11D10N VIETNAM AT A GLANCE
Vietnam, a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”, lies on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula. It is bordered by China in the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. Three quarters of its territory comprise mountains and hills and it has over 3,000 km long coastline. Vietnam is also famous for the Vietnam War, historical cities, and its French-colonial architecture. As someone who has visited the country, Vietnam's allure is summed up in 3 V's: Value, Variety, and Vibe.
Days 1: Ho Chi Minh
Arrive to Ho Chi Minh where you will be met by your private driver. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day will be a free day for you.
Accommodation: 5* InterContinental Saigon or similar
Days 2: Ho Chi Minh
Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where your private guide will explain the astonishing realities of the guerrilla tactics used by the Viet Cong during the war. You'll discover bamboo traps, field hospitals and kitchens, and if you choose, crouch through a short section of the tunnels for yourself. This afternoon, return to HCMC. This exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See French colonial landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the emotive War Remnants Museum.
Accommodation: 5* InterContinental Saigon or similar
Day 3: Mekong Delta
Drive approximately 2 hours to the picturesque Mekong Delta to witness the daily life of people living in this area. You will travel around by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and then change to smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Have lunch at a local restaurant where we can sample the culinary specialties of the Mekong Delta. Return to Ho Chi Minh in the early evening.
Accommodation: 5* InterContinental Saigon or similar
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An
Take a 1hr 20min flight to Danang and transfer to the charming, UNESCO listed town of Hoi An. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and ancient streets of this charming town. Visit one of Hoi An’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied by the descendants of the merchant family that originally built it. You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Accommodation: 5* Vinpearl Resort & Spa or similar
Day 5: Hoi An
This morning, visit a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An – Tra Que village, where the community has come together to create a large vegetable farm. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilize and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the ancient town, or go to the beach.
Accommodation: 5* Vinpearl Resort & Spa or similar
Day 6: Hoi An – Hue
After breakfast, drive approximately 4 hours to Hue; this journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass. Hue is the epitome of Vietnam’s dynamic past, and considered a scholarly city. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang; the complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools, making it one of the more beautiful tombs. Then visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City which is still being restored many years after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the American War in Vietnam. Continue by road to Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.
Accommodation: 5* Meliá Vinpearl Hue or similar
Day 7: Hue – Hanoi
This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Accommodation: 5* Meliá Hanoi or similar
Day 8: Hanoi
Discover the sights of Hanoi today. First stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and pass Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, followed by the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, drive to the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Later experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. This afternoon you will also have the opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee.
Accommodation: 5* Meliá Hanoi or similar
Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Drive around 2 and a half hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting underground caves on the islands which involves climbing up and down lots of steps. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return.
Accommodation: 5* Cruise
Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After an early lunch (or brunch meal) disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Accommodation: 5* Meliá Hanoi or similar
Day 11: Depart Hanoi
You will be transferred 1 hour from the hotel to the airport.
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Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.
This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.