14 Day 5 Star Memoirs Of Vietnam & Sapa Extension Premium Small Group Tour
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during the included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise, or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
✓ Return international airfares included
✓ Small group tour, maximum of 16 travellers
✓ Authentic grassroots exploration of Vietnam with incredible sightseeing, including an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and guided tours of Sapa, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
✓ 11 nights in 5-star hotels, 1 night on a traditional junk boat to cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay
✓ Flights from Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
✓ Cruise the serene waters of the Perfume River during a guided tour of Hue
✓ Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Follow a local guide on an exploration of the charming hamlets and hill stations of the mountainous region of Sapa
✓ Explore Hanoi, escorted by your expert local guide
✓ Follow your expert local guide on a walking tour through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✓ Take part in a cooking demonstration and learn to make Hanoi's specialty dish, white rose dumplings
✓ The services of a professional, English-speaking guide in each city
✓ Tipping for your guides
✓ In depth sightseeing including all entry fees
✓ Dedicated, air-conditioned transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Chao mung! Or welcome to Vietnam and it’s beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. Take some time to relax and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at leisure.
Arrival Transfers: The easiest way to transfer between Hanoi Airport and your hotel is by taxi. Noi Bai Airport is a trusted transfer provider and a ride to your hotel will cost approximately 400,000VND.
Alternatively, we can assist you pre arrange a private departure transfer. before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day . If you arrive prior to standard check-in time (generally 3pm), you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
We’ll be rising early today to board our coach and depart for the quiet mountainous town of Sapa. Located in northwestern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, Sapa is home to a variety of different ethnic tribal groups. Upon arrival in Sapa in the early afternoon, you will transfer to Ta Van village, where you'll be greeted by picturesque terraced rice paddies along the way. Enjoy a stroll around the village before returning to a homestay where you'll enjoy dinner at a local house, and even have the opportunity to learn how to prepare local cuisine. Following dinner, we'll head back to Sapa for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Sapa is a very popular trekking base, due to its location nestled among the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The day will begin at 9.30am when we'll head towards Den Thang mountain and embark on a walk to explore the captivating hamlet of Hang Da, nestled within the Black Hmong ethnic villages at an altitude of 1,800 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Muong Hoa Valley. Here, you'll encounter numerous remnants of the traditional lifestyle of the Hmong people. Continuing along the broad village path, we'll gradually descend through the breathtaking Sa Seng valley, passing by several hamlets organized in the typical Hmong style of dwelling. After lunch, you will transfer to a hotel where we will spend our second night in Sapa. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure.
*To complete this walk, you will be required to walk a staircase of approximately 400 steps. Please note that the walk is approximately 10km.
This morning we say farewell to Sapa and begin our return trip to Hanoi, firstly your guide will pick you up at 9:30am for a guided visit of a Sapa Church, local market and Sapa Square. You will be dropped back to the hotel for some leisure time before an early afternoon transfer to your Hanoi hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you head off on a full day exploration of this charming city.
This morning we will visit Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features peaceful walled courtyards and graceful gateways and is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Following this, we continue on and visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside; an impressive mausoleum that houses the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh.
This afternoon we head to the charming Old Quarter where we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhood. The Old Quarter is the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for an evening of leisure, or you may want to join an optional evening tour to explore the city’s incredible food culture.
Experience a magical water puppet show at a traditional Vietnamese theater in Hanoi. Marvel at the ancient art form of water puppetry made famous throughout the world for their skills operating the puppets on a water stage set to music, with modern special effects. Following the performance, your guide will take you on a culinary journey with a guided walk through the bustling Old Quarter and explore the various street foods on offer. Your guide will help you traverse the winding side streets full of pop-up restaurants which offer truly local food like "bánh cuốn" (rice rolls with pork and herbs inside), "bánh gối" (pillow cake), and many kinds of noodle dish, such as Bun Cha, Pho. Depending on your preferences the guide will explain what is in each dish so you can choose the one you like the best, to try. You will be surprised how tasty these dishes are and how unique they are to Hanoi. A highlight is a stop at a ‘Bia Hoi’ store in the Old Quarter where you get to sample fresh, local homemade beer - famous all over Hanoi and other areas of northern Vietnam.
Start time: 6pm
End time: 9pm
Note: a minimum of 4 passengers is required to operate
This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our luxury Halong Bay cruise.
Onboard, enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. You’ll be shown to your luxury cabin where you can enjoy rich oak interiors, with high windows to make the most of the incredible views during your cruise. Enjoy a decadent lunch onboard made from fresh local ingredients you cruise by the beautiful and quaint villages.
Early in the afternoon we arrive at Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
Enjoy dinner on board of local Vietnamese specialties before retiring for the evening. Alternately, you may wish to enjoy the ship’s evening activities including squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.
Start your morning by enjoying sunrise Tai Chi class upon the sundeck as day breaks on the calm lagoon. You will be then transferred by tender to the Titov Island. Spend time on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.
Once back on board, enjoy a full breakfast and relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying your last views of the bay before disembarking at midday. From here, we drive to Hanoi Airport (approximately 3.5 hrs drive) for our included flight south to Hue and transfer to your luxury resort for the next two nights.
