Tour Code: OT3SQ9V90DAV
22 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Hanoi – Halong Bay – Mai Chau – Reunification Express – Quang Binh – Hue – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Dalat – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrival in Hanoi. Proceed to your hotel for a tour briefing and reception with welcome beverages.
Lodging: 1 Night
Your air-conditioned van will pick you up from your Hanoi accommodation between 7:45 and 8:15 am, commencing a 2-hour journey to Tuan Chau Pier, the embarkation point for your Halong Bay adventure. A tender boat will transport you to the cruise vessel, where you can relish a refreshing welcome drink and complete the check-in process for your cabin. Departing at 1 pm, savor a delectable seafood lunch (vegetarian options are available upon request). Cruise past landmarks such as Dog Head and Swan Islands, the floating villages of Ba Hang, and Dinh Huong and Thumb Islands. We'll drop anchor at Luon Cave for an hour of sea kayaking around 4 pm. Later, at around 4 pm, sail to Titop Island for swimming, sunbathing, or panoramic views from the island's summit.
As the sun dips below the horizon, return to the boat to enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and fruit, or indulge in your preferred beverage from the onboard bar. A seafood dinner awaits at 7 pm, followed by the option to relax with drinks from the bar or try your hand at squid fishing before retiring for the night. Overnight stay onboard in Halong Bay.
Awaken on the ship to a stunning vista and partake in an early breakfast from 7 to 7:45 am before embarking on an exploration of the captivating Surprising Cave with your guide. By 10 am, conclude your cabin stay as the vessel embarks on the return journey to the harbor, presenting picturesque sights like Fighting Cocks Island and Incense Burner Islet. Engage in an onboard cooking demonstration, discovering the art of crafting authentic Vietnamese spring rolls, followed by an early lunch at 10:45 am. Board the tender boat at 11:20 am, which will ferry you to Tuan Chau Pier, where you'll then hop on the shuttle for the return trip to Hanoi. Anticipate reaching your hotel around 4 pm.
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, encompassing the mausoleum, museum, Ho Chi Minh's residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Proceed to the Temple of Literature and conclude the visit at the well-known "Hanoi Hilton," the former prison. In the evening, witness a distinctive performance of water puppetry.
Journeying towards the scenic high mountains of Mai Chau in the western direction, we make halts at the Ethnology Museum and a village inhabited by the Muong minority along the way. Our overnight stay will be with the White Thai community, providing an opportunity to delve into village life, explore the surroundings, and appreciate their warm hospitality.
Lodging: 1 Night
Begin the day by awakening early and strolling through the picturesque rice fields to visit nearby villages and engage with the local residents. Our return to Hanoi is anticipated in the late afternoon.
Lodging: 1 Night
Commence the day with a cyclo tour, traversing the charming streets of Hanoi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Hanoi or unwind. In the evening, board the Reunification Express, featuring 4-berth sleeper cabins, for an overnight journey to the DMZ.
Lodging: 1 Night
Explore Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, the former border at Ben Hai Bridge, and the Vinh Moc tunnels. In the afternoon, travel to Hue along Highway 1.
Accommodation: 2 Nights
Hue, bisected by the scenic Perfume River, stands as the focal point of Buddhism, art, and literature in Vietnam, serving as the final imperial capital. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Citadel, once the residence of emperors, followed by a serene dragon boat excursion along the Perfume River to reach Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterward, we drive to the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. In the evening, savor the renowned cuisine of Hue.
Embark on a scenic journey across the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to reach Danang, where we visit the Cham Museum before proceeding to the Marble Mountains to explore caves and Buddhist shrines. After a visit to the nearby China Beach, we continue our journey south to the charming town of Hoi An. An enjoyable and informal cooking class awaits you in the evening.
Accommodation: 2 Nights
Embark on a morning boat excursion along the Thu Bon River, succeeded by a walking tour of the historic town of Hoi An. Traverse narrow lanes adorned with centuries-old structures reflecting Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences. A visit to the town's bustling market and picturesque riverfront area is also on the agenda. In the afternoon, venture to the 4th-century Cham ruins at My Son.
Today, we embark on a train journey departing from Danang station, traversing the scenic landscapes of rural Vietnam en route to the coastal haven of Nha Trang. Witness the idyllic village life, picturesque rice fields, and the serene countryside of Vietnam passing by at a leisurely pace.
Accommodation: 2 Nights
Savor a day of relaxation and luxury as we navigate the untouched waters off Nha Trang. Delight in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, rejuvenating massages, and relishing a delectable local seafood lunch. In the mid-afternoon, we return to Nha Trang, providing some free time to explore the town or take a refreshing swim at the main beach.
Ascend the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass to reach the central highlands and Dalat, a charming hill station enveloped by pine forests and adorned with French villas. In this cooler climate, you'll have the opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries after two weeks on the road.
Accommodation: 2 Nights
Explore Vietnam's vibrant and lively market, encounter unique local artists, and either cycle or stroll to a scenic lake. Take pleasure in a cable car ride to a serene Zen Monastery. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and relax.
Departing from Dalat, our journey takes us through the scenic coffee and tea plantations near Bao Loc, passing by a floating village at Langa Lake before reaching Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Accommodation: 3 Nights
Embark on today's guided stroll along the renowned Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), passing landmarks such as the theater, Rex Hotel, Town Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Our itinerary includes visits to the former Presidential Palace and the War Crimes Museum. Following that, we drive to the vibrant Chinatown, exploring Binh Tay, the expansive wholesale market, and the ornate Thien Hau Temple before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please.
In the morning, we explore the renowned Cu Chi tunnels, an intricate network covering nearly 250km that provided shelter to over 16,000 communist guerrillas during the war. There will be an opportunity to crawl through some of the tunnels before returning to Saigon in the mid-afternoon.
Embark on a journey into the verdant Mekong Delta, immersing yourself in the vibrant rice bowl of Vietnam and one of the most industrious regions in Southeast Asia. Our accommodation for the night is in the primary provincial town of Can Tho, conveniently situated just a short walk from the bustling waterside market.
Accommodation: 1 Night
Begin your day by boarding a boat for a captivating visit to the intriguing floating market at Cai Rang. Witness local farmers engaged in the centuries-old tradition of trading their produce on the water. We delve further into the Mekong Delta, offering a distinctive opportunity to explore a facet of Delta life that few tourists encounter. Upon reaching Chau Doc, visit the floating fish farms and then proceed to Sam Mountain for a sunset experience, featuring breathtaking views over rice paddies extending to the Cambodian border.
Accommodation: 1 Night
Embark on a comprehensive day-long journey, combining boat and bus transportation, through the vibrant Mekong Delta back to bustling Saigon. Conclude the day by joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: 1 Night
You will be provided with transportation to the airport for your onward flight.