Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of day is free at your leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Full day city tour (B)
Today we commence our exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum. We continue to his humble “house on stilts”, see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards we visit the Temple of Literature, the first Vietnam University dating to 1070.
After lunch (by guest’s account), we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of VN, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings. We then take a Cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a famous Water Puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
Note: Ho Chi Minh complex closes on Monday, Friday and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closes in every afternoon. All Museums in Hanoi closes on Monday.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/ L/ D)
We leave Hanoi for 3-hour drive to the Halong Bay, a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. On arrival we board our traditional junk for a journey through the 3000 limestone islands dotted with caves and grottoes.
There is time for exploring the Bay at a leisure pace: swimming, relaxing and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board in this beautiful part of the world. Sumptious Seafoo Set-Dinner on board and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.
Overnight on Junk
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)
Early risers can enjoy a morning swim in a quite firth. Start your day with Tai Chi Class on the sundeck while complimentary tea and coffee are served. After breakfast, continue enjoy cruising and swimming until time for check out procedure. The junk arrives at the quay around 11.00am. We drive back Hanoi with a stop at Dong Trieu ceramic and pottery village.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (B)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the a morning flight to Hue, the last Imperial City of Vietnam. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon we begin to see the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors under Nguyen Dynasty. We then drive outskirts of Hue to the impressive tomb of King Khai Dinh. Our last stop today is the Dong Ba Market.
Overnight in Hue
Day 6: Hue - Hoi An (B)
This morning we take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River. We stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the 7-storey octagonal tower and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue tour by boat to Minh Mang Tomb built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor’s tomb complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions etc) designed on a symmetric axis.
After lunch (by guest’s account) we travel southward to the enchanting port town of Hoi An, passing the scenic fishing villages of Lang Co and the Hai Van tunnel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An (B)
In the morning, we will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful local markets.
The afternoon is free at leisure to get some tailor-made clothes, relax at riverside restaurants or take a short journey to the nearby beach.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
This morning, we transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Nha Trang, a coastal town being listed as the member of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club. Upon arrival, pick up at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
This afternoon, we start our city tour to the Po Nagar temple, a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 7th century and the rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang
Day 9: Nha Trang - Island tour (B/L)
A day of leisure and indulgence as we cruise through the blue clear waters amongst the islands of Nha Trang. Our first stop at Mieu Island is to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a small world of many sea species. We then spend time for some snorkeling, fishing and swimming at Islands. Enjoy a fresh local seafood lunch. Return to the Nha Trang in mid afternoon to explore the town by your own way or swim at the main beach.
Overnight in Nha Trang
Day 10: Nha Trang - Dalat (B)
Morning we take a road journey to Da Lat (250km) - a beautiful town in the Central Highlands developed by the French colonialists as a health resort and hunting center. Stop for refreshment in Phan Rang and visit the Pokong Garai tower, the historical relic of Cham Kingdom occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam for several centuries.
In the afternoon, our sightseeing in Da Lat includes Xuan Huong Lake, which is located at the center of Da Lat. Continue to Central Market where you will be bewildered with a riot of multi-colored flowers as well as various kinds of fresh vegetable and mouthwatering fruit. We then visit Linh Son Pagoda – the oldest active monastery in the city. This pagoda was built in 1938 on a hill overlooking the centre of Dalat and we end of the day for visiting City flower garden.
Overnight in Da Lat
Day 11: Da Lat - Saigon (B)
We travel overland from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh city (315 km), crossing many rubber plantations. On the way we stop at Dambri waterfall and Bao Loc tea farm to taste the local Green tea. On arrival Ho Chi Minh city, check in hotel. The rest of day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City tour (B)
This morning, we leave Ho Chi Minh city to Cu Chi tunnels, an incredible underground system covering nearly 250km, was shelter to over 16,000 communist guerillas during the war. Come back the City at noon for lunch (by guest’s account).
We spend the rest of the day to explore city’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the Re-Unification Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral and end of the day for shopping at Ben Thanh market. Free at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh city – Mekong Delta (B/L)
We travel overland through beautiful countryside of Mekong Delta to Vinh Long province. On arrival, we take a boat ride to visit a local orchard and the Cai Be floating market, a famous place in Mekong Delta. Everyday, approximately 400-500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other local products anchor along the banks of the River, waiting for traders and customers. Here we can see local people being selling, buying, and exchanging goods from their boats. Leave Cai Be, we visit a local family producing coconut candy, a specialty of the region.
Lunch with local delicacies served in a bonsai garden. We then transfer to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho
Day 14 : Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning we cruise along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat. We will see the Cai Rang - Phong Dien floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals. We then drive back to Ho Chi Minh city.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Day 15: Saigon Departure (B)
You are free at leisure until the time transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Trip concludes./.
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Hotels to be used:
In Hanoi: Deluxe: Melia Hanoi Hotel/ InterContinental Hanoi Westlake/ Sheraton Hanoi Hotel/ Sofitel Luxury Hanoi Hotel or similar Superior: Zephyr Hotel/ Sunway Hanoi Hotel / Fortuna Hotel/ Serenade Hotel or similar Standard: Rosaliza Hotel/ Maison D’Hanoi/ Jasper Hotel/Majestic Salute Hotel/ Galaxy Hotel/ Hoa Binh Palace Hotel or similar Economy: Gia Bao Hotel / Hong Ngoc Hotel / Anise Hotel/ Flower Hotel or similar
In Halong: Deluxe: Bhaya cruises (Deluxe cabin) Superior: Bhaya cruises (Deluxe cabin) Standard: Hai Long Suite (Deluxe cabin) Economy: Hai Long Suite (Deluxe cabin)
In Hue: Deluxe: La Residence Hotel & Spa/ Imperial Hotel/ Pilgrimage Village Resort or similar Superior: Saigon Morin Hotel/ Huong Giang Hotel or similar Standard: Green Hotel/ Park view Hotel/ Festival Hotel/ Asia Hotel or similar Economy: Duy Tan hotel/ Hoa Hong Hotel or similar
In Hoian: Deluxe: Victoria Hoi An Resort/ Palm Garden Resort/ Golden Sand Resort/ Life Heritage Resort or similar Superior: Hoian Beach Resort/ Hoian Riverside resort/ Hoian Trails Resort or similar Standard: Ancient House Resort/ Hoi an Hotel/ Vinh Hung Resort or similar Economy: Thuy Duong 3 Hotel/ Vinh Hung 2 Hotel/ Hoai Thanh Hotel/ Sea and Sand Hotel or similar
In Nha Trang: Deluxe: Vinpearl Resort/ Melia Sunrise Beach Resort or similar Superior: Novotel Nha Trang Hotel/ Yasaka Hotel/ Nha Trang Lodge Hotel or similar Standard: Asia Paradise Hotel/ Violet Nha Trang/ The Light Hotel or similar Economy: Green Hotel/ Que Huong Hotel or similar
In Dalat: Deluxe: Sofitel Dalat Palace or similar Superior: Novotel Dalat Hotel/ Golf 3 Hotel or similar Standard: Empress Dalat Hotel/ Sammy Hotel or similar Economy: Golf 1 Hotel/ Golf 2 Hotel l or similar
In Ho Chi Minh City: Deluxe: New World Hotel/ Caravelle Hotel/ Renaissance Riverside Hotel/ Legend Hotel/ Equatorial Hotel or similar Superior: Rex Hotel/ Kim Do Hotel/ Continental Hotel/ Grand Hotel/ Park Royal Saigon Hotel/ Windsor Plaza Hotel or similar Standard: Bongsen 1 Hotel/ Palace Hotel/Vien Dong Hotel/ Metropole Hotel/ May Hotel/ Thang Long-Oscar/ Tan My Dinh II Hotel/ Le Duy Hotel or similar Economy: Empress Hotel/ Chancery Hotel/ Saigon Hotel/ Elios Hotel or similar
In Can Tho: Deluxe: Victoria Can Tho Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar Superior: Victoria Can Tho Hotel (Superior Room) or similar Standard: Golf 4 Can Tho Hotel or similar Economy: Saigon Can Tho Hotel or similar
* All flights and hotels are subject to availability
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