Overview: This 9 day Vietnam signature tour is perfect for those travelers who wish to maximize their exposure to the cultural and natural highlights of this vibrant country while traveling in comfort and style. Begin with a two-night stay in Hanoi – the bustling political center, which boasts French colonial architecture and dazzling cuisine, discover Halong bay on the cruise junk . Fly from Hanoi to Danang, located on Vietnam’s central coast, where you will visit the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains, and explore the charming town of Hoian. Spend final nights enjoying Saigon before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight!
Tour brief
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi-drive to halong bay-overnight on boat
Day 4 : Halong cruise – drive to Hanoi – fly to Danang-Hoian
Day 5: Hoian city tour
Day 6: Hoian – Cham Island (Eco-tour)
Day 7: Hoian – Danang – Fly to Saigon
Day 8: Saigon – Mekong Delta day trip.
Day 9: Saigon departure
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.
Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, take a walk around the center, visiting some of Hanoi’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay.
Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang – drive to Hoian.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City, where your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.
Day 5: 1/2 Walking Tour – Hoian ancient city.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. From the 16th to 18th centuries Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.
Day 6: Hoian – Cham Island (Eco-tour).
Today you indulge in a picnic on a deserted beach on the Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) by speedboat. Visit the Marine Protected Area, the boat shelter, Hai Tang pagoda, a fishing village and its local market, then trek for 20 minutes to Chong village on the nice sloping and winding sand. Enjoy an amazing view of the East Sea. Go swimming, snorkeling and having lunch afterward.
At 2 PM, cruise back to Cua Dai beach in Hoian. Rest of the day, you are free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.
Day 7: Hoian – Danang – Fly to Saigon.
Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your flight to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant of your choosing then set out on a guided city tour. Visit the War Remnants Museum, learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace, visit the nearby neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the City’s Centre Post Office before passing by the ornate Opera Theatre and the City Hall. Finally, end up at the Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.
Day 8: Saigon – Mekong Delta day trip.
Today you travel to the Mekong River Delta on a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape. After breakfast, your guide & driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at an ancient house in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around 3:30 PM in Vinh Long. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.
Day 9: Saigon Departure.
Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A
Tour price includes:
– 2 domestic flight: Hanoi to Danang & Danang to Saigon
– Accommodations (3 star in average)
– Cruise on Halong Bay
– Breakfast & meals per mentioned in the itinerary
– Transportation by private car with A/C
– English or French-speaking guides
– All entrance fees, performances, boat trips & excursions.
Tour excludes:
– Travel insurance
– International tickets
– Vietnam Visa stamp fee
– Gratuities for tour guides/ drivers
– Other personal expenses.
