Overview

You are adventure lovers and want to visit Vietnam? This itinerary will be what you are looking for. With 13 days, this specially designed trip will bring you unforgettable experience with trekking time in the fanciful town – Sapa, learning more about culture and history of Hanoi, relaxing on overnight cruise in Halong Bay, enjoy caving in Quang Binh with 2 famous caves: Phong Nha and Paradise caves, exploring our royal city – Hue and visit Hoi An ancient town to enjoy the beach and shopping time.

Highlights

  • Explore our North with Hanoi capital to understand more about our culture, history and of course, our cuisine
  • Sa Pa lies among mountains and jungles to maintain a special cultural diversity in a combination of ethnic minority groups’ culture
  • Dong Hoi - a pleasantly untouristed port and seaside town. It enjoys an attractive location, clinging to the banks of the Nhat Le River, and has beaches to the north and south. 
  • Hue - our imperial & royal city where managed to hold onto its old world charm, despite the many ravages of war and time
  • Hoi An is not only beautiful in the day time with incredible ancient buildings and bougainvillea but also in the night time with sparkling lanterns in the night time
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Tour Code

Tour Code
VNZA-822

Duration

Duration
13 Days

Departure Dates

Departure Dates
Flexible

Accommodation

Accommodation
Up to 5-star

Transports

Transports
Private car , Shuttle bus, Train, Boat

Special Offers

Special Offers
Free Visa Approval Letter

Full Itinerary Expand All

Welcome to Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam. Upon your arrival at the airport, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel to check in. The room is at your disposal from 14.00 onwards. Balance of the day as your leisure. The capital city of Hanoi is home to the rich culture of the country and you will see both Chinese and French influences in architecture & cuisine as you explore the city. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

vnza hanoi 10

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour to one of our most vibrant market - Hang Be Market, nestled smack in the heart of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, 5 minutes’ walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The market offers all a market in Vietnam kinds of goods that might be of need by the people of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, be it uncooked meat, cooked meat, fruits, dry food, worshiping items... It will bring you an interesting approach to the life of the people in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Afterwards, we transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 - 548). The Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes throughout the years, particularly its renaming from An Quoc to Tran Quoc (protecting the country) by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.

After short rest, and have lunch on your own expense, we start visiting the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum. Here, you can deeply explore the life of Vietnamese ethnic groups through history.

Then we will move to Temple of Literature - famous for being the first university of Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating.

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit the traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with particular structure. 

Back to the hotel. Meals on your own.

Then, you will be transferred to Hanoi Railway Station to take the overnight train to Lao Cai. (There are 04 soft berths in 01 cabin)

The train SP3 will leave Hanoi at 10:00pm and arrive in Lao Cai at 06.10am (next day)

vnza sapa 1

This morning, arrive early at Lao Cai Station. You will be met by our local guide and then have breakfast at a local restaurant. 

After breakfast, drive 30 km to your hotel in Sapa town. Room is at your disposal at 14.00pm, you will leave you luggage at the reception and start visiting most spectacular scenery of Fansipan Mount. Just a kilometer out of the town, rose flower farms and later chayote grows on bamboo frames covered a vast area. We’ll stop at the magnificent Silver Waterfall before continue the road trip for some kilometers further to Heaven Gate and Tram Ton Pass. At 2047m above sea level, the Heaven Gate & Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. From here enjoy walking around for half an hour for beautiful scenery of both two side of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The wind blows stronger to force the clouds moving constantly. It is the best point here to enjoy breathtaking scenery of the two side of Fansipan Mountain Range. Amazingly that the weather is very different by the side: In many days, it is foggy and cloudy on Sapa side and sunny brightly the other side.

Leaving the Heaven Gate for the way back downhill 7 km, then stop to pay visiting to some lush farm in O Quy Ho where different kind of vegetable, flower, fruit trees and even medicinal plants are grown for years which makes this part of Sapa ever green.

Transfer back to Sapa and trip ends with drop off at hotel or any place at request. Check in the hotel and the rest of this day is at your leisure to discover the town.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

vnza sapa 8

The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight. 

Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well-tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.  Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns.

We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa.  

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

After the breakfast, you will check out the hotel and leave your luggage at the reception.

The guide will pick up you to visit Ta Phin commune, 14km southeast of Sapa town. Located in a large valley, surrounded by high mountains, which covered by pine trees and forest, Ta Phin commune is home to the Red Dzao and Black H’mong ethnics. Although living closed to each other for decades, these two ethnic people are very different: The H’mong are cheerful and open minded while the Red Dzao are economical and reserved. 

