Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by the BestPrice Travel guide.
The check-in time for accommodation is 14:00, so there will be a surcharge if you want to check in early.
Afterward, you have the rest of the day for yourself.
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi Cooking Class Half Day
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Morning Class: 09:00 - 12:30
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Afternoon Class: 15:00 - 18:30
Your culinary journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter. Accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll explore a bustling local market, where you’ll master the art of haggling and discover the fresh ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Next, watch as our talented chef demonstrates the secrets of authentic Vietnamese dishes before you step into the kitchen yourself. Under guided instruction, you’ll recreate these flavorful masterpieces and enjoy a tasting session featuring a variety of local delights.
Once your dishes are ready, sit down to savor the fruits of your labor, indulging in the rich and vibrant flavors of Vietnam. At the end of this immersive experience, you’ll receive detailed recipes and a certificate to take home as a memento of your culinary skills.
After class, we’ll transport you back to your accommodation, marking the end of a fantastic gastronomic adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 3: Halong Bay - Overnight on Cruise
Morning
Wake up early to savor prepared breakfast at the hotel.
From 08:00 - 08:30, we depart from the hotel lobby to meet our tour guide and head to the next destination, Halong Bay. The trip to this must-see location is quick and easy, taking only about 2.5 hours by car.
At noon, you will board the cruise in warm welcome of the crew staff then enjoy a tasty drink from them. For a safe cruise trip, listen carefully to the rules and guidance from our manager.
You can enjoy a variety of unique islets and gleaming blue ocean scenery while lunch is served on board.
Afternoon
Take a nap after lunch to refresh yourself for the afternoon's activities, which may include swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Halong Bay, kayaking, or cave exploration.
The Sunset Party's "buy one, get one free" promotion will start at 17:00 - 17:30, so you might be itching to head back to the boat.
Enjoy a delectable meal at 19:00.
On board, there are numerous activities to keep you busy at night, such squid fishing, board games, movies, a nightclub, etc. If you are not a fan of going to bed early, don't hesitate.
NOTE: The specific schedule will depend on each boat, contact our sales consultant for more information.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi Street Food Tasting
Morning
To commemorate the start of a new day, 06:00 is time to join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck. For those who rise early, this kind of entertainment is ideal for decompressing both physically and mentally following a demanding first day.
Enjoy a light breakfast buffet full of mouthwatering starters, snacks, and drinks to revive yourself.
As they paddle you into the cave on a bamboo raft, admire the serene beauty of nature surroundings. A large diversity of aquatic life could be visible if you detour through the fishing community.
Before setting sail, return to the ship to check out and review your belongings one last time. A brunch on the route to Halong Bay is a terrific way to relax if you've already checked out.
At noon, you will disembark at the cruise port.
NOTE: Depending on the cruise liner you choose, the attraction you visit may vary.
Afternoon & Evening
Once back in Hanoi, you take some time to stroll around the Old Quarter's historic streets. Our culinary adventure will begin at 17:00 with a few of Hanoi's most well-known delicacies.
Hanoi street food specialties are must-try, such as Nem Chua Ran (fried fermented pork roll) and Nom Bo Kho (dried beef salad).
Delicious choices include Banh Cuon, often known as "Steamed Rice Rolls," and Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread).
For the main meal, soup-based dishes such as Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodles), Bun Thang (rice vermicelli noodles with chicken and eggs), and Bun Bo Hue are excellent choices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 5: Flight to Hue - Cyclo Food Tour
Morning
You have some time off this morning to eat breakfast and pack your luggage. Then, take the fight directly to the Old Capital of Vietnam - Hue.
Evening
At about 18:00, your guide will reach your accommodation in Hue by cyclo.
Then, your first trip in Hue is a food tour to sample Hue’s most specialties: Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Bot Loc, Banh Ram It, Banh Uot, Banh Khoai, etc…
After that, you will ride the cyclo to "Hen Island" where you may have clam dishes like clam noodles and clam rice ("Hen" meaning baby clam).
Along the route, you will stop along the way to see the Imperial Citadel at night, which served as the ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty's palace.
It will be ideal in case we reach Truong Tien Bridge at dusk, which is a perfect place for sunset watching.
En route back, you still can sightsee the picturesque panorama of Hue nightlife as the cyclo drives you around the streets.
For mementos, you can purchase Minh Mang wines, sour prawns, conical hats, long dresses (ao dai), and sesame candy at some street stalls.
You will be back to the hotel before 22:00 to rest and recharge energy for the day after.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 6: Hue City Tour Full Day
Morning
Gather at the hotel lobby between 08:00 - 08:30 to start our journey.
Thien Mu Pagoda is the first attraction we visit. The pagoda has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. It is a popular destination which attracts visitors with its historical significance, architectural beauty, and scenic surroundings.
Next, come to the Imperial Citadel of Hue is a vast walled complex featuring a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architectural styles. You might take time to admire the beauty from the front gate, to the Flag Tower, and The King’s Palace.
After two historic destinations, you can go shopping in Dong Ba Market. In this oldest market in Hue, you can find a bunch of interesting things displayed on kiosks that stand next to each other that you definitely want to purchase as gifts when you travel back to your country.
Afternoon
See the Khai Dinh Tomb, which is the smallest tomb of the Nguyen Emperors and is renowned for its exquisite fusion of Western and Oriental design elements.
Admire the magnificent scenery in the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. The architecture is striking to your vision with its old-world sense infused with Confucian values.
Before returning to the hotel, visit a conical hat village to observe the artisans at work and have an opportunity to chat with the people.
Our tour ends in your hotel lobby at approximately 17:00.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 7: Road Transfer: Hue - Hoi An
Take a shuttle bus or a private car to your accommodation in Hoi An. You can make a few stops along the way for sightseeing and photo ops (entry cost not included).
When the whole group is ready, our walking tour shall begin. First, immerse in the timeless beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town by taking a leisurely stroll around the winding pathways that are located along the Thu Bon River.
You can have an understanding of the lives of the Japanese immigrants to the United States in the seventeenth century by visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, which served as a house of worship for the people who immigrated from the Chinese province of Fujian to Hoi An in the 17th century.
Enjoy a wonderful evening in Hoi An before the upcoming exploration in Tra Que village.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 8: Be a farmer in Tra Que Village
Morning
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby. Depart for a rural farm in Tra Que Village at 08:00.
Accompany the farmers as they prepare the field, apply seaweed fertilizer from a nearby lake, rake the ground, plant, water, harvest, and perform numerous other gardening tasks.
Work on the farm for the remainder of the morning, taking a break to make lunch with your hosts.
Then you can savor organic dishes made from several regional specialties, such as spring rolls and pancakes.
Afternoon
After enjoying a foot massage and bidding farewell to your host family, you will return to Hoi An.
You can take a ride to the craftsman's house in the late afternoon, and he or she will give you a quick overview of the lantern's form, color, and history as well as the procedures involved in creating one.
There, you get the opportunity to create your own lantern which you can keep after having it done.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An Food Tour
Afternoon
Starting at sundown, you are taken on a satisfying culinary trip through local cafes, food stalls, markets, and restaurants.
Here are some traditional Hoi An cuisine suggestions we listed for you:
Vietnamese bread (Banh Mi): Bread followed in the footsteps of the French and was introduced to our country in the shape of a baguette, which was served with butter, jam, and cold meat in the nineteenth century. Baguettes were "modified" over time by Vietnamese people based on their own eating habits and tastes, becoming a popular food today.
Cao Lau: The difference between Cao Lau and other noodle dishes is the texture. Cao Lau noodles are firmer and chewier. Additionally, the best way to enjoy Cao Lau's taste is to eat from street vendors who only serve Cao Lau or a small handful of local dishes.
Banh Beo: Banh Beo is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is a popular snack among the residents of Hoi An. To find it, you will need to navigate several narrow alleys and stop at a few local business buildings.
Banh Khot: A round pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, quail egg, and vegetables. A street vendor near Hoai Square will be an ideal place to try Banh Khot.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10: Da Nang Flight to Ho Chi Minh - Night Life Tour by Motorbike
Morning
Before heading to the Da Nang airport for your journey to Ho Chi Minh City, you have a little free time in the morning.
