Vietnam Spectacular Highlight (Code: VN-AR 00-3)

HANOI - HA LONG - HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN - MY SON - NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH CITY - MY THO

Vietnam is dominated by dramatic landscapes so your twelve days program offers endless discovery and insights into tmany natural wonders, from bays of emerald green to spectacular mountain passes and valleys of shimmering, golden crops. The deltas and rivers of both the North and South and the beaches of the Centre are sensual delights. You will also delight in interaction with the locals, it is a land of smiles, laughter and generous hospitality.   

Inclusions:

- 11 night hotel accommodation as listed below or similar.

- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.

- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at local restaurants 

- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

- Cruises in Ha Long, Tam Coc, and My Tho

-  Bike, Kayak and Vespa

- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.

- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.

Exclusions:

- International ticket.

- Domestic tickets Hanoi - Hue/ Da Nang - Nha Trang - Saigon

- Any meals, drinks other than specified.

- Tips and personal expenses.

Day 1 Hanoi

Dinner

After your transfer from Noi Bai airport you have free time.

Day 2 Hanoi

Breakfast - Lunch

Hanoi is a green city with its stylish French villas; it still exudes that old French charm and style. Its tree-lined boulevards, romantic lakes and French architecture allow us to step back in time to a quieter, more relaxed Vietnam. We visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Ho’s simple, yet impressive house on stilts, set in beautiful gardens. Then we  view the One Pillar Pagoda and the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon we visit the Ethnological Museum, one of the most interesting in Hanoi and then take an hour cyclo tour to discover the heart of Hanoi - the bustling Old Quarter – where the narrow streets buzz and bustle with the life of city. It is a shopper’s delight, with beautiful silks, linen, and Vietnamese artefacts. To finish off the day, we attend the performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppetry.

Day 3 Hanoi - Ha Long

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

This morning we leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board  a beautifully appointed  wooden junk. A sea food lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise takes us to Sung Sot cave to  witness a splendid sunset. Overnight on boat.

Day 4 Ha Long - Hanoi - Hue

Breakfast - Lunch

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. We continue exploring magnificent Ha Long Bay. Change to a small motor or rowing boat to see the floating village. When we return to the junk, a sumptuous meal, combining Vietnamese and Western cuisine will be served. On leaving the cruise, we depart for Bac Ninh Province to learn more of Vietnam’s fascinating history and culture. Then we enjoy a traditional music show Quan Ho or Quan Ho Folk song.  We transfer directly to the airport for our flight to the Imperial city of Hue.

Day 5 Hue

Breakfast - Lunch

Hue is one of Viet Nam’s most cultural and historical cities, which was once ruled by the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. We visit the impressive tombs of King Minh Mang and Tu Duc together with the Tu Hieu Pagoda, and then cruise the Perfume River to the ancient Old Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, we visit the forbidding Citadel and the crowded market of Dong Ba, where you can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats.

Day 6 Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Breakfast - Lunch

We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Da Nang city and visit the best Cham Museum in Vietnam and the impressive  Marble Mountain,  before continuing to Hoi An, an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. An afternoon tour takes us to the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An museum. Enjoy shopping for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax on the beach or in the myriad restaurants and cafes.

Day 7 Hoi An - My Son

Breakfast - Lunch

Today we visit My Son Holy land, 70 km southwest of  Da Nang, which was the capital of the once mighty Champa Kingdom. It is a complex of ancient ruins dating back 1,700 years and is the most complete example of ancient Champa ruins in Vietnam.

Day 8 Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast - Lunch

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.  Here you have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic post office. In the afternoon, we will travel to Chinatown and the busy market of Cho Lon. Explore Dong Khoi Street, the city’s most upscale shopping boulevard with boutiques selling clothes and accessories by Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house wares. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh City’s atmosphere by night. This city lives up to its exciting and often mischievous reputation.

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

Breakfast - Lunch

This morning we journey south to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, and travel by boat along the Mekong water-way, visiting a four beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix on the Tien River. We will also visit traditional houses at Quoi An village where handicrafts are made. Enjoy seasonal fruits while listening to traditional music. Take the horse or motor-cart to the Ben Truc orchard where you can taste local honey with tea or wine. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before departing for Can Tho, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free time.

Day 10 Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast - Lunch

It’s an early start for our a long distance cruise on the Hau River and visit to the Cai Rang floating market. Once ashore, we can walk along a quiet country road to take in the magnificent scenery and get close to the locals as they go about their daily routine. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast

Free time until we are transferred to the airport for our onward flight. Tour ends.