16/02/2024
9D8N Vietnam Highlights
(9 Days 8 Nights – Depart on Private Basis)
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong, Danang, Cam Thanh, Hoian, Ba Na Hills, Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (No Meal)
On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred downtown. Visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and Ba Dinh Square. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays and from 15 June to 15 August); and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Visit train street (may view from outside), next stop is Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Free for shopping at Hanoi Old Quarter. Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hanoi (B)
This morning, depart from Hanoi for Ninh Binh province (100 km), enjoying the rural scenery along the road. We spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.
Next stop is Trang An complex. Get on a boat trip that leads you through some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery, including towering limestone karst peaks, impressive caves, and magnificent temples. Located in Ninh Binh province, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its spectacular landscape. Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise & stay overnight on Board (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, cruise shuttle bus picks you up from your hotel and travel to the spectacular World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin (approximately four hours). Arrive at your jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight aboard on Halong Bay.
Note: 2 days cruise itinerary is subject to change bases on each cruise company, English speaking guide is available on board.
Meal: Breakfast/ Vietnamese Lunch/ Vietnamese Dinner
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Fly to Danang (B/Brunch)
Enjoy your fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer by the cruise shuttle bus back to Hanoi, then private car (without guide) takes you to airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, met by our tour guide and driver and check in hotel. Accommodation at hotel in Danang.
Meal: Breakfast/ Vietnamese Brunch
Day 5: Cam Thanh Coconut Village – Hoian Ancient Town (B)
This morning, free for leisure. In the afternoon, we will travel to visit Cam Thanh coconut village. Here, you will experience basket boat ride around the coconut forest, learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. You will surely experience the feeling of floating on the waves of water and join an equally fun basket boat race between the baskets together in the cheering and bustling music drum. Then you will visit Hoi An ancient town, which is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting town visiting an old merchant house, a Chinese Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Also explore its many craft and silk shops and the colorful fish and produce market. Accommodation at hotel in Danang.
Day 6: Danang – Ba Na Hills – Danang (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Ba Na Hill, then take a cable car trip (awarded 2 GUINNESS records) to Ba Na Hills, enjoying green natural forests and Dream Stream, Elephant Rock, Rainbow from above. Upon arrival, take a walking tour to visit Linh Ung Pagoda with the Big Buddha Statue, visit Le Jardin Garden, Fantasy Park, Golden Bridge etc. Balance of the day is at your leisure or enjoy relaxing at My Khe beach - classified as one of the most attractive beaches on earth. Accommodation at hotel in Da Nang.
Day 7: Da Nang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh (B)
After breakfast at hotel, free for relax until the time transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, met by our representative and transfer to downtown, free for leisure. Accommodation at hotel in Saigon.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
After breakfast, a one and half hour drive takes you to Cu Chi Underground Tunnel where human knowledge has been enriched by experiencing a web-like tunnel system of more than 200km in length which used to be the shelters of guerrillas during the war against American troops. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Hundred Years Red Cathedral (Notre Dame Cathedral), visit War Museum, shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Accommodation at hotel in Saigon.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)
After breakfast, free for leisure until the time transfer to airport for departure flight. Say goodbye with sweet memories!