Backbone Vietnam Scenic Tour from North to South – 12 Days

* BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay. Overnight on Boat

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – flight to Hue – sightseeing

Day 6: Hue sightseeing – Da Nang – Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An sightseeing – Relaxing

Day 8: Hoi An – free & Easy

Day 9: Hoi An – flight to Saigon – sightseeing to Cu Chi

Day 10: Saigon – Mekong Delta (Cao Be – Vinh Long)

Day 11: Saigon City Tour (1/2 day) – free

Day 12: Departure

Day 1: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Upon arrival in Noi Bai Airport, you’ll receive cordial welcome and comfortable transfer to hotel. If time permits, enjoy an orientation tour by cyclo around the old quarter streets, an interesting introduction of the city. Like other big cities, Hanoi is hustling and bustling, with thousands of people riding motorbikes, the most convenient means of transportation in the city.

O/N in Hanoi.

Day 2: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HANOI FULL DAY OF SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B/-/-)

Today you’ll be on a full day tour to discover the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. First, pay a visit

to Cho Hom, the local market, to get caught up in the lively atmosphere. This is where the city dwellers come daily to purchase the local food, fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, seafood, meat, and household appliances.

Then, continue to the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh to know his amazing life. Next is the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture. Afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artifacts about the cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Alternatively, you can swap to visit the historical museum instead, an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history.  

Hustle back to the peaceful Hoan Kiem area since there is a water puppet show at the popular Thang Long Water Puppet Theater awaits. Water puppet is a unique traditional art form and expression of cultural identity. The shows capture Vietnamese traditions; farming, tending buffaloes, and catching fish; entertainment, like swimming contests and lion dancing; and historical legends with traditional music. The one-hour show is a fun and insightful look into Vietnamese culture enjoyed by both adults and children.

O/N in Ha Noi

Day 3: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HANOI –HALONG BAY –OVERNIGHT ON BOAT (GROUP TOUR) (B/L/D)

07:45 :    Our shuttle bus with tour guide will pick you up at your hotels
(Note: This pick-up is just applied for those who use our shuttle bus service)
10:30 :   Stopover in Hai Duong City where you can experience our hand-made Vietnamese handicraft products.
12:30 :    Arrive in Tuan Chau Marina Pier (Tuan Chau Island). Followed by activities such as:  boarding our Cruise for departure, Welcome drink will be served and cruise briefing, safety instructions, check-in cabins by Cruise Manager
13:30 :   Great lunch is served while cruising passing by islets.
15:00 :   Kayaking around Pearl Farm Village, visit Titop Island. Free choice of activities such as sunbathing, swimming and conquering the peak of the biggest island in Halong and taking panoramic photos of Halong bay in the afternoon.
17:30 :   Happy Hour. Buy 2 beverage get 1 for free
18.00 :   Cooking Class. Our Chef will demonstrate the preparation of a particular Vietnamese cuisine in the dining room. Our guide will let you know what item will be prepared and will explain the process during the demonstration. Duration about 20 – 30 minutes
18:30 :  Enjoy Sunset Party with fruits and tea
19:30  :  Under the magnificent night sky, our luxury set menu dinner is served with variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods
21:00 :   Joining the squid fishing on boat with our crews and can enjoy the squid cooked with assistance from our chef or laze yourself with our happy-hour drinks at the bar

* Meal code: (B,L,D)

* Services: Bus transfer, English Speaking Guide, Entrance fees, Boat trip

Day 4: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HALONG BAY- HANOI (B/L/-)

06:15 : Tai Chi class on the Sun-Deck
07:15 : Have light breakfast with Coffee, tea, and bakeries on board
07:45 : Arrive at the Surprising cave , the biggest cave in Ha Long Bay with 10,000 square meters, when you visit the cave like our Vietnamese house with three chambers as lobby, dining room and bedroom with most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. We will tour the cave for about 60 minutes.
09:00 : Upon return to the boat you will have time to freshen up and finish packing. When checking out please remove all of your belongings from the cabins, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins.
10:00 : Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier
10.45 : Lunch is served.
After lunch, relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
11:45 – 12:00: Shuttle Bus back to Hanoi
Free time to visit and relax in Hanoi, then serve yourself dinner before being transferred to Hanoi station for night train to Sapa.

