Vietnam North to South

Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, your Topas guide will welcome you to the capital before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is yours to spend at your leisure to discover Hanoi on your own, perhaps wandering the streets and alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and enjoying the evening promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake. You can of course speak to your guide for some tips for what to do.

Distance and Activities: 45’ drive

HIGHLIGHTS
Visiting the top attractions of Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, French Quarter, Old Quarter, Long Bien Bridge, Westlake.
Explore the hidden gems of Hanoi, featuring with the maze of tiny backstreets and local people’s daily life.
Diving into the local culture where local people live and work.
Experience the REAL Hanoi as it is what it is, featured with the Good, the bad & the weird of the places.

ITINERARY
Part 1: Hanoi Highlights: (2 hours)
You will be greeted by the tour guide and driver at your hotel lobby we then ride to Ho Chi Minh Complex to have a quick visit to Ho chi Minh mausoleum – the Mecca of Vietnamese, Ba Dinh square, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Residential area and One Pillar Pagoda. After that, we move to Temple of Literature, a 1000-year-old iconic architecture of Hanoi to learn about Vietnamese long-standing culture and history.

Part 2: Hanoi Hidden Gems: (2,5 hours)
Explore the parts-unknown of Hanoi by riding through the maze of zigzagging backstreet and narrow alleyways and markets. Diving into the rivers of motorbikes and Hanoi Street symphony. Traveling with all your senses heightened: Watching, Hearing, Touching, Tasting and smiling. Experiencing the GOOD, the BAD, and the WEIRD of the city as it is what it is. Experiencing different slides of life behind the scenes, the hidden part of the iceberg. Meeting people where they live, work, learn and pray. Building personal connections and culture exchanges.

KNOW BEFORE GO
1- Dress-code: Covering shoulders and knees for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
2- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closes on Monday and Friday. Annually closes from end of July to the 2nd of September.
The mausoleum opens 3 hours a day from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 5 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday as well as Public holidays).
3- Can we see Hanoi train-street? Yes, you can, the famous Hanoi Train-street is a part of our itinerary. Though the train street was closed recently, we know HOW, WHEN, WHERE & WHAT to take you in. No train in the morning, but still we see the train street!
4- What happens if it rains? we got ponchos for you, please keep the adventure spirits on our trips.
5. Does the Jeep have covers? No, our Jeep cars are open roof top, so you can travel with all senses heightened.
6-Who This Experience Is Good for? Anyone who enjoys experiencing ordinary life and seeking out new experiences in Hanoi.
7-Difficulty Level: Easy – No experience needed

Distance and activities: 4.5 hours sightseeing tour by jeep

8.30am: After breakfast, leave behind Hanoi on a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh remains one of Vietnam’s most captivating locations, combining stunning natural splendor with an engrossing history.

Investigate the remains of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le dynasties and established a thousand years ago. The sights and smells still evoke the atmosphere of a lost kingdom with stunning temples, pagodas, and elaborate tombs. You’ll also uncover evidence of ancient palaces and royal pavilions that reference an ancient era, surrounded by towering karst outcrops.

In the afternoon, grab a bicycle and peddle through the Trang An Nature Reserve to your boat location. Hop into a small sampan to discover what Ninh Binh is known for – its incredibly scenic boat rides. Keep your head low as your guide rows the boat with her feet through cave passages that lead to hidden temples and pagodas inaccessible by road. Transfer hotel in Ninh Binh for overnight.


Distance and activities: 4-hour drive – 1.5h boat, 10km cycling

7am: you will be picked at your hotel and transferred to Halong for overnight on cruise boat in Bai Tu Long Bay.
12:15: Arriving at Sunworld International Harbor, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City. Transfer to Tonkin Cruise Boat by tender (5 -10 minutes). Enjoy a welcome drink, safety briefing then check in to your cabin.
1pm: Cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay & having lunch with Set Menu. Kayaking to explore some lagoons, Swimming, relaxing at the Beach in Cap La. Relax and enjoy the sunset party with Happy Hour (from 5h30pm- 7h30pm) while the boat is cruising to Cong Dong-Cong Do area to anchor for overnight.
7pm: Having BBQ dinner (on the sundeck if conditions permit otherwise in the restaurant). Free evening to join some activities of board games or squid fishing, play guitar, watch movies or karaoke (advance request) or taste the variety of drinks at our luxury sky bar (chargeable) with wines, cocktails, brandy, juices…

