Overview

Vietnam is definitely a heaven for anyone who wishes to venture through the magnificent caves, vast rainforests and breathtaking range of mountains. For 18 days in a thrilling holiday, it is time to discover the World Unesco Heritage in Halong Bay, one of the biggest caves in the world Phong Nha - Ke Bang, and various other natural wonders in South East Asia. This amazing Vietnam adventure will also include a chance of a lifetime to find out the rich culture and ancient heritages which have lasted for thousands of years. Let's travel with us and enjoy our impressive Vietnam holiday packages!

Highlights

  • Discover our capital – Hanoi with interesting history, culture stories and amazing street foods
  • Have a whole view of Sa Pa with beautiful terraces and picturesque scenes with diversity of local cultures
  • Experience overnight cruise in Halong Bay to understand why it is considered “the should-not miss destination” in Vietnam
  • Study about an imperial & royal Hue where managed to hold onto its old world charm, despite the many ravages of war and time
  • Enjoy cycling and cooking class in Hoi An – our most beloved town in Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh city – our largest city with many popular destinations with rich history, French colonial buildings 
  • Enjoy many fun activities in Mekong Delta which is considered the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens
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Tour Code

Tour Code
VNZA-821

Duration

Duration
18 Days

Departure Dates

Departure Dates
Flexible

Accommodation

Accommodation
Up to 5-star

Transports

Transports
Private car , Shuttle bus, Airplane, Boat, Train

Special Offers

Special Offers

Full Itinerary Expand All

Your trip will begin in the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Upon reaching the airport, you will be transferred to the booked hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter before starting the trip.

After resting, hundred of delectable Vietnamese dishes awaiting you in our street food tour around the Old Quarter. Nothing is more refreshing than sitting in a corner on Ta Hien street, chatting with friends, and drink the iconic Vietnamese Beer, Bia Hoi. As you enjoying the relaxing time, it will be a great chance to watch the lives of the local.

At night and even midnight, Hanoi has one of the most bustling streets in South East Asia, especially during weekends. Food lovers will be surrounded by a good selection of foods and snacks, including the famous grilled barbecue and unique Vietnamese cakes. Afterward, you will return and rest in your hotel for the next day.

On this day, you will discover a huge number of famous sites in the capital with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as your first one. Take time and witness the final resting place for the great president of Vietnamese people, Ho Chi Minh, and his life and contribution to the country. After that, the Temple of Literature will be the next intriguing location, presenting ancient architecture and Vietnamese scholastic culture. 

For lunch, Truc Bach Lake is a wonderful place to sit down, enjoy the hearty meal and contemplate the dreamy scene in the area. Take time to taste the tasty foods and drinks with your group while watching the calm nature around.

Our day will continue with an adventure in Ancient Streets in Hanoi in which each special products will be sold on each street. The highlight of Hanoi Old Quarter is a range of French Colonial houses which have been carefully preserved in the beginning. If you want to choose a gift for family members or a souvenir, the Ancient Streets offer from small silver accessories made by local to the well-known Ao Dai. However, it will be a waste without trying Vietnamese Phin Coffee or egg coffee in one of the cafes around Hoan Kiem Lake. Finally, Ngoc Son Temple, the symbol of Vietnamese Buddism, will show a sacred atmosphere and customs in Vietnam.

Before leaving Hanoi and travel to our first mountainous area, you can watch the Water Puppet Show which is a traditional art and entertainment only in Vietnam. Afterward, resting in the hotel and packing your luggage and we will venture to Sapa by train.

Arriving in Sapa after several hours on a train, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sapa and meet up with a guide, check in and begin your journey. Firstly, travel South to the traditional Cat Cat Village where local people resided for a few centuries. Along the way, you can take pictures of breathtaking scenes including magnificent valleys and mountains.

On the off the beaten track, it is easy to encounter vast green fields, local people dressing up in unique clothes and beautiful and peaceful river. Resting near the river bank, enjoy scenes of children playing around and woman doing chores. Then, you will travel to discover further about local people in the Black H'Mong ethnic community. Remember to bring along a camera and take the best shots of people in the village. Lunch will be held at the local restaurant and regain your stamina.

Now, it is time to trekking to another village called Lao Chai where you can witness the batik painting while sipping a cup of herbal tea. Here, the local will show you their specialty which is the famous batik patterns and embroidery. From hundreds of years ago to our modern age, the art has been passed down from generations to generations and preserve as one of the treasures in the community. These will be nice presents to bring homemade by skillful hands of Vietnamese ethnic group.

At night, your resting location may not be the luxurious hotel but a local house such as the home of Ms. Moo. Not only you will enjoy the beautiful nature in Sapa but also relax in the H'Mong herbal bath and try special foods and drinks. The night will pass by with the story of local hosts about their life and customs or simply watching surrounding nature.

Wake up and taste local meal in the peaceful morning in Sapa before bid farewell to the host and venture to Muong Hoa Valley and Ta Van Village. This is a place where you can discover the strange field of stones with a unique carving of ancient people and especially the spectacular view in the valley. Finally, in the traditional village, you will take a closer look at another ethnic group, Giay people. Afterward, the guide will take you back to your hotel to rest before heading back to the train to Hanoi.

Right after you arrive in Hanoi, a shuttle bus will take you to the World Unesco Heritage Halong Bay. Get on a boat and travel to a traditional style cruise while you can also take a glimpse of unique Karst formations in the region. On the cruise, you will be offered with modern amenities and one-of-a-kind view in Asia. Slowly cruising around limestone mountains and enjoy your drinks or kayaking up-close to each mountain. Meals will be served on the boat. Overnight on the cruise.

Vung Vieng Village is considered to be a highlight of all trips in Halong Bay, featuring the traditional lifestyle in the area. After that, it is time for a delectable meal of fresh seafood designed by the chef on the cruise. Travel back on land and visit Yen Duc Village to watch the Water Puppet Show before returning to Hanoi. Resting in the capital for the day. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Now you will enjoy Hanoi for the last time on your trip before traveling to Dong Hoi by plane. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Dong Hoi.

 

After breakfast in a hotel in Phong Nha, visit Tan Hoa village about 60 kilometers from our first destination. A safety briefing will be presented to ensure the most enjoyable trip and then it is time for you to venture through seemingly boundless rice fields and reach Rao Nan River. The next wonder to discover lies near Hung Ton Valley which only about 150 meters from the River. 

Our lunch will start right next to the entrance of Hung Ton Cave before taking a pretty tough hiking adventure. Firstly, from Hung Ton Valley, trekking on Mango Mountain and then travel 3 kilometers to Tu Lan Valley. Tons of photograph opportunities will be on the way to the campsite and explore Ken Cave. 

At the end of the day, a BBQ with your group while resting near the campfire and watching the beauty of nature will be an unforgettable moment. 

Your final day in Dong Hoi will begin with a relaxing breakfast and exploration of Tu Lan Cave. Venture into the magnificent cave with special stalactite and stalactite formations. After that, you will return to the campsite and have lunch before exploring Hang Kim Cave. Through dry and even wet part of the cave, head to To Mo Valley where you swim forth through Hung Ton Cave and trekking for nearly a kilometer across Hung Ton Valley. Here, you will visit Rat Cave and contemplate spectacular features of the Vietnamese Cave system. Travel across the vast green fields again and return to Tan Hoa Village. Enjoy the dinner and have a nice shower before transferring back to Phong Nha in the late evening. Overnight at the hotel in Phong Nha.

In the morning, you will travel to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. You will arrive at your hotel, spend time venture around the place or refresh and prepare for another exciting day. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Your peaceful morning starts with a nice meal at the hotel and then get ready for a day of exploration in the royal capital. 

The calm and beautiful Perfume River will be your first destination in which you travel by boat. For one hour, you will encounter many charming scenes on the way to Khai Dinh Tomb, the resting place of a famous Vietnamese emperor. Here, you will explore a one-of-a-kind tomb which combines various architecture style, from the West to the East. After that, visit Minh Mang Tomb and even though the place does not possess the unique features in the former one, Minh Mang Tomb still has striking traits of Vietnamese architecture.

