17 DAYS ESSENTIAL VIETNAM TOUR

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by our local guide and transfer to enjoy the lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon you will explore the city, you will visit the former Presidential Palace - the former home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the war, renowned for its symbolic role in the fall of Saigon in 1975  and continue to visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 is the major seat of the Catholic religion in Vietnam, became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station, the people’s Committee Hall, the French-style Saigon Post Office. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning meet our local guide in the lobby of your hotel and enjoy 3 hour drive to Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy the lush green view of the paddy fields along the road. Upon arrival in Cai Be, embark on a motorized boat that takes you to the floating market and spend an hour there for a unique interaction.

Continue your tour on row boat zigzagging through a maze of canals shadowed by coconut trees to a great orchard where you can freely taste many seasonal fruits of Vietnam and observe daily life of the local folks. Visit a family workshop to see how coconut candy, crispy rice cake and ceramic are made.
 
You will then enrich your experience by taking a bicycle ride roaming through a village to check out several rural shops or just relax on a hammock for a short rest before moving on  to a marketplace  where you are  encouraged to interact with the vendors and see how friendly and respectful they are.

After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to the harbour city where your car will be ready to take you to Can Tho where you will spend the night.

Wake up early for a boat cruise to the colorful Cai Rang Floating Market - the largest in the entire Mekong Delta which bustles with wholesalers on big boats. Here, during the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The local farmers trading their produce on the water as they have done for centuries, the main items sold here are fruit and vegetables and every boat has a long upright pole at its bow from which samples of the goods for sale are hung. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating pho vendors. Before cruising back to land enjoy tasting tropical fruits at the Ba Cong Garden House. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy the journey back to your hotel in Saigon. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meet in the lobby of your hotel and enjoy the journey to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels (70km from Ho Chi Minh) - an complex of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels. For a more “thrilling” experience, you can even test your shooting skills on original AK47s and other guns from past war times (subject to a surcharge). Lunch will be served at local restaurant before transfer back to directly to Tan Nhat Aitport for your domestic flight to Dalat.

Upon arrival at Dalat Airport you will be warmly welcomed by our local English-speaking guide then transfer to your hotel for check in and have time for relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

Lying 1,500 m above sea level and surrounded by pine hills, Dalat has been known as the prime hill resort city thanks to its mild weather, romantic valleys, tranquil lakes surrounded by pine hills, colonial time villas, pagodas and monasteries. Dalat is also the flower festival city of Vietnam. In the morning, you will visit the bustling local market where farmers come and sell their daily produce. Continue to visit the summer palace of the former emperor Bao Dai. The next stop will be the Hang Nga House, also known as “Crazy House”, a unique piece of art by Madam Viet Nga, a contemporary architect and then drive to visit the Golden Valley where Bonsais and rare flowers can be admired. Visit Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam lake. In the afternoon, transfer to Dalat’s cable car station. Savour the panoramic views of Dalat from the platform and then board the cable car for an enjoyable ride above pine forests and rolling hills to Truc Lam Pagoda – the largest Institute of Meditation in Vietnam. Visit the pagoda and then take a relaxed boat trip on Tuyen Lam Lake, also known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet. Built in the 1980’s, it is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the area.  Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

After breakfast, you will drive through the panoramic route down a lush mountain pass the scenic road towards the coastal plains of Central Vietnam. The highland crops of coffee, tea and vegetables are replaced with that of tobacco, grapes and rice as the road descends into a dry climate. Follow the coast past salt ponds and vivid green rice fields to Nha Trang.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit a selection of the numerous cultural attractions in and around Nha Trang. Places of interest include the Oceanographic institute – the pride of Khanh Hoa Province. Furthermore, you will visit Long Son pagoda, built in commemoration of the monks and nuns who died whilst fighting the Diem Government and the Po Nagar Temples – outstanding examples of Cham architecture situated on Mount Cu Lao. Savour the panoramic views of the surrounding bay and countryside from the hilltop. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang.

In the morning, pick up at your hotel and drive to the harbour for embarkation. You will enjoy the boat trip to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and continue the cruise to Mun Island – Vietnam’s only marine park. Snorkel at the island to discover Nha Trang’s stunning underwater world, sunbath and swim at Tam Island. Along the way, visit nearby villages or simply relax on the boat’s deck and ‘people watch’ as Vietnamese villagers, whose descendants have lived on these islands for generations.

Hop on a local basket boat and enjoy a seafood lunch at Mieu Island or at Con Se Tre Resort (Bamboo Resort). Explore the life of fishermen at Mieu fishing village before we return to the hotelfor your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang.

