Classic Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi! – the capital of Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. We will pick you up at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to the city center. You will have free time to relax after a long flight. In the afternoon, we will visit Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi. This is where all of the city’s biggest cultural and political events take place. We will take some photos of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside. Then we continued to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. The temple was built in 1070, and the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. After visiting the temple, we will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi. We will then take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses. The Old Quarter is also known as “The 36 Streets,” as each street is named after the merchandise that was traditionally sold there. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel, then check out. At around 8:00 am,you will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarters and transferred to HaLong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as recognized by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival at the Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome from cruise staff and complete the check-in procedure for the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending Dragon” bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking, pass floating houses, and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close proximity. Later in the afternoon, go back to the cruise and enjoy the cooking demonstration before having dinner. In the evening, attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.

You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the “East Sea” by a point-oriented name “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise comes back to the pier. Disembark from the cruise, return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Then a private driver picks you up from Hanoi and transfers to Noi Bai airport (without a tour guide) for your flight to Danang city (air tickets excluded). Upon arrival, I was welcomed by the local tour guide and transferred to check in at the hotel. Overnight in Danang.

After breakfast, we went to visit Cam Thanh village and Bay Mau coconut forest. Here you have a chance to experience the traditional way of life. Take a bamboo basket boat tour through the coconut groves, learn how to paddle a traditional boat . Relax in the peaceful countryside by simply sitting back and enjoying the views. Learn about traditional handicrafts by watching local artisans weave baskets and mats using coconut leaves and other natural materials. You can even try your hand at making your own. In the afternoon, after our transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town, we will be immersed in a magical world of Oriental feel. We will walk over the Japanese Bridge, visit Chinese Assembly halls, and explore ancient houses. We can also listen to folk music at old club houses or stroll into the market by the Thu Bon river. Here, we may feel the same inspiration as artists who have found the rooftops of Hoi An to be a source of inspiration. The rest of the time is free for shopping. Hoi An is legendary for its affordable yet quality tailoring services. The streets of the ancient town are also lined with shop houses and makeshift stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, traditional apparel, and shoes. The central marketplace is filled with locals bargaining for fresh produce and foodstuffs. Hoi An town in the evening is a magical place, where it is bathed in warm yellow light from the lanterns that hang from the shophouses, and the streets are filled with the sound of music and laughter. Drive back to hotel in Danang for overnight.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Danang at 07:00-08:00. We’ll transfer to Ba Na Hills, a French-inspired hilltop resort. We’ll take the iconic cable car, which has been awarded 5 world records, to the Ba Na Hills station. From the iconic Golden Bridge, we can admire the lush vegetation and rich terrain of the Truong Son Mountains, which stretch to the East Sea. Just a few steps away from the village is the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 27-meter-high Buddha statue. The pagoda’s impressive facade is a testament to traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, we’ll head to Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion for a walk through well-manicured landscapes that are perfect for photoshoots. The tour guide will take guests to visit Fantasy Park, join in adventurous, fun, and modern games such as Love Swing, Skiver Pilot, Fire Racing Track, Bumper Car, Ghost House… Have buffet lunch at the restaurant. Later in the afternoon, conquer the Peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1,487m Visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple. Enjoy the panorama view of Da Nang City and Da Nang Bay. Go downhill by cable car and return to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach feeling. Overnight in Danang.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport (without a tour guide)for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh city (air tickets excluded). Upon arrival, you will bepicked up and driven to the hotel for checking in. In the afternoon, start your city tour at the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous historical attractions in Saigon. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamese struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation, as well as the locals’ perspective of the Vietnam War. The exhibits, such as weapons, documents, and photographs, displayed in the museum are firm evidence of war crimes in Vietnam and speak for the heroic actions of the former Vietnamese generation. We then visit the Reunification Palace, a witness to the fierce Vietnam War that ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall for official receptions. Nearby the Palace are the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only), built between 1877 and 1883, and the colonial-styled Central Post Office, one ofthe city’s major landmarks. Late in the afternoon, visit Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Saigon. Have some shopping time there. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from the pick-up point in District 1 around 07:30-08:00 am. Morning drive to Cu Chi Tunnels: the network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the war. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities, including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Experience the thrill of firing an M15, AK-47, and carbine rifle at the National Defense Sports Shooting Range (at guests’ own extra cost). Return to Ho Chi Minh city center. Rest time of the day at leisure or shopping. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until check-out, and transfer to the airport with a driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.