Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Hanoi	Colonial Buildings, Water Puppet Show, Cyclo Ride, Hanoian Culture, Ancient Architecture	Hilton Hanoi Opera House, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi
3 - 4	Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Limestone Formations, Kayak Paddling	Indochina Sail Cruise, Jasmine Cruise
4 - 6	Hue	Perfume River, UNESCO World Heritage Site Imperial Citadel, Tombs and Pagodas, Incense Stick-Making House	Hotel Saigon Morin, Ancient Hue Garden House
6 - 8	Hoi An	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Beach, Relaxation, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese Architecture	Boutique Hoi An Resort, Sunrise Premium Resort, Hoi An
8 - 11	Nha Trang	White Sandy Beaches, Mountain Ranges, Coral Reefs, Turquoise Sea	Mia Resort Nha Trang, An Lam Retreat Ninh Van Bay
11 - 12	Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon	French Colonial Buildings, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Temple	Hotel Majestic Saigon

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

Transfer from Hanoi Airport to Hotel

Hanoi

2 Nights

Hanoi has served as an erstwhile capital city and the seat of government for over a thousand years. Explore exotic ancient monuments and remnants of colonial imperialism as well as affable merchants at Hanoi’s night markets and at bustling street food stalls.

Included Activities

Evening Water Puppet Show (One Hour)

Highlights of Hanoi on foot
Explore Hanoi – the cultural, historical, and culinary epicenter of Vietnam. Dodging scooters, traverse Hanoi’s bustling urban landscape that is punctuated with leafy boulevards and tranquil public spaces. Stroll to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, crossing the scarlet-colored wooden bridge to visit the Nga Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain). Walk around the atmospheric pagoda, the most visited temple in Hanoi and home to historical artifacts, ceramics, and statues of deities. Finally, head to the Old Quarter, where vestiges of French and Chinese colonial architecture linger. Navigate the fascinating maze of back alleys, especially the ’36 streets of 36 wares’, flanked by tube houses with storefronts of merchants and artisans that have lived here for generations. Soak in the aromas of Vietnamese coffee, Bia Hoi beer establishments and a variety of street food delicacies as you make your way back. (Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs or 1400 hrs; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level Easy)

Discovering Hanoi
Discover the rich heritage of Vietnam’s capital city on this leisurely tour that takes you through the city’s tree-lined avenues, colonial structures, and national monuments. Begin on a delicious note at the old coffee shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter as you walk down the winding alleyways of the neighborhood. Pay your respects to ‘Uncle Ho’ at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, as the beloved leader is affectionately called and get to know more about the nation’s revolutionary architect. Afterward, drop by the exquisitely beautiful 9th century Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda, built in the shape of a lotus on a single stone pillar. Stop at the simple little house where Ho Chi Minh lived during his years in Hanoi and view a collection of his personal artifacts. End your city tour with a visit to Vietnam’s first national university, the 11th century Temple of Literature that is a remarkable example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed on Mon & Fri)

Hotel Options

Hilton Hanoi Opera House – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi – Opt 2

Room	Superior Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay via New Highway Road (160 kms, 2.5 hrs)

Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

1 Night

Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkins is a dazzling world. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can witness the dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone islands as they rise spectacularly from the ocean. Geologically an extension, Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful as Halong Bay but a lot more isolated.

Destination Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

Included Activities

Sailing the Misty Halong Bay
Discover the fascinating seascape along Ha Long Bay with its innumerable islands and islets on this luxury cruise. Enjoy onboard activities and relish delicious meals served onboard. Day One: After an early breakfast in Hanoi, drive over to Ha Long Bay, where your cruise boat awaits. Just in time for luncheon, relish the gourmet spread before setting out to cruise around the striking rainforest-clad islands of the bay. Revel in the serene landscape as the cruise passes by little known tropical islands. Visit the spectacular Surprise Cave, one of the largest limestone grottoes in the area. Return to your cruise and enjoy the serene environs as your boat drops anchor for the night. Join the master chef as he demonstrates traditional Vietnamese fruit carving techniques or indulges in a relaxing massage. After a scrumptious dinner, try your luck at squid fishing with the crew. Retire to your cabin for the night. Day Two: Participate in an early morning Tai Chi session atop the cruise deck, and sail off to explore Titov Island, named after the Soviet astronaut, Gherman Stepanovich Titov, who had visited the island with President Ho Chi Minh. Take a walk along the charming island with its lovely crescent-shaped beach, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the summit. Take a swim in the emerald waters or sunbathe by the beach. Return to the boat and enjoy a hearty breakfast as the boat heads towards the port. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi. (1 night/2 days trip; Shared Activity & Private Transfer; Meals included: All meals aboard cruise; Fitness level: Easy).

Halong Bay Cruise Activities (Jasmine Cruise)
Explore picturesque Halong Bay and its many attractions on this leisurely cruise. Day 1: Get settled in your comfortable accommodations aboard the cruise boat and discover the onboard facilities as you sail out to scenic Halong Bay. Step onto the sun deck and soak in the splendid views as you cruise to the floating village of Cua Van, one of the last few in the region. Choose to kayak to this interesting village or glide along in a bamboo boat rowed by the locals. Stop by the Cua Van Cultural Center for a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the village before heading out to Tien Ong Cave. Follow your expert guide into the deep cave which has evidence of human civilization dating back as far as 10,000 BC! Return to the cruise boat and sail on as you unwind on the sun deck with your favorite drink enjoying the sunset over the bay. Watch a demonstration of Vietnamese cooking by the chef and join in if you’d like. After a delicious dinner, watch an insightful presentation about the bay’s unique features or try your hand at squid fishing before you get a good night’s rest. Day 2: Wake up refreshed and sip on tea or coffee as you nibble on pastries before practicing Tai Chi on the deck under the guidance of an expert. Afterward, step ashore at Ti Top Island to swim in the cool water and lounge on the sandy beach tucked amid soaring rock formations. You could also climb up 400 stone steps to the highest point on the island and enjoy panoramic views of the bay. Return to the cruise boat and savor breakfast as you sail back to the harbor, continuing to enjoy scenic views of this iconic landmark along the way. (2 Days/1 Night; All Meals Included; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel Options

Indochina Sail Cruise – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe
Meals	Full Board plus Activities
Style	Cruise

Jasmine Cruise – Opt 2

Room	Superior Cabin
Meals	Full Board plus Activities
Style	Cruise

Day 4 - 6

Drive from Halong Bay to Hanoi via New Highway Road (160 kms, 2.5 hrs)

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Transfer from Hue Airport to Hotel

Hue

2 Nights

The ancient Imperial Capital of Hue, lies at the mouth of the Perfume River and is considered the fulcrum of Vietnam’s two rice baskets – the Red River Delta and the Mekong River Delta.

Included Activities

A Family Meal in Hue
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a local family in Hue, Vietnam. After a green tea welcome, take a guided tour of the ancestral home, browse through family albums, and be introduced to the entire household. Visit the family temple, and understand the customs and rituals associated with ancestral worship. This is your chance to hang out with the friendly family and get a glimpse into their lifestyle. Follow your host to the bustling Dong Ba market on the banks of Perfume River, and shop for a plethora of fresh produce from the region. Back at the home, learn about the history of unique ingredients that go into making Hue’s traditional folk dishes. You’re welcome to assist the family in the kitchen, preparing an array of well-plated meals. Later, gather with your host family, and enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch over conversation. Exchange cultural stories and anecdotes of the Royal land before bidding farewell. (Half Day; Time: 1100 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Sunrise tour of the Imperial Citadel
Embark on an early morning walking tour to experience a magical sunrise from the Imperial Citadel located in the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel back in time to Hue’s royal past as the political, cultural and religious capital under the Nguyen Dynasty between the 17th and 19th centuries. Soak in the symbolic importance and natural beauty of the complex surrounded by hills and the Perfume River. Wander through splendid tombs of emperors, gardens, pagodas, and temples. Observe the majestic architecture in the sections restored after the Vietnam war bombing. After the walk, relish light snacks and green tea at the opulent Co Ha Gardens amid bonsai trees and picturesque ponds. (5:30am to 7:30am, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hotel Saigon Morin – Opt 1