Lunch is in a very special location called Dong Thuyen Pagoda where nuns will prepare a vegetarian meal for guests. Sit down and relax in the sacred atmosphere of a temple and enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding. If you are interested in Vietnamese cuisine, it is possible to visit the kitchen and see how the food is prepared. 

Afterward, find out the art of creating paper flowers in Thanh Tien Village, a traditional village in Phu Vang District. Meet local people and learn about this specialty that has lasted for 300 years. Do not hesitate to purchase magnificent products offered in this place as all the profit supports artists, craftsmen in financial difficulty.

Your final location will be at Tha Om Garden House to discover the residents who have lived here since the 19th century and listen to the owner about their precious legacy. Dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel.

Start the day by transferring to the ancient town Hoi An and pass by Hai Van Pass where provide one of the best spots for photographers. 

Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will begin a culinary tour with a huge number of delectable foods and drinks in this coastal town such as white rose dumpling, Banh Can, or grilled pork. Travel beside a local guide, you will not only enjoy unique cuisine in the South of the country but also listen to the origin of each food.

Firstly, you will taste one of the iconic foods in Hoi an, which is white rose dumpling. While feasting on the delicious dumpling, watching the locals as they skillfully make up to thousands of dumplings each day. If you want to make some, the local is always willing to teach you one or two things about their secrets.

Finish our first exciting food and continue to venture to another interesting food: Banh Can. This is a combination of various ingredients that are perfectly balanced in taste including eggs, pork, salad. Tourists are often considered this to be the highlight of the trip while they sit down near the stool and try each hot piece.

Head onward to dine at a local restaurant offering foods such as grilled pork and spring roll. Additionally, you will have a chance to try Hoi An Wonton and well-known Cao Lau or Quang Noodle. Regain your energy as we sit down and relax in a corner of Sky Coffee Bar located in Hoi An museum. Chat with your group about the feelings of the day and then return to your hotel to rest.

After a day enjoying a food tour in Hoi An, it is high time we explore the historical and cultural sites in the ancient town. Being a port for numerous trading boats from Asia in the past, now Hoi An possesses the uniqueness of various architecture styles like Chinese, Japanese. 

Our walking tour will start at Chua Ong Pagoda, the cultural heritage of Hoi An. Built in the 17th century in the Chinese District, Chua Ong was first dedicated to an extremely famous general in Romance of the Three Kingdoms "Quan Van Truong". Preserved since then, Chua Ong Pagoda features Chinese structures both interior and exterior. After that, we will continue to explore another building influenced by the Chinese which is Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Here, people worshiped Goddess of the Sea who protect merchants from the storm.

Heading toward Tan Ky House represents an 18th-century merchant's house on a modern street nowadays. Then, you will relax on the Japanese Bridge built to link Japanese district with Chinese. While exploring unique designs and decorations on the bridge, you will hear an interesting legend behind the construction. Continue to Reaching Out Tea House where you will support all the disabilities working in or outside of the cafe before lunch at a local restaurant presenting local cuisine.

Afterward, you will also explore Hoi An town on a cyclo onward to Cam Thanh Village. Located in the countryside, Cam Thanh Village allows tourists to escape from the busy life in the city and enjoy the day with local people. The simple yet beautiful scenery of this destination includes a water coconut forest and calm Thu Bon River. Take a wooden boat and venture through Hoi An while waiting for the sunset. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

saigon to hanoi tour

Prepare your luggage at the hotel and be transferred to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After few hours, meet your guide in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Relax for a while and then your adventure continues in the heart of the South. The War Remnants Museum will be our first major highlight where you can explore the history of the Vietnam War. A huge number of collections have been collected here to show the very unity of Vietnamese against all odds and modern weapon. It will be an unforgettable memory for anyone who interested in history.

