Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Vietnam! Arrival in Hanoi. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices. Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle to your hotel and time for leisure.
Hotel: 3* The Q Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Pan Pacific Hotel or similar

 

Day 2: Hanoi (B)
There’s no arguing – Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage – the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There’s picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let’s jump right in and experience it all. We’ll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy. In the evening, see a Water Puppet Show – a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Hotel: 3* The Q Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Pan Pacific Hotel or similar

 

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong – Cruise (B/L/D)
Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route for stretching our legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity. Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km). Cruise aboard the Bhaya Classic Cruise through Halong Bay without guide on board Board the Bhaya Classic and inspect your cabin before heading to the restaurant for a safety briefing. Enjoy the welcome drink while meeting the Cruise Manager and the crew. Try an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during a buffet lunch as the Bhaya Classic cruises towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Trong Mai islet, Ngon Tay islet, Con Coc islet, Cua Van Floating Culture Centre. Kayak to Trinh Nu cave – one of the finest sunlight-filled cave in Halong Bay covering an area of 2,000 m² with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Take a swim or sunbathe on Trinh Nu Cave’s beautiful private beach. Return to the cruise, freshen up for the evening’s activities. Join the exciting the cooking and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck. Savor the delicious set-menu dinner in the restaurant.
Hotel: Bhaya Classic Cruise

 

 

Day 4: Cruise – Halong – Hue (B/L)
Cruise aboard the Bhaya Classic Cruise through Halong Bay (without tour guide on board). Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay. Light breakfast is served onboard. Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave inside Halong Bay with 10,000 square meters of space holding thousands of stalactites and stalagmites and are threaded by a 500-meter paved passageway. Return to the cruise and prepare to check out. Enjoy the brunch buffet as Bhaya Classic cruises back to the port, passing Lom Bo Island, Trong Mai islet and the Ba Hang fishermen village. Disembark from Bhaya Classic at Tuan Chau International Marina. Transfer by vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport (160 km).
Flight Hanoi – Hue Arrival in Hue and transfer by air conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.
Hotel: 3* Romance Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Indochine Palace or similar

 

Day 5: Hue (B)
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 17^th century. Starting 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 19^th 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 the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

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.

Hotel: 3* Romance Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Indochine Palace or similar

 

Day 6: Hue – Hoi An (B)
Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away – welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang. This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We’ll also stop at the Marble Mountains – a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves. Afternoon at leisure (without guide).
Hotel: 3* Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort or similar
Upgrade: 4* Le Pavillon Hoi An Gallery Hotel & Spa or similar

 

Day 7: Hoi An (B)
Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient 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. In the afternoon, we’ll take a lazy cruise along the river to traditional pottery villages
Hotel: 3* Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort or similar
Upgrade: 4* Le Pavillon Hoi An Gallery Hotel & Spa or similar

 

Day 8: Hoi An (B) All day at leisure in Hoi An (without tour guide)

Hotel: 3* Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort or similar
Upgrade: 4* Le Pavillon Hoi An Gallery Hotel & Spa or similar

 

Day 9: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport (35 km). Flight Danang – Ho Chi Minh Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and transfer by air conditioned vehicle to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure (without guide).
Hotel: 3* Cititel Parkview Sai gon Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Grand Hotel Saigon or similar

 

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
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. Ever-vibrant, ever-changing – this is the buzzing city of Ho Chi Minh, 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 visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Hotel: 3* Cititel Parkview Saigon Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Grand Hotel Saigon or similar

 

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
The Mekong Delta is a watery world where everyday life floats on the rivers, canals and streams. From Cai Be, we’ll board a local boat to explore the narrow waterways that cut through lush green orchards. We’ll go ashore to explore a riverside village to sample locally-made, traditional treats including dried longans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies.
Hotel: 3* Cititel Parkview Saigon Hotel or similar
Upgrade: 5* Grand Hotel Saigon or similar

 

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport by air conditioned vehicle. Departure from Ho Chi Minh City.