Overview
Welcome to the Tranquil Trails tour, an immersive 15-day journey beckoning you to delve into the heart and soul of Vietnam. This meticulously curated expedition encapsulates the essence of slow travel, promising an authentic exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and storied history.
Embark on an odyssey that transcends the ordinary, guiding you through Vietnam’s hidden treasures and iconic landmarks. This itinerary is crafted for those seeking more than the surface-level experience, inviting you to savor each moment, forge meaningful connections, and create indelible memories.
Over 15 days, traverse this enchanting land, delving into the labyrinthine alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the serene beauty of Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, the ancient allure of Hue’s imperial citadel, the picturesque charm of Hoi An’s ancient streets, and the misty tranquility of Sapa’s terraced rice fields.
Immerse yourself in local life through homestays, engage with artisans, and savor the tantalizing flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, from street-side pho stalls to family-run eateries. This journey isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s a celebration of the journey itself, fostering a deeper understanding of Vietnam's cultural tapestry.
More than a mere travel itinerary, Tranquil Trails is a commitment to responsible tourism. Embrace eco-friendly practices, support local communities, and contribute to the preservation of Vietnam’s natural beauty.
Join us on this 15-day odyssey, where the unhurried pace allows you to absorb the sights, sounds, and stories that make Vietnam an enchanting tapestry of experiences. Discover the art of slow travel as you traverse this captivating country, savoring the moments that linger long after the journey ends.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arrive Hanoi. Being greeted by your tour guide and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Explores the downtown core of Hanoi: Hang Be market, Ngoc Son Temple (aka Jade Island), Turtle tower and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Visits Tran Quoc Pagoda by the West Lake
Have dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
Check out hotel in Hanoi and depart for Ha Long.
Start the journey through limestone rocks. Visit Trinh Nu Cave, followed by kayak activities. Admire the sunset, dinner onboard and a night squid fishing session.
Overnight on-board.
DAY 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise – Hanoi (B, L, D)
Wake up in the morning with on-board Tai-Chi class between the unearthed scene of the bay. Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave before reaching the wharf by late morning.
Transfer to Hanoi.
Visits Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), One-pillar Pagoda.
Visit Hoa Lo Museum (aka Hanoi Hilton)
Have the traditional Bún Chả (rice vermicelli with grilled pork) and board the night train (private cabin) to Hue.
Overnight on-board.
DAY 4: Hue – the Former Capital (B, , D)
Arrive Hue about 10:00 am. Being greeted by the local guide. Chosen by The Nguyen Lords, then Nguyen Dynasty to be the capital for more than 300 years, Hue is the essence of Vietnam’s past that is reserved like a living museum. We start exploring the city by a visit to The Imperial City, the heart of the city for centuries. Visit Tu Duc Mausoleum and handcraft villages of making incense and
conical hats. Check-in hotel. Have dinner and overnight in Hue.
DAY 5: The Art of Living (B, L, D)
One of the well-preserved Hue styles is its art of living. On this day, we will cycle to Kim Long Village on the outskirts of Hue to understand its garden house planning, about fengshui and join the local villagers, whose most of ancestors were officials or mandarins hundred years ago. Enjoy a cup of tea, fruits and a simple lunch at one of the garden homes. Cycle back to Hue city center.
Enjoy a serene evening with the dragon boat trip along Perfume River with traditional Hue singing performance. Overnight in Hue.
DAY 6: Hue – Hoi An (B, , D)
A leisurely morning with late check-out. Have lunch, then proceed to Hoi An. Have a brief stop for the breathtaking view over Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Lagoon en-route. Arrive Hoi An and check-in hotel at late afternoon.
Explore Hoi An Old Town on foot. Being the most important trading port of Vietnam during 16-18th centuries, Hoi An reserved its heyday architecture and lifestyle and bring the lively experience of cuisine, religions and culture to travelers. Visit the assembly hall, antique museum, and the old mansions for an overview of Hoi An’s past. Rides the Thu Bon River boat with options to release the floating lights on the river. Have dinner and stay overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 7: Hoi An (B, L, D)
Attending lantern making workshop. Fabric lantern is one of the traditional handcraft products of Hoi An.
