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Groups Size: Small Group tours 4 to 10 people.
Themes: History & Culture
Activity Level: Moderate
What to Expect: This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits.
Vietnam Tour - "Land of the blue dragon"
Vietnam - also famously known as the land of the “Blue Dragon” for its geographical shape on the world map - is a land of opportunities. As Vietnam celebrates its 72nd independence today, it is remarkable to note how far the country has progressed over recent years. Moving away from a centrally planned system into a market based economy, Vietnam has advanced into the "lower middle income countries" bracket since 2009. In 2017, the nation is now considered one of the most dynamic emerging markets within Southeast Asia.
Day One - Arrival in Hanoi:
After clearing Customs and Immigration, and collecting your baggage, please look for our local representative holding a placard in your name to assist and transfer you to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (Premier Deluxe Room) Meals: None
Day Two - Hanoi City Tour:
Early breakfast at the hotel. Begin with an exploration of the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). This museum showcases art, traditional clothing and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups. Afterwards head to the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.
In the afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country Great Father. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only) which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh; and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Following by the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage, best seen in the Old Quarter - a maze of narrow alleyways that date back to the 13th century. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, and nearby Ngoc Son temple.
Foodies Afoot in Hanoi (Tour Duration: 5:00pm - 8:00pm)
Enjoy a taste of local Hanoian life as you explore a local market and some of the city's best street food stalls. Start at the bustling Hom market, one of the biggest and most popular markets in Hanoi. Wander through the narrow alleyways passing colourful stalls piled high with a vast array of fruit, vegetables, sweets and elaborate temple offerings. Take photos of the vibrant colours and breathe in the aromas of the tropical fruits. If you're feeling brave, venture to the exotic section to see kicking frogs, silkworms and wriggling eels. The entire market is alive with the buzz and excitement of the locals bartering and haggling for the freshest ingredients at the best prices.
Your guide will take you to popular street food stalls where you can sample some of the city's signature dishes. Stop at a local coffee shop to taste this rich and flavourful drink then continue your culinary exploration with a stroll through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try Vietnamese snacks and a cup of iced tea, followed by a sweet dessert of fresh fruit and condensed milk. End the tour with a cold draught beer at a sidewalk stall popular with locals. Note: Foodie tour is from 5PM to 8PM. (B, D with street foods).
Overnight: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (Premier Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Three - Hanoi - Halong Bay:
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Halong bay. Surrounded by the hundreds of limestone karst mountains and rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water; Halong bay is listed as one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Let's spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder.
Arrive at the harbor at noon time and complete the check in procedure on your boat. You will be welcomed and served lunch while cruising towards the bay.
This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, beach relax or simply enjoy the sunbathing on the sundeck (the program is varied depending on each boat cruise). Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset. Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
Note: No local guide or escort on cruise. Local on-board English speaking guide will be arranged by the cruise.
Overnight: Paradise Sails Cruise (Deluxe Window cabin/2D1N/With Kayak) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Four - Halong Bay - Hue:
Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day by joining in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi. Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise.
Transfer by vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport (160 km) for flight to Hue. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.
Arrival in Hue and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.
Overnight: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel (Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast or Brunch & Lunch
Note: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization.
Day Five - Hue - Hoi An:
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. After early breakfast, check out and start your day by taking a boat trip to visit one of the oldest pagoda which is called Thien Mu Pagoda. Its iconic seven-story pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city and the temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes about Hue.
Visit the Royal Imperial City, located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, including a visit to Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House, special place reflect the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city, it is the manor of mandarin of the feudal court. The house has garden covered with full of fruit trees including mangosteens, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, baccaurea, figs and grapefruits.
Then transfer overland to Hoi An where you will stay overnight at a local hotel in town.
Overnight: La Siesta Hoi An resort (Deluxe Balcony Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day Six - Hoi An City Tour/ Afternoon Countryside Biking:
Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this a ncient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. Finally, pause to visit a local workshop and try your hands to make a Hoi An lantern. Under instruction of local skillful master, you will experience how to fold the silk into a colorful lantern to create a unique souvenir to take home.
In the afternoon, depart on a 3km (2mi) leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island. Exchange boat for bicycle and start cycling 10km (6mi) through winding village roads while enjoying the idyllic countryside scenery. Visit the peaceful village of Tra Nhieu which has retained many typical features of Vietnamese livelihoods including farming, fishing, poultry and livestock breeding and mat weaving. Learn about the diversity of local plants and herbs and visit the homes of some local families to observe how they make rice wine, rice noodles and rice paper. Continue to a scenic water coconut forest and try your hand at rowing the unique Vietnamese round bamboo basket boats. Conclude the trip at a local restaurant where you may choose to pamper yourself with a 30min foot massage (optional) before savouring a late lunch. Transfer back to Hoi An.
Overnight: La Siesta Hoi An resort (Deluxe Balcony Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day Seven - Hoi An – Saigon (Cu Chi Tunnels):
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a morning flight from Danang to Saigon. Upon arrival, drive to outskirts of Saigon, we're going underground - deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We'll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see. Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Overnight: La Siesta Premium Saigon (Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day Eight - Saigon City Tour:
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll explore Saigon. Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There's classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975.
We'll enjoy a leisurely traditional cyclo ride head out to Cholon, the historic Chinatown district to discover colonial-era gems, Chinese temples and vivacious street life. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. We'll also get to try a cup of Vietnamese coffee - strong and flavourful, and often made with yoghurt or eggs!
Today's Highlights: War Remnants, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Cholon, lantern streets & medicine streets, Chinse temple, Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight: La Siesta Premium Saigon (Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast
Day Nine - Saigon - Mekong Delta:
Breakfast at the hotel. From Saigon, drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta the small town of Cai Be with an elegant Neo-Romanesque Cathedral at the town centre recalling the presence of the French colonialists back in the 19th century. Embark on one of the local boats to explore the riverside village in which local families are running age-old cottage industries. Pay them a visit and see how the delta residents make traditional treats including dried longans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, a chance to sample these local delicacies.
Continue the trip across a main flow of the mighty Mekong then follow narrow waterways through peaceful lush green orchards and also lively scenes of well inhabited canals. Chance to learn more about local life and handicraft making furnitu re of this region. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch at a local family with Mekong Delta’s specialties.
Return to Saigon for the final night.
Overnight: La Siesta Premium Saigon (Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day Ten - Saigon - Departure:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle. Departure from Saigon.
Note: Hotel check-out time is 12h00; late check-out can be arranged at additional cost.
Meals: Breakfast
END OF OUR SERVICES
Your tour includes:
- All services as mentioned in your itinerary.
- Accommodations with daily breakfasts
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (foods only, no drinks)
- 2D1N Halong Cruise (private cabin/ shared boat)
- Regional English-Speaking Tour guide services.
- Ground transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Drinking water and cold towels during sightseeing.
- Multi-lingual 24-hour customer support hotline in all destinations.
- Welcome pack on arrival.
- Fully licensed and insured to international standard.
- All applicable local taxes.
- Domestic Airfares.
Excludes:
- Visa fees
- International insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Flight Tickets: All flight rates are valid at the time of publication but are subject to change by the airlines. Exact fare and any additional charges will be reconfirmed at the time of booking.
- Any holidays and peak season surcharges have not been included in the above prices (Dec 24 & 31, 2024) & Vietnamese puplic holidays (9 – 15 Feb 2024, 29, 30 Apr 2024, 1 May 2024, 1,2 Sept 2024). Surcharge for peak season will be advised at time of booking.
**Times may vary according to traffic and weather
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