Transfer to the hotel from the airport upon arrival. After finishing checking in, you can unwind in the hotel or wander around Ho Chi Minh.
Evening
Experience the vibrant energy of Saigon at night on a thrilling motorbike tour. Ride through bustling streets and hidden alleyways, uncovering the city's best-kept secrets with our expert guides. This one-of-a-kind adventure offers an immersive glimpse into local life, street food culture, and iconic landmarks, ensuring an unforgettable night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & Cooking Class full day
Morning
At 07:30, depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic drive to Cu Chi District, a region steeped in history and rural charm.
Upon arrival, visit the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you can stroll through lush rice fields, observe fish and prawn ponds, and gain insight into the agricultural backbone of Vietnam.
Next, take part in an interactive cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare three traditional Vietnamese dishes and a dessert, offering a hands-on experience of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.
Afternoon
After lunch, explore a local village and witness the traditional rice paper-making process, where skilled artisans craft this staple using time-honored techniques. Continue to a rubber tree forest, where you’ll observe local workers extracting latex-a fascinating look into an important industry.
The journey then takes you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive 250-kilometer underground network used during wartime. Start with an informative documentary, then venture into the tunnels for a firsthand experience of the challenging conditions soldiers faced.
At 17:30, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a day filled with culture, history, and hands-on experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12: Mekong Delta Full Day Discovery
Morning
After being picked up from your Saigon hotel, travel to Ben Tre Province to explore the Mekong Delta at 08:00.
The journey kicks off with a boat excursion through Ham Luong River.
Depending on the season, we might have a chance to tour a few local factories like a coconut candy factory to get a feel for how the local economy functions.
A quiet atmosphere greets our touring group at the village where you'll be able to take a quick stroll and get a taste of real life in a Delta town. By riding in a motorized rickshaw, known as a "xe loi," we head into the forest to see the fruit farms.
A delicious and filling dinner will be served at a restaurant, featuring regional specialties and will be paired with a variety of light drinks and beers.
One of the Mekong region's most famous delicacies is elephant-ear fish, which surprises people with its unusual appearance right away.
Afternoon
Tourists leisurely pass through Mekong waterways on a sampan boat ride along the tiny canals till 17:00 before concluding today's excursion.
Returning to the accommodation in Saigon as the sun goes down.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Morning
Before the departure flight from Ho Chi Minh City, you have a spare morning to have breakfast and get ready.
At the announced time, we will transport you to the Tan Son Nhat airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NA
On the cruise trip, the tour guide was really good. There were lots of fun activities, and the scenery was beautiful, and I even squeezed in some swimming....Less
In Hanoi, we savored the iconic dishes - pho and bun cha. Hoi An's diverse culinary heritage...More
In Hanoi, we savored the iconic dishes - pho and bun cha. Hoi An's diverse culinary heritage showcased its fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, making every meal a delightful surprise.
Ho Chi Minh City's bustling markets and street stalls introduced us to a world of exotic fruits, banh mi, and flavorful ca phe sua da.
Throughout the tour, Bestrate Travel's expert guides shared their knowledge of Vietnam's culinary traditions. They ensured we had authentic dining experiences. For a truly unforgettable food journey through Vietnam, Bestrate Travel is a good choice, we will be back to Vietnam in the future...Less
I am sorry I haven't returned your messages, as I have been very busy with work since my return. Your service and the hotels, guides and other people we met representing your company were professional and very accommodating. I loved my trip to Vietnam and...More
I am sorry I haven't returned your messages, as I have been very busy with work since my return. Your service and the hotels, guides and other people we met representing your company were professional and very accommodating. I loved my trip to Vietnam and your company was exceptional. Thank you so much for a lovely holiday and I wish you all the best.
Thank you again - Lori Emmert
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We LOVED the Peridot Hotel by the way! Great choice, thank you!
We had a wonderful time on Ha Long Bay.
Mon Cheri did not disappoint! Wonderful...More
We LOVED the Peridot Hotel by the way! Great choice, thank you!
We had a wonderful time on Ha Long Bay.
