CLASSIC VIETNAM 11 DAYS
HAnoi - Ninh Binh - Halong - hanoi - danang - hoi an - hue - saigon - Mekong Delta

With her origins shrouded in the mists of time, Vietnam has evolved a rich oral tradition of myth and legend. Vietnamese mythology contends the people are descended from a dragon and a fairy. Throughout time, Vietnam has forged her identity through the highs and lows of history. Today she has become a robust and vibrant commercial hub and thriving travel destination in the heart of Southeast Asia. With her 3,000 km coastline bejeweled with sun-drenched sandy beaches imbued with a vast array of resorts and hotels, Vietnam has also established a growing reputation as a first-class beach destination.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it’s many beautiful public spaces; lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments; give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Overnight at THE ANN HOTEL (3 Star) or MELIA HOTEL (4 Star) or SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HOTEL (5 Star).

Day 2 Hanoi - Sightseeing in Hanoi (B)
Take a full day tour to explore Ha Noi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and an ancient Vietnamese "long house". A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture. Overnight at Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (BLD)
Drive through rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. You will board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea. Overnight on a junk in Ha Long PELICAN (3 Star) or INDOCHIA SAILS PREMIUM (4 Star) or ORCHID PREMIUM HOTEL (5 Star).

Day 4 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi – Hue (B)
Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to hotel. ELDORA HOTEL (3 Star) or SILK PATH GRAND HUE HOTEL (4 Star) or PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE HOTEL (5 Star).

Day 5 Hue – Sightseeing (B)
Take a morning boat cruise on the peaceful Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and then take a car to the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The spectacular Citadel (which was built in accordance with strict principles of geomancy) houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Hue – DaNang – Hoi An (B)
Drive along the coast and via mountain passes to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic village of Lang Co Beach. Visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang which houses the world’s finest collection of Cham artworks before proceeding to Hoi An. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the town. Overnight in Hoi An at ANCIENT HOUSE VILLAGE (3 Star) or PALM GARDEN RESORT (4 Star) or HOTEL ROYAL HOI AN MGALLERY COLLECTION (5 Star).

Day 7 Hoi An – Sightseeing (B)
Pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learn how to make one yourself before setting out on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market. Take a peaceful boat trip on the Thu Bon River and afterwards enjoy free time to further explore the old town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 Hoi An – DaNang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Depart for Da Nang to catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City at CENTRAL PALACE HOTEL (3 Star) or MAJESTIC HOTEL (4 Star) or THE REVERIE HOTEL (5 Star).

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing (B)
In the morning, you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the photo stops at the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office. Visit a local market in Chinatown and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Boat Cruise (BL)
Depart for the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in My Tho, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the river. Enjoy tea and taste home-grown fruits before taking an exciting ride to visit a local a workshop where products are made from coconut trees. Board a sampan and drift along the narrow, tree-lined canals for further exploration of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, visit a family-run business making coconut candy before returning to My Tho. On the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda if time permits. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by the late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
Free until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations as listed or similar
• Meals as indicated
• Airfare for flights within the tour as applicable (Subject to change unless tickets are issued.)
• Transfers - arrival & departure
• Sightseeing as indicated with English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees to monuments and included features

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver