09 DAYS DISCOVERING VIETNAM

OUTLINE ITINERARY:

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival – Early Check in at hotel [Guide]

Day 2 Hanoi Ninh Binh [Guide/B]

Day 3 Ninh Binh Ha Long Bay [Guide/B/L/D]

Day 4 Ha Long Bay Hanoi Flight To Da Nang [Guide/B/Br]

Day 5 Da Nang Bana Hill [Guide/B/L]

Day 6 Da Nang Hoi An [Guide/B]

Day 7 Hoi An My Son Holy Land - Flight To Saigon [Guide/B]

Day 8 Saigon Cu Chi Tunnel - Mekong Delta [Guide/B/L]

Day 9 Saigon - Half Day Tour - Departure [Guide/B]

DETAILS ITINERARY:

DAY 1 HANOI ARRIVAL  - EARLY CHECK IN [GUIDE]

Arrival in Hanoi, our driver (no guide) will pick you up to hotel for check in and take  a rest. 

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit Stilt House, the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. 

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Lunch by your own account 

In the afternoon, you will discover Hoa Lo Prison - Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. A gruesome relic is the ominous French guillotine, used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries. There are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War

Next, you will drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. You will visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple – the temple of the Jade Mountain. 

Finally, you will enjoy Water Puppet show - a traditional art dating back from 11th century.

Overnight in Hanoi. 

DAY 2 HANOI NINH BINH [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick you up from hotel to Ninh Binh in around 2.5 hours.

The first stop is Trang An, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. While you’re there you can spend 2 hours on the boat ride to enjoy the beauty of this place, which owns a wonderful tunnel cave system.

Then you will visit Mua Cave, also known as the “Great Wall of China” in Vietnam, and climb 500 steps to reach the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, overlooking the amazing view of the city and Tam Coc below.

Lunch on your own 

In the afternoon, you will visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, a complex of many Buddhist architectural structures and Southeast Asia’s largest complex which holds many records.

Scenically set on the foot hill of  Dinh Mountain surrounded by amazing views of the exquisite river valley below and dotted and the limestone karsts dotted around which will take your breath away.

This pagoda complexes stunningly boast a array of the most massive and magnificent architecture of Vietnamese tradition refined ever built that it take a full day to explore all.

So you will visit some of the highlights that owned the national:

• 500 stone statues of “La Han” (Arhats)

• 2 huge bronze bells, one weighs 27 tons, other weighs 36 tones

• Three bronze statues of Tam The (50 tons each)

• With sacred atmospheres and intriguing Buddhism story which presented by our insider guide, you cannot fail to enchant.

Then check in at hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. 

DAY 3 NINH BINH HA LONG BAY [GUIDE/B/L/D]

In the morning you will transfer to Ha Long Bay City. On the way, you will stop for refreshments, and upon arriving in Halong City, you will take a tender transfer to your junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. As you cruise the magical bay, you will notice thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons' teeth. Back on board, you'll enjoy cocktails or a cooking class while watching the sunset, and later you can unwind at a restaurant with a lavish dinner. To end the day, you can enjoy some evening activities such as movie night, board games, or a beauty treatment, before an overnight stay on the junk.

***Special Note: Cruise Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather condition without prior notice.

DAY 4 HA LONG BAY HANOI FLIGHT TO DA NANG [GUIDE/B/BR]

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves and bird welcoming the new day. You will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock.

Back to Hanoi, you will continously to discover Hanoi. 

Then transfer to airport for flight to Da Nang. 

Arrival in Da Nang, check in at hotel and take a rest. 

Overnight in Da Nang. 

DAY 5 DA NANG BANA HILL [GUIDE/B/L]

In the morning, transfer to Bana Hills Station. You have a chance to ride on a modern system of cable cars helps you get a bird’s-eye view, very miraculous and attractive while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky amidst the clouds and wind. You will visit some old French villas en route, as well as the suspension bridge, Nui Chua & the Mountain Peak (at the height of 1,487m). Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Golden Bridge, Sakyamuni Buddha’s monument and Ba Na.

