Itinerary in brief:Day 1: Ho chi minh arrival
Day 2: Ho chi minh city tour ( B, L )
Day 3: Ho chi minh – Tay ninh – Cu chi ( B, L )
Day 4: Ho chi minh – Muine ( B )
Day 5: Muine relaxation ( B )
Day 6: Muine relaxation ( B )
Day 7: Muine – Ho chi minh ( B, L
Day 8: Ho chi minh – Mekong delta – Can tho ( B, L )
Day 9: Can tho – Ho chi minh ( B )
Day 10: Ho chi minh – Nha trang ( B )
Day 11: Nha trang island ( B, L )
Day 12: Nha trang relaxation ( B )
Day 13: Nha trang relaxation ( B )
Day 14: Nha trang – Danang – Hoian ( B, L )
Day 15: Hoian free ( B )
Day 16: Hoian – Hue ( B )
Day 17: Hue city ( B, L)
Day 18: Hue – Hanoi ( B )
Day 19: Hanoi city tour ( B, L )
Day 20: Hanoi – Halong bay cruise ( B, L,D )
Day 21: Halong bay – Hanoi ( B )
Day 22: Hanoi – Mai chau ( B, L ,D )
Day 23: Mai chau – Hanoi ( B, L )
Day 24: Hanoi departure ( B )
Itinerary in details:Day 1: Ho chi minh arrivalUpon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, you are warmly welcomed and transferred to hotel by private Asia View Travel’s guide with signboard, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 2: Ho chi minh city tour ( B, L )Pick up at hotel, take city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. We visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office before we shall see the exhibition on Vietnam War to the famous War Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we pass a place with its famous lacquers and the tour ends at the city's finest shopping street, Dong Khoi Street and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 3: Ho chi minh – Tay ninh – Cu chi – Ho chi minh ( B, L )Pick up at hotel, travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. After wards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At the height of the Vietnam war, the tunnel system stretched from the outskirts of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border of over 250 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnel system, built over 25 years starting in the 1940s, let the Viet Minh and, later, the Viet Cong control a huge rural area. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was several stories deep and housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth, and going to schools.
Transfer back Ho chi minh city. Overnight Ho chi Min City.
Day 4: Ho chi minh – Muine ( B )Transfer to Muine, The scenic 200km drive north on Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations. Closer to Phan Thiet the terrain changes to arid semi-desert with cactus plants and strange looking dragon fruit trees. Arrive in Muine and check into resort. The rest of day is free to relax on the sandy beach. Overnight in Muine.
Day 5: Muine relaxation ( B )Today we have whole day at leisure to explore sand dunes or just relax on the beach. You can enjoy all the beach activities, watersports ( by your own ). Overnight in Muine.
Day 6: Muine relaxation ( B )Today we have whole day at leisure to explore sand dunes or just relax on the beach. You can enjoy all the beach activities, watersports ( by your own ). Overnight in Muine.
Day 7: Muine – Ho chiminh ( B )At leisure. Afternoon, transfer back to HCM city. Check in hotel, relax.
Day 8 : Ho chi minh – My tho – Ben Tre – Can tho ( B, L )Pick up at hotel, transfer to My tho, the first bustling town of the Mekong Delta. This trip provides a look at a wide variety of the life and scenery on Vietnam River from the peaceful Delta. The huge ships, which come from many different countries moving slowly, quietly along the river is what you will see at the Saigon River. Do not miss this sight! On the way you will see daily activities of local people along the river sellers and buyers bargaining, exchanging fish, the products that they got from their working on the sea. From My Tho, you will ride on a local motor boat around Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island and stop at the famous Unicorn Island. While at the Unicorn Island, you will take a short trek and go for a rowing boat trip. You will also enjoy lunch, tropical fruit and free time bike ride in the rural village.
From there, you will continue your motor boat trip to Ben Tre province to visit a handmade coconut candy workshop. Then transfer to a small motor boat and travel along the lush, green canals that are so beautiful for photography. Continue to Can tho, check in, relax. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.
Day 9: Can tho – Ho chi minh ( B )Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by local boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market (The nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and daily activities of locals who live along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Stops at Can Tho market where the car/ van will drive you back to Sai Gon.
Day 10: Ho chi minh – Nha trang ( B )Take the short flight from Saigon to Nha trang – one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Our guide and car will pick up you at airport, transfer to hotel, check in, relax.
Day 11: Nha trang island tour ( B, L )Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit; many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.
Day 12: Nha trang relaxation ( B )All day free and relax at beautiful Nha trang beach.
Day 13: Nha trang relaxation ( B )All day free and relax at beautiful Nha trang beach.
14: Nha trang – Danang flight – Hoian ( B, L )We board a flight to Da Nang. Arriving in Danang international airport, the guide will pick you up and transfer to Hoian. We spend the rest of the day exploring Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders. Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at resort in Hoian.
Day 15: Hoian free ( B )All day free and relax. The town is also famous for it's shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here! You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. Perhaps you would like to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson! One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town!
Day 16: Hoian – Hue ( B)After breakfast at hotel, say good bye Hoian and embark on northern bound journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Stop en route at the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. In Danang you will visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds.
Arrival Hue in Hue at noon time.
This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 17: Hue city tour ( B, L )Breakfast at hotel, we embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River, viewing the city and the tranquil villages on the riverbank. We will walk up to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a nicely located pagoda, overlooks the Perfume River and the beautiful scenery beyond, where you get to learn more about the Buddhism in Vietnam. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, emperor Khai dinh, built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperors final resting place. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 18 : Hue – Hanoi ( B )After breakfast at your hotel. 9:00 am. we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies. Then transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. You are welcomed at Noi Bai airport by Asia View Travel’s guide with signboard and he will accompany you to your hotel in the city center, check in, and relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 19: Hanoi city tour( B, L )Breakfast at hotel, This morning we start city tour with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & October for annual maintenance ), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We continue to visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple, do a cyclo tour around around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water.Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 20: Hanoi – Halong bay ( B, L,D )Breakfast at hotel, then 8:30 AM start a 3. 5 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
11.30 – 12.15 Welcome you at Hòn Gai Tourist International Port
12.30 Check in Overnight Cruise, welcome drink and programme introduction
13.00 – 14.30 The cruise start the journey
Lunch served with local cuisines menu and passing the paramount view at Ha Long
such as Kicking Dog Island , Fighting Chicken Islet, Huong Peak, Thien Cung Cave,Dau Go Island…
15.00 – 16.00 Explore Surprise Cave – one of the most famous caves on the Ha Long bay.
16.30 – 17.30 Small boat take you to Titop seaside: visiting islands, climb to Titop Mountain 200m in height to see the whole bay and swimming at Titop Seaside.
18.00 Return to your cruise or relaxation or enjoy sunset on the bay
19.30 – 21.00 Dinner at the restaurant with organized menu
21.00 Free at your leisure like lying on deck or going to catch squid…
Overnight on junk.
Day 21: Halong bay – Hanoi ( Brunch )Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3.5 hour journey bach Hanoi, check in, relax.
Day 22 Hanoi – Mai chau ( B, L,D )We depart Hanoi and head west toward Hoa Binh City where we stop for refreshments and coffee. Leaving Hoa Binh, we drive towards Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away to White Thai village of Poomcong. Enjoy the stunning views while lunching on tasty local dishes cooked by the White Thai girls of the village. Afternoon we walk to the surrounding village. Our hosts for this evening will be the White Thai minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal. Overnight at homestay in Mai chau
D
ay 23: Mai Chau – Hanoi ( B, L )Following breakfast we embark on a lovely walk to Lac village and Van village. As we walk we will encounter the local villagers going about their daily business tilling the fields, logging or herding the buffalo. We enjoy lunch in Mai Chau before we drive back to Hanoi. Visit Muong village in Hoa Binh before tour finish at your hotel in Hanoi. Check in, relax.
Day 24: Hanoi departure ( B )Breakfast at hotel, free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation Options
|
Location
|
Standard
|
Superior
|
First
class
|
Deluxe
|
|
Saigon
|
Le
Duy 3 *
|
Tan
hai long hotel & spa 3*
|
Norfolk 4*
|
Majestic
5*
|
|
Muine
|
Tien
Dat resort 3 *
|
Allezboo
Resort 3*
|
Bamboo Village 4 *
|
Novotel 4 *
|
|
Can
tho
|
Kim
tho 3*
|
Kim
tho 3*
|
Ninh
Kieu II 4 *
|
Victoria Can tho 4*
|
|
Nha
trang
|
The
Light hotel 3 *
|
The
Light hotel 3*
|
Michelia
4*
|
Sunrise Beach Resort 5*
|
|
Hoian
|
Vinh
hung II 2*
|
Thuy Duong 3 *
|
Hoian Beach resort 4*
|
Palm Garden 5*
|
|
Hue
|
Hue holiday 2*
|
Asia hotel 3*
|
Gerbera 4*
|
Imperial
5*
|
|
Hanoi
|
Hanoi Paradise 3 *
|
May De Ville Old Quarter 3*
|
Hanoi flower garden 4*
|
De L' Opera
5*
|
|
Mai
chau
|
Home
stay
|
|
Halong
boat
|
Baitho
|
Baitho
|
Emotion
|
Victory
Star
|
Tour includes :Accommodation in double/ twin room with daily breakfast at selected hotels
All transportation and transfers by private air – conditioned vehicles
Private english speaking guide during guided time
2 days 1 night cruise on Halong Bay ( private cabin -sharing boat )
1 night at home stay in Mai chau
Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurants with local foods (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch; D= Dinner)
Entrance fees and permits for all sightseeing stated above
Boat cruise as stated
Air fares & airport taxes: Ho chi minh – Nha trang, Nha trang - Danang ,Hue – Hanoi,
Mineral water & towel
Service charge & Government taxes
Tour excludes:International flights that not mentioned above
Visas in Vietnam (upon request 10 USD/ visa upon arrival letter in advance, not including stamping fee at 25 USD )
Travel insurance ( compulsory )
Surcharge on Christmast, New Year and our Lunar New Year
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as Telephone, Laundry bills..
Kayak in Halong bay
Tips and gratuities