Day 1: Hanoi - Arive

Optional – Not included: Fast track arive service

Fast track service is arranged for your arrival at the airport. Upon landing, walk towards immigration and look for our representative holding a sign with your name(s). They will meet you before immigration and escort you past the immigration counter to collect your luggage and proceed through customs.

You are met on arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and assisted with a 45-minute transfer to your hotel.

Check in time at 14:00

Today you will be met at your hotel to begin this full day city tour with a visit Ba Dinh Square, a still house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. You will be shared stories about the lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by the royal family members and the students. Have lunch with either “Pho” rice noodles served with beef or ” Bun Cha” rice noodles served with barbecued pork.

Then, visit the “Hanoi Hilton” – the nickname given to a prison built by the French where U.S pilots were imprisoned during the Vietnam War – part of the site is now converted into a museum. Next, continuing to explore the soul of the city with a brief walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter – 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where locals continue to trade as they have done for centuries.

Ending your busy day with a stop at a local coffee shop for a Hanoi’s famous drinks – egg coffee. There are hot and cold versions for your choice. The former is served as a yellow concoction in a small glass. It’s consumed with a spoon and tastes almost like a coffee flavored ice cream. The strong coffee taste at the bottom of the cup seeps through the egg and is quite thick and sweet. This is one of a must-try drink for every visitor to this capital city. 

Please note:

  • The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon and all day on Monday and Friday. It is also closed from mid-June to mid-August for annual restoration and preservation works. However, it is still possible to walk around the complex and visit the stilted house and pagoda. 
  • Please make sure you have your knees and shoulders covered for today’s visit.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Hanoi

Your local guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive about 3 hours to the western town of Mai Chau, which is mainly inhabited by the Thai people. This ethnic group, like all others in Vietnam has its own unique identity, with their own unique dress, language, and customs.

In the afternoon, you take a walk (or cycle) through the beautiful valley to the neighboring villages. This is a great chance to learn about hill tribe methods of cultivation and way of life. The scenery in this area is spectacular and allows for some amazing photographic opportunities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Mai Chau

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then visit Mo Luong (Soldiers) Cave. The cave holds a fascinating page in Vietnam’s history in relation to the role it played during the war and also how it is perceived in common folklore. Back to hotel and leisure for the rest of the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Mai Chau

Leisure in the morning. Check out and drive about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is home to the ancient capital of Vietnam – Hoa Lu – dating back to the 10th century before it was moved to Thang Long Hanoi early 11th century and Trang An is known as a World Heritage Site or “Ha Long bay on land”. Check in hotel and leisure for the rest of the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Ninh Binh

After breakfast at hotel,   you   will   have   the   opportunity   to   cycle   through   the   unique   scenery   andneighbouring villages to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu where you will visit Dinh and Le temples. Also take a paddleboat ride through the beautiful karst limestone fringed waterways of Trang An Eco Region. On the boat you willventure through multiple water caves seeing some amazing pagodas set amidst stunning verdant backdrops.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Ninh Binh

After breakfast you shall transfer by road to Halong Bay.

Known for its towering limestone pillars and tiny forested islets scattered across emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is a dream-like scene in the Gulf of Tonkin which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. Together with neighboring Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, this beautiful region is a popular destination for cruising with centuries-old caves, lagoons and floating fishing villages that can be explored by kayak or rowboat.

Embarkation procedures, commence the journey aboard the cruise, you will enjoy a welcome drink and admire the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay through iconic landmarks. Enjoy the lunch at restaurant on cruise and begin exploring this secret hideaway of beaches, caves and coves. Later, watch a sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin on a mesmerizing Scenic Sundowner. Tonight, gather for dinner at the onboard restaurant, and then retire to your cabin to enjoy a restful night’s sleep as the waves lap gently against the hull.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Overnight in Ha Long Bay

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi class and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay while enjoying tea or coffee. Later, take a short trek to the summit of one of the islands for a panoramic view of the bay and enjoy as swim, or sunbathing. After heading back to the boat for a final glimpse of Ha Long Bay and a buffet brunch while cruising back to the dock. Brunch included.

Please note:

  • Check out time is two hours prior to disembarkation. Beyond this period, you will not be able to access your room, but you are welcome to continue enjoying the breathtaking bay views from the sundeck.
  • The above itinerary is dependent on weather conditions and is subject to change without prior notice. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the harbor master may deny departures and arrangements will be made to provide you with the best alternative ground services available.

Upon disembarkation, you are met by your driver and drive to the airport in Hanoi. The drive takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Flight: Hanoi – Da Nang

Time:

You are met on arrival at Da Nang Airport and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, a 45-minute drive.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An is a picturesque old town on the Thu Bon River with a rich cultural, culinary and creative heart. Standing out with its rows of bright yellow traditional houses, the town flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous port towns. The diverse influence of Chinese, Japanese and European traders can still be seen today in the town’s eclectic mix of architecture, where a Japanese bridge, a Chinese assembly hall grand merchants’ houses and French colonial villas are some of the highlights.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Hoi An

Starting from your hotel in Hoi An, cycle a short distance through picturesque countryside to the quaint village of Tra Que. Join a local family for the morning and get ‘hands-on’ to learn about some of the unique farming methodsunique to Vietnam. You will have a chance to interact closely with the people of this region, experiencing a side toVietnam few tourists get to see. You will also enjoy a herbal foot massage after the activities. After a local lunch return toHoi An by bicycle.

