Trendy Vietnam: Mountain and Sea Adventures | Saigon, Mui Ne, and Da Lat Tour

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) ★Meeting Day

All day

Itinerary presentation

Today is the gathering day for the event. All tourists will gather in Ho Chi Minh City, the Little Paris of the East, and check in at the designated gathering hotel to complete the check-in procedures and arrange rooms.

If more than 2 people register, we will provide free airport/station pick-up service (one free pick-up service for 2 or more people registering on the same flight)


How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat Airport, airport code SGN

There are many flights to Ho Chi Minh City, the meeting point. We recommend that you purchase direct flights from all over the country to Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from many domestic destinations (AirAsia, Jetstar, Scoot, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, etc.)

2. In addition, you can choose airlines such as Hong Kong Airlines to transfer in a third country, which will provide more favorable prices.

3. Book in advance to get discounted fares. If you purchase connecting flights, make sure there is a certain amount of time between them (usually more than 3 hours) to avoid missing your flight.


About the number of people in the group

The marked price is for 4 people. If you want to form an independent group of 2 people, you need to pay the difference of 1,300 yuan per person after registration.

Note: Note 1: Airport/station pick-up service is arranged separately and is not part of the itinerary. It only provides transportation from the airport/station to the hotel. We are unable to accommodate additional itinerary requests. Please note.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Reunification Palace → Saigon City Walk

·morning

丨Itinerary Presentation

After breakfast, we'll explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200-kilometer-long underground war tunnel located near Ho Chi Minh City. Originally dug by Vietnamese peasants and soldiers over 20 years during the Vietnamese resistance against French rule, the tunnels became a vital underground base during the Vietnam War.


After touring the ground combat vehicle equipment and surface remains including hidden vents, camouflaged entrances, and various trap devices, everyone bent down and crawled into the narrow tunnel (only 80cm high) to visit various functional rooms, and finally tasted cassava snacks, the staple food of the Vietnam War era.

·afternoon

After lunch, we will drive to the Reunification Palace (enter), formerly known as the Presidential Palace, where South Vietnam officially surrendered on April 30, 1975.


We will then begin our Saigon City Walk (Note 1) and visit Saigon Cathedral, a famous landmark. Modeled after the bell tower of Notre Dame de Paris, the cathedral boasts a symmetrical and majestic form, with two towers reaching 40 meters into the sky. The red bricks used in the cathedral's construction were imported from France, and their color remains vibrant and unfaded even after over a century. Next to the cathedral is the Central Post Office (enter and receive a special postcard). Built in the late 19th century and designed by a French architect, the post office boasts an ornately decorated lobby imbued with a classical ambiance. The spacious lobby is flanked by counters and a circular bench running from the center. Above each side of the lobby are two maps of Vietnam, believed to have been hand-drawn by French geographers. The dome, circular stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, floral wall lamps, and electric fans all reflect Gothic architectural style.


Continue to Ho Chi Minh City Hall (exterior), then to the Municipal Opera House (exterior). Its exterior is adorned with a variety of reliefs and patterns, modeled after similar French opera houses of the time, creating a truly exquisite experience. The exterior also boasts a variety of ornate and exquisite reliefs, a sight worth exploring. Finally, visit the popular Ho Chi Minh City landmark, the Cafe Residence (enter). This nine-story building, reminiscent of a vintage building, is home to over 50 diverse cafes. Its blend of history and modernity has made it a trendy destination. If you're tired of browsing, you can find a café that catches your eye and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

·night

The evening is your free time to explore. You can choose to go to the Ho Chi Minh Opera House to watch the special performance "Ao Show" or explore the nightlife in Pham Ngu Lao Street.

Driving distance: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels: about 55 kilometers, 2 hours

Note: Note 1: The entire Sai Kung City Walk is approximately 2 kilometers long and requires no physical strength. It is easily completed by the elderly and children. You may want to try a different approach and experience it slowly. The order of the itinerary will be adjusted according to actual conditions.

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh Museum → Pink Church → Internet-famous cafe → Mui Ne

·morning

丨Itinerary Presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts (enter). Formerly the villa of Saigon's wealthiest overseas Chinese, the building boasts a classic Baroque style, designed by a collaboration between Vietnamese and French designers. Sunlight filters through century-old Venetian louvers, casting dappled shadows on the spiral staircase. Underfoot, the mosaic floor tiles offer a vintage elegance, a subtle blend of Baroque refinement and Southeast Asian warmth. Currently a first-class national museum in Vietnam, the building boasts two permanent exhibition sections: Vietnamese and international.


