VIETNAM TOUR OF WORLD WONDERS – 15 DAYS

* Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha – BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tours – Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Tour to My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 4: Can Tho Cruising Tour – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Sightseeing Tour to Da Lat
Day 6: Da Lat Package Tour – Nha Trang City Tour
Day 7: Nha Trang Beach Tour
Day 8: Nha Trang – Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An Sightseeing Tour
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue Sightseeing Tour by Car
Day 10: Hue City Tour
Day 11: Hue – Flight to Hanoi – Sightseeing Tour
Day 12: Hanoi – Halong Overnight Cruise Tour
Day 13: Halong Cruise Tour – Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi Tour to Hoa Lu – Tam Coc of Ninh Binh
Day 15: Hanoi – Departure

Day 1: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: ARRIVAL– HO CHI MINH PACKAGE TOURS  (-/-/-)

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, exciting by its numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes.

(If time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh. 

Day 2: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HO CHI MINH SIGHTSEEING TOURS + TOURS TO CU CHI TUNNELS (B/-/-)

This morning is spent discovering the city. First, we’ll visit some very imposing colonial architectures which belies in fascinating past. The tour includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Sai Gon Post Office and the former Presidential Palace. Then, drive to the Chinatown where we pay a visit to the Thien Hau Temple before continuing to the lively Binh Tay Market for the incredible display of fresh produce on offer and enjoying the eclectic array of goods that are on sale.

Afternoon: Transfer about 30km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Cu Chi tunnels were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. The 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.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG CRUISE TOURS TO MY THO & BEN TRE – CAN THO (B/L/-)

In the morning, travel out of the city hustle by road to the Mekong Delta. This plain region boasts the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. On arrival in My Tho, we board a boat navigating around the intricate small canals, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting river trip will pass by the lush green vegetation towards the famous Unicorn Island where we have a chance to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and see farmers at work.

We navigate some narrower canals using small rowing boats to Ben Tre Province for an interesting visit to some local industries. The extra enjoyment is a lunch at one of the famous local eating spots. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Can Tho. If My Tho is regarded as the gate into the Mekong, Can Tho would be its Center. The city is located on Mekong Delta bank.

O/N in Can Tho.

Day 4: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: CANTHO SIGHTSEEING TOURS – VINH LONG – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)

The lively floating market is a major part of sightseeing tour in Mekong Delta. Upon leaving Can Tho we set off on a short drive to Vinh Long and board a boat for an exciting excursion around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. Along the way, we explore various local industry cottages including rice paper makers and bonsai nurseries.

The next stop is Cai Be floating market, whose trading way is unique since each boat usually sells one particular item such as pumpkins, pineapples, sugarcanes… In order to know what to shop, the locals hang that item from the highest part of the boat. On arrival in Cai Be Town, we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off en route to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda.

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

7:30 am, drive away from the city bustle heading uphill to Da Lat, nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” admiring the rice paddies, vegetable patches, tea plantations & pine forests and gently sloping hills that you’ll pass along the way. Prized by the Vietnamese for its mild climate, Dalat, nestled in the mountains, was the site of the summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai. Stop in Bao Loc city for a quick lunch before reaching Da Lat at around 14.30.

On arrival, pay your first visit to Chua Linh Phuoc to admire its amazing architecture and huge collection of Buddha statues which are artfully carved in every details. Then, transfer to Trai Mat nearby where you’ll board a 30-minute train ride toward to Dalat’s crémaillere (cog railway) train station which becomes one of the city symbols. Established by the French in the early 20th century, the railway linked Dalat to Thap Cham before ceasing operation in 1964 due to Viet Cong attacks. You’ll admire the Art Deco aesthetic of the station.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Evening is free for your own exploration.

Overnight in Da Lat.

Day 6: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: DALAT TRAVEL PACKAGES TO NHATRANG  (B/-/-)

Today we enjoy a drive through the charming pine hill to the summer residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai. He was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. This mansion displays a lovely collection of Vietnam treasures. We follow it with a trip to the sacred Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse. This construction is well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The lively central market is also visited before we travel by roads passing through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. En route we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people in central coast areas.