Taking a short drive to the center of the valley, you will enjoy an easy walk following village path around the valley, paying visit to H’mong hamlets scattering from the bottom of the valley to higher mountain slopes. From high elevation, great view of the valley stretching under your feet. Continue your walk to the Red Dzao village in which you will meet groups of women making handicrafts includes embroidered clothes, handbags…After that transferring back to Sapa

At 15.00PM the shuttle bus will pick up you at your hotel to transfer to Hanoi. Upon arrive in Hanoi arround 20.00PM, you will check in hotel.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotek in Hanoi

vnza sapa 12

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to another fascinating land – the gem in the north of Vietnam – Halong Bay. The drive takes you through beautiful paddy rice and mountains of the Red River Delta. Visiting the bay, you will experience the magic of the wonderful wonder of the world. 

From the harbor, board our boutique junk boat for a cruise among the numerous limestone karst rising from the emerald water. Make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Lunch and dinner will be served on board. Overnight on the cruise. 

vnza halong bay 4

You are recommended to wake up early in the morning on this day because that is the most wonderful time for you to contemplate aquamarine water of the bay at its best. Once satisfied with the brunch on boat, you will continue the excursion through impressive limestone surrounding the bay. In the afternoon, we will head back to Hanoi by shuttle bus. 

The shuttle bus will drop you at a small hotel near Hanoi station. You will check in hotel and take a rest until being picked up at 07.00PM to walk to the station for the train to Dong Hoi.

The train will leave Hanoi at 08.10PM and arrive in Dong Hoi at around 06.30AM (next day).

TRAIN SE19 HANOI – DONG HOI: 08.10PM – 06.30AM

Dinner on your own. Overnight on train.

vnza halong bay 8

Arrive at Dong Hoi station around 06.30AM, you will be picked up by the guide and driver to transfer you to the local restaurant for the breakfast.

After a short rest, we will start visiting Paradise cave firstly. Paradise cave was discovered by scientists of the British Caving Research Association in 2005, has the length of 31km, the longest dry cave in Asia.

You will be taken by the electrical car from the parking to the foothills of the cave (2km). You will go in the jungle, see many kind of trees and hear the sound of animals. Explore the cave about 1km on the wood floor and see lot of stalactites with different shapes.

With naturally primitive features Paradise Cave looks like a landscape painting, making it very attractive to visitors. There are a series of white crystal stalactites resembling glass pillars and many other spectacular formations.

Having lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Phong Nha cave which is considered "First Cave wonders"

Take a boat about 5km along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave (river cave).

On Son river, you will see pictures of the girls, the children have fun on the waterfront and have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the neighborhood riverside village bearing the Vietnamese country soul.

Conquering the Phong Nha Cave: The longest wet cave, enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world. Caving Fairy & Imperial admire the beautiful stalactites blocks are created by nature over thousands of millennia.

Return to the boat station and being transferred back Dong Hoi to check in the hotel.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will check out hotel, our guide and driver will pick up you at your hotel to transfer to Dong Ha town – Quang Tri.

It’s time for you to discover an authentic view of underground life. The Vinh Moc Tunnels are an amazing achievement of human toil and engineering. The Vietnamese had constructed the tunnels to provide shelter from regular bombings by American planes. By looking at the tunnels, it will be easy to understand why a small, beleaguered nation could take on the greatest military power on the planet and won in the war.

You will see Hien Luong River. During the war, Hien Luong Bridge on Ben Hai River divided north and South Vietnam. Many Vietnamese people laid down their lives in there to fight for national independence and freedom. Historical relic sites located on both banks of the river have been recognized as special national historical relics. These days, people on both sides of Ben Hai River are jubilantly celebrating National Reunification Day.

After having lunch on your own, we depart to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will check in hotel. 

After a short rest, we will start to explore the royal city with a visit to the famous Hue Citadel. The complex is located on the north bank of Perfume River and consists of 3 walled enclosures: The Citadel, Kim Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial City, Hoang Thanh. In the center of the complex is the Forbidden Purple City – Tu Cam Thanh. With its ancient history and the importance of Vietnamese culture, the whole complex has been recognized as the World Heritage Site.

At the end of the day, head back to your hotel to relax. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

vnza hue 9

In this morning, you check out hotel and transfer by bus to Hoian. The drive will take you through one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam – Lang Co beach with long white sandy beach.

Continue your trail through the scenic Hai Van Pass looking over the central coastline which offers you a unique chance to enjoy the amazing sceneries of Vietnam.

We will stop at Marble mountain - a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble in Da Nang. It's also a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered.