Room	Colonial Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Ancient Hue Garden House – Opt 2

Room	Bach Ma Room
Meals	Frühstück
Style	Boutique

Day 6 - 8

Drive from Hue to Hoi An Enroute Bana Hill Golden Bridge (200 Kms, 8 hours)

Hoi An

2 Nights

Hoi An pays testament to its remarkable history as a major port town, booming with grand architecture of old Japanese merchant houses, pale yellow houses draped in bougainvillea, shopfronts lit with glowing silk lanterns, and ageing tea warehouses.

Included Activities

Half Day Red Bridge Cooking School Experience
For the adventurous palates, visit Red Bridge cooking school – a highlight of Hoi An’s culinary scene. Meet your chef at Hai Café in the old town for an introduction and welcome drink. Then explore the central market with him, learning about the quintessential ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy photographic moments on the 20min cruise to the school, with glimpses of local river life. Visit the school’s herb garden and enjoy a private hands-on cooking class. Savor what you have created. (Best Time to Visit: All Year; Total Duration: 4- hrs; Timings: Two slots: 08:00 hrs and 11:00 hrs; Important Notes: Private class is available for the afternoon only)

Walking Tour of Hoi An
Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century. Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history. Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colorful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them. (Half Day; Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0900/1400; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.

Hotel Options

Boutique Hoi An Resort – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Sunrise Premium Resort, Hoi An – Opt 2

Room	Club Deluxe Ocean View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Day 8 - 11

Drive from Hoi An to Danang (30 kms, 1 hr)

Flight from Danang to Nha Trang

Transfer from Nha Trang Airport to Hotel

Nha Trang

3 Nights

A popular beach destination in Vietnam, Nha Trang has long stretches of beautiful coastline, miles of white sandy beaches framed by the dramatic backdrop of mountain ranges.

Hotel Options

Mia Resort Nha Trang – Opt 1

Room	Garden View Condos
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

An Lam Retreat Ninh Van Bay – Opt 2

Room	Bay View Pool Villa
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Day 11 - 12

Transfer from Hotel to Nha Trang Airport

Flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh / Saigon

Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Airport to your hotel

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

1 Night

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still often referred to as Saigon, was a Khmer seaport in the 17th century before becoming a French colony. Rapid and thrilling and, even with the maddening traffic as cyclo drivers speed under vast neon billboards, you can immerse yourselves in variety at HCMC.

Destination Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon in Vietnam

Hotel Options

Hotel Majestic Saigon – Opt 1

Room	Colonial Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Transfer to the airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 3,390 /person
Option 2 From $ 4,090 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 12 days / 11 nights.
Meals as indicated
Economy flights for all sectors :
- Hanoi – Hue
- Danang – Nha Trang
- Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh / Saigon
All activities as listed :
- Hanoi: Evening Water Puppet Show (One Hour)
- Hanoi: Highlights of Hanoi on foot
- Hanoi: Discovering Hanoi
- Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay: Sailing the Misty Ha Long Bay
- Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay: Halong Bay Cruise Activities (Jasmine Cruise)
- Hue: A Family Meal in Hue
- Hue: Sunrise tour of the Imperial Citadel
- Hoi An: Half Day Red Bridge Cooking School Experience
- Hoi An: Walking Tour of Hoi An
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
A high-quality air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for the activities specified in the itinerary
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
Fees and taxes

Not Included

Camera fees
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Vietnam’s Heritage Cities and Beach

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Hanoi

Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

Hue

Hoi An

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included