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Authentic Beauty of Northern Central Vietnam 8 Days

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Tour code:

Duration: 8 days

Destination: Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An

US$ 736 US$ 634 per person

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Travelers will get the chance to understand what the cuisine from Northern to Central Vietnam is like as well as visit relics, natural scenes, and cultural markets through this tour. There are a lot of activities to enjoy.

trip highlight

• Hop on a back of a scooter to try out all the delicious food in Hanoi

• Have an egg coffee class at the Old Quarter

• Participate in fun activities of Ha Long Bay

• Chill in Hoi An Ancient town

• Discover Da Nang’s old architecture and nature scenes

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Day 1: Hanoi Arrival - Foodie tour by Scooter

Meal Provided: Dinner

Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, obtain your Vietnam visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a driver. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel.

At 6 PM, you’ll get to enjoy a wide range of street food in the most popular locations visited by all the locals. The first stop on our tour is a family-run eatery Hanoians claim is the best spot for Banh Cuon (steamed rolled cake) in town. The skilled chef will demonstrate for us how the ingredients are put together as we get to experience a front-row seat to the culinary process. Our tour continues weaving through the streets bathed in the glow of colorful lanterns and decorative lights in the Old Quarter as we ride along the bank of the Red River to take in the views of Hanoi under the cover of night. This leads us to our next stop, a local family eatery where you will get to enjoy Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodle). And we will sample local favorite delicacies in a nearby neighborhood includes: Banh Goi (pillow cake), Nem ran (traditional spring roll), Banh ran man, Banh ran Ngot (salty and sweet doughnut), Shrimp cake. You’ll be taken on a ride over to West Lake to enjoy the scenery before arriving at Ngu Xa village to try Freshly grilled seafood and some local desert like Che xoai( Mango desert), Purple rice with yoghurt and other traditional fried Vietnamese dishes. As our tour takes you away from the West Lake area and back into the heart of Hanoi, you will be taken past the Ho Chi Minh memorial where guards can be seen performing their nightly ceremonies. Nothing captures the reverence and sanctity that the Vietnamese hold for Ho Chi Minh more than these nightly ceremonies.

Finally, we will head back into the densely packed streets of Hanoi to the train tracks where locals cook, relax, and sell their wares. It is a bustling alley full of locals going about their nightly lives, right next to active train tracks! Our tour winds down with a stop to a popular cafe to try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee and a top-secret desert which you only know when you travel with us! First invented in 1946, it’s a delicacy of whipped egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk for sweetness, and just a drop of vinegar to fluff the eggs. This is floated on top of a shot of espresso and dusted with cocoa powder. The end result is a coffee experience like no other, and a taste and texture reminiscent of tiramisu.
Stay overnight in Hanoi

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Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour – Egg Coffee Class

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

At 9 AM, transfer to the center, visit West Lake, the largest lake of the capital, once was named as “Foggy Lake” from its misty condition. Its name was changed to “West Lake” in 1573 to avoid the given name of King Le The Tong. Stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, thus giving it an age of 1,400 years. Have ice cream at West Lake Ice cream – Kem Ho Tay – right opposite the Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Then continue to Temple of Literature (Vietnamese name is Quoc Tu Giam) – The Vietnam’s first University, which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers, and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education. 
Continue to visit the Hilton Jail or Hoa Lo prison, a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War when it was sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the “Hanoi Hilton”.

Continue to St Joseph’s Cathedral, a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the largely Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.

Back the Old Quarter, participate in Egg Coffee Class. You will be shown the origin of the egg’s coffee and its formative process, how to make and highlight the special flavor of egg coffee. After class, enjoy a cup of egg coffee made by yourself. A special gift from the organizer – coffee filter made by Bát Tràng Ceramics to keep the heat needed and a certification paper. Pass by Ngoc Son Temple which is located at the northern end of Sword Lake (aka Hoan Kiem Lake). From the shore, walking on the Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge leads to the island. 

Enjoy a water puppet show. Water puppetry – ” puppets that dance on water”- is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.
Stay overnight at Hanoi

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Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

08.00 – 8:30: Our guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby in Ha Noi, being on a modern shuttle bus heading to Ha Long Bay.
12.00: Arrive at Swan office, you have a short time to relax in the office before embark Swan cruise
12.45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staff. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin
13.30: Enjoy delicious Vietnamese for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Ha Long Bay.
15.00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island– the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, and listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing. If you want to join in the karaoke activity, please our tour guide to be supported
Stay overnight on board Ha Long Bay

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Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi by shuttle bus - flight to Da Nang

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

06.30-07.00: Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Ha Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck. 07.00-07.30: Catch the morning view of the seascape while enjoying breakfast with cookies and tea, at a café in the restaurant.
07.30-08.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village – the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover the life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay. (No swimming).
08.30-9.30: Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.
09.30-10.40: Enjoy the brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to Vinashin tourist harbor.
11.00: Disembark from the boat.
12.00: Get on your shuttle bus again for driving back to Hanoi.
16.30: The shuttle bus will drop you off at your former hotel in Hanoi.

