14-Day Vietnam's Lodges and Hidden Caves Tour from Hanoi with Airport Transfers

Day 1 Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our experienced guide and transferred to downtown. Check into your hotel and refresh after a long-haul flight. Late afternoon, we will walk to the Old Quarter of Hanoi for a cyclo ride around the Old Streets, stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, browse through art galleries, handicraft shops and cafes, followed by a Water Puppet Show, a typical art performance of people in Red River Delta. Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and second largest city by population. The city mostly lies on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is about 1,720 km (1,070 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City and 105 km (65 mi) west of Haiphong.

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  Hoan Kiem Lake This scenic lake is part of the historical center of Hanoi, playing a significant part in the daily cultural life of its people. There is a local legend of the Golden Turtle God appearing to an emperor above the lake.
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  Old Quarter The Old Quarter of Hanoi is full of French Colonial architecture and narrow streets that give it a very European feel. Many of the city's best attractions and eateries can be found here.

Standard Hotel: 3* Church Boutique Hang Trong Classic room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* The Lapis Hotel Standard room; 5* Hotel De L'opera Hanoi Deluxe room

Day 2 Hanoi

After breakfast, we will visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda, pass by the Presidential Palace to the West Lake where you will visit Tran Quoc. Lunch will be at your own expense. In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Literature and continue with the Museum of Ethnology. Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and second largest city by population. The city mostly lies on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is about 1,720 km (1,070 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City and 105 km (65 mi) west of Haiphong.

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  Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum This memorial tomb in Hanoi is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, leader of Vietnam's Communist party until his death in 1969. It sits in the middle of Ba Dinh Square, an important site in the man's life.
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  One Pillar Pagoda This pagoda is considered one of the most iconic in Vietnam. built in 1054, the pagoda gets its name because of the fact that it stands on a single pillar in the middle of a small body of water.
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  Tran Quoc Pagoda This pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, built in the 6th century CE. The site is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism that visitocrs can learn more about.
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  Temple of Literature This Confucian temple in Hanoi was built in 1070 CE. It also houses the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, so the site has always attracted scholars into its gates.
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  Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Considered one of the finest modern attractions in Vietnam, this museum is dedicated to detailing the rich history of the 54 recognized ethnic groups that have inhabited the country over the years.

Standard Hotel: 3* Church Boutique Hang Trong Classic room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* The Lapis Hotel Standard room; 5* Hotel De L'opera Hanoi Deluxe room

Breakfast: Included

Day 3 Hanoi - Mai Chau(11647 km)

After breakfast, we will depart for Mai Hich village, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh (it takes about 3-1/2 hours). We will then have a short break at Thung Khe mountain pass to enjoy the scenery of the North West forest. Arriving in the village, we will have lunch at a homestay. In the afternoon, cycle or walk around the villages. We will overnight at the stilt house of a White Thai minority host (a cozy and convenient guest house with free WIFI. In spite of preserving the original architecture of the stilt house that has no rooms - an open space, you still feel satisfied with closed private spaces as the host temporarily separates the house's space with many curtains at night).

Mai Chau, Vietnam A rural district of Hòa Bình Province in the Northwest region of Vietnam. The scenery of Mai Châu attracts many tourists.

Standard Hotel: overnight at the stilt house of a White Thai minority host

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: IncludedDinner: Included

Day 4 Mai Chau

A beautiful sunrise with the pure and fresh atmosphere of the forest is such a wonderful way to start your day! Breakfast will be served at your homestay. Next, we will trek through rice fields and bamboo forest to visit the hilltribe villages of Thai people such as Ban Denh, Ngoa, Sun, Muoi, etc from Mai Hich to Buoc Village. Afterwards, we will have lunch at Buoc village. Enjoy some free time at your leisure before transfer back to your homestay. Dinner will be at your homestay.

