Vietnam in your eyes

Description

Tour type: private - moderate

Class: Superior - Luxury

Duration: 17 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or reverse.
Price: from 1466USD/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 15 person)

Highlights: Hanoi, Mai Chau trekking and homestay, Ha Long Bay, sea kayaking and snorkeling, charming Hoi An, Hue Imperial City, old Demilitarized Zone(DMZ), nice beaches, boat cruises, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City.

Introduction: This amazing overland trip will take you on an unforgettable journey through a country that's as distinct and enchanting as the people who inhabit it. Our adventure begins in the capital of Hanoi, in northern Vietnam. Discover this graceful old city on foot before setting out to cruise amongst the towering limestone karsts of awe-inspiring Halong Bay, the World Natural Heritage site. We then take a short excursion to Mai Chau, the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi; and Tam Coc, "the Ha Long Bay on Land".  An overnight train journey delivers us to a city that's steeped in history and culture, the former imperial capital, Hue. A short drive south, over spectacular Hai Van Pass, takes us to the ancient port town of Hoi An in central Vietnam. We then catch a flight to Nha Trang where we cruise the offshore islands, before heading south. We arrive at the steamy and vibrant city of Saigon. From here we explore the agriculturally rich Mekong Delta and the one-time guerrilla stronghold of Cu Chi tunnels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B, L)

Day 3: Ha Long - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 4: Hanoi - Mai Chau (B, L, D)

Day 5: Mai Chau – Hoa Lu – Hanoi – Hue (B, L)

Day 6: Hue city (B, L)

Day 7: Hue – DMZ – Hue (B, L)

Day 8: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)

Day 9: Hoi An - My Son (B)

Day 10: Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)

Day 11: Nha Trang Island and Snorkeling (B, L)

Day 12: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

Day 16: Tra On - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B)

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)

Note*: This is a typical tour made by Tuan Linh Travel. In any case, please contact us for details in accordance with your departure date or customized itinerary.

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. There are many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere.
We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting the Old Quarter. We will then enjoy one hour trip on cyclo, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. We will then enjoy the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B, L)
As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
After breakfast spend your day touring the capital and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace (outside), his residence, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Temple of Literature. After lunch, we transfer by road to the famous Ha Long Bay.
Overnight at the hotel, Ha Long.
Day 3: Ha Long - Hanoi (B, L)
Ha Long Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
This morning we will take a cruise through the magnificent Bay. Boat will stop at Thien Cung cave and Dau Go cave. Seafood lunch is provided. After lunch, we return to Hanoi.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Mai Chau (B, L, D)
Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area, and the most people here are ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.
We depart Hanoi and head west towards Hoa Binh City where we stop for refreshments. Leaving Hoa Binh we climb towards the Mai Chau Valley, about another two hours away, stopping on the way to take in the spectacular scenery. Following lunch in Mai Chau Town we drive to the White Thai village of Poomcong. Afternoon we walk to the surrounding village. Our hosts for this evening will be the White Thai minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal.
Dinner and overnight in a stilt house.
Day 5: Mai Chau – Hoa Lu – Hanoi – Hue (B, L)
After an early breakfast transfer to Hoa Lu, the so-called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Arrive in Van Lam village and board a small sampan for a spectacular 3-hour cruise through numerous waterways, beautiful rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice paddies, to the stunning Tam Coc caves. Lunch in a local restaurant then driving to Hanoi to take the night train to Hue. Dinner at your own budget.
Overnight on train.
Day 6: Hue city (B, L)
Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon. Here locates many historical buildings, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family.
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu, which now becomes the symbol of Hue and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip, we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive; however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We will then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight at Hotel, Hue.
Day 7: Hue – DMZ – Hue (B, L)
During Vietnam - America War, the Ben Hai River was demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. This make a Demilitarized Zone of five km each from the river. However during the war, the Southern area of DMZ was one of the most bloodiest battlefield. This tour to DMZ will take you back to the war sites, including: Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnel, Khe Sanh Combat, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dong Ha Town, Rock Pile. We will stop at Cua Tung beach before driving back to Hue.
Overnight at the hotel, Hue.
Day 8: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An  (B)
After breakfast we depart for Hoi An, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the Cham Museum in Da Nang. This structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Da Nang. Continue to the riverside town of Hoi An which was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.
Overnight at the hotel, Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An - My Son (B)
The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobudur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. At its 23rd meeting, UNESCO accorded Mỹ Sơn this recognition pursuant to its criterion C (II), as an example of evolution and change in culture, and pursuant to its criterion C (III), as evidence of an Asian civilization which is now extinct.
Today, we will have a full day with the tour “2 World Heritage Sites in a destination”: My Son Holy Land and Hoi An Ancient town. Tourist attractions include: architecture treasure of My Son, the land once belonged to Cham Kingdom; the Japanese Bridge, Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Old Merchant House, Quang Dong Assembly Hall.
Overnight at the hotel, Hoi An.
Day 10: Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Nha Trang. On arrival take a city tour and visit the Ponagar Cham towers, Hon Chong rocks and Institute of Oceanography.
Overnight at the hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang Island and Snorkeling (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 12: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
You are free today for your personal activities in Nha Trang. We take a late flight to Ho Chi Minh City, which was the capital of the French colony of Indochina and later of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. In 1976, it merged with the surrounding province of Gia Dinh and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
You are free and easy for your personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L)
After breakfast we spend a full day touring bustling Saigon: Enjoy a tour to Cho Lon and stop at Binh Tay Market, discover the vast sanctuary of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and a lacquer ware factory. In the afternoon enjoy a tour in the Old Colonial Residential Quarter and discover the old Hotel de Ville, the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral built in the 19th century, the dazzling French-style post office and the Reunification Palace (outside). Finally, end the day with a visit to War Remnants Museum and the bustling Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon (Chinatown), which allows us to view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel, Saigon.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
We will spend a half day to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!).
Overnight at the hotel, Saigon.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta (B, L, D)
The Mekong Delta (or the “Nine Dragon" river delta) is the region in Southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. A cruise on the Mekong river is a great experience to watch the daily life of the locals.
8:00: Pick up at the hotel by shuttle bus for about 3 hour drive before boarding Le Cochinchine boat. Enjoy welcome drink. We will then transfer to a local boat for an extensive visit of Cai Be: the floating market, the mazes of waterway, local pop-rice and sweets production. And visit colonial buildings, old houses, delightful flower gardens and local coconut candy and rice paper manufacturers.
Le Cochinchine continues its cruise to Co Chien. We will have lunch served on board. After lunch, we will have a very interesting visit to local village on foot or by bicycle on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. Visit a cottage industry, a local farm and sample seasonal fruits. Our boat cruises on the Mekong River while we are taking in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy an aperitif over the sunset and have dinner on board.
Overnight on the Le Cochinchine.
Day 16: Tra On - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh (B)
Breakfast on board. The morning bobbling commotion of Mekong river life comes to life for another lovely day our boat set sails to Can Tho through tributary and canals.
Transfer to Cai Rang: one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong. We go for a walk along the canals and the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards, ship building yards, rural and water activities in full swing. We will board back at noon, with a welcome-back drink, checkout and clear the bill. We will disembark in Can Tho and take the drive back to Ho Chi Minh city. You are free for your personal activities.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
Free time for personal visiting and shopping until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of our services.
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*Note: The itinerary in Halong Bay may change depending on the cruiser you take.