From here, you will be privately transferred to Noi Bai Airport (no guide) to catch an evening flight to Danang.

After collecting your baggage, exit the Da Nang airport to meet outside a local Guide. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel.
Stay overnight in Da Nang

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Day 5: Da Nang - Bana Hill/Golden Bridge

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Start our trip to Ba Na Hills, a hill station and resort located in the Truong Son Mountain west of the city of Danang. The station, advertised as “the Dalat of Danang province” by local tourism authorities, was founded in 1919 by French colonists. A trip by cable car will offer you a chance to admire the panorama of Ba Na Hills, spring stream, Danang city, and Danang coast from your cabin at the height of 1,487 meters above sea level. During your time on the mountain, enjoy a visit to:


● Fantasy Park: the amusement park reserves countless funs and surprises, which of course involve well-tailored games to keep little kids occupied and delighted all day long.

● The Le Jardin with the relics of the French, such as the force of the French horse, nearly 100-year-old grapefruit trees and traces of ancient villas. Especially Debay cellar, the wine cellar was built by the French in 1923, spent nearly a century, they still retain cellar wild, mysterious, is the work of the French single remaining fairly intact Ba Na.

● Linh Ung Pagoda, located on the peak of Ba Na Mountain at the height of 1.400 meters. 

● Keep taking a nice walk to Golden Bridge. Winding its way around a 150-meter course lined with flowers, a golden bridge shimmers against the Ba Na Hills, supported by a pair of giant hands. Take cable down Drive back to Danang Center around 5-6 PM.
Stay overnight in Danang

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Day 6: Da Nang – Marble Mountain - Hoi An Ancient Town (Ao Dai + Conical Hat Rental)

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, on the way to Hoi An Ancient Town, make a stop at Marble Mountain. The five mountains consist of rock outcrops that are made of marble. Each mountain is said to represent a natural element and is named accordingly to Water, Wood, Fire, Gold and Earth. The largest, Water, has a number of grottos and caves. Then, after a leisurely 40-minute drive to Hoi An, you will start your afternoon by a walking tour around this enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market … Around the town, you can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops. You are also free to get some made-to-order clothes if you like.


Note: The highlight of the tour is you will explore the city wearing these lovely Ao Dai for one whole day and enjoy an exclusive photoshoot in the ancient town. Strike your best pose against eclectic backdrops of cozy, old-fashioned cafés, indigenous restaurants, and an unforgettable street plan reflecting native and foreign influences dating from the 15th to 19th century. We offer Ao Dai and a conical hat for free for women, men, and children of all kinds of ages.
Stay overnight in Hoi An

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Day 7: Hoi An - Market Tour - Basket Boat - Cooking Class in Cam Thanh Village

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
You will meet your local guide at the hotel, then drive to Hoi An Market (around half an hour), you can feel the bustle of the morning market, and have an opportunity to have direct contact with sellers. You might also have a chance to learn some tips about “bargaining” when going shopping. Our guide will introduce to you the necessary ingredients for cooking classes. Then you will have a sightseeing tour along the Thu Bon River and Cua Dai beach by boat. On the river, you have a chance to enjoy the river’s beauty in the countryside of Vietnam. Next, you will join a basket boat tour and get some loveable handmade souvenirs made from nipa palm leaves. We will welcome you to our restaurant, for a welcome drink, here you will join and paint on a bamboo class by yourself. In the end, we will start the cooking class with our chefs. Within two hours, the chef will teach you how to cook Vietnamese cultural cuisine. Then you can enjoy Vietnamese food made by yourself. After lunch, back to the hotel by car.
Stay overnight in Hoi An

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Day 8: Hoi An - Departure

Meal Provided: Breakfast
You will have your own free time before the time that our driver (no guide) will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for the flight back home. End of tour.

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Tour prices shown are 'per person',  based on a traveling party of at least 4 adults, and sharing a room.  If you intend to travel alone, the cost might be much higher. However, you also earn money by using the Share button above to invite your friends and family, traveler forum members to book this tour with you.

The 'Single supplement' applies to single travelers who require their own room and needs to be added to the tour price.
Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements, but may incur price changes

What's Included:

• 06 nights with breakfast at hotels
(Based on a private double/twin sharing room)
• 1 night on a private cabin on a cruise in Halong Bay
• Free Ao Dai and Conical Hat Rental in Hoi An
• 01 Round Trip cable Car ticket to Bana Hill
• Cooking Class as mentioned
• 01 Foodie Tour by Scooter
• Egg Coffee Class
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary 
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver 
• Private English-speaking guide in each region
• 01 bottle of mineral water/ pax/ day
• All taxes and service charge

What's Excluded: 

• Domestic air ticket and airport tax
• Bank fees for both sides (Prefer cash on arrival)
• Single Supplement
• Visa to Vietnam
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping)
• Tipping for guide, driver 
• Peak season surcharge.
• Drinks and other meals which are not indicated in the program
• Travel insurance   
• Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, flood), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc… 
• Other services which are not mentioned clearly in the “Including” item

Remarks: 

1. All of our itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Please click on the “Tailor this trip" button and complete the requested information for us. Upon receipt, our travel consultant will customize the best value vacation for your kind consideration. Please note: Changes CAN be made to the itinerary after our initial quote, but may result in a price change also!

2. We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina in particular (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos) hotel prices make up the major expense of your holiday. Therefore, we would like to clarify how we define these charges:
• Boutique & character hotels: from $50-$80 USD per room/ per night
• Comfort = 3 star hotels from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/ per night
• Superior = 4 star hotels from US$ 80 - US$ 110 per room/ per night
• Deluxe = 5 star hotels from US$120 - US$ 190++ per room/ per night
• High-end = Best of the best hotels from US$ 250++ per room/ per night

3. Child policy: 

• Ages 0-2: free of charge for tour. Airfares depend on Airlines's policy at booking time
• Ages 2-5: 50% of adult price. Airfares depend on Airlines's policy at booking time
• Ages 6-10: 85% of adult price & airfare fully charges
• 11 years and older: 100% (charged as an adult)

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Service Details During The Trip

We’ll immerse you in the diverse cultures of Vietnam by showcasing the unique local flavors. And with the perfect balance of included sightseeing and free time, you can customize your dream vacation with the things you have always wanted to do.


  • Private Local Tour Guide You will have legally licensed local tour guide in each destination, from welcome and farewell you at the airport. Your guide will guide, help, assist and taking care of you in order to make your tour worry-free. The good guide for you means we arrange the right guide. Asianwaytravel.com will arrange tour guide base on the feature of the itinerary and consists of the group, to maximize your experiences in traveling.

  • Private Drivers & Vehicle Safety is first priority for transportation. A well maintained good condition car with legal business licensed and an experienced driver to make sure you are in safe hands. To maximize your comfort and joyful experience with driving service, cold drinking water, cold towel and soft drink are provided in the car.

private

  • Local Flavor Meals Don’t worry about meals; we select both restaurants and menus for you. Asianwaytravel.com will select clean and good environment restaurants for our customer. Menu is also carefully selected by us to ensure you try different food every meal.
    We will recommend and arrange local cuisine since it is part of the cultural experience while traveling. We also recommend dinners are free on your own so you can choose your favorite food by yourself under necessary assistance of your local guide.

  • Well-Selected Hotels Comfort and good value is our priority for choosing hotels for our customers. Comfort of mattress and bedding, joyful decoration style, user friendly facilities, good service and good breakfast!

meals

Travel Visa

Most countries in South East Asia require you to obtain a visa. Please check carefully with your travel specialist regarding specific visa requirements for each country you plan to visit as the legislation does change frequently. Thailand offers a free visa on arrival to most nationalities. Other countries including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar offer a “visa-on-arrival” service which requires you to pay a fee at the airport, or you may prefer to obtain this in advance through the relevant embassy or a visa agent. For visa-on-arrival in Vietnam, you must submit some paperwork before you arrive.

This is an option to get your visa for Vietnam instead of getting visa at the Vietnam consulate in your country.


  • Step 1: Provide us your application details
     • Your full name (as exactly seen on your passport)
     • Your gender
     • Your date of birth
     • Your nationality
     • Your passport number
     • Your passport expiration dates ( with at least 3 vacats pagess and valid for at least 6 months)
     • Date of arrival ( dd/mm/yy)
     • Date of exit (dd/mm/yy)
     • Arrival airport
  • Step 2: Process your visa information into a visa application
    We will contact you for reviewing your visa information and then submit your application on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration department and follow other procedures pursuant to the regulations of Immigration department to get Visa approval letter granted by Immigration department.

visa

We will send the visa approval letter via email to you after 7 working days.
After we obtain the visa approval letter from the Immigration department for you, we will forward you a scanned copy of it by email (Your visa information then have been recorded to the Visa system of the Vietnam Immigration department).


  • Step 3: Get your visa stamp on your arrival
    Just print the approval letter out, prepare 2 passport sized photos and an amount of USD for stamping fee ($25 for single entry visa; $50 for 1 month multiple entry visa ). Put all above mentioned things along with your passport in a package, then show them to Immigration officer at Vietnam arrival airports.

    Upon arrival at Vietnam’s airport, expect a simple form to fill in (or you can download here to fill beforehand), present the visa approval letter, passport, photos to the Immigration officer inside the counter and look for a place to hear your name be called to get the passport back and pay for the stamping fee. The actual process takes around 15 minutes without hassle or trouble.

    • For those who is applicable for E-visa, our travel experts will consult case by case.

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