Essence of Vietnam from North to South

THROUGH ESSENCE OF VIETNAM FROM NORTH TO SOUTH TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, on your arrival, be greeted by your guide and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free time for leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L)

Depart the hotel for the Temple of Literature. The first university of Vietnam was built in 1070 and was the place where the royal family educated the mandarins and elite class. Next, visit Ho Chi Minh complex which comprises of the Imposing mausoleum and his house on stilts. Visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, founded in 1049, which sits on a column in the middle of a lake.

After midday break, visit interesting Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays) to learn about the 53 minorities of Vietnam.

Alternatively, visit the Vietnam Women’s Museum which offers fascinating insight into the lives and roles of Vietnamese women.

Walk through the Old Quarter’s streets and colorful markets near Hoan Kiem Lake. The Old Quarter in Hanoi is also well known for the pop-up business. Enjoy the world acclaimed Water Puppet performance.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D)

Depart from Hanoi and travel about four hours to the port of Halong Bay. Take a small tender boat to meet your junk, which will be anchored just offshore. After a short safety briefing, set sail to the outer reaches of Bai Tu Long Bay, passing by stunning limestone karsts jutting out of the jade waters. Later, cruise around and explore Cap La Tra San by kayak before returning to the junk for swimming or relaxing.

Spend the night onboard in Halong Bay.

Day 4: Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D)

Cruise to Cong Dam to learn about the unique geology of Bai Tu Long bay before kayaking around the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the beach before cruising around Cong Do area and Thien Canh Son cave.

In the evening cruise back to Cap La and enjoy dinner and overnight on board.

Day 5: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoi An (B, L)

Take a traditional rowboat to the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. Watch as the people go about daily lives shaped by the ageless rhythms of the sea. Enjoy your last glimpses of Halong Bay over an early lunch as you cruise back to the port. While returning to Hanoi, stop at Yen Duc Village to see a traditional water puppet performance, an ancient art form of the Red River Delta. Afterwards continue to Hanoi airport to take flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An city tour (B)

Join in a walking tour of the ancient town, visiting the aged-old homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, Chinese assembly hall and the colorful market by the river. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure or exploring the old town.

Take the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

From Danang Airport, take the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

There are options to choose among War Remnants Museum, History Museum (closed Mondays) or the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh City visit includes the Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Opera House and the nearby City hall. Return to the hotel for the night.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

At 8 AM, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the delta town of Cai Be.

On arrival, board your boat for the lunch on the Delta’s waterways. Visit the Cai Be’s floating market, once a whole sale fruits and vegetables trade and these days a quiet market due to the road system has been much more convenient.

Then, visit local factory where villagers produced “pop-rice”, coconut, rice paper are made. Enjoy a late lunch with local Mekong style for specialties. After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – City tour– Departure (B, L)

Embark on another half-day tour to discover Ho Chi Minh City. Visit China town of Cholon. Discover the area with markets and Thien Hau Pagoda. Visit the FITO Museum to see an astonishing collection of over 3,000 items which are relevant to the Vietnamese traditional medicine.

Return to district one to discover Ben Thanh Market, one of the biggest markets in Saigon. Check out the hotel and spend time for leisure until the transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight to your next destination.

You might be interested in our Flavors of Vietnam, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam multi-destination tours!