Vietnam Panorama | Travel for under 10,000 yuan and experience the mixed customs of three countries at a glance

Day 1 Shanghai → Ho Chi Minh City (★ Meeting Day)

All day

丨Itinerary presentation

Today is the departure day for the event. Tourists from all over the country will gather at Terminal 1 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 12:00 noon. After checking in and completing departure formalities at the designated time, they will board a SKYTRAX 4-star Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the Little Paris of the Orient. Upon arrival, they will be greeted by a local Chinese-speaking tour guide who will prepare a special Vietnamese pho meal, allowing them to sample authentic Vietnamese snacks. Afterwards, they will check into their hotel for the day.


丨Reference flights

Vietnam Airlines VN525

PVG Shanghai Pudong T1 - SNG Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat T2

15:10 (Beijing time) - 18:30 (Vietnam time)

The flight time is about 4 hours and 20 minutes, and the time difference is 1 hour slower than China


丨If you want to pay for your own air tickets,
you can choose the "6-day Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang" destination package, or if your location is "Guangzhou", you need air tickets included. You can indicate that you want to depart from "Guangzhou" when placing an order (there may be a price difference), and contact customer service online for separate air ticket booking services.

Day 2 Pink Church → Reunification Palace → Saigon City Walk → Mui Ne → Henna Beach Club

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to the Pink Church (exterior). Built in 1876, the church boasts a vibrant pink exterior and interior, creating a youthful atmosphere. We'll then take you inside the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was the site of South Vietnam's formal surrender 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.

·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.

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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 City - Mui Ne: about 190 kilometers, 3.5 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 Free exploration → White Sand Dunes → Red Sand Dunes → Mui Ne Fishing Village

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

This morning is free to explore, giving yourself a break from your usual busy schedule. After a lazy, natural wakeup call, wake to the gentle breeze of Mui Ne and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Time flows leisurely amidst the aroma of coffee and the sound of the waves. No need to rush through your schedule, wear casual clothes and bring a bright swimsuit to Mui Ne's clear waters and fine sands, enjoying a leisurely stroll and the relaxing holiday atmosphere amidst the shadows of coconut trees.

·afternoon

We'll depart in the afternoon, starting with a visit to the White Sand Dunes (with a complimentary jeep sandboarding experience). The rolling dunes, undulating and gracefully curving, resemble a miniature desert. Beyond the dunes, a lake surrounded by lush greenery offers a pristine beauty. Along the way, we'll enjoy a special Dragon Fruit Picking Experience (Note 2), with each participant receiving a complimentary dragon fruit. Vietnamese dragon fruit is a beloved tropical fruit native to Vietnam. Explore the orchard, explore its unique growth patterns, and sample some freshly picked fruit.

We then headed to the Red Sand Dunes, a series of red sand dunes near the coast. The sand is soft and comfortable to walk on. Dense forests line the north and west sides of the dunes, allowing for stunning photos of both the dunes and the coast, with the sea on one side and the desert on the other. We followed the coastal road to Mui Ne's renowned Mui Ne Fishing Village, a renowned fishing village featured on the cover of Lonely Planet's Vietnam magazine. The area retains its pristine appearance, with many colorful fishing boats docked on the shore, creating a bustling scene that is truly breathtaking.

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 4 Mui Ne → Nha Trang → Cham Towers → Five Finger Rock

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast, we will drive from Mui Ne to Nha Trang, a cost-effective holiday paradise in Southeast Asia.


About Nha Trang

Nha Trang, located on the "Golden Coast" of central Vietnam, boasts some of the finest beaches in the country, with golden sands and turquoise seas, making it one of the most beautiful bays in the world. With an average year-round temperature of 28°C and over 300 days of warm weather, it's a haven for swimming. Enjoy snorkeling amidst coral reefs and marine life, wander through magnificent Cham ruins and pagodas, relax in the mineral-rich mud, and bask in the sun and gaze at the stars.

