Enchanting People, Enchanting Travels
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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Hanoi airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

3 Nights

Hanoi

Hanoi has served as a capital city and the seat of government in Vietnam for over a thousand years. While this stimulating city is quickly transforming with modern skyscrapers rising up and beeping horns from its frenzied traffic, you can peel back its layers of history and discover a bubbling cauldron of French and Chinese influence. Explore exotic ancient monuments and remnants of colonial imperialism . In the passages of its Old Quarter, there are affable merchants to be found in night markets and at bustling street food stalls. Surrounded by lush green countryside, there is also a tranquil side to Hanoi, seen when city dwellers practice the ancient martial art of tai chi or as families sit on the pavement to slowly enjoy steaming bowls of pho (noodle soup). Located on the banks of Red River, you can enjoy a cooler climate than in the south.

Included activities

Personalized City Highlights Tour of Hanoi with Cyclos

Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square. Vietnam’s beloved leader, affectionately known as ‘Bac Ho’, rests here in a glass case. Drop by the One Pillar Pagoda next door. Originally from 1049, this unique wooden structure resembles a lotus blossom. Continue on to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, nestled amid the tranquil gardens of the Presidential Palace nearby. This modest house offers a glimpse into the life of Vietnam’s founding father. Next, head to the 11th century Temple of Literature complex, and admire its well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. Here, five courtyards with manicured lawns are dotted with wells, bells, pavilions and Confucius altars. Later, at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, browse an extensive collection of traditional artefacts that showcase the rich diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Later, in downtown Hanoi, take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Learn about the history of its streets and trades, while exploring its back alleys highlighted by ‘tube houses’! (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be from outside as they are every Monday & Fridays .Between September until December the Mausoleum remains opened only in the morning ; The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays)

Hotel options

La Siesta Classic Ma May – Opt 1
Room Junior Suite
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Station Queen
Meals Room Only
Style International
Day 4 – 5

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hanoi to Halong Bay (Pier) in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

1 Night

Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay

Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkins is a dazzling world. The name’s literal translation is the Bay of Descending Dragons, which perfectly encompasses the mysterious and mythical nature of its waters. 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. Several of the islands have grottos and caves, which boast spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and lead to secret freshwater lakes. Some islands, often named due to the interpretation of their unusual shapes, support floating villages that house local fishermen. With calm, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and beaches, you will understand why this is considered a most magnificent natural splendor. Geologically an extension of Halong but set in another province, Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful as Halong Bay but far more isolated. Numerous aquatic animals inhabit these pristine waters and in addition, the bay offers several pristine white-sand beaches where you can soak up the sun. The ideal way to explore these magical destinations? Aboard a traditional junk!

Included activities

Discover Halong Bay on Bhaya Cruise:

Day One: Board your junk to discover the World Heritage site of Halong Bay with its spectacular kingdom of islands and limestone wonders on this two-day cruise.Enjoy a delectable luncheon aboard the cruise liner, as you sail deep into Halong Bay, riding past the delightful little islands of Chicken Rock, Finger and Frog Islet along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon that is only accessible by row boats or kayaks. It is one of the most stunning and fascinating of caves in the Bay area. Enjoy a swim and a kayak ride before returning to the cruise to relax with refreshing beverages on the deck. Sail back to anchor overnight at Ho Dong Tien, where you can join a cook-off session with the cruise chef before enjoying a delicious dinner. You could also try squid fishing this evening, before calling it a day. Day Two: Wake up with Tai Chi sessions on the deck, and then you are off to explore one of the most beautiful highlights of the Bay – Surprise Cave. This is one of the largest and oldest cave formations in the area, with thick foliage and paved stone flags leading to the entrance. Return to a scrumptious buffet brunch aboard the cruise boat, before disembarking.

Dragon Pearl: Halong Bay Cruise (2 Days/1 Night)

Discover the dramatic limestone karst formations of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, on this leisurely overnight cruise. Head to the Port of Hon Gai to board your cruise. Relish lunch and participate in a quick safety briefing as you sail to the lesser known, yet equally picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay. Take in the scenic vistas of forested cliffs, hidden caves and stunning beaches in the Vung Dang-Cong Dam area. Set off on a kayaking adventure among the karst cliffs before you enjoy a dinner onboard and retire for the night. Wake up early the next day to catch the gorgeous sunrise over the bay from the upper deck. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast as you cruise to the island of Cong Do. Step ashore to explore the limestone stalactites and stalagmites at the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. Afterwards, relish a buffet lunch onboard as you head back. Disembark and drive to your onward destination. (Duration: 2 Days/1 Night; Shared Activity; All Meals Included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Hotel options

Bhaya Cruise Bhaya Cruise Classic – Opt 1
Room Bhaya Classic Deluxe
Meals Full Board plus Activities
Style Cruise
Dragon's Pearl – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Cabin
Meals Full Board plus Activities
Style Cruise
Day 5 – 7

Your chauffeur will drive you from Halong Bay (Pier) to Hanoi in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Board your flight from Hanoi to Danang

Your chauffeur will drive you from Danang to Hoi An in a private vehicle

2 Nights

Hoi An

Hoi An plays 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. Set alongside a charming river and to the backdrop of fisherwomen in conical hats, Hoi An is the epitome of a picture postcard, and unique in that it has no congestion or hullabaloo. This is in part due to Thu Bon River becoming silted in the 19th century, which prevented passage to trading ships, but also because cars are forbidden on its main roads. Motorcyclists rarely use their horns, unlike in the rest of Vietnam. With noteworthy culinary excellence you can expect the finest Vietnamese food. To top it off, the city also boasts its own pleasant beach.

