Grand Vietnam 18 days

Duration: 18 days
Price from: $757 USD

Destinations: Hanoi Ninh Binh Lao Cai (Sapa) Hue Hoi An Nha Trang Ho Chi Minh Mekong Delta

An authentic Vietnam with rich culture, mind-blowing natural beauty and amazing food is here – right at this tour! The package offers the fullest experience of Vietnam, from magnificent Ha Long and Trang An, to the tranquil Ben Tre, all at best price.

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Highlights of Grand Vietnam tour trip:

Spectacular Nature:

Picturesque waterfall and graceful streams from mountain view.
Sunset Party where Sky meets Water - on the edge of Ha Long Bay.
Spectacular Marble Mountain to go sightseeing.

Culture-rich experience:

Accompanied by our tour guide whose knowledge about history and culture is profound.
Participation in religious activities at traditional temples.
North West mountainous culture experience.
History exploration at Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam
Signature floating market of Mekong Delta.

Sufficient time for self-exploration.

Why travel with us:

- 97% recommend on TripAdvisor with 10,000+ travellers each year.

- Experts on Indochina since 2009. 100% owned and based local firm.

- Money back guarantee. Relaxed & fair cancellation policies.

- 100% tailor-made tour, flexible in organizing the trip to give you more freedom even changing in last minute.

- 24/7 customer care service in the case of an emergency or for those unexpected events. Travel consultant keep in touch all the time during the trip.

- Responsible travel, contribute to a better social environment.

The TSA's plus: Free Visa on arrival guarantee letter for some certain countries.

The mark of Vietnam on worldwide tourism map:

“A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.” - Lonelyplanet
“Trendy high-rises dot the downtown. White-sand beaches line the coast and centuries-old temples and palaces perch on hilltops. It’s hard not to fall in love with Nha Trang.” - Intrepidtravel
“In Ninh Binh, there are hundreds of limestone monoliths topped by dense greenery that emerge from the ground, scattered around the city with rivers flowing through them and caves formed in them. While the mountains are in the west and northwest, the east and south have coastal parts. Ninh Binh really does have everything.” - Theculturetrip

ItineraryRoute map

Route Map

Brief:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi city tour

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Train to Lao Cai

Day 4: Sapa - Mong Sen - Ta Phin

Day 5: Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi - Ha Long

Day 7: Ha Long - Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi - Hue

Day 9: Hue - Hoi An

Day 10: Tra Que village - Hoi An Walking tour

Day 11: Hoi An - Nha Trang

Day 12: Nha Trang

Day 13: Nha Trang

Day 14: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh city - Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta

Day 17: Mekong - Ho Chi Minh

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh Departure

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Welcome to Vietnam: after a long time on the airplane, you will reach Vietnam – the S-shaped land, where 54 different ethnic minorities inhabited.

You will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center of Hanoi.

Free on your own afterward.

Meals included: __/__/__

Parameter: Driving: 30 km/45 minutes

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR/ THE PAST IN THE PRESENT

In the morning

At 08:30, our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel then you start your day to discover Hanoi City.
Firstly, you will pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, is a building to commemorate the merits of Ho Chi Minh Uncle – a great leader of Vietnam, and the surrounding sites of One Pillar Pagoda and his ancient house.
After 2 hours, you will go to the next site of the Temple of Literature, which is the first University of Vietnam and dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu).

In the afternoon

After saving energy with local lunch, you will leave for the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.
It is estimated to be 2 hours at the museum then you will be transferred back to the old quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake.
Finally, you will sit in front of Cyclo to move around the Old Quarter and experience the local life in 45 minutes before coming back your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Today useful note(s):

Wearing formal clothes (cover your knees and shoulders) to visit some spiritual/cultural sites.
Museum of Ethnology will close on Monday so Hoa Lo prison will be the alternative attraction.
The complex of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will not open for worshiping on Monday or Monday so you just visit the surrounding parts on those days.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 3: HANOI - NINH BINH - NIGHT TRAIN TO SAPA/ THE STORY OF ORIGIN

In the morning

At 08:00, our tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and you will leave Hanoi for Ninh Binh - your destination today.
The first visit in this legend area is Hoa Lu, the capital of Dai Co Viet (an old name of Vietnam). Being the capital of the first fundamental Government of Vietnam, Hoa Lu witnessed many important historical events: the union of Vietnam after “12 Lords Rebellion”, the war with the Song dynasty, the defense against the ancient Cambodian, and the formation of Hanoi nowadays.