Transfer to Cam Ranh Airport for the 50-minute flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide and transfer to enjoy the lunch at local restaurant.

Then enjoy journey driving further south to Hoi An. Hoi An is a destination with two faces – the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses; and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean white sand while passing Danang city - the fourth largest city in Vietnam, the gateway to the central provinces and a sea port with nice beaches and resort.

En route, you visit the Cham Museum - The world's foremost collection of the sculpture of the ancient King-dom of Champa, and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe en route then continue driving along Non Nuoc Beach to Hoi An for check in.

Afterward you will explore Hoian - known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tile-roof houses and narrow streets. Having been through many ups and downs in the past, the original structures, however, are still virtually intact. That was the reason to persuade the UNESCO to recognize Hoi An as a World Heritage in 1999. Besides, the surroundings of Hoi An, especially the countryside, are one of the most outstanding highlights that visitors should experience during their stay in Hoi An.  One of the best ways to discover Hoi An and its surroundings is by walking. During our 4-hour leisurely walk, you will discover the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen and stunning countryside scenes will simply mesmerize you. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

08:00     Guide pick up guest at the hotel, ride bicycles to Tra Que Village.
08:30     Take around the vegetable village and join in the daily activities with local farmer there.
09:30     Continue to take bicycles along De Vong River to Hoi An Beach wharf.
10:00     Embark on the boat to Cua Dai sand dune , enjoy casting net show and learn how to cast net by local fisher man.
11:00    Continue to Cam Thanh Water coconut village have a brief introduce to the history there.
11:20    Take on the basket boat along the water coconut river, Fisherman will teach you how to catch the crabs (02 paxs/ boat).
Divide group into 2 teams for basket boat racing and catching crabs. There will be a lovely present for winner.
12:20    Embark on the boat, enjoy the folk songs show by local people there.
12:30    Enjoy special local food such as pancake, Tam Huu spring roll, fried fish …After lunch, learn how to make funny tools by water coconut leaf.
14:00     Continue to the ancient town, experience the daily life of fisher man along Thu Bon River.
15:00     Get on Bach Dang wharf, take a bicycle back to Hotel.
15:30     Local guide bids farewell to guests and transferred back to the hotel for your own activities. Rest of day at leisure for your own activities or visit the renowned Hoi An tailors if you would like to have some clothing made. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

After breakfast, start the journey to Hue - the former Imperial City of the last dynasty of Vietnam over the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Have a short stop on top of the pass – once regarded as the prime mountain pass on the North - South national road. Continue further north to Hue – a charming town set on the banks of the Perfume River. Located in Central Vietnam, Hue is the only place in the country where many historic, cultural, architectural as well as artistic values have been preserved. Tangible cultural heritage - the system of historic monuments - and intangible cultural heritage - the Imperial court music - have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages. Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystems meet, the area of river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes.

Arrival Hue, lunch at local restaurant before exploring the Imperial City of Hue. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall  encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow  Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Tour continues to enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Then cruise upstream to visit the Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign.

Tonight you will be brought back to the splendid history of ancient Royal time in Vietnam, you will be charmed with the Royal style decoration of the Royal Dining room, the atmosphere of the diner that you are the King with royal wears., beside you are the Queen accompanied by the servants in traditional royal clothes, all wearing traditional royal clothes. All the food served is royal dishes symbolizing the dragon, phoenix, or peacock. Table is decorated by Hue’s colorful silk and flowers, large candle lights, colorful lantern with dragon pattern and spotlights … All meticulously prepared to the finest details for a sumptuous dinner that fits for royalty.

It will surely surprise you with its authentic cuisines of Hue’s royalty. You will discover how Royal life was by enjoying the "Royal meal" while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being a real King. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Located in Central Vietnam, Hue was the former capital of the last Dynasty of Vietnam and has an elegant setting on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River surrounded by lush green hills. Founded as a Royal city in 1687, this small and quiet city is known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty. The city has preserved its cultural heritage including music, the arts and many other traditions and is probably the best place in Vietnam to get a sense of the past and imperial court life.  The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You will visit one of the most beautiful mausoleums - Khai Dinh Royal Tomb before lunch at local restaurant.

Afterward transfer to Phu Bai Airport in Hue for a domestic flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are warmly welcomed by our local guide and transfer to hotel in Hanoi for check in. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Enjoy a full-day city tour today. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday and during the entire months of September & October) and his former residence with Humble House on Stilts (closed on Monday and Friday), One-Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam and built more than 1,000 years ago. Continue the city tour to one of the following museums (note that museums are closed on Mondays): Fine Arts Museum or Vietnam National Museum of History or Viet Nam Military History Museum or Museum of Ethnology. Lunch at local restaurant.
 
