Wandering through Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi, founded in early 11th century as the Capital of Vietnam. Your leader will leave all the necessary information for your first exploration of Hanoi. You can head out for an optional group dinner in a local restaurant to have the first impression of the Vietnamese define cuisine.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: None

Embark on a half-day tour of the city. Your first destination will be Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. From there, you will be guided to Van Mieu – The Temple of Literature – the first Vietnamese University, founded in 11th century by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong. Learn about the educational system in the traditional Vietnam which was still applied until early 20th century. Make the way inside the local market and enjoy a typical lunch. Later today, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex.

Included Activities: Hanoi – Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi – Temple of Literature, Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh Complex

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

Travel by minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Ha Long Bay (approximately 4 hours). The bay is a breathtaking secluded harbor with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board your boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There’s an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins, air-conditioning and private facilities. There’s also a dining room and bar.

Included Activities: Ha Long Bay – Overnight boat cruise

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

As the boat continues to cruise along the majestic peaks, there will be new opportunities to immerse ourselves in Ha Long Bay’s mystical quality. After returning to port, we will transfer to Hanoi where enjoy the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: breakfast

This morning, take a short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Hoi An. Our tour includes a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant’s houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvelous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market and great silk clothes shopping. This afternoon is free time to enjoy Hoi An at your ease.

Included Activities: Hoi An – Oriental Walk

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

This morning, enjoy the peaceful morning in Hoi An.

In the afternoon, hop-on a bicycle to explore the countryside of this charming town, experience the crossing-over the river by the traditional ferry before cycling on the country-side path and obverse the daily life on Cam Kim islet.

Included Activities: Hoi An – Cycling Tour to Cam Kim

Included Meals: breakfast

Hoi An is so peaceful, you will have some more time to wander around or doing some shopping in the Old Quarter, in the afternoon you will head out to experience the afternoon cruise on Thu Bon river, you will have 3 hrs along the beautiful nature of the river.

Included Activities: Hoi An – River cruise with drinks

Included Meals: breakfast

Today take a short late morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, check in to your hotel, make as visit to Ong Lanh Market, it was also a bustling marketplace and home to many Saigon traders and residents. There’s a possibility that some of the legends associated with Ong Lanh bridge could also be exaggerated. Then we will move to Le Cong Kieu Antique Street which is located behind Ham Nghi Road, has been known as the only one in Ho Chi Minh City selling various kinds of antiques. The street, about 200m long, is considered the oldest in Saigon and it seems unchanged with each passing day.

In the late afternoon, discover pulsating Saigon as the sun sets with a local who knows where to find the best watering holes. Learn about local life in this beautifully mishmashed city while you enjoy some of the best signature cocktails in Saigon with views from above.

Included Activities: Ho Chi Minh City – Antique Street, Ho Chi Minh City – Ong Lanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Sky at Sunset

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth you will learn more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Note that this will be hot and can be a little claustrophobic. In the late afternoon, you will head out for a foody experience, seating on the back seat of a vintage Vespa through the local areas.

Included Activities: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh City – Foody tour by Vespa

Included Meals: breakfast, dinner

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Included Activities: None

Included Meals: breakfast