12 Days Beauty of Vietnam

Depart for Ho Chi Minh City from North America.

Welcome to Vietnam’s financial hub Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the hotel and have a good rest. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, drive northwest to the Cu Chi tunnels. This tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. Have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, participate in a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office with its French style architecture, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. Then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. In the evening, join the optional dinner cruise on traditional wooden boat on Saigon River (USD$49). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Have a breakfast at hotel, we travel from Saigon to My Tho. Cruising a boat trip along Mekong river and around fishing village and islands for sight-seeing. Crossing Mekong river, keeping on taking a boat trip along a small canal, named Vam Xep to see daily life of local inhabitants in Ben Tre province (called coconut village), visiting Quoi An tourist spot for bee farm and handicraft workshop to enjoy some honey-tea and see how people make things from coconut wood. Taking horse-carts along country road to visit fruit orchards, enjoy seasonal tropical fruits and listen to traditional music by local inhabitants. Taking small sampans along small canal to come back the big boat, leaving boat for coconut candy workshop and tasting this speciality in coconut village. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we take the morning flight to Danang. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to the restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take Hoi An sightseeing of Japanese style covered bridge, Handicraft workshops, Tan Ky old house, Fujian assembly hall and the 15th century Chuc Thanh Pagoda. In the evening, you may take the optional Relaxing Dinner Cruise on Thu Bon River (USD$69/person). Overnight in Hoian.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time to enjoy the beachside relaxation or join our optional tour to My Son with lunch. (Optional USD$69/person, Min. 4) Your tour guide will pick you up and drive to visit My Son sanctuary, an ancient religious center of the Cham people in the past, 40km to the South West of Hoi An town, another World Cultural Heritage. Return to Hoi An after lunch then enjoy a free afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Hue. On the way, you will visit the fascinating Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains. We will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have a magnificent view of the East Sea. Check-in hotel on arrival in Hue. In the evening, You may take the optional royal dinner with the live traditional music dance performance (USD$55/person, Min. 4). Overnight in Hue.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will take a morning boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Ming Mang Emperor’s mausoleum. Have lunch at a local restaurant then you will visit the Imperial Citadel, Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynasty Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, and Thai Hoa Palace. Enjoy some free time shopping in Dong Ba market. Next, transfer to the airport to catch the departure flight to Hanoi. Once arrival, the local guide meets up at the airport and transfers to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the historic complex of Ba Dinh. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, the must-see monument in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple. Visit Temple of Literature – The first Imperial school in Vietnam was built in 1070 during the dynasty of King Ly. Have lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon visit a complex of the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple (Jade mountain Temple), But Tower (Pen – shaped tower), Dai Nghien (Ink Stand), and the red-painted wooden The Huc bridge….Take a pedicab trip around with 36 streets of Hanoi’s old quarter. Enjoy the special Vietnam traditional Water Puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will take a morning depart for Halong bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Ha Long bay. This exciting five-hour cruise will provide us with a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes, and beautiful caves. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up and having breakfast served onboard. Continue cruising around the bay. Take sampan to visit Luon Cave and come back to the boat. Have brunch before disembarking and the van will pick you up at the pier. Then transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi. Check-in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast