DAY 1 : ARRIVE IN HA NOI
Time of arrival in Hanoi:…
Customs formalities and luggage recovery (Estimated time approximately 30 minutes).
You will then be greeted by your guide and driver, outside the airport, transfer to the city of Hanoi for a day tour of the city.
Lunch at the restaurant
HANOI CITY : is the capital of Northern Vietnam and keeps this role until now. The city is located on the right bank of the Red River and far about 1760 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate with plentiful precipitation. In addition, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint.
Hanoi Cyclo : an hour cycling around and take photos in the Old Quarter.
The Old Quarter (36 old streets) : has a history that spans 2,000 years and represents the eternal soul of the city. Ha Noi Old Quarter with its old-styled narrow streets full of antique brick houses seems to nostalgically resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Once a bustling area where merchants and artisans gathered to sell their products, Ha Noi Old Quarter consists of many small, meandering streets, each bears the name of the goods that was specifically traded there such as Hang Bac (Silver Product), Hang Ma (Paper Product), Hang Go (Wood Product), just to name a few.
One pillar pagoda : a wooden pagoda on a single stone pillar, and it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond .
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long : is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, many artefacts and items dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated in 2004, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells.
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 2 : HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel
Then visit :
Temple of Literature : founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu). Inside you’ll find a pond known as the ‘Well of Heavenly Clarity’, a low-slung pagoda and statues of Confucius and his disciples. A rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, the complex honours Vietnam’s finest scholars and men of literary accomplishment. It is the site of Vietnam’s first university, established here in 1076, when entrance was only granted to those of noble birth.
Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century on Jade Island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend describes how an emperor was once given a magical sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and in doing so saw the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) : refers to a legend of the great Vietnamese hero, Le Loi, who led a successful uprising against the Chinese in the fifteenth century. Tradition has it that Le Loi netted a gleaming sword while out fishing in a sampan and when he returned as King Ly Thai To, after ten years of battle, he wanted to thank the spirit of the lake. As he prepared the sacrifice there was a timely peal of thunder and the miraculous sword flew out of its scabbard, into the mouth of a golden turtle (Vietnamese use the same word for turtle and tortoise) sent by the gods to reclaim the weapon.
Lunch at the restaurant
Then free time for shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan market : is the oldest and largest market in Hanoi. Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances.
At the end of the afternoon, visit:
West lake ( Ho Tay) : is the biggest freshwater lake of northwest center of Hanoi, Vietnam. With a shore length of 17 km (about 10.6 miles) and 500 hectare (about 5 km2) in area, this is the largest lake of the capital and a popular place for recreation with many surrounding gardens, hotels and villas.
Tran Quoc Pagoda : is the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De (from 544 until 548), thus giving it an age of more than 1,450 years. When founded the temple was named Khai Quoc (National Founding) and was sited on the shores of the Red River, outside of the Yen Phu Dyke. When confronted with the river’s encroachment, the temple was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) islet of Ho Tay (West Lake) where it is now situated. A small causeway links it to the mainland.
Water Puppet show : is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 3 : HA NOI – NINH BINH
After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Ninh Binh
NINH BINH : is a province in Red river delta. It is far about 90 kilometers from Hanoi with convenient transportation system. The city itself is a fairly uneventful place, but it is surrounded by a stunning landscape of lush green paddy fields and striking limestone outcrops and is the hopping off point for sights and attractions including Tam Coc and Trang An, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Phat Diem Cathedral, Van Long and Cuc Phuong National Park.
Lunch at the restaurant
King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Temple: The temple is located in Truong Yen village, Hoa Lu town, in a garden of 5 hectares wide. It faces the East, and stands in front of Ma Yen Mount, where King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb was located.The temple was built in the 17th century, with a special architecture.
King Le Dai Hanh Temple: is almost the same as Dinh Temple in term of architectural design, except for some details. Le Dai Hang temple also consists of three parts: Bai Duong used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of King Le, and finally, the altar in memory of the King.
Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex : is a complex beauty – landscapes called as an ‘outdoor geological museum’ with numerous caves, mountains, valley water, trees and the historic relic. The Trang An eco-tourism site is considered the “Ha Long Bay land”. Here, space was so quiet that the only sounds were those of the trains. In the distance, visitors have the opportunity to perceive the white flowers of the reeds in the foothills. While enjoying fresh air and mountain scenery, which takes visitors into a magical world. On June 25th, 2014, at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in Qatar, the UNESCO named Trang An Landscapes Complex as a world heritage, becoming the first recognized cultural and natural heritage site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Thien Ha cave : is located in the hillside of the Tuong Mountain rang with the height of nearly 200m. The gate of the cave is about 4m high with various stalactites in different features at the very beginning of it. Going into the cave and looking back, you will see a sparkling light ribbon coming through the gate to reflect the stalactites. All the length of Thien Ha cave is about 700m with two areas: 200m dry cave and 500m water cave.
Overnight at Ninh Binh Hotel
DAY 4 : NINH BINH – HALONG BAY
After breakfast, depart to the famous Halong Bay, for a memorable cruise on the bay.
Ha Long Bay : in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. It was called ‘the wonder standing in the heaven’. In the heart of stone islands, there have the beautiful caves such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Tam Cung Cave that are really the castles of the heaven. With the special values, on December 17th 1994, in the 18th session of World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, Halong Bay was officially recognized as the World natural heritage. In November 2000, Halong Bay was recognized by UNESCO as the World natural heritage about the values of geomorphology. On April 27th, officially stated that Halong Bay became one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Halong Bay Cruise: On board a junk, you’ll have a memorable cruise. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal on board and spend your day admiring one of Vietnam’s natural wonders. Visit islets, caves, If the heart tells you, you can make a dip in the jade waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Lunch at the restaurant
Dinner at the restaurant
DAY 5 : HALONG BAY – HANOI – HUE
Before breakfast, you will have the opportunity to see the sunrise over the bay.
After we continue the cruise to Bai Tho Mountain in the other beautiful bay of Bai Tu Long.
Lunch and return to the pier
Back to Hanoi
Tonight transfers to Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue.
Takeoff at …. On the flight…
Arrival in Hue at … check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
DAY 6: HUE
Breakfast at the hotel, then visit:
Hue : is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Huong River, a few miles inland from Bien Dong. It is about 700 kilometers south of the Hanoi national capital and about 1100 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout the centuries, the quintessence of country converges here to create a fantastic natural picture with romantic river and charming mountain. The architecture seems to be mixed with wonderful nature, which creates the charming picture.Today, Hue becomes the typical city of Vietnam. Every two years, people welcome Hue festival.
The Citadel of Hue (Kinh thanh hue), is a large fortress built in the 17TH century (year 1805) mandated by Emperor Gia Long in the city of Hue in Central Vietnam. This huge and magnificent monument has been designed combining the concepts of Chinese geomancy (the best example is The forbidden city in Beijing) and the military principles of the French architect Sébastien de Vauban. The resulting final set are precious palaces, beautiful temples melted between walls, ramparts and moats, which coexist in total harmony.
Lunch at the restaurant
Dong Ba market : is situated along the northern bank of Huong river, Tran Hung Dao, Hue city and it is far about Truong Tien bridge about 100 meters to the North. Dong Ba market is the biggest central market of Thua Thien – Hue province and area. There includes 8 compartments in front of market, 12 compartments behind market, and 13 compartments on the right… In the market, people built one stone well. When people want to take water, they must turn round the machine, water will pour. Apart from the bell in the centre, Dong Ba market is surrounded by 9 rows of houses along with 4 new areas such as fish market, service market area… with an area of 15.597m.2.The cultural juice of Thua Thien-Hue still retains until now and traditional dishes in Hue. Dong Ba market becomes the centre which provides raw materials for restaurants, hotels. Tourists from around the world come here overwhelming before beautiful landscapes in Hue. Today, Dong Ba plays the important role in the economy. Not only provide goods for city but also creates jobs for unemployment. Dong Ba Market, Truong Tien Bridge as well as Huong River are the symbols of poetic Hue.