After the tour, we'll continue our drive to the Pink Church (exterior). Built in 1876, the church is not only all pink on the outside, but also decorated in pink tones inside, creating a very girly atmosphere. We'll then sit down at the cafe across the street (with a complimentary drink) and enjoy a leisurely coffee while taking in the panoramic view of the Pink Church.

·afternoon

After lunch, we will head to Mui Ne, a romantic place that is “half sea and half desert”, where you can feel like you are in a paradise and forget all your worries.


Upon arrival in Mui Ne, we'll head to the Henna Beach Club (one soft drink included). This chill beach bar also boasts a cafe, a farm experience area, photo spots, and a mini-zoo. A rainbow slide that seems to soar into the sea creates an immersive entertainment experience. In the evening, enjoy the occasional band performances and sit on the beach, watching the holiday lights gradually illuminate in the afterglow of the sunset – the perfect time to soak in the magical atmosphere of this "virtual paradise."

Afterwards, we will check in at the hotel and have free time in the evening. Tourists can go out and look for various delicious foods on their own.


Upgraded online review of a five-diamond pool resort | Stay two nights without moving

This large-scale beachfront resort, themed around a Spanish sailing adventure, offers stunning views of Mui Ne Beach. Its core features are Mediterranean-style guest rooms and a water park, perfect for families. The resort also features a specialty restaurant, a 100-meter observation deck, a spa, and an indoor entertainment center.

Driving distance: Ho Chi Minh - Mui Ne: about 187 kilometers, 3.5 hours

Day 4 Free exploration → White Sand Dunes → Red Sand Dunes → Mui Ne Fishing Village

·morning

丨Itinerary Presentation

Today's morning is free of morning calls. You can sleep in naturally, refresh your mind, and spend the morning exploring freely. Wake up to the gentle breeze of Mui Ne, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and let time flow leisurely amidst the aroma of coffee and the sound of the waves. Alternatively, wear casual clothes or a bright swimsuit and enjoy a stroll on the clear, sandy beaches of Mui Ne, soaking in the relaxing holiday atmosphere amidst the shadows of coconut trees and the breeze.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we'll depart for our chartered Jeep tour. We'll first head to the White Sand Dunes (with a complimentary jeep sandboarding experience). The rolling dunes, forming graceful curves, resemble a miniature desert. Beyond the dunes, a lake surrounded by lush greenery offers a pristine beauty. Along the way, we'll also include a special Dragon Fruit Picking Experience (Note 2), with each participant receiving a complimentary dragon fruit. Explore the orchard, explore the unique ways in which dragon fruit grows, and sample some freshly picked fruit.

Then we went to the Red Sand Dunes, which is a red sand dune close to the coast. The sand is relatively soft and very comfortable to walk on. There are some dense woods on the north and west sides of the dunes. When taking pictures, you can capture the dunes, the coast and the woods at the same time, with the sea on one side and the desert on the other.

Follow the coastal road to reach the famous Mui Ne Fishing Village. Mui Ne Fishing Village is quite famous. It is the cover of Lonely Planet Vietnam. It has retained its original appearance. There are many colorful fishing boats docked on the shore. The busy scene is beautiful.

Notes: Note 1: The order of the day's itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions.
Note 2: The dragon fruit picking experience is subject to weather and seasonal changes. If this cannot be arranged, it will be replaced with a Vietnamese specialty fruit tasting. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 5 Mui Ne → Da Lat → Coffee training → Datanla Waterfall → Truc Lam Monastery → Robin Hill Cable Car

·morning

丨Itinerary Presentation

After breakfast, we headed to Dalat, a very retro little town that used to be a favorite summer resort for many French people and is full of European style.


After lunch, we'll visit a specialty coffee farm for a coffee training experience. Da Lat is renowned as a coffee producing region in Vietnam and globally. A barista will guide you step by step through the process of brewing authentic Vietnamese drip coffee using specially selected beans and a traditional percolator, revealing the secrets of the "golden ratio" extraction technique. The activity will also explore how coffee is woven into the fabric of Vietnamese culinary culture, allowing you to discover the unique charm of Vietnamese coffee culture. The coffee farm itself is nestled beside the Elephant Waterfall, home to the 81-meter Guan Yin statue, Vietnam's tallest. From here, you can overlook lush green mountains, listen to the sound of waterfalls, stroll through pine forests and coffee plantations, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.


Afterward, we'll continue to Datanla Waterfall, nestled in Da Lat's pristine forest. A particularly fun experience is a ride on the Jungle Rail (not included in the fee), which takes you through the rainforest to the waterfall midway up the mountain, offering stunning rainforest scenery along the way. We'll then visit the Bamboo Forest Zen Temple, a garden-style temple with vibrant flowers and meticulously manicured vegetation. The temple boasts numerous relief carvings depicting Zen stories, a sight worth admiring. The temple is tranquil, lushly planted, and wind chimes hung in the corners create an ethereal sound.


Afterwards, we will take the Robin Hill Cable Car to the top of the mountain. The cable car will pass through the dense pine forest. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the colorful city of Dalat. This will be one of the best ways to experience Dalat.

Driving distance: Mui Ne - Da Lat: approximately 158 km, 4 hours

Note: Note 1: The jungle slide is not included in the price and costs approximately RMB 40 for a round trip.

Day 6 Crazy House → Marie Monastery → Da Lat Old Railway Station → Free time to explore → Special farewell dinner

·morning

丨Itinerary Presentation

After breakfast, we'll head to Crazy House, a hotel that's become a renowned Da Lat attraction for its bizarre and exaggerated design. Designed by the daughter of a former Vietnamese president, the top floor rooms feature glass skylights, allowing you to gaze up at the stars at night. Resembling a dead, rotting tree, the entrance is through a giant hollow and up a wooden staircase. This place will completely overturn your notions of what a house should be, with its quirky design, psychedelic scenery, and the allure of a forest fairytale.


Afterward, we'll visit the Mary Convent. Its vibrant pink design is charming and charming, making it a popular spot for beautiful photos. It houses an orphanage, a kindergarten, and a primary school for orphans, the homeless, and children with disabilities. Behind the church, nuns sell tourist merchandise for charity.


Next, head to Dalat Old Railway Station for a vintage train ride. Sitting in a nostalgic, all-wooden carriage, the train's clatter reminisces about the passing of time—a truly romantic experience. The station's striking orange-red color scheme, with its three pointed roofs and stained glass windows, exudes an ancient, exotic charm.

·afternoon

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Da Lat is a very famous coffee town in Vietnam. Tourists can find a cafe to sit down and enjoy the scenery while sipping coffee. You can also go to Da Lat Market to buy some local specialties souvenirs!


In the evening, China-TravelNote prepared a Dalat-style barbecue farewell dinner for everyone, so that they could enjoy the last wonderful time in Dalat together.

Note: Four-Diamond Hotels in Dalat (Reference Hotels: Golf Valley Hotel/MerPerle Crystal Palace or similar)

Day 7 Dalat ★ disbandment day

All day

丨Itinerary Presentation

Today is the disbanding day and we will end this trip in Dalat.

You can choose to fly back to Ho Chi Minh City by plane (Da Lat Lien Khuong Airport, airport code DLI) or take a bus, or continue to Nha Trang or other destinations for sightseeing.

Free airport/station drop-off service for 2 or more people (one free service for 2 or more people who register for the same flight)


Remember to fill out a review on the "China-TravelNoteAPP" after your trip to win a voucher. You are also welcome to record the wonderful memories of your trip and post them in the "Tourists Circle"!

Note: Note 1: Airport/station drop-off service is a separate arrangement and is not part of the itinerary. It only provides transportation from the hotel to the airport/station. We are unable to accommodate additional itinerary requests. Please note.

currency:

Vietnam's official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). One RMB equals 3,400 VND, and one USD equals 23,000 VND. (As of February 2019, the VND is a larger denomination, so conversions are typically done by removing three zeros and dividing by 3 (10,000 minus three zeros equals 10 divided by 3, which is 3 RMB).

Currency Exchange: Bank of China in China doesn't exchange Vietnamese Dong. You can bring RMB or USD with you and exchange them for Vietnamese Dong once you arrive in Vietnam. Exchange counters at the airport, banks, roadside gold shops, hotels, and travel agencies all offer similar exchange rates. Tour guides can also offer RMB or USD exchange.

