Tour overview
OVERVIEW:
Length of Trip: 9D/8N
HANOI – HALONG – HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA
A compact trip, which captures the best of Vietnam’s splendors for those with limited time. Discover the colonial charm of Hanoi and cruise through the natural wonders of Halong Bay. Immerse yourself in the historical depths of Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. Absorb the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Included
- 7 nights hotel accommodation in twin or double sharing room including ABF.
- Air-conditioned transportation except for time at leisure.
- Boat cruise in Halong, My Tho, Hue
- Entrance fees and sightseeing as specified
- All meals as programmed (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Tour guide except for time at leisure.
- A bottle of mineral water daily during tour.
Not Included
- Drinks and tip
- Visa handling
- International and Domestic flights
- Travel insurance and government tax
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Others not mentioned
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport in the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free for your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L,D)
Breakfast, leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay. Arrive in Ha Long and board our traditional sailing junk. While cruising the exquisite waters, sample the local fresh seafood. Start a fantastic cruise in Halong bay and sightseeing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Fighting Coq Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island and explore the mystery of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board .
Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B,L)
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Bai Tu Long bay and take small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board, transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Hue (B)
In the morning, transfer to Ba Dinh Square. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century in the shape of a lotus according to the legend of the King’s dream. Tour continued with the Temple Of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese most successful scholars. Study about Vietnamese craft at Craftlink. Proceed to visit the Museum of Ethnology. Back to hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Hue. Transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue – Hoi An (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, Thien Mu pagoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the impressive tombs of Nguyen Emperors. Then transfer to Hoi An. On arrival, check in hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
After breakfast, free to explore the old merchant town of Hoi An with Chinese Assembly Halls, beautiful Japanese-covered Bridge, narrow winding streets and ancestral family homes. Be tempted by its art galleries, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery and tailor shops. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
After breakfast, we venture beyond the city limits to the former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, where we explore this remarkable tunnel network. Return to Ho Chi Minh city at noon. In the afternoon, free to visit the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City with Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy and shopping at Ben Thanh market or take the optional tour. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 8: Mekong delta day trip (B, L)
In the morning, you will depart for My Tho Town in the Mekong Delta, 70km from Ho Chi Minh City. Stop to visit Ben Luc Temple which belongs to local Cao Dai Religion. After arrival in My Tho, you will take the motorized boat through the natural canal, view the fish market and islets of Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise and Unicorn. Lunch at a local house on the island with local specialties. Transfer to a sampan row boat along the natural canal. Visit fruit plantation farm, bee farm, coconut candy factory & enjoy taking a horse-cart ride. Back to My Tho wharf by boat and visit Dong Tam snake farm if time permits. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Departure (B)
A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your ongoing flight.
