MAGNIFICENT VIETNAM TOUR FROM SAIGON TO HANOI – 11 DAYS

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 02: Full Day Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels Private Tour (B, L)
Day 03: Sai Gon – Freeday (B)
              Option tour: Full Day Mekong Delta Tour (My Tho – Ben Tre) (L)
Day 04: Ho Chi Minh City flight to Danang – Hoian (B)
Day 05: Hoi An – Free (B)
               Option tour 1: Hoi An Ancient Town – My Son Holy Land Private Tour (L)
               Option tour 2: Learning Fishing – Cooking Class – Hoi An Ancient Town & Street Food Private Tour (L)
Day 06: Hoi An – Free (B)
              Option tour: Da Nang – Discover Marble Mountain & Ba Na Hill (L)
Day 07: Hoian – Danang– Flight to Hanoi (B)
Day 08: Ha Noi- Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)
Day 09: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi (B, L)
Day 10: Hanoi Half-day Walking Private Tour (B)
Day 11: Hanoi – Departure (B)

Day 01: Arrival – Ho Chi Minh City

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. (Hotel check-in time is after 14:00)

The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture, and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. (If time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 02: Full Day Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels Private Tour (B, L)

Breakfast at hotel.

AM: Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

PM: Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Return to Saigon

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 03: Sai Gon – Free day (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you’ll be free on your own to relax at hotel or explore Sai Gon by yourself (No car & No guide). You might like our option as below:

Option tour: Full Day Mekong Delta Tour (My Tho – Ben Tre) (L)

AM: Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19^th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.

PM: Time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Group tour: US$ 45 per person

Private tour:

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person is US$ 180 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is US$ 96 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people is US$ 72 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people is US$ 48 per person

Inclusion: Transportation, English speaking tour guide, All entrance fees, Boat trip, Lunch, Mineral water

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 04: Ho Chi Minh City flight to Danang – Hoian (B)

Breakfast at hotel, you’ll be free to discover Ho Chi Minh City until transferred to Tan Son Nhat airport for a departure to early flight to Danang on

FLIGHT TRANSFER

Upon arrival at Danang airport, you’ll be welcome by our tour guide & driver then accompanied to your hotel in Hoian for a check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 05: Hoi An – Free day (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you’ll be free on your own to relax at hotel or explore Hoi An town by yourself (No Car & No Guide)

Option tour 1: Hoi An Ancient Town – My Son Holy Land Private Tour (L)

Itinerary:

AM: In the morning you will pay a visit My Son Sanctuary to explore history and culture of the Ancient Champa Kingdom, and then enjoy Apsara traditional music show. Transfer to Thanh Ha ceramic village to see how local people create a piece of pottery and you will have chance to make a product under the guidance of workshop owner and receive a clay whistle called “To He” as a gift before leaving. Take a boat on Thu Bon River back to Hoi An Ancient Town. Have lunch at restaurant.

PM: This afternoon you will take a walking tour around old streets to discover the charming beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town including Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Sa Huynh Museum, old houses, and local market. Hoi An is such an ideal place for shopping and making tailor with reasonable price.  End the tour and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Hoi An.

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person is US$ 156 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is US$ 96 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people is US$ 84 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people is US$ 60 per person

Inclusion: Transport, English Speaking Guide, Boat, Entrance Fees, Lunch, Mineral Water, Service Charge.

Option tour 2: Learning Fishing – Cooking Class – Hoi An Ancient Town & Street Food Private Tour (L)

Itinerary:

AM: At 8:00 am our guide will welcome you at your hotel in Hoi An and take a boat trip to Cam Nam fishing village to learn fishing under the instruction of local people. Especially, you will practice by yourselves how to catch fish and throw fishing net into river. Then you will transfer to visit green Bay Mau water coconut forest and have chance to row basket boat to enjoy tranquil atmosphere, join in catching field crabs and explore the revolutionary base in Hoi An during Vietnam War. Then you will be transferred to start a cycling route to Tra Que Vegetable Village 3km from Hoi An Ancient Town. You ride through peaceful villages and enjoy the beauty of countryside surrounding Hoi An. On arrival, you are welcomed with friendly smiles and special welcome drinks: “E” water or local tea. Take part in cooking class with the local family, and under the instruction of preparing ingredients, you will cook Hoi An special foods and enjoy lunch here.

PM: This afternoon, you will transfer to explore beautiful historical monument of Hoi An ancient town – the World Cultural Heritage. You will wander around old streets to visit this charming ancient town including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Sa Huynh Museum, and the local market to get knowledge about the cultural and historical values of Hoi An. At night, you will taste some among most famous local delicious foods of Hoi An including Quang Noodle or Cao Lau Noodle, rice pancake, grilled meat roll, roast meat, and grilled chopped meat. These savory and spectacular dishes are most well-known specialties which you shouldn’t miss out whenever set foot in Hoi An because they are not only spectacular but also appetizing. In addition, you will have chance to understand more about the history, tradition, decoration as well as cooking of foods while enjoying wonderful taste of them. Walking along to Phan Chu Trinh Street you will choose another delicious food “Mrs. Phuong Bread”- a popular daily sandwich of Hoi An people. After finish enjoying the local street coffee like a local here, you walk back to your hotel in the evening.

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person is US$ 180 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is US$ 120 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people is US$ 108 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people is US$ 84 per person

Inclusion: Transport, Local Boat, Basket boat and fishing tools, Bicycle & helmet, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Fees, Cooking Class, Lunch, Mineral water, Service Charge.

Note: We need travelers’ information (gender and height) in advance in order to arrange suitable bicycles.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 06: Hoi An – Free (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you’ll be free on your own to relax at hotel or explore Hoi An town by yourself (No Car & No Guide)

Option tour: Da Nang – Discover Marble Mountain & Ba Na Hill (L)

AM: Pick up at your hotel and transfer to Da Nang. On the way, visit Marble Mountain which was named after the ancient oriental philosophy including 5 elements creating universe: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Reaching here, you will see the systems of caves. Next, you transfer to visit Ba Na Hills to enjoy the beautiful view of from the cable car up to the summit. Upon arrival have sightseeing and take photos at the world-famous Golden Bridge, continue to flower garden Le Jardin D’amour where has many kinds of beautiful flowers and Debay Wine Cellar where are storing different wines. Take another cable car route to reach French Village at the height of 1138 meters for experience architecture here. Have lunch at restaurant.

PM: You will spend more time playing games at Fantasy Amusement Park (almost normal games and 4D Movie already included in the tour package but only some games which have reward, you will pay fee by yourself). After that you will take cable car back the foot and transfer back to your hotel in Hoi An.

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person is US$ 180 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is US$ 120 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people is US$ 108 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people is US$ 90 per person

Inclusion: Transport, English Speaking Guide, Cable Car, Lunch, Entrance Fees, Mineral Water.

Exclusion: Insurance, drinks, personal expenses, Tip for guide & driver

What to bring: Sunglasses, hat, good shoes for walking, camera, umbrella & other personal needs.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 07: Hoian – Danang– Flight to Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at hotel. You’re at leisure to have more experiences in Hoian until transferred to the Danang airport to catch a flight to Hanoi

FLIGHT TRANSFER

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel.

Tonight, there will be a “water puppet show” arranged for you to attend. Water puppetry “puppets that dance on water” is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 08: Ha Noi- Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

*Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions.

08:00  Pick up at Old Quarter area to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

11:30  Your first stop on arrival at Tuan Chau Island is the Aquamarine check-in lounge. You will have time to refresh yourself after the long drive from Hanoi and wait for checking-in.

12:15  After taken to Cruise, you will be checked in. While enjoying welcome drink, you will be introduced the itinerary and safety briefing by Cruise Manager.

13:00  You will have a delicious lunch and enjoy the stunning views when the boat cruises towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Fighting- Cock and Finger Islet.

14:45  Visiting Luon Cave or Pearl Farm area by bamboo boat or kayaking.

16:00  You are going to Titov Island – where you can go swimming or hiking to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay

17:30  Back on board, you can enjoy Sunset party with HAPPY HOUR (from 17:30 – 19:00) – buy 2 get 1 free at bar.

18:30  If you are interested in Vietnamese cuisines, please join our traditional Vietnamese cooking class on sundeck under the experienced Chef’s guiding (or in the restaurant in case of inclement weather).

19:00  Delight in the shimmering atmosphere of thousands of stars while eating a fantastic, expertly prepared dinner.

20:30  This is the perfect time for you to relax with spa treatments or enjoy a cocktail. Besides, we provide free for squid fishing tools at reception.

Overnight on Cruise

Day 09: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi (B, L)

06:00  Warm up your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with a breathtaking view as the sun rises on Halong Bay.

07:00  Light breakfast is served at the restaurant.

08:00  Your next stop is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Ha Long Bay with beautiful stalactites. You will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave as well as the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years which have taken on fascinating shapes.

09:30  Back on board, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island

10:00  Brunch is served at the restaurant and payment

10:45  Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, return to Hanoi.

