There is always more to a painting than what is seen on the surface. This tour will whisk you into the depths of the brushstrokes that make up Vietnam’s culture, traditions, and landscapes. From the brilliantly colored clothes of the northern hill tribes to the sparkling emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, you will experience the traditions of grand cities and the elegance of the remarkable countryside, the vivacity of the gregarious people, and the layered flavors of the traditional cuisine. This is the perfect vacation for all, you and your loved ones will get to enjoy cruises, island visits, interacting with the locals, trying out Vietnamese foods and shopping, witnessing the country’s history unravel with sightseeing tours, and much more. Summary of Itinerary TOUR HIGHLIGHT: Upon reaching Hanoi, complete the immigration and visa on arrival process at the airport. Meet our representative at the airport and board your transfers to reach the pre-booked hotel. The car/van pick you up from Noi Bai airport (in Ha Noi) take you get in the heart of the city. If time permit, join the cycle tour to admire bustling local life and a water puppet show that is rooted in Vietnamese culture since the 11th century and depicts different legends and mythologies. or discover an old quarter by your leisure time. Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay. After having breakfast, 07:45-08:15: Our tour guide and driver will pick up at your hotel in Hanoi city to depart for Ninh Binh province which is blessed with rich natural landscapes. Around 10:30, you will reach Hoa Lu – the historic capital of Vietnam and the famous ancient temples an Ancient Capital of the Dinh dynasty (968 – 1009); after which 29 years later King Ly Thai of the Le Dynasty moved the capital to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Visit the age-old temples that have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace to know more about the feudal dynasties and the historical periods in Vietnamese history. In the afternoon walk to the boat station and start a 2-hour boat trip to Tam Coc, popularly known as “Halong Bay on land”. This boat ride on the Ngo Dong river will take you through the peaceful scenery of the Limestone Mountains, rice paddies, and magnificent temples. On the way pass through a series of 3 caves which are named Hang Ca (first cave), Hang Hai (second cave), and Hang Ba (third cave). Upon completing the boat ride, begin your journey back to Hanoi. Return back to the hotel in Hanoi for an overnight stay. DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY (B,L,D) (Your hotel – Tuan Chau marina – Halong bay – Lunch– Surprising Cave – Titop Island – Sunset party – Dinner – Onboard night activities) 07.45 – 08.15: Our guide will meet you at your hotel. The shuttle bus or private car pick up – Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta Comfort break. The time from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 ½ hours. 12 – 12.30: Arriving Tuan Chau marina. Welcome aboard the cruise. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain, crew in the cruise briefing. – Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind – Set sail as lunch is served – Join us for a typical local lunch in the dining room or at the outdoor dining area. Afternoon: arrive at Surprising Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), explore the cave and find out how the cave was named a Surprising. – Heading to Titop island area. Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by beautiful islets. Visit Titop island for swimming and snorkeling or do the short trek to the top of island to have the overview of Halong bay from here – Heading back toward the sleeping area Early evening: summit on the sundeck watching the sunset, enjoy Sunset party. It’s ideal time to make acquaintance with new friends, sharing your traveling experience or simply watching the sunset. – An authentic Vietnamese menu is served – After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at our bar, or take for you one of our onboard activities: book reading, games, movies, and squid fishing… Accommodation and overnight on boat. DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI | FLY TO SAIGON (B,L) (Tai Chi – Breakfast – Luon Cave – Cooking Demonstration – Lunch – Farewell) 06:30: For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body, joining Tai Chi session to full charge your energy for the day. 07:00 – 08:00: Local breakfast is served – Take your option either exploring the cave yourself on kayak or comfortably on bamboo boat rowed by the locals. 09:00: Check out the cabins, at your leisure while our cruise taking you pass by other beautiful highlights in the bay. 10:00: You will join with our short class of Cooking demonstration, how to make spring rolls before an early lunch is served. 12:00: Return to the shore and disembark from the cruise as our crew say farewell. After the tour, our driver take you to the airport to take a flight to Saigon. When arrived Tan Son Nhat airport, our driver meet and take you to hotel in downtown. Overnight in Saigon. DAY 5: VISIT CU CHI TUNNEL & HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L) Get ready to visit one of the most interesting places related to the Vietnam War period – the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 70 km from Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi is a network of over 200km of tunnels that were functioning as underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. Watch a short introductory video on how the tunnels were constructed before heading the explore these tunnels. After exploring the tunnels for an hour, head back to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon reaching Ho Chi Minh City, begin your city tour by first visiting the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the Vietnam-American war. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum which contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War. Visit the red-bricked Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction is based on the original cathedral of Paris. Stop by the Central Post Office which was designed by a French architect – Gustav Eiffel. The rest of the evening is free for leisure wherein you can choose to explore the other landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Pink Church, etc. You can also sit and admire the shades of the sunset from the Cafe apartment – a unique old apartment building turned into cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your Vietnamese-style coffee. You can also visit the Bến Thành market – Vietnam’s best shopping center to indulge in a shopping spree. Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay. DAY 6: MEKONG DELTA – EXPERIENCE THE COUNTRYSIDE LIFE (B,L) Our tour guide meet you at your hotel lobby before heading to My Tho city by bus. Enjoy the scenery and green rice paddies during the one and a half hour bus ride. Along the way, we will visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the biggest pagoda in the Mekong delta. Continue to My Tho, where we take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can see fish cages and floating houses on the river. The boat takes you to a small canal, escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. We disembark at a coconut island in Ben Tre and enjoy a walk around the village. Stop at a local family home to enjoy tropical fruit, taste the honey tea and honey wine and listen to Vietnamese traditional music performed by the villagers. Check out the coconut candy shop and learn how to make candy, and see handicrafts made from the coconuts. Take your time snapping photos and enjoy the natural scenery before we head to the local restaurant. Lunch is set with special Vietnamese food. Enjoy your lunch outside under the shade of the trees. After lunch, enjoy your time relaxing, walking around the village, or perhaps going for a short bike ride. DAY 7: SAIGON DEPARTURE (B) Free time in Ho Chi Minh until your flight, car pick you up at the hotel and transfer to the airport. Finish package tour Hanoi – Ha Long – Saigon, See you again. Note: INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIONS Cancellation Policy:
DAY 1: Hanoi Arrival (NO MEALS)
DAY 2: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave (B,L)
DAY 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi- Saigon (B,L)
DAY 5: Half day Cu chi Tunnel (B)
DAY 6: 1 Day Mekong Delta (B,L)
DAY 7: Saigon Departure (B)DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (NO MEALS)
DAY 2: EXCERSION TO HOA LU – TRANG AN (B,L)
– Get your camera ready to take photos.
– Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets as we sail through the calm emerald waters heading to Luon Cave (Hang Luồn).
There is plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here during the 1960s when Cu Chi was a “Free Target Zone”.
Travel back to Saigon and arrive around 5.00 pm for the end of the tour.
