Vietnam
Discover the Timeless Charm of Vietnam: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty!
Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam. From the bustling streets of Hanoi, where the aroma of pho fills the air and motorbikes weave through narrow alleys, to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts rise majestically from emerald waters, Vietnam offers a feast for the senses at every turn. Explore the ancient temples and imperial citadels of Hue, once the seat of the Nguyen dynasty, or wander through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, where centuries-old architecture whispers tales of bygone eras.
9 NIGHTS ACCOMODATIONS
GROUND TRANSFERS
CITY TOUR/ EXCURSIONS
BREAKFAST DAILY
INCLUSIONS:
- 09 nights accommodation – sharing room with daily breakfast
- 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise Package (private en-suite cabin & shared boat)
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: B = breakfast; L = lunch and D = Dinner (9 breakfasts + 1 brunch + 6 lunches + 3 dinners)
- 01 Local Drink For Welcome & Farewell Meals
- Regional English speaking guides for tour and excursion except leisure time
- Private transfers with modern conditioned vehicles
- Boat cruises/ Cyclo/ Bicycle where mentioned
- Private tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Local travel insurance included in sightseeing tickets
- Water & cold tissue in car
- Government taxes & Service charge
EXCLUSIONS:
- Visa – quoted separately
- All domestic and regional flights – quoted separately
- Personal expenses
- Tipping: guide(s), Driver(s), cruise, boat man, bell boys & restaurants, etc
- Travel insurance
- Bank transfer fee if any
- Early check in/late check out (applied with surcharge)
- Other services than mentioned
Itinerary
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DAY 01: Arrival in Hanoi, Group meeting – Welcome dinner (D)
Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam!
Upon arrival, get picked up at the airport and transferred to downtown Hanoi for hotel check-in.
Boasted as one of the liveliest and loveliest cities in Asia, Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam – has a thousand-year history that retains a deep sense of tradition while embodying the vibrant character of a fast-growing city.
The city features tree-lined boulevards characterized by yellow-painted colonial buildings, and the Old Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, allows you to get lost among thousands of colorful shops, traditional guilds, ancient temples, food venues, street cafés, sounds, and smells.
What an interesting experience it is to join locals for morning exercise around the lakes, stroll around capturing scenes of daily life, or simply sit back sipping café au lait while watching the fast-moving currents of the city’s traffic. The night market in the town center is available on weekends.
Schedule
- 18:30: Group meeting at hotel lobby
- 19:00: Walk to our restaurant
- 19:30: Welcome Dinner
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle (40 mins)
- Meal Inclusions: Welcome Dinner (1 local drink included)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 02: Hanoi sightseeing – visit highlights of Hanoi (B,L)
Breakfast at your hotel!
08:30: Meet in the lobby of the hotel. We will head out to explore some of the major beautiful sites in the city:
- Drive through bustling streets lined with French colonial-style structures on your way to the nation’s capital, including:
- The Parliament
- Party House
- The President’s House
- The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh – the founding father of Vietnam.
09:00 – 10:00: Take a leisurely walk through tranquil carp-filled ponds and well-tended gardens leading to Uncle Ho’s house on stilts, where “Uncle Ho” once lived, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, significant as it was part of the founding of Hanoi as Vietnam’s capital in 1049. These two structures hold symbolic significance for Vietnam and particularly for Hanoians.
- Then, take a walk along the bank of West Lake to capture some nice pictures, followed by a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists.
11:00 – 11:30: Visit the Temple of Literature:
- Explore the incredible compound, which was constructed in 1076. Hear stories about the buildings’ history and get a glimpse into the past when it served as a university and a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty and elite members known as mandarins.
Lunch: We will then drive to the Old Quarter for lunch at a local food stall to try ‘Bun Cha’. This simple dish is a great combination of savory and fresh flavors, reflecting the natural eating habits of Vietnamese people.
Afternoon Activities
Learn about the French/Vietnamese War and the American/Vietnam War by exploring the Hoa Lo Prison & Museum. Once nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American prisoners of war, it was built by the French to hold Vietnamese political prisoners.
Later in the day, enjoy a leisurely walking tour for sightseeing in the Hanoi Old Quarter and partake in a food tasting tour for some of Hanoi’s specialties.
End the tour with a cup of Hanoi’s special egg coffee in a hundred-year-old family shop.
Dinner
Dinner is up to you. You may want to try the restaurants in the hotel, or let our guide know, and they can recommend various fusion restaurants or local favorites.
Overnight: Hotel located in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter.
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear: Comfortable, layered clothing and appropriate footwear for walking.
- Bring: Daypack with a water bottle, sunscreen/hat, and personal items (phone, wallet, etc.).
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Hanoi city tour
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 03: – Hanoi – Halong Bay cruise (joined tour) (B,L,D)
08:30 AM: Get picked up from the hotel and leave Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to the pier where you will board the boat for a cruise on the spectacular Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay.
11:30 – 12:00: Check-in at Paradise Suites Hotel – Tuan Chau Island.
12:00 – 12:30: You will be transferred to the pier to embark on the Paradise Grand cruise by a 5-star speedboat.
12:30: The speedboat starts sailing to take you on board the Paradise Grand cruise.
12:45: The cruise manager conducts a short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations while you enjoy your welcome drink aboard the Paradise Grand cruises.
13:00: Buffet lunch will be served in the La Espacia Restaurant while the Paradise Grand cruises to the islands and islets of stunning Lan Ha Bay.
14:30 – 16:30: The first destination is Viet Hai village. You can explore the majestic landscapes and the simple life of local villagers by going cycling, walking, or taking an electric car. You will also visit a fish farm, bee houses, and an ancient house, and experience a fish pond foot massage.
16:30 – 17:30: Take your time to contemplate the beauty of Lan Ha Bay or alternatively treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea in the Piano Lounge or indulge in a Spa Treatment*.
17:30 – 19:00: At sundown, the Paradise Grand cruises will anchor overnight. This is the perfect time for you to enjoy Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free from 17:30 to 18:30) and a cooking class on a notable Vietnamese dish while being serenaded by a live music performance by a Philippines band** at L’Odyssée Sundeck or Piano Lounge.
19:15: Dinner is served in the La Espacia Restaurant.
21:00 – 23:00: Indulge yourself at the Piano Lounge with a nice glass of wine*, try squid fishing at the back of the boat, or enjoy fantastic movies on our large screen in Le Piano Lounge.
Note: The itinerary is applied from October to April. Due to cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area, but internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of the bay. Thank you for your understanding.
Live music is performed for 45 minutes each slot and is not available on Mondays.
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle, Shared cruise
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Cruising, Cycling
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch & Dinner on board
- Accommodation: Overnight on board
Day 04 Cruising Halong bay – Ninh Binh (B,Br)
06:30 – 07:00: Welcome your second day onboard Paradise Grand with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises.
07:00 – 07:30: Re-energize yourself with a light breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, coffee, and tea in the restaurant.
07:30 – 08:30: Your last trip stop is the magnificent Dark and Bright Cave; you will be transported there by locals rowing bamboo boats. This poetic and stunning location serves as an accessway to a beautiful and tranquil lake, surrounded by walls of stones of various scales and sizes.
08:30: Back on board, breakfast will be served as we cruise back to the harbor for your bill settlement and check-out.
09:30 – 10:00: After breakfast, settle your bills and return the room keys to the reception area. Enjoy your remaining moments at the Piano Lounge or on the sundeck, taking in the astonishing view of Lan Ha Bay.
10:15 – 10:30: After disembarking from Paradise Grand, you will be transferred on a speedboat to return to Tuan Chau Marina.
Transfer to Ninh Binh: Meet your guide and driver for a 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh.
Arrival: Visit the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. Here you will explore 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, much of which has been destroyed, once covered an area of three square kilometers.
Check-in: Hotel at the end of the day.
Dinner: The driver and guide will take you out for dinner (dinner is at your own expense).
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle, Shared cruise
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Cruising, Kayaking, Visit ancient Hoa Lu Citadel
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & Brunch on board
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh
Day 05 Ninh Binh Karst Landscape – Flight to Danang – Transfer to Hoi An (B)
Breakfast is at the hotel
In the morning, make a visit to the My Son Holy land, one of the World heritages sites in Vietnam. Built between the 4th and 13th centuries, My Son is a unique cultural site which owes its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism. This is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom before it became part of Vietnam.
In the afternoon, embarking on a walking tour to discover featured sights of Hoi An ancient town such as central market, former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and Hoi An museum.