* Meal code: (B,L)
* Services: Boat trip, English Speaking Guide, Entrance fees, Bus transfer, Daily room in Hanoi hotel, Train ticket.
O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 5: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HANOI – FLIGHT TO HUE –HUE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival we visit the Imperial Citadel. And then we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfumes River to visit the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We also have an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.

This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues. The sightseeing tour of Hue also includes with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies. 

O/N in Hue.

Day 6: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HUE CITY TOURS – DANANG STOPOVER TOURS – HOI AN SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

In this morning, before leaving for Danang we will take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages (we can choose the shorter way by driving through the tunnel).

Upon arrival Da Nang, we will take a visit to Cham Museum formerly known as the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation southward. Then a visit to Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and temples whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Later on, we keep on rolling further southward to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.

O/N in Hoian.

Day 7: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HOI AN SIGHTSEEING –RELAXING (B/-/-)

This morning is spent visiting Hoian, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoian that is peacefully located by the Thu Bon River attracts the visitors by its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas.           

This afternoon is free and easy for your independent exploration.O/N in Hoi An.

Day 8: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HOI AN –FREE &EASY (B/-/-)

Today is free. After breakfast at hotel, you will spend the time as you wish. You may relax by the hotel beautiful pool, walk in the town market or enjoy yourself on the sandy beaches.

O/N in Hoi An.

Day 9: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : HOI AN –FLIGHT TO SAIGON –SIGHTSEEING TO CU CHI (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for a short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to the legendary Cu Chi like –web underground tunnel network which was used as the base from there the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968.

5The Cu Chi tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels, the tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along.

O/N in Saigon.

Day 10: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : SAIGON –CAI BE, VINH LONG IN MEKONG DELTA (B/L/-)

Head south to the Mekong Delta, where evergreen islands stand amidst the intricate network of meandering rivers. The Cai Be floating market is unlike any you’ve ever seen, with the vendor’s wares being displayed as they hang from large poles on the bow of the boat. Lunch in a superb colonial villa nestled inside a quaint village before returning by boat and car to the big city.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 11: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : SAIGON CITY TOUR ½ DAY –FREE AFTERNOON (B/-/-)

This morning is spent discovering Saigon. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. Start with a visit to the Reunification Palace. This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975.

Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. The final stop is Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!

This afternoon is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12: Vietnam Scenic Tour from Hanoi to Saigon via Halong, Hoi An, Hue : DEPARTURE

After breakfast, free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

—End of services—
 

=> And for those who are just keen on signing up our GROUP TOUR, the special cost is just US$ 1.025/person for the 3-star hotels and ONLY US$ 1.318/person for the 4-star hotels. However, please contact our team via sales@dnqtravel.com to know more about the departure dates

=> If you want to upgrade your stay upto 5-star hotels, kindly email us at sales@dnqtravel.com 

* NOTE: All airfares could be changed without prior notice at the time of booking or issuance

* List of 3-star hotels in use:

– Hanoi: Silk Queen Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkqueenhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Halong Bay: Luxury Flamingo **** cruise (Deluxe Cabin) http://luxuryflamingocruises.vn or similar ones

– Hue: Rosaleen Hotel (Deluxe room) http://www.rosaleenhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Hoi An: Hoi An River Beach Resort (Deluxe room) http://www.river-beachresort.com/ or similar ones

– Saigon: Saigon Ruby River hotel (Superior room) www.rubyriverhotel.com.vn  or similar ones

* List of 4-star hotels in use:

– Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkpathhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Halong Bay: Pelican Cruise **** cruise (Deluxe Cabin) http://www.pelicancruise.com/ or similar ones

– Hue: Moon Light Hotel (Deluxe room) https://www.moonlighthue.com/ or similar ones

– Hoi An: Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa (Deluxe room) http://www.littlehoian.com/ or similar ones

– Saigon: Saigon Harmony hotel (Deluxe room) www.harmonysaigonhotel.com/en/ or similar ones

INCLUDING:

•  Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver 
• Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong and Return
•  Air ticket Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho Chi Minh City
•  Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
•  Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch & D = Dinner
•  English or French speaking guide
•  Entrance fee to indicated sights 
•  Water puppet show
•  Boat trips
•  Pure bottled water & wipes

EXCLUDING:

Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance…