Classic Vietnam Holidays - 12 Days

Day 1: Saigon Arrival.
Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met by the guide and transferred by private car to the hotel for check-in. This afternoon and evening are free at leisure.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon City Tour.
In the morning, meet our tour guide and driver at your centrally located hotel then depart in our comfortable private car and begin your tour by heading to Chinatown and wandering through the fascinating back streets near Cho Lon and Binh Tay. This area is one of the busiest commercial districts of Ho Chi Minh City and its atmospheric streets are home to some of the city’s most interesting sites.
Next, absorb the sacred atmosphere of the Thien Hau temple, a revered structure built in the 19th century and dedicated to Thien Hau, goddess of the seafarers.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant and then venture to the War Remnants Museum to see a selection of antique military equipment.
Marvel at enormous exhibits like a UH1-Huey helicopter and a F5A fighter in the courtyard and then stroll to the Reunification Palace to see an impressive tableau of Vietnamese architecture. Admire the French colonial facades of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House and the General Post Office before driving back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho.
Depart Saigon after breakfast, driving two-hours to reach Cai Be in the heart of the Mekong Delta for one of the highlights of the tour – a cruise on the mighty Mekong River and the chance to witness life on and around the water of the "Nine Dragon River". Board a traditional wooden sampan boat around the Cai Be riverside town, a commercial spectacle established in the 19th century. Marvel at boats replete with exotic produce and interact with locals in order to discover more about their stock. Next, disembark and stroll to the coconut candy factory to discover the manufacturing process of the sweet treats, as well as puffed rice – the local equivalent of popcorn.
After lunch, take a walk through their fruit orchard to see the fresh seasonal fruits on the trees and listen to melodious Vietnamese folk music known as "Don Ca Tai Tu".
Reboard the boat through the narrow canals around the island, appreciating the tranquility and lush landscapes of this part of the Delta, to Vinh Long. Drive to the largest city in the Mekong Delta: Can Tho, a buzzing town with a lively waterfront and a colorful mix of narrow back streets that make for some rewarding exploration. Rest of the day, you may like to walking along Ninh Kieu Park and on a pedestrian bridge of Can Tho City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho.

Day 4: Can Tho – Saigon.
Wake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market by motorized boat. This is a great opportunity to get fantastic photos of colourful boats laden with fruit and vegetables. Boats are filled with teetering piles of fruit and vegetables, from carefully balanced watermelons, to bright flowers. Then venture deeper into the countryside, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people, and sample the fresh, exotic fruit. Return to Ninh Kieu quay in Can Tho around 10 A.M. Check out the hotel then drive back to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 5: Saigon – Fly to Danang – Hoian.
In the morning, your driver will pick up and transfer you to the airport to take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian – Free at leisure.
Today you will have a full free day on your own. Perhaps you choose and take part in one of the following optional activities:

• Enjoy eco-tour.
• Or cooking class
• Or learn how to make lanterns.
• Or enjoy a bicycle tour to Tra Que Village.
• Or take a wet rice planting tour.
• Or My Son Holy Land. (Please feel free to contact our travel consultants to get each tour variation description and their advice on quotation for your best choice).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian – Danang – Hue.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check-out and drive over the 500m-high Hai Van pass to Hue. Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lang Co Beach for a drink before continuing on to Hue - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s former capital. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through the ancient city. Visit the Royal Citadel, the Imperial Museum, as well as the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc (a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

Day 8: Hue – Fly to Hanoi.
After breakfast, check out the hotel and go to visit the Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), Dong Ba Market. Then drive to the airport to catch the short flight to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi City Tour.
Today is a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city's museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square, where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display. Stop by the West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Later, disembark at the ancient city gate of O Quan Chuong, and then continue walking to Thanh Ha local market and through bustling streets & alleys.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.
(The itinerary is a sample, depends on weather and it will be different between cruises. Our travel consultants will provide the exact schedule and program if you book other cruise such as Hera Cruise, Halong President Cruise, Emperor Cruise, Halong Violet, Halong Jasmine, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Ginger Cruise, Orchid Cruise, Indochina Sails, Au Co Cruise, Starlight Cruise, Sealife Cruise, Oriental Sails etc.)
Halong Bay is one of the most loved spots in Vietnam for a reason - it's gorgeous. On this Halong Bay tour, we take you away from the hectic pace of life in Hanoi and introduce you to the tranquil, beautiful Halong Bay... Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival, you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise on Halong Bay.

Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to the harbour. Savor a fresh seafood lunch, served on board before sailing back to Halong City, where your car will be waiting to take you to Hanoi.
Rest of the day, you are free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi Departure.
Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sightseeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.