Itinerary in BriefDay 1: Ho chi minh arrival
Day 2: Ho chi minh city - Cu chi tunnel ( B, L )
Day 3: Ho chi minh - Mekong delta - Ho chi minh ( B, L )
Day 4: Ho chi minh – Danang – Hoian ( B, L )
Day 5: Hoian – Myson santuary ( B )
Day 6:Hoian – Hue ( B )
Day 7; Hue city ( B, L )
Day 8: Hue – Hanoi ( B,L )
Day 9: Hanoi – Hoalu – Tam coc – Hanoi ( B, L )
Day 10: Hanoi – Halong bay on board ( B, L,D )
Day 11: Halong – Hanoi ( B )
Day 12: Hanoi departure ( B )
Itinerary in Details
Day 1: Ho chi minh arrival Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are warmly welcomed and transferred to hotel by private Asia View Travel’s guide with signboard, check in, and relax. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 2: Ho chi minh city - Cu chi tunnel ( B, L )Breakfast at hotel, we then drive to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At the height of the Vietnam war, the tunnel system stretched from the outskirts of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border of over 250 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnel system, built over 25 years starting in the 1940s, let the Viet Minh and, later, the Viet Cong, control a huge rural area. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was several stories deep and housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth, going to schools.
Transfer back Ho chi minh city and do the short city tour with the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office, the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 3: Ho chi minh – Mekong Delta – Ho chi minh ( B, L )Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals n the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh city.
Da
y 4: Ho chi minh – Da nang – Hoi an ( B, L )Breakfast at hotel, we board a flight to Da Nang. Arriving in Danang international airport, the guide will pick you up and transfer to Hoian. We spend the rest of the day exploring Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders. Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at resort in Hoian.
Day 5: Hoi an – My son Sanctuary ( B )We drive to visit holly land My Son. This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km. from Da nang, My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam. Balance of the day will be at your leisure to do your endless shopping in Hoi an. Overnight at hotel in Hoi an.
Day 6: Hoi an – Hue ( B )This morning free to relax or discover Hoian by yourself. The town is also famous for it's shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here! You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. Perhaps you would like to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson! One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town!
Leaving Hoi An in the afternoon, we drive north to the old imperial city of Hue. Along the way, we make stopover at the sensational Marble Mountains, the Danang Beach and Da nang City for a visit to the Cham Museum. We then follow the road crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass before arriving in Hue, Vietnam's last imperial capital of Vietnam. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 7: Hue city tour ( B, L ) Breakfast at hotel, we then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to The beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies.
Day 8: Hue – Hanoi ( B, L)Transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi, pick up and transfer to city center. We then start city tour with the 11th century Temple of Literature - the first University of Vietnam, the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple. Take a cyclo tour around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. We continue with Tran Quoc Pagoda and West lake - the biggest lake in Hanoi. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Overnight at hotel in Ha noi.
Day 9: Hanoi – Hoa lu – Tam coc – Ha noi ( B, L )8:00 AM pick up at your hotel in Ha noi, drive to Tam Coc, arrived in Tam Coc at approx. 10am. Visit Hoa Lu Temple, the ancient citadel of Vietnam in 10th century. Enjoy a trek to the King Dinhs Tomb on a terraced hillside and gaze down at the ancient capital in the beautiful Truong Yen Valley below. Lunch at local restaurant. PM take a board sampans at Tam Coc to ferry down the Boi river. The boat goes through 3 cavernous limestone tunnels, offering a cool break from the sunshine and astounding views of the cave structures. Transfer back to hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi – Halong bay on board (B, L, D)Breakfast at hotel, then 8:30 AM start a 3. 5 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
11.30 – 12.15 Welcome you at Hòn Gai Tourist International Port
12.30 Check in Overnight Cruise, welcome drink and program introduction
13.00 – 14.30 The cruise start the journey
Lunch served with local cuisines menu and passing the paramount view at Ha Long
such as Kicking Dog Island , Fighting Chicken Islet, Huong Peak, Thien Cung Cave,Dau Go Island…
15.00 – 16.00 Explore Surprise Cave – one of the most famous caves on the Ha Long bay.
16.30 – 17.30 Small boat take you to Titop seaside: visiting islands, climb to Titop Mountain 200m in height to see the whole bay and swimming at Titop Seaside.
18.00 Return to your cruise or relaxation or enjoy sunset on the bay
19.30 – 21.00 Dinner at the restaurant with organized menu
21.00 Free at your leisure like lying on deck or going to catch squid…
Overnight on junk.
Day 11: Halong – Hanoi (Brunch)Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3.5 hour journey bach Hanoi, check in, relax.
Day 12: Hanoi departure (B) Breakfast at hotel, free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour
Thank you for traveling with Asia View Travel.
Accommodation Options
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Location
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Standard
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Superior
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First class
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Deluxe
|
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Saigon
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Le Duy 3*
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Tan Hai long hotel & spa 3 *
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Norfolk 4*
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Majestic 5*
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Hoian
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Vinh hung II 3*
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Thuy Duong 3 *
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Hoian Beach resort 4*
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Palm Garden 5 *
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Hue
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Hue Holiday
2*
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Asia hotel 3*
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Gerbera 4*
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Imperial 5*
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Hanoi
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Hanoi Paradise
3 *
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Hanoi Imperial 3*
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Hanoi Flower garden 4*
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De L' Opera 5*
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Halong Boat
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Marguerite
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Bai tho
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Emotion
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Victory Star
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Tour includes:• All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• 2 days 1 night cruise on Halong Bay ( private cabin - sharing boat )
• All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Domestic airfare & airport taxes: Ho chi minh – Danang, Hue - Hanoi
• Private English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurant with local foods (B= breakfast; L=Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Boat cruise as stated
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water & towel
• Government taxes & Service charges
Tour excludes:• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Vietnam visa arrangement (upon request visa on arrival at 10 USD, not including stamping fee at 25 USD)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Kayak in Halong Bay
• Surcharge on Christmas, New Year and Our Lunar New Year
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
• Tips and gratuities