WONDERS AND HERITAGE FROM SOUTH AND NORTH

Day 1 : Arrival in Saigon. Visit of the city (- / L / D)

Speaking of Saigon, we immediately think of a big city, bustling with shopping malls, tall buildings, which never sleeps. But in depth, the city reveals its "precious pearls" - historical, cultural testimonies expressing the life and spirit of the local people.

You will visit the city. Cho Lon is very well known by visitors. It was founded in the 17th century by Chinese migrants, it has attracted many traders from other countries. Until now, Cho Lon and its surroundings are the cohabitation of space and trade of Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese.

By visiting the region of Cho Lon (market), you'll discover another face of the city of Saigon, a multicultural place. Visit the Hindu Temple Mariaman : the temple is located in the middle of Saigon, we recognize it through its native architecture and mystical. It is appreciated as a famous heritage among three current Hindu monuments in Saigon. This is the place where we practised the Mariaman cult - Indian woman genius.

By visiting this temple, visitors can watch the statutes, sculptures, antiques, listen to the story of the foundation, and discover the spirits of the temple. Then you will head to the mosque at number 66 Dong Du Street. The mosque is one of the Islamic centers, which was built as early as in Saigon in 1935. The mosque attracts many believers and tourists. Its architecture is simple, spacious and airy with arches, columns and long corridors that symbolize the typical Indian art. Outside the religious function, the mosque is still the place where public activities are organized and where children learn about the ideologies of the Koran. You will be able to go and watch believers pray every friday. A Muslim spectacle in the heart of Saigon.

Then you will visit: the former Catinat Street, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Jade Emperor, the Temple of the Protecting Goddess of the Sailors Thien Hau.

In the evening, we'll take you on the Indochina junk for a romantic dinner. You will spend a romantic moment in a charming and intimate space. You will make a 2-hour cruise on the Saigon River and admire the city on the other side. While tasting wine and specialties, you will look at the buildings full of lights as bright as crystals. You’ll feel a romantic and poetic Saigon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 : Saigon – My Tho – Mo Cay (118 km/ 2h40 journey) (B / L / D)

In Vietnamese, the Mekong is called Song Cuu Long, which means the river of the Nine Dragons, referring to its nine major tributaries that flow into the South China Sea. In this region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, Mother Nature delivers its benefits besides. Rich and fertile land, clear water and fish, dreamy landscapes, actually nothing is missing.

Departure to the Mekong Delta, vast and fertile plain which is the rice bowl of Vietnam. On the way, stop to visit a Cao Dai temple. Arrival at the pier and crossing a major arm of the Mekong, arrival at Ben Tre where the river is divided into multiple channels, you will embark on a boat and go through the islands planted with tropical orchards, natural streams river of Ham Luong and get to Mo Cay. Installation at the homestay and bike ride around the village to discover the art of craftsmanship.

By late afternoon, you will help the inhabitants of the house to cook, it will be a very good opportunity to understand the art of traditional cuisine in the South of Vietnam.

Overnight at the homestay.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 : Mo Cay – Cai Be (75 km/ 1h40 journey) (B / L / D)

7.30am : Departure for the bike ride into the village to discover the daily life of local... Boat trip to visit the Thom Market 20km away of Mo Cay - the largest coconut selling market.

10.30am : You will move out of the room and take the boat to Cuu Long port. Your driver will take you to Cai Be at noon, enjoy welcome drink. Have introduction to the ship and crew, check in the cabins. You depart towards Cho Lach in Tien Giang. Enjoy lunch, en route. Rest on the deck. The Boat slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.

Spend a visit to a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Board back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Boat is cruising Mang Thit River. The Boat sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On Floating Market for overnight.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 : Tra On – Can Tho (180 km/ 4h flight) (B / L / D)

Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM, while the ship is cruising towards Tra On Floating Market. Then, continue to depart towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang Floating Market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.

After lunch, you will visit Ong pagoda to discover the culture of an ethnic Chinese, and a Khmer pagoda Muniransay. Then you will visit the former home of over 135 years of Binh Thuy and the Museum of Can Tho.

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 : Can Tho – Chau Doc (110 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

The road continues to Chau Doc, a pleasant small town near the Cambodian border which has significant Chinese communities, Cham and Khmer. You will visit the Vinh Te canal, created in 1814 under Minh Mang Dynasty and Preah Ang Chan, King of the Khmer. 80,000 Vietnamese workers and Khmers digs the 91 km long, 25 meters wide and 3 meters deep channel. It serves provinces of Cambodia Peam (Ha Tien) to the province of Moat Chrouk Vietnam (Chau Doc).

You will stop at the port of Hotel Da Nui Sam for a walk to discover the pagoda Ba Chua Xu. Visit of the famous pilgrimage site of Nui Sam, of 230 meters high. It is a sacred mountain for the Vietnamese who come on pilgrimage. It brings together many temples of Chinese influence like the Cham and Khmer. Climb to the top of Night Sam and see the Cambodian border. At the Sam top, you will have a panoramic view of the Mekong Delta.

On the way back, you will visit a floating fish farm where they breed thousands of fish for exporting. Then you will visit the village of Cham in the town of Tan Chau, discover embroidery and discover the mosque of the village. Check-in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 : Chau Doc – Sai Gon. Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An (210 km/ 5h00 journey 859km/2h flight) (B / L / D)

You will visit the floating market in Chau Doc before landing. Road to Saigon and direct transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Flight to Da Nang. Arriving at Da Nang, welcomed by the driver and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7 : Hội An. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

Arrival in Hoi An - a city with the old quarters regarded as one of the 8 heritages of Vietnam by UNESCO. Passengers, travelers, merchants... there are lots of people but older homes are still hiding in a quiet space. Yellow walls and small shops represent the traditional face of Hoi An. You will discover the beauty of the city.

The guide will take you to the pagoda Phuc Thanh - the oldest one in Hoi An which was built in 1454 by a Chinese monk, in addition with the Japanese bridge, the town hall Phuoc Kien, and the traditional house of Tan Ky. You’ll be able to taste the specialties of Hoi An.

At around 3.00pm: you will be picked up from your hotel and transfered to the meeting point. Then you will make a walk on the quay Bach Dang watching the landscape around. Take a sail boat cruise along the Thu Bon River and enjoy this beautiful tour on the water ! Cruise to the mouth Cua Dai, then you will go to the Coco river, towards the nipas forest Bay Mau. Back to Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8 : Hoi An. Free time (B / - / -)

Breakfast at your hotel. Free day in Hoi An for your personal discovery (without driver or guide). Possibility to go to the beach (4 km away from the center) or walking in the surrounding countryside.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 9 : Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue (130 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

Stop at Da Nang, colonial Touran to visit the Cham Museum, which houses a large collection of sculptures typical of Champa Kingdoms. Arrival in Hue. Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue has a simple beauty, quiet and taciturn. Perfume River increased the romance of the city every sunset.

Start your bike ride through the streets of the former capital and feel the rhythm of local life. Shops, homes and people are quiet and peaceful. When you reach the front door of the Royal Citadel, you will discover the world’s heritage of UNESCO in Vietnam. The citadel is considered as a real art museum, historical testimony, and as a place of the last kings of Vietnam. Under the roofs of the palace, watch the images, sculptures symbolizing the typical oriental Vietnamese art.

Drive to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Khai Dinh, another royal monument. Before ending the day, you will learn how to make incense sticks and poetic hats in both professional villages. Stop to visit the pagoda "énuques- Tu Hieu" Back to Hue.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10 : Hue. Visit of the city. Flight to Hanoï (B / L / D)

08:00 Depart from your hotel, Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

10:00 Continue your trip biking around the village which is located in the city center and the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs. Thuy Bieu is a wonderland of pomelo that possesses a very special taste and fragrance. Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Village along verdant paths; you can see local people’s daily life. Thuy Bieu Village has been well-known with its immense grapefruit gardens, which its grapefruit is different from other species throughout Viet Nam. It’s smaller but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra people which was only provided for the Royal Family.

Have a nice biking and walking around quiet Thuy Bieu Village, feeling the comfortable relax in a friendly air of local. While biking , taking short stop in schools, communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden house - Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty with small cottages hidden in large luxuriant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. Thuy Bieu is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture. Keep biking through 2 most pristine hamlets Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan where you can contemplate lush greens, laid back lifestyle. We continue biking through an orphanage. to fulfill their dream to go to school.

12:00 Come back to a local house in Thuy Bieu for cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction. Have lunch with Hue traditional dishes you have just cooked.

13:30 Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice. Retour to your hotel at 14h. Transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hanoi. On arrival you will be greeted by English speaking guide and driver.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11 : Hanoï. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

You will go to the Literature Temple. This is an important monument since it is regarded as the first university of Vietnam. By visiting the temple, you can watch the old objects that reflect the past kingdoms of Thang Long. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnographic museum in which is retraced the ethnic minorities life in Vietnam. The objects, houses, clothes, documents are gathered among the museum. You will have the opportunity to enter in the long house of Ede, Jarai the Rong house or the earthen house of Ha Nhi.

You will arrive at the Tran Quoc Pagoda (the pagoda of the defense of the Fatherland), which was built in the 6th century under the Ly Antérieur Dynasty. It was the Buddhist center of the Thang Long Citadel during the dynasties of Ly, Tran (for about 250 years). Currently, it still preserves many ancient artifacts: the Buddhist canonical books, statutes, bells and drums... You will hear the story of the founding and development of Buddhism in Vietnam, a religion with a national character.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the charm of the West Lake Pagoda which is located on the side of the lake. You will explore the city and the old quarters in a rickshaw. Then you will go to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) and you will listen to its legend. Foreigners cannot miss when they arrive in Hanoi because this lake is considered to be the heart of the city. Although the city is becoming more and more dynamic, active and modern, we can still feel past vibrations in the neighborhood of the 36 streets : the Kim Ngan Dinh (communal house jewelry), the old house at 87 Ma May, Hoan Kiem Lake, temple of Jade, the Brush tower. Then, you will attend a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese art that combines folk music and actions of wooden puppets.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12 : Hanoï – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (100km/ 2h journey)  (B / L / D)

At 95 km away from Hanoi in Ninh Binh province, there is a large number of rich historical heritages of Vietnam, as it was the ancient capital of the country according to the 11th century. Ninh Binh attracts visitors with its historic highness, and culturally rich destination. At Ninh Binh, visit the most authentic sights of this beautiful province Kenh Ga (natural hot springs), Thung Nang (Sun Valley) with a portion of the inland Halong Bay, Tam Coc (three caves also named the HaLong Bay inland), Thai Vi temple, Pagoda Bich Dong.

After breakfast you will go to Ninh Binh. Arrive in Hoa Lu, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty and Le antérieur. Discovery of two temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings. Then you will go on an excursion in a rowing boat on the River Tam Coc (three caves). The cruise will last approximately 2 hours.

Tam Coc is a small village whose inhabitants organize walks on the Ngo Dong River. You will see the rocks having the same appearance as Phoenix in mandarin hat, turtle. It will be beautiful. Sometimes the river will merge with rice fields and give you the impression of riding a real sea. Such a nice cruise ! By late afternoon bike ride to visit Bich Dong Pagoda and the Temple of Thai Vy.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13 : Tam Coc – Ha Long  (B / L / D)

Two days one night cruise to untouched Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for you to discover natural beauty and local life, you will get to visit cave, go kayaking and visit a floating village. This trip takes you deep into natural wonder and experience a memorable night in the majestic bay. The route is off the beaten track and our staffs are keen on taking care of customer’s request, it is quite potential to be your highlight trip in Vietnam.

You will cross all the northern basin of the Red River to reach Halong Bay.

12h15 Embark. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin.

13h00 Start cruising among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views. Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck.

14h30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming).

15h45 Return and enjoy the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset; admire the striking islands and islets, savoring the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in land while cruising to Cong Do sleeping area.

16h30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise.

18h00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll) on the sundeck.

19h15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.

21h00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services (massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing.

Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14 : Ha Long – Hanoï  (B / L / D)

06h30 Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.

07h00 Catch the morning view of seascapes while enjoying the breakfast with cookies an tea, coffee at the restaurant.

07h30 Visit Vung Vieng village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay

08h30 Return to boat

09h15 Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.

09h30 Enjoy the brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to Vinashin tourist harbor.

11h00 Disembark.

Back to Hanoi and then transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for Return flight.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

End of the Tour