South Vietnam Highland Spirit 9 Days 8 Nights

5.0/5.0 13 Reviews

Overview

Explore the legendary Truong Son trail and the green cities of Tay Nguyen, where you can savor Ban Me coffee, visit ethnic minority villages, enjoy serene dugout canoe rides on Lak Lake, or experience elephant rides in Ban Don. Don't miss the flower paradise of Dalat, with thousands of colorful blooms, making your trip truly meaningful. Discover the Central Highlands' captivating blend of majestic nature and rich cultural traditions, from Gong music to traditional dances, and immerse yourself in the simple life of the indigenous people.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Saigon - Nam Cat Tien National Park (Lunch, Dinner) December 22, 2024

TukTuk Walking Sampan Cruise Car
Day 1: Saigon - Nam Cat Tien National Park (Lunch, Dinner)

In the morning, you will hit the road towards Cat Tien National Park, located 170 kilometers northwest of Saigon.

This national park spans three provinces in Vietnam: Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc. Covering a total area of 71,920 hectares, it is divided into two sections, Cat Loc in the North and Nam Cat Tien in the south. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and in 2001, it was recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The visit will begin with a Jeep ride, followed by a 1.5-hour hike to Bau Sau, where you will take a break for lunch.

Next, you will board a sampan for a boat ride on a pond, exploring the fascinating ecosystem of the park. Prepare to be surprised by the rich wildlife and flora, including crocodiles, beautiful birds, and various flowers.

Return to the hotel and spend the night at the Nam Cat Tien Park Center.

Day 2: Nam Cat Tien - Da Lat (Breakfast, Lunch) December 23, 2024

TukTuk Walking Trekking Car
Day 2: Nam Cat Tien - Da Lat (Breakfast, Lunch)

In the morning, wake up early amidst the forest sounds. After breakfast, take a Jeep transfer into the park until we reach the junction, where we leave the main road and embark on a 3km hike to the Crocodile Lake station.

Take a brief break by the lake and engage in activities like rowing a boat on the lake while observing the biodiversity. Luckily, you might spot crocodiles and various bird species residing in the lake. Then, hike back to the main road and transfer to the park center.

Enjoy lunch in the park.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to Cat Tien Park and cross the river by boat. Depart for Da Lat. After more than 3 hours, arrive in Da Lat.

Da Lat is a beautiful city in the Vietnam Central Highlands. Located at an altitude of 1500m, both locals and tourists can enjoy pleasant coolness.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Da Lat.

Top 4 Best 5-star Hotels In Da Lat

Day 3: Da Lat - Lak Lake (Breakfast) December 24, 2024

Walking Train Car
Day 3: Da Lat - Lak Lake (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will head to the Da Lat train station to embark on the oldest and highest railway in Vietnam, covering a 7km journey from Da Lat to Trai Mat and back. This scenic ride takes us through the deep countryside of Da Lat, passing through pine forests, flower fields, and diverse vegetable gardens. Our first stop will be at the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Next, we'll visit a clay tunnel located near Tuyen Lam Lake before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we'll head towards Lak Lake, a large natural lake surrounded by picturesque M'nong ethnic villages. Near the lake, you can find the summer palace of Bao Dai, the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Upon arrival at the lake, you'll check into your hotel room and have some rest.

Dinner is at your leisure, and you'll spend the night near Lak Lake.

Day 4: Lak Lake - Visit (Breakfast, Lunch) December 25, 2024

Elephant Ride Car
Day 4: Lak Lake - Visit (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, enjoy an elephant ride by the lake. Following that, take a short canoe trip to the M'Lieng village, where you'll have the chance to meet the residents of the Jun and M'liêng villages. Here, houses are built on stilts and have two slopes, typical of the Tay Nguyen people.

In the afternoon, transfer to Dak Phoi to visit a coffee and pepper plantation. There's also the option to take a refreshing dip in a stream with pebbles.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel near the lake.

Day 5: Lak Lake - Buon Me Thuot (Breakfast, Lunch) December 26, 2024

Walking Car
Day 5: Lak Lake - Buon Me Thuot (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Buon Me Thuot, a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where some ethnic minorities, including the Edé and Mnôngs, still reside. This region is renowned for its coffee and pepper production and offers a pleasant climate and natural setting.