Included activities

Eat your way through Hoi An on a Vespa

Savor the culinary pleasures and exciting nightlife of Hoi An while riding pillion on a Vespa scooter. At Café Zoom Hoi, sample banh can (thick Vietnamese noodles made from tapioca flour) and khot cake – morsels of fried dough stuffed with quail eggs, pork or shrimp. Drive onward and try white rose dumplings and fried wantons. Head to the An Hoi Islet and hop aboard a boat to Cam Nam Island. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood appetizers with beers or soft drinks. Next, drive along the Thu Bon River to reach a popular restaurant. Cook a hot pot and learn the art of Vietnamese wrap-and-roll. Your last stop is a modern restaurant specializing in barbecue fare. Grill the food over a charcoal brazier at your table. End the culinary sojourn with a delicious dessert, banh flan, a Vietnamese-style crème caramel. (Duration: half day; Fixed time: yes; Shared activity; Meal included: food sampling; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Apr-Oct;One Guest per vespa as a pillion rider ;helmets provided)

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

La Siesta Resorts & Spa Hoi An – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Boutique Hoi An Resort – Opt 2
Room Superior Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Beach Resort
Day 7 – 9

Your chauffeur will drive you from Hoi An to Hue in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Hai Van pass (Duration without stops: 3 hrs)

2 Nights

Hue

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 delta. The city is bisected by the Song Huong, or Perfume River, named after a scented shrub that grows there. Hue makes a good base for exploring the Demilitarized Zone and is an important literary and cultural center.

Included activities

Half Day Cycle Ride of Hué

Venture on cycles through Thuy Bieu village, one of the oldest, most unique villages near the famous Perfume river. See this interesting village and surrounding area, pass family temples, orchard gardens and paddy/corn fields, visit a local home where family members have made incense sticks for generations, glimpse their everyday lives and efforts to keep the craft alive. Cycle on to Voi Re Temple and Tiger arena, to learn how the Emperors in Nguyen dynasty were entertained. (Best Time to Visit: Oct – Mar;Avoid: Apr – Sep (Summer + Rainy Season) ;Total Duration: 4 hrs;Timings: 09:00 hrs or 16:00 hrs (Suggested best in the evening); Private Activity)

Hotel options

Eldora Hotel – Opt 1
Room Deluxe River View
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Pilgrimage Village – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort
Day 9 – 11

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Hue airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Transfer to hotel

2 Nights

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC, as it is affectionately called by citizens and travelers alike, is a city on the move. The dynamic energy of this pulsating Vietnamese capital has long since shot ahead of the tumultuous years of its former avatar – Saigon. Today, it’s the epicenter of Vietnam’s culture as well as its commerce and industry, offering a happy balance of tradition and modernity. Beautiful French colonial buildings and other historic landmarks lounge comfortably in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and glitzy malls. The intermingling of Saigon’s yesterday and today are reflected in its cosmopolitan citizens as well. Local women in traditional Vietnamese tunics stroll past trendy boutiques, while street stalls and high-end eateries dish out equally delicious food. Dive into the city’s electric nightlife and discover modern shopping paradises beautifully juxtaposed against traditional floating markets.

Included activities

Personalized Foodie Tour of Ho Chi Minh City

Set off on a gastronomic tour of Ho Chi Minh City on this after dark foodie tour. Walk down the vibrant city streets, making frequent stops to sample exotic local delicacies. Meet your guide at a coffee shop for a quick briefing before you head out. Step into a banh mi shop for some freshly baked bread. Head to a banh cuon eatery for a bite of the popular steamed rice flour crepe with pork filling. Snack on Vietnamese rice pizza that comes with a variety of toppings. Indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert of grilled banana with coconut milk. Before you wind up your tour, make one final stop to sample fresh grilled seafood. You could wash it down with a pint of local beer! (Duration: Half Day; Starting Time: 1800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Dinner Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; This tour involves walking through narrow lanes)

Personalized Walking Tour of Saigon

Explore Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam’s largest and busiest city, as you walk past boulevards lined by colonial French buildings. Discover fine examples of French architecture such as the iconic Saigon Opera House, CIA building, and the Central Post Office designed by architect Gustav Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame. Admire the neo-Romanesque features of Notre Dame Cathedral nearby before you stroll through lush gardens and secret rooms of the Independence Palace. Hop over to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street and pass by the regal Supreme Court building. Walk through the colorful Ben Thanh market, stopping for coffee at a small cafe. Admire the boat-shaped Nguyen Van Hao’s building built by a rich businessman in 1933 pausing to click pictures. Stop by the Maison Marou for a little history lesson and a tasting session of the best Vietnamese chocolate. Stroll through Le Thi Hong Gam Street, the Fine Arts Museum, and Le Cong Kieu Street browsing through antique shops. After the walk, unwind with a craft beer at the Pasteur Street Brewing Company, or with traditional tea at Villa Downtown Royal Antique, or local lunch at a hidden restaurant. (4 hours from 0830 hrs or 1330hrs, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Notre Dame Cathedral permits outside visits only due to renovation until 2023; Chocolate tasting at Maison Marou only on Saturday on own account; Fine Arts Museum is closed on Monday)

Hotel options

Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel – Opt 1
Room Deluxe
Meals Room Only
Style Resort
Mia Saigon – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique

Transfer to the Airport

International Departure

Vietnam tours are best experienced privately so you can take in the vivid daily life. This unique vacation takes in the bustling cities of Hanoi and Saigon as well as an exhilarating boat ride through the famous Halong Bay!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $2,790 USD / person

Option 2

From $3,390 USD / 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 and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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