VIETNAM FOREMOST – Sites & Cities
(10 DAYS 09 NIGHTS)
Hanoi – Halong – Danang – Hoi An – My Son – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Description
This trip is intended for those who are keen to see Vietnam's major places of interest but have limited time. The 10-day journey features the image of both the new and the old city of Hanoi, the imaginary world of Halong Bay, the mystical Cham holy land of My Son, the quaint town of Hoi An, the romance and peacefulness of Hue, the green and riverine world of the Mekong Delta, and finally the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Be amazed by the charm of Vietnam's unspoiled nature and Vietnamese friendliness, which retains and condenses everlasting Asian characteristics.
Highlights
- Meet the locals and taste delicious Vietnamese food every day at atmospheric restaurants
- Explore limestone islands and emerald green waters of Halong Bay World Heritage site
- Discover vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic heart of Vietnam
- Take a cyclo ride though the classic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Enjoy a water puppet theatrical show depicting agricultural traditions from first millennium
- Visit a 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and see colorful markets
- Wander in the charming streets of Hoi An lined with old houses and quiet boutiques
- Explore the remains of the mighty Cham kingdom which centuries ago stretched across modern-day Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
- Enjoy a boat trip on the romantic Perfume River
- Tour the former imperial capital of Hue, home of the imperial dynasties
- Explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic heart of Vietnam
- Discover the colonial monuments and sights of Ho Chi Minh City
- Cruise to evergreen islands in the Mekong River through large networks of meandering rivers.
Program
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
Arrive at the airport in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city of tree-lined streets, colonial houses and centuries-old temples. Pick up and transfer to a hotel. Enjoy a dinner with a traditional folk show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong
The half-day city tour features both cultural and historical highlights, comprising Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum, the Quan Thanh Temple, the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the old quarters and a downtown pedicab ride (1 hour). Leave for Halong (170km), a splendid World Heritage site. Overnight in Halong.
Day 3: Halong – Hanoi
Get on board for a cruise in Halong Bay (4 hours). Visit some magical grottoes and relax in the best scenic beauty of Vietnam. Lunch of fresh and fine seafood is served on board. Return to Hanoi. The day ends with the renowned water puppet show, a theatrical genre reflecting the agricultural civilization of thousands of years ago. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An
Transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Danang. After arrival, visit the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc then travel to Hoi An, an ancient trading port nearby Danang. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with Hoi An specialties. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5: Around Hoi An and excursion to My Son
Enjoy a day trip to explore two World Heritage sites. First, travel over rural roads to My Son (55km), where architectural treasures and sculptures of Cham culture dating from the 7th to the 13th century can be explored. Then back to Hoi An for an afternoon sightseeing tour exploring the ancient town by pedicab ride (01 hour) and by walking. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An - Danang – Hue
Transfer to Hue (140km) with a stopover at the scenic Lang Co lagoon. In the afternoon, drive to the tombs of King Khai Dinh and King Tu Duc. Take a boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, viewing rural landscape and local activities at sunset. In the evening, enjoy a typical royal court dinner with a presentation of ancient dancing and music that has been recognized as a World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in late 2003. Overnight in Hue.
Day 7: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City
A morning sightseeing tour focuses on the Imperial Citadel, built in 1804, and the Dong Ba Market, famous for its conical hats. Transfer to Phu Bai airport (Hue) for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, the largest and busiest city in Vietnam. Meeting at Tan Son Nhat airport and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a folk show and dinner. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 8: Around Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, have an excursion to Cu Chi, 70km north of Saigon, famed for its 200-km-long tunnels. At lunch, “Pho”, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup is served. During the afternoon, the tour brings you to major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House, the City Hall and the History Museum. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Excursion to Mekong Delta
Enjoy a full-day excursion to My Tho, 75km south of Ho Chi Minh City, a peaceful town on the bank of the Mekong River. The tour comprises a cruise on the Mekong River, a visit to local homes and orchards, a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, a taste of seasonal fruit-and-honey tea, and a performance of traditional southern singing. Lunch of Mekong specialties is organized. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Spend last minutes for downtown shopping (ceramics, silver-carvings, silk...) or at leisure before check-out. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure.