Be prepared for surprise and delight experiencing the best of historical and cultural wonders of Vietnam, savoring extraordinary natural scenery contrasting with dynamic modernizing cities, and relishing the distinctive flavors of local cuisine.
Experience many dimensions of diverse Vietnam with this 12-day guided journey taking in the scenic beauty, the most significant ancient religious sites, cultural traditions, crafts and markets. Feel the resolution of conflict in modern monuments and museums recognizing recent historical past, and the contrast, yet integration, of the ancient and the modern in vibrant cities of high rise alongside remnants of colonial architecture. Above all, savor the taste of Vietnam, from street hawkers, markets, ethnic villages, cafes and restaurants, to take home lasting memories.
Itinerary
On arrival into Ho Chi Minh City airport you will be met by your dedicated tour guide outside the baggage claim area. On the way to your pre-booked four or five star inner city hotel, your guide will point out the highlights and history of Ho Chi Minh City, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office. Spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible city.
Meals included: None
After breakfast and a one and half hour drive, you will be presented with the challenging opportunity to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel network, which was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The below-ground network providing living and restorative capability formed an essential part of their strategy for success. Some tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate visitors.
Back to Ho Chi Minh City to gain an insight to the spirit of the people and what they have overcome from turbulent history of Vietnam on display at the War Remnants Museum, featuring artefacts and records of hostilities against French, Japanese and American incursions. Also of significance to the country’s history is the Independence Palace commemorating the declaration of independence and rejoining of the south with the north. Visit to Ben Thanh Market where you can mix with the locals going about their daily lives while you check out the variety of goods on offer and sample some of the wares. Enjoying your free time at night by strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Meals included: Breakfast
Leave Ho Chi Minh City to visit Cai Thia, passing through Cai Be, in the Mekong Delta. From here, witness local life from a different perspective as you ride a bicycle along paths that wind through plantations, vegetable gardens and tropical vegetation. You will pass peaceful villages and cycle along narrow canals, before stopping at a local family to sip tea and enjoy local fruits. After lunch at a guesthouse, jump aboard a rowing boat for further exploration on the river after which a local boat will return you to dock. From here, continue your journey to Can Tho where you’ll spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast
Start today’s trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams of the mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang Floating Market, where hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostle for trade and sellers shout loudly to advertise their wares. You will then be transferred to Can Tho Airport for your flight to Da Nang, on your arrival you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Hoi An.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, on a light excursion around the tiny town of Hoi An, you will be able to explore picturesque cultural sites such as the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quan Cong Temple), and the Old House of Tan Ky, home of a former Vietnamese merchant. A boat ride on the Hoai River in the afternoon leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where making pottery is still practised in the traditional way and you can watch the locals at work. Pay a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum and see photographic work by Réhahn, a French photographer who shares his adventures in Vietnam. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a charming vegetable village which produces fresh leaves, vegetables and fruits for the local community. You will enjoy a cooking demonstration of Hoi An culinary specialties there. The evening is yours to explore charming Hoi An, taking in a highly recommended visit to the Hoi An night market.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An, before being driven to Hue. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to tour Da Nang, visiting Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. On route take in the spectacular view to the ocean from Hai Van Pass. When you arrive in Hue in the afternoon, you are free to explore the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy an authentic experience of Hue today with a visit to the Imperial City of Hue, where you can stroll around this Forbidden Purple City site to see the Halls of Mandarins. At every turn there are things to broaden your knowledge, experience and understanding of Vietnamese history. Continue the tour to the majestic Minh Mang Tomb and a sail along the Perfume River in a royal dragon boat to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, you will be transferred to the End today’s sightseeing at the bustling Dong Ba Market where you can get up close to local life and sample some of the exotic wares.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy the free time in the early morning until it is time to leave to catch your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel, then take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter street markets with a local guide who’s passionate about food to discover the exotic flavors of Vietnam with fellow food-lovers. You can sample fruit, hawker street food and local specialties like pork crepes. Visit Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan for a personalized taste encounter with Hanoi’s best street food on this walking tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, spend some leisure time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Vietnam’s Confucius Center and first university, the Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (called the Hanoi Hilton by American POW soldiers), followed by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups from the rich collections of objects, photos, video tapes and cassettes.
Pay a visit to a local craftsman’s house to learn how the water puppets are made and enjoy a unique water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and the highlight of any Vietnam tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. Your guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly.
The next day and a half promises the enriching experience of a Halong Bay cruise, beginning with a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site. Over 1,600 limestone karst islands dot the bay, traditional sampans and junks sail the glittering waters, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves complete a movie-magical picture. Check in for the cruise at midday, in time to be served the lunch, before embarking on a memorable adventure. Along the way a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving can add to the fun of this trip.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Get an early start today if you want to join a Tai Chi lesson with other passengers on the deck, or just soak up the beautiful view of limestone islands, charming beaches and amazing grottos. The cruise will pass by the Bai Tu Long Bay later and continue until disembarking after brunch at around 11:00am. Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive back to Hanoi, arriving at the hotel around 3:00pm. You are then free to enjoy the rest of the day.
Meals included: Brunch
You will be at leisure till our driver transfers you to the airport for your return flight. Your tour concludes today.
Meals included: Breakfast
