Essential Of Vietnam

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted and transported to your hotel. Take the remainder of the day to settle in and relax. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, gracefully preserves its traditions amidst the changes of the past decade.

Spend a full day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. Visit the Reunification Palace, which was formerly the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war. Explore the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Visit the War Remnants Museum. Then, make your way to Thien Hau Pagoda in Chinatown, built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century and dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Round off the afternoon exploring the colourful stalls and crowded alleyways of Binh Tay Market.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Explore the charming Mekong Delta on your journey to Ben Tre, known as the homeland of coconuts. Discover the local lifestyle centred around coconuts, used to create various products like fibres, coconut flesh, milk, and oil. Witness traditional brickmaking at a kiln. Take a serene sampan boat ride along the Mekong River, surrounded by fishing and cargo vessels. Ride a “Xe Lam” or bike through the village, savour honey tea and tropical fruits. Visit a workshop to learn about pop rice, coconut candy, and fiery rice wine. Enjoy a tranquil rowing boat journey through a creek lined with water coconut palm trees. Observe locals crafting hats and mats, using coconut leaves for their homes. Conclude with a sampan boat ride to My Tho, where your private vehicle awaits to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Fly to Da Nang, where you will be warmly greeted and transferred to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Hoi An. Hoi An, once a prominent Asian trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, still boasts its remarkable architecture and laid-back lifestyle, which seems untouched by time.

Explore the narrow winding streets of this ancient former trading port, immersing yourself in its captivating history. Wander through the Ancient Quarter, where well-preserved architecture showcases a beautiful blend of Chinese assembly halls nestled alongside Portuguese-style shop fronts. Take in the sights of the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, Tan Ky ancestral house, the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, and the vibrant market.

Accommodation: In Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Discover the Champa Ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Champa temples dating back to the 4th to 13th centuries, showcasing intricate Hindu architecture that reflects Vietnam's rich cultural history. After exploring My Son, return to Hoi An and embark on a delightful three-hour boat cruise along the Thu Bon River. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore Thanh Ha pottery village, where generations of artisans have perfected the delicate art of pottery-making. Continue to the charming Kim Bong carpentry village, where skilled artisans create beautiful handicrafts and sculptures, preserving the essence of their cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Head North to Hue and drive on the road along the East Sea, offering breath-taking coastal views. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery on the Hai Van Pass, known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era as you visit the Imperial Citadel, once the ruling ground of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Ba Market, renowned for its exquisite conical hats and a myriad of local products. Tonight, indulge in the rich flavours of local delicacies at one of Hue's finest restaurants at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

Today, begin a captivating upstream cruise along the Perfume (Huong) River aboard a dragon boat, passing the Imperial City en route to the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda. Explore the serene halls and shrines of Thien Mu Pagoda. Then hear the intriguing histories of the two Nguyen emperors, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, whose reigns coincided with France’s colonial rule. Visit the opulent tombs of these emperors, each reflecting a unique legacy. Tu Duc's Tomb is a poetic masterpiece amidst lush gardens, reflecting the emperor's love for nature and literature. Khai Dinh's Tomb is an enchanting fusion of Vietnamese and European styles, boasting intricate mosaics and vibrant colours. Conclude your journey in Hue and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital, where vibrant street life and rich heritage await.

Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a memorable day in Hanoi, Vietnam's captivating capital, beginning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex for insights into the country's history, culture and values. Understand Vietnam's struggle for independence and the impact of Ho Chi Minh's leadership.

Explore the ancient Temple of Literature, a classic example of Vietnamese architecture and the country's first national university, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's rich history. Opt to visit Hanoi's renowned museums, including Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US pilots during the war), the Army Museum, the National Fine Arts Museum, the History Museum, or the Ethnology Museum.

After visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas and the site where American politician John McCain crash-landed in 1967, enjoy a leisurely Cyclo ride through the charming streets and captivating shops of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Conclude your day with a traditional Water Puppet Theatre performance, offering a unique cultural experience.

Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Drive through the rural countryside of the Red River Delta, heading towards Halong City. Once you arrive, settle into your comfortable cabin on a cruise boat, where you will spend the night. Get ready to explore the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has graced the pages of coffee table books and National Geographic magazines. Cruise through the serene waters, surrounded by limestone karsts rising from turquoise depths. Discover beautiful beaches, observe the vibrant floating fishing villages, and uncover hidden lagoons, all while being captivated by the unparalleled beauty of this natural wonder.

Accommodation: Halong Bay - On the boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If weather permits, enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise over the bay and opt for Tai Chi or a tranquil moment with coffee or tea, observing the fishermen. The boat sets sail once more, giving you the chance to appreciate once more the beauty of Halong Bay before returning to the pier and heading back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final day at your own pace, exploring the beautiful surroundings or simply relaxing. Later, you will be driven to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: Check-out time is 12:00
Meals: Breakfast