Distance and Activities: 3-hour drive

06:30am: Wake up early in the morning for Taichi exercise.
7am: Enjoy a light breakfast then visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by bamboo boat to discover the daily life of the fisher communities.
Back to the main boat, relaxing, packing up.
09:3am: Checking-out and relaxing on the sundeck then enjoy the last scenery of the Ha Long Bay over lunch when the boat cruises back to shore.
11:45am: Disembark and relax in our cafe lounge then transfer directly to the airport in Hanoi to take a short flight to Danang.
Upon arrival in Danang, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An for check in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Distance and Activities: 4.5-hour drive, 1h20’ flight

Overview: If you're looking for a way to explore Hoi An that doesn't involve just walking around, then this trip is worth considering. Just a short ride out of the Old Town the stunning countryside leaves you spell bound: endless rice paddies, conical hats and water buffalo. Journey further still and discover the local people performing ancient arts and trades using skills handed down through the generations.

Highlights:
• Cycle along the picturesque Hoi An countryside
• Paddle through unique ecosystem of Hoi An’s mangrove
• Interact with local villagers and artisans

8:00am - Our guide will pick you up from your hotel with bicycles and you will set off directly from here towards Duy Vinh Commune. The picturesque cycling route is highlighted with rice fields, local gardens and markets. Stop as often as you wish for taking photographs or some easy chat with locals (using our guide as a translator). There is also time to pay a visit to a local family who are still practicing the craft of weaving sedge mattresses using traditional techniques.
After around 1.5 hour cycling it is time to hop into a kayak for some time on the river. You will paddle towards Cam Thanh cocopalm forest. The area is a unique mangrove ecosystem to Hoi An and the scenery is spectacular.
Your active morning ends with a tasty lunch at a family-run eatery by the river. Transfer back to your hotel. End of services.

Itinerary:
08.00 - Pick up from hotel, cycle to Duy Vinh.
09.30 – Visit a local family weaving sedge mattress by traditional loom
10.00 – Kayak from Duy Vinh to Cam Thanh, passing cocopalm forest.
11.30 – Arrive in Cam Thanh kayak station, refreshment drink.
12.00 – Lunch at family-run eatery by the river
13.00 – Get transfer back to hotel by taxi (or electric cart)

What to bring:
• Sun protection (brimmed hat recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Good shoes/sandal for cycling
• Swimming suit in summer if you’d like to jump into river.

Group tour 1 – 8 pax
Duration ~ 5 hours
Physicality Cycle ~ 10 km and Paddle ~ 4 km
Kid friendly Yes (recommended for children from 8 years old upwards)

Services included:
• English-speaking guide
• Bicycles and helmet
• Kayak, paddle, dry bag and life vest
• All entrance fees
• Drinking water during the tour, 01 soft drink
• Lunch
• Transfer by taxi or electric cart as program

Distance and Activities: 5-hour cycling and kayaking/paddling.

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns, with beautiful old streets decorated with hanging lanterns. Enjoy the day, getting to know the restaurants, cafes, and tailors situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. We suggest popping by the Reaching Out Teahouse, a lovely old-fashioned house providing work for the hard of hearing, serving delicious tea and homemade snacks.

9am: Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Vietnam as you travel from Hoi An to Hue by car. This road trip promises a blend of stunning landscapes, historical sites, and cultural experiences along the way.

Arrive in Hue, check in your hotel and free at leisure.

Distance: 3-hour drive

Hue is underestimated by travelers and tourism actors in Vietnam. Numerous are the people seeing in this World Heritage city only some ancient stones, and nothing further. They are unfortunately missing the real essence of Hue and that is precisely what we don’t want you to miss.