Mon Cheri did not disappoint! Wonderful rooms, great food and the kindest most wonderful people working there (I have to leave them a great TripAdvisor review when we get back tonight!
Off downstairs to meet your guide for our food walking tour!
All three of us think you have done a great job setting up our trip! Bestrate Travel is awesome!!!????????????...Less
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Just one bad experience was hot weather, we travelled almost under the too much sunshine that made us exhausted a few times. We liked the most Hoi An & Hanoi with beautiful ancient town and delicious street cuisines. I highly recommend the agency if you're considering travel in Vietnam....Less
but anyway we were full and very satisfied. They were very funny and nice to chat with. All the hotels were quite good - only the last one in ho chi min city the bathroom was not very clean and the range and quality of the breakfast was lower compared to the other accommodations.
We would recommend to explain more about the tipping to your next customers because we noticed the if you don't tip every day the attitude is different. For example the guy in hoi an who did with us the village any my son was super nice and firendly during the first day so we were planning to tip him on the next day. Unfortunately on the next day when we went to my son he was not as friendly as before, we went exactly with the crowds, rushed to finish and we could not take nice pictures.
In general we think it will be good idea to balance the nice stories with recommendations for picture spots and trying to avoid the big crows. Also, for the night train we think that most Europeans cannot easily fit on the upper bed....Less
Hotel VENUS is wonderful, deljcious breakfasts , delightful friendly warm.
Hoi An food tour - I gave a lot of the food to the guide first he did not want to except it but I insisted he has a family to children he kept saying...More
Hotel VENUS is wonderful, deljcious breakfasts , delightful friendly warm.
Hoi An food tour - I gave a lot of the food to the guide first he did not want to except it but I insisted he has a family to children he kept saying we already ate but I said tomorrow is another day so there was a lot of food some of it excellent some of it not so good I thought the fish was very dry and very oily fried very not good and the big plate of beef the same not very good in the sauce but the rest of itWas fine the desert was weird some kind of soupy warm combination of corn and tapioca and flour and I don’t know what else I had a few spoonfuls the guide was astonished that I did not completely eat all of it but c’est la vie.
Cruise trip: I signed from the pouring rain very good tour guide VInh
Good people lots of activities and I went to bed last night at 9:30 woke up at five this morning so I am catching up gradually it is beautiful there I did some exercise but traveling to the beach I went swimming and now there was rain and it was not warm out why ?because I need to do that to keep my body moving And to be alive and well....Less
I would also like to thank all of the guides, that they travel with me, they were very nice and very...More
I would also like to thank all of the guides, that they travel with me, they were very nice and very kindness, I highly recommend all of them.
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The itinerary was excellent and included lots of fun activities with a mix of the history of Vietnam, viewing beautiful countryside, getting to know the very interesting cities, and eating lots of delicious food. Highlights of the trip included our tour of the Mekong Delta (including a fun bicycle ride and getting to try the many delicious fruits of Vietnam in a beautiful orchard), celebrating Tet in the charming city of Hoi An with light shows, street food, and bustling crowds, and an incredibly overnight cruise in Halong Bay including kayaking and squid fishing. Our accommodations were beautiful hotels in great and accessible parts of town, so that during our free time it was easy for us to walk around and find restaurants and markets to explore. The hotels included breakfasts that were amazing buffets with everything we could possibly want. All of the lunches included were delicious, many-course meals which left us all stuffed and very happy. Our tour guides (Henry, Danny, and Peter) were fantastic, and were very fun, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. They were also extremely punctual and answered all of our questions while keeping us on-time but having a great time. Overall, this itinerary really exceeded our expectations and was an absolute delight.
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I want to thank you for the perfect organization ot the whole tour. Everything was on schedule, well communicated, with notice to every small details. The guides were all friendly with good English
Everything was very new and very interesting for us.
The last tour on Mekong delta was not what we expected, because there have no floating market. The guide Mr.Long told me that now is not the season for this market and there we see only few big boats. Anyway the day was interesting for us.
The hotels were not the best. Accommodations were fine in all except one, and having to switch hotels at the last minute wasn’t ideal and somewhat frustrating. I appreciated Best Price Vietnam being an advocate on my behalf and correcting with compensation the last hotel.