Essential Of Vietnam

Essential Of Vietnam

This is a cultural journey, on which you will experience the diverse and colourful sights and flavours of Vietnam. Vietnam’s treasures are as unique as they are captivating. You will be introduced to something different every day. You will not only discover the beautiful sights of Vietnam but also get to know the Vietnamese people and take home rewarding memories of their warm and welcoming smiles.
Duration
10 days
Price from
$990
when
Dec - Sep
destination
Vietnam
type
Tailor-made

itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

From Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met and driven to your hotel. For rest of the day, settle in and relax, perhaps with a Vietnamese massage. In Ho Chi Minh City — or Saigon — despite changes over the past decade, many traditions are kept alive. You can still see young women wearing Ao Dai, the traditional dress, strolling past modern boutiques and restaurants in the city centre.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Dinner
Transfer distance: 10 km

Day 2

Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Take a tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks and learn about the history of Vietnam. The city boasts magnificent museums, picturesque pagodas, bustling markets, and elegant architecture from the colonial era. Visit the Reunification Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, then the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, built in French Colonial style. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch before visiting the War Remnants Museum for an insight into the American war through the locals’ eyes. Next, see Thien Hau pagoda in Chinatown, built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. Round off the afternoon in the colourful stalls and crowded alleyways of Binh Tay Market.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer distance: 30 km

Day 3

Mekong Delta Experiences

Leave Ho Chi Minh City and travel south to Cai Be, a small town in the Mekong Delta. Embark on a cruise on the Delta’s waterways, drop by Cai Be floating market and visit an ancient Mandarin house for tea with the family. Stop at local home factories to see rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy production.

Enjoy lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant, an exquisite colonial-style villa set in a tropical garden by the river. Continue through narrow canals for more views of the Mekong Delta. The cruise ends around 15:00 at Phu Nhuan Bridge near Cai Lay, from where your vehicle will drive you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer distance: 220 km

Day 4

Fly to Hue & Hue Sightseeing

A short flight takes you back in time to Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue, to relive the time of emperors and warlords around the ancient Citadel, the Forbidden City, and the opulent tombs of the emperors. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam between 1802 and 1945, then head to the vibrant Dong Ba market. For dinner, sample local delicacies in one of Hue’s finest restaurants.

Accommodation: In Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer distance: 35 km
Suggested flight: Vietnam Airlines VN1372 11:10 – 12:35

Day 5

Hue & Travel Overland to Hoi An

Explore the elaborate mausoleums of Minh Mang, and Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Then embark on a tranquil boat cruise on the Perfume River and journey through rural landscapes with farmers going about their lives on the riverbank.

Continue to Hoi An past breath-taking coastal views on the road along the East Sea and enjoy the mountain scenery on Hai Van Pass, the Road of the Ocean Clouds. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Today’s trade is based on fine arts and crafts, tailor-made clothing, and local delicacies served in laid-back riverside restaurants.

On arrival in Hoi An, check into your hotel, unwind and explore your surroundings.

Accommodation: In Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer distance: 145 km

Day 6

Hoi An Walking Tour

Discover the ancient former trading port of Hoi An and learn about its history. Stroll the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter and admire its well-preserved architecture, where Chinese assembly halls nestle beside Portuguese-style shop fronts. Visit Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, Tan Ky ancestral house, the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the colourful market, then take a three-hour boat cruise on Thu Bon River with stops at Thanh Ha pottery village and Kim Bong carpentry village.

Accommodation: In Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer distance: Nil

Day 7

Fly to Hanoi & Sightseeing Tour

You will be collected for your early morning flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is a uniquely charming city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and Oriental temples.

From the airport, transfer to the city and begin your Hanoi sightseeing tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature and its Confucian shrine. Founded in 1070 AD, it was Vietnam’s first university. Then visit the Hoa Lo Prison museum, ironically known as the Hanoi Hilton. Built by the French in 1896 to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, it was also used to hold American POWs in the 1960s. Next, walk through the narrow alleys, charming shops and unique architecture of Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter. Enjoy your evening in the old theatre for a water puppet show, a unique traditional art.

Accommodation: In Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer distance: 70 km
Suggested flight: Vietnam Airlines VN1542 10:30 – 11:45

Day 8

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1994 for its thousands of islands, Halong Bay (Descending Dragon Bay) is one of the most magnificent scenic destinations in Vietnam.

Transfer to Halong City, a four-hour drive with a 20-minute break. At Halong City, embark on an overnight cruise to explore its natural beauty and the magnificent views of limestone karsts in turquoise waters, deserted beaches, spectacular caves, lively floating fishing villages, and hidden lagoons. Spend one night in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin on the boat.

Accommodation: On the boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer distance: 160 km

Day 9

End Halong Bay Cruise & Return to Hanoi

Wake up to see the sun illuminating the spectacular rock formations. Continue cruising around the 2,000 islets and visit the scenic highlights. Breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) before cruising back to Halong port. You will arrive at the pier in the late morning to disembark and return to Hanoi. Relax at your hotel or explore the local restaurants.

Accommodation: In Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast (Brunch on some boats)
Transfer distance: 160 km

Day 10

Depart Hanoi

On your last day in Vietnam, you may explore your beautiful surroundings at your leisure. Go shopping or take a tour of the Ho Chi Minh museum, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will be driven to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: Check-out time is 12:00
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer distance: 40 km

Tour RATES & details

A rough idea of the price and what is included in this tour program. The exact price depends on season, accommodation and activities, it will be provided on your personalised quote.

Group SizeSuperior
2 persons808
3 – 6 persons781
7 – 11 persons591
12 – 16 persons526
Single Supp.307
Group SizePremium
2 persons896
3 – 6 persons692
7 – 11 persons502
12 – 16 persons437
Single Supp.219
Group SizeDeluxe
2 persons896
3 – 6 persons692
7 – 11 persons502
12 – 16 persons437
Single Supp.219
  • Rates are quoted in USD per person based on double sharing occupancy.
  • Rates are subject to change with or without prior notice. Amasia Travel reserve the right to change the quoted prices.
  • Rates do not apply over Christmas and New Year.
  • Eight nights of hotel accommodation
  • One night cruise accommodation (non-private boat)
  • Breakfast daily, three lunches and three dinners
  • All sightseeing as specified, including entrance fees
  • Transportation and transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Domestic flights as specified (Ho Chi Minh City – Hue, Da Nang – Hanoi)
  • Local English/French speaking guide
  • Government tax and service charges
  • International and domestic flights and airport taxes
  • Vietnamese visa
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks
  • Any other services not specified in the itinerary

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    Looking for direction in Hanoi's Old Quarter
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