VIETNAM DISCOVERY TOUR IN SHORT – 9 DAYS

*  BRIEF ITINERARY: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay

 Day 1: Saigon arrival.

Day 2:  Saigon half day city tour- Cu Chi afternoon trip, overnight in Saigon

Day 3:  Saigon- Ben Tre – Saigon

Day 4:  Fly to Da Nang, tour in Hoi An

Day 5:  Optional tours: Hue a day trip, My Son, Craft village…

Day 6: Fly from Da Nang to Hai Phong, cruise over Halong Bay

Day 7: Disembarkation, Haiphong city tour- drive to Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi city tour

Day 9: Departure. 

Day 1: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: SAIGON ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named as Saigon which nowadays becomes Vietnam’s financial hub. Upon arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you’ll receive the cordial welcome and comfortable transfer to hotel. Check-in and enjoy your free time then.

O/N in Saigon.

Day 2: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: SAIGON A HALF DAY CITY TOUR & CU CHI AFTERNOON TRIP (B/L/-)

This morning is spent discovering the frenetic city. Saigon, the Oriental Pearl, has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. First, we’ll visit the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Next, we’ll browse through the amazing array of goods at Ben Thanh Market before having lunch at a restaurant at the downtown.

Afternoon, drive to visit Cu Chi, where the Viet Cong confused the Americans through a miracle of primitive technology. The guerrillas escaped from their enemies through a maze of resistant bomb tunnels that span nearly 200 km. Most of these tunnels are too narrow for Western visitors, who usually, rapidly become claustrophobic. Thus, a small portion of the labyrinth has been enlarged to give tourists a glimpse of the site. Transfer back to Saigon later this afternoon and spend the rest of day at your leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: SAIGON- MEKONG- SAIGON (B/L/-)

Rise up early today and after having breakfast, travel 105 km south to Cai Be, the gateway to Mekong Delta. On arrival, embark on a boat to cruise along the Mekong River visiting the floating markets, where you can admire displays of fruits and vegetables. Explore islands, stopping at the family factories where you can see how the delicious coconut candies, popcorns, poprice and so on are prepared. Enjoy your lunch with the special local fish “elephant ear” in a bonsai garden or in an old house.

After lunch, continue your trip by a small sampan ride through the shady canals to Vinh Long. You will cross over the parkway many small boats carrying fruits, vegetables, and fish. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. In the late afternoon, transfer back to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: SAIGON- DA NANG BY FLIGHT- HOI AN (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to Hoi An ancient town, known to early Western merchants as one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets. Having been through many ups and downs in the past, the original structures, however, are still virtually intact. That was the reason to persuade the UNESCO to recognize Hoi An as a World Heritage in 1999. Check in the hotel for short break and ready for the afternoon tour.

This afternoon is spent walking through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge, all the key sites of the place. Then, you can also enjoy the hotel or resort facilities, spending your time at sea, shopping or getting some fast services tailor-made clothes. 

Overnight in Hoi An. 

Day 5: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: FREE DAY FOR OPTIONAL TOURS (B/-/-)

Today, you can choose the way to relax at the beach, go shopping on your own or join us on an optional tour such as Hue a day trip or Handicraft village visit or a half day tour to My Son. Please contact us for the arrangement.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: DA NANG- HAI PHONG- CRUISING ON HALONG BAY (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to catch the early flight to Hai Phong. On arrival, transfer to Dinh Vu port where you’ll embark the Orchid ship to cruise over Halong Bay

12h00: Transfer by tender to the Orchid Cruise.

12h15: Welcome aboard! Enjoy a complimentary drink while you checking and review safety instructions. Your exploration of Halong Bay begins – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

12h40: Your Orchid Cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Enjoy lunch on board before continuing your journey via the islets of Duck (Con Vit) and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched due to being a fair way from Halong City, not so many tourist boats venture here, meaning it has a more isolated appeal.

14h45: Progress to Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay, a separate part of Halong Bay. Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Halong Bay but sits in a different province of Vietnam. The region is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty with about 400 fascinating karst islands and limestone outcrops. Unlike Ha Long Bay, the islands of Lan Ha Bay are forested, and most are small in stature.

15h00: Experience the small coracles that used by fishermen for centuries. You will learn how they go to trade or to cast fishing nets whilst navigating the waters in their tiny craft.

Alternatively, you may prefer to kayak amongst the jutting karsts or simply enjoy a swim in the crystal waters of the bay. (This program offered April through November).

In the winter months, (December to March) you may visit Viet Hai village. Bike along the village path and go through lush forests. Enjoy the stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Optional electric cart service is available (at an extra cost).

17h45: Return to your ship. You may watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin or join a traditional cooking class. The ship’s chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnamese dishes.

Option: Massage service available, please book with Cruise Manager directly.

19h30: Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by professional on-board catering staff.

21h30: Watch the water glistening in the moonlight as you lounge on the top deck sipping a cocktail of choice or try your hand at squid fishing- one of the most interesting evening activities that you may experience. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: DISEMBARKATION- HAI PHONG CITY TOUR- HANOI (B/-/-)

6h00: Rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, continue your journey and head out by canoes to explore the bay in the area where the Dark & Bright Cave is situated.

9h45: Return to The Orchid for check-out procedures.

10h15: Enjoy a delightful brunch as you are navigating back to Dinh Vu Pier.

11h35: Disembarkation and meet your tour guide for the afternoon tour to Hai Phong City. The first stop is at Hai Phong Opera Theatre, also called Municipal Theatre, one of three theatres built by the French in Vietnam, the cultural structure typical of Port City. Next, walk to the Flower Stall & Le Chan Statue – one of the female generals under the command of the Trung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung) rose against Chinese rule in the year 43 C.E.

Walk along the tree-lined streets of this beautiful city to “Cho Sat” (Iron Market), a busy city market covering a large area. When being built, the market was made of iron and steel so people call “Cho Sat” to easily remember the name. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, it’s still interesting to observe local life in this busy downtown area of Hai Phong.

Drive back to Hanoi on one of Vietnam’s the most modern freeways. Arriving Hanoi, check in the hotel and relax then.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: HANOI CITY TOUR PACKAGE (B/-/-) 

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour includes Hanoi’s key sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house); the Presidential Palace; the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; the History Museum.

After the sightseeing tour, your guide will take you on a culinary adventure, sampling street food in the Old Quarter. Start at Bia Hoi junction, the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets. Sit down on a plastic stool, take a pint on hand and do it like the locals do: cheering and shouting “bottoms- up”.  Then, , walk through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets as your guide points out a range of tasty noodles, breads and snacks. Enjoy a flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables on skewers. End the exploration with a drink in a spectacular evening view of Hoan Kiem Lake from City View Café before driving back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 9: Vietnam Discovery Tour from Saigon via Hoi An to Hanoi and Halong Bay: HANOI DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

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

—End of services—

* INCLUDING:

Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room) with daily breakfast 
English or French speaking guide 
Meals as indicated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch & D = Dinner 
Entrance fee to indicated sights 
Water puppet show
Pure bottled water & wipes

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