Join us for this trip and build up some fantastic memories of this multifaceted city. We will dive into the past feudality of Vietnam, cycle in an ancient village where the descendants of the Mandarins live, and taste the refined imperial cuisine.

8.30 am: Our guide will meet you at your hotel to travel back in time with our visit to Hue’s citadel; a great introduction to Vietnam’s History, the Imperial times, the Mandarin culture, and the former feudal system. Enjoy an easy-paced visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Vietnam, built in the early 1600’s.

We will cross later the Perfume River on a local boat and reach Thuy Bieu village to have lunch at a local house. The village is a real maze of narrow alleys that will lead us to beautiful ancient houses with impressive gardens. However, the real treasure of Thuy Bieu village is its people, descendants of the Mandarins. We will enjoy a gentle walk around and stop at different places where we will be able to meet the villagers and taste some of their fruits.

On our way back to the city center, we will visit Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb and climb a little hill so that we can get a scenic view over the Perfume River before heading to your hotel for check-in.

Distance and Activities: 1.5h boat ride – 4h sightseeing tour

Transfer to Hue airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

This Evening, enjoy ‘A foodie night out on the town’
Experience the local nightlife and enjoy tasty food and live music as we ride pillions on vintage Vespas along the busy streets of this vibrant city. See Saigon come alive at night on this after-dark adventure!

Description: Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night. Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top-ranking stylish venue of Saigon in the central city location where we sip on our first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset Saigon. Your expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon as you check out some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local as we feast on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eat streetside, and then enjoy the local favorite which is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savory pancake. We then ride off into the night again to experience live music at a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunts their style. Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as our guides show you their city by night.

The tour includes Vespas, experienced drivers, English speaking tour guide, helmets, rain ponchos, all entrance fees, cold water, all food, and drinks at designated stops. Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Saigon.

Time: Departs at 6:00 pm and lasts for 4 hours, finishing at 10:00 pm approx.

This tour is perfect if you like: culture, people, local life, cuisine, and live music.

Stops include a welcome drink at a high-end bar, two local restaurants, and a live music bar.


Distance: 1h20’ flight – 2-hour drive – 4-hour Vespa tour

8am: Start the day by delving into the Cu Chi tunnels, a vital base during the wars and a fascinating piece of Vietnam’s history. Pick up from your hotel in the morning and head to this 200km underground network of passages, chambers, and living quarters. An energetic guide will explain how it all worked, and why these tunnel systems were so important during Vietnam’s most turbulent years. The journey there and back is an activity, taking you through classic southern Vietnamese countryside. Then lunch back in the city.

Time to explore Vietnam’s southern metropolis. Start by exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City by delving into the striking Reunification Palace. This is the former presidential palace and is one of Vietnam’s most storied pieces of architecture. Then head to the Post Office, a colonial-era masterpiece, before gawping at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral’s red bricks make it a unique structure in Vietnam. Visiting the War Remnants Museum is an important activity when visiting Ho Chi Minh City, as it details the atrocities of war and the human spirit to rebuild in the aftermath. After this sobering experience, you’ll return to your hotel.


Distance: 4-hour driver to Cu Chi, 5-hour sightseeing in Cu Chi and Ho Chi Minh City

7.30am: Your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arriving at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda then to the Nam Bo branch in My Tho town. Take a boat trip on Tiền river, get over Tiền river to the other side (Bến tre land). Sight-seeing fish farms, floating fish market along the Dragon Island on the way. Through Xếp canal in Bến Tre (land of coconuts) to See coconut collection set and how the locals make handicrafts from coconut trunk and shell. Enjoy seasonal fruits and listening to traditional music. Take the Moto Car (Xe Loi) on the village path and stop at Mr Nam Ngô orchard, taste honey with tea or wine. See bees breeding in wooden boxes under longans tree. Take a rowing-boat along water palm creek. Lunch on islets. Boat to see local people make coconut candy, taste candy.

Transfer back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.


Distance: 5-hour driver to Mekong, 3-hour sightseeing in Mekong Delta

The day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.

Distance and Activities: 45′ drive