After that, you will arrive in Reunification Palace, a mark of a new age in for all Vietnamese to remember. The atmosphere from the day when a North Vietnamese Tank crash down the gate in the palace still remains till today. Next, the guide will take you to Central Post Office designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower. As a result, this place represents the French architecture style with a large ancient map presenting postal road from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Head out to Dong Khoi Street to discover even more old building dated back to French Colonial time. Admire the grand buildings and stop at Saigon Opera House. Our final magnificent remnant of the past is no short of amazing as it is well-preserved for years. If you lucky, there will be a live concert and other entertainment event occurred outside of the Opera House. Back to your hotel to rest for an exciting night.

In the morning, Ho Chi Minh City is a busy city, but at night, it is even more bustling with local people pour into the street to relieve the stress after a long working day. Now, your guide will take you to the culinary heaven in Saigon, from the iconic Banh Beo, Water Fern Cake to delicious Vietnamese coffee. Finish our day with some dessert and watch the life of the local. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, take the time to have a nice breakfast and then travel to the Mekong Delta. Set foot on Cai Be and find a boat to venture around the region. As we heading to other destinations, you will have a perfect chance to contemplate an extremely different life of local people than other locations. Get off the boat in Dong Phu and An Binh, visit home-based factories that create oil, candy and even wine. Have a quick lunch and continue to the ferry hub in Vinh Long. Arrive by car and have dinner on your own. Overnight in Can Tho.

 

Mekong Delta still has a lot of new things to discover and you will visit the floating market which is rare in the world. A huge number of wooden boats sell a wide variety of fruits, foods, drinks and even animals. From Can Tho, heading to a tranquil town called Chau Doc by car and then to Tra Su Forest.

Hop on a boat again to travel on the river with vast mangroves on the side. The diversity of fauna and flora is the highlight of our day as there are hundreds of species in the area. You will also visit a village of an ethnic group in Vietnam to learn about their religion and unique culture. Take time to talk with monks at the monastery and explore interesting stories and details to tell your family. Overnight in a local house.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City after few days touring in Mekong Delta. Free to relax and collect all beautiful memories about your recent spectacular trip. Meal on your own. Overnight in the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to the airport. End of Service.

Useful Information

Inclusions

  • All airport transfers
  • English speaking guides
  • Entrance and sightseeing fees as stated in the itinerary.

Exclusions

  • International flight tickets
  • Vietnam visa stamp fee: 30 USD per person
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
  • Travel insurance

Meals

  • Breakfast: 17
  • Brunch: 1
  • Lunch: 10
  • Dinner: 8

Transport

  • Private car
  • Train
  • Shuttle bus
  • Airplane
  • Boat

Included Activities

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour
  • Hanoi City Tour
  • Trekking to Y Linh Ho & Lao Chai
  • Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (2D1N on non-private cruise)
  • Dong Hoi Sightseeing
  • Hue City Tour Full Day
  • Food Tour in Hoian
  • Mekong Delta Trip
  • Visitting Chau Doc

Special Note:

This is an ideal tour for travelers who want to explore deeper Northern Vietnam. 

If you love the mountainous areas with ethnic culture, you should have a look at this program. It is absolutely different with the place where you are staying and you will many interesting to tell your family or friends about Vietnam experiences when you travel back home.

What are the best things you will have:

+ Explore Halong Bay on land - Ninh Binh - where the film King Kong had too many amazing scenes.

+ Learn more about Vietnamese ethnic minorities and enjoy the remote, rustic and supremely beautiful Pu Luong

+ Relaxing time on Halong Bay - World Natural Heritage

You can travel all year around for this itinerary. Just notice that it will be cool during December until February but still very comfortable.

Our prices are valid for daily departures (except some special case as explained below) for groups from 1 to 6 pax. If your party has more than 6 adults, please send us an email, we will advise our best price for your group.

Our prices are not valid for some special occasions and peak season as below:

° Christmas and New Year (normally, there will be surcharge for Gala Dinner on 24.Dec and 31.Dec Eves – applied for 4 and 5 star hotels)

° Vietnam Lunar New Year – from 25.Feb.2020 – 03.Mar.2020 – if you travel during this period, there will have surcharge for some services – we will advise you clearly at the time of booking

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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