Vietnam Discovery 10 days

In brief:
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh - Hue
Day 5: Hue – Danang - Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An- Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc - Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi Departure
 
Detailed Itinerary
 
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Welcome Dinner at local restaurant
Meal: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
 
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Have breakfast at the hotel. Start a sightseeing tour to
• The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the ‘American War' officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
• War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem' exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The exhibit includes the last shots these photographers had taken before their deaths. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
• Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country's largest post office.
• Ben Thanh Market: This bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
 
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
Depart to Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta. Start the tour with the visit of the colorful Cai Be floating market. Follow with a visit of some local home factories that produce rice paste, rice pop corn and coconut candies. Cruise then to evergreen islands among the Mekong River through large networks of meandering rivers, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Lunch at a fruit orchard then cruise to Vinh Long and discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
 
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward flight. Hue city tour begins with a visit of the former imperial capital of Vietnam. A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and KhaiDinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.
 
Day 5: Hue – Danang - Hoi An
Leave Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam for Hoi An. The scenic route passes through Danang after climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the 17^thand 18^thcenturies and its architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
 
Day 6: Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi
Transfer from the hotel in Hoian to Danang airport for a short flight to Hanoi. A full day city tour of Vietnam's capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, TranQuoc Pagoda on the edge of West Lake. After lunch in town continue to the Lake of the Restored Sword and have dinner.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Pick up at your hotel and driving to Halong City. We go through the scenic countryside. Stop on the way for break. Arrive in Halong boat pier at around 12: 30. Check in boat - Welcome drink on Cruise and set sails through the Bay while lunch is served. Passenger into the magical Bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands raise from the waves like dragons ‘teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a spectacular view of the Bay dotted with the Cruise golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. Later afternoon, other choices for kayaking or simply taking a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on the Cruise, enjoy cocktails while watching sunset and later, unwind at fantastic restaurant. If the weather permits a short night cruise could bring you a nice discovery of the sea life by night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On boat
 
Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi
6h30: Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay or enjoy a morning view of the Bay’s landscapes with a cup of Tea, Coffee, fresh Fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie: we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. A tasty breakfast served at 7:30. After that, take an opportunity to visit beautiful limestone grotto 9h30: Return on board for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Transfer back to Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 9: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc - Hanoi
Distance 70km drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place's other name, 'Halong on Land'.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 10: Hanoi Departure
Free at leisure for shopping until transfer to NoiBai Airport for onward flight.
Meal: Breakfast

RATE:  This rates are quoted in US$ per person

Categories	From 1st Jan to 31st Dec 2016
	2 pax	4 pax	6 -8 pax	SS
Superior 3*	941	896	723	272
Deluxe 4*	1179	1134	961	510
Luxury 5*	1385	1340	1167	716
Child from 4 – 10 years old	75%

 
 
Includes:
-          Accommodation
-          Vietnam Visa Approval letter
-          Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
-          Private transportation by A/C car as itinerary
-          Cruise in Halong Bay
-          Domestic economy class flights (with Vietnam Airlines)
-          English speaking guide
-          Boat trip on Perfume River
-          Water & tissues
-          Entrance fees, boat trip, performance & excursions.
 
Excludes:
-          Travel insurance
-          International flights
-          Tipping and other personal expenses.