Day 1ARRIVAL TO HANOI
HANOI
“Vietnam’s capital Hanoi blends old world charm with the dynamic bustle of new Asia. Its French colonial past is evident from the colonial architecture and enchanting lakes which contrast with the throng of thousands of motorbikes and cosmopolitan new restaurants and
boutiques. To the north of central Hoan Kiem Lake lies the frenetic maze of narrow streets of the Old Quarter while to the south are the broad tree- lined boulevards and majestic buildings of the French Quarter.”
Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport for private transfer to your hotel (approx 45mins) for check-in. Please note standard check-in time is at 14:00
Rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy your hotel and new surroundings.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Accommodation: As selected
Day 2HANOI – HALONG BAY
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam. Washed by water for hundreds of thousands of years, the bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with
enormous caves.
Hotel check-out.
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked-up by private transportation.
You will go on a pleasant overland journey to HaLong Bay via the new highway. On arrival of Ha Long, embark and your cruise starts. Relax and enjoy. Seafood lunch and dinner on board (Vietnamese cuisine).
Overnight onboard.
Accommodation: As Selected
Remarks:
** In the occasion of bad weather conditions, e.g. high winds, monsoons, thunderstorms, cyclones, storms, etcThe management board has the authority to cancel all cruises to guarantee the safety of tourists. Should this happen, accommodation will be at Ha Long City Hotel instead.
** The above itineraries are subject to change without notice based on weather conditions and following the seasons.
Day 3HA LONG – HANOI
The morning starts by an early Tai Chi exercise on the upper deck of the junk, followed by a light breakfast. The cruise continues at the same time when brunch is served.
After brunch on board, disembarkation then returned to Hanoi by cruise’s shuttle bus.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Accommodation: As selected
Day 4HA NOI CITY – [Fly] – DA NANG – HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your tour this morning at the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from the outside). Then it’s on to a wooden ethnic minority style house which was his temporary residence from 1954 to 1969. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 which has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. According to legend, the pagoda’s shape was inspired by the lotus flower and this structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.
Your next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Ha Noi airport for flight to Da Nang.
Suggested flight: VN177@15:30-16:50 – TBC.
Arrival at Da Nang airport, pick-up and transfer to hotel for check-in in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Accommodation: As selected
Day 5FULL DAY MY SON – HOI AN
Known as the “Valley of Kings,” My Son was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The ruins are considered to be Champa’s counterpart to the other grand cities of Southeast Asia’s Indian-influenced civilizations with a cluster of deserted and partially ruined Hindu temples and towers that were constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries AD by kings of Champa Kingdom.
Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the most important trading port in Southeast Asia of the period from the 15th until the 19th centuries. Its buildings and street patterns reflect the influences, both local and foreign, that harmoniously combine to produce a unique heritage site.
AM 08:00: After breakfast at the hotel, overland transfer to visit the complex of ancient Cham ruins of a kingdom that flourished in Central Vietnam hundreds of years ago. From here you will drive approximately 1 ½ hours to the site of My Son where, with the assistance of your guide who will point out and discuss the significance of areas and artifacts on the site you will discover the legendary complex of royal towers and temples.
Transfer to Hoi An for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will walk along the ancient streets to discover the Japanese Bridge, the Fukian Assembly Hall (a gorgeous 19th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Tian Hou), Tan Ky old house, Hoi An handicraft workshops, the Museum of History-Culture. Shopping till the end of afternoon then transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An
Accommodation: as selected
Day 6FULL DAY HUE
“Hue city is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River and is a beautiful example of an ancient Vietnamese Capital City. Surrounding the city still exist many pagodas constructed more than 300 years ago, and hundreds of temples and pagodas built in the early century. Hue is a place where royal music is originated, and a home to traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft. As a unique city Hue ancient capital was classified by the government as a ‘very precious property’ and on December 1993 was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.”
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Hue (140km /approx 2.5 hrs). If the weather is clear you will go via Clouds Ridge Mountains to admire the stunning view, if not you will transfer via the mountain tunnel. Guest will stop at Lang Co Bay for a rest and viewing landscape at Lang Co Bay, it is also a beautiful beach of the world.
On arrival in Hue, visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, constructed in 1601, the 21-metre tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda. Visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945
Lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will visit Khai Dinh King’s mausoleum which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
Transfer back to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
Accommodation: as selected
Day 7HOI AN – DA NANG – [FLY] – HO CHI MINH CITY
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to HCMC.
Suggested flight: VN125@14:00-15:20 – TBC.
Arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, pick-up and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Accommodation: As selected
Day 8FULL DAY MY THO (MEKONG DELTA)
Mekong Excursion
Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta: Mekong Delta is also known as Vietnam’s rice basket’-- a fertile area spreading nearly 50,000 sq km. Here the mighty Mekong river ends by splitting itself into nine major tributaries. The Vietnamese name these nine tributaries “Nine Dragons.’’
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to My Tho, a Mekong Delta town two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival in My Tho, embarkation for a boat cruise on the Mekong river. Visit to Thoi Son islet, taste of
homemade honey tea. Return to the cruise boat by small rowing boats through a short stretch of waterways.
Lunch at a garden restaurant. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Accommodation: As selected
Day 9HALF DAY CU CHI TUNNELS
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Cu Chi district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam.
Arrive and start the visit of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars.
Start the visit with the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel. Here you can imagine what it was like to be a guerrilla complete with Russian Carbine rifles and AK 47’s.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Return to the city. Short city sightseeing to offer you the excellent examples of the French colonial architecture with a visit to the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (outside).
Free time at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Accommodation: As selected
Day 10HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Take a walk or get some last-minute souvenirs before your check out at midday.
Your driver (No guide) will meet you to assist with luggage and take you to the airport for your departure flight.
Included:
- 09-night accommodation based on Twin/Double/Triple room with daily breakfast (above mentioned hotel or
- similar category).
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of an Spanish Speaking Local Guide according to itinerary (one city: one guide).
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees according to the itinerary.
- Mineral water on tour: 1 Bottle of water per pax per tour day.
- 10% Government Tax.
Excluded:
- Vietnam Visa Authorization Letter and Visa stamp fee.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, beverage.
- Tips for guide and driver: at least US$ 3/pax/day.
- International / Domestic air ticket & airport tax.
- Others fees not mentioned.
- Restaurants may be replaced by equivalents, depending on the situation.
- All timings are approximate.