In the afternoon

After lunch, you will be rowed along the Ngo Dong River to visit Tam Coc, which makes for a truly unforgettable experience, passing between towering limestone peaks. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, “Halong Bay on land”.
- Option 1: Bicycle: Proceed a cycling along country lane to enjoy the beautiful scenery of lush paddy fields and discover real countryside of Vietnam.
- Option 2: Mua Cave: Arrive at Mua Cave, the most beautiful place to view in Ninh Binh, which is considered as “miniature Great Wall” of Vietnam, hiking to the peak of Mua cave, you will see whole Tam Coc landscape and Ninh Binh city.
Your tour will come to the end at around 16:30 then you will be transferred to your transit hotel which is near Hanoi train station to freshen up and relax.

In the evening

At 20:30, our guide will pick you up at the hotel then your group will walk with our guide to the station for a night train leading to Sapa. The train leaves at 22:00 from Hanoi railway station.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: 100 km/Driving: 2 hours – Boat trip: 1.5 hour

On train: Hanoi – Lao Cai: 8 hours

Overnight on train (sharing a 4-berth cabin)

DAY 4: LAO CAI - SAPA - MONG SEN - TA PHIN/ THE VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS

In the morning

At 06:00 a.m, the train will reach the station in Lao Cai and you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver. Then you will have breakfast in a local restaurant and short time for relaxing.
At 08:00 a.m, you will reach your hotel in Sapa town. If the room is already available, you can check in and take a short rest or else you will go downhill to Mong Sen where you start a dirt trail through rice fields and villages. Along the way, it is a wonderful scenery full of green.
At 12:00, you will have lunch in a local house.

In the afternoon

After lunch, you continue your trek downhill towards Taphin village inhabited by Red Dao and Black Hmong minorities. These are two largest ethnic groups living in Sapa area.
Then you make a stop by some houses to meet local people and talk with them to understand their culture, customs and traditions. Late afternoon, you will trek back to main road to get on our vehicle for the journey back to Sapa.
At around 15:00, you will get out to the main road and our private car will take you back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Driving: 2 hours/ Walking: 4 hours/Lunch: 1 hour

Overnight in Sapa

DAY 5: LAO CHAI - TA VAN - NIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI/ NORTH-WEST CULTURE EXPLORATION

In the morning

At 09:00 a.m, you will be met up at your hotel by local guide and driver then transferred to Lao Chai village.
Firstly, you will visit Lao Chai Village – a Black Hmong ethnic minority village.
Then, you will then be able to walk from Lao Chai to Tavan village where the Giay ethnic minority hill tribe lives.
Enjoy lunch in a local house.

In the afternoon

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.
At around 17:00 you will be transferred to the train station for your night train back to Hanoi.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Trekking: 04 hours, Driving: 1 hours

On train: Lao Cai - Hanoi: 8 hours

Overnight on train (sharing a 4-berth cabin)

DAY 6: HANOI - HA LONG BAY/ A NIGHT ON A PEACEFUL BAY

In the morning

At 05:30 a.m, you arrive in Hanoi train station, walk to the hotel that we book at near to station for you to take rest, shower and breakfast.
07:45 - 8:30, our shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer you to Halong bay, which takes you around 4.0 hours through small villages with beautiful fields of rice and vegetables.
Reaching Halong bay at around 12:00 and you will check in your cabin and have lunch in the restaurant on cruise while cruising into the magnificent Halong Bay

In the afternoon

13:30 – 15:00: Savor a delectable lunch as V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands.
5:00 – 16:00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16:00 – 17:00: Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17:00 – 17:30: Return to the main boat and continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17:30 – 19:00: Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

In the evening

19:00: Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Parameter: Hanoi – Halong: 180km/Driving: 4 hours

Overnight on cruise

DAY 7: HA LONG BAY - HANOI/ A NIGHT ON A PEACEFUL BAY

In the morning

06:30 – 07:15: Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07:30 – 08:30: Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
09:00 – 10:00: Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Bo Nau area.
10:15: Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10:15 – 11:00: Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
11:00 – 11:45: Join a cooking demonstration before enjoying an exceptional Buffet lunch.

In the afternoon

12:00 – 12:30: Disembark V-Spirit cruise and get on the car to get back to Hanoi.
16:30: Trip finishes at the hotel in Hanoi and you have your own free time.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Halong - Hanoi: 180km/ Driving: 4 hours

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 8: HANOI - HUE - HUE CITY TOUR/ A HISTORY FLASHBACK

In the morning

At 06:30, our driver will pick you up in the hotel for the domestic flight to Hue
Upon your Hue arrival, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and driver and start Hue City tour.
First, you will get the romantic experience by taking a leisure boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous Vietnamese landmarks.
Later, lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon

At 14:00, you will understand apart of Vietnam history by visiting Tu Duc tomb, which is considered as one of the most beautiful and picturesque and largest works of architecture of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs
The next activity is visiting Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty
Around 17:00, tour come to the end and you have your own free time later

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Flight information: VN 1543 Vietnam Airlines 08:40 09:50

Parameter: Hotel – Noi Bai Airport: 30 km/Driving: 45 minutes

Phu Bai airport – Hue: 15 km/Driving: 25 minutes

Overnight in Hue

DAY 9: HUE - HOI AN/ INCREDIBLE COASTAL LINE

In the morning

At 08:30, our guide and driver will meet you up again and start your journey to Hoi An town
You will firstly pass the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co, over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South East Sea, with spectacular views along the way
At 10:30, you will reach Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which features a fine collection of open air sandstone carvings.
The next site will be Son Tra Peninsula, which is a typical Vietnam tourism magnet along the coastline: fantastic, untouched natural scene with transparent sea, white sand, and mysterious primitive jungle with a vast diversity of plants and animals.
At noon time, you will have time for lunch in a local restaurant

In the afternoon

At 14:00, you will depart for Marble mountain, visit Non Nuoc stone carving village, one of the four ancient villages in Quang Nam – Da Nang
To be continued, you will climb up to mountain, visit Thuy Son – the biggest and the most beautiful mountain in Da Nang
At around 16:00, you will reach your hotel in Hoi An and have free time on your own

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Hue – Hoi An: 120 km/Driving: 2.5 hours

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 10: TRA QUE VILLAGE - HOI AN WALKING TOUR/ FARMING AS THE LOCALS

In the morning

At 08:30, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you start riding your bicycle to Tra Que village (private car will be used if you cannot ride a bike)
You firstly will be introduced about the history of the village, the cultivation of the vegetables as well as discovering about the use of vegetables in traditional Vietnamese medicine.
Then you will take a trip around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake.
Continue doing activities such as raking, sowing, watering greens, picking greens and many more gardening activities before spending the rest of the morning working the land in the time honoured way
After finishing all the activities, you will take a break and prepare lunch with a local family.
You will have lunch in a local house with many local delicacies including Tam Huu spring roll, Banh xeo or the local pancake of the people from the middle region

In the afternoon

At around 15:00, riding back to Hoi An town and you will start discovering this World Heritage site.
You will be introduced with many delights of Hoi An. From expert dressmakers and tailors, who will craft a complete outfit for you in a couple of days, to a dawn photo trip along the river or from a fun visit to Hoi An Local Market then following small alleys to see the Chinese Assembly Hall, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Ancient House and the China Town in the other side of the canal, you’ll find yourself miss that one-of-a-kind port town in every single road of your ahead travel.
At around 17:00, the tour will come to the end ad you have free time on your own later.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 11: HOI AN - NHA TRANG/ THE CHARMING OCEAN

In the morning

At 10:00, our driver will pick you up at the hotel to Danang airport for the flight to Nha Trang.

In the afternoon

Upon arrival in Nha Trang, our driver and guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in the city center.
After that, free at your leisure time.