Your 5-star resort is ideally located in the quiet countryside in a rustic village setting surrounded by lush tranquil gardensand embodies the subtle and unique connection of treasured traditional style and Vietnamese modern art vibrancy.
Once checked in, the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Enjoy the resort facilities or simply relax and take in the soothing natural environment and local culture.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding a local dragon boat for a tranquil cruise along the famous Perfume River. The river borne the name “Huong” (Perfume) for over a century as a result of flowers from upstream orchards dropping into the water during the autumn giving it a strong floral sent.We take the cruise to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and then take a road transfer to visit to the Imperial City. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 CE this historic city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre and retains many architectural works, temples, and palaces.
Following this, we visit the nearby village of Thuy Bieu well-known for its rustic ancient houses and gardens before returning to our luxury resort for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before transferring by road to the beautiful heritage town of Hoi An. En route we stop by the picturesque Lap An Lagoon for some amazing photo opportunities as well as the famous Hai Van Pass.
On arrival into Hoi An, we check into our luxury 5-star resort perfectly located only a short walk from the ancient town. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax and make the most of the hotel’s beautiful facilities or take a short walk and wander the ancient streets and canals of this well preserved town.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste as you join a cooking class and learn to make one of Hoi An's traditional dishes: the white rose dumpling. Following your class, enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker 'City of Lanterns' and making for a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere.
Experience the iconic Hoi An Memories show. The show features more than 500 performers in colorful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that explores the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Pre dinner drinks and tasting platter are included in the per person cost.
Time: 7:30pm
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Enjoy breakfast before we transfer to the airport for our included flight Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. On arrival, you are transferred to your luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of this exciting city.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour where we visit some of the city’s most visit of Ho Chi Minh City, including; Dong Khoi Street, the city's major thoroughfare connecting French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers,the beautiful and iconic Saigon Central Post Office with its perfect combination of Neo-classical European architecture and Asian influences,and the War Remnant’s Museum which holds 20,000 documents, artefacts, and films around the brutal truth of the Vietnam War and its long-lasting traumatic consequences.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre Ben, a beautiful tranquil province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam known for its lush green landscapes, winding rivers, and friendly locals. On arrival, we board a boat and cruise along the mighty Mekong taking in scenic canals, islands, floating villages and seeing locals going about their daily lives. The cruise will stop at a local bricks factory and a coconut workshop before disembarking to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Following lunch, we return to Ho Chi Minh City where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your fantastic tour through Vietnam. At the appropriate time make your way to the airport to board your ongoing flight.
Alternatively, and if time permits, you may want to consider joining an optional tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This optional activity must be booked while on tour through your tour guide and it costs approximately $125
Optional Cu Chi Tunnels tour:
Early in the morning you will be transferred by car to Bach Dang pier and board a speedboat. Within 15 minutes of boat riding, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle. A light breakfast of sandwiches or pastries, fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is served, as your guide explains rural traditions and aspects of riverbank life.
Start an in depth exploration of the site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnels and visiting different underground bunkers which served as kitchens, meeting rooms and ammunition storage.
Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, consisting of authentic fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
You will arrive back at your hotel at approximately 1.30 - 2pm.
Check out & Transfers: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Your Tour Leader or hotel staff can assist you arrange transportation to the airport as/if needed. A taxi to the airport costs approximately 250,000VND. Alternatively, we can assist you pre arrange a private departure transfer. before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
This trip includes an incredible day hike, featuring varying terrain covering a distance of 6 to 10 kilometers. To experience the breathtaking views, you should expect some uneven surfaces and inclines, and appropriate footwear for stability is recommended. To anticipate changing weather conditions, bring along a raincoat or waterproof jacket. This hike promises a mix of natural beauty and physical activity, so equip yourself with suitable gear for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Tipping
Tipping is included in your package. It is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,564.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return from your journey.
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam.
You will need to arrange your Visas for travel to Vietnam closer to departure. Please note, we don't recommend applying for the e-visa until around 30-45 days prior to your departure.
Visa's are easiest to complete online and take approximately 72 hours to confirm.
You will be able to obtain your e-visa when you have your flight documents indicating your date of entry into Vietnam. Remaining tour documentation, including hotel details, will be sent 4 weeks prior to departure.
Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering into Vietnam.
Visit https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Maximum of 16 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Vietnam.
While homestays offer an authentic local experience, in Vietnam, where development levels vary, standards of living may not meet those anticipated by some visitors. Some Homestays may feel more akin to a guesthouse run by locals, where the local family also live. We believe this will allow a glimpse into the daily village life of this breathtaking region. Traditional homes of the ethnic communities in Sapa typically consist of two floors, the owners live on the second floor, and shared bathroom and toilet facilities located on the first floor.
We have chosen homestay options that combine the essence of a local experience with modern comfort. Our selected homestays are situated in the Ta Van village, allowing you to immerse yourself in the daily life of local people while still enjoying the convenience of a private bathroom and toilet within your room.
Being in an authentic rural area of Vietnam means you might have unexpected encounters with insects, dogs, cats, chickens, and sometimes even rats in the neighbourhood.
The tranquillity of the environment may be disrupted by nearby roads, construction, or karaoke bars, while unpredictable mountain weather can hinder outdoor activities, particularly during prolonged periods of rain or fog.