Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As passengers will be arriving at various times today, there are no planned activities.
Some suggestions include: Taking a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of street, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. In the evening attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (the mausoleum and museum is closed in October-December)
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Transfer by road (approx 3 hours) to Halong Bay to board a traditional 'Junk' boat which will be home for the evening. Halong Bay is considered Vietnam's greatest natural wonder; expect to be awed by the amazing limestone karsts jutting dramatically from the water. Perhaps a pre-dinner swim or kayak before enjoying a seafood dinner and a very peaceful night beneath the stars.
Take the opportunity to visit some of the caves en-route and stop at one of the secluded bays for swimming (weather permitting). Overnight will be spent on the boat which has comfortable air conditioned private cabins.
Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B,L)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast served on board as the Junk continues to cruise throughout the morning, stopping by the islands of Man's Head and Turtle Island. A visit to Luon cave by small bamboo boat is also possible. After an early lunch on board the boat, head back to Hanoi with time for shopping or further sightseeing until our overnight train to Hue.
The train to Hue is part of the famous Reunification express. This is a local basic train and we have 4 berth shared cabins.
Day 4: Hue (B)
Arrive early into Hue, once the imperial capital. A true highlight of Hue is the surrounding countryside. We can visit Thien Mu Pagoda and continue on to the tomb of Nguyen Emperors.
Day 5: Hue – Hoi An (B)
In the morning, we go on a guided tour around the Citadel which also contains the Forbidden Purple City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Badly destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 significant restoration work has since occurred.
Late morning we board our private bus and make the 4 hour drive to Hoi An crossing over Hai Van Pass (subject to weather conditions). We may also have time to stop at Lang Co Beach. We will arrive in Hoi An late evening.
Day 6: Hoi An (B)
The picturesque port town of Hoi An, once known as Fabio, was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections. As you walk amongst this living museum you could visit sites such as the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies. Hoi An is also a shopping Mecca for tourists in the region – tailors can produce virtually anything overnight – clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and other crafts abound.
Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang (B)
Just north of Hoi An is Danang, a major US military base during the war and site of an excellent museum documenting Cham art and history.
Day 8: Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Drive to Danang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the sprawling metropolis that was once the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center.
During your free time you can take a tour by cyclo (rickshaw) to various sights around town. See Notre Dame Cathedral, Gustav Eiffel's Post Office, the Opera House, Rex Hotel, and town hall or you may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Visit the Cu Chi tunnels west of Ho Chi Minh City. With our guide, explore the underground network of man-made tunnels dug by the local Vietnamese to hide and fight during the war.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh departure (B)
After breakfast, the tour ends and you are free to depart at any time
Tour price:
• 3* star: 679$ Per Person (Min. 2 persons)
• 4* star: 939$ Per Person (Min. 2 persons)
• 5* star: 1,149$ Per Person (Min. 2 persons)
What's Included
Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip with seafood lunch and dinner, Entrance to Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi tunnels
Group Size
Max 15, Avg 10
Group Leader
local guides.
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nights), sleeper train (1 night), Junk Boat (1 night)
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Night 2, Halong Bay boat; Night 3, Sleeper Train
Transport
Train, local bus, air conditioned bus, boat, cyclo, and plane.
Meals Included
07 Breakfasts, 01 Lunches, 01 Dinner.
Meal Budget
Allow USD150 for meals not included.