Please note: Only bicycles are included for hotels located in the central Hoi An. If pick up and drop off byvehicle is required, a surcharge will be applied.

In the aftenroon, you will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall Chau Ong pagoda and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. You will be sharing interesting stories of this traditional trading port and the local lifestyle unique to Vietnam’s central region. You will also have the opportunity to experience some local food with a real local taste including White Rose Dumplings, Cao Lau (not included). The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure or go back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Hoi An

This morning drive about 3 hours with sightseeing on the way to Hue. Most people who come into Hue are impressed by the quiet and peacefulness of this city. Upon arive in Hue, you will visit Emperial Citadel, Minh Mang’s tomb (1840s), Thien Mu Pagoda, and a boat trip on Perfume River. In the late afternoon, check in hotel and leisure for the rest of the day.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight in Hue

Transfer to Phu Bai Airport in time for your onward flight.

Flight: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Time:

You are met on arrival at Tan Son Nhati Airport and transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, a 30-minute drive.

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known by its former name of Saigon, is the bustling and vibrant economic center of Vietnam’s south. Full of contrasts, the city is known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energetic pace which is unlike any other city in Vietnam. Old French boulevards and colonial architecture stand beside traditional temples and modern skyscrapers, revealing a city of captivating diversity and charismatic charm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Your local guide will meet you in your hotel lobby for a journey west to Cu Chi. The tunnel network stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground, providing you with a remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war. On arrival you will be guided through the unbelievable tunnels used by the communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnel site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnel, visiting different underground bunkers (kitchens, meeting rooms, ammunitions etc.), a firing range and much more. Try the local cassava root that sustained Viet Cong fighters for years.

You will return to Saigon, enjoy lunch of Pho at a local restaurant

In the afternoon, walking through the heart of Saigon’s famous and historic city landmarks including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame Cathedral. Your buddies tour guide will share with you interesting stories about this dynamic and history-rich city being the heart and soul of southern Vietnam. You will then join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy (now the US consulate) before visiting the impressive Re-Unification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Later, travel to China town for a visit to the bustling wholesales market Cho Lon and Thien Hau temple – a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Sea Goddess. You will return to your hotel at late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Your local guide and driver will meet you in your hotel lobby for a full day tour to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country, and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. From My Tho, you board your boat and leisurely travel to one of the beautiful islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. On the island visit a fruit orchard and sample some of the local produce from the local farmers.

You will then board a smaller sampan that winds along narrow canals. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local family’s house and enjoy their hospitality and share with them some tea or rice wine as well as endless stories about their lifestyle, culture and their daily activities. Enjoy a typical and delicious lunch with Vietnamese food in My Tho, then drive to Can Tho. After checking in your hotel, you can enjoy a late afternoon walking to visit a bustling local market and the riverside area.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight in Can Tho

Rise early this morning and board your boat for a visit to the bustling floating market at Cai Rang to see local farmerstrading their produce on the water as they have done for centuries. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a late breakfast and enjoy a peaceful morning in the Mekong Delta. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Check out time at 12:00

Transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. The transfer time is approximately 45 minutes.

Optional – Not include: Fast track departure service

Fast track service is arranged for your international departure at the airport. An airport representative assists with the usual airline check-in procedures and accompanies you through express immigration control before you proceed through security and to your boarding gate.

Inclusions

Accommodation including breakfast as per the itinerary (check-in time: 14:00, check-out time: 12:00)

Transfers and touring arranged on private basis with a professional English-speaking guide (different guides in each city)

A pre-approval letter for Vietnam visa on arival

Entrance fees for touring as per the itinerary

Small-group excursions while on board in Ha Long Bay

Domestic air ticket in Economy Class (Hanoi – Danang and Hue – Ho Chi Minh City), 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg hand baggage

Meals as per the itinerary (food only)

Local bottled water whilst sightseeing

Taxes and service charges

Exclusions

Fast Track service on departure

Vietnam visa fee

Any meals, transfers or tours that are not mentioned in the itinerary

Compulsory dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec if applicable – surcharge will be advised separately

Any items of purely personal nature such as laundry and telephone calls

International flight tickets to and from Southeast Asia

Personal, travel and health insurance

Early check in and late check out unless specified

Optional tours

Drinks during meals

Gratuities/tips to tour guides, drivers and hotel staff

Please Note…

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and reservations have not been made.
  • Airfares and flight times are subject to change or cancellation at short notice
  • Visa fees and entry/exit requirements are subject to change at short notice.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required at the time of booking with the remaining balance due at 60 days prior to departure; if the reservation is made within 60 days of departure, the total costs must be paid at the time of confirmation
  • Bank transfer payments must be confirmed by email on the date payment is made and travelers are liable for all bank (and related) transaction charges
  • If you intend to obtain a visa on arrival, please present the Visa Approval Letter issued to you at the airline check-in counter before your flight to Vietnam. You may not be permitted to board the plane to Vietnam without presenting this document.
  • If you are traveling with more than one valid passport, please present the passport that corresponds with the details listed on any pre-arranged visa documents while checking in at the airline counter prior to departure. We do not take responsibility for any issues that may occur as a result of failing to present the correct passport; any fee or fine incurred as a result must be settled directly by the guest