UnionPay: You can withdraw Vietnamese Dong directly with your bank card at ATMs with the UnionPay logo. The exchange rate is calculated based on the Vietnamese Dong selling price announced by the Bank of China on that day. However, the issuing bank will charge a certain fee (usually 0.3%-0.5%, at least RMB 10 per transaction), and the withdrawal bank will also charge a fee of 1%-1.5% of the withdrawal amount.

Credit card: Vietnam tourism is relatively mature. Many shopping malls, restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards. Even some Chinese-owned restaurants in Nha Trang accept WeChat or Alipay payments. Before swiping your card, you can check if there is a UnionPay logo. It is more convenient to use the UnionPay channel.

Consumption: The overall consumption in Vietnam is not very high. The average cost per person for a Vietnamese meal is about 30-50 RMB. The average cost per person for seafood stalls in Mui Ne is around 80-100 RMB if you don't eat lobster. It is recommended that each person bring around 2,000 RMB (around 200-300 USD).

communication:

Local Phone Cards: Buying a Vietnamese SIM card is very cost-effective and provides fast internet speeds. There are two types of local SIM cards: Vinaphone and Mobifone. Vinaphone and Mobifone offer similar pricing, but Vinaphone offers better signal quality. Both SIM cards can be purchased in advance in Vietnam or at local airports or mobile phone stores.

Wi-Fi: Vietnam has a very developed Wi-Fi network, with almost every hotel and restaurant offering free Wi-Fi. You can also rent a portable Wi-Fi network in advance, which is very convenient for local use.

International roaming: It is recommended to activate international roaming to maintain normal communication in emergencies. To avoid high overseas traffic charges, please turn off mobile data traffic when activating international roaming.

climate:

Most of Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 23-27°C (78-81°F). Most of the northern region ranges from 23-25°C (78-81°F), while most of the southern region ranges from 26-27°C (78-81°F). The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season in most areas runs from May to October. However, the rainy season is often characterized by showers and sudden downpours, often resulting in a more pleasant climate after a heavy downpour. Vietnam's dry season is characterized by bright sunshine and clear skies, making it one of the most beautiful seasons in the country and an ideal time to visit.

Dress code:

In Vietnam, you can wear light summer clothing during the day. Bring a thin jacket to avoid getting cold in air-conditioned rooms and cars. Nights can be chilly, so bring an autumn jacket. Avoid wearing slippers, shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or other inappropriate clothing for formal occasions. When visiting the jungle, where mosquitoes are common, wear long sleeves and pants. Shoes should be light, comfortable, and comfortable for walking. New shoes or high heels are not recommended. Da Lat is at a high altitude and temperatures are low, so wear a jacket at night to prevent colds. Air conditioning on airplanes is low, so a jacket is also recommended.

socket:

The voltage in Vietnam is 220 volts. Like China, Vietnamese sockets use two-pin flat plugs, so you can use them directly without a power adapter. However, if you use a three-pin socket, you will need a plug adapter or power strip.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, is steeped in French tradition, earning it the nickname "Little Paris of the East," though some prefer to call it "Saigon." Despite its rapid development, it lacks the bustle of other metropolises, retaining a uniquely Vietnamese sense of leisure and romance. The French legacy extends beyond French bread, French architecture, and French plane trees to a distinctly French ambiance. Strolling through the exquisite houses and watching the sunlight filter through the plane trees, you'll feel like you've arrived in a small French town.


Mui Ne

Mui Ne boasts a ten-kilometer-long, crescent-shaped beach. Its tranquil fishing village is sparsely populated with tourists, thatched huts, bamboo chairs, and palm trees, amidst the calm waters, creating a tranquil paradise. The ultimate indulgence in Mui Ne is simply relaxing on a lounge chair, enjoying the sea breeze and listening to the waves. But Mui Ne offers more than just a relaxing getaway; it's also a world-renowned destination for windsurfing, a thrilling activity you can experience there.


Dalat

Dalat is a young city surrounded by pine forests, dotted with lakes, and lined with waterfalls. In 1893, a French doctor discovered the area and established the first sanatorium. Since then, Dalat has become a renowned summer resort in Vietnam, attracting French residents and members of the Vietnamese upper class. The area has become a hub for elegant French-style villas, creating a scene that feels like a small French town has been transported to Vietnam.