·afternoon

Upon arrival in Nha Trang, enjoy a special à la carte buffet at Ngon Gallery, a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award winner for 2024. After lunch, we'll visit Po Naga Cham Towers, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Thien Yeh. Legend has it that the Champa Tower protected the fishermen of the ancient Cham Kingdom from the harsh sea winds and waves. Over a thousand years later, only four structures remain, making it a relatively intact site. Today, it's not just a tourist attraction in Nha Trang, but also a popular spot for worship and prayer for many Vietnamese. Several towering pagodas, believed to have numbered eight between the 7th and 12th centuries, remain. The larger main tower houses the goddess of Champa, the mother of the ancient Cham Kingdom that ruled Nha Trang.


We'll then head to Five Finger Rock, also known as Zhongyu Rock Headland. This small cape island boasts several large granite promontories that point directly into the South China Sea. Zhongyu Rock Headland was a filming location for the movie "The Lover." We'll enjoy complimentary Vietnamese drip coffee and sit in the garden to enjoy the beautiful bay views.


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The hotel enjoys the long coastline of Nha Trang and offers exclusive rooms with panoramic sea views. It also has an infinity pool, a seaside restaurant and a parent-child playground. You can immerse yourself in the quality service of an international chain and take in the resort scenery of Pearl Island and blue sea and white sand just by opening the window.

Driving distance: Mui Ne - Nha Trang: about 230 kilometers, 4.5 hours

Note: Note 1: If the restaurant is closed or other circumstances make it impossible to dine, it will be replaced by Lang Ngon Restaurant, which is also a popular restaurant.

Day 5 Nha Trang full day free at leisure

All day

丨Itinerary presentation

Today is a morning without morning calls, so you can sleep in and adjust your mind. The entire day is yours to yourself. Wear casual clothes, bring a bright swimsuit, and enjoy a stroll in the clear waters and fine sands of Nha Trang Beach, soaking in the relaxing holiday atmosphere amidst the coconut trees and shady trees.


丨 Recommended special activities in Nha Trang (not included in the fee)

Nha Trang Special Mud Bath

Mud baths, also known as hot mineral mud baths, use mud, either at its natural temperature or after heating, as a medium. The mud is applied to specific parts of the body, transferring heat to the skin. This heat, combined with its chemical components and microorganisms, promotes wellness and prevents disease. The health, beauty, and therapeutic benefits of mineral mud are recognized worldwide. To this day, mud baths remain a unique and popular form of tourism for visitors to Nha Trang. I-resort ranks highly among Nha Trang's many experiences. Guests at the resort not only enjoy relaxation and mineral mud baths, but also the beautiful and comfortable surroundings. It embodies the rustic and romantic character of Asian resorts, and has become synonymous with Nha Trang's mineral mud bath brand, representing a high-end luxury mineral mud bathing experience. Its unique architectural style and impeccable service are well worth a visit!


Nha Trang Three Islands Tour

The Three Island Tour is a must-see on every travel guide, offering a great way to get to know Nha Trang! As the name suggests, this tour involves a day trip to three islands. Many people love this package, featuring stunning island scenery, a humorous captain, and a variety of entertainment. Snorkel on Black Island to admire vibrant corals and rare marine life; enjoy a lively cocktail reception on the largest island, where you can enjoy a lively time with fellow travelers from around the world; and stroll through the pristine island landscape of Bai San Island, nestled among pebble beaches.


Nha Trang Pearl Island

Nha Trang Vinpearl Land boasts Southeast Asia's largest swimming pool, a 700-meter private beach, the world's longest cross-sea cable car, a large amusement park with roller coasters, carousels, and an indoor arcade, a 4D cinema, a sizeable aquarium, and a luxurious spa. The indoor arcade offers a wide variety of games, including arcade machines, horseback riding machines, shooting machines, dance machines, basketball machines, and driving simulators. No coins are required! Don't forget to say it three times! Enjoy the fun for free! Come to Nha Trang and experience the feeling of luxury!

