HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM
12 days / 11 nights
Hanoi - Temple of Literature - One pillar Pagoda - Halong - Halong Bay - Hue - Thein Mu Pagoda - Imperial City - Hoi An - Hai Van Quan - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh- Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon Central Post
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : ARRIVAL HANOI
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! You will be greeted by our tour guide and transfer directly to hotel in Hanoi. The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied. The rest of this day is free at leisure. You might have a sleep to recover, or wander around for some own exploration, or consider taking part in suggested activities below:
Water Puppet Show: A traditional Vietnamese water performing art, at which Vietnamese folk tales, history and local lives are introduced via colorful puppets.
DAY 02 : HANOI - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B, L)
Hanoi City. We make our first stop at the Temple of Literature, which is known as The First University of Vietnam. The temple was built in 1070 as a school for royal family’s member, descendants of governor as well as normal civilization who were intelligent. Nowadays, Temple of Literature is considered as a historical attraction, as well as a symbol of Vietnamese’s fondness of learning. Then, our tour guide will take you to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, at which you will explore more about our famous leader, President Ho Chi Minh City, how he gained independence to Vietnam, as well as his humble daily life as the leader of the country. A short visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique ritual place which was built on a single wooden pole, is also on your itinerary (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Jun-Aug). Leaving the mausoleum, we will now head to a local restaurant for a tasty lunch of Vietnamese dishes, before we transfer you back to the hotel and say goodbye!.
DAY 03 : HANOI - HALONG BAY NATURAL WORLD HERITAGE (B, L, D)
Being listed as a world heritage with a mesmerizing beauty, Halong Bay is a must-see destination when you visit Vietnam. And there is no better way to witness this natural wonder than an overnight cruise trip, which is also included in this journey. After breakfast in hotels in Hanoi, you will be leaving Hanoi on a 3,5hours in private car to Halong. Reaching the port at about mid-day, friendly and professional staff on the cruise, will support in check-in and arranging rooms, before you have lunch on-board with other guests while the junk heads to Halong Bay. There will be a plenty of exciting activities on-cruises, including sightseeing and visiting Thien Cung Grotto, beach activities like kayaking, or cooking class on deck with lesson on making Vietnamese traditional dishes. Dinner with fresh seafood is served at around 7:00pm (depending on cruise’s actual schedule), and the rest of the night is for you to enjoy tranquil atmosphere of the bay. Note: Please be kindly informed that the tour guide will not escort you on the cruises, and be replaced by crew members who are fluent in English.
Note - Our tour guide will not accompany aboard the cruise in Halong Bay. Resident English speaking guide on board is available.
DAY 04: HALONG BAY - HANOI (B, BRUNCH)
You might start your 2nd day in Halong with an early tai-chi class, or simply wake up and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. Breakfast is served a bit later, with tea and bread, while the vessels continue cruising through rock islands and returning to base. Reaching the port, our private is waiting to bring you to Hanoi on another 3.5 hours journey. Check in hotel and overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 05 : HANOI - FLIGHT TO HUE (B)
Free at leisure until our transfer is presented at your hotel and take you to Noi Bai International Airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our driver is currently waiting and will transfer you to the hotel in the center of city. Check-in to the hotel and free at leisure to relax.
DAY 06 : HUE - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B)
Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability The tranquil Hue City was founded in 17th century as a royal city and a capital (before Hanoi replaced it), and now has become one of top destinations in the middle of Vietnam. Our itineraries today start with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhism attraction which is located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River. The pagoda is fascinating because of not only ancient design of the buildings, but also good location at which you could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Perfume River. Leaving the pagoda, we continue our journey today with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Being the “house” of Nguyen Royal Family, the last dynasty in Vietnam, the citadel reflects luxurious and prosper lives of the royal family, and allows visitor to explore a part of Vietnam pre-modern history. Even though some buildings were damaged or destructed during some wars, but crucial constructions are still remained and currently being conserved at good condition. We will spend most of the time around the citadel, with visit to front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace, and the Museums of Royal Antiquities. Time for the buildings is finished, and now is time for interaction with the local people. Our next and last stop will be Dong Ba Market, the largest traditional trading place in not only Hue City, but also the adjacent provinces. Walking through kiosks, you will have chance to understand daily business of local sellers, their way of doing business, as well as purchase some interesting souvenirs before we drive you back to your hotel.