Back to hotel and relax
Overnight in hotel in Hoi An
Day 06 Hoi An Best Day – City & countryside – Cooking demonstration class (B,L)
Breakfast: After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start our day visiting historic cultural sites. Learn about how the city’s port has influenced architecture throughout Hoi An, setting the stage for another great day.
09:00:
Transfer to Cam Thanh Village: Hop into a round basket boat and navigate through the river communities and the coconut waterway, which served as a lair for the Viet Cong during the war. Listen to stories about the history of the land.
Visit Taboo Bamboo Workshop: Explore a local bamboo artisan shop and meet Mr. Tan, who will share the importance and value of bamboo in Vietnamese culture. You’ll even have the chance to take home your own bamboo souvenir.
Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village: Visit a farmer’s house and join the farmer in learning and practicing traditional farming methods. Discover how they fertilize the land with seaweed sourced from the nearby river. Participate in cooking some famous local dishes, including:
- Banana Flower Salad
- Local Fresh Spring Rolls (Tam Hữu)
- Local Rice-Pancakes (Bánh Xèo)
with guidance from the farmer’s family.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Transfer to this pottery village to explore the village’s temple, museum with changing exhibits, and try your hand at pottery-making.
Return to Hoi An: Enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An town.
Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town:
Explore featured sights including:
- Central Market
- Former Merchants’ Houses
- 400-Year-Old Japanese Covered Bridge
- Chinese Communal Hall
- Hoi An Museum or the Precious Heritage Art Gallery, which focuses on the diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Dinner: Dinner is at your leisure, with time to explore the town on your own, get a massage, or simply relax poolside.
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear: Comfortable, layered clothing; appropriate footwear for walking.
- Bring: Daypack with a water bottle, sunscreen/hat, and personal items (phone, wallet, etc.).
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle, boat
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Visit Hoi An countryside, Cooking demonstration class, Ancient town walking tour
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch (Cooking class)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 07 Hoi An – Danang sightseeing – Hue Royal City discovery (B,L)
09:00: Check out of the hotel and transfer to Hue.
Stops for Exploration and Photo Opportunities:
- Marble Mountain
- Dragon Bridge
- Love Lock Bridge
- China Beach
- Scenic Hai Van Pass
Arrival in Hue:
Arrive by noon and enjoy lunch at a garden restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Hue cuisine.
Afternoon Activities
Guided Tour: Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City
- Overview: Built between 1804 and 1830, this complex served as the home of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings, who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.
- Features of the Citadel:
- Constructed in a style similar to the Forbidden Palace in China
- Self-contained village with theaters, parks, residences for concubines, pagodas for religious practices, and political courts
- Historical Significance: Although many buildings were damaged during the wars, the remaining structures reflect the grandeur and ceremonial splendor of Vietnam’s royal past.
Check-In: After the tour, check in to your hotel.
Dinner: Dinner is at your leisure, allowing you to explore local dining options or relax at the hotel.
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Hoi An – Hue sightseeing en route, Hue Royal city discovery
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 08 Mekong Delta tour (B/L)
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
08:30: Check out of the Hue hotel and proceed to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda and symbol of Hue, featuring its iconic 7-storey Phuoc Duyen tower.
Visit an Emperor Mausoleum:
Explore one of the Emperor Mausoleums, an eternal resting place for emperors, showcasing unique architecture that is part of Hue’s World Heritage. These mausoleums are built in accordance with strict Feng Shui principles and align with the Royal Citadel.
Departure from Hue:
Say “hẹn gặp lại” to Hue as you board a plane for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a vibrant city blending ancient and modern architecture.
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
City Exploration:
Upon arrival, start your explorations by visiting some of the city’s architectural highlights, including:
War Remnants Museum:
Peruse displays and exhibition halls documenting the French and American wars. This museum provides a profound insight into the city’s history.Reunification Hall (photo stop):
Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, explore the building seized by the North Vietnamese army on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon. The palace is preserved like a time capsule, complete with antique furniture and the tanks that crashed through the gates.Walking Tour:
Stroll through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City for an introduction to its vibrant atmosphere. Visit famous colonial landmarks such as:- Old Saigon Post Office
- Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat)
- Continental Hotel
- Opera House
- Notre Dame Cathedral
Free Time for Dinner:
Enjoy free time for dinner, allowing you to explore local dining options at your leisure.
Day 09 : Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Discovery – Farewell dinner (B,L,D)
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
08:30: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho, located on the left side of the Mekong River.
