13 Days Magic of Vietnam Tour

This 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 Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s Confucius center and first university.

In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (called the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs), 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. Take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter street markets with a local guide who’s passionate about food, and discover the exotic flavors of Vietnam with fellow food-lovers.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Please 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.

Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a 2.5-hour drive to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay. 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 by joining a Tai Chi lesson with other passengers on the deck, or just soak in 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 approximately 11:00am. Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier for the drive back to Hanoi and take the flight to Dong Hoi. You’ll be met on arrival and taken to your accommodation in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for a restful evening.

Meals included: Brunch

A whole day adventure in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park where you will board a private boat to cruise 1.5km down the Son River to the Phong Nha Caves. Take in the wondrous sites from the water as you enter the mystical caverns filled with mighty stalactites and stalagmites. Visit the extraordinary Paradise Cave before returning to the beautiful resort to relax for the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Leave Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park this morning to travel to Dong Hoi for a quick stop before driving to Hue. Along the way pay a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Old DMZ (Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone) – the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River – the former border between the North and South Vietnam. Check into the hotel in Hue upon arrival.

Meals included: Breakfast

Gain 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

After a relaxing breakfast head for Hoi An. On route take in the spectacular view to the ocean from Hai Van Pass.You will have a pleasant short tour in Da Nang visiting Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. When you arrive in Hoi An, the evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

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 practiced 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 for 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

You will have free time till your guide meets you and escorts you to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, after a one and a 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. You will then be transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City for check in the hotel, where you may choose to relax or venture out into the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a visit to the 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. 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. A strong French colonial influence is evident at Notre Dame Cathedral and an amazing fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture within Saigon Central Post Office. Further remnants of French colonial architecture can be found strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Meals included: Breakfast

You will take to the water today, with a trip to the fertile, productive region of the Mekong River Delta to see and experience the rich, vibrant culture and picturesque landscape. Beginning with a drive to Cai Be, the day’s tour will take you on a boat ride to the highly colorful floating market. Meandering through the busy throng in your boat, you can see the local people trading from their vessels with travelers and other locals and perhaps buy some local produce or sample some of the dishes on offer. By afternoon, a traditional rowboat journey will take you deeper into the rich countryside, through narrow canals, to rest and experience peace among the natural surroundings. The cruise concludes mid-afternoon in the village of Vinh Long where your driver will meet you at the dock to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the morning relaxing or exploring until our guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

Meals included: Breakfast