Vietnam at a Glance

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

(D)

Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, the enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.

Your trip starts today with the warm welcome at the airport from your arrival in Hanoi. We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu). Although several Văn Miếu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first university; One Pillar Pagoda and paying a homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. We will then enjoy the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner with tradition dishes at the local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay

(B/L/D)

Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.

8:00: You are picked up at the hotel. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel in Hanoi and pack an overnight bag.

12.15 pm: Arrive in Halong city, board our traditional wooden junk boat for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, which is situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area and is one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then have chance to explore Halong bay on your own by kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay. We will have dinner with fresh seafood on board then free time for squid fishing or relaxing and chatting with your partner, friends, family.
Overnight on Halong Bay Junk.

Day 3: Halong - Hanoi

(B, L)

7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served. Enjoy Sunrise on the Bay or practice Tai Chi lesson with our professional (this is not included with standard and superior options). Continue to explore the Bay.
8.00am: Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi, on the way call on a ceramic village to see craftsmen do their works. Free time for your personal activities and dinner.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hue

(B, L)

Hue is the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty (1802 - 1945). Here remains many historical buildings. Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
Today, we will take the flight to Hue in the morning for full day tour. Our visiting sites includes Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Our exciting day ends with romantic cruise on the Perfume River with Royal music on boat.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Hoi An

(B, L)

The ancient town of Hoi An was originally a Cham port. The city possessed the largest harbor in Southeast Asia in the first century and was known as Lâm Ấp Phố (Champa City). It has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures.
We travel by private vehicle with guide from Hue to Hoian town - Journey south along Highway 1 past the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co. On the way to Hoi An, we stop in Lang Co, the village of the fishermen and then have bath in the beach. We will then visit Cham Museum - the Museum of Champa Sculpture in Danang. Here displays an intensive and diverse collection of Champa sculpture dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries from its golden age to its decline. In their own way, the artifacts exemplify the rise and fall of the Champa civilization. We also visit the Marble Mountain. After the lunch, we depart for Hoi An. Free to swim and relax at the Cua Dai beach.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

(B)

Today, we will take full day tour to visit the tranquility and charm of Hoi An. The town is coupled with low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers.

We spend a full day tour to visiting Hoian ancient town with all major interesting sites: Ong Pagoda, Hoi An Museum, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation. After lunch, we get on boat for romantic cruise on the Thu Bon River and visit well-known traditional handicraft villages of Thanh Ha Ceramic and Kim Bong Carpentry to learn about the daily life of the locals. Back to your hotel at about 5pm.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An - Nha Trang (Flight)

(B)

Located on the South Central Coast of Vietnam Nha Trang is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists and is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.

We will take the flight to Nhatrang. We have lunch upon arrival and visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom. It was occupied by the local Buddhists of Nha Trang for prayers and worship. The Po Nagar Kalan is a structure in dazzling colors and with amazing architecture. The well known Oceanographic Institute will also be visited. The remainder of the day is free to relax on the beach.
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 8: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling

(B, L)

There are many sea sport, relaxation activities you can do in Nha Trang. Most common and attractive things tourists want to do here is a boat cruise through beautiful islands, swimming and snorkeling to discover wonderful corals here. These are all included in our full day tour. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.

Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Flight )

(B)

Today, you will take the flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and is the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Hồ Chí Minh City and surrounding towns is populated by more than 9 million.

We take a short city tour to visit the must to see places in the city including the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). If time permits, we will also visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine.

Overnight at the hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

(B)

You are free for your personal activities on the last day. If time permits, we suggest you to head out of town to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which is an extensive underground network of approximately 200 kilometers of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and then expanded by the Viet Cong. Here contains hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon.

You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam for your next destination. Tour ends.
See more about Vietnam at Glance Tour

Note*:

1. Packing list: See our suggested vacation packing tips
2. The itinerary for Halong bay tour would be a little different depending on the option you choose.

Quotation: Rates vary frequently. Please contact us at info@indochinatreks.com to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Note*:

• Rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals..
• See our list of hotels for the above options.
• Early checkin or late checkout is subject to availability with/without additional charge (if any).
• Accommodation bases on ROH rooms. Higher room grade can be arranged with additional charge. Similar hotel of the same rate will be selected in case pointed one(s) is (are) full.

Inclusion:

• Visa approval code
• Twin-shared rooms at 3-5 star hotels.
• Admission fees for all sightseeing places
• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.
• Boat trip in Halong Bay and Dragon boat in Hue.
• Land transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip.
• English or French speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.
• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.

Exclusion:

• Travel insurances.
• Services not clearly mentioned above.
• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).
• All flights and airport tax
• Day use at hotel (early checkin/late checkout)