Standard Hotel: Overnight in Mai Hich Village

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: IncludedDinner: Included

Day 5 Mai Chau - Hanoi(11647 km)

After breakfast at the homestay, we will trek through rice fields and bamboo forest to visit manual brick kilns, more villages of Thai people such as Mai Ha, Chieng Chau etc. Once arriving at Ban Lac, we will visit a small factory in which disabled artisans produce manual embroidery and weave products. At the central town of Ban Lac, we will have free time. Then back to our homestay by car/bus and enjoy lunch cooked by our host. In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Hanoi and overnight.

Standard Hotel: 3* Church Boutique Hang Trong Classic room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* The Lapis Hotel Standard room; 5* Hotel De L'opera Hanoi Deluxe room

Day 6 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay(140 km)

After breakfast, we will depart by road to Ha Long Bay. On arrival at the pier, we will board a cruise and enjoy a welcome drink before checking in to cabin. and board your cruise. The cruise starts right afterward with lunch served on board. The cruise passes by many rocks and islets in many funny shapes. The cruise meanders among many karst rocks and islets in their many unique and funny shapes. Dinner served on board. In the evening, enjoy night fishing, drinks on the rooftop, watching an Indochina film, or massage, spa etc. (Shared local English speaking guide on boat.)

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Ha Long Bay is a beautiful body of water off the coast of Northern Vietnam. The area is dotted with beautiful islands that are perfect for cruising, swimming, and sunbathing.

Standard Hotel: overnight on boat

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: IncludedDinner: Included

Day 7 Ha Long Bay

After breakfast onboard, we will transfer to a day-boat, soon heading to Lan Ha Bay at the furthest side of Ha Long bay. The highlight of this day will be kayaking through spectacular tunnels to reach Secret Lagoon (if tides permit). After lunch, you will have time to swim, enjoy the beach, and practice more kayaking. We will also have the opportunity to visit a temple and a floating fish farm. Late afternoon, we will back on the overnight boat for optional spa and massage services, happy hour, scrumptious dinner and overnight stay, anchored in a peaceful bay.

Standard Hotel: on boat

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: IncludedDinner: Included

Day 8 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi(182 km)

You can join a Tai Chi lesson for some early morning exercise and watch the sunrise over the bay before breakfast. Today we will visit a beautiful limestone grotto, then head back to the boat for a final glimpse of Ha Long Bay while cruising back to the dock. Disembarking around 11:00, then your driver & guide will transfer you back to Hanoi.

Standard Hotel: 3* Church Boutique Hang Trong Classic room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* The Lapis Hotel Standard room; 5* Hotel De L'opera Hanoi Deluxe room

Breakfast: Included (Brunch)

Day 9 Hanoi - Dong Hoi - Phong Nha National Park

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our guide and make our way to Phong Nha National Park. From there, we will take a boat trip to visit Phong Nha Cave. In the afternoon, we will continue to explore Thien Duong. Overnight at a farmstay in Phong Nha National Park.

Phong Nha-Ke National Park, Vietnam A national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, noted for its cave and grotto systems as it is composed of 300 caves and grottos.

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  Phong Nha Cave The cave is 7,729 metres long and contains 14 grottoes, as well as a 13,969 metre underground river.While scientists have surveyed 44.5 kilometres of passages, tourists are only allowed to explore the first 1500 metres.
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  Thien Duong It was regarded as the largest and longest cave in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng. Some of the most beautiful and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in the park are found within Thiên Đường.

Standard Hotel: farmstay in Phong Nha National Park

Breakfast: Included

Day 10 Hang En Cave Adventure

Today we will start a two-day Hang En Cave Adventure. Learn all about safety collect your gear and sign the Release Form before driving 45mins through the National Park to reach the trailhead. At 10:00 am, we will leave the road behind for the jungle, hike through rich primary forest to reach the Ban Doong minority village for a hot cup of tea. We will have a picnic lunch at about 12:30 - 1:00 pm. Then through rivers and streams, and along the river valley until Hang En around 3:00pm and take a quick rest. For the next couple of hours, continue through the cave to the breathtaking exit. Then we will return to camp, enjoy downtime relaxing or swimming in the natural pool before a sizzling grilled dinner is served.

Phong Nha-Ke National Park, Vietnam A national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, noted for its cave and grotto systems as it is composed of 300 caves and grottos.