Back to hotel and take a rest.

DAY 6 DA NANG HOI AN [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then you will discover Marble Mountain - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngũ Hành Sơn District, south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Kim, Thuy, Moc, Hoa and Tho.

Next you will visit Son Tra Peninsula (also Monkey Island) with Giant Linh Ung pagoda and panoramic view of Da Nang beach. 

Lunch on your own 

Then you will visit Coconut Forest at Cam Thanh Village with amazing basket boat dancing. 

In the late afternoon, Take a walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, Hoi An ancient town, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. 

Back to hotel and take a rest

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 7 HOI AN MY SON HOLY LAND - FLIGHT TO SAIGON [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, then our guide will pick  you up to depart to My Son Sanctuary – take around 1 hour for transfer. My Son – “the spirit and art valley” is a symbol for a brilliant period of Champa kingdom. Since 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Arrive in My Son Temple, a special electric car will pick you up at the main gate and take you to the place where was chosen to build the temple tower of the Champa Royal for nearly 1000 years with many ancient towers hidden in a discreet valley. The place where the most exquisite focus of ancient Champa culture – is considered to be the Holy Land.

There, you will hear the stone bricks tell about the dancing gods, tell about the gods of worship in the Champa culture, and so many secrets that until now still have no explanation and maybe you will be the first decode them.

After visiting and listening to the tour guide talk about the mysteries here, you will be back to the main gate of My Son Ruins by special electric car. Leave My Son Holy land behind.

Lunch on your own

Then transfer to airport for flight to Saigon. 

Arrival in Saigon, meet our guide, then transfer to hotel for check in and take a rest. 

Overnight in Saigon. 

DAY 8 SAIGON CU CHI TUNNEL - MEKONG DELTA [GUIDE/B/L]

Breakfast at hotel, our guide will pick you up and transfer directly to Cu Chi Tunnel for a 2hr drive northwest to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches and contained hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War.

Lunch on your own 

After lunch time, we'll head to My Tho to explore the Mekong Delta. You'll get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals as we take a boat ride down the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the surrounding countryside. We will then take a sampan ride through the small waterways with coconut palms line both sides, where you can experience the rural lifestyle, stop by the bee house to enjoy some local fruits and honey tea, listen to a live local music performance performed by the villagers. We'll wrap up our day and head back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and be taken back to your hotel.

DAY 9 SAIGON - HALF DAY TOUR - DEPARTURE [GUIDE/B]

Breakfast at hotel, you will discover History Museum, which shows you the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam as you explore various exhibits and artifacts on display.

Then you will visit Reunification palace. It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and was the home and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam. It was the site of the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975 that ended the Vietnam War, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. Finally, you will visit Old Post Office, constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design.

Lunch on your own 

Then transfer to airport for flight home. 

Trip end!

We look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure with Vinasoul Travel!

SERVICE INCLUDES

+ Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services; 

+ All private transfer and transportation, except for coconut forest discovery tour 

+ Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast 

+ Tissues and water on coach; Services charges and government tax; Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service; No extra charge after services confirmation; 24/7 hotline support guaranteed;

+ All Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner)

+ Halong Bay cruise program as specific

+ Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers

+ Private boat trip for sightseeing as mentioned in the program, Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary

+ Domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to Saigon, Economy class

SERVICES EXCLUDES

+ Evisa Assistance to Vietnam (30usd/PAX) – including stamping fee at airport 

+ Meals, if not specified in the itinerary

+ Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat rider, etc. Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary Surcharge for Peak season, Tet Lunar New year holidays, and compulsory dinner at some hotel & resort on Xmas and New year’s Eve

+ Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).

Suggestions for tipping and gratuities: 

+ Group under 6 pax: 20 USD per Group per day.

+ Group from 6 pax up: 3 - 5 USD per pax per day 

+ Group under 6 pax: 10 USD per Group per day. 

+ Group from 6 pax up: 2 USD per pax per day