Vietnam Tour

On arrival, pick up by our guide and driver from the airport and transfer to city centre. Transfer to check in hotel. Standard check-in time is 14h00/15h00. Early check-in upon availability. This afternoon, we visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (from outside as closed in the afternoon), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. We visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally used to detain political prisoners, the Americans called it “Hanoi Hilton” during the Second Indochina War. Here we can see the original cells, complete with leg-irons, along with a selection of displays illustrating the horrors of life in the prison during the French colonial period.. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, a 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead us to Ninh Binh – the perfect place to relax and unwind while soaking up the landscape of Vietnam. On arrival, we start the 2hour-boat trip to visit Tam Coc. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc are three limestone caves stretching along Ngo Dong river. The boat trip is a nice journey along the river with peaceful scenery of Limestone Mountains, rice paddy and the site of some temples along the way from Hang Ca (first cave) to Hang Hai (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave). We then will drive to Hoa Lu thru tranquil villages to enjoy the daily life of people in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam for 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, and 29 years later was under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In Hoa Lu now, 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, and the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history. Late afternoon, we return to Hanoi. Meal: Breakfast Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast and check out hotel, we transfer by sharing Limousine to Halong (no guide), one of the earliest World Heritages Sites designated by UNESCO for Vietnam in 1994. Upon arrival in Halong, we check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. Lunch on board (water and drinks at meal excluded). This afternoon, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating houses and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the cruise, enjoy cooking demonstration (optional) and sunset view from sundeck. Dinner on board (water and drinks at meal excluded). Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner Overnight on Cruise.

Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Early lunch/brunch will be served on board (water and drinks at meal excluded). Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions. Arrive at Halong Wharf around noon time, pick up by sharing Limousine to meeting point. Then we head to Noi Bai airport by private car for our flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet our local driver (no guide) and transfer to city centre. Meal: Breakfast + Brunch Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, free at leisure. This afternoon, we then transfer to visit Cam Thanh village and Bay Mau coconut forest. Here we will learn how to paddle the Vietnamese unique bamboo basket boat and explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanking the waterways. We also learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. Relax and enjoy the surroundings before heading to Hoian. Then, we transfer to visit Hoian ancient town. We take an interesting walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly halls and enjoy the attractiveness of ancient houses or listen to folk music of Central Vietnam at old club-houses. Later we can stop at shrines or stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river, where you may find the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoian a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. Meal: Breakfast Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, transfer to Ba Na hills and take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Reach the French-inspired hilltop resort, we visit the Old Villas, French Stable, and Tinh Tam Garden with our English-speaking guide for a walk down the hills’ memory lane. Admire the lush vegetation and the rich terrains of Truong Son mountain that stretches to the East Sea from the iconic Golden Bridge. Just a few steps away from the village stands the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the 27-meter high Buddha statue. See an impressive facade of traditional Vietnamese architecture when we visit the pagoda. Next, head to Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion for a walk through well-manicured landscapes that serve as gorgeous backdrops for photoshoots. We reach Nui Chua Peak, marvel at the natural reserve's beauty and remember to snap a photo or two. Our next stop will be the Fantasy Park, an amusement park inspired by French chateaus and palaces. Have fun with exciting rides fit for all ages.  Go downhill by cable car and return to Danang. Meal: Breakfast Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, at leisure until checking out of hotel. Transfer with our driver to the airport for your flight to Saigon (no guide). On arrival, pick up by our guide and driver from the airport and transfer city centre. Afternoon, drive to visit Cu Chi tunnels - the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Return to HCMC. Meal: Breakfast Overnight in HCMC.

After breakfast, check out hotel then visit: The harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. We then visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (outside due to construction), a neo-Roman cathedral built by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles, and Saigon Central Post Office, which was designed and constructed in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and take photo of Reunification Palace from outside. End our tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Standard check-out time is 11h00/12h00. Late check-out upon availability. Transfer with our driver to the airport for our departure flight. Meal: Breakfast *** End of services ***