VIETNAM VACATION FROM HANOI TO SAIGON

VIETNAM VACATION FROM HANOI TO SAIGON | BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival Ha Noi

Day 2: Ha Noi City Tour 

Day 3: Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay 

Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi – flight to Dong Hoi 

Day 5: Dong Hoi – Dong Phong Nha – Dong Thien Duong

Day 6: Phong Nha – Hien Luong Bridge –Ben Hai River- Vinh Moc Tunnel Ta Con Airport- Dakrong Bridge– Khe Sanh

Day 7: Khe Sanh – Hue

Day 8: Hue City Tour

Day 9: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An Sightseeing + My Son Tour

Day 11: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ba Na Hill

Day 12: Da Nang – Morning flight to Sai Gon

Day 13: Saigon private City Tour + Cu Chi

Day 14: Saigon – Group Tour to Mekong Delta

Day 15: Saigon – Departure

Day 1: ARRIVAL – HANOI

Upon arrival at Noibai Airport, you’ll be met by our tour guide & transferred to your hotel in Hanoi for a Check-in. The rest of time, you’ll be free on your own.

O/N in Hanoi.

Day 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L/-)

Today you’ll be on a full day tour to discover the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. Beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, was constructed from marble and granite and takes the form of a stylized lotus (closed Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, or Van Mieu, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became the first Vietnam’s university.

Enjoy your lunch at a rustic restaurant Cha Ca La Vong which was founded more than 100 years ago and was the first restaurant in the city to serve Cha Ca – grilled fish. This is undoubtedly good introduction of the local food and great place to fill up your empty stomach to get you ready for the afternoon excursion.

After lunch, stroll down the streets and try café Trứng—egg coffee at Café Giang, 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, about a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.

Board a “cyclo”, the traditional bicycle rickshaws for a leisurely ride, which is a perfect chance for photo taking and slow-moving sightseeing. Disembark at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for a unique traditional art form and expression of cultural identity. The shows capture Vietnamese traditions; farming, tending buffaloes, and catching fish; entertainment, like swimming contests and lion dancing; and historical legends with traditional music. The one-hour show is a fun and insightful look into Vietnamese culture enjoyed by both adults and children.

O/N in Ha Noi

Day 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B/L/D)

07:30     Our shuttle bus with tour guide will pick you up at your hotels

(Note: This pick-up is just applied for those who use our shuttle bus service)

10:30    Stopover in Hai Duong City where you can experience our hand-made Vietnamese handicraft products.

12:30    Arrive in Tuan Chau Marina Pier (Tuan Chau Island). Followed by activities such as:  boarding Luxury Flamingo Cruise for departure, Welcome drink will be served and cruise briefing, safety instructions, check-in cabins by Cruise Manager

13:30    Great lunch is served while cruising passing by islets.

15:00    Kayaking around Pearl Farm Village, visit Titop Island. Free choice of activities such as sunbathing, swimming and conquering the peak of the biggest island in Halong and taking panoramic photos of Halong bay in the afternoon.

17:30    Happy Hour. Buy 2 beverage get 1 for free

18.00    Cooking Class. Our Chef will demonstrate the preparation of a particular Vietnamese cuisine in the dining room. Our guide will let you know what item will be prepared and will explain the process during the demonstration. Duration about 20 – 30 minutes

18:30    Enjoy Sunset Party with fruits and tea

19:30    Under the magnificent night sky, our luxury set menu dinner is served with variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods

21:00    Joining the squid fishing on boat with our crews and can enjoy the squid cooked with assistance from our chef or laze yourself with our happy-hour drinks at the bar

Overnight on Luxury Flamingo Cruises

Day 4: HALONG BAY – SUNG SOT CAVE – HANOI – FLIGHT TO DONG HOI (B/L)

06:15     Tai Chi class on the Sun-Deck

07:15    Have light breakfast with Coffee, tea, and bakeries on board

07:45    Arrive at the Surprising cave, the biggest cave in Ha Long Bay with 10,000 square meters, when you visit the cave like our Vietnamese house with three chambers as lobby, dining room and bedroom with most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. We will tour the cave for about 60 minutes.

09:00  Upon return to the boat you will have time to freshen up and finish packing. When checking out please remove all of your belongings from the cabins, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins.

10:00    Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier

10.45    Brunch is served.

After brunch, Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

 11:45   Disembark at Marina coffee – Gate 26 in Tuan Chau New Marina.

On the way, you’ll be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Dong Hoi on VN123 (18:00 – 19:00).

Upon landing at Dong Hoi airport, our local guide & driver will be welcoming then escorted to your hotel for a check-in.

Free time to stroll around this charming beach city by night.

O/N in Dong Hoi

Day 5: DONG HOI – PHONG NHA CAVE – THIEN DUONG CAVE (B/L/-)

After having breakfast, you’ll be picked up by our guide and driver to continue your cave discover tour at Phong Nha & Thien Duong caves which are the two most famous caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. It was listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2003 for its geological values. Both of them have created a special attraction for the “Kingdom of the caves”, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Nowadays, there are a lot of tourists not only domestic but also international coming to visit and admire their beauty. If you are a person who likes exploring caves, Phong Nha is really an ideal place for you.

Upon reaching Phong Nha wharf, we’re quickly getting on a boat trip to go up romantic Son river to explore splendid beauties of Phong Nha Cave that has been regarded by British Cave Research Association as the top cave in the world due to its 4 top records: the longest underground river, the highest and longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Once you reach at the entrance of cave, you will feel like you are entering in the mouth of mountain.

After having lunch, we’ll keep on our journey to the Paradise Cave which is one of the most famous cave in Viet Nam. It has 31.4km length, with many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. British Caving Association has been evaluated as the most beautiful and longest dry cave in Asia. It has been creating continuously by the nature over 350 million years. It was ranked at international level in terms of science and high aesthetics. It is waiting you to discover and enjoy.

By the end of the day, you’ll be lazing on the bank of river for cold beer.

Overnight in Phong Nha

Day 6: PHONG NHA – HIEN LUONG BRIDGE – BEN HAI RIVER – VINH MOC TUNNEL – TA CON AIRPORT – DAKRONG BRIDGE – KHE SANH (B/-/-)

In this morning, after having breakfast, our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha to visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

We’ll keep on following along the highway 1A, en route our guide will provide you so many useful information relating to the history of war between Vietnam & US and our first stop would be at Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River – which marked the former border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1972. Next stop is to visit Vinh Moc tunnels – a network of tunnels built by villagers seeking shelter from bombings during the American War, this is the place where an entire village lived and fought for two and a half years. Later on, before having lunch (Your own account) at Dong Ha town, we’ll take a visit to the Mine Action Visitor Center where provides an excellent historical overview – in English and Vietnamese – with photographs of the 1972 destruction of Quang Tri Citadel and of people attempting to deactivate mines with bamboo sticks. A newer display details the tragic legacy of the defoliant Agent Orange.

Leaving Dong Ha Town, we will go ahead to Khe Sanh town. On the way, we will stop to visit Dakrong Bridge which was rebuilt in 2001 and bears a marker hailing its importance as a conduit for the Ho Chi Minh Trail (NR 14). Then we move to Ta Con airport to see the things in nature of the fierce war, and how hard Quang Tri people fight against the enemy. And finally enter to Khe Sanh combat base – one of the most famous sieges of American Vietnamese War and was the site of a United State base that fell under attack in early 1968 before check in hotel in Khe Sanh.

O/N in Khe Sanh

Day 7: KHE SANH – HUE – HUE ANCIENT CITADEL (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll continue driving along the West Truong Son road to Hue City and you will have chances to witness big changes of this region after the war ended and sometimes we can stop by nice places to meet the local hill tribes (Paco, Van Kieu) to understand more about their daily life as well as shoot nice photos with spectacular landscapes on the roadsides, we will arrive Hue after your lunch-on time and free by your own time.

O/N in Hue City

Day 8: HUE CITY TOUR (B/L/-)

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver welcome you at hotel and start day trip to explore Hue Imperial City. This morning, you will start your tour by making a dragon boat trip on Perfume River and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of Hue. Visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda upon arrival at the dock to discover Buddhism in Hue. Then you will be transferred to visit the Imperial City (Citadel), the Royal Palace of Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the glory history and stunning architecture inside this complex. Next, you are free to go shopping at Dong Ba Market, you can also discover the interesting local life here while looking for souvenir for friends and family. Have lunch at the restaurant.

Afternoon is the time for Nguyen Emperors’ Mausoleums. You will have chance to visit two of three most famous tombs. Visit Khai Dinh Mausoleum to admire the spectacular architecture which was influenced by Oriental and Western styles. Then visit Minh Mang Mausoleum and discover its traditional style with a peaceful atmosphere. Back to Hue city and end tour at your hotel.

O/N in Hue City

Day 9: HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN TOUR (B/-/-)

Today, at 8:00am, our guide and driver welcome you at hotel in Hue and transfer you to leave Hue city for Hoian. You will be driven along National Highway No1 and see more of beautiful landscapes of rice fields, Cau Hai Lagoon, local villages. You will have chance to see Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beach in Asia to enjoy nice view.

Next, you will see the spectacular view of Hai Van Pass through windy road to the summit. From here the panorama of Lang Co Beach, Da Nang city is under your eyes. It is the ideal spot to take wonderful photos of forest and mountains. Arrive Da Nang, you will discover Da Nang city including Cham Museum where shows the collection of Champa sculptures to learn more of Cham culture and then Marble Mountain which is well known as Five Mountains to visit and discover pagoda, cave and view of Da Nang city from the summit. You arrive in Hoian in the early afternoon around 2pm. Tour end at hotel.

O/N in Hoi An.

Day 10: HOI AN SIGHTSEEING – MY SON TOUR (B/-/-)

In the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel and then make a visiting to My Son Sanctuary to explore the Ancient Champa Kingdom and its spectacular culture. Here is the chance for you to enjoy Apsara traditional music show. Then you will be back to visit Thanh Ha ceramic village. You have chance to try to make a product under the guidance of workshop owner, receive a little gift called To He before leaving. Take the boat on Thu Bon River back to Hoi An Ancient Town. Have lunch at restaurant.

This afternoon you will make a walking around old streets to discover the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town including Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Sa Huynh Museum, old houses and the local market… Hoi An is an ideal for shopping and making tailor with reasonable price.  Drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An and end tour.

O/N in Hoi An.

Day 11: HOI AN – BA NA HILLS – DA NANG (B/-/-)

You will leave Hoi An at 8:00 am and transfer to discover Ba Na Hill – 25 km to the south west of Da Nang City. To reach the summit, you will take a cable car from the foot with spectacular sceneries of forest, trees, and waterfall underground when you are on cable. On arrival you will visit Old French Villas, Nui Chua and conquer the mountain peak at the height of 1487 meters. You will take mountain climbing train to visit Flower Garden where has many kinds of beautiful flowers. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and learn more about Buddhism and then Wine tunnel to see different wines are stored here for many years. You also have chance to admire the Golden Bridge which is new attraction at Ba Na. Have lunch at the restaurant.

Pm: You spend more time to enjoy at the hill or play game at Fantasy Park Amusement. Here, you can join many thrilling games and 4D movies (almost normal games and 4D Movie already included in your tour package but only some games which have reward & wax museum, you will pay the fee by yourself). After that you will take cable car back the foot mountain, the driver picks up and transfers you back Da Nang city.

O/N in Da Nang

Day 12: DA NANG – FLIGHT TO HCM CITY (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be free to explore Danang City and check out hotel before transferred to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh on VN127 (13.00-14.30). On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Day 13: SAIGON PRIVATE CITY TOUR + CU CHI TUNNEL (B/-/-)

This morning, you will join the trip to Cu Chi with 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. And then return to Saigon City.

An afternoon will acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh. We drive past many lively streets on our way to the Reunification Palace. This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon post office is the end stop.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Day 14: SAIGON – MEKONG – CAI BE FULL DAY GROUP TOUR (B/L)

At 6.30 am, our guide and driver will welcome you at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer you to Cai Be. On the road, you will have chance to survey the beautiful rice field scenery along Trung Luong Express Highway. On arrival in Cai Be, you will set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then you continue to make biking tour into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation.

Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Then you continue visiting a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc Village, the green pearl of Vinh Long Town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.

After lunch, you will take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Then our guide and driver will take you to come back and drop you off hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 15: SAI GON – Departure (B/-/-)

There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. 

———- END OF SERVICES ————–

*3 Star Hotels in use:

• Hanoi: Hanoi Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room) http://www.hanoiboutiquehotel.vn/en-us similar ones
• Halong cruise: Luxury Flamingo Cruise (Deluxe) http://luxuryflamingocruises.vn or similar ones
• Dong Hoi: Amanda hotel (Deluxe City View) or similar ones
• Phong Nha: Lake House Eco Resort (Deluxe) or similar ones
• Khe Sanh: Green Hotel http://greenhotelkhesanh.com/ or similar ones
• Hue: Cherish hotel ( Deluxe Room) http://cherishhotel.com/ or similar ones
• Hoi An: Hoi An Garden Palace or similar ones
• Danang: Adaline hotel (Deluxe Partical Ocean View) or similar ones
• Saigon: Ha Hien Signature Hotel (Deluxe Room) http://hahienhotel.com.vn/ or similar ones

*4 Star Hotels in use:

• Hanoi: May De Ville Old Quarter (Deluxe room) http://www.maydeville.com/ similar ones
• Halong cruise: Luxury Flamingo Cruise (Deluxe) http://luxuryflamingocruises.vn or similar ones
• Dong Hoi: Sun Spa Resort (SUP Garden side) or similar ones
• Phong Nha: Lake House Eco Resort (Bungalow) or similar ones
• Khe Sanh: Green Hotel http://greenhotelkhesanh.com/ or similar ones
• Hue: Eldora Hue Hotel or similar one
• Hoi An: Hoi An Beach Resort (Standard Room) https://www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn/ or similar ones
• Danang: Mornarque Hotel (Mornarque DBL/TWN) or similar ones
• Saigon: Millennium Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) millenniumboutiquehotel.com/ or similar ones

INCLUDE:

• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Air ticket Hanoi – Dong Hoi; Danang – Saigon
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
• Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, B = brunch, D = dinner
• Regional English speaking guide
• Entrance fee to indicated sights
• Water puppet show
• Boat trips

EXCLUDE:

• Other meals
• Tip
• Drinks
• Airport tax
• Single room
• Personal expenses
• Insurance