Itinerary

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1. DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI

   Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam. Upon arrival to Noi Bai Airport, you are warmly greeted by Goway Asia Travel’s team and then take you to hotel in downtown for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or exploring Old Quarter area on your own.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: No meals.

2. DAY 2: HANOI - FULL DAY CITY TOUR

   After breakfast, pay your respect to the nation’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for the Vietnamese. Explore the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Gain insight into the prewar history of the country at the Governor’s Residence, also known as the Presidential Palace, an excellent example of Hanoi’s classical French architectural heritage, and Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the opulent structure for symbolic reasons, opting to build a traditional Vietnamese stilt house on the grounds instead. Stop by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda - a unique Vietnamese architecture reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond and hear the legend of its construction. Before have a lunch, we stop to visit Thang Long Citadel (the first UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list), built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet (former Vietnam). 
   Afternoon, continue with the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Move on to the famous Hanoi Train Street, a little area hidden amidst the hectic and narrow streets where trains pass every day, hurling through the residential street, mere couple steps away from blocks of houses on two sides. Sip a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a tiny café by the train track while your guide is present about the local culture & history.
   Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great chance to have the local closer touch.
   The rest of day, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an art form which was invented a thousand years ago by the farmers of the Red River Delta area.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

3. DAY 3: HANOI - NINH BINH - HANOI

   After breakfast this morning you’ll be transferred to Ninh Binh, another undiscovered rural gem in Vietnam's north.
   Upon arrival in the docking point to board a private sampan (flat-bottomed boat) which will take you to the UNESCO protected area of Trang An (the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list). Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves, including one which takes 15 minutes to pass through in total darkness!
   A designated 'eco-tourism' area, this is a region where the only interruptions are the sound of birds and the gentle dip of oars in the crystal clear river. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields and experience what the locals call 'Halong on Land'.
   Afternoon, you head for Hoa Lu to see the few vestiges of the first capital of Vietnam. Built in the 10th Century by the Dinh Dynasty not only for a capital but also as a stronghold against the Northern invaders, Hoa Lu shortly later it was inherited by the Le Dynasty. You’ll also visit the two old temples one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and also Vietnam’s first emperor and the other to the succeeding kings of the Le Dynasty. Though the temples are no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculpture of stone and wood are still preserved.
   Then you are transferred back to Hanoi. Free at leisure in the evening.
   Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

4. DAY 4: HANOI - HALONG BAY

   After breakfast, your private tour guide will pick you up and take you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to the legendary Halong Bay (the third UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list) where you will board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk Boat that is your home for the evening. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters of the bay provide an ethereal backdrop for your leisurely cruise.
   Upon arrival at noon, you will embark on a cruise in the must-see Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in luxuriant vegetation overlooking the waters. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, often uninhabited and unvisited.
   This scene creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. You will be served lunch and dinner aboard with excellent and freshly caught seafood from the bay. At the end of the day, you will have the chance to enjoy a night fishing session on the boat.
   Overnight on cruise.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

5. DAY 5: HALONG BAY - HANOI

   Start the day with calming Tai Chi session on the sun deck. We will pass beautiful spots while having a light breakfast. In this morning, you are free to choose to explore a cave on an island or just spend your time soaking up some sun. After checking out from your cabin, we have a brunch on board. Around noon, we arrive back at Halong harbor. It's time to say goodbye to Halong Bay and head to Hanoi city.
   Arrive at your hotel, check in & you are free for the rest of day.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch.

6. DAY 6: HANOI - FLY TO DONG HOI CITY - PHONG NHA

   After breakfast at hotel, you will be escorted to the airport for the short flight to Dong Hoi city, a capital city of Quang Binh province in the north central coast of Vietnam.
   Once arrival, the local tour guide and driver will wait and transfer you to homestay in Phong Nha. Check in & relax. Enjoy the comforts of the Farmstay or for those who wish there is the option to cycle around the local villages.
   Overnight at hotel in Phong Nha town.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

7. DAY 7: VISIT PHONG NHA CAVE & PARADISE CAVE

   After breakfast depart for your exploration of Phong Nha Cave, the world’s longest limestone cave (the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list). Part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the cave was used as a hospital and munitions store during the Vietnam War. You will access the cave by boat along the Son River and once inside, you will be amazed by the cave’s fine sand beaches, the spectacular milky-white stalagmites, and stalactites.
   Continue to visit the historic Tam Co Cave which has a fascinating war-time history.
   After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to visit the famous Thien Duong Cave, also known as Paradise Cave. Discovered by scientists of the British Caving Research Association in 2005, the Paradise cave is an ethereal complex of skyscraper-high stalagmites and stalactites that hang like the pipes of oversized church organs. The first 1 km (0.6 miles) is open to visitors and lit with the aplomb of a cathedral, with wooden steps and walkways navigating the uneven floor.
   Return to the Farmstay in the late afternoon where you spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Phong Nha.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

8. DAY 8: PHONG NHA – VINH MOC UNDERGROUND TUNNELS – HUE

   Following breakfast at hotel, we’ll depart for Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam before 1945. On the way, call at the historic Vinh Moc vestige which was an underground tunnel networks once used by the locals as their hideout world in the Vietnam War. The site shows the hardship of war and determination of the local people for their final victory. Next stop at Lavang church – the Hollyland.
   Arriving in Hue later this afternoon, check in the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Hue.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

9. DAY 9: HUE - HISTORICAL CITY TOUR

   Start your day with a visit of Hue Citadel, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam for the 1802-1945 period and the last refuge of Vietnamese feudalism. The city’s beauty is characterized by a natural scenic landscape and an extensive variety of historical relics. Begin with Hue Citadel (the fifth UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list), a well-known UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site which is a 520 ha fortress-like grand complex built in the early 1800s and featuring three enclosures separated by heavy ramparts namely Kinh Thanh Hue (Civic City) as the outer, Hoang Thanh (Royal City) as the middle and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) as the inner. Continue by transferring to the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery overlooking the Perfume River with its origin dating back to 1601.
   A vegetarian lunch will be served by the nuns at a Buddhist Pagoda. Take the opportunity to learn about the religion Buddhism or just get to know your friendly hosts.
   Afternoon, visit Khai Dinh tomb, the burial site of Vietnam’s second-to-last king, and the most ornate compared to other kings’ tombs. The tomb shows a vivid European influence in architecture despite its Asian style. Next, visit conical hat making village where you will learn how this charming hat is made. On the way back to your hotel, stop by the mysterious, forgotten cemetery dedicated to the eunuchs of Nguyen Dynasty, also the only one in Vietnam.
   Your day comes to an end at Truc Chi Garden, the crafting bamboo paper art workshop. You will have a chance to meet one of the students there and be treated to hands-on experience to learn how to use the etching technique with bamboo pulp to create artworks.
   Evening is your own free time to wander around streets to enjoy nightlife as well as for street foods dinner. Have travel to Truong Tien Bridge and enjoy its beauties with Perfume River. Free have your own time and overnight in Hue.
   Optional: Hue folk music on boat on Perfume River or Hue Royal Dinner to get more knowledge of royal dishes.
   Overnight at hotel in Hue.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

10. DAY 10: HUE - HOIAN

    Enjoy your free time in Hue before travelling to Hoi An ancient town through small villages and emerald green rivers in the blue water of Lang Co Beach. We will conquer the 10-km long, 500 meters high Hai Van Pass (pass of the Clouds). At the summit, explore French and American forts, while enjoying panoramic views of the coast.
    Next, visit the Marble mountain which is a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble, Marble Mountains are a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, Marble Mountains exist in a coastal area.
    Arrive in Hoi An, check in hotel and free at evening.
    Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

11. DAY 11: HOIAN – VISIT ANCIENT TOWN & COOKING CLASS

    Morning, you'll meet your guide at hotel then transfer out for a half day walking tour to discover the charm of Hoi An as a renowned World Heritage Site (the sixth UNESCO World Heritage site on your list). Once a bustling maritime commercial port of Asia between 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An is now a peaceful town of exceptionally well-preserved architecture, lifestyles and traditions. The town exemplifies a fascinating fusion of cultures between Vietnam and the outside world including China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Besides visiting must-see highlights of the Old Town such as the town’s iconic 400-year-old Covered Bridge with a small temple attached to one side, the Museum of Trade Ceramics which is an elegant Vietnamese style wooden house built in 1858 showcasing antique ceramic artifacts, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, the Ong Temple built in 1653, our knowledgeable guide will take you through lesser known paths, crisscross though the maze of shortcuts, narrow passages and back alleys that are less travelled for a more engaging and personal experience. Also, you might try Banh Mi, the world’s best sandwich, a top priority for any tourists when in Hoi An, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a perfect combination of fresh ingredients like pork liver pate, grilled pork, pickled papaya… or walk to an ancient well, dug by the Cham people between the 8th and 9th century with square mouth. Water from this well was used to cook Cao Lau, a famous specialty of Hoi An.
    Afterwards, stop at the local vibrant market where our chef waiting for you. He will introduce typical ingredients used in many Vietnamese dishes, learn about different fruits, vegetables and herbs, and then help you choose fresh ones for the cooking class. Next, aboard a boat for a pleasant cruise to the cooking school. Enjoy your achievements for lunch after the cooking lesson.
    Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