Day 6 Nha Trang → Hanoi → St. Joseph's Cathedral → Free time in Hanoi Old Quarter → Free farewell dinner in Hanoi

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we departed for Nha Trang Airport to fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is a city woven together by the cultures of Vietnam, China, France, and the United States. It boasts a variety of European-style architecture and remarkable cultural landscapes.


丨Reference flights

Vietnam Airlines VN1552

CXR Nha Trang Cam Ranh T1-HAN Hanoi Noi Bai T1

12:45-14:45, flight time is about 2 hours

·afternoon

Upon arrival, we first visited St. Joseph's Cathedral, one of Hanoi's oldest churches. Modeled after Notre Dame de Paris, it's a representative example of French architecture in Hanoi. The cathedral's intricate altar, stained glass windows, and square towers are all truly remarkable.


After the tour, we will have some free time in Hanoi Old Town to explore the local culture. After agreeing on a time and place with the tour guide, we will gather and head out for dinner. We will also offer a special seafood buffet farewell dinner.

Day 7 Hanoi → Shanghai ★ Disbandment Day

All day

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and proceed to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to check in and board the SKYTRAX 4-star Vietnam Airlines flight back to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.


Tourists who are still reluctant to leave and bid farewell with tears, please remember to fill out a follow-up review on the "China-TravelNote APP" to win vouchers. You can also post travel notes or works of art on the "China-TravelNote Community" & "China-TravelNote Photography Network" to share the wonderful memories of your trip!


丨Reference flights

Vietnam Airlines VN532

HAN Hanoi Noi Bai T2 - PVG Shanghai Pudong T1

10:05 (Vietnam time) - 14:15 (China time)

The flight time is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with a time difference of 1 hour.


丨Warm Tips

Returning tourists, please note that the airport is very air-conditioned, so please bring warm clothing. Please prepare your tax refund forms for any tax-free items you purchased. Valuable items over 5,000 yuan will need to be presented, so please do not leave them in your luggage to avoid refund issues. Finally, we said our tearful goodbyes, reluctantly. Thus ended our delightful journey.

currency:

Vietnam's official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). One RMB equals 3,400 VND, and one US dollar equals 22,500 VND. (As of September 2017, 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: Banks of China don't exchange Vietnamese Dong within China. You can exchange RMB for US dollars at a Bank of China before leaving the country, then exchange it back for Vietnamese Dong once you arrive in Vietnam. Exchanging US dollars in Vietnam is very convenient; you can do so at banks, roadside gold shops, hotels, and travel agencies, and the exchange rates are fairly consistent. Tour guides can also offer RMB or US dollar 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%, about 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 RMB 30-50. If you don't eat lobster, the average cost per person for seafood stalls in Mui Ne is around 80-100. It is recommended that each person bring around US$200-300.


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. The dry season in Vietnam is characterized by bright sunshine and clear skies, making it one of the most beautiful seasons in the country and a suitable time for travel.


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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a unique city because, despite its rapid development, it has not completely erased its history. In the heart of Hanoi, main thoroughfares are wide and flat, shaded by trees, while winding back alleys create a visual feast. The French architecture of the past remains undiminished, and the colonial villas and government buildings in the French Quarter have been renovated and converted into elegant fine-dining restaurants. Furthermore, the Old Quarter, with its rows of traditional Vietnamese tube-shaped buildings, has been designated a historical preservation area by the government, and its 36 ancient streets are considered a special cultural heritage of Hanoi, a millennium-old literary capital. Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi's life, representing the city's leisurely and peaceful side.


Nha Trang

Nha Trang, located on Vietnam's southeastern coast, is a renowned coastal city. Boasting some of Vietnam's finest beaches, stretching for kilometers, it's also a popular diving destination. Fresh lobster is also some of the cheapest in Southeast Asia, making it a true foodie paradise. Today, it's a world-renowned resort offering leisure, entertainment, sports, and hot springs. Its pleasant climate and seawater rich in bromine and iodine, which promote blood circulation, have attracted a growing number of visitors. Among the most popular activities are the Nha Trang Four Islands tour and its unique mud baths, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of this coastal city.


Mui Ne

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


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.