Highlight Vietnam Tour 20 Days / 19 Nights

Departure: Daily

Start tour: Ha Noi

Return from: Ho Chi Minh

The most prominent feature of the Vietnamese culture is that it was not assimilated by foreign cultures thanks to the strong local cultural foundations. On the contrary, it was able to utilize and localize those from abroad to enrich the national culture. The Vietnamese national culture emerged from a concrete living environment: a tropical country with many rivers and the confluence of great cultures. The natural conditions (temperature, humidity, monsoon, water-flows, water-rice agriculture ...

Highlights

  • Hanoi: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; water puppets performance; visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature; take a “cyclo” ride through the Old Quarter
  • Halong Bay: Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat, discover caves & fishing villages, explore the lagoon.
  • Hue: See stunning scenery en-route to Hue; Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas; Visit the Imperial Citadel. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
  • Danang – Hoi An: See ancient sculpture in the Cham Museum, and tour Buddhist cave temples in the Marble Mountains. A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter; Countryside bike ride, visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, and a Chinese assembly hall.
  • Nha Trang: Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Swim, snorkel and explore coral
  • Dalat: is often called the "City of Eternal Spring". Visit Bao Dai Palace, the art royal decored villa and its surrounding gardens provide a nice view of Dalat and the hills beyond. We venture outside of town to visit Truc Lam Thien Vien and Pagoda.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum
  • Mekong Delta: Take an excursion to Mekong Delta, with a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Cat Be floating market.

In brief :

  • Day 1: Arrival Hanoi Vietnam
  • Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing full day (B, L)
  • Day 3: Excursion to Halong Bay and Stay overnight on Board. (B, L, D)
  • Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi. (B, L)
  • Day 5: Hanoi free for leisure – Depart to Hue (B)
  • Day 6: Full day sightseeing in Hue City – Old Imperial City. (B, L)
  • Day 7: Thien Mu Pagoda/Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. (B, L)
  • Day 8: Leave Hue to Danang/City Sightseeing. (B, L)
  • Day 9: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon River Boat Trip. (B, L)
  • Day 10: My Son Sanctuary half day Tour & free go shopping (B, L)
  • Day 11: Leave Hoi An to Nha Trang Beach City (B)
  • Day 12: Nha Trang Sightseeing (B, L)
  • Day 13: Nha Trang (B)
  • Day 14: Nha Trang – Da lat – City of Love (B, L)
  • Day 15: Dalat sightseeing full day (B, L)
  • Day 16: Free for leisure in Dalat – Depart for Ho Chi Minh City (B)
  • Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing full day. (B, L)
  • Day 18: Discover Mekong Delta/River. (B, L)
  • Day 19: Visit floating Markets & Village (B, L)
  • Day 20: Conclude Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi Vietnam

Today you’ll land in Hanoi. Warmly welcome by Tour Guide & Car Driver at airport then transfer to Hanoi Downtown, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks, and the capital of Vietnam. Check into your hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing full day (B, L)

 Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French-style architecture. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead, including a visit to One Pillar Pagoda, which was built by Ly Thai Tong and the Temple of Literature, founded by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Stop in the heart of Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, which contains an islet with a tiny Tortoise Pagoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral. Conclude with a visit to Bao Tang Lich, once the museum of l’Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient, which includes artifacts from Vietnam’s turbulent history. Water Puppet Show, Cyclo visiting Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Excursion to Halong Bay and Stay overnight on Board. (B, L, D)

Early this morning, we’ll drive from Hanoi to one of the most magnificent scenic environments in the world, Halong Bay. Covering 577 square miles, this vast bay is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. We’ll spend a day and a half, including an overnight with dinner and breakfast onboard, exploring this overwhelming seascape from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Comfortable and intimate, your boat features hand-crafted wooden interiors including a dining room and pleasant air-conditioned cabins with private baths. Since we’re overnight on the water, we’ll be able to explore Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots with time to swim and even visit some of the largest rock formations and caves. This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Asia. Stay overnight on Boat.

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi. (B)

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. Cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served while you are cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cruise check-out. Cruise check-out. Rejoin car drive back Hanoi. Arrive hotel at 3:00pm. Check in & free for leisure (sightseeing & shopping in Old Quarter). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi free for leisure – Depart to Hue (B)

Having breakfast at hotel. Enjoy your time in Hanoi Old Quarter. Taking flight to Hue in noon time. When arrive Hue City. Picked up & transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hue City.

Day 6: Full day sightseeing in Hue City – Old Imperial City. (B, L)

Spend full day to visit Hue City, Vietnam’s political capital from 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Traditionally, the city has been one of Vietnam’s cultural, religious and educational centers. Visit the Imperial City, which is located in the Citadel. Modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City was built in the early 19th century. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, with its spacious hall and ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns. See the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood. Overnight in Hue City.

Day 7: Thien Mu Pagoda/Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. (B, L)

Just outside Hue, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda on the bank of the Perfume River, which was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Next, visit the complex of the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, built in 1840, which is known for its magnificent architecture and elaborate decorations and is considered one of Hue’s most beautiful pagodas. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Tu Duc Tomb, which was built for meditation, reading and theater performances in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. Your final stop is at Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. It has a remarkably long staircase flanked by dragons, ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes. Return to your hotel on the riverbank where your Art Deco inspired rooms are reminiscent of the 1920s and 1950s. Overnight in Hue City.

Day 8: Leave Hue to Danang/City Sightseeing. (B, L)

Today, journey south past the Hai Van Pass and Land Co, over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea, with spectacular views along the way. Upon arrival in Danang, visit the Cham Museum, which features a fine collection of openair sandstone carvings. Stop at China Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name. It stretches for many miles north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains surrounding the area are five stone hillocks – once islands made of marble – and each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. There are many natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town. Check in hotel & overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An Excursion/Thu Bon River Boat Trip. (B, L)

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a major trading center, once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and other merchant vessels from the Far East. Visit a temple with partially gilded statues in the center, a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen and a chapel with origins in the 1700s that reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. Stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Late this afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bing Village on Cam Kim Island to see the wood workers and shipbuilding families. Return to your haven on world-famous “China Beach,” with the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10: My Son Sanctuary half day Tour & free go shopping (B, L)

Leave hotel at 8:00am. Drive to My Son, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Return to Town for lunch. In afternoon, free go shopping in Hoi An Town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11: Leave Hoi An to Nha Trang Beach City (B)

Free for leisure in the morning until transfer to Danang Airport to take flight to Nha Trang Beach City – one of the most beautiful Beaches in over the World. Pick up & transfer to hotel. Check in & overnight in Nha Trang City.

Day 12. Nha Trang Sightseeing (B, L)

In the morning you will transfer to Cau Da port for a cruise on the Nha Trang Bay to visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island to enjoy hundreds of nice and precious marine creatures then continue the trip to Mun Island -the best island for snorkeling with lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Taking a fresh lunch at the Con Se Tre island and relax. Back to hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 13. Nha Trang (B)

Today is a free day at leisure in Nha Trang for relaxing and unwinding at the resort overlooking beautiful Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 14: Nha Trang – Da lat – City of Love (B, L)

Breakfast then leave Nha Trang beach City to Da Lat romantic City by car. Spend 4,5 hours on the car for sightseeing along the way. Arrive Da Lat in the noon time. After lunch, start visiting Da Lat as half day City Tour with palaces & Waterfalls. Late in the afternoon you will be able to take a short walk to get a feel for this delightful city. In the evening you will head out to one of the fine restaurants in town. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 15: Dalat sightseeing full day (B, L)

Today you will take a tour of Da Lat and the surrounding areas. We will visit Bao Dai Palace . From here you visit the rather bizarre and very aptly named Crazy House, a brightly painted concrete house which winds itself around trees, mimicking their shapes. It now functions as a guesthouse. Next visit is Truc Lam Thien Vien and Pagoda. This afternoon, for those interested can take the short train ride on the Cremaillere railway to the village of Tri Mat. In the evening, you will enjoy fine cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 16: Free for leisure in Dalat – Depart for Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Breakfast will be severed at hotel in the morning. Free to discover Dalat City in the morning. Leave Dalat for Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon by Vietnam Airlines. Arrive Ho Chi City, warmly welcome by Tour Guide. Pick up & transfer to hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing full day. (B, L)

Having breakfast at hotel & start visiting Saigon, the largest Vietnamese city. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. This teeming metropolis offers 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is the huge Chinese neighborhood called Colon, which means “Big Market.” Notre Dame Cathedral, in the heart of Saigon’s government quarter, is of neo- Romanesque architecture with two high square tower and iron spires. The Central Post Office is French-style and City Hall, known as “Hotel de Ville,” is typical of the French architecture that would be seen in any village in France. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring collections of weapons and photographs from the two Indochina wars. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 18: Discover Mekong Delta/River. (B, L)

Today takes you to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province. Situated on the Mekong River, 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the city is surrounded by orchards and rice fields, which produce grain for the entire country. Visit one or two of the islands that produce traditional handcrafts, coconut candy and bee farms. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest one in the delta on your boat trip on the Mekong River. Check in hotel & overnight in Can Tho City.