DAY 07 : HUE - HOI AN (B)
Pick up at hotel in Hue, then transfer to hotel in Hoi An via Cloudy Pass. Land transportation by shuttle bus or private car will be used, with stop at some spots on the way for sightseeing and photoshoot (admission fee is not included).
DAY 08 : HOI AN - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B)
Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability Hoi An is an old port town, which was founded with mixture of different cultures from Vietnam to Japan, China and Europe. Fortunately, most of ancient constructions in this town have been conserved at unspoiled condition (although some of buildings are now using for commercial purposes), so travelers will have a complete understanding of history and diversity in culture of this historic place. Our half-day excursion is simply walking. We will wander along old streets, cross several old houses; see how daily lives of local people are, and witness how historical elements of the town merging with modernity. We will also visit some of the ancient monuments from other nations, like the Japanese Covered Bridge or Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese. And after some walking, a cold glass of traditional herbal drink from a street-side shop is the best way to refresh, and enjoy the true taste of Hoi An on your tongue. If we have enough time, we will also pass by a handicraft store, at which you could directly see the creation of most notable souvenirs in town, and take some of them back to your hometown.
DAY 09 : HOI AN - DANANG - FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH (B)
After having breakfast, our transportation will transfer you to Da Nang airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After about 1.5 hours flight time, you will reach Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, at which our driver is waiting to bring you to hotels in the city centre. Check-in hotel and free to explore the city on your own (or simply having a nap).
DAY 10 : HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR - CU CHI TUNNELS (B,L)
Meet our tour guide at the hotel’s lobby, and let’s start our journey to Cu Chi Tunnels, which is about 70km far from Ho Chi Minh City. The attraction is a collection of underground tunnel and construction, from hospital, bedrooms to ammunition storage using by North Vietnam’s army during Civil War (1955 – 1975) as a military camp. You are provided opportunities to crawl along some of the tunnels for exploration more about the Vietnam War, or touch a real-gun with the firing-gun services here (with an additional charge). Lunch is served at a local restaurant on the way we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Half day Saigon city tour in the afternoon In the afternoon, we have a short walking tour around attractions in Ho Chi Minh City to witness how historical features merging with the city rapid modernization. We will stop at The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House and Central Post Office which are all constructed in French colonial time that is nearly hundred year ago. The last place of today will be the local Ben Thanh Market, at which you will have chance to learn more about traditional trading place of Vietnamese, as well as purchase local souvenirs for your beloved ones.
DAY 11 : HO CHI MINH - FREE DAY (B)
Today is free to enjoy the city in your own way.
You can join in a cyclo tour to explore city or take a tour to Mekong Delta
DAY 12 : HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE (B)
Enjoy your lazy last morning in Ho Chi Minh City, and have breakfast at hotel's restaurant. You are free until our transfer comes, and you are transported to airport for your flight back home. We say goodbye after arriving at the airport, and we hope to see you on your other vacation in Vietnam.
Daily Departure
Daily departures available
Hotels
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Option to choose 3 or 4 or 5 star hotels while booking
Tour Highlights
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Beginning the journey in the northern Vietnam with the most locally-unique activities like enjoying the day at a street coffee shop or visiting caves by rowing boat.
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"Do-it-yourself" traditional Vietnamese dishes, sunset party on desk in Halong Bay, with cooking class and other excursions.
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Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Hue and Hoi An.
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Squeezing through the tunnels at Cu Chi.
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Free time is available at each destination for your own exploration of the place.
Inclusions
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Accommodation – as hotel in the list or similar – based on Twin/Double with daily breakfast
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Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner)
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Private boat trip as per tour.
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Halong Bay Cruise program shared in Twin/Double cabin with UNLIMITED services
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Entrance fees as per itinerary
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Tissues and water on coach.
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Complimentary Vietnam visa on arrival pre-approved letter if needed
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Experienced English speaking guide on a day with sight-seeing. No guide on hotel – airport/cruise port transfer.
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Services charges and government tax
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- VISA
- Hotel early check in & late check out
- Domestic flights: Hanoi – Hue and Danang - Ho Chi Minh
- Compulsory dinner in the peak season at the hotel (if any)
- Surcharge at hotel during national holiday or special festival
- Personal expenses such telephone bills, pay per view movies, laundry expenses, alcoholic beverages, Hotel incidentals
- Meals as per itinerary
- Tips
- Any optional tours
- Any other items not mentioned in this itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Airline baggage fees
- GST and TCS