Tour Code:       C08V - BV

Trip Length:     08 Days / 07 Nights

Category:         Classic

Operate:          Year round / on demand

Destination:     Vietnam

I. DETAILED ITINERARY:

Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and tour-briefing. In the afternoon, an orientation tour of Hanoi, and a chance to acclimate yourself. You’ll have time to enjoy a walking tour of Hanoi’s famous “Old Quarter,” noted for its 36 guild streets. The evening is highlighted  with a welcome dinner at a friendly & typical Vietnamese restaurant invited by Latitude Journeys and follow by a performance of the famed Water Puppet Theatre of Hanoi, a traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region. Unique, but recognized internationally.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning we start our exploration day by a ride to Halong Bay, northeast of Hanoi and enter into the Red River Delta, rich with rural beauty and picturesque rice-farming villages. Not just pictures, we can stop for close-up views of  buffalos ploughing, women in conical hats scooping their paddies. Once reaching Halong Bay, we board our cruise and set sail for an extraordinary cruise of Halong Bay. Declared as the World Heritage Site twice for its nature beauty and geological by UNESCO, we’ll cruise through its three-thousand islands and rich rock-formations and stop at Ga Choi Island, Dinh Huong Island, Dog Island, Sail Island… You’ll be able to sample the rich seafood served on-board while viewing the islands. Late afternoon we have chance to explore the bay on our kayaks. We’ll close out the day by a romantic dinner and overnight on board.

Wake-up for sun shine and morning coffee then we take a bamboo boat to visit Sung Cot Cave – one of the largest in Halong Bay. We then continue our exploration by the cruise pass-by the city’s market – Hon Gai and enjoy our last seafood lunch on-board before get back to Halong City. Our car will take us back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, we take a very early flight out of Hanoi for Hue – the ancient capital during Nguyen’s Dynasty and the self-proclaimed intellectual and artistic center of Vietnam. Enjoy a special breakfast in box prepared by a 4* hotel on the way to airport. Upon arrival to Hue our guide and car will take you to visit the Imperial Citadel and Tu Duc Tomb. Return to hotel to refresh and in the afternoon enjoy a leisure trip on the quiet and peaceful Perfume River and a chance to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast we drive to Danang through Hai Van Pass and visit to the world-famous Cham Museum in Danang, and an introduction to the history and culture of Champa. The we drive 30km to Hoian Town south of Danang. The day will be spent exploring Hoian’s winding streets and centuries-old architecture, which combines Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences. Highlighted are the Chinese Assembly Hall, homes of the old merchant families. ancient temples, and the Japanese Bridge.

Overnight in Hoian.

Morning is free at leisure to visit Hoian and do some shopping on your own then at noon we fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival there is a city overview tour of the important landmarks: The Central Post Office, The former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon waterfront, and finally, the excitement of the Cho Lon District (Saigon’s ‘China-town.’) You’ll have ample opportunity to experience the Binh Tay Central Market and the Thien Hau Pagoda.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

This day we will have chance to sample life in the Mekong River area by a full day trip exploration to Vinh Long. Take a leisurely boat-ride to fruit farms and markets bustling with Delta life. Sample local foods and fruit, and the rich bounty of the Mekong. Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rest and relax before departure from Ho Chi Minh City, or explore the city on your own. Transfer and departure assistance provided.

End of Itinerary

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Tour Includes:

• Accommodation
• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Domestic Air Tickets (Hanoi – Hue//Danang – Ho Chi Minh City)
• English or French speaking guide
• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
• Additional surprises

Tour Excludes:

• International Departure Tax (25 US$)
• International Air Tickets
• Visa fees
• Not mentioned services
• Tip and gratuities