Vietnam Tour of Highlights 12 Days

Embark on a comprehensive full-day tour to discover the remarkable highlights of Hanoi. Begin your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Cho Hom, a bustling local market where residents gather to purchase an array of fresh food, produce, and household items. Next, delve into the compelling life of Ho Chi Minh at the memorial complex dedicated to this revered leader. Visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, two significant landmarks that offer insights into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Ethnology, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Alternatively, you can opt to visit the Historical Museum, which houses a fascinating array of artifacts depicting the country's captivating history. Conclude your day with a captivating water puppet show at the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in the serene Hoan Kiem area. This unique art form portrays Vietnamese traditions, historical legends, and daily life through captivating puppetry and traditional music. The one-hour performance offers a delightful and educational experience for both adults and children. Overnight in Hanoi.

07:45: Our dedicated shuttle bus, accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, will pick you up from your hotel. (Note: This service is exclusive to shuttle bus users.) 10:30: Enjoy a stopover in Hai Duong City, where you can immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of authentic Vietnamese handicraft products. 12:30: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina Pier on Tuan Chau Island. Begin your memorable cruise experience with a warm welcome drink and a comprehensive briefing from our Cruise Manager. Settle into your cabins. 13:30: Indulge in a delectable lunch as we cruise past breathtaking islets. 15:00: Engage in kayaking around the enchanting Pearl Farm Village and visit Titop Island. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and conquering the peak of Halong's largest island, capturing panoramic photos of the bay in the afternoon. 17:30: Delight in our Happy Hour promotion, where you can buy two beverages and receive one complimentary. 18:00: Participate in our captivating Cooking Class, led by our talented Chef in the dining room. Experience the preparation of a unique Vietnamese dish as our guide explains the process. Duration: approximately 20 – 30 minutes. 18:30: Relish the enchanting Sunset Party, featuring an assortment of fresh fruits and fragrant tea. 19:30: Under the mesmerizing night sky, savor a luxurious set menu dinner showcasing a variety of Vietnamese and Asian delicacies. 21:00: Join our crew for an exhilarating squid fishing experience, followed by the opportunity to enjoy the freshly caught squid, expertly prepared by our chef. Alternatively, unwind with our delightful happy-hour drinks at the bar. Meal code: (B, L, D) Inclusions: Bus transfer, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Boat trip

06:15: Engage in a revitalizing Tai Chi class on the Sun-Deck. 07:15: Indulge in a light breakfast accompanied by coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries on board. 07:45: Explore the magnificent Surprising Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay, spanning an impressive 10,000 square meters. Marvel at its three chambers, reminiscent of a Vietnamese house, featuring a lobby, dining room, and bedroom adorned with exquisite stalagmites and stalactites. Enjoy a guided tour of the cave for approximately 60 minutes. 09:00: Return to the boat, freshen up, and complete your packing. Kindly ensure that all belongings are removed from the cabins, leaving heavy luggage outside. 10:00: Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, savoring the breathtaking bay scenery as we approach the pier. 10:45: Delight in a delectable lunch served on board. Following lunch, continue to relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, admiring the captivating bay scenery as we make our way to the pier. 11:45 – 12:00: Board the Shuttle Bus for the return journey to Hanoi. Enjoy free time to explore and unwind in Hanoi. Indulge in dinner at your own leisure before being transferred to Hanoi station for the night train to Sapa. Meal code: (B, L) Inclusions: Boat trip, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Bus transfer, Daily room in Hanoi hotel, Train ticket. O/N in Hanoi.

Embark on a scenic road journey to Ninh Binh province, renowned as the ancient capital and the mesmerizing "Halong Bay on land". Arriving at Hoa Lu, we will explore two temples honoring King Dinh and King Le, esteemed rulers of the country's initial dynasties. Marvel at the majestic Ma Yen mount, reached by ascending over 200 steps, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Our next destination is Tam Coc, also known as the "Halong Bay on land". Glide serenely on a sampan through the tranquil and picturesque setting of rice fields, embraced by towering limestone cliffs, as we navigate the enchanting grottoes of Tam Coc. Later in the day, return to Hanoi. O/N in Hanoi.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Noi Bai airport for a morning flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will warmly welcome you and assist with transferring your luggage to the hotel. Next, embark on a serene boat journey along the enchanting Perfume River, where you'll visit the renowned Thien Mu Pagoda. This ancient pagoda, nestled by the riverside, boasts remarkable architectural beauty and holds significant religious importance in Hue. Continuing our exploration, we venture to the Imperial Citadel, a historical site where the Nguyen Dynasty once reigned from 1802 to 1945. Witness the awe-inspiring structures within, including the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and the intriguing Forbidden Purple City. Although partially destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the remnants of this royal residence still carry captivating tales of the past. Adjacent to the Imperial Citadel lies the Hue Imperial Museum, housing a captivating collection of bronzes, ceramics, imperial garments, and personal belongings of emperors. As the day draws to a close, we embark on a delightful stroll through the vibrant Dong Ba Market, renowned for its diverse range of local products and handicrafts. Along the way, indulge in the opportunity to savor authentic local delicacies at the numerous enticing food stalls. O/N in Hue.

Begin the morning with a captivating journey through the lush hills, leading us to Emperor Tu Duc's elaborate royal tomb and the renowned Tu Hieu Pagoda. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of these significant historical sites. As we depart for Da Nang, revel in the breathtaking scenery during the scenic 4-hour drive along the Hai Van Pass, offering mesmerizing vistas of mountains, sparkling seas, pristine beaches, and charming villages. (Alternatively, we can opt for a shorter route via the tunnel.) Upon arrival in Da Nang, our first stop is the Cham Museum, formerly known as the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient. This museum houses a remarkable collection of sandstone carvings that once adorned the ancient Kingdom of Champa, a vibrant coastal region prior to the southward expansion of Vietnam. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship on display. Next, we venture to the Marble Mountains, a captivating complex of grottoes and temples representing the five elements of the universe. Delight in the beauty and tranquility of this natural wonder. Continuing our journey, we proceed southward to the enchanting town of Hoi An, renowned as a bustling trading hub in Southeast Asia during the 16th century. O/N in Hoi An.

Explore the captivating charm of Hoi An, an ancient Cham seaport that has gracefully absorbed the cultural influences of diverse traders throughout the centuries. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this delightful town as we embark on a journey of discovery. Marvel at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridges, delve into the rich history at the Pottery Museum, step into the 200-year-old Tamky House, and admire the ornate beauty of Chua Ong Pagoda. Our vibrant market visit adds a touch of liveliness to the experience. Delight in an enchanting walking tour, where we meander through the narrow streets, passing by charming low tiled houses and assembly halls that bear testament to Hoi An's multicultural past.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for a short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. This bustling metropolis is a vibrant contrast to the tranquility of Hoi An, filled with a bustling sea of bikes and motorbikes, vibrant shopping areas, and charming sidewalk cafes. In the afternoon, we will embark on a sightseeing tour to discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. As we traverse the lively streets, we will pass by iconic landmarks on our way to the Reunification Palace. This historic mansion was once the residence of the South Vietnamese President until April 1975. Nearby, we will encounter impressive French colonial structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon post office. Our final stop will be at Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find a plethora of goods for sale. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, we will embark on an intriguing journey to Tay Ninh, the headquarters of the Cao Dai region, which was established in 1926. Upon arrival, we will witness the mesmerizing mid-day mass, where followers don vibrant robes representing the unique blend of Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, and Buddhism. In the afternoon, we will travel approximately 30km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Here, we will explore the renowned Cu Chi tunnels, a vital base used during the Tet Offensive in 1968. This complex network stretches over 200km and features numerous underground tunnels, hideouts, and entrances. With their narrow dimensions of 0.5 to 1m, these tunnels allowed individuals to crawl discreetly. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, we embark on a fascinating journey to the Mekong Delta, renowned as Vietnam's largest rice bowl. Upon reaching My Tho, we board a boat and navigate through intricate small canals, providing an up-close observation of the local lifestyle and stunning island views. Our river trip takes us to Unicorn Island, where we explore orchards, sample seasonal fruits, and witness farmers in action. We then venture into Ben Tre Province, where we visit local industries and savor a delightful lunch at a renowned local eatery. On our return to Ho Chi Minh City, we make stops to admire the magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda and explore the vibrant Chinatown, known as Cho Lon, with its sacred temples and labyrinthine alleys. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

You have free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City before your departure. The tour concludes with your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport.