9 - day The best of Vietnam tour - 9 days

Early morning, drive to visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This is the fabled pink temple of women, so called because it is made of pink sandstone & considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carving and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of travelers' favorite temples. 

Next stop is jungle covered temple of TA PROHM which has been left relatively untouched. Enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers grow over and through the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. 
In the afternoon, Start at ANGKOR THOM, where you will explore BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, which is famous for some 200 striking colossal humane faces carved in 54 stone towers and impressive bas reliefs. 

Then stroll to ELEPHANT TERRACE, which is over 350 meter long and is carved with a long line of elephants.  The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. 

Having dinner while enjoying traditional Apsara dance.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch/dinner
• Accommodation: Siem Reap

Early morning, depart hotel by Tuk Tuk to visit the largest Hindu temple in the world: ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu.
This large pyramid temple was built between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II as state temple and capital city. The complex is surrounded by a great moat 570 feet wide. It features five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia.

Late afternoon, take 2hours flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at airport, you are welcome by our local tour guide and driver for short drive to your preferred hotel for check in. 

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hoi An

This morning, enjoy a 4hour walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site retaining a diverse mix of architecture influenced by the many nations that traded in this historic port of call.

The tour starts with a visit to the Fujian Assembly Hall, established as a meeting place by Chinese merchants fleeing the Manchu conquest of China in 17th century. The hall is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Tian Hau, and the Chinese merchants' ancestors, and is adorned with ornate carvings and statues. Continue to the Old House of Tan Ky, the iconic 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, and then to Trade ceramic museum. The city exploration on foot concludes at the vibrant riverside market nearby.  

You are free to exploring the city or interacting with friend locals or visit the local tailor shops. 

OPTIONAL COOKING CLASS: This afternoon, take boat ride on Thu Bon river to head into the cooking classroom and learn how to prepare different local dishes and the techniques necessary to recreate them once you return home. Last but not least, sample your delicious creations!  Stay overnight in Hoian.

• Meals: Breakfast/ dinner
• Accommodation: Hoi An

This morning, travel overland to Hue ancient capital (1802-1945). On route, make a visit to the Cham Museum in Da Nang city, which has a big collection of Champa sculpture dating back to the seventh century. Photo stop at  Hai Van Pass  known as Cloudy pass (weather permitting). A short walk on My Khe beach (aka China beach) should not be missed. Arrival in Hue by noon, check in hotel. 

This afternoon, make tour of the former Imperial capital built early 19th century.  Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passage reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Supreme  harmonious Palace or Thai Hoa in Vietnamese with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. 

Then drive to legendary Thien Mu pagoda on the north bank of Perfume river. Take boat excursion on the iconic Perfume River as to explore the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city.  

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hue

Continuing ancient capital city tour with visit to the tomb of King Tu Duc, the dynasty’s longest reigning ruler. Unlike other tombs, the 12ha tomb complex with theater, bedroom, moon viewing house, pagoda, fishing pond was used by the King and his entourage as summer palace during his lifetime. Make our next visit to Tomb of Khai Dinh, built in Chau Chu mountain. Built for the Emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, the last tomb of its kind is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals. This is only royal tomb that position of the king’s corpse can be found.

Late afternoon, take an hour flight up to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transferred to hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Ha Noi

City tour begins with drive through French area to the Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read the independence declaration in the morning of September 2nd 1945.

Lining up for entering inside the Soviet-style mausoleum where late president Ho Chi Minh’s corpse has been reserved for years. Then walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace to House 54 where Ho Chi Minh lived during 1954-1958. Strolling along the little pond, you will see Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the humble dwelling was modeled of hill tribes traditional dwelling far north of the country where Ho Chi Minh and his government ever lived during French war. Take photos of the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples which was built since 11th century.

Continue to picturesque Ho Tay (West Lake) where houses  the 6th century Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Short drive to the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, which served as the first national university of Vietnam till end of 18th century.

Lunch with Ha Noi specialty at a local restaurant.

Visit Hoan Kiem lake which has been considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi. Stroll through the red bridge to Ngoc Son temple which is dedicated national heroes as well as Saint Van Suong, here you will learn about why the story of "Lake of the Restored Sword” as well as take photos of Turtle tower.

Drive out of the central city to visit the Museum of Ethnology showcases the diverse culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups through a collection of clothes, textiles, musical instruments and many other items from daily life.

Explore the fascinating Old quarter by cyclo before wrapping the tour with water puppet show, an unique folk art of Viet Nam from about 11 century.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday (outside grounds and garden area will be open on these days) and normally closed from June 15 through August 15 for preservation and maintenance of the building.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Ha Noi

9:00 Morning drive to Ha Long Bay takes about three hours. Upon arrival, board luxurious boat. Our overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Ha Long Bay has been twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1994 and 2000 as well as named one of the seven natural wonders of the world,  Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin and 165 kilometres from Hanoi, covers an area of 43,400 hectares and includes over 1,600 islands and islets. The exceptional scenic beauty of the limestone pillars complemented by biological interest is an ideal model of a mature Karst landscape developed during a warm and wet tropical climate. The outstanding value of Ha Long Bay is centered around the drowned limestone karst landforms, displaying spectacular pillars with a variety of coastal erosional features such as arches and caves which form a majestic natural scenery.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
• Accommodation: On cruise boat in ha  Ha Long Bay

Start your day with early get up and practicing Tai Chi exercise with help of a crewmember. Then continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise until a big brunch is finished and then disembark the cruiser at around 10:00 am.  Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive back to Hanoi for an departure flights.

• Meals: Brunch