Explore Vietnam - 11 days

Day 1 Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi .Transfer to hotel.  Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi (Breakfast / Lunch: Local Restaurant (Vietnam)

Sightseeing in Hanoi with a visit by cyclo to the Old Quarter Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam\'s first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh\'s final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH\'S STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Afterwards head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent OPERA HOUSE (may be seen from the outside only) and ST JOSEPH\'S CATHEDRAL. From the lake, begin exploring the OLD QUARTER by CYCLO This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as \'The 36 Streets,\' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover\'s paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The cyclo ride lasts approximately one hour. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi\'s famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d\'Extreme Orient, the HISTORY MUSEUM is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d\'Extreme Orient; and include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam\'s history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The alternative visit for History Museum is The MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (close on Monday & Vietnamese New Year), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.eteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Visit a Water Puppet Show WATER PUPPET SHOW: a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Seafood Lunch on Boat Trip )

By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long bay Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch & dinner) Depart, 8: 00 - 8: 30 am on a private vehicle from your hotel to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai Wharf. Check- in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing. Lunch with fresh local seafood while cruising to Bai Tu Long bay via Indochina film studio, Teapot islet, Blockhouse islet, Goat Head islet. Stop for swimming, visit mysterious Thien Canh cave. Relax at a wild beach, swim & kayak to explore the bay. Back to junk to enjoy relaxing or the sunset. Dinner and overnight on board nearby Vong Vieng village or Trinh Nu cave. Overnight on boat in Halong/Bai Tu Long bay

Day 4 Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi – Hue (Breakfast: Hotel, Lunch on boat)

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Bay’s landscape. From 7.30 to 8:00 am have breakfast in the fresh air then visit Vong Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat. Meet the locals, visit floating school & fish farms. More time to swim in the middle of the bay. From 10: 15, we serve on a La-Carte-Menu, you can order any dishes in the menu whenever you want for breakfast and lunch. Continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. 11: 45 check out cabin while cruising back. By noon at 12:00, we will be ashore then hit the road back to Hanoi at around 4: 00 pm. Directly transfer to the airport for evening domestic flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue. Airport pick up and transfer to your hotel in Hue. Check in your hotel in Hue, free time to relax and stay overnight here. Boat cruise, Transfer Flight from Hanoi to Hue. Transfer Overnight in Hue.

Day 5 Hue (Breakfast: Hotel )

Sightseeing in Hue Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Visit the Old Imperial City Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )

Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with boat trip Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER, stopping first at the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue\'s most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting. By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of DANANG before arriving in Hoi An. Visit Cham Museum CHAM MUSEUM: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period. Overnight in Hoi An. .

Day 7 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )

Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. Continue to SA HUYNH MUSEUM, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An\'s history. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself. Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )

Excursion to My Son Journey southwest of Hoi An to Vietnam\'s most important Cham site and one of the most stunning sights in the Hoi An area. MY SON: considered to be Champa\'s counterpart to Angkor and Bagan, the great cities of South East Asia\'s other Indian-influenced civilizations. The monuments are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat\'s Tooth Mountain. Afternoon at leisure Overnight in Hoi An. .

Day 9 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )

Transfer to Danang airport Flight from Danang to Saigon. Transfer Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels & Sight seeing Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Transfer back to Saigon for more sight seeing. We begin to visit the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, The Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Visit the central BEN THANH market if time permits, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon. .

Day 10 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )

Excursion to Cai Be Floating Market, with a boat trip to Vinh Long From Saigon, drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai Be, and embark on one of the local boats to explore CAI BE FLOATING MARKET, a lively market of fruit and vegetable barges with a picturesque Catholic cathedral on the riverside. Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the MEKONG RIVER ISLANDS to visit orchards and local cottage industries. Enjoy watching how the delta residents make traditional treats such as dried longyans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, with the chance to sample the local delicacies. Disembark at Vinh Long and return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11 Saigon Departure(Breakfast: Hotel )

Breakfast at hotel. Depending on your flight you may have sometime for some more shopping. Then we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

***End of the Tour***