14 - day The best of Vietnam tour

Hanoi full fay 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. 

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: Hanoi

Drive south to Ninh Binh province on a 2-hour journey to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Trang An is well known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay in land.” 

Upon arrival, board a small rowing boat and wind lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.

Return to the pier to get to a local restaurant for lunch.

Heading to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 10th- 11th  century. We visit 02 temples dedicated to kings of the dynasties.

Or you can choose to climb some 500 steps in Mua cave to take in stunning view of Karst landscape.

• Meals: Breakfast/lunch
• Accommodation: Ninh Binh

8:00 embark your 3.50hrs drive through Red river delta’s peaceful villages. On route, make a visit to Pho Minh Buddhist pagoda in Nam Dinh province. Upon arrival in Halong, board luxurious boat. Your overnight cruise journey in Ha Long Bay includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Doing kayaking to a lagoon and partaking in cooking demonstration are part of your activities as well. 

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. 

• Meal: Breakfast/ dinner
• Accommodation: On cruise boat in Halong 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 11:00 am. Travel back to Hanoi for night train to Quang Binh.

Meals: Brunch

Early morning, upon arrival in Quang Binh station, we have breakfast at a local restaurant.

Set off a road journey to see Paradise cave and Phong Nha cave, two of the world’s most beautiful landscapes characterized as the longest underground rivers, caves and height widest.

First of the journey, we visit Paradise cave - the longest dry cave in Asia called “underground palace”. You will then be taken by electrical car from the main gate through the jungle, to where you will then climb to the mouth of the cave. The cave is 31km long, longer than Phong Nha cave. The cave's beauty is reminiscent of an imperial palace and very well resented with easy access, great walkways, and excellent feature lighting which made it extra special.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, we take a boat ride on Son river, enjoy charming natural scenery either side, you will see pictures of the girls, the children have fun on the waterfront . This cave is called a water cave as it exhibits an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. When entering the cave, enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world.
This cave is famous for its rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”. Massive stone bearing the look of Mary, the angels fly, cross, lions, crocodiles, and especially with two columns long stalactites hang from the ceiling hang.
You will be taken back out of the cave by boat.

Late afternoon, head back to Dong Hoi for night.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Dong Hoi

Depature to Vinh Moc tunnels, deep beneath the dark earth, hidden from screeching bombers and harbouring desperate soldiers, the people of Vinh Linh, Quang Tri lived for many years in the now famous Vinh Moc Tunnel.

The complex in Vinh Linh has as many as more than 60 tunnels such as Tan My, Mu Giai, Tan Ly tunnels, among which Vinh Moc is the most solid and firm village tunnel, with 3 floors and round staircase, still remaining as in its past days.

In the mid-1960s, the area was a burnt and blackened wasteland, constantly under attack from the US. During a meeting of the local Vietnamese soldiers to discuss how to stop all the constant casualties and better protect the community, some put forth the idea of moving the people underground. For them, it would be meaningless if the local people could not be protected since without the people their post would cease to exist.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, head to Hue for night. Uppon arrival in Hue, you are transferred to check in hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hue

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. 

Short 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. 

Lunch with local dishes.

Our exploration continues 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. 

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 
• Accommodation: Hue

This morning, depart to Hoian, On route, we make couple of stops. Photo stop at  Hai Van Pass  known as Cloudy pass (weather permitting), 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. 

Arrival  Hoian at noon, having lunch at local restaurant with delicious local dishes and then undertake 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.

Begin 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. 

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch 
• Accommodation: Hoian

Early this morning, make 90-minute journey through rice fields to My Son holly land, Vietnam’s most significant relics from the old Champa, which prospered between 2nd and 15th centuries. My Son was built as a religious center as well as burial place of choice for the Cham kings in the 4th century in an isolated valley surrounded by towering mountains. The site was listed as the World heritage by UNESCO in 1999. You'll learn much more about the history of My Son and its surroundings as we stroll through these red-brick ruins, enjoying time to admire the delicate structures and to take in the peace of the place.  

Drive back to Hoi An  where you will enjoy lunch with authentic dishes at a local restaurant. 
You have free afternoon to explore Hoian by yourself
 

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hoian  

This morning, you are free exploring shopping in the ancient town. Check out by noon.

Mid afternoon, transfer to Danang for an hour  flight to the most vibrant city  - Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, you are welcome by our tour guide for short transfer to your preferred hotel for check in. The remainder  of the day, free exploring the exciting city. 

• Meals: Breakfast 
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

This morning, we leave the bustling city behind and drive northwest to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during Vietnam war. Here, after a 20 minutes long documentary movie you will learn about how the tunnels were created and have a chance to walk through a section to experience what life would have been like underground. Start our city tour with visit to the historic Reunification Palace formerly the Presidential Palace of the South Vietnamese government, which was attacked by Viet Cong troops on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Republic of Vietnam. 

We then stroll to European-style landmarks neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral (*), which dates from the late 19th century and is built of red brick with two distinctive spires, the Central Post Office - one of Vietnam’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture.
Continue our city tour with visit to War Remnants museum, which displays a number of exhibits relating to the war with the U.S. and battles with occupying French forces. Back to your hotel via the magnificent Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre), city Hall, continental hotel. If time permits, we will have brief look at famous Ben Thanh market.

Enjoy your exciting dinner on boat in Sai Gon river. 
 
Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation until 2020 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the Me Kong delta. 

Upon arrival in Ben Tre city, boarding  river boat to brick kiln  to see local workers making bricks in handy traditional method. Visit one of coconut processing workshops located along canal  where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other side products. Go on natural scissors canals spreading out to  rural village. The boat will then stop at a quiet village where you can have a short walk to experience real delta village life, visit a mat weaving family, where straw mats are woven by using a hand loom. Riding on motor cart (Tuk Tuk) on shady village road, passing by lush rice fields and vegetable plains. Stop at local restaurant for delicious lunch featuring such local specialty as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp. 

Go back to the main boat by sampan rowing boat. Heading back to Ho Chi Minh city. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch 
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

Today, you are free discovering the city your self.  Check out of your hotel room by noon. Our tour guide and driver will come to transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight. Your highlights of Vietnam tour ends. 

Meals: Breakfast