Vietnam Highlights 9 Days

A journey of approximately 90 kilometers south from Hanoi will transport you to Ninh Binh, the location of one of the ancient capital cities of Vietnam before Hanoi assumed its prominent role in the 11th century. This region boasts numerous renowned landscapes, including the Tam Coc Caves and the Hoa Lu ancient capital, housing ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le who ruled in the 10th century. Your exploration of Ninh Binh commences with a boat excursion in Tam Coc, where remarkable limestone karsts emerge from the lush green paddy fields, reminiscent of Guilin in China and Vietnam's Halong Bay. This captivating scenery has earned the moniker "Halong-bay-on-land." Return to your hotel in Hanoi later in the day for an overnight stay.

Embarking from Hanoi at 8 AM, we set our course to the East for a journey of over 3 hours to Halong Bay, a jewel in the Gulf of Tonkin and a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage site since 1994. En route, the road traverses the Red River delta, adorned with verdant paddy fields and quaint rural villages where diligent farmers toil away at their agricultural pursuits, tending to ploughing buffaloes or planting seedlings. Upon reaching Halong, we board a spacious vessel to cruise through the bay, unraveling the breathtaking beauty of this "Descending Dragon" bay, sculpted by thousands of uniquely shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. Following a delectable seafood lunch served on board, we have the opportunity to explore the Surprising Grotto, engage in swimming or kayaking, pass by floating villages, and approach islets to appreciate their beauty up close. As the day unfolds, we return to the boat for a late afternoon dinner. The evening invites participation in onboard activities or relaxation at your own pace. Overnight on the boat in proximity to Titov Beach.

Please be aware that the program may undergo slight variations depending on the specific cruise chosen.

Following breakfast, embark on a boat excursion to Luon Cave, a captivating ring-shaped pool nestled inside an island in Halong Bay, boasting an absolutely serene landscape and emerald waters. Return to the Halong Wharf, traversing the most densely populated area with numerous islands, each with distinctive names such as the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense Burner Rock, or Sea Dog Rock. Reach Halong Wharf around 11:00.

Hop onto the shuttle bus for the return journey to Hanoi. En route, our driver will be waiting to seamlessly continue the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for a brief flight to Danang.

Upon arrival at the airport, a warm welcome awaits, and you'll be transferred along the scenic coast to reach the charming Hoi An Ancient Town for check-in.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Hoi An.

Embark on a fascinating stroll across the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, explore the serene Chinese Assembly Halls, and revel in the charm of historic houses like Tan Ky and Phung Hung, not to forget the iconic Japanese Bridge. Subsequently, consider pausing at shrines or meandering through the market situated along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Here, you may experience the same enchantment felt by artists who perceive the rooftops of Hoi An as a magical realm exuding Oriental charm and serving as a wellspring of inspiration. Hoi An is also a delightful town for indulging in lantern shopping, acquiring soft silk or raw silk, or even having your clothing tailored within a day. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the town independently or opt for a leisurely cycle ride (Bike rental at the guest's expense) along the scenic Thu Bon River to Cua Dai Beach. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hoi An.

Take it easy until your transfer to Da Nang Airport for the midday flight bound for Saigon. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, a warm welcome awaits, and you'll be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Subsequently, partake in a half-day tour to gain an overview of Saigon, Vietnam's most dynamic city.

Embark on a journey from your hotel to the Reunification Palace, an impeccably preserved residence that once served as the home of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th, 1975, this palace marked the official end of the American War. Explore the War Remnants Museum, housing an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and images chronicling the Second Indochina War.

Following that, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed in 1880, and the Old Post Office, a splendid exemplar of classical French colonial architecture built between 1886 and 1891. The final destination is a local market, where you can hone your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Immerse yourself in local life and culture, engaging with some of the city's friendliest, most vibrant, and convivial individuals. Enjoy an overnight stay in Saigon.

Our team will pick you up and drive towards My Tho, renowned as the birthplace of coconut and home to family-run factories producing local delights such as coconut candy and rice paper. Upon arrival, embark on a boat journey along the mighty Mekong River, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people residing along its banks.

Pause at one of the four islands in the region for sightseeing. Indulge in the flavors of fresh tropical fruits served amidst the lush gardens, accompanied by traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music. Following this, board small rowboats, expertly guided by locals, navigating through narrow canals lined with water coconut trees. Visit local factories where you can sample honey tea, witness the production of coconut candy milk, and even try the delectable treats. Take a leisurely stroll in the garden where locals tend to honeybees.

Continue the adventure on a larger boat, exploring the expansive Mekong River. Relish a delightful lunch at a local restaurant by the Mekong River. In the afternoon, journey back to Saigon with a stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a renowned religious site featuring a blend of Chinese, Cambodian, and French architectural influences. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Saigon.

In the morning, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant remnant of the Vietnam War. Buried beneath the earth are 200 km of tunnels, meticulously dug by hand and utilized by Vietnamese guerrilla forces during the conflict. At its zenith, just before the Tet Offensive in 1968, this tunnel complex served as a base for nearly 10,000 troops. Even today, it stands as a remarkable testament to the intensity of the war. For a genuine experience, you can attempt to crawl through a section of the tunnels, gaining firsthand insight into the challenging conditions faced by those who navigated them. Return to Saigon.

The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, allowing for shopping in the downtown area, where an array of charming items is available at very reasonable prices. Notable places for your shopping excursion include Ben Thanh Market, a central and iconic market in Saigon; Saigon Square, a short walk from Ben Thanh Market; An Dong Plaza and its adjacent market; or Diamond Plaza and Thuong Xa Tax if you seek high-quality and branded goods. Enjoy an overnight stay in Saigon.

If your flight is scheduled for the afternoon, you have the opportunity for additional half-day sightseeing and shopping before your departure. Take advantage of this time until the standard check-out time, and then proceed to the airport for your departure flight back to your home.

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Note: The standard check-out time is typically around 12:00 PM.