DAY 1 | HANOI (SUNDAY)

Trip to Vietnam – Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi and Transfer to the Hotel

Welcome to the exciting trip to Vietnam! On the first day, once you arrive in Hanoi, you will go through customs procedures and then look for our local guide who will be holding a LEVA-ME sign.

After gathering the whole group with the leader, we will head to the hotel in private transport. After checking in at our accommodation and a brief meeting to get to know each other and clarify any questions about the trip, you will have the rest of the day free to explore this fascinating city or rest.

We hope you are excited about what is in store for the coming days. Get ready to explore stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in rich culture, and create lasting memories throughout this organized trip to Vietnam.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 2 | HALONG BAY

On the second day of your organized trip to Vietnam, you will head to Tuan Chau port (02:30H travel time) to embark on an incredible 2-day, 1-night journey in Halong Bay. On our boat, you will be welcomed with a drink and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board as we sail through Halong Bay, passing by magnificent and tranquil places. Dinner will be served on board, and the boat will anchor for the night.

During the cruise, we will have on-board activities:

• Participate in a fruit and vegetable carving class, led by the chef, where you will learn to decorate and prepare traditional Vietnamese food. This activity is free for those who wish to join.
• Free Tai Chi class at sunrise.
• You will also have the opportunity to try your luck at squid fishing with the help of the crew. This activity is free for those who wish to join.
• For further relaxation, you will have access to a massage service. Important: The massage service is an extra option available after lunch and throughout the cruise. If you are interested, you can book directly on site with the Cruise Manager.

Accommodation: Boat.

DAY 3 | HALONG BAY – NINH BINH

On the third day, your journey starts early. At 6:45 AM, there will be a free Tai Chi class on the deck, lasting about 30 minutes. Then, we will head to Titov Island, where we will climb to the highest point to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the Bay. (There is also a viewing deck halfway up.) Afterwards, you will have time to relax on the beach and take a swim in the sea.

Back on the boat, we will have about 30 minutes to shower, pack, and check out. While we sail back to Tuan Chau Port, we will enjoy a full breakfast served in the dining room.

We will start our journey towards Ninh Binh (about 4 hours of travel). After arriving and checking in at the hotel, you will have free time to enjoy. Dinner will be served at the resort.

Accommodation: 5-star hotel.

DAY 4 | NINH BINH – HANOI

Then, start exploring the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An is famous for its spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks rising from valleys, some of which are submerged and surrounded by vertical cliffs. Within the complex, we will visit Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land,” where a skilled rower will take us on a slow 2-hour journey through winding rivers/canals. Enjoy the views of the beautiful karst formations as we enter three of the many natural caves formed under the hills.

Next, we will visit Hang Mua cave. About 1:30h to climb to the viewpoint. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Proceed to Hanoi with a 1-hour stop at the Incense Village. Continue to Hanoi. Free evening in Hanoi.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 5 | HANOI – FLIGHT TO HUE

Discovering the Charm of Hanoi.

We will leave the hotel at 8:00 AM to explore the stunning city of Hanoi, also known as the “Paris of the East,” with its charming colonial buildings in shades of yellow ochre. We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden Buddhist temple shaped like a lotus flower, supported by a single stone pillar.

Next, we will continue our visit to the Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam, which is also depicted on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknotes. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

We will return to the center of Hanoi for a pleasant walk through the famous Old Quarter. We will then head to the airport to catch our flight to Hue.

Accommodation: 5-star hotel.

DAY 6 | HUE

Today we will explore the ancient imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to 19th centuries. The splendid tombs of the emperors of Hue, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-story pagoda, situated on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognizable icons. Next, we visit the Imperial Citadel at the center of the Hue Monuments Complex, inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enter through the imposing main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and intrigues surrounding the ancient royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, some sections are incredibly well-preserved, and others are being carefully restored.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will take a short trip to the countryside of Hue to the village of Duong No, best known for being where the young Ho Chi Minh lived and studied. Walk along the river to the ornately decorated Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, with its Chinese and Japanese features and rare square wooden arch decorated with ancient ceramics. Note the calligraphy inscription in old Vietnamese and Chinese. Return to the hotel. Free evening.

Accommodation: 5-star hotel.

DAY 7 | HUE – HOI AN

On the seventh day of our organized trip to Vietnam, in the morning, we will depart for our hotel in Hoi An (3 hours of travel) and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will explore the charming city of Hoi An on a guided walking tour. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving trading port, attracting ships from various parts of the world. Today, as a World Heritage Site, it is famous for its architecture, pedestrian streets, and local cuisine. We know you will fall in love with Hoi An!

During the tour, you will observe ancient merchant houses, the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, and the colorful market with local specialties.

In the evening, we will take a boat ride on the river, as it lights up with hundreds of lanterns, an image you will surely never forget. Free evening.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 8 | HOI AN

Free day to go to the beach or explore the region on your own. You can also choose to sign up for the extra activities we have pre-organized:

EXTRA ACTIVITY: A MORNING IN THE RICE FIELDS – Learn the art of planting and harvesting rice. Discover the Hoi An countryside, passing through rice fields and gardens to the village of Cam Thanh, where the Thu Bon River meets the sea, offering panoramic ocean views. Our guide will explain the area’s cultivation methods and the crops grown before you get your hands dirty and venture into the rice fields. Change into work clothes provided by the villagers and join the friendly farmers in some of their agricultural tasks, including plowing, raking, watering the soil, and transplanting rice. Enjoy a cup of tea with the farmers before returning to your hotel. Price to be confirmed

EXTRA ACTIVITY: FISHERMAN’S LIFE TOUR with round basket boats. The rivers and waterways around Hoi An have not only been essential during its history as a famous port city but are also vital for villagers who depend on fishing for their livelihood. We will depart for a local fishing village and spend some time learning about the simple but rewarding way of life of the area’s fishermen. Board a local riverboat and start sailing on the Cua Dai River with a stop along the shore to try casting Vietnamese fishing nets, an ancient technique still used today. The fluid movement seems easier than it really is, but the friendly fishermen will offer their guidance based on years of experience. Learn the art of rowing unique round Vietnamese basket boats and travel through peaceful waterways lined with coconut trees, while hearing how the area was a hub of activity during the American War. Return to the riverboat and enjoy a refreshing drink while sailing back upstream. Price to be confirmed: Note: The order of visits may change.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 9 | HOI AN

Free day to go to the beach or explore the region on your own. You can also choose to sign up for the extra activities we have pre-organized:

EXTRA ACTIVITY: VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS – Meet with the chef in the old town for a brief introduction and a welcome drink. Walk through Hoi An’s central market with the chef to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas. This is your opportunity to learn how to select the freshest ingredients. Continue to the herb garden where the chef will introduce you to the different herbs used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. In the class, you will prepare 4 typical Vietnamese dishes. At the end, you will enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared. This is a fun and practical way to learn about the key ingredients and recipes of Vietnamese cuisine and will inspire you to prepare these dishes at home! EXTRA ACTIVITY: EXCURSION TO THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS – Located just outside Da Nang, a short drive from Hoi An, the Marble Mountains are a group of five marble and limestone hills, named after the five elements. Explore natural caves and tunnels and visit sacred pagodas. At the base of the mountain, we will find a variety of statues, reliefs, and ornaments created by local artisans. Price to be confirmed.

Note: The order of visits may change.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 10 | HOI AN – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Transfer to the hotel. Free day to explore the city. Lunch and dinner not included.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 11 | HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA

Today we will explore the fertile region of the Mekong Delta, where the mighty Mekong River approaches the sea. Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Ben Tre, famous for its coconut production. Travel through quiet roads lined with rice fields, fruit trees, and lush gardens. At the pier, board a boat to start our journey. As you sail along the Mekong River, you’ll observe many interesting activities along the riverbanks: fishermen, fish farms, cargo boats laden with fruit and vegetables, and other interesting activities. Your first stop will be to see how rice paper is made. Continue through the small channels of the delta. Visit a family-owned business where they make traditional coconut candies using centuries-old techniques. Learn about the whole process and take the opportunity to sample them fresh. Continue your journey on a rowing boat through a maze of small canals covered with water palms. This peaceful journey will allow you to fully appreciate the Mekong Delta. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Dinner not included.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 12 | HO CHI MINH CITY

Trip to Vietnam: Discovering Ho Chi Minh City.

We will start the day by visiting the most important historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The first stop is the Reunification Palace, the site of the official South Vietnam surrender in April 1975. Learn about the history of the building, which was once the presidential residence and headquarters during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the wars fought in Vietnam in the 20th century. This museum is an insightful and moving tribute to the impact of war on the local population. Our guide will explain the different exhibitions before we head to the French Quarter. Take a leisurely walk past the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office, and other French colonial structures. Then visit Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most iconic markets in the city. Free time for lunch (not included). Dinner not included.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 13 | HO CHI MINH CITY

Free day to explore the city. Lunch and dinner not included.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel.

DAY 14 | HO CHI MINH CITY

After check-out, we will transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport. Our incredible adventure has come to an end. Each traveler will board their flight to their final destination. We hope you enjoyed the organized trip to Vietnam with LEVA-ME. The standard check-out time is 12:00 PM; late check-out is not included and is subject to availability.

End of our services.

• Join our 14-day adventure trip to Vietnam, accompanied by the LEVA-ME travel leader.
• Local English-speaking guides in each city.
• 13 nights of accommodation: 4/5-star hotels +  1 night cruise.
• Cruise in Halong Bay.
• Private air-conditioned bus transfers between cities, as per the itinerary.
• Airport transfers: One transfer to and from the airport, scheduled according to recommended flight times.
• Boat crossings as indicated.
• Entrance fees to sites, temples, and monuments as described in the program.
• Tai Chi class.
• Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary: 21 meals (13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 dinners).

• International flights (your hometown – Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh – your hometown).
• Domestic flights (Hanoi – Hue / Da Nang – Saigon).
• Meals not mentioned (approximately €10 per meal) and beverages during meals.
• Extra activities (optional).
• Personal travel insurance (mandatory).
• Visa fee ($25 US).
• Anything not mentioned in the previous section.

To make the trip accessible to all, certain activities are not included in the tour price. However, these activities are pre-organized, and if you’re interested, you can reserve them when booking the trip. On free days, you’re free to relax at the beach or hotel pool, explore local markets, visit temples, or take part in these optional activities. You can also book these activities on-site, subject to availability and current prices.

For extra activities, you should reserve and pay up to 2 months before the tour. No reservations or cancellations will be accepted after that date. The travel leader may not accompany extra activities, but there will always be a responsible person for each activity to pick you up and bring you back to the hotel. Prices may change at any time.

• EXTRA ACTIVITY: A MORNING IN THE RICE FIELDS: €75 per person
• EXTRA ACTIVITY: FISHERMAN’S LIFE TOUR: €70 per person
• EXTRA ACTIVITY: VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS: €55
• EXTRA ACTIVITY: VESPA TOUR – SAIGON AFTER DARK: €109 per person
• EXTRA ACTIVITY: MEKONG RIVER CANALS: €55 per person

You can make a reservation for the trip at the end of this page. A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking, and the final payment is due 70 days before the tour. Please review our Cancellation Policy.

The 30% deposit is non-refundable in case of cancellation. Payment is made on our website via Multibanco (Portuguese ATM system) using the entity and reference, which is valid for 24 hours.

International travelers can pay via bank transfer.

Invoices will be sent with the details that client share when doing the reservation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is this trip suitable for me?

This adventure and luxury trip to Vietnam is perfect for anyone who loves having fun and making new friends, regardless of age. We guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable week if you come with a relaxed spirit. Please understand that this is an adventure trip, and unexpected situations may arise. While we strive to offer quality hotels, keep in mind that traveling in Vietnam may differ from a luxurious experience in Paris.

Unexpected situations like encountering unique animals, weak or non-functional internet, broken air conditioning, or water pressure in the shower may differ from what you have at home. But it’s the diversity and uniqueness that make the journey worthwhile.

We also can’t promise perfect weather; sometimes it rains or the sea gets rough. Please be aware that there may be changes to the itinerary, but what would a trip be without adventure?! If you invite a friend to join the tour, make sure they are aware of this information. We want to avoid having any grumpy travelers who were “dragged” along by their friends, as it could spoil the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the group.

What type of rooms will we have?

We will stay in double rooms. If you’re traveling alone, you’ll share a room with another same-gender traveler (in some situations, you may need to share a triple room or a double bed). If you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend, you’ll have your own private room.

What if I want a single room?

It’s rarely possible to add an additional single room. If you’re interested, please contact us, and we’ll inquire about availability and the supplement cost you’ll need to pay, which is usually high.

When should I book my flight?

Please book your flights only after making the tour payment and confirming with LEVA-ME that your reservation is finalized and the trip is confirmed.

We’ll provide recommended flight details. It’s essential that the domestic flight matches the rest of the group’s to enjoy transfers; otherwise, you’ll need to cover your own transportation between airports and hotels.

Who will I share my journey with?

First and foremost, you’ll be with the LEVA-ME travel leader throughout the trip. Afterward, you’ll spend a week with other travelers who, like you, share a passion for travel, adventure, and discovery, seeking new emotions and unforgettable moments on this journey. Our travelers come from various age groups, ranging from 20 to 70 years old. We guarantee a fun atmosphere, and you’ll end the trip with new friends.

Will the group of travelers travel together?

No, as travelers come from various parts of the world, the meeting point for the group will be at the Hanoi airport or the hotel.

How will we gather since some of us will be on different flights?

We’ll have the details and flight schedules of all participants. We’ll meet upon arrival at the destination.

I don’t have a flight on the tour start date; can I arrive earlier or stay longer?

Of course, you can, but you’ll be on your own until we meet at the hotel.

What do I need to bring?

No need to worry about equipment; just pack your clothing, comfortable sneakers, flip-flops, and a bikini.

Will I have free time?

Absolutely! We don’t like tours with every minute planned. Our tour will be packed with activities, but there will also be plenty of free time for you to explore on your own! We’ll be the first to encourage you.

Why are some meals not included?

We want to give you some time to be alone and enjoy every moment your way. That’s why some meals are not included, allowing you to choose where you want to eat. On average, you can expect to spend €100 on meals not included.

How many tour spots can I buy at once?

You can reserve all available spots. The maximum number of travelers in the group is 28.

Have more questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or send us an email: info@leva-me.com