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  Hang En Cave En is the third largest cave in the world which has its own jungle, waters, beach, and climate. The cave, which goes through a mountain for 1,645 metres or 1,645 metres, has a maximum height around 100 metres, and a maximum width of approximately 170 metres is a feeder to Hang Sơn Đoòng, 2 kilometres away.

Standard Hotel: camp

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: IncludedDinner: Included

Day 11 Hang En Cave Adventure

Awake at 8:00 am for breakfast and pack up belongings. Depart camp at 9:00 am to leave Hang En. We will have lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm, and then trek for the next hour along a shady path through the river valley. From 2:00 - 4:00 pm, we will back to the pickup point , where our driver will be waiting to take us back to Phong Nha between 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Overnight at a farmstay in Phong Nha National Park.

Standard Hotel: farmstay in Phong Nha National Park.

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: Included

Day 12 Dong Hoi - Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, we will be transferred to Dong Hoi airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon, we'll be met by our guide and driven to downtown. Check into our hotel and be free for leisure!

Standard Hotel: 3* Sunland Hotel Deluxe River View room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* Bay Hotel Deluxe City View room; 5* Nikko Hotel Deluxe room

Breakfast: Included

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta(127 km)

After breakfast, we will depart to the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Cai Be, we will take a boat cruise around the Cai Be Floating Market. Lunch will be at a rustic lodge. After lunch, we will cycle to visit Kinder Garden and interact with kids and teachers. Then, we'll experience learning how to make jackfruits leafs cake and cycling around Tan Phong Island to visit the monkey bridge. Stop at a local farmer's house to savor a cup of tea. You can try plucking the fruits at the host's garden and talk to him to understand how local farmers care for their gardens. At last we'll drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam This fertile region is formed by the Mekong River's outflow into the Pacific Ocean. There are many islands and rice paddies. It is a great place to take a boat cruise to learn about rural Vietnamese life.

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  Cai Be Floating Market Cai Be is a river-land mixed town in Vietnam. It is a rural district in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Along the river, there are docks that handle passengers and goods, and the floating market.

Standard Hotel: 3* Sunland Hotel Deluxe River View room

Dulexe Hotel: 4* Bay Hotel Deluxe City view room; 5* Nikko Saigon Hotel Deluxe room

Breakfast: IncludedLunch: Included

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, we will have free time until meeting guide and transferring to the airport for departure flight.

Inclusions

• Joined package of Hang En Cave Adventure with max. 16 persons
• Airport pickup and dropoff
• 13 nights hotel accommodation and hotel breakfasts
• Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
• The services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary)
• Bottled mineral waters and wet wipes in car on touring days
• Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border area
• VAT and other taxes

Exclusions

• Domestic flight from Hanoi to Phong Nha and Phong Nha to Ho Chi Minh City
• Flight tickets and airport tax
• Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
• Dinners, except as specified above
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance

• Domestic Airfare Supplement Notes:
  Eco-flex class: allowed to re-book (change date, change flight), re-route (change itinerary) without fee.
  Refund: 10% of airfare plus service charges
  Airfares are not guaranteed and subject to change until final purchase
  Airport tax: include
  Children from 2-11 years old pay 90% of adult price
  Children under 2 pay 10% of adult price plus tax and fuel surcharge
  Please contact our customer service to confirm your final airfare.

Confirmation

• All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book the airline tickets until you received the confirmation.

Redemption

• Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your e-ticket. You must print and bring e-ticket(s) on your trip, as they serve as proof of purchase.

Terms & Condition

• Please read the Cancellation Policy before booking. The cancellation charges below refer to the non-transferable fee that is charged to the group member who has cancelled their tour:
  More than 45 days before departure: No cancellation charge
  Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 10% of total tour cost
  Between 30 days and 15 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
  Between 15 days and 7 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
  Less than 7 days before departure: 90% of total tour cost
  No-show at the airport on the day of arrival/departure: 100% of total tour cost
  In addition, there is 6% handling fee added on to the above penalties.
• Itinerary Variations
  We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
• Tour Cancellation:
  We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, Taketours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
• We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.