Quotation

Category	Net rate in US$/person in party of			Single room
	2 - 3	4 - 5	>5
Superior	2033	1663	1466	+400
First class	2307	1946	1749	+628
Deluxe	2668	2321	2124	+905
Luxury	Contact us for price

Note*: rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals.

Inclusion:

• Twin-shared rooms at 3-5 star hotels or homestay as in the itinerary.

• Land transfer by private A/C vehicles.

• Train ticket from Hanoi to Hue (A/C soft sleeper).

• Junks in Ha Long Bay and Dragon boat in Hue.

• 2 day package cruise on the Le Cochinchine Cruise with join bus for the transfer.

• English speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.

• Admission fees for all sightseeing places

• Bottles of mineral water available on the car.

• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All flights and airport tax (Hanoi - Hue: US$70; Da Nang - Nha Trang: US$53)

• Visa arrangement.

• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).

• Early check-in and/or late check-out (if any)

• Tips and gratuities.

• Services not clearly mentioned above.

Packing list: Passport, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, etc.

Accommodation

Category	Cities	Hotels	Class	Room Type
Superior	Hanoi	Hoa Binh Palace	3*	Superior
	Sapa	Holiday Sapa hotel	3*	Standard
	Halong cruise	Oriental Sails	3*	Deluxe
	Hue	Ideal hotel	3*	Superior
	Hoi An	Pho Hoi Riverside	3*	Superior
	Nha Trang	The Light hotel	3*	Superior
	Phan Thiet	Tien Dat Resort	3*	Superior
	Da Lat	Vietso Petro Hotel	3*	Deluxe
	Ho Chi Minh	Sapphire Hotel	3*	Superior
First class	Hanoi	Sunway Hanoi	4*	Superior
	Sapa	Chau Long (New Wing)	4*	ROH
	Halong cruise	Victory Cruise	4*	Superior
	Hue	Huong Giang hotel	4*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	River Beach Resort	4*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Nha Trang Lodge	4*	Standard
	Phan Thiet	Hoang Ngoc Resort	4*	Superior Garden View
	Da Lat	Hoang Anh Resort	4*	Villa Supperior
	Ho Chi Minh	First hotel	4*	Superior
Deluxe	Hanoi	Moevenpick Hotel	5*	Superior
	Sapa	Victoria Sapa Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Indochina Sails	4*	Superior
	Hue	Celadon Palace	5*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Palm Garden Resort	5*	Garden - View
	Nha Trang	Vinpearl Resort and Spa	5*	Deluxe Mountainview
	Phan Thiet	Victoria Resort	5*	Sea View
	Da Lat	Saigon Dalat Hotel	4*	Junior Suite
	Ho Chi Minh	Windsor Plaza Hotel	5*	Deluxe
Luxury	Hanoi	Sofitel Metropole Hotel	5*	Opera Room
	Sapa	Victoria Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Jasmine Junk	5*	Premium
	Hue	La Residence Hotel	5*	Superior
	Hoi An	Victoria Resort	5*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Evason Nha Trang & Six Senses Spa	5*	Garden View
	Phan Thiet	Princess D'Annam Resort	5*	Mandarin Suite
	Da Lat	Sofitel Dalat Palace	5*	Luxury
	Ho Chi Minh City	Park Yark Hotel	5*	Park Room

Note*:

• Hotels and/or room type would be changed on your requests with surcharge/discount (if any).

• Similar hotels will be selected  in case pointed ones are full.