Group tour

DETAILED PROGRAM:

Day 1. Hanoi arrival (-)

Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up and then transferred to the hotel in the city center. Free time to explore the city or relax.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 2. Hanoi city tour (B, L, D)

After breakfast in the hotel, we start the day trip will be a visit to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Then we visit Tran Quoc pagoda - the oldest one in Hanoi. It is more than 1500 years old, which means the place holds such an important role in the development of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular. That is the main reason why the temple attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology, which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill-tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.

After that, we continue the day trip with the train street. Hundred-year-old train tracks running through the heart of Hanoi’s old town have recently become an interesting attraction – Hanoi train street. Sitting at a cafe in line with the railway, watching the lives of local people is an amazing experience. In the evening, we enjoy a water puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and famous local stories before back to hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Lunch & dinner in restaurants

Day 3. Hanoi – Halong bay (B,L,D)

• 08:00 - 08:30: Pick up at the hotel. Transfer to Halong bay
• 12:00: Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port
• 12:30: Embark on Victory. Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing
• 13:15: Enjoy lunch while cruising to the magnificent Halong Bay. Admire fascinating formations on the way
• 15:30: Luon Cave excursion on bamboo rowing boats or kayaks
• 17:00: Swimming at Ti Top (Titov) Beach
• 18:00: Pre-dinner cocktail party (complimentary "Halong sunset" cocktail with snacks)
• 18:15: Cooking class
• 19:30: Savour a delicious set dinner in dining room
• 21:00: Night-time squid fishing
• 22:00: Relax and enjoy fresh air. Overnight on board.

Lunch & dinner on board

Day 4. Halong bay – Hanoi – night train to Hue (B, Brunch)

• 06:30: Enjoy sunrise on the bay. Morning Tai Chi session on top deck
• 07:00: Light breakfast. Coffee, tea, and pastries are served in the restaurant
• 07:30: Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave excursion
• 09:15: Check-out of cabins. Start cruising towards the port
• 09:30: International buffet brunch served in the dining room
• 11:00: Disembark. End of trip

We are back to Hanoi. You are free for shopping until the evening. After dinner, we take the night train to Hue (4 persons/cabin).

Lunch on board

Day 5. Visit Hue (B, L)

The train arrives in the station in the morning. After breakfast, we begin to explore the ancient capital of Vietnam.

Today we explore the ancient city of Hue:

• - Hue Imperial City, also known as Hue Capital. Built in 1802 by the first king of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty, King Gia Long. This is the living and working place of 13 Nguyen Dynasty, starting with King Gia Long and ending in 1945 after King Bao Dai announced his abdication.
• - Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda), the most sacred ancient temple in Central Vietnam. Nestled on Ha Khe hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River in Huong Long village, it is about 5 km west of Hue city. Thien Mu Pagoda is hailed as one of the most beautiful and ancient temples in Hue.
• - Incense village of Thuy Xuan: which always leaves a special impression on visitors due to the radiant beauty of meticulously and skillfully displayed incense bundles lining both sides of the streets. Visiting the village of conical hats and incense sticks, tourists will witness firsthand the handmade products crafted by artisans. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to make their fragrant incense bundles and poetic conical hats as gifts for family and friends.
• - Dong Ba market, the oldest market in Hue - a place that has an importance in the everyday life of Hue people and one of the best shopping sites in the city

Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 6. Hue - Ba Na - Hoi An (B, L)

After breakfast, we transfer to Ba Na hill to take a cable car to the beautiful Ba Na Hills, a hill station and resort located in central Vietnam's Truong Son Mountain region. See the fascinating Linh Ung Pagoda and marvel at its exquisite architectural design. Stand before the massive 30-meter-tall statue of Buddha towering in the clouds. Continue the tour to the lovely Tinh Tam Garden, stand at the Nghinh Phong Peak, and go to Vong Nguyet Hill for some spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding region. Visit Golden Bridge, a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge with two giant stone hands supporting the structure. Get a scenic overlook and enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape of nature comfortably and smoothly.

Then we drive to Hoi An. Check in hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 7. Hoi An city tour – Danang – flight to Siem Reap (B, L)

In the morning, we explore Hoi An ancient town, visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and the ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, giving it an extra portion of sparkle. Enjoy the city’s transformation and stroll through this quaint, glowing fairytale town in your free time.

Then we transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Pick up and check-in hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 8. Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat (B, L)

After breakfast, we continue to visit:

• The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)
• See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
• Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru
• We step to see our old palace as Phimeanakas temple in a massive complex that was used for our king in the past time.
• Then Elephant terrace is a platform for king and officer to view show and people meet.
• Preah Palilay was is older than Angkor Thom was nearby, deep in the forest and on the path back You see monks sprinkle water to people.
• Visit Ta Prohm “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history.
• We continue to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bain the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.

In the evening, we have a dinner with traditional Apsara dance.

Lunch & dinner in restaurants

Day 9. Siem Reap – Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei (B, L)

After breakfast, we transfer beyond the Angkor jungle toward Kbal Spean hill where we start hiking up for 45 minutes, through a rooting/rocky path to see the series of sandstone formations carved under the river, which was built during the Angkor period. We stroll around the riverbed of 1000 linga carvings admire the small river and its waterfall (seasonal) and learn from your tour guide about Angkorian history then you can bathe under the falls if you visit it at the end of the rainy season. Resume the journey to unlock the intricately carved, beautiful red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei - considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art which features elaborate decorations and its finest details. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”.

On the way back, we have a short visit to Palm Sugar Village and other various local handicrafts, continue to visit some temples within the Grand Circuit including Banteay Kdei, Ta Keo, Preah Khan (Royal Sword), Neak Pean (Coiled Serpents) etc. If you don’t feel tired, a beautiful sunset view at Pre Rup temple would be encouraged on this trip.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 10. Siem Reap – Tonle Sap – flight to Saigon (B, L)

After breakfast, we will drive to enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen's “floating village” with floating schools, a floating police station, etc. It is the same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” moves from place to place following water levels and current.

Then we are back to the city to visit the local markets before transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon. Pick up and check in the hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 11. Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels - City tour (B, L)

After breakfast, we drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70 km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and raising children. During the Vietnam- American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire-free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors to crawl through and better understand the war.

Back to the city to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. Then, you will visit the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. After visiting the War Remains Museum (please be aware that some rooms are advisory parental regards war victims' pictures), head for a secret weapons cache used during the last Indochina war. Nestled in a period house, it allows to experience the life of the resistance fighters when entering these same cellars and also to see how all kinds of weapons were hidden. Next on the sightseeing list is pagoda of the Emperor of Jade, an icon of the inhabitants of Saigon and venerated for a hundred years. The prayers of the faithful (passing through) would increase fertility and even influence it. Another site that cannot be missed is Binh Tay Market or ‘Cho Lon’, which can be roughly translated to ‘big market’. Although the whole district lives up to its name a visit to this market really says it all. Selling everything from fake Ray Bans to dried squid, you are bound to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market.

Overnight at hotel in Saigon.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 12. Saigon – Delta Mekong - Saigon (B, L)

After breakfast, departing for My Tho city by air-conditioned bus. In My Tho, boarding the motorboat at a pier and cruising on the Mekong River. Here, overlooking floating houses where fishes are farmed beneath the house (viewing from the motorboat).

Continuing the journey on the river until reaching Cồn Thới Sơn (Unicorn Island), from here taking a horse cart to reach a performance site where Vietnamese traditional music (Đàn Ca Tài Tử - A folk art form from Southern Vietnam accredited by UNESCO in 2013 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) can be heard and seasonal tropical fruit can be tasted (included).

Afterward, being on a small hand-rowing boat (the main means of transportation in My Tho & Ben Tre) and slowly cruising through a small creek with beautiful overhanging coconut trees. Lives from both sides of the creek can be observed.

Before heading to lunch, passing through bee-keeping farm and enjoying honey tea, a typical Mekong house can be viewed here. Then, it is lunchtime after a short walk.

After lunch, boarding the motorboat and heading to learn coconut candies making process from a workshop. Sample of candies can be tasted.

Then we drive back to Saigon. Overnight in hotel.

Lunch in restaurant

Day 13. Saigon – Departure (B)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight off. Your room is available until 12h00.