Mrs. Fiona Prescott from USA
Travel Manager
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
Arrive in Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, and explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Temple of Literature. Drive south to Ninh Binh to visit a herbal products factory and experience the tranquil Trang An Landscape Complex. Cruise through the stunning karst landscapes of Halong Bay before continuing to the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An. Finish the journey in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, admiring its landmarks, experiencing the Mekong Delta, and immersing in the local culture and nightlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi
Morning visit Hanoi’s iconic landmarks: Central Sector of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature.
Lunch at KOTO training restaurant for disadvantaged youth.
Afternoon take an exciting ride on vintage army jeep through both popular part (Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum) and less visited part of the city (Banana Island, West Lake, bonsai street, wreckage of B52 bomber) and taste authentic dishes from street eateries.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Drive South to Ninh Binh, visit a factory producing herbal products and have a hands-on session making herbal soaps.
Continue to Trang An Lanscape Complex to take rowing boat ride through trans-water caves of Tam Coc and visit temples in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Taste Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee before driving to Halong and take an overnight cruise amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters of the legendary seascape of Halong Bay.
Overnight in Halong Bay.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Train to Hue
Start the day with a taichi session and continue exploration of the bay. Disembark before noontime and drive back to Hanoi.
Experience a slow cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets and watch the unique water puppet show.
In the evening take the train to Hue. Overnight on train.
Day 6: Hue
Arrive at Hue in the morning.
Visit the Imperial Citadel then drive to a village in the outskirt of the city to have lunch in a Hue’s typical garden house. Cycle around the village to visit ancient house and family making Hue’s specialty sesame candy. Take a boat cruise along Huong River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 7: Hue – Lang Co – Hoi An
Continue driving South along the coastal road with visit to the City of Ghosts with massive colourful tombs. Meet a fisherman family in Lang Co and have lunch on a stilt house in the middle of the lagoon.
Afternoon walking tour in the tiny streets of Hoi An ancient town, visiting mixed Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese ancient buildings.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An
Visit a colourful local market to purchase fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class to cook Vietnamese dishes.
Afternoon visit a vegetable village, take a ride on round bamboo basket boat and learn to make Hoi An’s iconic lantern and bring home as souvenir.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Take the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Afternoon city tour with iconic landmarks: War Remnants Museum Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and admire façade of colonial buildings (City Hall, Municipal Theatre).
Evening hop on a vintage Vespa and explore the city’s nightlife like a local. Drive through back alleys, taste local street food and drinks, enjoy live music.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
A day trip to Mekong Delta, the country’s rice bowl. Boat trip in Mekong River to visit handicraft workshops making products from rice and coconut. Take rowing sampan ride on small canal under shades of nipa palms. Walk or cycle through rural villages, visit orchard and taste seasonal fruits.
Lunch with Mekong Delta’s fish and fresh vegetables.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Morning visit Cu Chi Tunnels: see various booby traps, tanks, bomb craters; craw through part of the tunnel and even try out war-era guns at a shooting range.
Back to the city and visit a hidden wartime weapon cellar, a colorful Taoist Temple and enjoy panoramic view of the city from observation deck of the country’s highest building.
End the day with a sunset boat trip along Saigon River.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Departure flight
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