Perfume River Hue – Huong River Hue city : is famous for its romance and charming beauty, and Perfume River is one of its outstanding. Its length is around 80 kilometers, before coming Hue it go through many forests of aromatic plants before, so it creates the river’s purity and fresh aroma. In the autumn, the river becomes more beautiful and charming when flowers from plantations fall into the water. Artists’ inspiration is derived from the Huong’s water, its landscape and even the bridge over the river. Especially, it becomes more beautiful at night when the lights are on.
Thien Mu Pagoda : is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, 5 kilometers from Hue city. The beautiful pagoda was built in 1601. The most striking feature of the pagoda, Phuoc Duyen tower (initially called Tu Nhan tower), was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri, and has become the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is the highest stupa in Vietnam, and is often the subject of folk rhymes and cadao about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. More importantly, it is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. To the left of the tower is a pavilion sheltering an enormous bell. The bell, called Dai Hong Chung, was cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. It is famous for the great size, which is 2.5m high and 3,285 kg weigh.Besides, there are several popular works of art inside the pagoda, which are of great captivation to tourists.
Khai Dinh tomb : is the final resting place of Khai Dinh, Emperor of Vietnam from 1916-1925. The tomb represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influence, Emperor Khai Dinh chose the slope of Chau Chu (Chau E) Mountain, which is 10km from Hue center, to construct his “home in the other world” – according to Oriental belief. However its construction, decoration and details are very elaborate. Despite being the smallest, Khai Dinh Tomb is the most recent and costly amongst other Nguyen royal tombs. Khai Dinh chose to build his tomb by modern materials like concrete, slates and wrought iron, hence its appearance is quite gray and imposing.The structure of the Imperial Khai Dinh tomb is a rectangle of 117 meters long by 48.5 meters wide, resting on the mountain Chau Chu.The imperial tomb has 2 very different parts: the Palace Thien Dinh, where we can see the sarcophagus of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the outside of the Tomb Imperial, where statues of the courtyard of ceremonies, the House of mandarins and Pavilion of steles, hexagonal-shaped, is most remarkable.
Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
DAY 7 :HUE – HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel then visit :
The village making conical hats.
Duc Duc Tomb : built in 1883, is a rectangular building with an area of 3500 m2, and contrary to the rest of Imperial Tombs of Hue, the architecture and the interior of the funerary monument Duc Duc is very simple, making of this tomb, despite its proximity to the Centre of Hue. The Emperor Duc Duc only reigned for 3 days. After those 3 days of reign, was forced to abdicate and subsequently imprisoned, where he died within a year. Behind, it is the honor courtyard without stone statues; however, it is decorated with parapets. In the middle of the Buu Thanh (the surrounding wall) is Huynh Oc house, roofted with yellow tiles. The interior decoration is very simple with one bed and one table used to place altar and offering during ceremonies. In addition, there have two words “Song Hy” in front of the tomb .
Lunch at the restaurant
Then depart to Hoian.
Hoi An : is one of the most famous destinations in the middle part of Viet Nam , 30km far from Da Nang. Hoi An ancient town was recognized as the World heritage by UNESCO. Moreover, the diverse cultural influences remain visible today from the culture of Kingdom of Champa ,the Asian culture of Japanese, Chinese, Indian and the Western culture during the trading time from the 16th century. Since 1998, the Hoi An resident decided to preserve one of the beautiful culture that’s using colored lanterns. On the 14th of each lunar month, residents will switch off their lights and hang cloth and paper lanterns on their porches and windows. Others electronics as TV, radios, street lights and neon lights are turned off, and a sparkling, romantic and mysterious view is opened. Hoi An residents place offerings of food and incense on their ancestral altars and then go to visit the pagodas. The scent of incense and the sounds of people singing add to the town’s enchanted atmosphere.
Silk Village : Located only about a kilometer away from Hoi An Ancient Town’s bustling center, the Hoi An Silk Village breathes new life into the 300 year-old history of the Maritime Silk Road. The Village is surrounded by verdant mulberry gardens, lotus ponds and horticulture farms. Paths wind through the gardens and ancient houses, built in typical Quang Nam architecture, providing a serene atmosphere that carries you to the days of old.
Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
DAY 8 : HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel then visit: you go by bike towards the vegetable village of Tra Que (4km – 20 minutes ride).
