Essence of Vietnam 11 Days

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before beginning your exploration of Vietnam's enchanting capital. Discover Hanoi's captivating charm as you visit its iconic sites. Marvel at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, admire the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake, and choose between visiting either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum. Conclude your day with a traditional water puppet show, showcasing a treasured ancient art form.

Embark on an unforgettable journey as our knowledgeable guide and comfortable shuttle bus pick you up from your hotel lobby between 8:00-8:20 AM. We venture eastward towards the mesmerizing Halong Bay, passing by scenic rice-farming villages that showcase the authentic Vietnamese village life. Upon arrival, we step aboard a charming traditional junk boat and begin our exploration of the bay's breathtaking landscape, adorned with over 3,000 limestone islets. Enjoy a delightful seafood feast for dinner and indulge in an evening swim from the boat's side as we anchor in the enchanting lagoon. Spend the night on our luxurious cruise ship. 3-star option: Renea Cruise - Deluxe room 4-star option: Aclass Stella - Deluxe room 5-star option: Signature Royal Cruise - Junior Suite

Start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session or savor a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the day's activities. The boat will navigate back to the port, making a stop at the Cave of Surprises, adorned with mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites. From here, we sail smoothly back to the main harbor, where we bid farewell to Halong Bay and embark on our return journey to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Once in Da Nang, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. 3-star option: Zen Boutique Villa 4-star option: Ann Retreat - Deluxe Room 5-star option: Allegro Hoi An - Junior Suite

At 9:00 AM, embark on a cycling adventure into the picturesque countryside, heading towards the charming Tra Que Vegetable Village. Immerse yourself in the verdant greenery of the countryside and observe the local farmers as they tend to their crops. Later, engage in a hands-on experience as you learn the art of making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and enjoy a revitalizing foot massage using aromatic herbs. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Visit art galleries, browse through handicraft stores, indulge in tailor-made clothing, unwind at riverside restaurants, or venture to the nearby beach for relaxation. Spend the night in Hoi An.

Embark on a captivating journey to the My Son Sanctuary, located approximately 50km southwest of Hoi An. This UNESCO-recognized Cultural Heritage site, adorned with 32 epitaphs and 71 monuments, offers a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and architecture of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Marvel at the Hindu sanctuary that dates back to the 4th century, witnessed the kingdom's rise and decline in the 13th century, and eventually ceased to exist in the 15th century. My Son Sanctuary, once the capital of the Champa Kingdom dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, now showcases a collection of partially ruined and heavily damaged Hindu temples. Out of the original structures, only 20 remain due to the passage of time and bombing during the Vietnam War. This majestic site stands as a testament to the grandeur of the bygone Cham culture. Note: The tour is available in both the morning and afternoon.

After checking out of the hotel, embark on a captivating journey from Hoi An to Hue, taking the scenic route via the Hai Van Pass. Along the way, our driver will make stops at the picturesque Lang Co Beach and the enchanting Marble Mountain. Upon arrival in Hue, board a Dragon Boat for a leisurely cruise along the romantic Perfume River, venturing into the countryside. As the former capital, Hue is adorned with ancient tombs of revered emperors, and today's itinerary will include visits to the most exquisite tombs. Begin with the elegant Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), offering breathtaking views of the Perfume River and its surroundings. Thien Mu Pagoda holds great significance as a symbol of Hue and Buddhism in Vietnam. Next, proceed to either King Minh Mang's Tomb or King Tu Duc's Tomb, both renowned for their architectural splendor. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the exploration of Hue Citadel and Dong Ba Market. Spend the night in Hue. Note: The hotel options for overnight stay are as follows: 3-star: Rosaleen Hotel - Superior room 4-star: Alba Spa Hotel - Deluxe room 5-star: Imperial Hotel - DLX City room

In the morning, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. 3-star: GK Central Hotel - Deluxe room 4-star: Liberty Central Hotel - Deluxe room 5-star: Majestic Hotel - Colonial Grand

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 8:00 AM to embark on a captivating city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the iconic Reunification Palace, a significant national relic known for its historical and architectural value, as well as the War Remnants Museum, providing insight into Vietnam's wartime past. Continue the tour with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, both notable French architectural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before departing the city for a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These intricate tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers, were a crucial part of Vietnamese fighters' strategy during the war. Discover the maze-like tunnels that served as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living quarters. If you are interested, you can even venture into the tunnels to experience the challenging living conditions endured by the Vietnamese fighters. Note: The tour package includes an opportunity to explore the tunnels for those interested.

Embark on a scenic one-and-a-half-hour bus ride through picturesque rice fields along National Highway 1, immersing yourself in the charming rural district of Trung Luong. Upon arrival in My Tho, visit the exquisite Vinh Trang Pagoda before embarking on a motorboat to traverse the Bao Dinh natural canal and enter My Tho city. Delight in a leisurely cruise along the Tien River, where you can admire the enchanting Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a coconut candy mill. Experience the magic of a hand-rowed sampan boat trip along serene canals adorned with water coconut trees. Indulge in the flavors of seasonal fruits and sip on refreshing honey tea, all while being serenaded by the captivating melodies of authentic Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local artists. Reunite with your group at the bus and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your departure flights back home.