ELEGANT VIETNAM
OVERVIEW
This tour is designed for travelers seeking the very best of Vietnam and a high standard of comfort. See the contrast in Ho Chi Minh – a bustling metropolis with rich cultural attractions that looks as much to the past as it does to the future. Absorb the sights and sounds of the Mekong Delta as you sailing through its intricate canals, lush verdant orchard, and get in touch with local daily life. Head north for the slower pace of life in Hoi An – World Heritage Site and take part in a cooking demonstration before drive along the scenic road to Hue. Here, catch a glimpse at the royal relics of the place once the imperial ancient capital of Vietnam in the 19th century. In Hanoi capital, feel its French colonial charm as you discover the city by cyclo. Leave the noise of the city behind as you board a seaplane and take impressive aerial views of the Vietnam countryside as you fly to Ha Long Bay then aboard a private cruise to explore the bay.
DAY 1 : HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL (- / - / -)
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City formerly named Saigon is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam always bustled with activities of modern life. It is where businesses converge and shoppers indulge themselves into unlimited choices.
However the city also carries with it a rich historical legacy in contrast with its dazzling glamor.
Meals: No
Accommodation: Overnight at Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 2 : FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B / - / -)
Meet our guide at your hotel and take a full city tour. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars with the French and Americans. Continue to the Reunification Palace, which was formerly the South Vietnam President’s residence and symbol of the Southern Administration’s reign until end of April 1975. Next, call in Saigon Post Office, a fine colonial building which was designed and built in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel.
Stop at Saigon NotreDame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles. Move on to Cho Lon or the city’s China Town where you will visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 3 : FULL DAY MANGO CRUISE IN BEN TRE- (B / L / -)
Depart from Saigon around 8 am and head south to Ben Tre province, it takes 2 hours for driving, the place is famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. On arrival, take a Xe loi ride through the local village of Huu Dinh to enjoy the green fields and gardens, start your boat trip through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery. On board the boat, enjoy a welcome drink of fresh coconut juice and tropical fruits while cruising.
The cruise will first stop at a brick making shop, then take a sampan trip through narrow canals and enjoy the peacefulness of the region. Enjoy fresh fruits and tea at local house before heading to visit a rice noodles factory which produces Hu Tieu noodles, one of most popular breakfast dishes in the region. Then switch to a bicycle and ride on village roads past green gardens and local houses, and stop at another local house where they live on their traditional family business, sampan boat building. Continue your cycling trip to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife, and see how it is made.
Enjoy a 5-course lunch of local specialties, relaxing before the boat bring you back to Ben Tre city and back to Saigon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 4 : HO CHI MINH - FLIGHT TO DA NANG (B / - / -)
Meet our guide & driver at the hotel lobby then transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for one hour flight to Da Nang. On arrival, you are transferred 45 minutes to Hoi An ancient town by private car & guide.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Hoi An
Accommodation: Nam Hai (5*)
DAY 5 : HOI AN COOKING CLASS - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B / L / -)
Morning meet our guide at your hotel and transfer out to a local market. A guide from the local cooking school will take you on a tour through the market to learn about the ingredients to be used in your recipes. After the market, aboard a boat to ride along the Hoi An river for about 25 minutes, watching local fishermen casting nets as part of their daily routine. Arrive at a small township and walk to the cooking school. The class starts in an open-air pavilion by the river under the instruction of an experienced chef. Observe, practice, sample and bring out a good lunch cooked the local style to your own taste. Enjoy it yourself.
Afternoon, continue tour for half day Hoi An city tour. Once a bustling maritime commercial port of Asia between 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is now a peaceful town of exceptionally well-preserved architecture, lifestyles and traditions. The town exemplifies a fascinating fusion of cultures between Vietnam and the outside world including China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Your sightseeing will include the iconic 400-year-old Covered Bridge with a small temple attached to one side as a prominent example of Japanese architecture, the Museum of Trade Ceramics which is an elegant Vietnamese style wooden house built in 1858 showcasing antique ceramic artifacts, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House typifying an ancient Chinese merchant residence, the Ong Temple built in 1653 by Chinese settlers to worship Guan Yu, an ancient Chinese general whose character stands for loyalty, bravery and justice and the local market vibrant with colors and activities.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch prepared by you in cooking class
Accommodation: Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Hoi An
DAY 6 : FREE AT LEISURE (B / - / -)
Moring, have breakfast at hotel then free at leisure in your hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Hoi An
DAY 7 : HOI AN - HUE HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B / - / -)
Transfer to Hue via the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass). It takes around 2.5 hours to 3 hours for transferring from Hoi An to Hue. On the way, you will have time to enjoy a stunning headland-and-bay panoramic view from the pass, which for miles hugs the mountainside along the shoreline and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Arrival Hue, check in your hotel and start for a half day city tour with our guide. This place is the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam for the 1802-1945 periods and the last refuge of Vietnamese feudalism. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the city is characterized by a natural scenic landscape and an extensive variety of historical relics. Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River to enjoy an open view of the river and its surroundings.
