Trip overview
Essence of Vietnam From $1071 USD
Tour Code: EOV
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Destination: Hanoi – Halong – Hoian – Hue-Hochiminh City - Mekong Delta
Commence: Hanoi or Hochiminh City
Conclude: Hochiminh City or Hanoi
Trip Overview
From Parisian charm and grace of Hanoi to a natural wonder of Halong Bay, imperial citadel of Hue, charming ancient town of Hoian, bustling city of Saigon and stunning market in Mekong Delta. This 9 days trip offers the real essence of Vietnam.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport, you will be picking up and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride rambling through the maze of Hanoi’s old quarter. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.
Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Hotel
Day 2: Hanoi (B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided tour to Hochiminh Complex which includes Hochiminh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Hochiminh’s House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, then visit the Temple of Literature. Next is Vietnam National Museum of Ethnology, the attractive collection of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Enjoy lunch at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant which is listed as a famous local fish restaurant in Hanoi. Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi
Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Hotel
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Today, we travel 170km East of Hanoi to Halong bay, the world natural heritage site. Enjoy a drive through rural area with scenic views of rice paddy fields and local people at work. After 3,5 hours of driving, embark our Vietnamese wooden junk. Journey through the spectacular limestone islands and floating villages whilst having a delicious seafood lunch, then disembark to visit 'Sung Sot' or “Surprising cave” which is one of the most imposing grottos of the bay. Sail on to the next stop of Titop Island where you can swim and climb up to the top of the island for panoramic views. Tonight, you will be delighted by a candle light seafood dinner on board.
Accommodation: Overnight on board Bien Ngoc Cruise
Day 4: Halong Bay - Danang – Hoian (B) Flight
A breakfast will be served on board with the combination of western style and local cuisine. Experience the bay up close and personal with a leisurely sampan tour to “Hang Luon” or “Lagoon Cave” for having some stunning picture of the floras and faunas system in Halong and Catba National Park then cruise back to the wharf. Enjoy yet another seafood meal on board before disembarkation for a short flight to Danang then transfer to Hoian. Overnight in Hoian.
Accommodation: Thuy Duong 3 Hotel
Day 5: Hoian - Hue (B, D)
In the morning, take a walking tour in the ancient town of Hoian to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Ancient House, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall and Chua Ong Pagoda. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountain and Cham Museum in Danang. Enjoy a drive to through the impressive Haivan Pass before arriving in Hue, the Former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the evening, enjoy our special treat of dinner at Vuon Y Thao Restaurant for imperial flavors. A superb 3-courses meal will be served in a royal style. Overnight in Hue
Accommodation: Romance Hotel
Day 6: Hue (B)
Rise for an early breakfast, followed by a visit to the city's vibrant Dong Ba Market then the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, depart to the Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum and one of Hue's beautiful garden houses in town. In the afternoon, a dragon boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda brings you to the most famous monument of Buddhism in Vietnam then visits the Tomb of Emperor Tuduc and the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, amongst the contrast of traditional and modern architectures. Overnight in Hue.
Accommodation: Romance Hotel
Day 7: Hue – Hochiminh City (B) Flight
Today, we take a short flight to dynamic Hochiminh City, followed by an orientation visit to the Former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, from there on you will be able to explore all the major sights of Saigon on foot such as: The Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (Formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and the City Hall. The afternoon tour leads you to Cho Lon Quarter or “Big Market” area where major trading activities take place. Overnight in Hochiminh City
Accommodation: Elios Hotel
Day 8: Hochiminh City - Mekong Delta (B,L, D)
Enjoy the morning drive to the fertile Mekong Delta to visit Cai Be Floating Market, then visit a local farm for experiencing the daily activities of the farmers then you will be entertained by local artists with a traditional music show whilst trying locally made products like bee honey tea, rice wine...then the sampan boat ride allows you to discover the smaller backwater canals and tributaries of this region. Drive back to Hochiminh city. Tonight, your tour guide will host a lavish farewell celebration dinner. Overnight in Hochiminh city.
Accommodation: Elios Hotel
Day 9: Hochiminh City Departure (B)
Today, you will have free time for your own activities in Hochiminh city until the pick up time for the airport transfer to your onward flight.
Package Includes
* 02 domestic air tickets (Hanoi - Danang and Hue - Hochiminh City)
* 07 nights in centrally located hotels with twin or double rooms and daily breakfast.
* 01 night on Vietnamese Junk in Halong Bay
* Meals as specified in the itinerary with (B=breakfast,L=lunch,D=diner)
* Private A/C airport transfer & transportation on tour
* All sightseeing tickets as indicated in the itinerary
* Professional English or French speaking tour guide
* Complimentary cold water & wet tissue on touring day
Package Excludes
* International air-ticket
* Visa fee
* Personal Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
* Tip and gratuities
Extension for this tour
1. Day trip to handicraft villages around Hanoi.
2. Cooking class in Hanoi, Hoian or Hochiminh city (Half day)
3. Sapa in Style (4 days 3 nights)
4. Angkor Unveil (4 days 3 nights)
5. Maichau Homestay