Tra Que Vegetable Village is 3km far from Hoi An old town on the direction of northeast. This land was formed 300 year ago, surrounded by De Vong River and Tra Que Lagoon, so it has very good atmosphere with fresh air…
From the village of Tra Que, Vegetables of many kinds have been provided for restaurants, hotels, Hoi An’s people as well as for other localities in Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City. Many kinds of organic and sweet smelling herbs have been planting in this area for ages.
Then, you can enjoy village specialties such as “Tam Huu”, an assortment of shrimps, pork, herbs and six other typical dishes of Hoi An. A cooking demonstration is also offered, to teach you the preparation a typical dish of the region.
Lunch at the restaurant
Hoi An ancient town : about 30 km south of Danang. The ancient town of Hoi An is a typical example of traditional ports in Southeast Asia preserved intact and thoughtful. Most of the houses here are the traditional architecture of Hoi An is also the landmark mark of the blend, cross-cultural. With outstanding values, Hoi An ancient city is recognized as a world cultural heritage.
Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
DAY 9: HOI AN – DA NANG
Breakfast at the hotel, free time for last purchases
Then depart to Da Nang.
Da Nang : is one of the cultural and educational centres of Vietnam, and it is also one of the biggest cities in Vietnam. Da Nang has an area of 1.200 km2, It is not only convenient location but also easily accessible port. It is far 108 kilometers from Hue ancient capital to the North-South. Da Nang terrain has either coastal or mountains. The high and slope mountain is in the South and North-South, from here, many mountains lasts to the sea. The mountainous terrain accounts for large area with the high of 700-1.500 meters. The nature blesses for Da Nang to locate near three world culture heritages .
The stonemasons’ workshop: in full exercise, these tailors are part of a long local tradition. The inhabitants of the village of Non nuoc lived on the exploitation and the size of the marble of the mountain.
Marble Mountain : was formed by five mountains Metal (jīn). This is a masterpiece of natural, fanciful and dreaming landscapes that the Creator has endowed Da Nang. With the system of caves, ancient Buddhist temples and traditional villages, Ngu Hanh Son is attractive stopover on the journey to discover Central Heritage. Located about 8 km to the southeast of Da Nang city center, Ngu Hanh Son has the beauty of convergence: sky, sea, mountain and river with values of the history, the culture and the spirit.
Museum of Cham Sculpture : displayed about 300 original sandstone works and terra-cotta. All works have the date from the 7th century to 15th century. Museum of Cham sculpture is the creativeness which base on Champa ancient art. It is small architecture but unique. Some architects appreciated that it was one of the most beautiful architectural museums in Southeast Asia and the world. The ancient contour in the design of two French architects still retains until now. Coming to museum of Cham sculpture as stepping into ancient culture, it converges all kinds of Cham quintessential culture.
Lunch at the restaurant
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda : was built with a perfect harmony of modern and traditional features typical of a Vietnamese pagoda. Situated on an area of about 20 hectares on the side of a mountain, the pagoda is a magnificent artwork. It looks to the sea while leaning on a vast primitive forest of Son Tra peninsula. From every corner of Da Nang city, visitors can see the Guanyin statue placed in the pagoda courtyard. It is the highest statue in Vietnam, measuring 67 metres in height and 35 metres in diameter at its base. It is as high as a 30-storey building. Along the two sides of the path leading to the main chamber are statues of 18 Arhats, each describing different human emotions – joy, anger and sadness, and sculptured skilfully. The main chamber, the ancestors’ house, hall and monks’ house are all built and arranged magnificently.
Overnight at hotel in Danang.
DAY 10: DANANG Q HOCHIMINH CITY
Breakfast at the hotel then transfer to Da Nang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Take off on … on the flight …
Arrival in Hochiminh city at …
Ho Chi Minh city : also known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam with the population nearly 9 millions. The city is called ‘Diamond of the Far-East’, the same luxury level overriding Hong Kong or Bangkok. Ho Chi Minh city becomes very important city in Vietnam. The nice location at central of the South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city becomes very important center of transportation lead to surrounding provinces , bring opportunities to develop the economy and tourism of Eastern and Western area of the South.