Stop along the way and land on shore to visit two prominent historical landmarks namely the Minh Mang Tomb, where the 2nd Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty was buried, and Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery overlooking the river from a vantage point with its origin dating back to 1601.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue
DAY 8: HUE FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B / - / -)
Morning, meet our guide at your hotel and take a full day tour of Hue City, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam for the 1802-1945 period and the last refuge of Vietnamese feudalism. The city’s beauty is characterized by a natural scenic landscape and an extensive variety of historical relics. Begin with Hue Citadel, a well-known UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site which is a 520 ha fortress-like grand complex built in the early 1800s and featuring three enclosures separated by heavy ramparts namely Kinh Thanh Hue (Civic City) as the outer, Hoang Thanh (Royal City) as the middle and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) as the inner.
Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, the burial site of Vietnam’s second-to-last king, and the most elaborate compared to other kings’ tombs. The tomb shows a vivid European influence in architecture despite its Asian style.
Afternoon, stop for shopping at Dong Ba market - the city’s traditional commercial center
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue
DAY 9 : HUE - FLIGHT TO HANOI (B / - / -)
You are free until transfer to airport for an hour flight to Hanoi airport, warm welcomed by our guide & driver then transfer to the city.
Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hotel (5*) in Ha Noi
DAY 10 : FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B / - / -)
Morning, start a full day city tour beginning with Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October - November) and the rural style house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afternoon, continue the tour to one of the following museums of choice namely the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Military History or the Museum of Ethnology. Go to Hoan Kiem Lake, the center point of Hanoi whose name “The Return Sword Lake” originated from a legend of a sacred sword and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.
Next, take a one-hour cycle tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi with its ancient streets representing traditional trades from the past. Finish the tour at the Thang Long Opera Theatre with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hotel in Ha Noi
DAY 11 : HANOI - HALONG BY SEAPLANE & ENJOY A 15 MINUTES SCENIC TO HALONG (JOINING GROUP)- OVERNIGHT ON BOAT (PRIVATE BOAT)
Finish your breakfast around 9 AM, say farewell to Hanoi as you depart from the Noi Bai Airport by seaplane to the coastal port town of Halong Bay. Enjoy fabulous aerial views over the countryside and experience the thrill of a water landing at the Tuan Chau Island Marina. It takes about an hour for the flight with 15minutes of scenic.
11h00: Landing at Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay and then wait until check in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. 12h30: Board: Welcome drinks and a quick briefing of the itinerary and safety information by our Cruise Manager. 13h00: Let the vacation begin with a lunch buffet as the boat cruises towards South East Halong Bay, passing by Chicken Rock, Finger Islet, and Frog Islet. 15h00: Arrive to Dark and Bright Lagoon and visit the area by rowboat or kayak. Kayaks can be booked in advance at reception with extra cost. Anticipate a great chance to see Cat Ba Langur, one of the rarest langurs left.
16h30: Return to main boat for swimming around the area, relaxing on sundeck or indulging yourself with spa service. 17h00: Bar opens for the Happy Hour "Buy one get one free". 17h30: Cooking demonstration with traditional Vietnamese food on the sundeck (or in the restaurant if weather does not allow). 19h00: Set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant. 21h00: Free time to be spent watching a movie in the restaurant, squid fishing at reception, or relaxing at the bar.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Bhaya Legend Cruise
Day 12 : HA LONG - HA NOI BY PRIVATE TRANSFER (B / - / -)
06h15: Early start for a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck; tea and coffee available.
07h00: Light breakfast will be served in the restaurant.
