DAY 1 : ARRIVE IN HANOI
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 Hanoi city 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.
Lunch included
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.
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.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
DAY 2 : HANOI
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, you 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 Lý Nam Đế (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.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Ha Noi Opera house : was constructed for ten years from 1901 to 1911 and modeled on Palais Garnier – the older of Paris two opera houses, Hanoi Opera House embraces the European architectural style under the Renaissance period with the Italian-made marble floor, copper chandeliers and exquisite French murals on the ceiling, thus making the place one of Hanoi’s singular architectural landmarks.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Hanoi
DAY 3 : HANOI – NINH BINH
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.
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.
Cuc Phuong national park : is the first national park in Vietnam, established in July 1962. Cuc Phuong National Park has a population of abundant flora and fauna. The climate in Cuc Phuong is kind of tropical monsoon climate, average annual temperature about 24.70C. Especially, there have many caves, beautiful landscape and historical natural remnants such as: Trang Khuyet Cave, Chua Cave, Thuy Tien Cave, Nguoi Xua, Cave, Con Moong grotto, San Ho Cave.
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.
Dinner and overnight at Ninh Binh Hotel
DAY 4 NINH BINH – HALONG BAY
Breakfast at the hotel
Head to Ha Long Pier 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.
Dinner and overnight on the junk in Halong.
DAY 5 : HALONG BAY – HANOI
Breakfast at the hotel
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 Bai Tu Long Bay.
Return to the pier around 10H30 am and have lunch at the restaurant at 11H
Back to Hanoi , on the road stop at the traditional Dong Trieu ceramics factory. Once in town, you cross the Long Bien Bridge: former bridge Paul Doumer, bridge of 1682m built by the French in 1902 and inaugurated by Paul Doumer, then governor-general of Indochina. According to him: “the most remarkable work that was executed in the Far East”.Designed by the company Gustave Eiffel. Very nice view of Red Red River and Hanoi.
In the evening, stroll along the West Lake (Ho Tay: the largest in Hanoi, also known as the Lover’s Lake because it is one of the favorite haunts of the Hanoi. separated by a dike (the street “Thanh nien” Youth) the small lake of white silk (Ho Truc Bach) lined with magnificent flamboyant whose flowering colors blood-red tone banks.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Hanoi
DAY 6 : HANOI – DALAT
Breakfast at the hotel
then transfer to Hanoi airport for the flight to Dalat. Flight…. at ….
Arrival in Da Lat at …
Arrival in Da Lat at …
Da Lat : is located in the central highland of Vietnam at Lam Dong province, and about 200km far from the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The city spreads across a series of pine-covered hills, with a small lake in the center and surrounded by a lake and higher peaks, making for some lovely scenery. All the lakes in Da Lat become famous because of its romantic name and charming sightseeing.
At the destination, check in at the hotel, have lunch and then visit:
The Taiwanese pagoda: to discover his giant Buddha,
Minh Tam Flower Garden has a lot of kinds of colorful flowers such as Cam Tu Cau, Carnation, Mimosa, Pelargonium, etc; especially, there are a lot of valuable flowers which are only sold to rich people.
Set foot on top Mimosa mountain pass – one of the two major gateway into dreamy Da Lat city, visitors will encounter the right area resort – hotel Minh Tam – a famous, beautiful hotel gardens hidden among pine. Spread over a large hill over 18 ha, Lam Dong People’s Committee and Ministry of Public Security to expand investment in tourist resort – hotel Minh Tam soon became one of the famous tourist city of flowers Da Lat.
The hill of dreams or the valley of love. : visit that will give place to romanticism
The XQ embroidered canvas gallery
The central market
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Da Lat.
DAY 7 : DALAT
Breakfast at the hotel
in order to enjoy the fresh, pure mountain air, then head towards:
The cable car: to access Thien Vien pagoda
The Thien Vien Pagoda: to plunge into a climate of deep serenity.
The Datanla or Prenn waterfalls: to appreciate near the waterfalls and their freshness. Lunch at the restaurant and afternoon for visits :
The Domaine de Marie Church : also called Mai Anh Church or Cherry Church, is home to the Roman Catholic nuns of the Mission of Charity. Actually, that’s why many people think that there’s a feminine charm attached to the architecture of the church. Located on a nice hill at 1 Ngo Quyen St., Ward 6, nearly 0.6 mile southwest away from the city center, it is a 29.6-acre architectural complex consisting of the main church and two convents. It offers a scenic panoramic view of the city. It was built from 1930 to 1943 following the 17th century French style. However, because its architecture is the harmonious combination of Western art and Vietnamese folk art, the church definitely stands out from other ones created at the same era.
The Governor’s Palace :This Palace was the summer palace, the residence and the office of governor Decoux. It is located between Tran Hung Dao and Khoi Nghia Bac Son street, on a hill with the elevation of 1,539m and has an area of 26 ha.
This palace is one of the beautiful architectures of Dalat. It contained itself plenty of milestones about the history of the country. After 1975, it became the Central guest house and now it is the guest house of Lamdong province People’s Committee.
Langbiang mountain : is located in Lac Duong district which is 12km from Dalat in the North. With its height of 2,169m above the sea level, langbiang mountain has not only been an attractive tourist site bit also kept legend about a passionate love. Camping, exploring the natural flora, bird-watching and enjoying the unique culture of ethnic minority groups are recommended activities for tourists coming to Lang Biang.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Da Lat.
DAY 8 : DA LAT – NHA TRANG
Breakfast at the hotel
then direction the seaside town of Nha Trang.
Nha Trang : is a small city belongs to Khanh Hoa province on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is known as a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam and in the world. The city is just 265,47 km2. The position of Nha Trang is evaluated as one of the most beautiful Bay in the World.
Installation at the hotel, lunch then visit :
The stone church
The Alexandre Yersin Museum provides insight into the life and work of an unsung hero. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943) was a Swiss and naturalised French physician, bacteriologist and explorer of both the world we see and the microscopic one. Among his many accomplishments, he discovered the bacillus of the bubonic plague that made it possible to create a serum to fight the disease. At the end of the afternoon, visit:
Po Nagar Cham Towers: Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, these four Cham Towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Originally the complex had seven or eight towers, but only four remain, of which the 28m-high North Tower (Thap Chinh), which dates from AD 817, with its terraced pyramidal roof, vaulted interior masonry and vestibule, is the most magnificent. The towers stand on a granite knoll 2km north of central Nha Trang, on the banks of the Cai River.
Lunch at the restaurant.
The Thap Ba or I-resort thermal center (optional) for those who wish to indulge in the various treatments of the center: bathing in natural hot spring water, and therapeutic mud baths.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Nha Trang
DAY 9: NHA TRANG – DOC LET – NHA TRANG
Breakfast at the hotel
then direction the beach of Doc Let
The beach of Doc Let: An undeniable charm with its broad carpet of white sand bordered by coconut trees and filao trees. The perfect place to forget a few days away from the superficial animation of Nha Trang.
Back to Nha Trang
Free afternoon
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Nha Trang
DAY 10: NHA TRANG – DEPART TO HO CHI MINH BY TRAIN
Breakfast at the hotel,
Then visit 3 islands of Nha Trang Bay
Nha Trang Islands: (boat tour): The coastal islands of Khanh Hoa province are for some of them resort centers where you can practice many water sports or diving. The clear waters abound with a multitude of multicolored fish and harbor a magnificent coral environment. You will discover 3 islands.
Back to Nha Trang, lunch at the restaurant and free afternoon or optional: you go on the island by cable car Vin Pearl Land which includes: amusement park, water park, beach, aquarium, water show
Lunch at the restaurant.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Then transfer to Nha Trang station to catch the train at 9:10 pm (flexible berth, air-conditioned compartment of 4 people).
Night on board
DAY 11: ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH
Arrival very early in Hochiminh city.
Breakfast at the hotel
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.
Lunch at the restaurant and installation at the hotel (room available from 13h30)
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.
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.
The post office: Its construction was completed in 1891, Gustave Eiffel himself signed his metal frame. Its architecture, with a roof topped by a glass roof, is reminiscent of the buildings of the World Expo. Inside, innumerable fans stir a moist air. It is a place where it is nice to stop.
City Hall: This huge building looked like a yellow and white birthday cake. Since its renovation, its facade of 66m, surmounted by a belfry and decorated by Ruffier has become more elegant. Inside, beautiful crystal chandeliers give it a refined atmosphere. The seat of the members of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
Theater: Inaugurated in 1900, the building had a mobile ceiling and could accommodate up to 800 people. The southern government had installed the National Assembly. Since 1975, he has returned to his original function.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Saigon.
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – BEN TRE – CAN THO
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, depart to My Tho.
My Tho : is the capital city, center of economics, education and technology of Tien Giang Province, located in the Mekong Deltaregion of South Vietnam. It has a population of approximately 169,000 in 2006 and 220,000 in 2012. The majority ethnic groupis the Kinh, and some of the Chinese, the Cham and the Khmer. Boat rides on the Mỹ Tho River are popular with tourists.
Mekong delta : is located in Southwestern Vietnam. The water that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries. The bustling commerce of its towns contrasts sharply with the languid, almost-soporific pace of life in the countryside. Here buffalo wallow in rice paddies, coconut- and fruit-laden boats float slowly along the mud-brown waters, and two-wheeled exploration of the narrow lanes is amply rewarded with a true taste of rural hospitality..
Arrived at Ben Tre: visit the coconut caramel factory, ride horse carriage, tasting fruit, honey tea and honey distilled rice alcohol while listening to traditional music and ride in rowing boat.
Return to the boat to go to lunch and taste the Mekong specialty: “the fish with the elephant’s ear”
After lunch, head for the city of Cantho.
City of CAN THO: locates in the center of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is endowed with favorable conditions: fertile soil, tropical climate, and an interlaced system of rivers and channels. With total area of nearly 1,400 square km2. If Halong Bay lures tourists by its majestic landscape, Phong Nha seduces travelers with its mysterious charm, Can Tho definitely will make tourists unforgettable by its idyllic beauty with floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, delicious food, tropical fresh fruit and Mekong charming girls.
Dinner at the restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Cantho.
DAY 13: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY
Breakfast at the hotel early
In the morning, 7H motorboat ride on the Cai Nong canal to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market.
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.
Return to Saigon for lunch en route
Afternoon free to shop at Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, Tax Mall
Dinner at the restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Saigon.
DAY 14 : HO CHI MINH – RETURN FLIGHT
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning / free day
Transfer to the airport for the return flight