Essential Vietnam is a wonderful trip designed for those who want to experience the very best of Vietnam, but only have limited time. Brings you experience the charm of Hanoi, the scenic impressive sight of Halong Bay, the ancient capital of Hue, the charming Hoi An, Nha Trang, the hill station of Dalat, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the mighty Mekong Delta
Day 1: Ha Noi arrival – City tour (L)
AM: Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel in Ha Noi. We start to visit Literature Temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century. Have lunch at a nice restaurant in Ha Noi. PM: At 13.00 we will visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It contains more than 10, 000 objects, 15, 000 black and white photos and hundreds of videotapes and cassettes, which depict all aspects of life, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Have walking tour in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Enjoy Water Puppet show at 17.15. Finish at 18.00. Stay overnight at hotel in Ha Noi
Include: Hotel in Ha Noi, Transportation, Meal: Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 2: Ha Noi – Ha Long (B, L, D)
Pick up at your address in Ha Noi at 8.00 AM and drive to Ha Long. Arrive at 12.00 noon. At Ha Long port, our Crew welcomes you on Junk, enjoy welcome drink & check into your cabin. Lunch with seafood will be served right after. At 13.00, boat starts 3.5 hours cruising into Ha Long bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster’s face) Islet, But Moc Islet, Cap De Islet, Trong (Drum) Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, to a Floating Fishing village to see this unique way of life... and then explore Luon Cave (from 16.40 to 17.30). There will be lots of time for swimming, sun bathing. Enjoy a great sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin
Include: Accommodation on Boat, Transportation, Welcome cocktail, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Tour guide on boat, Entrance and sightseeing fees, Insurance on board.
Day 3: Ha Long – Ha Noi – Hue (B, L)
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes with a cup of tea, coffees and fresh fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath - taking 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. And then explore Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave (8.00 to 9.00), swim and relax at Titop beach. At 09.30, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will served from 10.30 to 11.30, check out procedure at 11.35. Arrive at harbor by 12.00 noon, and drive back to Ha Noi airport for flight to Hue that depart at 17.25, upon arrival in Hue, you will be picked up to hotel for relax
Include: Hotel in Hue, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Tour guide on boat, Entrance fees
Day 4: Hue city tour (B, L)
AM: Visit Royal Citadel which was constructed by Emperor Gia Long in the style of French military architect Vauban during the first decades of the 19th century. Before leaving the site of Imperial city we visit Imperial Museum, many precious objects which were salvaged from the Imperial city then we visit Khai Dinh Tomb, have lunch PM: A boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Minh Mang tomb, visit Dong Ba market.
Include: Hotel in Hue, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Boat trips
Day 5: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B, L)
Drive to Hoian on the way visit Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, via Danang and visit Cham Museum & Marble Mountain en route. Afternoon visit Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has 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 and the colorful market.
Include: Hotel in Hoi An, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang (B, L)
You are transferred to Da Nang to take flight to Nha Trang depart at 09.40, upon arrival you will be picked up for check in hotel PM: City tour Nha Trang including Po Nagar Cham Tower, Long Son Pagoda, Hon Chong, Oceanographic Institution
Include: Hotel in Nha Trang, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 7: Nha Trang (B, L)
08.45: Pick up in Nha Trang city. 09.15: Making a boat trip to some islands: - Mun Island: Swimming and snorkeling for beholding various kinds of multi – colorful corals and fishes - Mot Island: Having lunch with seafood Joining floating bar for heart to heart animating game. - Mieu Island: Visiting the fishing village for learning the way of raising groupers, lobsters… - 16.00: Back to Nha Trang.
Include: Hotel in Nha Trang, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 8: Nha Trang – Da Lat (B, L)
AM: Have breakfast at hotel, transfer 130km to Da Lat by private car. Check in hotel and have time to relax at hotel. PM: Afternoon visit Tuyen Lam lake, Truc Lam pagoda, Than Tho Lake, and Pine Hill. Have dinner in the restaurant. Stay overnight at hotel in Da Lat
Include: Hotel in Da Lat, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 9: Da Lat – HCM City (B, L)
AM: Breakfast. A morning tour of Da Lat includes Da Lat Flower Park, Domain de Marie monastery; Mong Mo Hill, love valley & Da Lat jam enterprise, Yersin Museum. Lunch at famous restaurant in Da Lat. PM: Check out hotel at 12.00. Our driver will pick you up at 14.50, transfer you to Da Lat airport for your flight to HCMC at 18.25 (VN 467). You are picked up at HCMC airport at 19.15 to your hotel in HCM, check in hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in HCM
Include: Hotel in HCMC, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 10: HCM City tour – Cu Chi tunnels (B, L)
AM: We visit the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame cathedral, the Old Central Post Office, visit war museum then visit Ben Thanh market where anything and everything is for sale. Have lunch at the restaurant PM: We continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietnamese soldiers in the American-Vietnam war. Come back to HCMC at 5.30 pm. Stay overnight at hotel in HCMC
Include: Hotel in HCMC, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 11: HCM – Mekong Delta (B, L)
8.00 Pick up at hotel the depart for Cai Be by car, on arriving in Cai Be, start the motorized boat to visit the Cai Be floating market, experience how people exchanging goods, fruit and many other commodities on their vessels… Keep cruising to Vinh Long through small canals to enjoy the charm of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit some hand – made family business products such as the coconut candy mill, the crispy rice popcorn. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village – the green pearl of Vinh Long town where you can indulge yourself into the nature. Have lunch with fresh river food served in the heart of the garden. Enjoy the southern Vietnamese traditional folk music. Take a nice walk through the bonsai garden. Meet the car/van in Vinh Long. Return to HCMC. Finish the trip around 17.00 at your hotel
Include: Hotel in HCMC, Transportation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide, Entrance fees
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
Free at leisure until time transfer to airport for flight back home. End of service.
Include: Transportation Meal: Breakfast
