, you’ll see more and more beautiful places, so when you leave Vietnam, you’ll be left with the pleasant side of the country!
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
Passport… Check… Suitcase… Check… Excitement… Check… Those are the only three things you need to keep in mind, because we’ve got everything else covered! We’ll meet at the airport and head to Ho Chi Minh City.
Today we arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, which is Vietnam’s commercial hub and the country’s largest city. Our local friend will be waiting for us at the airport, and during the drive to the hotel, he’ll provide us with some initial useful information. We’ll settle in and have some time to rest. We won’t waste any time, and at noon we’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the few museums that so vividly illustrates the violent consequences of war. You’ve probably heard about the Vietnam War, but it’s one thing to hear about it and quite another to see firsthand the history that unfolded in this country. More than 3 million people were killed in the Vietnam War, and more than half of the dead were Vietnamese civilians. Many of the most disturbing photos depicting U.S. atrocities come from American sources, including those of the infamous My Lai massacre. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city. You can optionally end your day with a massage of your choice. That way, the next day you’ll be even more “ready for action” for your tour.
Today, after breakfast, we check out, load our luggage onto the bus, and head to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This is a vast network of underground tunnels that was started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the invasion of the U.S. military. The tunnels served as living quarters, communication and supply centers, as well as hospitals and food stores. After our tour there, we board the bus and head to Ho Chi Minh City Airport to catch our flight to Da Nang. From there, we continue on to Hoi An, where we will spend the night.
Today is all yours to get lost in the alleys of Vietnam’s most atmospheric city! Start your morning with a traditional Vietnamese coffee (be sure to try the egg coffee or the refreshing coconut coffee) and let your senses wander freely through the Ancient Town. If you’re a fashion lover, Hoi An is a paradise for tailor-made clothing. Choose your fabric, get measured, and by the afternoon you’ll have your own handmade suit or dress! Don’t miss out on trying the local Banh Mi, and as night falls, experience the magic… Hundreds of colorful lanterns light up, the Hoai River fills with wooden boats, and the city transforms into a living fairy tale. Tip: Hop on a boat, light your own little lantern, and make a wish… The energy of this place will enchant you!
Today, if you’d like, after breakfast, we’ll head to Coconut Village to board a basket boat and take a cruise through the Mekong Delta. If you’d like to “go for a spin,” a local will be happy to arrange it for a small tip. Another activity we’d recommend today is a cooking class. It’s no coincidence that even among Asians, Vietnamese cuisine is considered among the best. Together with a local chef, you’ll learn step by step how to make local dishes, which you’ll of course get to taste! Another thing you’ll see everywhere in Vietnam is lanterns, the traditional paper lanterns. Optionally, we’ll visit a workshop where you can make your own, which actually folds up so you can take it home as a souvenir. Whether you choose an optional activity (or all of them) or not, you’ll have time to wander through the old town. If you wish, you can also visit a workshop where you’ll learn everything about silk, and you’ll be able to buy wonderful handicrafts if you’d like. In the evening, enjoy the enchanting atmosphere that prevails in this picturesque town.
Today we’re heading to a relatively new attraction that has taken social media by storm. You may have come across a photo of the Golden Bridge—a bridge held aloft by giant hands amidst the mountains. The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills opened in June 2018 and quickly made a big splash, having been featured on the BBC and National Geographic, and even making it onto The Times’ “Greatest Places” list. The bridge is located within a theme park and is part of the Sunworld resort in Ba Na Hills. The only way to get there is by cable car, which holds four Guinness World Records and has been named one of the best cable car rides in the world. In the afternoon, we head to central Vietnam, specifically to Da Nang, the country’s fourth-largest city. You can take a stroll across the iconic Dragon Bridge, the bridge over the Han River, a modern architectural marvel that is illuminated at night. Tonight we will spend the night in Da Nang.
Today, after breakfast, you’ll have some free time to take a stroll along the beach. If the weather and waves permit, you might even want to take a dip. Next, we’ll head to the airport and depart for Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi—one of the oldest capitals in the world. This former French colonial city is a cultural blend of Eastern and Western influences, reflected in the style of many of Hanoi’s architectural gems. This city is also known for its cuisine, silk, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity. We’ll have free time to wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sample new flavors, and soak up the “capital city” atmosphere!
This morning we’re heading 120 miles north of Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to over 2,000 limestone islets and islands. At Vietnam’s most captivating natural attraction, you’ll enjoy a drive through the rural landscapes of northern Vietnam, followed by a cruise in Halong Bay. On this full-day tour, you’ll go kayaking, admire the towering karst limestone formations, and explore caves, such as Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), with our experienced guide.
After breakfast, we board our sleeper bus and set off for Sapa. Having visited Sapa, we can now say with certainty that this phrase perfectly captures its essence: “An embrace of tribes, culture, and civilization.” Due to the diverse ethnic minorities that have made their home in the region’s hills, Sapa has developed a unique character, a multiculturalism found nowhere else in the country. The town of Sapa is located in the mountains of northern Vietnam and is known for its stunning natural beauty, impressive landscapes with lush green rice paddies, and distinctive waterfalls. The trip takes about 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The exciting part of the experience is the journey itself. The sleeping buses wind through Vietnam’s majestic mountains, giving you the chance to enjoy the natural scenery as you travel. Please note! We won’t be spending the night on a sleeping bus, but at a hotel in Sapa. We chose this for your comfort, given the long journey.
Are you up for the climb to Fansipan? It’s the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and don’t worry, there’s always the cable car, because the view from 3,143 meters up is worth at least a little of your time in Vietnam, and you can enjoy it in a simple and easy way. We’ll have free time to “conquer” the summit after climbing 600 steps and admire the Buddhist temples and the massive Buddha statues that adorn the mountain. We return to Sapa by cable car, where you’ll have free time to wander around. If you love open-air markets, the Sapa Market is something else. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as local products, await you to taste, and here you can also pick up handmade souvenirs to remember your trip to Vietnam.
The villages of Ta Van and Lao Chai are a magical destination that offers an authentic experience of connecting with nature and local culture. They are traditional villages of the H’mong and Giay tribes, situated in a lush green valley surrounded by the impressive mountains of Sapa. In addition to their culture, the villages of Sapa also offer stunning scenery and hiking trails that wind through natural landscapes to waterfalls and rice paddies. A visit to the Sapa region is a unique opportunity to experience authentic Vietnamese countryside and create unforgettable memories. After a long day, we board our sleeper bus and head to our final overnight stay in Hanoi.
Today you have the whole day free in Hanoi to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport to catch our return flight. During your trip to Vietnam, you’ll experience the culture of this wonderful country as intensely as possible, mingle with the hospitable and smiling locals, see landscapes of incredible beauty, but above all, you’ll form friendships with people who share the same passion for travel that drives you too!
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The itinerary is based on available schedules and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip due to operational reasons and/or unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.