VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS
Situated in South-eastern
Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and
South China Sea, lies the ancient and incredible country of
Vietnam. This
magical tour takes you through the highlights of Vietnam,
from Halong Bay to the historical town of Hoi-an to Saigon
and the Mekong.
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi airport
After arrival at the airport you will be given the chance to discover
some of Hanoi's highlights. We start with the Vietnam
museum of Ethnology where you can get an idea about the 54 ethnic groups of
Vietnam and visit some typical rebuilt houses at the outdoor museum.
Next we will visit the Temple of Literature. Then transfer to your hotel
in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Hue (B-L)
This morning, we take an early flight to Hue.
We explore Hue by enjoying a morning boat cruise on the Perfume River to
the Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city. Hue is also very famous for
its historical relics including King’s tomb. Your boat will stop by Minh
Mang tomb, one of the nicest King’s tombs which is set in harmony of
Earth, Heaven, Green trees, Water and monuments. Your driver will pick
up you at Minh Mang for lunch at a garden restaurant of Biet Phu Thao
Nhi.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Forbidden Purple City, the former
home of the Royal family during the Nguyen dynasty from 19th
century to mid 20th century. Although most palaces were
destroyed during the American War (Vietnamese War) especially in Tet
offensive (1968), this place is still worth a visit with many palaces
and temples.
Overnight in Hue
Day 3: Hue – Hoi An (B)
In the morning, you will take a 4-hour drive to Hoian, a charming old town which was recognized as a World Natural Heritage
site. On
the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach, Hai Van pass, Cham sculpture
museum and Marble mountain. We then check-in at our hotel in Hoi An.
In the afternoon, we take a tour of the historic pagodas, houses and
bridges of Hoi An. This is Vietnam’s most enchanting town, an ancient
trading port of narrow streets, historic buildings, fine food and
abundant shops. The influence of many countries can be seen as you
wander the streets, including the Chinese, Japanese, French, Portuguese
and of course Vietnamese. Great efforts are being made to preserve the
town for new generations and cars have been banned from the most
popular streets. There are many important sights in compact Hoi An and
all can be explored on foot.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 4: Hoi An – Hochiminh City (B)
AM: Morning at your leisure.
PM: Flight to Hochiminh city. Free at your leisure.
Overnight in Hochiminh city.
Day 5: Saigon- Cu Chi (B)
In the morning, we take a drive to visit the Cu Chi- a fabulous tunnel.
These tunnels are a symbol of Vietnam’s continual fight against foreign
oppression and imperialism. The tunnel system covers close to 200 km
including under what was once a US air base. The tunnels once spanned an
area stretching from close to the Cambodian border to the city limits of Hochiminh City. They were originally constructed to fight against the
French in the 1940s, to give a peasant army a means of communication
between villages whilst remaining undetected. In 1960 the Viet Cong
repaired and added to the tunnels to fight against the South Vietnamese
and American forces. The Commander of the American forces in the region
held the opinion that the Viet Cong who were responsible for digging
them were like human moles.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Hochiminh city .
Day 6: Saigon- Cai Be- Can Tho (B, L)
In the morning we drive south to Cai
Be. Upon arrival, start our private cruise excursion, departing from our
own pier in Phu An hamlet at around 10.00 am. Upon embarkation, you are
welcomed with fresh cotton towels. The tour will begin with the visit of
Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of
fruits and vegetables... Cruising further, your sampan will bring you to
see some local home factories to discover traditional rice paste making,
rice pop corn, coco candies, and longans drying process.
A delicious lunch will await you at a superb Indochinese villa, Le
Longanier, located in a luxuriant garden by the river…
After lunch, your sampan will proceed the cruise to Dong Hoa Hiep. On
the way, you will be able observe the typical Mekong delta rural life.
These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to
many people. Visit an ancient mandarin house dating from the 19th
century where the family will welcome you with a cup a tea.
We will proceed to Vinh Long, passing beautiful landscapes along Dong
Phu canal, Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh islands famous for their fruit
orchards. After crossing the Co Chien River, the excursion will end at
Vinh Long pier around 4pm.
Overnight at hotel
Day 7: Can Tho - Hochiminh City – Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel followed by an early boat
trip to the bustling wholesale Cai Rang & Phong Dien floating markets where
the farmers exchange their products. A walk on a peaceful country road
provides magnificent sceneries of local houses, orchard gardens and fields.
Don’t be surprised if you are invited by a local family to join them for a
cup of tea! We will have lunch at a local restaurant before driving back
directly to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to
your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi- Halong (B-L-D)
8.00am - Depart Ha Noi for a 3.5 hour drive to Ha Long
City through the Red River Delta with a break stop on the way. We arrive at
Halong City at about 11h30 and you will then be transferred by tender to the
luxury INDOCHINA SAILS Junk and enjoy a welcome cocktail. We will
start cruising at 12h15 while you check in your cabin. A deluxe Vietnamese
Set menu lunch with fresh local seafood will be served on board (vegetarians
catered for) while you embark on a cruise into the Holy bay to see the
incredible karst formations.
We arrive by boat at Bat Cave (Hang Doi) where you will
choose from optional tour program: visit local fishing village by tender OR
visit cave by rowing sampan or kayak (kayak is at additional charge) OR
relax with beauty services onboard. Enjoy a stunning Vietnamese dinner on
board.
Overnight in your room
***Kayaking is available with extra charge.
Day 9: Halong – Hanoi (B)
06.00 At leisure or practice Meditation and Yoga Session
on the Sun Deck and enjoy the sunrise.
07.00: Depart by boat to Surprise Cave (Sung Sot) to
visit this famous cave. Another option is to go swimming or kayaking (kayak
is at additional charge). An International Breakfast set menu (or buffet)
will be served from 8h30 to 10h00 in the morning. We will then start
cruising in Halong Bay while you relax and take pictures. The cruise returns
to Hon Gai/ Halong at about 10h30.
10h00: Check out from Indochina Sails Junk- farewell
until next time. Depart from Hon Gai/ Halong towards Hanoi. You will arrive
at your hotel at about 15.30pm.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi – Free day (B)
A free day at your leisure.
This evening, we will attend a traditional Water
Puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form designed to depict
scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 11 : Departure (B)
Have more free time in Hanoi until taking a transfer to
the airport for your flight home. Trip ends.
End of services
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