Meals included: Breakfast/__/__

Flight information: VN1945 Vietnam Airlines 12:05 13:20

Parameter: Hoi An – Danang airport: 30 km/Driving: 45 minutes

Cam Ranh airport – Nha Trang: 35 km/Driving: 55 minutes

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 12: NHA TRANG CITY TOUR/ A VISIT TO AQUARIUM WORLD

In the morning

At 08:30, our guide and driver pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Cau Da for a visit to the Vietnam Oceanographic Institute to see the whole collection of sea creatures in Nha Trang bay.
You also go to Long Son pagoda and Cathedral or Stone Church built in French colonial time, the Po Nagar Temples.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant

In the afternoon

After having lunch, you will visit Chong Promontory Rocks, which offers fine views of the mountainous coastline north of Nha Trang and the nearby islands.
Next, you visit local Dam market, which is used mainly by the local people, which gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.
At around 16:00, the city tour will come to an end and you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 13: NHA TRANG FREE DAY/ ENJOY THE SUN AND THE SEA

Free at your leisure time

Meals included: Breakfast/__/__

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 14: NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH CITY/ JOIN THE BUSTLE

In the morning

At 09:30, you will be picked up by our driver to Cam Ranh airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at the airport, then you will go directly to your hotel for check in.

In the afternoon

You will have free time in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast/__/__

Flight information: VN 1345 Vietnam airlines 10:55 11:55

Parameter: Nha Trang – Cam Ranh airport: 35 km/Driving: 55 minutes

Tan Son Nhat airport – Ho Chi Minh city center: 10 km/Driving: 30 minutes

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

DAY 15: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNELS/ BACK TO THE WAR TIME

In the morning

At 08:30, you will be met up by our guide at the lobby of the hotel after you have breakfast, then transferred to Cu Chi tunnels.
Cu Chi tunnels are famed for its 200-kilometre-long tunnels, an incredible underground network built by Vietcong during the Vietnam war. By visiting this site, you will have a chance to look back to the War time of Vietnam and see how we fight the invaders.
After spending time visiting these long tunnels, you will go to the local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon

After saving with lunch of local foods, you will get back to Ho Chi Minh and visit the highlights of the city.
Firstly, you will visit The Reunification Palace, whose architecture is a blend of traditional ritual and modern architecture, typical of the 60s’.
Next, you will walk a short distance to The Central Post Office, which is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh. Being a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and French influences, this building fascinates tourists by its typical colonial French features, from exterior to interior decorations.
Then, the last attraction is Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral is considered the symbol of this dynamic city, is located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh and reaches a height of up to 60 meters.
If time allows, you can pay a visit to Ben Thanh market, which is one of the biggest wholesale markets of the city.
At around 17:00, you will be transferred back to your hotel and have your own free time afterward.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi: 90km/Driving: 1.5 hour

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 16: HO CHI MINH - MY THO - CAN THO/ TASTE OF MEKONG RIVER

In the morning

At 08:30, you will be met up with our guide and driver at your hotel and leave the hustle Saigon heading to My Tho, the closet delta town to Ho Chi Minh city. It will be a 90-minute driving through the small villages in the western region.

You will start your delta trip with a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, the most beautiful and ancient pagodas in Mekong Delta.
Then take a boat trip on the great Mekong River (Tien River) to visit fish farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river and see 4 islets: Long (Dragon) islet, Lan (Unicorn) islet, Quy (Turtle) Islet and Phung (Phoenix) islet.
Proceed to Thoi Son Islet, visit farmers’ houses and gardens. Enjoy fruits and honey tea served by local people while listening to Tai Tu music – Traditional music of the Mekong people. Discover small canals of Mekong delta by hand rowing boat.
Leaving Thoi Son, move by boat to visit Coconut – candy workshop and taste a hot coconut candy, Coconut handicrafts as souvenirs.
Then you can walk and enjoy riding a horse-drawn carriage on country lanes to see some activities of the local farmers.
You will have lunch in a local restaurant at noon time

In the afternoon

After lunch, you will get back to the mainland where your private car is waiting and go to Can Tho
At around 17:00, you will reach your hotel in Can Tho and the tour will come to tan end with your own free time afterwards.

Parameter: Ho Chi Minh – My Tho: 70 km/Driving: 1.5 hour

My Tho – Can Tho: 100 km/Driving: 2 hours

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Overnight in Can Tho

DAY 17: CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - HO CHI MINH CITY/ EXPERIENCE THE “FLOATING” CULTURE

In the morning

At 07:00 a.m in the early morning, you will start from Ninh Kieu boat quay, where you cruise along the small and picturesque canals and stop to see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats).
You then make a stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals. You continue walking through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice/noodle shop, where we observe how it is made.
From 12:00 – 13:00, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon

After having lunch, you will have some free time before leaving back to Ho Chi Minh at 15:00
At around 18:00, you will reach your hotel in Ho Chi Minh and have your own free time afterwards.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/__

Parameter: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh: 170 km/Driving: 3.5 hours

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

DAY 18: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE

Depending on your flight time, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast/__/__

Parameter: Hotel – Airport: 7 km/Driving: 20 minutes

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What's Included & ExcludedPrice

Included:

Twin/double sharing rooms in the best recommended hotel/cruise
Experienced English speaking guide
All entrance fee and sightseeing tickets
Delicious included meals as being clarified
Door-to-door transportation as being clarified above
2 bottles of water each day
4-berth sharing cabin on train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi (Private cabin is up on request)
03 Domestic flights: Hanoi – Hue, Da Nang – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh
Service charges

Excluded:

Meals, Beverages which are not specified in the program
Any unclarified flight tickets
Personal travel insurance
Any personal expenses
Any gratuities and tips to driver and tour guide. The normal minimum tip is US$3/pax/day
Bank fee

LIST OF RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS

City	Superior class (3 star)	Deluxe class (4 star)	Luxury class (5 star)
Hanoi	Gondola hotel Deluxe room	O’Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa Deluxe room	Apricot hotel Sketch Room
Hotel for transit in Hanoi	Cosiana hotel Superior room
Sapa	Sapa Diomond hotel Deluxe room	Sapa Amazing hotel Deluxe room	Victoria Sapa hotel & Resort Superior room
Train	Oriental Express Train4-berth sharing/cabin	Chapa Express Train4-berth sharingcabin	Victoria Express Train4-berth sharing/cabin
Hue	Romance Hue Superior room	Eldora Hue Deluxe room	Indochine Palace Deluxe room
Hoi An	Phu Thinh Boutique Resort and Spa Deluxe room	Ancient House Village Resort & Spa Superior room	Palm Garden Resort Superior room
Nha Trang	Paris hotel Deluxe sea view	Novotel Nha Trang hotel Superior room	Intercontinental Nha Trang Deluxe Ocean room
Ho Chi Minh	Silverland Central Hotel & Spa Deluxe room	Grand Silverland Hotel & Spa Premium Deluxe Room	The Myst hotel Dong Khoi room
Flight		Vietnam Airline Economy save

Price quote in USD per person & valid until 31 Dec 2017

Children Policy:

Kid < 5 years old: Free of charge (share services with Adult)
Kid 5-10 years old: 50% Adult
Kid >10 years old: 100% Adult price

*S.R.S: Single Room Supplement. If you want to have your own room, you will pay extra amount for this.
*At the time of quotation, Travel Sense Asia reserves the right to adjust prices to take account of unusual movements in currency markets, hotel and transport costs as a result of inflationary price pressures in oil and other commodity markets.

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Why 96% Clients Recommend TSA? Hear What They Say

Jessica (USA) - From TripAdvisor said:

I cannot recommend Travel Sense Asia enough! The team is amazing - from their hospitality, their punctuality, and overall knowledge of Vietnam. I took travel Northern Vietnam with my family, and there were 11 of us total. We did not have to worry about anything. The hotels, transportation, and meals were so well organized, yet there was flexibility when we wanted it. My mother is from Vietnam, and I could not have asked for a better trip going back to her home country with her! Thank you to the entire Travel Sense Asia team!!... Read more

rae550 (Murwillumbah, Australia) - From Tripadvisor said:

This was a hands on trip covering cooking, on the farms, walking, fishing, meeting the locals and dining with them and several visits to the theater plus. Julie (Hien) organized everything in great detail leaving nothing to chance. Her recommendation to hire an SUV for greater comfort and ease with all the luggage was most appreciated. For most of the North Vietnam tours we had a guide as well as the driver. During the trip Julie was always available if we needed assistance of any kind, and while we were organizing the trip Julie was very prompt with her emails.... Read more

Doyzzzz (Singapore) - From TripAdvisor said:

We also love the idea of TSA "Home Hosted Dinner".
I want to use one of the compliments that a member in our group said right on the first day after we checked in the hotel in Saigon as the CONCLUSION of my review:
"Based on what we paid and what we got I think we were in HEAVEN!"... Read more

Useful information for travel in Vietnam

What’s the difference between 3, 4, and 5 -star hotels?

We usually arrange centrally-located and Western-standard hotels. Five-star hotels are usually palatial with huge lobbies and comfortable rooms, their standards not quite matching the best of Paris or New York, but very close. Four-star hotels have quality facilities, but not as luxurious as five-star hotels. Three-star hotels meet the needs of most Westerners, but breakfasts have less choice. We also recommend some courtyard hotels or Vietnamese-style hotels with local features and architecture. These hotels have a good ranking, or positive feedback from our customers, and TripAdvisor. Usually, hotels in big cities, small cities, and rural areas are a bit different, even if they have the same star level. We try to use the best available hotel in each place.

What are train conditions like in Vietnam?

A soft sleeper is recommended for overnight and long-distance travel. Each soft sleeper compartment is enclosed, and contains four bunks, two on each side. The bunks are wider and more comfortable than hard sleepers, with decent bedding. Soft sleeper compartments may vary between trains. For route Hanoi – Laocai – Hanoi, it also has VIP cabin with 2 soft sleeper beds, please make quest if you prefer a private cabin. You may have both over-head storage and under-bed storage, or just under-bed storage. Fastest train is about 70kph. The railways is small here and it’s not as comfortable as train in developed countries.

Passport & Visa Requirements

You may be required for the visa to Vietnam. Please check the list of countries which need the visa to Vietnam in this links: Who need visa to Vietnam? Vietnam Visa is issued by Vietnam Embassy in your country or “Visa on arrival”. Travel Sense Asia will offer the free visa to Vietnam for you (except some difficult countries). You will need one clear page (per visa) in a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Vietnam.

Currency Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Vietnam fluctuate, we suggest you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com or www.vietcombank.com In 2015 the USD & VND has been around 22.500VND per USD. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Master card, but these are limited to cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2–4% transaction fee.

Tipping

It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (3 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service. In additionally, you will sometimes use rolling boat, cyclo riding, porter which you should give a small tip to these local people.

Food

Eating is an important part of your Vietnam experience. Generally, breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. Travel Sense Asia recommend local Vietnam restaurants that are popular with local people for lunch. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. We usually leave dinner for your own choice — Western food can be found in most large cities. If you are vegetarian or you are looking for e.g. halal food, please feel free to inform your travel advisor, who can arrange a restaurant to fit your needs.

Vehicle

We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles. Our car and van are always available space for a comfortable trip. Luggage - All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

What are train conditions like in Vietnam?
A soft sleeper is recommended for overnight and long-distance travel. Each soft sleeper compartment is enclosed and contains four bunks, two on each side. The bunks are wider and more comfortable than hard sleepers, with decent bedding. Soft sleeper compartments may vary between trains. For route Hanoi – Laocai – Hanoi, it also has VIP cabin with 2 soft sleeper beds, please make quest if you prefer a private cabin. You may have both over-head storage and under-bed storage, or just under-bed storage. Fastest train is about 70kph. The railways is small here and it’s not as comfortable as train in developed countries.

Electric

In Vietnam the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A / C / G. Below you find pictures of these power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency. Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.

I believe that my travel experience can help me arrange a perfect and enjoyable trip for you – our beloved customers. Your satisfaction and happiness is my motivation and your smile is the joy which brighten up my day.

“Road are made to travel” as some say and I will create the best and amazing road for you to walk on here in Vietnam.

Clyde - Travel Expert

I am very happy and proud to become a member in Travel Sense Asia team where I can find a friendly and professional working environment to satisfy my passion and take use of my knowledge about this beautiful country. There is a sentence I ever heard “Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times”. If you ever hear and dream about Vietnam, give me a chance to make your dream come true!

Lindsey - Travel Expert

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Sales Expert

Hello, my name is Pera Fu, travel consultant for Travel Sense Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. With great passion of travel and Italian language, I would like to bring you the beautiful experiences during Vietnam and Cambodia tour: daily life, different culture, friendly people. Especially, our Vietnam is a special country with wild nature, brilliant white beaches, exquisite dishes such as “Phở Bò” – beef soup with rice noodles, “Nem rán” – fried rolls, egg coffee. Welcome!!!

Pera – Travel Consultant

Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell. Our mission is to bring you authentic local experiences in the most convenience and satisfaction with the best price. Don’t hesitate to allow Travel Sense Asia to show you how to travel like a local. We’re always looking forward to being your travel mate in Indochina!

Lily – Travel Consultant

I have a dream from my childhood that I wish to travel all around the world when I grow up. My wish partly did come true, I have had the chance to make some leaps to all destinations in Vietnam and few other Indochina countries. Now, I set aside my dream and stay in office to be a travel consultant to support you – my dear customer to have your own vacation without the nerve to spend too much time prepare for it. I can assure you that we can bring you the best vacation, find you the most suitable route and give you the excellent service we can provide. With our expert experience, you can give your trust on us – Contact us now to have a worry-free vacation.

Clyde – Travel Consultant

The best itinerary is the one which customer likes. I always think that your trip should be a personal experience and based on your interest. I take into account what you like and what you do not like to create the perfect trip. Just only for you

Kurt – Travel Consultant

Hi everyone! My name is Linh. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” It is a quote of Saint Augustine that I really like. With a passion for travel, I decided to work in Travel Sense Asia team as a travel consultant to share my experiences with all of you and I am always ready to take you on a dream trip.

Erica – Travel Consultant

Local Guide

My name is Phong and 24 year-olds. Tour guide was my dream when I was in high school. It was to give impulse to apply Tourism University in Hue for learning more about Tour guide job. I am also love travel to many destinations and communicate with all friends over the world. I try to learn more and more new things to make me become an knowledgeable guide to share all the things I know for my guests and learn interesting things from them. I believe that tour guide is greatest job for me from now and in the future.

Nguyen Van Phong – Expert Guide

I am a hungry guide in learning and changing myself every day. Friendly, patient, smiling, flexible in touring. Working as tourguide for 10 years, I am ready to learn and ready to share. I am passionate in traveling and guiding my tourist. I am still much eager on duty to introduce about Vietnam and make the memorable trip for the travelers from all over the world.

La Hong Hue (Tommy) – Expert Guide

My passion is travel, bike, show history to my clients.
My mission is bring them true value of the trip, local experiences.

Do Ngoc Minh (Min) – Expert Guide

I have developed my passion for guiding since 5 years ago. For me, this is a gob job with new knowledges and opportunities that approach me at work. I feel comfortable being a guide and i have planned to learn more in near future.

Nguyen Quang Minh – Expert Guide

My name is Son Tran, and im a licensed tourguide from Hanoi, Vietnam. I like this fulltime job personally, and as a result, fully dedicate to it. Being a tour guide, I have opputunities to meet people from all corners of the globe and show them around my lovely motherland, visit famous landscapes, share the glorious history and mysterious tales, or get to know better their cultures. Isnt that awesome?

Son Tran (Shaun) – Expert Guide

Xin chào! I am Nguyen Hong Khanh ( Can) and my surname is Nguyen. I’m living in Da Nang and I am really proud and passionate about my country, my people and my culture. I speak English extremely well. Educated at Da Nang University specifically to study English. I have translated complex English/Vietnamese for concerns including National Scientific & Technology Centre of Canberra, ExxonMobil, the US Air National Guard and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

Nguyen Hong Khanh (Can) – Expert Guide