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
Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Free time at our leisure.
Day 2 Hanoi
Breakfast - Lunch
We spend the morning visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex comprising his mausoleum and his simple, but impressive house on stilts. Later we view the One Pillar Pagoda and later learn more about the historical and cultural events at the peaceful Temple of Literature, known since the 11th century as the Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnologic museum, followed by an hour cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter. A walk through its narrow, exciting streets is fascinating as we witness different lifestyles and bargain for goods. To conclude the day, we attend the performance of the unique water puppetry.
Day 3 Hanoi - Hoa Lu
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we travel south to Hoa Lu and the remains of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. A temple tour is followed by a rowboat trip through the stunning scenery of Tam Coc, which is surrounded by limestone mountains and known as Ha Long Bay on Land. Return to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is free.
Day 4 Hanoi - Ha Long
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning, we depart for Ha Long Bay. Passing through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, we enjoy the lush scenery and photo opportunities. Arriving at Ha Long pier, board a traditional, but luxurious, wooden junk and cruise through the spectacular islands rising from the tranquil emerald sea. Enjoy sumptuous on-board seafood and explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. Witness a splendid sunset. Dinner and overnight on your boat.
Day 5 Ha Long - Da Nang - Hoi An
Breakfast - Lunch
We continue exploring the spectacular Ha Long Bay; its many caves and a floating village. On leaving our boat, we visit Bac Ninh Province to learn more about Vietnamese history and culture. We visit the Do temple, built during the Le Dynasty and later enjoy a traditional Quan Ho Folk music show before transferring directly to the airport for the flight to Da Nang city.
Day 6 Hoi An
Breakfast - Lunch
A full day tour in Hoi An includes the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An museum. In the afternoon, walk in the old town, soak up the atmosphere and maybe shop for tailor-made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax in one of the many cosy cafes.
Day 7 Hoi An - Da Nang – Hue
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning we visit the best Cham museum in Vietnam and take a short break at Marble Mountain before crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass to reach Hue. In Hue we visit the imposing Citadel and then cruise the Perfume River to the ancient Old Thien Mu Pagoda. The remainder of our time is free to explore the crowded market of Dong Ba where we can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats.
Day 8 Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we continue to discover Hue and visit the impressive tombs of King Minh Duc together with the Tu Hieu Pagoda. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to bustling Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, as the locals still call it.
Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we tour this bustling city and its historic boulevards; visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the historic post office and the War Remnants Museum. Later we will visit Ben Thanh market, which has been in existence since the French occupation. Here you can test your bargaining prowess and pick up a bargain. In the afternoon, we drive about an hour west of Saigon and explore the underground tunnels in Cu Chi, used by Vietnamese guerrillas during the war against the French and US forces, then back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long
Breakfast - Lunch
In the morning, we depart for Vinh Long Province. On arrival at Cai Be, we take a boat tour to the Cai Be floating market and experience the locals buying and selling goods, fruit and many other commodities on their vessels. We cruise the small canals to enjoy the charm of the upper Mekong Delta and visit the An Binh Island to visit an orchard, bonsai garden and tropical fruit garden. Later we will see some handmade products of coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn. Later enjoy folk music before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast
Free time until you onward flight. Tour ends.