Ben Thanh Market : is the most famous shopping destination for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring every type of souvenir the spending traveler desires to buy. The attraction is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important landmark of the city. The market was first created as an informal gathering of street vendors near Saigon River.
The Central Post Office : is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. This was built around 1886 – 1891 based on Villedieu’s design, a famous French architect. It has been the busiest post office of the country. Its architecture, with a roof topped by a glass roof, is reminiscent of the buildings of the World Expo. It is a place where it is nice to stop.
The People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City : was built and put into use in 1909 as a hotel whose original name was Hôtel de Ville. It was designed by Gardes, a famous French architecture. This building is thus one of the oldest, biggest and most beautiful French style buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, functioning both as a city institution and as the city’s most prominent landmark today.
The Saigon Opera House is owning an elegant architecture.The building still many lively evidences for the influence of French architecture in Vietnam. This magnificent building designed by French architect Ferret Eugene, was built as a classical opera house with 800 seats. The style of this majestic building is influenced by flamboyant style of the French Third Republic. Since 1975, he has returned to his original function.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral : built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Sitting between two streams of traffic, Notre Dam Cathedral is in the middle of Saigon’s chaotic District 1. A brick, neo-Romanesque church with 40m-high square towers tipped with iron spires. Interior walls are inlaid with devotional tablets and some stained glass survives. In front of the cathedral stands a Virgin Mary statue, which is said to have shed tears in 2005, causing thousands of people to stop around the Basilica.
Lunch at the restaurant
The War Remnants Museum : was opened in September 1975. Not only does the museum illustrate a phase of painful history, but it also tells unknown stories about war to people, especially to Westerners. Also featured are grisly photos that show the disfigured bodies of locals who had prenatal exposure to strong pesticide and chemical sprayed, best known by the name ‘Agent Orange’.A powerful collection of photographs taken by 134 international journalists who were killed during the Vietnam War. The exhibit was donated by the state of Kentucky. A collection of artwork by young children around the world showing their ideas about war and peace. An exhibit of photographs, factoids, and signboards showing the technological advantage and firepower that the Americans utilized during the Vietnam War.
Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.
DAY 11 : HO CHI MINH – CAI BE – AN BINH – VINH LONG
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart to Cai Be :
Cai Be: is a district in the west of Tien Giang province. Cai Be has total area of 41,000 ha, and a population of 280,000 people living in 24 communes and a capital town of same name. Local economy is mainly based on horticulture and tourism with a great number of fruit orchards. Cai Be has a small Cai Be floating market which is yet to be touristy as the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. Cai Be is in the northern side of My Thuan Bridge, the gate into Vinh Long province and the whole Mekong Delta in general.
After lunch with the locals, walk or cycle through the village trails to discover the activities of the locals
Lunch at the restaurant
The boat then takes you to the guest house in Vinh Long where you can help prepare the evening meal with the inhabitants of the house.
Dinner and night homestay in Vinh Long
DAY 12 : VINH LONG – HO CHI MINH
After breakfast, you separate from the host family.
You wander along the path to enjoy the pure air of the Mekong. Then visit of:
Cai Rang Floating Market : in Can Tho City is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. The shops and stalls at the market are boats of different sizes. One of the most interesting sights in the Delta are the floating markets and associated river life. Most of the boats are loaded with a lot of agricultural products and specialties of Mekong River Delta. Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most outstanding one in Mekong River Delta. The market is not just a crowsed trading area, but also a unique cultural space in Can Tho.
Lunch at the restaurant
The rice cake factory, candy made from coconut.
Back to Saigon.
Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Also known as Cholon Chinatown Market, Binh Tay Market occupies a two-storey building along Thap Moui Street. Travellers can also find an assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, and textiles that are sold in bulk, though goods are not varied compared to other (more touristy) markets in downtown Hanoi. Along with the interesting historical and cultural aspect of Cholon, Binh Tay Market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies.
Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed that she protects and rescues ships and people on the sea by flying around on a mat or cloud. Mazuism is connected with traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism. Mazuism is therefore an incorporation of different aspects and traditions which have merged to form a new belief. You will find this temple in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, which is roughly a twenty minute drive from the city centre.
Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh city.
DAY 13 : HOCHIMINH CITY-RETURN
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for the return flight..