Visit Trà Quế vegetable village, learns about different type of herbs and vegetables and their role in Vietnamese cuisines. Attends a cooking class, followed by lunch right at the farm.
Visit Bảy Mẫu mangrove forest and ride the basket boat. Basket boat is unique to central Vietnam coast and traditionally a perfect way for fishermen to approach large boats during high wave. Goes coffee hopping, visiting different coffee shops and renowned streets food of Hoi An. Visit Reaching Out Teahouse.
DAY 8: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (B, , D)
Check-out hotel and proceed to Da Nang Airport for the domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Being greeted by the local guide and going to explore the city. As the country’s economic powerhouse and a melting pot, the city has everything Vietnam has to offer. Start with the Notre Dame Basilica, Book Street and Central Post Office, to Pedestrian Street and the Saigon River Waterfront area. In the afternoon, we will tour some key venues of the Vietnam War, including the Independence Palace, the Secret weapon bunker, an important transit point playing a vital role during the 1968 uprising, then to the War Remnant Museum, one of the most visited museums in the world. Have dinner at Hoa Tuc Restaurant.
DAY 9: Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
Start the morning as a Saigonese, enjoy a bowl of “phở” in a heritage shop before heading to the Old Market. The city center has been meeting places of different communities and their footprints still exist. We will understand about how the Chinese, Indian, French and Vietnamese people crisscrossed this trading post city through leisure walks toward Ben Thanh Market. Doing food tasting along the way
with variety of snacks and drink and have lunch right at the food section of the market.
Visit Vietnam History Museum for a glance of the country’s 3000+ years. Continue to Le Van Duyet Temple, one of the most important figures in the city history and understand about Vietnamese calligraphy and straw drawing.
Enjoy a short tour of Saigon Opera House, then the A O Show, a circus themed dance showcasing Vietnamese performing arts. Have dinner at SH Garden restaurant.
DAY 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho (B, L, D)
Departs for Cu Chi Tunnel @ Ben Duoc which is the original tunnel, about 2 hours from downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Have lunch at a riverside restaurant, then proceed to Can Tho (4 hour drive).
Arrive Can Tho in the evening.
Have dinner at the old market by Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Overnight in Can Tho.
DAY 11: Can Tho- Phu Quoc (B,)
Early morning visit to Cai Rang Floating Market to experience one of the traditional trading customs and etiquette of the lower Mekong region. Briefly visit a noodle workshop and the hyacinth weaving workshop to get to know about the region’s traditional handcrafts. Proceed to Can Tho Airport.
Upon arrival to Phu Quoc, transfer to resort.
DAY 12: Phu Quoc Free & Easy (B,)
Leisurely relax at the hotel/resort.
DAY 13: Phu Quoc Free & Easy (B,)
Leisurely relax at the hotel/resort.
DAY 14: Phu Quoc Free & Easy (B,)
Leisurely relax at the hotel/resort until check-out time (12:00pm)
Transfer by car to Phu Quoc Airport for flight to Hanoi
Being greeted by the tour guide. Transfer by car to check-in hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 15: Departure (B, L, D)
Leisurely relaxed at hotel.
Go to Dong Xuan Market or Hang Da Market for shopping.
Go for the Water Puppet Show.
Have dinner at Ngon restaurant before heading to airport for the flight back
home.
Included:
Land tour and meals as per itinerary;
English Speaking Guides: 01 at Ha Noi and Ha Long (Day 1 to Day 3, Day 14 and
15), 01 in Hue and Hoi An (Day 4 to Day 8), 01 in HCMC and Can Tho (Day 8 to 11);
2 bottles of water per day per pax;
Domestic airfare: DAD-SGN, PQC -HAN, Economy Restricted with 1 carry-on and 1x 20kg checked bag;
Accommodation of choice with 4-star hotel/resort standard.
Excluded:
Air tickets to/from Vietnam;
Expenses outside the itinerary, personal expenses;
Travel insurance;
Tips and gratuities.