Afternoon enjoy a leisurely one-hour buggy tour through the famous thirty-six streets in the Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the represented eternal soul of the city and the top special historical vestige and sight-seeing of the capital, luring international visitors thanks to their mostly original state. You will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as you pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride pass the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found in them in the 15th to 18th centuries.

Then visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when Ngoc Son Temple was built on an island in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles, was worshipped there along with other National heroes.

End the day with a performance of the famous water puppet show. The Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry has roots that date back to the 10th century when it originated in the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. The farmers in the region celebrated festivals and harvests by performing this unique art form. Learning to manipulate the puppets is usually a tradition that is passed on as a family secret. It takes a great deal of skill and because the puppeteer’s hands are underwater, it is easy for them to hide their methods. The fascinating part is that the central stage is below the water line, and the puppeteers stand in the waist-deep water. A rattan curtain hides them, but they can see the stage and the audience through the bamboo slats.

Optional Ionah Show @ surcharge of US$ 35/ pax.
Ionah Show - a unique experience combining modern dance, theater, circus, and music, visual and light effects. It delivers novelty and originality in performances and stage effects. Ionah Show is only performing on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.

Morning drive through the countryside from Hanoi to Halong Bay (165 km east of Hanoi) - a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty, you will experience a rural area dotted with villages, rice fields and farms providing the many parts of the nation with rice, fruits and vegetables. Short rest stop en route, you will reach Halong city after 3.5 hours.

12h00 – 12h30     Embark on Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing.
13h00 – 15h30     Savor a delectable lunch as Cruises among the limestone islands.
15h30 – 16h30     Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Luon Cave area. Back to the Cruise.
16h30 – 17h30     Cruising to Titop island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17h30                     Cruise back to the main boat for a shower. Relax or snap photos as the sun starts to set.
19h00                     Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, fish for squid, or just laze around.
Overnight on board.

06h30 - 07h00     Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h30 - 08h30     Have breakfast at sunrise.
08h30 - 09h30     Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave - the nicest cave in Halong Bay.
09h30                    Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
09h30 - 10h30     Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 - 11h30     While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12h00 - 12h30     Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi, short rest at Dai Viet or Hong Ngoc or ABC shopping en route back.

Arrival Hanoi, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Note: The above itinerary is for your reference only as each cruise will have its own different itinerary and will be slightly different.

Depart your hotel this morning early for the 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometers. If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views.

In the late morning depart for Tam Coc Town for a Vietnamese lunch, along the way stop to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape.

After lunch, transfer to Trang An, board your private sampan. As the boat gently slices through the water notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to the area’s other name, 'Halong on Land'.

Trang An is a less visited nature reserve. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). An 'eco-tourism' area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. Following its back by sampan and transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Note: Please be aware that some women on boats may try to sell local products to tourists. Guests should refer to their guide if this situation makes them uncomfortable.

Following breakfast depart to Van Long Nature Reserve for a boat trip. Covering an area of nearly 3,000 ha, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the North of Vietnam and a 1.5 hour boat trip by traditional sampan is the perfect way to see this area.  Van Long’s fauna includes 39 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some of these species have been classified as globally endangered animals such as the white-breeched langur which can be seen occasionally early morning or late afternoon.

From Van Long it is a 40-minute drive to Cuc Phuong National Park which was the first national park of Vietnam and is one of the few remaining tropical rain forests left in the country. Originally created by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962, hundreds of species of animals and plants can be found here, including several endangered species.

On arrival at the Cuc Phuong National Park take a tour around the interesting Visitors Center which will introduce you to some of the park's valuable natural resources and its unique environment. Set up by British NGO FFI, the center aims to increase the conservation awareness of visitors as well as local Vietnamese students.

Even though some large animals like panthers and bears make Cuc Phuong their home, they are rarely seen. Instead the park is also home to the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center which homes species like the Delacour’s Langur, Golden-headed Langur, Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur and Black Crested Gibbon. The Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center are two research centers vital for the breeding, rehabilitation and preservation of animals rescued from poachers. Both centers are open to visitors during the day and a stop will be made here after visiting the Visitors Center.

Have a simple, local style Vietnamese lunch at the National Park Headquarters. There are dozens of nature trails available from the avid to the recreational hiker. In the afternoon spend time walking into the centre of the Park’s forest to learn more on the flora and fauna of Vietnam. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.

Free at your leisure until transfer directly to Noi Bai International Airport for your international flight home. We hope you had an exciting holiday with us. Making it an affair to remember!