Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Interesting fact: The building shown in the above picture is known as "Shark Jaws," built in 1991 near Hoan Kiem Lake. Despite its controversial design at first, it has become an iconic fixture in the Old Quarter. It's been featured in many international documentaries and is a favorite spot for tourists to take coffee breaks and photos.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour, Cyclo & Water Puppet
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Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next,visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip astrong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore. End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Trang An Complex
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 2 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.
Continue your journey to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, recently designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Glide along serene rivers in a traditional sampan, taking in the breathtaking mountain and green field scenery. Explore the cave complex, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou, each offering a unique blend of mystery and natural beauty. Don’t miss a visit to Tran Temple for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Interesting fact: Do you know Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'? This is because of its striking scenery characterized by limestone peaks and shimmering rivers.
Day 4: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay
Today travel to Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay. Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In late afternoon part in a professional cooking demonstration before indulging in a luxurious dinner in the dining hall. Spend the rest of the evening as you’d like: watch a movie in the dining area, relax on the deck with a cocktail, or go squid fishing under the cover of night.
Fact: Ha Long Bay experiences cool weather and clear skies from September to November. Mist rolls in from December to March, lending the bay an air of mystery. April and May bring sunny days and a refreshing breeze, while the monsoon season, occurring from June to August, can make visits unpredictable.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - fly to Hoi An
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Your guide and driver will take you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang.
Upon arrival in Danang you will be taken to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An City Tour
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water.
Tip: For your evening in Hoi An, why not take a leisurely walk or use the hotel's shuttle bus to town? Take in the charming atmosphere, indulge in some delicious local cuisine, or unwind at a riverside bar.
Day 7: Hoi An Street Eat Tour
Set off on a culinary adventure in Hoi An to discover the flavours and dishes that make this coastal town unique.Alongside an expert local guide, your journey introduces you to the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes at the town’s most famous eateries. Start your tour at a local restaurant famous for white rose dumplings, found exclusively in Hoi An. Enjoy the delicacies while marveling at the work that goes into them. The staff churn out up to 6000 of these dumplings every day and each one is as beautiful as the last. Your visit here includes a chance to try making a few of your own dumplings too! Continue on to find another local specialty: banh can. These crackers are served with quail eggs, pork and a tasty salad and are a Hoi An street food favourite. Pull up a small street side stool and enjoy with your guide. Alternative is banh mi “Vietnamese baguette”. Continue onward to sample grilled pork satay and visit the central market on way. Finally, the famous Cao Lau noodles or equally popular chicken rice. Wrap up the tour with a local Vietnamese coffee- the perfect ending to any meal.
Tip: Consider extending your stay in Hoi An if your schedule permits. There's always more to explore! Take some time to relax with a massage, shop for local treasures, or embark on a tour to visit the fascinating My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham site. Alternatively, you can visit the iconic Golden Bridge, famed for its unique design reminiscent of being lifted by two giant hands.
Day 8: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight Upon arrival, your guide or drive will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Afternoon is free.
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnel & City tour
Begin your journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels by departing at around 8am from your hotel and travel through the countryside which was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong. Upon arrival, watch a short video about what life was like for soldiers who lived there during the war. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they didn’t escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The tunnels served not only as living quarters, but as supply routes and hospitals for thousands of guerilla fighters. Many died there from malaria and other diseases, and a few were also born or married. Today they are viewed by some as a testimony to the Vietnamese people’s resiliency.
In the afternoon enjoy a half day walking tour of Saigon. Start your Story of Saigon with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature. Although many of Vietnam’s 90 million people are now too young to remember the war, its legacy is still felt strongly across Vietnamese society. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. Then, continue to the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, and take a moment to send a postcard! Just behind the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Saigon landmark built in neo-Romanesque style by the French between 1863 and 1880. Today it’s a favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.Next, stroll down follow Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, as Rue Catinat. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history.
Day 10: Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
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Depart from your hotel at 8am and drive about 2 hours from Saigon to the township of Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess. The crew welcomes you aboard with cold towels and are freshing drink as the Cai Be Princess Sampan sets off for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta. On the river, all sorts of boats ply the water, from small fishing boats to cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables. Observe a little of river life as it plays out on the banks - noting the people and the stunning landscapes - while your attentive crew serves you tea and seasonal fruit. At Tan Phong Islet board a little rowing boat to explore the canal’s hidden mangroves. Return to yoursampan to visit an ancient house built in the 19th century. Make stops along the way to provide glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), products that provide a living for the river people. Your cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villaset in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit trees, giving you a sense of life during the Indochina of yesteryear. After lunch, take a short walk along a small canal, towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
Tip: The Mekong Delta is renowned for its tasty and unique cuisine, including Banh Xeo (crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), Hu Tieu (rice noodles in a flavorful broth), and Ca Tai Tuong Chien Gion (deep-fried elephant ear fish). While you'll sample these dishes on your day trip, think about extending your visit to stay overnight in the Mekong. This will allow you to savor more delicious food and experience the lively morning floating market the region is famous for.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Depart
Your guide will meet you at your hotel andtransfer you to the airport for your flight.
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