Overview

            Brief itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi – Hue
Day 5: Hue – Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An – Danang - Saigon
Day 7: Saigon – Vinh Long (Mekong Delta) then Departure from Saigon

 
      Highlight of the trip:
- Enjoy the colonial French architecture of Hanoi

- Cruise along Halong Bay with its other-worldly karst islands
- Visit the Imperial City in Hue and then take a dragon boat up the Perfume River   - Stroll along the traffic free streets of Hoi An’s old town
- Experience the  vitality of Saigon with its unique blend of history, culture and modern conveniences

- Wander along the Mekong Delta with its floating markets and lush water-side villages

- Marvel at the delicious fresh cuisine and decadent French pastries served by friendly and cheerful wait-staff.

Full itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi. You will be met at the airport by your English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel in downtown Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2:Hanoi city tour  (B)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a beautiful city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks.  In the morning we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the French colonial styled Presidential Palace and the historical Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, built in 1070 in honor of Confucius.
In the afternoon we will see the Museum of Ethnology and then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Restored Sword Lake) and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is on an island in the northern part of the lake. We will enjoy a Cyclo tour of the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets with each name representative of the type of merchandise sold in it.
In the evening we will attend a traditional Water Puppet show.
This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists – men and women – stand waist deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk, and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The audience is meant to experience the atmosphere of a village festival.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi–Halong Bay–Hanoi (B,L)

After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whoever comes to Vietnam should not miss the chance to visit Halong Bay, a picturesque blend of harmonious transition between the mountains and the sea. Halong Bay is in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) gulf and stretches over an area of 1,500 km2 with three thousand green islands that look like jewels.
We will take a cruise on the bay enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. Drive back to Hanoi late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hue (B)

After breakfast we depart to the airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, the guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel. After check-in and some time for relaxation we continue with a visit to the Imperial City, an impressive royal complex built in the 17^th century based on the ancient feng shui practice of geomancy.  The Imperial City is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 5:  Hue–Hoi An (B)

In the morning we will take a dragon boat trip along the Perfume River. We will stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on the southwest bank of the Perfume River and was the centre of Buddhism in Central Vietnam. Then on to the King Tu Duc tomb, which was built between 1864-1867.  The King’s tomb was laid out with palaces, statues and monuments in perfect harmony to form a natural poetic setting. We continue to Lang Co, which we will reach after approximately two hours. Optional lunch at the Lang Co Beach Resort. We head on to Hoi An with a photo stop on the summit of the breathtaking Hai Van Pass.

In the evening your guide will pick you up for an amazing walk through the illuminated old town of Hoi An.  Hoi An old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site as an example of a well preserved South East Asian trading port of the 15^th – 19^th century.  In addition to its unique architecture, it is also noted for its tailors and handicrafts, especially lanterns.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day6: Hoi An–Danang-Saigon (B)

Free morning at leisure in Hoi An, then transfer to Danang airport and a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On arrival we transfer to the hotel and then enjoy a city tour to visit Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful French-style Post Office with its glass canopy and iron structure designed by Gustave Eiffel. Then, continue to Cholon, the Chinese quarter, and see Binh Tay Market with its big clock tower in the centre.  Discover the Thien Hau Pagoda, build by the Cantonese congregation in the 19th century. 

Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Saigon

Day 7: Saigon – Vinh Long (Mekong) then Departure from Saigon (B)

We depart from the hotel in the morning and drive southwards to Vinh Long Province, which is situated between two branches of the downstream Mekong River.
On arrival, we enjoy a boat trip along the river’s narrow waterways, overhung with dense vegetation. We will have the opportunity to try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. For lunch (optional) you can order the local delicacy - Elephant’s ear fish. We continue with a visit to Cai Be floating market before heading back to Saigon. Then transfer directly to airport for the trip home.

Overnight on board.

Tour map

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Tour price

The price includes :

-      Accommodation based on twin sharing

-     Daily Breakfast

-     Other meals as indicated

-     Local English speaking guides (other languages available on request )

-     All entrance fees for the itinerary

-     Transportation within Vietnam

-     Internal flight in Economy class within Vietnam (HAN/HUI, DAD/SGN)

-     Domestic airport taxes

-     Service charges, room tax

-     Cruise on (Mekong River, Perfume River, Halong Bay)

The price is not includes :

-     Vietnam Visa (can be arranged)

-     International airfare to/from Vietnam

-     Meals not included in itinerary

-     Optional tours

-     Tipping for guides, drivers, porters, maids

-     All personal expenses such as: extra meals and drinks, laundry, excess baggage charges, telephone calls, souvenirs

-     Trip insurance

      -   Departure tax from Saigon