O/N in Nha Trang.

Day 7: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: NHA TRANG BEACH TOURS (B/L/-)

The turquoise water surrounding a string of islands and the white sandy beach stretching the whole length of Nha Trang City make it one of Vietnam’s premier beach resorts. The trip today is well balanced between the offshore activities, beach break and on- land cultural sites discovery.

First, we’ll board a boat to explore the coastal islands. The aquarium lake is our first stop before we head out to Hon Mun Island. Today we have plenty of time to enjoy swimming and snorkeling on the blue and clear water or simply lazing on a beach. The thrilling boat trip continues towards Hon Tam Island, giving us a choice of various water sports and good restaurant for lunch. By mid-afternoon, we cruise back to Nha Trang Pier and complete our day with a short city tour. The impressive Ponagar Cham Towers overlooking the colorful fishing port, and the famous Long Son Pagoda with its huge Buddha image are a major part of our sightseeing.

O/N in Nha Trang.

Day 8: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: NHA TRANG – DANANG – HOI AN SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

The following destination of our trip is Danang via a short flight from Nha Trang. On arrival, we are greeted by our guide and driven to Danang Center for an interesting visit to the famous Cham Museum, formerly the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite sandstone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south.

We continue driving to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We include these sites in an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town’s multi-cultural past.

O/N in Hoi An.

Day 9: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HOIAN TOURS – HUE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

Heading out of town we drive towards Hue, which was once the feudal capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Along the way, we visit the China Beach and the sensational Marble Mountains, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. The winding road begins as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. On arrival in Lang Co, we make a break by the beach for a leisurely swim.

On arrival in Hue by early this afternoon, we’ll start our sightseeing tour with the massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins while enjoying the commentaries delivered by our guide. Close to this masterpiece is Hue Imperial Museum which displays an interesting collections of bronzes, Chinaware, court robes and various emperors’ personal belongings. 

O/N in Hue. 

Day 10: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HUE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

The beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We include this in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside and 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.

Afterward, we take a short drive through the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The sightseeing tour of Hue also includes 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 11: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HUE TOURS – HANOI CITY TOUR (B/-/-)

Upon leaving Hue we set off on a short drive to the airport for flight to Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make the atmosphere relaxing.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Then, we will take a short visit to Hilton Prison where Vietnamese the American Pilots were detained from 1967 to 1973 In line with this, we will drive to the West Lake where stands a memorial remarking the site where Senator John McCain parachuted and captured. If time permits, we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 12: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE TOURS (B/-/-)

Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. By then, we will have a visit to the outlaying Ethnologic Museum that is also a major part of our sightseeing. This gleaming mansion is dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups before we depart for Halong Bay through the scenic countryside. En route we make stopover at Dong Trieu pottery village to stretch our legs and admire the craftsmen at work.

 O/N in a Ha Long hotel.

Day 13: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HALONG CRUISING TOURS – HANOI (B/L/-)

The legendary Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We board a traditional boat for a five hour trip around Halong Bay. This exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. We round off our excursion with a seafood lunch served on board and then travel by road back to Ha Noi.

Arriving back to Hanoi, take a walk by the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit its sacred Ngoc Son Temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.

 O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 14: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HANOI FULL DAY TOUR TO HOALU –TAM COC (B/-/-

 Today, we’ll travel by roads to Ninh Binh province which is known as the ancient capital and “Halong Bay on land”. On arrival at Hoa Lu, we’ll visit two temples dedicating to King Dinh and King Le who ruled the first dynasties of the country. In front of these temples is the rugged Ma Yen mount which involves a walk over 200 steps for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The following sight is Tam Coc, surnamed “Halong Bay on land”. We board a sampan for a leisurely trip through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by towering limestone cliffs to the grottoes of Tam Coc.

Transfer back to Hanoi later this day.

O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 15: Vietnam Tour of World Wonders to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Phong Nha: HANOI – DEPARTURE

There is a free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)

—End of services—

INCLUDING:
•    Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

•  Air ticket Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang, Hue – Ha Noi
•  Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
•  Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch
•  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,…