VIETNAM
THE LAND OF ENDLESS SMILES
APRIL 16 – 25 2024
9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS

Overview

Vietnam

You have probably seen it in the background of countless war movies, but nothing can prepare you for the epic beauty of Vietnam. Vietnam has suffered a long dark history of colonialism, communism and poverty – but through it all, the country has emerged with a strong sense of its own culture.  From the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay to the manmade artistry of the sacred temples and pagodas, to the rice terraces and beaches – Vietnam has a lot to offer.  

Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the most beautiful of the colonial Indochinese cities in Vietnam. It is a fascinating combination of old-world charm and modern development brought on by its recent surge in tourism. Vietnam’s capital handsomely combines French colonialism with Eastern influences.    

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site is located about 170km east of Hanoi in Northern Vietnam. “Ha Long” means “bay of descending dragons” and it is an archipelago made up of 1,969 islands. Add this one to your ‘visit before you die’ list!! 

Da Nang

A Modern Gem with Timeless Charm. Danang is the 3rd largest and one of most worth living cities in Vietnam – a city with the harmony of mountain, sea and river. It has amazing geography, food, weather, people and an exceptional food scene.

Hoi An

Hoi An – Vietnam’s most loved travel destination and home to the charming lantern-lit streets of the old town. The Japanese, Chinese and French influences translate back into the street scene where traditional old wooden and yellow colonial buildings sit side-by-side. Hoi An is a long-established UNESCO World Heritage Site and has therefore perfectly preserved its history. 

Ho Chi Minh City

Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as is future. It is the gateway to the Mekong Delta as well as the Chu Chi Tunnels.          

Trip Schedule
Trip Day - 01

HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

Early morning arrival.  After a hearty breakfast/brunch and drive around the city, check in-to the Hotel.  Rest & Change and set out for a City Tour in the afternoon.

  • Visit the Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace or Reunification Convention Hall – a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City(formerly known as Saigon). It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and was the home and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam. It was the site of the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975 that ended the Vietnam War, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Hall – The Ho Chi Minh City Hall is the present name of the former Hotel de Ville or City Hall of Saigon. The ornate yellow French style building was designed by the French architect P. Gardes and built between 1898 and 1908. After the reunification of the country in 1975, it was given its present name and now houses the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Counciland Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court.
  • Ho Chi Minh Monument -It is a 7.2-meter-long bronze statue symbolizing the lasting affection and respect Vietnamese have for their founding father, Ho Chi Minh also fondly called Uncle Ho.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Post Office – The Saigon Central Post Office as is popularly calledis located in the downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s cathedral. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century and is still in use.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral – Built between 1877 and 1883, most materials for the Notre Dame Cathedral were imported from France. Neo-Romanesque in form, it is a major centre of Catholicism in modern Vietnam and one of the city’s major landmarks.
  • Dinner and Overnight in Saigon
Trip Day - 02

.  SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA (MY THO)

  • After breakfast, head out for a day trip to Vietnam’s rice basket “My Tho”, the capital of Tien Giang Province. Situated on the mighty Mekong River, 75 kilometres southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, this city is surrounded by orchards and rice fields which produces grain for the entire country. Upon reaching My Tho village visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest one in the delta on your Boat Trip on the Mekong River.
  • On the river you will see floating houses where fishes are farmed beneath the houses. Continue your journey on the river to Unicorn Island.
  • Here you will take a horse cart to reach a Vietnamese Traditional Music Performance Site to enjoy some local music along with some local fruits.
  • Visit one or two of the islands that produces traditional handcrafts, coconut candy as well as a bee farm.
  • Return to Saigon and Rest of the day is free at Leisure.
  • In the evening, experience the nightlife of HCM @ Bui Vien Walking Street
  • Dinner in buzzing Saigon.
  • Overnight in Saigon.
Trip Day - 03

SAIGON – CHU CHI TUNNELS – SAIGON – DANANG

After breakfast, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The Cu Chi Tunnel system had been created long time back, from 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and much more. In places, it housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years…. getting married, giving birth. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free fire zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for Visitors.

Back to Saigon for your evening flight out to Danang.

Arrive Danang and Check-into Hotel.

Trip Day - 04

.  DANANAG – HOI AN – CAM THANH COCONUT VILLAGE – HOI AN SIGHTSEEING – DANANG

  • After breakfast, drive to Hoi An for a full day out to this charming city.
  • On reaching Hoi An, visit Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village where you will be briefed about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen and their community after boardinga Bamboo Basket Boat on Cua Dai River.
  • Join the local fisherman to try your hand at casting a net and learn to paddle the Vietnamese unique bamboo basket boat while exploring the tranquil coconut palms flanking the waterways. From these fishermen, you will listen to stories about the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides around this area during the Vietnam War.
  • Visit the Silk Village to discover the history of sericulture, silk unravelling, silk weaving and about the Cham Culture. This silk village is the only location with valuable genetic sources of mulberry and it also preserves the handmade silk-weaving method from the Champa-Dai Viet era. Learn about the weaving process of Cham People from the 5th– 15th century and visit a traditional Vietnamese Mulberry Garden.
  • After a short Lunch Break set out on a walking tour around the enchanting port town of Hoi An, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the vibrant local market.
  • Dinner in Hoi An (Hosted by Women Traveller).
  • Overnight in Danang.
Trip Day - 05

DANANG – BANA HILLS – GOLDEN BRIDGE

  • After breakfast we will start our day trip to Ba Na Hills – A charming hill station and resort town located in the Truong Son Mountain west to the city of Danang. This hill station is also known as “the Dalat of Danang province” and was founded in 1919 by French colonists. A Cable Car ride will offer you the chance to admire the panorama of Ba Na Hills, spring stream, Danang city and Danang coast from your cable car cabin at the height of 1,487 meters above sea level. Enjoy the excellent weather and the charming surroundings: Fantasy Park – the amusement park, Le Jardin Gardens, Linh Ung Pagoda.
  • Continue to visit one of the world’s greatest places – The Golden Bridge that is a 150-metre-long pedestrian bridge designed to provide a scenic overlook.
  • Return to the hotel.
  • This evening you are free to enjoy Night Life in Danang on your own.
  • Overnight in Danang.
Trip Day - 06

DANANG

  • A leisurely start to your day.
  • After breakfast, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda located in an area known as Bai But or Budha’s Sanctuary on Son Tra Peninsula. It is considered the most magnificent work in the Central city of Da Nang in terms of architectural and artistic value.
  • Next stop Marble Mountains – a cluster of five marble and limestone hills where you will see the artwork and craftsmanship of outstanding marble carvings, pieces carved from Marble, Jade and other stones – named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) & Tho (earth).
  • Your last stop is at The Museum of Cham Sculpture.                                         OR

Post breakfast those who crave some “me time” can indulge in a Spa/Massage OR step out to the local shopping area OR just head out to the beach as your hotel is located within walking distance of the famous My Khe Beach.

  • Enjoy some local delicacies in one of Danang’s restaurants, known to have the very best Vietnamese Food in the whole of country.

Free Evening to do as you please. 

Overnight in Danang.

 

Trip Day - 07

DANANG – HANOI

  • Fly to Hanoi on a morning flight and check-in to Hotel.
  • Post Lunch it is time for a true Hanoian slice of life: 01 hr Cyclo-Tour (rickshaw ride) around the Old Quarters and French Quarters considered to be the soul of the city. Gaze at the 19 street art murals dedicated to Vietnamese past and future.  
  • This evening is booked for the famous Water Puppet Show. “Water puppetry -puppets that dance on water” originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam, a tradition that dates to 11th
  • Dinner at one of Hanoi’s popular eateries.
  • Overnight in Hanoi.
Trip Day - 08

HANOI – FULL DAY SIGHSEEING

  • After a hearty Breakfast – try the famous Banh Mi or Pho (pronounced as FUH) accompanied by your first taste of the Vietnamese Egg Coffee.
  • Visit West Lake, the largest lake of the capital, which was earlier known as “Foggy Lake” due to its misty condition.
  • Stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De.
  • Walk along the beautiful Hung Vuong Avenue and its colonial houses to the Presidential Palace (formerly Palace of the Governor-General of French Indochina).
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilt and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Ho Chi Minh Complex is an important place of pilgrimage for Vietnamese. A traffic-free area of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas.

Head out to the Temple of Literature located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, it was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius.                                                                                                              

  • Followed by a visit to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum which offers an insightful look into the life and beauty of Vietnamese women from past to present. Founded in 1987 as an entity within the Vietnam Women’s Union, the Women’s Museum exhibits more than 25,000 objects and documents that mirror the diversity of Vietnam’s culture and the contributions of its women to the country’s society and ongoing development.

Dinner on your own somewhere in the city.  We recommend the legendary Bun Bun cha Hyong Lien (where Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined).  Incase you are fond of Jazz take a taxi to Binh Minh Jazz Club and enjoy Hanoi’s best live music.

  • Overnight in Hanoi.
Trip Day - 09

HANOI – HALONG BAY

  • After breakfast, gather in the hotel lobby for your departure to Halong Bay.
  • We drive across the Red River Delta and reach the coast a little before noon.
  • Transfer to your Ultra Luxury Cruise by Speedboat – enjoy an express Check-in followed by a delicious Lunch on board.
  • In the afternoon, join the other guests on board and Kayak to visit Dark and Bright Caves. The program for the day is not fixed and depends on the time of the year and weather.
  • End the day on the Sundeck as the sun sets enjoying an aperitif or attending a cooking demonstration before a Sumptuous Buffet Dinner.
  • Overnight in your Luxurious Private Cabin.

Note:Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or Kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather.

Trip Day - 10

HA LONG BAY – HANOI – DANANG

  • Greet a new day on the deck with a Tai Chi Session, while the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. After a light breakfast, we continue our exploration of the bay. Upon returning to the boat, check-out and enjoy a Light Brunch while cruising back to the pier. Transfer back to Hanoi after disembarking.
  • Drive straight to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight back Home.

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