Upon arrive in Hoian, you will check in the hotel, the room is at disposal from 14.00PM. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore the ancient town of Hoian or visit one of the many tailors to order a bespoke garment. 

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

vnza da nang 12

This morning, our tour guide we will cycle through peaceful green paddies to reach the local market (Ba Le market). The tour guide will show you where the ingredients for the cooking courses come from and explain how the markets function and you will have the chance to do some shopping of your own. After that, we head to the restaurant where the chef and the cooking course are waiting for you.

Upon arrival at the cooking school, you will have a break with a Vietnamese coffee to cool down and relax. Then you'll join a fun bamboo basket boat ride through small creeks in water coconut fields and the folk game “bit mat dap noi”.

After the boat ride, you will start to cook a variety of local dishes following the menu shown below. Our Chef and Tour Guide will instruct and assist you to cook during the class. You'll have a chance to enjoy your creations during the lunch after the cooking course.

After lunch, we will take a lazy boat back to Hoian Ancient Town. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and local life of fisherman along the riverside. 

At the end of afternoon, transfer back to the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

 vnza hoi an 5

Your day is yours to enjoy as you wish: relax on the beautiful An Bang Beach and bathe in the warm sea or wander around the Ancient Village of Hoi An. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

On the last day of your journey, spend time relaxing before being transferred to Danang airport for your departure flight. Your room is at your disposal until 12.00AM. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel. 

Useful Information

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in a double/twin room with daily breakfast
  • Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle
  • Roundtrip shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
  • Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai, Hue – Dong Hoi with shared cabin of soft sleepers (4 persons in 1 cabin)
  • Bus ticket Sapa – Hanoi, Hue - Hoian
  • Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary 
  • Local English speaking guides
  • Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
  • Entrance fees

Exclusions

  • Vietnam visa stamping fee
  • Single supplement surcharge
  • Other meals than mentioned
  • Other services than mentioned
  • Drinks, other than water on activity days
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
  • Travel insurance

Meals

  • Breakfast: 12
  • Lunch: 4
  • Brunch: 1
  • Dinner: 1

Transport

  • Private car 
  • Shuttle bus 
  • Train
  • Boat 

Included Activities

  • Hanoi City Tour 
  • Half day tour - Silver Waterfalls and Heaven Gate
  • Full day tour - Lao Chai, Ta Van & Giang Ta Chai 
  • Half day tour - Taphin Red Dao Hill Tribe Village
  • Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (2D1N on non-private cruise)
  • Full day tour - Paradise Cave & Phong Nha Cave
  • Dmz Tour in Dong Hoi
  • Hue Sightseeing 
  • Hoian Eco Tour and Cooking Class

Cancellation by Customer

Should you need to cancel your holiday once it has been confirmed, the party leader must immediately advise us in writing sent to us via fax or email. The following cancellation charges will be applied:

  • More than 21 days prior to departure: The total of deposit paid to us (30% of the Tour value).
  • 7- 21 days  prior to departure: 50% on total value of the trip charged, due to hotel charges for no-shows and organizing fees.
  • Within 1-6 days  prior to departure: 100% on total charged.
  • No-Show: 100% on total charged.

Note: Insurance premiums and amendment charges are not refundable in the event of cancellation.  

Cancellation of domestic or international flights:

If the cancellation occurs after a deposit was paid to the Airlines, a cancellation fees, of 25 – 40 % of the airfare for the domestic flight and USD30 – 50/pax for the international flight, is required (according to the policy of the Airlines).

Unused services:

No refunds or exchanges can be made with respect to accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours, transport or any other services, included in the tour price, but not utilized by the tour members. 

Children Policy

For children, please note:

  • Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (maximum 2 adults with 1 child under 2 years old)
  • Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% price of adults
  • Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% price of adults
  • Children from 12 years old: as adult

Customer Reviews

Reviews from actual Seni travelers. We publish all reviews.

Excellent
5 out of 5

Based on 99 reviews. See some of the reviews here.

Christelle G

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: June 2024

Traveled To: Vietnam

Local specialist: Lyn

It was one of my best time ever Vietnam such interesting place with culture and cuisine. I would really like to thank Lyn and trang for arranging my holiday. From the pick up to drop off the tour guide waiting at the airports with your name on. It gives me as solo traveler the confidence of being secured. Vietnam. South Africa have two amazing gems in the organization Lyn and trang everything was perfectly arranged I felt safe in their hands. I met many friends try different foods. So to all solo traveller's don't be afraid get these two amazing human beings to arrange your trip to Vietnam.

