After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a delightful day exploring Hanoi City. This city holds a unique charm despite not being the most modern. Its character lies in the captivating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, all woven together with the city's authentic and bustling local life within its old alleyways. Indulge in the delicious local street food for a taste of true Vietnamese flavors.
Our first stop is a tranquil escape to Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled amidst the picturesque West Lake. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, with a history dating back over 1500 years. As you approach, you'll be greeted by the sight of the iconic 11-story lotus tower, a symbol of the pagoda. Step inside the main hall and explore its beauty, where intricate carvings and frescoes adorn the walls. Be sure to admire the serene lotus pond, adding to the pagoda's peaceful atmosphere.
Then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.
After lunch, proceed to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam, and see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 – its gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Take you past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters and the beauty of Ngoc Son temple. In the end, journey through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll then have a chance for some shopping and exploration.
Morning:
This morning, between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, the cruise company's shuttle bus will pick you up in Hanoi's Old Quarter area. Hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on a scenic 2.5-hour drive (147 km) to stunning Halong Bay!
Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed aboard with a refreshing drink. Following a quick safety briefing from the cruise manager, you can relax and savor a delicious lunch onboard.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, you’ll explore Halong Bay's dramatic karst landscape with your cruise! Different cruise companies offer various itineraries, but you might visit some of these fascinating spots and try water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc. Watch the sunset paint the karst mountains with colors.
Evening
This evening, indulge in a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chefs in the elegant dining room. After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join in on board games, try your hand at squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars & karaoke. Overnight onboard.
Early risers can embrace the sunrise with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a delicious breakfast to onboard.
After breakfast, continue your exploration of Halong Bay! You can choose to participate in exciting water activities like kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations.
Later this morning, return to the cruise for a smooth check-out process at the reception. As you cruise back to the pier, savor a delightful lunch at 10:00 AM. Disembarkation will take place between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Following disembarkation, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi. Meet your driver and head to the airport for your flight to Da Nang (about 1h 20m).
Upon arrival in Da Nang, you'll be met by your tour guide and whisked away for a scenic 1-hour drive to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel for a half-day excursion to Cam Thanh village, a charming fishing village nestled amidst the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest.
The basket boat's history can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Cham people who settled in this area. Originally designed for fishing in shallow waters, these unique Vietnamese watercraft are still used today.
Upon arrival, prepare to take an exciting 45-minute to 1-hour adventure on a traditional basket boat. Crafted from bamboo and woven palm leaves, these boats will take you on a journey through the heart of the verdant coconut palm forest. As you glide through the serene waterways, surrounded by lush coconut groves and vibrant rice paddies, soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Witness the unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Learn about the local community's commendable efforts in preserving this remarkable environment.
After your exciting excursion to Cam Thanh village, you'll return to Hoi An where you can savor a delicious lunch of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This afternoon, enjoy a captivating exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town with your knowledgeable guide.
Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The complex boasts 1,107 timber-frame buildings. It represents a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese, with later European influences) that combined to produce this unique, well-preserved town. Walking through Hoi An is like stepping back in time. Our guide will lead you to some of the town's most significant landmarks, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, and the historic Tan Ky House (Old House of Tan Ky).
Overnight in Hoi An
This morning, you will be transferred from Hoi An to Da Nang for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours). Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 6.5km from downtown), our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you'll take a half-day tour exploring Ho Chi Minh City's rich history, culture, and vibrant modern life.
13:30 Start the trip at the travel office to visit the Reunification Palace which was the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the war in April 1975. Continue to visit the Old Central Post Office. After visiting the City Hall, take a break-time at Ben Thanh market where anything and everything is for sale. Return to District 1.
Tour ends.
At 07.30am, meeting our tour guide at your hotel and leave Ho Chi Minh city. It takes one hour and thirty minutes driving to get to My Tho town. One the way, travelers will have chance to see these beautiful landscape along the road such as the green rice fields, the peaceful Vam Co Dong river and the busy Long An town.
Arrive to My Tho town, visit Vinh Trang pagoda an oldest ancient one in Southern Vietnam. Known as the largest pagoda and the most special architecture in Mekong Delta. It’s architecture was influenced by Vietnamese culture and Khmer’s culture as well as European’s architecture
Then transfer to the pier boat for getting on a motorized boat. Take a leisurely boat ride in Tien river to enjoy fresh air, to see the peaceful life of the local people, Passing the stilt house, the fishing floating farm, the four Islands (Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise, Unicorn)
After passing Rach Mieu bridge, we disembark at Thoi Son Islet that locates on Phoenix Island. Take a leisurely walking on the village paths, visit local people’s home, orchard garden and enjoy seasonal fruits while listening to traditional Southern folk music.
Then visit honey bee farm and taste delicious honey tea with lemon that is really good for health. Local people also have python farm for those tourist, who like adventure can take a photo with pythons.
Take a hand- rowed sampan through the creeks for sightseeing the natural water coconut trees a symbol in the Delta areas.
Return to the motorized boat then cruising to Ben Tre province, visit coconut candy workshop to know how to make delicious candies by hand.
Having lunch at Riverside restaurant
After lunch, cruising to Unicorn Island to visit crocodile farm and visit the remains of Coconut belief.
Then take a short walking through the narrow village path to the car
Return to Ho Chi Minh city around 5.00pm.
60 days or more prior to departure 5% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
30-59 days prior departure: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
15-29 days prior to departure: 20% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
7-14 days prior to departure: 50% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Within 6 days prior to departure: 90 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Child under 5 years old is = 50% Adult`s cost.. Sharing the same existing bed with parents
Children from 5 - 11 years old = 75% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Child from 12 - up = 100% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Triple room = 3 Persons sharing one room (01 Double Bed + 01 Single Bed)