Discover Vietnam Caves and Karsts - 9 days

The Perfume Pagoda is one of the highlights of the Hanoi area and one of the most important religious sites in Buddhist Vietnam. Every spring, after the Vietnamese New Year, thousands of Vietnamese pilgrims come here to pray for all the health and prosperity they need to get them through the year. The pagoda itself is situated in a huge cave built into limestone cliffs and can only be reached by boat or by foot, as there are no roads into the area.

At 8.00 AM, the tour guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer to Perfume pagoda. Upon arrival, you take a row-boat trip on Yen stream. It is the really “romantic time” and then about 1 hour to Thien Tru harbor. You will enjoy time to trek go up and down to visit Huong Tich cave on the top of the mountain. In the cave, you have a chance to see Golden-Silver tree rice stuck…. After that come down for lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch time, you continue the tour with Heaven Kitchen pagoda to know about Buddhism ancient architectural at Le Dynasty. Then you will come back by rowboat-trip. Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Meet your guide and driver in the morning and depart Hanoi bound to Ninh Binh Province. Known lovingly as "Halong Bay on land", this stunning province boasts similar limestone karst topography that rises from emerald rice paddy fields and winding rivers.

You will visit the 1000 year old temples of the Le and Dinh dynasties. You can spend your time (about a half - hour) in walking up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views. You also use the service buffalo riding there (optional service). That will be so interesting.

In the afternoon, reach Van Long wharf and set off on a short boat trip into the reservoir at Van Long Nature Reserve - the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. This is also where many of the scenes from Kong: Skull Island took place. Float past poetic landscapes and rolling jungle hills that are perfect for photos. After that, you have a chance to visit Chau Son abbey which is a unique architectural structure that was built entirely by the talented hands and ardent love of its priests from 1939 to 1945. This austere religious cathedral was built without any modern machinery or means, including the cement pillars.

After check out hotel, the tour guide and driver will pick you up for the journey to Halong. You will check in Seaplane office at Tuan Chau island for 25 minutes sightseeing over bay Halong Bay (11.30 - 11.55).

After seaplane, you will check in a traditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck. In the evening enjoy a seafood feast for dinner.

Enjoy an early morning swim (during the summer), followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. The cruise arrives at the harbor by noon. The drive will pi ck you up and then transfer directly to the airport for late flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival in Dong Hoi, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and free time.

Today, you will have a full day to discover Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park where you begin our stalactite/stalagmite adventure.  In 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a result of its numerous large limestone caves.

In the morning, you will explore Thien Duong cave which is 31 kilometres in length. Often referred to as Paradise Cave, Thien Duong Cave is thought to be the longest dry cave in Asia and most spectacular limestone caves.  There are a series of white crystal stalactites (limestone deposits) resembling natural pillars and many other spectacular formations.

After exiting Thien Duong Cave, a drive takes you to the second cave destination - Phong Nha cave. You will have a chance to enjoy the river life while on your scenic 30-minute private boat ride, oared by local villagers, leading to the entrance of Phong Nha Cave.  Upon entering the cave, your river journey continues for approximately a mile, penetrating into the depths of this fascinating cave.

Back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Today you will visit the natural beauty of Nuoc Mooc stream. The stream winds around a dense limestone forest. The tropical limestone forest is home to many species of birds, insects and animals and a rich biodiversity with seasoned trees, orchids, ferns and lianas. You should prepare suitable clothes to stroll through the dense groves to discover the wildlife and wallow in the cool water.

The stream includes many smaller currents of water separated by giant moss covered rocks. Sitting on the rocks under the shade of green trees is a nice option to take food, relax and capture the quiet, poetic surroundings.

Here, you can go swimming, kayaking, fishing and enjoy the famous local foods (optional tour).

Back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Today, you will catch a short flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, the tour guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer to city centre. You have a half day city tour, including The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, Remnant War Museum and Ben Thanh market.

You have free time until be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End of the trip. Thank you for using our service.