12. DAY 12: HOI AN – MY SON HOLLY LAND

    Depart early in the morning (to avoid the crowds) for the exploration of My Son Sanctuary (the seventh UNESCO World Heritage site on your list) – lies in a geological basin surrounded by a ring of mountains, about an hour inland from Hoi An. The indigenous Cham tribes chose this easily defendable location to build the capital of their empire, which grew steadily between the 4th and 13th centuries. Used as a military base by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, My Son was heavily bombed, but many ruins remain standing.
    Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour for two hours around this historic complex. Learn about the original building techniques applied during construction and the traditional materials that were used, such as timber, brick, and stone. You will also look out for the numerous craters that were left here by American bombs from the war in the 1960s and 70s.
    After exploring the ruins, you will have a chance to watch the traditional Apsara Dance beside the historic temples. The ladies will give a dance demonstration to the sounds of panpipes and drums, wearing colorful traditional costumes and cone-shaped hats.
    Head back to town. Stop en route to visit a rice paper workshop to test your culinary skills and learn how to make a delicious local snack. You will then sit back and enjoy your creations with a cup of Vietnamese coffee and engage in a friendly chat with our hosts about the rural way of life here.
    Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

13. Day 13: HOIAN – DANANG – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY

    Have breakfast at hotel. Then you will be picked up and transferred to Danang Airport for taking flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals.
    On arrival Tan Son Nhat airport, your guide and driver is awaiting and drive you to the hotel in the city center. The rest of day is free.
    Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

14. DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY - A PAST & PRESENT

    Spend a full day with memoirs of Ho Chi Minh city. Though it’s been over for years, the impact of the Vietnam War can be witnessed all over the country, and any war or history buff should make sure a visit to the War Remnants Museum is on their must-see list for Ho Chi Minh City. With your private driver and English speaking guide, delve into the images and sounds of Vietnam’s lengthy war history with the French and Americans. The museum features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons and photos of the Vietnamese side of the war, and includes a moving tribute to the journalists, civilians and soldiers lost during the war, as well as a critical look at biological warfare, weaponry, and worldwide movements for peace. Next, get out of the classic routes to explore a different perspective of Saigon, an insight into all the endearingly ordinary Saigon moments that make you more connected to this chaotic city and its people. Ho Thi Ky is known as the wholesale flower market where you’ll make your way through zigzag narrow alleys and passages filled with flower stalls and learn more about the business of local people here. Every flower you can imagine spills out onto the street like roses, lilies, orchids, daisies, in every colour. But wait, look up at the residential areas above, you will be surprised by a different life to the marketplace. Here, the line between commercial and residential is blurred. Old buildings with flower-filled balconies and a spider-web-like network of electric wire right up on your head. Somewhere in an apartment, the elderly relaxing in living rooms or taking care of their grandchildren. Back on the street, bouquets of flowers packed in the back of motorbikes steadily pouring out of the market. Afterwards, step back in time at the oldest café in Saigon for a reminder of what Vietnamese coffee used to taste like. Before French filtered coffee made its way down the town, there was “Cà Phê Vợt”. Come and see how it is made, listen to old stories told by the owner over a cup of coffee.
    Have lunch at “Pho Binh”, the wartime headquarter where Viet Cong commanders gathered to plan the 1968 Tet Offensive. After lunch, head to a secret weapons chamber used by the Viet Cong and then visit a shrine to US Embassy guards killed in the 1968 Tet Offensive, outside today’s US Consulate. Continue to the former CIA building (outside visit only), where helicopters evacuated the last remaining US citizens in April 1975. Visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and presidential residence. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. The Neo-Romanesque Catholic Basilica was constructed from 1877 to 1833 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
    Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

15. DAY 15: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA DISCOVERY

    Drive to Ben Tre, approximately 90 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll board a boat that cruises along a branch of the Mekong River. After a short ride, you’ll disembark and set out on a light walk through a small community to visit a brickwork factory where bricks are made by hand. Your boat trip continues to My Long village where you’ll depart to walk through the hamlet to see how rice paper is made and taste rice cake. Following the Cai Son canal, you’ll wind through a coconut jungle, visit a coconut workshop, have a look at the stages of coconut processing from husking to prizing out the peel by hand. Next, set down a small waterway and stop at a buzzing bee garden, enjoy some fruits, honey tea and listen to local music. Visit a candy mill and enjoy some sweet treats before a walking to visit a farmer's house where traditional sleeping mats are made. From here, you’ll have the choice to either bike on rural tracks, ride on a xe loi (motor cart) through a range of coconut groves and vegetable patches, or to simply relax at leisure. Now on a row boat, head along a canal lined with shady palm trees and stop for lunch at the local restaurant. As the tour comes to an end, head back to the main pier in Ben Tre by motorboat to meet your driver, and then return to your hotel.
    Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

16. DAY 16: HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE

    Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before driving to the Ho Chi Minh International Airport to catch your departure flight home or travel on to next destinations!
    Meals included: Breakfast.