Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi. On arrival at Hanoi Noibai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After our welcome drink and tour briefing we enjoy a performance of Viet Nam's unique traditional Water Puppetry. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi
Commencing the day with a heritage walk, we visit President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and humble house on stilts, as well as the famous One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (Viet Nam's first University). Insight into Viet Nam's ethnic diversity is gained at the Museum of Ethnology, while Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a more sobering experience. After enjoying the tranquility of Hoan Kiem Lake's Ngoc Son Temple we are free to explore the intriguing and bustling Old Quarter with its 36 streets packed with traditional handicrafts and goods. Overnight in Hanoi. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau. Traveling to the province of Hoa Binh, we pass through a region of spectacular limestone mountains and tea plantations to arrive in Mai Chau. We spend the night in a village long house of Thai minority in Lac village, experiencing their wonderful hospitality, traditional dancing and rice wine. Overnight in Mai Chau. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Mai Chau - Hoa Lu – Hanoi. Leaving the people of the mountains behind, we drive through rural countryside to the 10th Century capital of Hoa Lu to visit temples of King Ding and Le. Continue to visit the magnificent grotto of Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on land”, we navigate the river's limestone outcrops by rowboat, discovering the ancient temples before heading back to Hanoi for overnight. Includes: (B, L).
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong bay
Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board our traditional sailing junk. Enjoy the fresh seafood lunch while cruising the exquisite waters and viewing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Fighting Coq Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island and explore the mystery of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 6: Halong – Hanoi. Wake up to enjoy a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before cruising to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Bai Tu Long bay and take small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board, disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi by road. Includes: (B, L).
Day 7: Hanoi – Hue. Free time in Hanoi until transfer to airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival, pick you up and transfer to hotel for checking in. Relax at hotel. Overnight in Hue. Includes: (B).
Day 8: Hue
Following the late morning visit at the Imperial City of Hue and our hotel. In the afternoon, we take a leisurely cruise by royal dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda's stone steps, our boat waits as we climb the stairs to explore one of Viet Nam's oldest and most revered Pagodas. Gliding through the clear waters we arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang. Free time for shopping at Dong Ba market in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hue. Includes: (B).
Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Before leaving Hue, we glimpse the regal splendor of a time now past as we walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. We continue our road trip to Danang, where the Museum of Cham Sculpture displays carvings from a once powerful and prosperous civilization. Arriving into the old merchant town of Hoi An, the heritage streets beckon exploration. Be tempted by the art galleries, hand crafted woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery and tailor shops where an entire wardrobe can be made overnight.Overnight in Hoi An. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Hoi An - Quy Nhon. This morning we enjoy a guided introduction to Hoi An, where restored shop houses, Chinese Assembly Halls, Japanese Bridge and shared water wells paint a vivid story. Boarding on our bus, we travel down the Highway No. 1 and pass through landscapes filled with lush rice fields and spectacular coastal scenery before arriving into Qui Nhon for our overnight stop. Includes: (B).
Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang. Hugging the dramatic granite cliffs, our road takes us through the picturesque beach and fishing village of Dai Lanh to Nha Trang. We are free enjoying the beach front and swimming or relaxing in the shade of a thatched umbrella or swaying coconut palm, and take advantage of a massage and manicure. Overight in Nha Trang. Includes: (B).
Day 12: Nha Trang. A visit to the imposing 7th century Cham Tower of Po Nagar is followed by a tour of the Oceanographic Institute's staggering collection of aquatic flora and fauna. At Ben Da harbor we board our boat and cruise the island dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay. Bobbing boats and swaying nets can be observed as we sit down to a sumptuous lunch of the freshest seafood at the Mieu Island fishing village. Overnight in Nha Trang. Includes: (B, L).
Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat. Leaving the golden sands behind, we visit the remarkable Cham Towers of Poklon Garai before commencing our ascent into the mountains of the South Central Highlands. Panoramic views of the coastal plains pine clad mountains and crisp cool air herald our approach to the scenic French Hill Station of Da Lat. Overnight in Da Lat. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City by plane. In the morning, we have time to explore Da Lat's, stairways and cobbled lanes, colorful central market, beautiful flower gardens, tranquil lake and grand French villas. As we descend from the 'City of Eternal Spring'. In the afternoon we take the plane to the frenetic bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Includes: (B).
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City
We are engulfed by the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City as we explore historic landmarks including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy. As we enter the Chinese District of Cho Lon, home to the largest wholesale market in Viet Nam, the energy is palpable and respite from the frenetic activity is found within the ornate walls of Chinatown's oldest Pagoda, Thien Hau. Continue to visit the War Museum before ending the day-tour at Ben Thanh market for shopping.Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. Includes: (B).
Day 16: Tay Ninh - Cu Chi. A drive to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, allows us to witness the hypnotic noontime service and eclectic architecture of the Cao Dai religion. In the afternoon we explore the phenomenal underground tunnel network and former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight. Includes: (B, L).
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho
At 8:00 AM Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Depart for My tho. Take the boat ride through the Bao Dinh natural canal, view the stilt houses and the fruit plantation along the river sides. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to the Tortoise island. Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. Enjoy the nice boat ride through the Tan Thach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruise under the shadow of the water coconut trees. Visit the family where you can experience the agricultural lifestyle. Trekking through the fruit plantation in Thoi Son island, enjoy the rowing boat ride along the creeks before returning to My Tho by motorised boat. Proceed to Can Tho. Dinner on guests' account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Can Tho. ( Family home stay will be arranged on request). Includes: (B, L).
Day 18: Can Tho - Vinh Long - Ho Chi Minh City. 07:00 AM After breakfast, take the morning boat trip to visit the Phong Dien floating market with the busy sense right at the time. Keep cruising through the small channels system, visit the rice noodles making village. Experience the " monkey Bridge " in the Delta. Visit the second floating market of Cai Rang. Break time for lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh city via Vinh Long to visit the local snake market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. Includes: (B, L).
Day 19: Depart Ho Chi Minh City. A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your ongoing flight. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 16 nights hotel accommodation in twin-shared room including tax and service charge
- 1 night hill trip homestay
- Land transfer by air – conditioned vehicle for whole trip
- Boat cruise in Halong, Hue, Can Tho
- Entrance fees and sightseeing as specified
- All meals as programmed (Special food requirement could be arranged with prior notice from guest)
- English speaking guide except for time at leisure. Other languages are available upon request.
Price Excludes:
- International flights and airport taxes
- Drinks and tips
- Visa handling and Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Other not mentioned.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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