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Trip Rating:

John and Damietta Daniel

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: June 2024

Traveled To: Vietnam

Local specialist: Twitch

Just back from an exciting and memorable trip to Vietnam which was wonderfully organised and curated by Twitch, our travel consultant from Seni World, who has been very professional and proactive in making our trip hassle free from the time we contacted him for the quotation and itinerary. I would highly recommend his services for his professional approach, dedication and coordination for having made our stay comfortable.

- John and Damietta Daniel ()

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Trip Rating:

Liza

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: May 2024

Traveled To: Vietnam

Local specialist: Lyn

Wow wow wow! It was an absolutely amazing trip! I cannot recommend this company highly enough! It was our first time to Asia and it was incredible! From the first communication I had when we started planning our trip 6 month's prior to going to the end (and even afterwards) it was absolutely brilliant! Everything was so meticulously planned and executed and nothing was too much to ask! From the planning stages to the actual tour every question or query was rapidly answered without hesitation and with such friendliness and helpfulness! A HUGE thank you must go to Trang and Lyn for creating and executing our trip with such professionalism, dedication, friendliness and helpfulness - it was an utter joy dealing with them! I can a 100 % say that it is the best service I have EVER received!!! Vietnam and its people were breathtaking! This was also a very special and personal trip for us and Trang and Lyn made sure that it felt so special! They went above and beyond to make it special and we truly felt cared for and not just a number. Every day trip was excellent with great tour guides and everything was always on time - even the transfers and pick up guides were fantastic! We did not have to worry about a thing and could only enjoy ourselves! The hotels chosen were great and centrally located! I honestly cannot fault anything except that I wish more people and companies could learn the work ethic, responsibility and dedication that Trang and Lyn have shown! The communication with Trang and Lyn keeping us updated and just checking in on us were exceptional! We will truly never forget Trang and Lyn and our fabulous trip of a lifetime to Vietnam! Thank you, thank you, thank you again for making this trip so memorable and truly a trip of a lifetime!!! Will for sure recommend you to all family and friends and definitely use you again if we are fortunate enough to visit Vietnam again!!!

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Trip Rating:

Linda F

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: May 2024

Traveled To: Vietnam

Local specialist: Lucy

Lucy from Seni World booked our entire holiday, it was magical from start to finish. All our transfers, hotels and tours were booked by Lucy and our visas were organised by her, it went without a hitch. Any questions we had, Lucy responded immediately, it didn't matter what time of day or night. I highly recommend Lucy and Seni World, thanks for the holiday of a lifetime. We so loved Vietnam - what a peaceful, happy, beautiful country!

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Trip Rating:

Q&A’s

What information would you like to know? View more...
A Response from Seni World 30/08/2021

Not only is the first tour operator in Vietnam focusing only on travelers from South Africa but Vietnamtour.co.za also has been receiving a lot of positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Moreover, we also have a representative in South Africa  - Mrs. Katrine Putick. You can contact her to book and confirm your tour to Vietnam right in South Africa. 

Ms. KATRINE PUTTICK

  • Address: Bay Farm, Main Rd, Hout Bay Cape Province, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Phone: (+27 (83) 261 1693)
  • Email: kputtick@iafrica.com
A Response from Seni World 12/06/2017

Vietnam's weather differs greatly from region to region.  Depending on where and when you're going to visit, make sure you prepare for the weather before you go.

North: Best time to visit is during spring (from February and April) and autumn (from September to November). The temperatures are more moderate with lighter rainfall

Central: Best time to visit is between January and August when the weather is dry with no heavy rains

South: The best time to visit the region is during the dry season, between December and April when the city experiences warm weather without rain showers.

If you're planning to visit the whole country, it is possible to travel to any part of Vietnam during any season.

A Response from Seni World 06/12/2018

Depending on your place of choice and your interest, the duration could be varied. Normally, for first- time travelers, it will take you about 10- 14 days to discover the must-see attractions throughout Vietnam.

A Response from Seni World 22/12/2018

There are two available methods for passport holders from South Africa to choose to apply for a visa to Vietnam. You can either apply for your visa at the local embassy or obtain a visa on arrival with a visa letter.

You need to have a passport which is effective for at least 6 months beyond arrival date, 2 photos 4x6 and 2 blank pages on it for visa stamp (which costs 25$) and a visa letter. When you book tours with vietnamtour.co.za, we will offer a visa letter for free. 

A Response from Seni World 03/11/2018

Our price doesn't consist of international flight tickets. If you have any problem in finding international flight tickets, we could book them for you. 

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