Best of Vietnam-10 Days

A journey incorporating Vietnam’s essential highlights. The perfect trip for those wanting a better understanding of the country in a relatively short time. This incredible region will come to life through interacting with the local people and immersing yourself in the Vietnamese culture. This trip will bring you to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the mighty Mekong Delta, the ancient capital Hue, charming Hoi An, the cultural capital Hanoi and the impressive sights of Halong Bay. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Private boat trip on Mekong River to explore the surrounding floating markets and islands.
• A romantic escape in quaint Hoi An Town.
• Spend a day venturing through the city, taking in museums, markets and other colorful sights in Hanoi.
• Wake up to the glistening waters of Halong Bay lapping at the bows of our comfortable & luxury accommodation on board after an overnight cruise.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnel – City Tour
Day 3: Mekong Delta/Fly to Hue
Day 4: Full Day Hue City Tour
Day 5: Hue – Hoi An Ciy Tour
Day 6: Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An – Danang/Fly to Hanoi – Transfer to Halong Bay
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour
Day 10: Hanoi Departure

DAY 1:            HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL (D)
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for relaxing and your welcome dinner.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2:            CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITY/CITY TOUR (B, L)
Drive 70kms from Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route to visit a rice paper making village, and you will reach Cu Chi Tunnels. After an introductory video, viewing various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters, you will spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels to see how the Viet Cong survived in this underground network.

Back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, visit the Former Presidential Palace, the town’s center with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Municipal Theater, Quan Am Pagoda, Cho Lon and China town. 
Finish the tour in fine style by heading up the Bitexco Tower, which is the city’s tallest building. Your guide will be happy to wait for a short while whilst you enjoy a stylish sundowner with breath-taking skyline views.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 3:            HO CHI MINH CITY – BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY/FLY TO HUE (B, L)
This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the 2 hour drive to the delta town of Ben Tre. Board your local boat through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery. En-route visit the brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand then visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut. Afterwards, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads, through the fruit plantation before enjoying lunch at riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a ride in a rowing boat along the palm creek before heading back Ho Chi Minh City. Take a flight to Hue. Check in to the hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 4:            HUE FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B, L)
After breakfast, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.

In the afternoon see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market, a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 5:            HUE – HOI AN (B, L)
Transfer to Hue via the Hai Van Pass and through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. Drive through Danang and visit the Cham museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Arrive Hoi An, check in hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town and explore its treasures: the Japanese
Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, and Quang Dong Assembly Hall.
 
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 6:            HOI AN (B)
Your day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 7:            HOI AN – DANANG/FLY TO HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Danang to take the morning flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to Halong Bay. Arrive at Halong City at noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. A truly memorable experience awaits you as you cruise the delightful Bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities depending on each boat’s itinerary or just spend some time relaxing on board. 
Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. 

Overnight on board.

DAY 8:            HALONG BAY – HANOI (BRUNCH)
Start your day with calming Tai Chi, enjoy the sunrise over the Bay and continue cruising. Enjoy the brunch on the way back to port, transfer to Hanoi. En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong, of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam. More a living space than a museum, the Palace is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects, exquisite antiques and remarkable structures. Free evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 9:            FULL DAY HANOI CITY TOUR (B, L)
Depart your hotel to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One pillar pagoda) and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first University in Vietnam dating back to the 16th century. 
 
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter will provide another fascinating insight into the character and history of the city, before moving on to Dong Xuan Market with its bustling stalls and brisk trading of day-to-day local goods. Finish the day with a traditional water puppet show
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 10:          HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
Free day at leisure until transfer to Hanoi airport for your departure flight.
 

SERVICE INCLUDED

• Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Tours as per itinerary with local speaking guide (NO guide on board Halong Bay)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
• All entrance fees as program
• Private boat trips in Mekong Delta
• Meals (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as indicated in the program
• A bottle of mineral water per day tour

 
SERVICE EXCLUDED

• Drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa to Vietnam
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Airport taxes  
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above