Upon arrival, visit the Buon Ma Thuot central market and the Buon Me Thuot ethnographic museum.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Khai Doan Pagoda, the largest pagoda in the city. Next, visit the coffee museum designed in the architectural style of the traditional longhouses of the Ede ethnic group.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 6: Buon Me Thuot - Visit (Breakfast) December 27, 2024

Walking Trekking Car
Day 6: Buon Me Thuot - Visit (Breakfast)

After breakfast, head towards Yokdon National Park. Upon arrival, take a forest walk.

On the way back from the park, make a stop to visit authentic villages inhabited by the Ede and M'nong ethnic groups.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the village of Buon Don. There's also the option to witness a traditional dance performance from the Central Highlands.

In the afternoon, embark on a road transfer to visit the Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Buon Me Thuot.

Day 7: Buon Me Thuot – Pleiku (Breakfast) December 28, 2024

Walking Car
Day 7: Buon Me Thuot – Pleiku (Breakfast)

Depart for Pleiku, a scenic and delightful journey that offers breathtaking views of the rolling landscapes. Pleiku serves as the capital of Gia Lai province and is the center of the Pleiku district, covering an area of 261 km².

As you leave the city, the road takes you through a red-earth plateau, and for about twenty kilometers, you'll pass extensive rubber and coffee plantations, along with Kinh ethnic households adorned with pepper plants.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. After lunch at your leisure in Pleiku, set off to visit the Dektu villages of the Bahnar ethnic group and the Dekrong villages of the Giarai ethnic group in the vicinity of Pleiku.

Return to Pleiku in the late afternoon.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night in Pleiku.

Day 8: Pleiku – Kontum (Breakfast, Lunch) December 29, 2024

Walking Car
Day 8: Pleiku – Kontum (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Kontum. Upon arrival in Kontum, check-in at the hotel, and begin the sightseeing tour, which includes visits to the small wooden cathedral, the Vin Son I orphanage, the Thua Sai seminary, and the Konklor suspension bridge.

Enjoy lunch before embarking on hiking trips into the heart of the Konktu villages, the homeland of the Bahnar ethnic group. Explore their way of life and traditional crafts such as weaving.

Later, return to Kontum by vehicle.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at the hotel in Kontum.

Day 9: Kontum - Pleiku – Flight To Saigon (Breakfast) December 30, 2024

Walking Air plane Car
Day 9: Kontum - Pleiku – Flight To Saigon (Breakfast)

In the morning, start your road transfer back to Pleiku. En route, visit the Pleikep village of the Jarai ethnic group, renowned for its cemetery adorned with funeral statuettes near the Pleiphun village. Also, explore a vast tea plantation.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Minh Thanh Pagoda before transferring to the Pleiku airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Upon your arrival in Saigon, you will be greeted by a driver and transferred to your hotel.

End of our services.

Important noted

  • Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast.
  • English-speaking guide during all tours.
  • Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary.
  • Bicycle in Mekong Delta.
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
  • Local private sampan cruise Mekong Delta.
  • Water & cool towels.
  • Government taxes & service charge.
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned.
  • International airfare and departure taxes.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks… etc.
  • Vietnam Visa (If you are not exempt from the visa).
  • Any gratuities and tip to driver and tour guide ($3-5/person/day for both guide & driver, $1 for boat rower and cyclo rider).

* Notes:

  • Domestic flights: We quote separately and can book for you without fees.
  • Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any.
  • The triple room is possible upon your request.
  • Surcharged for Public holidays (30/4-1/5, Lunar New Year).
  • A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
  • The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/late check-out is upon your request).
  • All customers participating in the tour must have a passport and identification document when leaving the country.
  • Backpack, toiletry bag, sunscreen/cap, water bottles, camera(optional), extra pair of clothes, personal medication, track pants and cotton T-shirt, sweater/ warm jackets for the night.
  • Dry fruits, energy bar, chocolates, torch per person with extra batteries, moov spray, dettol solution or salt to avoid leeches, sports shoes or trekking shoes or comfortable shoes with good grip, personal hygiene items: medicine, face towel, shower gel, brush, toothpaste.
  • Deposit 50% tour price when signing up and pay the remaining amount 10 days before starting date.
  • In case of tour cancellation: (Tour cancellation time is calculated by working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and New Year).
  • After the deposit, if you cancel the tour, the company will not refund the deposit.
  • If you cancel or change the tour within 20 - 29 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 70% of the tour price.
  • If you cancel or change the tour within 10 - 19 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 90% of the tour price.
  • If you cancel or change the tour 9 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 100% of the tour value.

* Notes:

  • Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of return.
  • If you are a foreigner or overseas Vietnamese, please bring all your passports (bring both passports in case you have 2 citizenships), and Vietnamese visa (attached to your passport or separate sheet) while on tour.
  • Please follow according to the tour program, do not separate from the group. If there is a need to separate from the group, please notify the consultant when registering for the tour for more information and additional costs (if any).
  • Customers aged 70 years or older require a health certificate to travel abroad from a doctor and must be accompanied by a relative under 60 years old (healthy). Guests over 75 years old, please pay a premium insurance (the fee varies depending on the tour).
  • The program may change depending on the flight situation, the hotel in at the site will be officially confirmed on the day of the group meeting, 2-3 days before the departure date. The attractions may not be in the order in the program. During the peak weeks in the site, the hotel may not be in the central area but still ensure the hotel standard according to the program.
  • In case of cancellation of the tour right after registration until 10 days before the departure date, you will be subject to a 30% penalty on the travel fare.
  • In case of cancellation of the tour within 5-10 days before the departure date, you will be charged 50% of the travel fare.
  • In case of cancellation of the tour within 3-5 days before the departure date, you will be charged 75% of the travel fare.
  • If you cancel the tour within 0 – 3 days before the departure date, you will be charged 100% of the travel fare.

* Notes:

  • In case of tour cancellation due to objective incidents such as natural disasters, epidemics, postponement and cancellation of transportations service... Tourist will not be responsible for any additional compensation other than refund tour fee.
  • Above is the maximum cancellation penalty, this cost can be reduced depending on the conditions of each service provider for Tourist.
  • The tour cancellation time is calculated for working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and New Year.
  • If the travel program is canceled or changed by either party due to a force majeure reason (fire, weather, accident, natural disaster, war, delay and cancellation of the public transport plus…), the two parties will not bear any obligation to compensate for the loss that has occurred and not bear any liability. However, each party is responsible for trying its best to help the aggrieved party to minimize losses caused by force majeure.
  • Children under 2 years old: 30% of adult price (baby sharing bed with parents).
  • Children from 2 to under 12 years old: 90% of adult price (kid sharing bed with parents), 100% of adult price (kid has their own bed).
  • Children from 12 years old and up: 100% of the adult price.

Reviews

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Review details

  • MS
    Ms.Bryan Wilson | Austria Apr 23, 2024

    Excellent

    Full experience South Vietnam

    Fantastic customized journey!! Tansy planned a bespoke tour of Vietnam for my wife and I that took place over 9 days. Tansy performed an excellent job! Everything went off without a hitch. There was absolutely nothing for us to be concerned about. The guides were all outstanding individuals who maintained a high level of professionalism. After spending nine days with Tom, he got the ..More
  • MR
    Mr.Michael Madrazo | Iceland Apr 16, 2024

    Excellent

    Top arranged holiday!

    Best Trip Ever!! Our 9-day Best of Vietnam tour was truly incredible from start to finish. Auasia Travel provided us with exceptional guides, spectacular hotels, timely drivers, and the activities exceeded our expectations. We particularly appreciated having one guide for the first 5 days and another for the final 2 days. This allowed us to comfortably ask questions and made personal ..More
  • MR
    Mr.Steven Brenssell | Ireland Apr 08, 2024

    Excellent

    Last minute approval letter, best service, highly recommend !

    Best Trip well-Organised!! My wife and I booked a 9-day tour in Southern Vietnam. Kate was our agent at Auasia Travel and her knowledge and organisation skills are excellent. Everything and everyone associated with the tour have been 5-star. All the organised parts were with excellent local travel guides. All transfers were professional and on time. Kate from the start to end has been ..More

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