Essence of Vietnam

Arrival in Hanoi, pick up and transfer to Hanoi downtown, check in hotel (check-in time 2 pm). Short relax after the flight. Today, we will have half day Hanoi city tour. Hanoi has always been a symbol of culture and a source of pride throughout history, bustling Hanoi offers a charming blend of new and old. The French-colonial era has left a legacy of beautiful buildings, with the Old Quarter a fascinating area to explore on foot. Begin the tour to Center of Vietnam’s government: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with Ba Dinh square where all important events of the country will be taken place here, opposite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is Vietnam Parliament House, and beside is the President’s Palace. Next place is one of the most beautiful Pagoda of Hanoi named Tran Quoc Pagoda on the island of Hanoi West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line dating back to more than 1,500 years, it is A cultural relic – A religious institute – A historical witness. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake where is central point of Hanoi city, visit King Ly Thai To statue, learn more about history of more than 1000 years of Hanoi capital; visit Ngoc Son Temple – the heroic temple; then walk around Hanoi Old Quarter with small streets & old houses, feel friendly people with typical Vietnamese smiles offer you the true feeling of this capital city. Return to your hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

Today we leave Hanoi to Halong Bay, “Dragon Descending to the Sea”. Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Upon arrival, we will embark on an overnight Cruise; Check in your beautiful room with an Ocean view from your bed. Enjoy Lunch at the cruise’s luxury restaurant while the cruise goes around limestone islands, floating villages, and beaches on Ha Long Bay… Stop for Swimming and kayaking if weather permits. Have dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Note: Cruise program may be difference between cruises

Early morning experience Tai Chi exercise on the top deck of the Cruise or enjoy sunrise behind mountains on the bay. Having light breakfast and continue the cruise to see other part of Halong Bay. Having Brunch on the cruise and disembark at around 11:30 am and return to Hanoi in the afternoon. Transfer to airport to board the flight to Da Nang Check in hotel and overnight in Da Nang.

Note: Cruise program may be difference between cruises

Morning, departure to Ba Na Hill, pass the sea-shore on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, one of the most beautiful roads of Da Nang City and Red Beach, where the French first landed in Da Nang. Arrive at the Cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Enjoy the first leg Cable car, which achieves two Guinness World Records in 2009, longest non-stop cable car (5,042m) and highest non-stop cable car (1,292m). Sitting in the cabin, in mid-air, looking upon the endless tree line of the forests, bring you with spectacular views of the lush jungle and fairly waterfalls along the way. First, step on Golden Bridge which stands 1,400m above sea level in the Ba Na hills, extends over the treetops from the edge of a leafy cliff face offering tourists uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape beneath. The Golden Bridge is the latest tourist attraction in Da Nang and has attracted hordes of guests since it opened.

Visit remains of French Villas and Ling Ung Pagoda with 27m high Buddha status. We then leave for the second cable car station to visit the top of mountain and see the remain of old villas. Conquer the Peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1,487m. View the whole Da Nang city under the cluster of white clouds. Leave Peak of Chua Mountain, visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, Rainbow Waterfall, Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and ruined Opera House. Enjoy 105 free games at Fantasy Park and speed slide…Play with wild monkeys and take photos, freely then we return to Cable car station at foot of Ba Na Mountain then transfer to Danang.

Overnight in Danang.

Today we will visit Marble Mountain which is a group of five limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. The five karsts (called Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire) and Thổ (earth), you will visit a pagoda in the cave and also get bird view of the city from the mountain.

After visiting Marble Mountain, move forward to Hoi An ancient town which also known as Faifo. Thanks to favorable geographic and climatic factors, Hoi An was a busy international port, where the Japanese, Chinese and Western merchant ships met during the 17th and 18th centuries. Hoi An town with its peace and ancient has become one of the most popular tourist attractions that appeal to the travelers of all tastes and cross over the continents. In 1999, Hoi An was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploring Hoi An on foot is one of the best ways to absorb the beauty of this city. While walking around Hoi An, exploring the small yet beautiful town, which tourists (even frequent visitors) find to be a place of quiet and peace. The unique atmosphere combines elements of Vietnam, China and Japan. The most remarkable views are from the ancient houses, reminding visitors of a long gone past and providing a momentary glimpse of a more subdued and simple time. Visit to Hoi An Market, Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast a remarkable architectural style, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence, Art Craft Manufacturing and of course the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge. These spots are considered as typical architecture styles in Hoi An and reflect clearly the cross culture among France, Japan, China and Vietnam. Passing over hundreds of years and withstanding the severity of the weather, Hoi An still exists and keeps the ancient and quiet beauty…

Late evening return to hotel and overnight in hotel in Da Nang.

Breakfast, check out hotel & transfer to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), pick up and transfer to the city centre & check in hotel (check in time from 2pm on ward). Today you will visit half day Saigon city tour, the   first   place   is   The Independence Palace symbolizes Vietnam’s victory, peace, and territorial integrity. This place has a glamorous design, hundreds of rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and an enormous and gorgeous exterior space; next is War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war, the museum is a call for peace and hopes that history does not repeat itself; continue to Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. End of the tour is Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Morning, we will drive overland to Cu Chi Tunnels, located at the threshold of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and adjacent to the revolutionary base, played an important role in the two wars before 1975. Cu Chi was an “Underground Village” with its labyrinth of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km of tunnels built here by the Communist guerrillas are the highlight of South Vietnam tours. This is an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese guerrillas to protect the region against the American attacks during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort. You will be guided to the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground during your short visit to this extraordinary tunnel complex. Opportunity to crawl into the tunnels for discovering and hearing all things of it. Continue to visit Mekong delta, is known as The Nine Dragon river delta since it is formed by nine rivers. The background of this area is the largest site of endless paddy fields, coconut farms, tropical gardens. Morning, drive to My Tho, known as the “rice basket” in Vietnam. Upon arrival Cruising through Mekong River, passing a fishing villages. Visiting some small islets as Turtle, Dragon, Phoenix Island,.. under a green canopy of water coconut trees. Walking through some villages to a fruit garden. Taste tropical fruits, while having live traditional music. Have honey tea. Short rowing boat ride, enjoy the nice boat ride through natural island and canals in Ben Tre under the shadow of the water coconut trees. Return and Overnight in Ho chi minh city.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Ho chi minh airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.