Scenic Journey and Activities
- Express Trung Luong Highway: Enjoy the scenic journey along this highway.
- Boat Trip: Take a leisurely boat trip around the four beautiful islands:
- Dragon Island
- Unicorn Island
- Phoenix Island
- Tortoise Island
Visit Local Orchards:
- Sample freshly picked fruits at the invitation of friendly local farmers.
Rowing Boat Ride:
- Experience a rowing boat ride in the shadows of water-coconut palms along the tiny canals of Ben Tre Province, immersing yourself in the traditional rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta inhabitants.
Arrival in My Tho
Vinh Trang Pagoda:
Upon arrival, visit this pagoda dating back to the late 19th century.Sampan Cruise:
Board a sampan and cruise down the river to explore the four beautiful islands.Thoi Son Island (Unicorn Island):
- The largest island in the area, spanning over 1,200 hectares.
- Wander through an orchid garden and visit a local bee farm for freshly brewed honey tea.
- Discover the chocolate production process at a local workshop.
Continue to Ben Tre Province
Coconut Candy Workshop:
Visit a traditional workshop to see how this local specialty is made.Tuk-Tuk Ride:
Ride on a tuk-tuk along peaceful village roads, surrounded by lush greenery and the charm of rural life.
Local Farmhouse Relaxation:
- Relax at a local farmhouse, savor fresh tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional music performed by local artists.
Hand-Rowed Sampan Ride:
- Glide through serene canals lined with water-coconut palms, soaking in the tranquility of the countryside.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities
Traditional Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.Exciting Ride:
Continue with a ride on a motor cart (or bicycle) along shady paths, passing coconut forests, green rice fields, and vegetable plains to experience the local life. For those who prefer, hammocks are available for relaxing in the cool breeze.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Drive Back: After a day full of exploration, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Farewell Dinner:
Conclude the day with a farewell dinner, providing a perfect ending to a day rich in exploration and cultural immersion.
What to Wear and Bring
- Wear: Comfortable, layered clothing and appropriate footwear for walking.
- Bring: A daypack with a water bottle, sunscreen/hat, and personal items (phone, wallet, etc.).
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Private vehicle, private boat, motor cart/bike
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
- Activities: Mekong Delta discovery, local cottage industries visiting
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner (includes 1 local drink)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10 : Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
Breakfast:
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Free Time:
- Take some time for last-minute purchases or relax before your transfer to the airport.
Airport Transfer:
- A transfer will be arranged for everyone to the airport.
- Suggested Departure: Leave the hotel 3 hours before your flight departure time.
Check-Out Time:
- The check-out time at your hotel is 12:00 PM.
Safe Travels
We wish you safe travels and hope to see you again soon!
Summary of Inclusions
- Transportation: Separated private airport transfer for everyone
- Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Important Notes
Peak Period Surcharges:
- Halong Bay Cruise: A surcharge of USD 65 per room per night applies on:
- Christmas (Dec 23-25, 2025 & 2026)
- New Year’s Eve (Dec 30 – Jan 1, 2026 & 2027)
- Halong Bay Cruise: A surcharge of USD 65 per room per night applies on:
Gala Dinners:
- Legacy Hoi An:
- USD 55 per adult on Christmas & New Year’s Eve (Dec 24 & Dec 31)
- USD 25 per adult on Lunar New Year (Feb 16, 2026), National Day (Sep 2, 2025 & 2026), and Liberation Day – International Labor Day (Apr 30 – May 1, 2026).
- Hue Ecolodge:
- USD 40 per adult on Christmas & New Year’s Eve (Dec 24 & Dec 31)
- Legacy Hoi An:
1. Additional price for flight tickets (available at time of checking)
| ESTIMATED PRICE FOR FLIGHT TICKET (AVAILABLE AT TIME CHECKING) PER PERSON | |
|---|---|
| Hanoi – Danang | USD 90 / person |
| Hue – Ho Chi Minh City | USD 90 / person |
| City | DELUXE CLASS (4*) | Room type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Rey Hanoi Hotel | Superior | ROH |
| Halong Bay Cruise | Paradise Grand Cruise 5* | Grand Balcony | ROH |
| Ninh Binh | Memorina Ninh Binh Resort | Senior Deluxe Lake View | ROH |
| Hoi An | Legacy Hoi An Resort | Deluxe Garden View | ROH |
| Hue | Hue Ecolodge | Deluxe | ROH |