07h45: Discover Surprise Cave, one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
09h00: Back to main boat for check out. Please put your baggage out to the corridor and settle your bill at reception.
09h30: Buffet brunch will be served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to harbor.
10h30: Disembark to Tuan Chau Marina and depart for Hanoi.
15h00: Return to Hanoi.
Meal: Buffet Brunch
Accommodation: Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hotel (5*) in Ha Noi
DAY 13 : HA NOI DEPARTURE (B / - / -)
Free at leisure until meet our guide then transfer to airport for flight departure
Meal: Breakfast
End of the Tour
Our services include :
Overview
- 12 Night’s accommodation on a double/twin room basis in the above mentioned hotels.
- 03 Nights in Ho Chi Minh
- 03 Nights in Hoi An
- 02 Nights in Hue
- 03 Nights in Hanoi
- 01 Night in Bhaya Legend Cruise
Meals
- Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast.
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary.
Transfers
- Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
Excursions
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers.
- Private board for sightseeing as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
- One way seaplane + 15 minutes scenic
- Mineral water is available as complementary.
Our services do not include :
- International & Domestic flight tickets
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Optional tour
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (45US$ in Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
- Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
Supplement For Ticket :
- From Ho Chi Minh (SGN) to Da Nang (DAN): US$ 115 per person
- From Hue (HUI) to Hanoi (HAN): US$ 115 per person
Supplement For :
- Supplement for standard Vietnamese menu meals: US$ 14 for lunch & US$ 18 for dinner.
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Destination |
Hotels |
Ho Chi Minh |
PARK HYATT HOTEL- Park Room ( City View) http://saigon.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html |
Hoi An |
THE NAM HAI - One bed room villa www.thenamhaihoian.com |
Hue |
LA RESIDENCE HOTEL HUE - Superior www.la-residence-hue.com |
Hanoi |
SOFITEL METROPOLE HANOI HOTEL - Premium Room www.sofitel-legend.com |
Halong |
BHAYA LEGEND -Night Charter www.bhayacruises.com |
Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your Vietnamese adventure:
Hanoi :
Explore the capital city's Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant street markets.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature.
Halong Bay :
Cruise through the iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy activities like kayaking, cave exploration, and panoramic views from the deck.
Hue :
Discover the imperial history of Vietnam at the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a former capital.
Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River and explore Thien Mu Pagoda.
Hoi An :
Wander through the well-preserved ancient town of Hoi An, known for its charming architecture, lantern-lit streets, and tailor shops.
Experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the town's local restaurants.
Da Nang :
Relax on the beaches of Da Nang and explore the Marble Mountains for panoramic views.
Visit the Dragon Bridge and the Linh Ung Pagoda.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) :
Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City with visits to the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and Ben Thanh Market.
Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Mekong Delta :
Cruise along the Mekong River, visiting floating markets, traditional villages, and lush landscapes.
Sample local fruits, coconut candies, and traditional Mekong Delta cuisine.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park :
Discover the stunning caves and karst landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, including the famous Son Doong Cave.
Take a boat tour to explore the Phong Nha Cave.
Sapa :
Trek through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery and ethnic minority villages.
Experience the unique cultures of the local hill tribes.
Practical Tips :
Weather: Vietnam experiences distinct weather patterns in the north, central, and south regions, so plan accordingly.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Local Etiquette: Show respect for local customs, remove shoes before entering homes or temples, and dress modestly when necessary.
Vietnam's charm lies in its diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countryside, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that promises a memorable journey for every traveler.
This tour is designed for travelers seeking the very best of Vietnam and a high standard of comfort. See the contrast in Ho Chi Minh – a bustling metropolis with rich cultural attractions that looks as much to the past as it does to the future. Absorb the sights and sounds of the Mekong Delta as you sailing through its intricate canals, lush verdant orchard, and get in touch with local daily life. Head north for the slower pace of life in Hoi An – World Heritage Site and take part in a cooking demonstration before drive along the scenic road to Hue. Here, catch a glimpse at the royal relics of the place once the imperial ancient capital of Vietnam in the 19th century. In Hanoi capital, feel its French colonial charm as you discover the city by cyclo. Leave the noise of the city behind as you board a seaplane and take impressive aerial views of the Vietnam countryside as you fly to Ha Long Bay then aboard a private cruise to explore the bay.