BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
Day 2 : Hanoi City tour
Day 3 : Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 4 : Halong – Hanoi – Train to Hue
Day 5 : Hue City tour
Day 6 : Hue – Drive to Hoian
Day 7 : Hoian – Day at leisure
Day 8 : Hoian – Day at leisure
Day 9 : Hoian/ Danang – Fly to Nha Trang
Day 10 : Nha Trang Boat trip
Day 11 : Nha Trang– Fly to Saigon
Day 12 : Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 13 : Departure day
(N:B): Please note that all of our trip are privately designed. So that price includes the following hotels, activities, and transport, and visits to attractions are by private car and guide unless otherwise stated. Your guide will pick you up from lobby of your hotel in the morning. The guide will confirm the pick-up time the day before. If you prefer to start next day's trip earlier or a little later, please feel free to tell your guide.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day
Upon your arrival in Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam) you are met by our tour guide and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City tour (B, L)
We begin the day with a guided tour of the Ho Chi Minh complex which includes the Mausoleum where we can see the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam. The next stop is the Temple of Literature which is known as both the Confucius Temple and the former National University. Lunch will then be at a local restaurant, giving us a chance to sample some of Hanoi’s cuisines. Vietnamese food is one of the world’s most delightful cuisines. In the afternoon, we visit the Hanoi Zoological Garden where we will be able to see different animals. We’ll also have a chance to chat and mingle with the locals. Late in the afternoon, we drive to Hoan Kien Lake, considered as the soul of Hanoi, before attending a traditional water puppet show. Finally, we finish up our day with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter - a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
We depart Hanoi by our own bus, which will take us on a four-hour drive through the Red River Delta, to tranquil Halong Bay (recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site in 1994). Upon arrival at the dock we board our boat to cruise around the bay; giving us a chance to experience the magnificent natural landforms. Lunch will also be served while sailing. On this cruise we visit the Thien Cung Cave, and sail past Dinh Huong Island, Dog Island and Ga Choi Island. Late in the afternoon we stop at Titop Beach for a relaxing swim and a short walk up Titop Mountain to see the beautiful sunset. Tonight a delicious dinner is served on board, prepared and cooked by our talented crew.
Overnight on our boat in Halong Bay.
Day 4: Hanoi – Overnight train to Hue (B, L)
Today we can rise early to see the sunrise before breakfast. We then take a small bamboo boat to visit Luon Cave. Once we return to our boat, we continue our cruise around and through the limestone karst formations. Lunch is served on board before we bid a farewell to Halong and leave for Hanoi around midday. The remainder of the day may be spent at leisure, before we depart by train for an overnight trip to Hue.
Overnight on an A/C train.
Day 5: Hue city tour (B)
Upon arrival at Hue station, we are transferred to our hotel where we may enjoy breakfast and relax at hotel’s swimming pool. In the afternoon, we take a dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of the city. Once we return to our hotel, the rest of the day may be spent at leisure. Tonight we have the option of a private Royal Banquet where we can experience the superb culinary presentation and traditional live music playing whilst we dine. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Hoian (The Shopping Mecca) (B)
This morning we depart by bus to Hoian. Our scenic coastal bus journey will take approximately 3-4 hours including stops at the summit of Hai Van Pass as well as China Beach – the R&R spot for American GI’s during the American War. We arrive in Hoian around midday and check in to our hotel. In the afternoon we take a walking tour of the Hoian Old Town, once known as Faifo – the most flourished international port that attracted traders from around the world. Hoian was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site in 2000. We visit the Museum of History and Culture, the Japanese covered bridge, the Phung Hung Old House and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Hoian is now known as a shopping Mecca for tourists in the region. Do not miss the chance to visit the tailor shops where you can get a new custom-made wardrobe for yourself. The rest of the day is free for shopping and exploring the historic town.
Overnight in Hoian.
Day 7: Hoian (B)
Today is a free day for you to enjoy everything that Hoian has to offer. Join a local cooking class, learn how to make traditional lanterns or just simply relax at the beach; making the most of your Vietnam holiday.
Overnight in Hoian.
Day 8: Hoian (B)
Another free day to explore Hoian. We can hire bicycles to ride to Cua Dai Beach, where we can just lay back at the beach or go for surfing in the China Sea.
Overnight in Hoian.
Day 9: Hoian – Da Nang – Flight to Nha Trang (B)
Depart for Da Nang airport for an early flight to Nha Trang. This flight will take approximately 45 mins to arrive at Cam Ranh domestic terminal. Upon arrival, we take our private transfer to Nha Trang City – a local festival town as well where many Vietnamese local go for a beach break. Once we check into our hotel, a private bus will take us to Thap Ba Hot Spring Center in the afternoon. This is where we can enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic mud bath and massage. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang (B, L)
This morning we leave to the docks to embark on a boat cruise around Nha Trang Bay, with the opportunity to snorkel and swim. During our trip we will also stop at a local fishing village. From here we go for a walk, meet the locals and learn about the local life. We will also stop at the Aquarium to see the tropical sea creatures. We will have lunch on Tre Island before our boat brings us back to the docks. Once we return to our hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax at the beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang – Saigon (B)
This morning we depart by bus for Nha Trang airport for an early flight to Saigon. When we arrive, we will check into our hotel before we take a cyclo tour through this dynamic city - the sprawling metropolis that once was the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center as it accounts for approximately 40% GDP. On this tour we will visit the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame and the General Post Office. Lunch will be at one of the local restaurants in Saigon. In the afternoon we leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and head to the water park of Saigon – known as the local Disney Land. Late this afternoon we head back to our hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 12: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)
This morning we head out of town to the infamous Cu Chi tunnels where thousands of Vietnamese lived underground during the wars. I was constructed in 1948 during the French resistance war and more was added by the Viet Cong during the American War. We return back to Saigon in the afternoon, giving you an opportunity to do some final shopping at the Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 13: Departure day (B)
Free until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.