You will start your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam, where you can explore its rich history, culture, and cuisine. You will also visit the Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground passages that were used by the Viet Cong during the war.
Next, you will head to the Mekong Delta, a fertile region of rivers, canals, and islands, where you can witness the rural life and enjoy the local specialties. From there, you will fly to Hoi An, a charming town that preserves the ancient architecture and traditions of Vietnam.
You will have time to stroll along the lantern-lit streets, shop for souvenirs, and relax on the beach. You will also visit Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, where you can admire the majestic citadel, tombs, and pagodas.
Finally, you will travel to Hanoi, the capital and cultural center of Vietnam, where you can experience the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the city. You will also take a cruise to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and caves.
This 12-day program will give you a comprehensive and unforgettable impression of Vietnam’s beauty and diversity.
DESTINATIONS: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta – Hoi An- Hue - Hanoi - Halong
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Vietnam’s diverse and rich history, culture, nature, and cuisine in 12 days.
Visit the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and learn about its role in the war at the Cu Chi tunnels.
Experience the rural life and local specialties of the Mekong Delta, a fertile region of rivers, canals, and islands.
Enjoy the charm and beauty of Hoi An, a town that preserves the ancient architecture and traditions of Vietnam.
Admire the majestic citadel, tombs, and pagodas of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Experience the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of Hanoi, the capital and cultural center of Vietnam.
Cruise to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and caves.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
Welcome to Vietnam, a country of diverse and rich history, culture, nature, and cuisine.
On your first day, you will be picked up at Tan Son Nhat airport or hotel, and then taken to eat some typical dishes of Saigon, such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. You will then check in to your accommodation and have some time to rest.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a tour of Ho Chi Minh City by double-decker bus, where you can see the landmarks and attractions of the city, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Ben Thanh Market. You will also have a chance to experience the lively and dynamic atmosphere of the city, as well as its nightlife. This is a great way to start your 12-day program in Vietnam.
DAY 2: SAI GON - CU CHI
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat, a thrilling and unique way to explore this historic site.
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City by luxury speedboat, enjoy a light breakfast and stunning views of the Saigon River. Arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels before the crowds, learn about the history and significance of the tunnels, crawl through some of the tunnels yourself, see the traps, secret entrances, bunkers, and underground hideouts.
Try firing some of the weapons that were used in the war at the shooting range (optional)
Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant
Tonight, enjoy the A O Show (Ahh! Ohh! Show) which depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Southern Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. Performed on the stage of the Saigon Opera House, a perfect example of French colonial style circa 1900, this 60-minute show is a unique mix of bamboo cirque, acrobatic acts, contemporary dance, and live music, plus the creative use of bamboo and rattan props from ordinary life. All these elements harmonize to capture the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture.
DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA
Explore the Mekong Delta in one day, a region of Vietnam famous for its agriculture, culture, and scenery. Visit Ben Tre, a province known for its coconut palms and coconut products. Take a boat trip along the river to visit local markets, a coconut processing workshop, and a local mat-weaving house, Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant. Take a bicycle or Xe Loi around a quiet village, see the rural life and scenery of Ben Tre, and interact with the friendly and hospitable people
Cap off your day with a sampan boat ride around the lush coconut canals, experience the tranquility and beauty of the Mekong Delta, and see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area
Have lunch with Mekong specialties at the scenic Mango Home Riverside Restaurant, then we go back to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH - DA NANG - HOI AN
After breakfast at the hotel, the car and tour guide will pick you up to Tan Son Nhat airport for the flight to Da Nang. The flight lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, on the plane you can rest to prepare for new experiences. You stop at Da Nang airport, the car picks you up to continue the journey to the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An, you will stay overnight at a hotel near the old town. You will have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the later afternoon, venture to Hoi An’s outskirts to engage with an independent writer, artist, and researcher, who specializes in the Cham culture and contributes to preserve and introduce this unique culture to international friends. In order to get an in-depth knowledge of Cham history and culture, explore her private Cham culture space which is home to daily utensils, objects, instruments, and costumes of the Cham people. She will offer you a unique insight into this formerly powerful civilization.
DAY 5: ANCIENT HOI AN
Morning: Have breakfast at the hotel, then prepare ao dai to wear for a walk around the old town.
You will walk through the narrow old streets and take pictures. Customers sit at a cafe on the street, watching the bustling stream of people passing by. At noon, you will eat local dishes.
At twilight, take a short drive from the hustle and bustle downtown of Hoi An to its countryside, surrounded by peaceful villages, idyllic rivers, and lush water coconut palms. Board a Vietnamese basket boat floating on the Co Co River to reach the floating stationary bamboo raft where you will dine privately. Indulge yourself in a relaxing BBQ meal while enjoying a sparkling river with a glassy surface under the sunset and lush water coconut palms.
DAY 6: HOI AN MEMORIES
BREAK: You will have breakfast at the hotel, after breakfast, you will continue your journey to Explore My Son Holy Land by American Jeep. Depart from downtown Hoi An for a scenic 1.5-hour drive by jeep to The UNESCO World Heritage Center of My Son. My Son used to be the prosperous capital of Champa civilization, dominated in Central Vietnam from 2nd to 13th Century. Stroll around the temple complex, rediscovered in the late 19th century where you will have a great opportunity to learn about the fascinating Cham culture, architecture, and civilization. After exploring the My Son complex, drive back to downtown Hoi An, passing by the peaceful countryside landscape. Have your camera ready for capturing some beautiful photos.
In the afternoon, you are free to visit Hoi An ancient town.
At round sunset, be picked up at your resort Hoi An downtown to participate in an artistic demonstration telling the 400-year-old story of Hoi An with all of its grace and prosperity.
Known as a colorful and musically dazzling night show, “Hoi An Memories show” recalls the memories of Hoi An as a busy trading port in Southeast Asia with a history stretching back over more than 400 years. Thanks to the participation of 500 actors, this country’s largest-ever outdoor visual arts performance includes folk and contemporary dances as well as ballet, along with state-of-the-art lighting technology and sophisticated sound effects, offering an insight into the culture and history of Hoi An town.
DAY 7 HOI AN - HUE BY LAND OF HERITAGE
After breakfast, the car and tour guide will pick you up at the hotel, continuing the journey to the Hue heritage trail.
On the way, the car will stop at Hai Van Pass, you can stand here to watch the train passing by the mountain, and the majesty of nature bestowed on this land.
Continuing your journey to Hue, you will feel the nature and people here, living slowly every hour!. The car and tour guide will take you to Hue Citadel and tour the Citadel.
You will eat local food here
After checking in to the hotel, you will be able to rest after a long trip
In the afternoon: Car and tour guide will take you on the boat to visit artisan Than Van Huy and learn how to make lotus flowers - the National Flower of Vietnam.
You will be given a flower as a souvenir, then you will be able to cruise and enjoy a tea party on the Perfume River.
DAY 8: HUE - HA NOI BY AIR
Together with splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel, the garden houses in Hue with their original architecture are a great feature for a prosperous feudal dynasty of Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th century. Built based on the "Feng Shui" principle, the charming garden houses in Hue were the great living place of mandarins and royal relatives under the Nguyen dynasty.
After breakfast, drive to An Hien Garden House originally the residence of Emperor Duc Duc’s 18th daughter. Continue to another great example of the garden house, the former home of Princess Ngoc Son. Tour around the house while the host will share with you some stories about the house as well as her ancestor. After exploring the garden home, return to your hotel for check out.
Afternoon: Car and tour guide will take you to Phu Bai airport to take the flight to Hanoi
You will have dinner and rest in Hanoi.
DAY 9 HANOI'S THOUSAND YEARS OF LITERATURE
You will be able to visit the highlights of Hanoi, a Hanoi where Vietnamese history and culture are clearly shown. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, pass by Ba Dinh square for a quick view of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum before arriving “Hanoi Hilton” is famous as one of the most inhumane prisons with terrible punishments. Hoa Lo Prison or Maison Central is a symbol of the resilient will of the prisoners and their sacrifices for communist ideals. Enjoy a cyclo (rickshaw) ride around Old Quarter streets named after specific items once for sale at these locations. End your trip by wandering around the beautiful “Hoan Kiem Lake”, to learn about the legend of the lake and the history of Hanoi city.
Evening: Hanoi after dark in the locals' old car.
Hanoi after dark is completely different from what you see during the day. A night of fun and wonder begins with a drive through bustling streets, narrow alleys, important monuments, beautiful tree-lined streets, all of which hide a history and rich tradition. Make sure you come hungry because during the journey, you will stop to enjoy some local specialties that are only available in Hanoi. Soak up the nightlife while being taken to local bars and lounges, where the younger generation and even older ones come to relax and show off their unique style.
DAY 10 HANOI – HA LONG BAY - HERITAGE REGION
Today we travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the rice field landscapes, water buffaloes and Vietnamese villages to HaLong Bay, one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by the UNESCO with over 3,000 spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. Arrival at the port around noon, check in your luxurious cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink before checking into your cabin. While the boat is going through many rocky islets, caves, fish farms and beaches, your lunch will be served on board with fresh seafood. Explore one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. Free time afterwards for swimming or relaxing on the sundeck. Later, the boat moves to a quiet area to dock for an overnight stay. Dinner with Vietnamese food is served on board.
Overnight on the cruise ship.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change according to weather conditions or local administration regulations and ship’s boat availability.
(A detailed itinerary to be provided upon booking request)
Accommodations: Paradise Grand Cruise (Grand Balcony Suite)
DAY 11 HALONG BAY- HANOI
Wake up early to enjoy the dawn and start a perfect new day with Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck or enjoy the breath-taking views of the bay while the boat cruises leisurely in Ha Long Bay.
Breakfast or brunch is served while the boat cruises back from Ha Long Bay. The cruise disembarks at early noon and our private driver is ready to bring you back to Hanoi.
Accommodation: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, luxury room
Meal: None
DAY 12 HANOI - DEPARTURE
Your private driver awaits you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Hanoi International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures.
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