Day 19: Visit floating Markets & Village (B, L)

Wake up in early morning to take the boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space to sell their goods and to experience the Mekong rural lifestyle. After sampling local fruits, our guide will escort the guests back to the hotel through myriad canals. Lunch at local restaurant before return to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00pm. Free for leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 20: Conclude Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

You have the morning free to relax before your return flight home. Finish unforgettable Vietnam trip with Vietnam Tour Advisor or you can extend some day to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) or Phu Quoc Island. Good bye & see you in the next time!

Tour Price

Number in Group Price per person in US$ - From 01 Oct 2011 to 30 Apr 2012
1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 Single Supplement
Mid-range (3*) 3,013 1,840 1,530 1,410 1,330 475
Superior (4*) 3,902 2,253 1,952 1,834 1,756 970
 Deluxe 5* 5,454 3,032 2,708 2,582 2,497 1,685
Premium (5+*) Request!
Number in Group Price per person in US$ - From 01 May 2012 to 30 Sep 2012
1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 Single Supplement
Mid-range (3*) 2,850 1,733 1,432 1,314 1,236 435
Superior (4*) 3,690 2,146 1,845 1,728 1,650 865
 Deluxe 5* 5,130 2,868 2,550 2,426 2,342 1,540
Premium (5+*) Request!
Hotels Mid-range (3+*) Superior (4*) Deluxe (5*) Premium (5+*)
Hanoi hotels Tirant hotel, Medallion or similar Sunway, Folower Garden or similar Sofitel Plaza, Intercontinental, Horison, Sofitel Metropole
Sapa hotels Bamboo hotel,Holiday Sapa,or similar Chau Long Hotel or similar Victoria Sapa Victoria Sapa
Quang Binh Hotels Sun Spa Resort or similar Sun Spa Resort or similar Sun Spa Resort Sun Spa Resort
Hue hotels Asia Hotel, New Star, Hue Queen or similar Saigon Morin, Novotel, Park View or similar Imperial hotel or similar La Residence
Hoian hotels Glory Hotel, Lotus hotel or similar Hoian trail, Hoi An Beach, Hoian Hotel or similar Life Resort, Golden Sand or similar The Nam Hai Rosort
Nha trang Hotels The Light,Sea and Sund hotel or similar Yasaka hotel, Novotel hotel, or similar Sunrise Beach, Vinpearl Resort Ana Mandara
Saigon Hotels Sapphia hotel, Northern Hotel Saigon inn,  Elios or similar Liberty Central, Duxton, Saigon Palace, Grand Hotel or similar Caravelle, Renaissace Riverside or similar Park Hyatt Saigon, Sheraton Hotel
Can Tho hotels Kim Tho hotel or similar Golf Can Tho Victoria Can Tho Victoria Can Tho
Halong Cruise Glory cruise, Phoenix Cruise or similar Glory cruise Paloma Cruise, White dolphin cruise or similar Paradise Cruise , Indochina Sails or similar Violet Cruise, Paraidse Peak cruise

Trip included:

  • 17 nights hotel accommodation on a twin-share basic with daily breakfast
  • 1 night stay overnight on Board in Halong Bay in twin-share cabin.
  • 2 nights stay overnight on Sapa Train (Hanoi – Lao Cai - Hanoi)
  • Internal flight tickets: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang, Dat Lat – Ho Chi Minh City (economy class) Vietnam Airlines including fuel charge & Airport taxes. 
  • Meals as mentioned in the itineraries: Vietnamese food, Asian Food basic.
  • Meals specified in tour program .B - Breakfast ,L - Lunch ,D - Dinner
  • All landed transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at airports on arrival and departure days
  • English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
  • Boat trips in the Mekong Delta, Hue and Hoi An
  • All entrance and sightseeing fees
  • Water Puppet Show & Cyclo Tour in Hanoi Old Quarter.
  • Approval letter for landing visa to Vietnam: single entry, one month valid
  • All taxes & services charge.

Trip excluded:

  • International airfare and airport taxes in Vietnam
  • Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program
  • Visa fees to Vietnam
  • Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
  • Kayak, Massage onboard
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping…)
  • Tipping/ Gratuities
  • Single supplement
  • Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods),
  • flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations,
  • any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.

Additional Information:

  • Prices are per person (US$), based on double occupancy
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays from Mid-September to Mid-November.
  • Price excludes Personal expenses, gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Vietnam & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (subject to change).
  • Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners apply between Dec. 23 - Jan. 02 and during period of Lunar New Year.
  • Vietnam visa required. Not included in package and can be arranged in two days.
  • Prices subject to change without notice

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