16:00: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip!

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi Half-day Walking Private Tour (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be picked up at hotel to commence our walking tour to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Later, we will take a visit at Ngoc Son Temple on the way you return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll be free to do your own activities or can engage some our following optional tours:

Optional Tour: Hanoi Street Food (D)

At 18.00, our tour guide will welcome you at your hotel lobby, then start the tour to Hanoi Old Quarter “36 streets” to visit some famous and specialized- food families or stalls/ local restaurants, shops where they run their business every day, certainly you will watch and taste some dishes, we can customize vegetarian or special food too.

Special thing that tours guide would like to introduce some popular authentic food in lovely mini restaurants (not luxury restaurants) where you feel comfortable to sit down and enjoy some favorite dishes and nice drinks too.

It’s interesting to hear from tour guide about the history of the old quarter in Hanoi, it is thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times, each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more. Originally there were just 36 streets in the old quarter but today there are more than 50 streets.

It is very difficult to find some local food stalls and mini restaurants on your own in hidden alleys and sidewalks, certainly the best way to make it easy is joining with us, taking part in this special tour to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture, people, and language.

After all, we will give you an unique experience to try the foods of the local Hanoi people, we ensure the food is handled hygienically and provide a comfortable venue for the tastings. The benefit also goes back to the vendors or restaurants/ families as we buy directly from them.

At 21.00, our tour guide say goodbye to you, and will help you order taxi or show you direction back your hotel.

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person: US$ 45/person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people: US$ 35/person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people: US$ 30/person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people: US$ 25/person

Inclusions: English speaking tour guide, hotel pick-up in Hanoi old quarter, authentic food (not seafood), drinks.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi – Departure (B)

You’ll be free on your own with a late checkout till the time you will be picked up from your hotel and then transferred to Noi Bai airport for a flight home (Hotel check-out time is before 12:00)

End of the trip

You can also start this tour the from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city  if this is much convenient for your flight schedules and you can check more details HERE 

*Domestic flight ticket (Economy Class, Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet or Bamboo Airway):

• Supplement for one-way airfare from Ho Chi Minh– Danang: 85USD/ticket
• Supplement for one-way airfare from Danang – Hanoi:  85USD/ticket

 All airfares are subject to change without prior notice

Note: All tour prices exclude all surcharges for Christmas and New Year period

*3 Star Hotels in use:

• Saigon: Avanti Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar
  https://avantihotel.vn/
• Hoi An: Mulberry Collection Silk Eco (Superior City View Room) https://silkeco.mulberrycollectionvn.com/ or similar ones
• Hanoi: Silk Queen Grand Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkqueenhotel.com/ or similar ones
• Ha Long Bay: Aquamarine Cruise (Junior Suite Balcony) https://www.halongaquamarine.com/ or similar ones

*4 Star Hotels in use:

• Saigon: Ramada Encore Saigon By Wyndham (Junior Deluxe City View Room) https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/ho-chi-minh-vietnam/ramada-encore-saigon/overview or similar ones
• Hoi An:Hoi An Beach Resort https://www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn/ (Superior Room)
• Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (Deluxe)
• Ha Long Bay: Athena Cruise (Executive Cabin) https://athenacruise.com/itineraries/2-days-1-night-cruise/ or similar ones

 * Inclusive of above prices:

• Transportation in private with air-condition
• Accommodation in Double/Twin shared room
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay  with roundtrip shuttle bus transfer
• Local English-speaking guides
• Entrance fee at indicated sights
• Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnel Private Tour
• Hanoi walking private tour
• Water Puppet Tickets in Hanoi
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch & D = Dinner
• Gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water

* Exclusive of above prices:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks, and other personal expenses
• All airfares
• Optional tour:
  • Full day Mekong Delta Group or Private Tour
  • Hoi An Tour
  • Ba Na Hill Tour

You can also start this tour the from Ho Chi Minh city to Hanoi if this is much convenient for your flight schedules and you can check more details HERE 

* NOTICE: WIFI CONNECTION IS AVAILABLE ON BOARD BUT HAS LIMITED INTERNET CONNECTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE ITINERARY DUE TO THE SEA AND THE KARST LIMESTONES AND MOUNTAINS BLOCKING THE SIGNAL FROM THE SATELLITES. PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO YOUR CONSIDERATION

* REMARK:

• Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be canceled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund.
• Meals onboard are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood & international. Guests should provide us with any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least 3 days prior to the departure date.
• Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by the port authority.
• Elderly people, people with physical health problem or kids who cannot use kayaking and need to use a bamboo boat are free of charge.