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Introduction:
Welcome to Vietnam... As we travel through the country, we look forward to sharing our passion for this beautiful destination with you. The 11 day trip will take you from the colonial elegance of Ha Noi to the natural wonder of Halong Bay, down to the imperial splendor of Hue and enchanting Hoi An all combine to make this a most memorable trip. Finishing in hectic Ho Chi Minh City, don't miss the Ben Thanh market for some fantastic shopping....

Tour highlights:
* Hanoi’s beautiful colonial streets and Water Puppet Show
* Boat cruise in spectacular Halong Bay
* Explore the Forbidden citadel and emperors’ tombs in Hue
* Visit the ancient trading town of Hoi An
* The dynamic and vibrant city of Saigon and the former Viet Cong stronghold Cu Chi tunnels

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
 

Ha Noi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Sai Gon

Day 1 Hanoi arrival

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to hotel in Hanoi.

The rest of your day is at leisure for independent exploration – just catch a sight of Hoan Kiem lake or explore the maze of streets in the city's fascinating Old Quarter where you are certain to find something unique to buy.

Overnight at Hanoi A1 hotel in Hanoi (1 family room)

Meal inclusions: None

Day 2 Hanoi free time, Water Puppetry performance

Today is free at your leisure, there's a chance for more exploration. Why not head back to the Old Quarter, stroll the city's tree-lined boulevards or enjoy the tranquility of the lakes over a traditional Vietnamese coffee!

In the late afternoon we attend a performance of traditional water puppetry

Overnight at Hanoi A1 hotel in Hanoi

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Day 3 Halong Bay Cruise, overnight on boat (Join group tour)

This morning we take a 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. On arrival we board our deluxe junk, this traditional wooden sailing junk boat offers a unique way of navigating the limestone karsts of Halong Bay with all the comforts of a motorised, floating hotel. Once settled in, you start your cruise round the majestic Halong Bay, while enjoying a delicious lunch. After lunch you have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then, the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck. In the evening the cook prepares a sumptuous meal as the boat weighs anchor in the heart of the bay.

Overnight on Amigo Deluxe Junk boat (1 Family cabin)

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Halong Bay Exploration

After breakfast, you are transfered to a day – trip boat with private crew and another wonderful cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas to visit Tortoise island , Man's head island, Dong Tien Lake, Van Gia floating villages..., if the tides are low, we have a chance to visit Ba Ham Lakes, Three Peach Island. Lunch is served on board by your chef, your cruise continues as you move around the bay finding more secluded lagoons for swimming or kayaking. Late in the afternoon we return to the Amigo cruiser for the night

Overnight on Amigo Deluxe Junk boat

(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included) 

Day 5 return to Hanoi, overnight train to Hue

On the morning of day 5 we keep cruising for more exploration of the bay before heading back to shore around 12.00. We may be able to visit the Dong Trieu ceramic village as we make our way back to the capital.

Arrive in Hanoi about 16.30 you are free at your leisure before boarding our Reunification Express overnight train for Hue. We travel in air-conditioned comfort in our soft sleeper cabins!

Overnight: On train (First class, private cabin of 4 berths)

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch 

Day 6 Hue sightseeing

Founded as a royal city in 1687, Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. Today Hue remains one of Vietnam's major tourist attractions. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume river. We have the opportunity with a guided tour to visit the Imperial Citadel, one of the Nguyen emperors' tombs, the famed Thien Mu Pagoda and also enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. A coffee at one of the riverside coffee shops at sunset is also an experience not to be missed.

Overnight at Asia hotel in Hue

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Day 7 Hoi An free exploration

Early this morning you are transfer to Hoi An, about 120 km from Hue, our journey takes us south through rural countryside and the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co before ascending the dramatic Hai Van Pass, past stunning rural and coastal scenery, to the town of Da Nang. We drive the short distance south to famous Sandy Beach and then to the enchanting town of Hoi An - declared World Heritage Site (approx. 4 hours). Once a thriving river port, the town's architecture has been preserved and restored. This small town is a favourite with Active Travel Indochina travellers, and wandering the streets and narrow alleyways brings hours of pleasure and discovery. Today's trade is in ceramics, wood-ware, paintings and tailoring. There is something here for everyone and it is the perfect place to pick up gifts for those at home. There are options here for a visit to the World Heritage My Son Sanctuary, the traditional handicraft villages of Kim Bong carpentry, Thanh Ha ceramics or simply lazing the day away on a nearby beach.

Overnight at Hai Au hotel in Hoi An

Meal inclusions: Breakfasts

Day 8 Fly to Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City)

You spend the day at your leisure until transfer to Da Nang airport for a late flight to Ho Chi Minh city (approx. 1 hour, included). Our hotel is located close to Ben Thanh Market and the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to discover on your own and you will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas. How about scooting off on cyclos to Cholon, the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City for a spot of temple hopping? Or perhaps you'd like to visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some shopping - the choice is yours!

Overnight at Tan Hai Long 1 hotel in Sai Gon

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Day 9 Sai Gon city tour, Cu Chi tunnels

Today we take a tour around the city, you are going to visit the Reunification Palace, War remnants museum, Municipal Theatre, Notre Dame Cathedral, The General Post Office....

After lunch at a local restaurant you will re-board our car and heading to the tunnels of Cu Chi. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people. We return to Sai Gon in the late afternoon.

Overnight at Tan Hai Long 1 hotel in Sai Gon

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Day 10 Sai Gon free time

You are free in Sai Gon, just explore this dynamic city in your way.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with a population of just over six million people. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives gives Ho Chi Minh City a dynamic atmosphere. The city is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds. Much of the city's life takes place on the busy streets lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics! The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer.

Overnight at Tan Hai Long 1 hotel in Sai Gon

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Day 11 Departure

Today is your departure, you are free at your leisure until transferred to Sai Gon airport for the flight home.

Meal inclusions: Breakfast 

TOUR ENDS.
 

Tour Includes:

• Accommodation with daily breakfasts

• Extra meals as per the itinerary

• Transportation as described in the itinerary

• Tours and excursions as described in the program

• Local English speaking tour guide

• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time

Tour does not include:

• Other airfares and taxes

• Transfers beyond the itinerary

• Entrance fees and permits during free time

• Personal expenses such as: Telephone, laundry, and bar bills.

• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary

• Tips & Personal expenses

• Travel insurance