Depart from San Francisco or Los Angeles on Singapore Airlines or major airlines to Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Overnight in in Hanoi
Breakfast at hotel
There's no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage which can be seen in the Old Quarter and the many historic buildings and monuments. There's centuries-old pagodas, picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. (70 kms)[ Full day ]
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum be viewed from the outside only)
Start the exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex with a stroll past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 15 August). View the outside of the Presidential Palace and then walk through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge
Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem means Lake of the Returned Sword), is a lake in the historical centre of the Hanoi capital. It is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the centre of the lake is linked to the legend.
The Ngoc Son Temple was erected in the 18th century. It honours the 13th -century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan - Mongol invaders, Van Xuong, a scholar and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, means Morning Sunlight Bridge).
Best seen on foot, Hanoi's Old Quarter is a fascinating maze of narrow streets that date back to the 13th century. Each street was named after the items sold there, so we'll come across streets selling clothes, silver goods, religious items, silk, china bowls - even coffins! Amongst these crowded, twisty streets we'll stumble upon art galleries, streetside cafes, steaming food stalls and incense-filled temples.
Visit the traditional old house in the Old Quarter (87 Ma May)
Located within Hanoi Old Quarter, the ancient house at 87 Ma May street which was built at the late of the 20th century, is quite intact with typical architecture of ancient houses on Hanoi street.
Overnight in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and public holidays.
Breakfast at hotel
By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 kms)
Stop en-route for stretch your legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity.
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 kms)
Aboard the traditional cruise through Halong Bay without guide[ include lunch, dinner ]
Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay; en route take a short stop for a break. Transfer with a tender to the comfortable cruise and enjoy a welcome drink aboard. Begin the cruise through majestic Halong Bay while lunch is served. Enjoy the magical bay where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon's teeth. The cruise continues cruising through a fishing village on the bay and passes the spectacular limestone caves dotted around the bay. Soak up the sun on the top deck with optional on-board activities: sunbathing, and photo opportunities. In the evening the chef will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes and other traditional dishes. Overnight on-board.
Spend the night on board
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
English and French speaking guide will be provided onboard.
Breakfast at hotel
Aboard the traditional cruise through Halong Bay without guide[ include breakfast ]
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise that offer a perfect opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Check out luggage and bid tidings to beautiful Halong Bay.
By vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport (160 kms) for flight to Danang
Arrival in Danang
By vehicle from Danang airport to Hoi An (35 kms)
Overnight in in Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel
Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old.
Today's Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, private house, family chapel, pagoda (4 hours)
From soldiers to sunbathers - Danang has seen them all! This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges, and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. Just outside, are the Marble Mountains - a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves.
We'll explore all this and more!
Today's Highlights: Cham Museum, Marble Mountains (6 hours)
Overnight in Hoi An
Breakfast at the cruise
All day at leisure without guide
Overnight in Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel
By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport for flight to Saigon
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There's classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We'll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Today's Highlights: Reunification Palace, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market (4 hours)
Overnight in Saigon in Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel
We're going underground - deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We'll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.
Today's Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnnels (6-7 hours)
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel
Today's Highlights: Ben Tre by boat and bicycle (9 hours)"
We could end up feeling fruity as we cruise the Mekong River Islands! This area may be Vietnam's -rice bowl' but fruit orchards and coconut groves also thrive here. We'll stop to see all the different uses for coconuts. A bicycle ride will bring us to the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six, who will show us how he climbs the coconut trees using just his bare hands. We can even try if we want!
A rowing boat will take us along the water palm creek giving us a glimpse of daily life on the delta. Lunch will be an assortment of delicious dishes cooked by one of the locals of the Mekong Delta.
Overnight in Saigon
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to airport for your flight to next destination