HANOI - HOA LU - HA LONG - DA NANG - HOI AN - HUE -
HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - VINH LONG
The best of Vietnam is a specially selected itinerary of Vietnam’s most famous sights. Here we can wander the charming French colonial boulevards of Hanoi; marvel at the emerald green bays and towering limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay and the spectacular scenery of Hoa Lu. Discover the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of modern Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, as the locals still call it.
Inclusions:
- 9 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.
- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Boat cruises in Hoa Lu, Ha Long, Hue and My Tho.
- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.
- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Domestic tickets Hanoi - Da Nang/ Hue - Saigon
- Any meals, drinks other than specified.
- Tips/ gratuities and personal expenses.
Day 1 Hanoi
Dinner
After a warm welcome on arrival, we transfer to your centrally located hotel and then visit the Ethnologic Museum, the most interesting museum in Hanoi, with many exhibits, pictures and displays of the 54 ethnic peoples of Vietnam. Later we will be enthralled by the historic Temple of Literature, known as Vietnam’s first university, followed by a one hour cyclo tour through the heart of Hanoi and its bustling Old Quarter. To conclude the day, we visit the Ngoc Son Temple. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Hanoi - Ha Long
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning, we depart for Ha Long. We board our traditional, but beautifully appointed junk to cruise through the astonishing limestone islands that rise from the clear, emerald waters of the bay. After a sumptuous seafood lunch, we leave the junk to explore one of the bays most beautiful caves, then witness a splendid sunset. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and stay overnight on the boat.
Day 3 Ha Long - Hanoi
Breakfast - Lunch
We continue exploring the magnificent Ha Long Bay and some of the many caves before our voyage finishes. On our return to Hanoi we attend the performance of the special Vietnamese water puppetry. Free time at your leisure.
Day 4 Hanoi - Can Tho - Tra On
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning we fly to Can Tho, the commercial centre and river port of the Mekong Delta. Boarding our boat Le Cochinchine, enjoy a welcome drink before exploring Cai Rang, one of the busiest and colourful floating markets of the Mekong. We will visit local houses and orchards and later cruise to Tra On. Finally enjoy an aperitif as we watch the sunset and dinner on board.
Day 5 Tra On - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we travel to Vinh Long, then transfer to a local boat to visit Cat Be floating market and the local houses, delightful flower gardens, local coconut candy and rice paper manufacturers, before disembarking for your return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we will have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants museum, the Reunification Palace, historic Notre Dame Cathedral and the post office. In the afternoon, you will visit Thien Hau Pagoda and the busy market of Cho Lon, in the Chines section of Saigon. Explore historic Dong Khoi Street, now the city’s most upscale shopping boulevard with classy boutiques selling clothes and accessories by Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linen and house wares. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh City’s atmosphere by night. This city lives up to its exciting and often mischievous reputation.
Day 7 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast
Free time until your flight home, after this all-too-brief sampling that Vietnam has to offer.