Depart from San Francisco or Los Angeles on 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
Sightseeing in Hanoi (9 hr)
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries, with its narrow lanes and traditional shophouses. Begin with an exploration of the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays – alternative to visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum). This museum showcases art, traditional clothing, and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups. Afterward, head to the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. Continue to visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honor the country, Great Father. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only) which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh; and Ho Chi Minh’s 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. Following by the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. In the late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda and enjoy the coffee. Take the green electric buggy to the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Breakfast at hotel
By vehicle from Hanoi (city) to Halong Bay. Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port. Cruise aboard Garden Bay Cruise through Halong Bay.
Arrive in Hon Gai harbor, transfer to Garden Bay cruise by tender. Short briefing and welcome drink. Enjoy lunch while the boat cruises through Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore Thien Canh Son cave, walk up about 100 stone steps, placed under the foliage and craggy cliffs which bring in a new feeling like climbing on the heaven gates side. Leave the cave, continue to sail to Cap La areas for kayaking or swimming. Back to Garden Bay cruise for relaxing and taking part in the cooking demonstration. Enjoy Bbq dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Restaurant : Garden Bay Cruise (F.Tonkin Cruise)/ Restaurant(Lunch), and Garden Bay Cruise (F.Tonkin Cruise)/ Restaurant(Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel
Cruise aboard Garden Bay Cruise through Halong Bay.
Start your new day with Tai Chi lesson before enjoy a light breakfast. Go exploring Vung Vieng fishing village by bamboo boat or kayaking then back to the cruise for relaxing. Enjoy lunch while the board cruises back to Hon Gai harbor. Disembark at the harbor. By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue. Overnight at the hotel. Flight from Hanoi to Hue. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15km). Overnight in Hue.
Special note: Tentative flight HAN-HUI with VN1549 @19:15-20:30
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the Imperial Citadel. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
Khai Dinh was the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty and was constructed between 1920 and 1931. It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. It has a long staircase flanked by dragons. There are ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes. Overnight in Hue.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Excursion to Thuy Bieu village with lunch at the local house. Pick you up at Toa Kham Wharf, depart to Thien Mu Pagoda- the first stop of the day, a historic temple in the city as a symbol of Hue, located nearby Perfume River where will be a wonderful place for you to relax and refresh. Back to the boat for a scenic cruise to Thuy Bieu Eco-village. Arrive Thuy Bieu, spend 2 hours to stroll or bike around the peaceful village. Have lunch at Thuy Bieu Riverside restaurant with Hue traditional specialties.
Restaurant: Meals incl. in the itinerary (Vietnam)(Lunch). Overnight in Hue.
Breakfast at the hotel
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An (140km).Drive south from Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang.
Walking tour around Hoi An (2.5 hr). Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge – the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Visit the nearby Sa Huynh Museum, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history.
Stroll to the Tran Family Chapel, a house for worshipping ancestors that were built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. Visit the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). Finally, visit a lantern-making workshop, one of many in Hoi An. The framework for the lanterns is made beforehand and clients can observe locals adorning silk cloth on the lantern. Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at the hotel
Excursion to Tra Que Village with cooking class and farmer experience (private, not incl. herbal foot soak) ( 5hr)
Depart from your hotel to Tra Que herb village. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden and listen to the history of the village. Then join gardening activities in preparing the land, fertilizing with seaweed, raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables. Learn how to prepare special dishes with the local family and enjoy lunch (or dinner). Bid farewell to your host family before transferred back to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Restaurant: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam)(Lunch). Overnight in Hoi An
Breakfast and dinner included
By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang. Fly from Danang to Saigon. Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Sightseeing in Saigon (4hr).
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity, and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin the trip into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.
Afterward, drive to the historic center to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Visit War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum exhibits collections of weapons, photographs and memorabilia from two Indochina wars along with the original French ‘Guillotine’ brought here in the early 20th century. Transfer to/from restaurant
Restaurant: KOTO Training Restaurant *(Dinner). Overnight in Saigon.
Breakfast at hotel
Excursion to Cu Chi tunnels (6-7 hours)
Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong, bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Pedal and Paddle in Ben Tre (9 hours)
Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre. A journey of about two and a half hours will bring you to a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. The industrious local residents have found many other uses for the humble coconut, including turning them into household items and cosmetics.
Hop on a bike for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of a local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands.
Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorized boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made.
Restaurant: Home-hosted lunch in Ben Tre(Lunch). Overnight in Saigon
Special note: Please advise for local Tuk Tuk reservations.
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.