Sixteen days of the best that Vietnam has to offer, and more. This tour spans the country from Hanoi, on the Red River Delta, and Ha Long Bay’s emerald green waters, to the welcoming ancient town of Hoi An, the formidable capital of Hue in the centre, then on to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the far South. It is a tour that is an enthralling introduction to the vast changes in the landscape and culture of Vietnam. The days will be filled with enchanting experiences, linked efficiently by road, rail or air. Here you will experience ancient citadels, temples, pagodas and churches, junks and beautiful beaches, massive river deltas and more. Come and join us now!
- 14 night hotel accommodation as listed below or similar.
- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.
- 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Boat cruises in Ha Long, Hue, Nha Trang and My Tho.
- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.
- Experienced local English or French speaking guide.
- International flights.
- Domestic ticket Hanoi - Hue.
- Any meals, drinks, other than specified.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Dinner
Arrive at Noi Bai airport and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Free time at your leisure. Accommodation in Hanoi.
Breakfast - Lunch
Here we will spend a day exploring enchanting Hanoi. We start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then the impressive, but simple house on stilts that was Ho’s former residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda, before taking a walk in the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established during the construction of the capital in 1070. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnological Museum, the most interestingc museum in Hanoi. Then we take an hour Cyclo tour viewing the charming French colonial architecture of the bustling Old Quarter and attend a performance of the unique water puppetry.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning, we depart for Ha Long Bay. Passing through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, we enjoy the lush scenery and photo opportunities. Arriving at Ha Long Pier to board a traditional, but luxurious, wooden junk and cruise through the spectacular islands rising from the tranquil emerald sea. Enjoy sumptuous on-board seafood and explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. Witness a splendid sunset. Dinner and overnight on your boat.
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 discover a floating village. When you 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. At Dinh Bang village, we visit the Do temple. This temple was built during the Le Dynasty and has been altered several times since, the major reconstruction taking place under the reign of Le Trung Hung in the 17th century. Then we enjoy a traditional music show, Quan Ho. Return to Hanoi and free time.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning we fly to Hue, one of Vietnam’s most cultural and historical cities, once ruled by the Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. We take time to visit the imposing Citadel and cruise on the Perfume River to admire the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda. The remainder of our time we are free to explore the crowded market of Dong Ba, where we can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we continue to discover Hue and visit the impressive tombs of King Minh Mang and Tu Duc. We then cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Da Nang city and visit the best Cham museum and spectacular Marble Mountain, before continuing to Hoi An, an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century.
Breakfast - Lunch
Nestled a couple of kilometers inland on Thu Bon river, Hoi An is typified by its rich mix of 16th century Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architecture. A full day city tour includes the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An Museum. In the afternoon, wander the old town and soak in the atmosphere of its original culture, enjoy shopping for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax on the beach or be tempted to enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many local restaurants. You won’t be disappointed.
Breakfast - Lunch
After breakfast we drive along the spectacular coastal road, passing fertile rice fields, and pausing at Sa Huynh beach. We arrive at Quy Nhon for our overnight stop. This part of Vietnam is among the most unspoiled in Asia. The Cham influence is very obvious and adds to the special ambience of this spectacular and charming part of Vietnam.
Breakfast - Lunch
Continuing south on Highway One, we pause at the well-known Cham Thap Nhan tower, built on a hilltop overlooking the town. We then arrive and the magnificent beach town of Nha Trang.
Breakfast - Lunch
Spend a relaxing day around Nha Trang, visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and stopping for a delicious lunch of fresh sea food at a fishing village restaurant. We also take time for a city tour, including one of Vietnam’s most impressive Cham towers - Po Nagar - or an opportunity to refresh in one of Nha Trang’s famous and invigorating mud baths; so relaxing and refreshing, and all washed off with warm mineral water.
Breakfast - Lunch
Departing the coast for the French hill station of Da Lat, we pass Cam Ranh naval base and visit a Cham tower, dedicated to King Po Klong Garai. On the way, we explore the Prenn Falls, the Thousand Flower Valley. Pine forests are a feature of this region and you will enjoy Da Lat’s fresh mountain air and admire its many old French villas. You might enjoy an optional round of golf in the afternoon.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we travel through the lush countryside to the peak of Langbian Mountain and view the spectacular panorama of Da Lat city. We then explore the Lat Village, one of the ethnic minority villages in the Central Highlands. In the afternoon, enjoy the Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Pagoda (one way by cable cab if preferred) and the optional Da Lat flower park. Your day concludes in the Valley of Love.
Breakfast - Lunch
After a stop at the colorful flower market, we head down to exciting Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, as the locals still call it. Once known as The Paris of the Orient, Saigon still exudes its raffish charm of the past. On arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we tour this bustling city and its historic boulevards; visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the historic post office and the War Remnants museum. Later, we visit Ben Thanh, which has been in existence since the French occupation. Here you can test your bargaining prowess and maybe pick up a bargain. In the afternoon, we drive about an hour west of Saigon and explore the underground tunnels in Cu Chi, used by Vietnamese guerrillas during the war against the French and US forces, then back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we will depart for My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. We travel by boat along the Mekong water-way, visiting Xep canal, where you totally escape from the busy own. We disembark and have a walk around the village. Stop at a local family to enjoy tropical fruit, taste honey tea and listen to Vietnamese traditional music, performance by the villagers. Later on, we will get experience a horse cart trip along village road. Enjoy your peaceful moment on a rowing boat through the small canal to our motor boat. Transfer back to Saigon.
Breakfast
Free time until we are transferred to the airport for our onward flight. Tour ends.