VIETNAM BEACH ESCAPE - 15DAYS
Highlights
- Hanoi, vibrant city tempo.
- Scenic Halong Bay – the World Heritage Site.
- Unparalleled leisure in Hoi An.
- Colonial Ho Chi Minh City with Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Vivid Mekong Delta.
- Age range
- < 18 year olds +4 more
- Accommodation
- 3 / 4 / 5
- Transportation
Itinerary
Download PDF Brochure- DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI
Welcome to Hanoi, the Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai airport for greetings and hotel transfer. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to recover from jet lag. Meals: N/A. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
- DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR - EXPLORE OLD QUARTER & ITS CUISINE
This morning, start off your Hanoi city tour with one hour cyclo ride around the French Old Quarter, to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. This is a great introduction of the thousand-year-old city which helps you delve into a bygone time of Vietnam.
Afterward, pay your respect to the nation’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important pilgrimage site of Vietnamese people. Explore the nearby house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary and learn more about the prewar history of the country (Outside visiting of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum). Next 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.
Afternoon, continue with the Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. The next tour not only tells you moving stories about the struggles of political prisoners but also provides immersive experiences, you’ll visit Hoa Lo prison (as known as Hanoi Hilton), where was used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of the Vietnam - American War.
Discover the ancient art of water puppetry with an entertaining performance by the famed Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre.
The water puppetry dates back to the 11th century, originally in the villages of the Red River Delta area in Northern Vietnam. And today this art is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.
Finish the day with a walking tour and tasting Vietnamese authentic local cuisine around the Old Quarter area. You will have a chance to not only sample delicious street foods but also to explore hidden alleyways and bustling markets. Our food tour includes "Bun Cha" - rice noodle with BBQ pork, one of the most favorable dishes for foreigners, then followed by "Banh Cuon" - steamed rice roll, "Banh Mi" - another well-known Vietnamese food that is even added into Oxford English Dictionary.
Now, it is time for cup of Bia Hoi (Vietnamese draft beer) or enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee, while we sit down and mingle with locals. It seems it is one not be missed for foodie in Hanoi.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner with streetfood. - DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY - OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE
Have a breakfast and check out of hotel, then you will be transferred about 3 hours through rustic Vietnamese countryside to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage sites. With hundreds of giant limestone peaks jutting out of the water at the Bay of Tonkins – it is indeed an impressive sight.
Board our cruise and after a delicious seafood lunch was served, we take a short trek to a nearby summit to enjoy the panorama view of the bay. As the day wanes, slip into a swim in the cool water before enjoying a sumptuous dinner under the moonlit sky.
(Note: Program may differ slightly base on cruise ships)
Overnight on cruise.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. - DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI – NIGHT TRAIN TO HUE
Rising to the sound of the bay, enjoy an elegant breakfast before visiting a beautiful limestone grotto to admire its many unique rock formations. Then you’ll get back to the boat to form your final lasting impression of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty while cruising back to the dock, at the same time enjoy your lunch/ brunch.
Getting back onshore, you will be transferred back to Hanoi. Check in hotel nearby the train station for shower & relax.
Then catch the night train to Hue (shared cabin of 4 people). Train schedule: SE3@19:30 – 08:30
Overnight on train.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 5: HUE CITY TOUR
Upon arrival at Hue train station, you are welcomed by the local guide and driver. They will send you to the local restaurant for your breakfast.
After breakfast, begins your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
Wind your way to visit Tu Hieu pagoda & enjoy an excellent Vegetarian lunch, prepared and served by the nuns.
Afternoon, you’ll visit one of the most aesthetic royal tombs, Khai Dinh Tomb. This jaw dropping perfect blend of Western and Eastern architecture was constructed between 1920-1931 for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty – Emperor Khai Dinh.
Move on to Dong Khanh Tomb, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and a unique architectural work in the system of Nguyen Dynasty mausoleums in the ancient capital of Hue. You will have the opportunity to learn about the long process of forming this royal tomb.
End your day at Dong Ba Market which runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River. You will have a chance to discover a favorite Noddle shop by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noddle soup”.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch. - DAY 6: HUE – DANANG – HOIAN – VISIT ANCIENT TOWN
After breakfast, transfer you to the wharf for your boat ride on the Perfume River. During the boat cruise, you will stop to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue.
Then you will be transferred to Hoi An over the 500m high Hai Van pass. Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lap An Lagoon before continuing to Hoian. Check in your hotel and relax.
Afternoon, continue your trip to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Continue to visit the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. While transporting you to the furthest reaches of Vietnam, the collection will unveil the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic tribes
The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated with delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.
Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 7: HOIAN - BIKING, BOAT TRIP & FARMING TOUR
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a local fishing village by cycling on level ground to the Thu Bon River. For safety purposes, you will be given a short bicycle competency test. For those uncomfortable with riding a bicycle, a transfer by motorbike/taxi can be arranged.
Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo…
Take a short break in a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying a 1.5 hours ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal.
Continue to ride your bike to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetables is produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.
After some farming practices, head a local family to enjoy a foot massage and the traditional herbal foot dip. You will then ride back to the hotel to rest during the day.
Afternoon, you are free at leisure for relaxing at hotel, shopping in town or spend your time at beautiful beach far from the town 5km.
Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch. - DAY 8: HOIAN – DANANG – FLY TO HO CHI MINH - RIVER TOUR BY WATERBUS
Have a breakfast, you will be transferred to Danang airport to catch the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city, still call Saigon by many locals.
Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the local guide and driver. They will send you to downtown Ho Chi Minh city. Check in hotel & Have a rest.
Ho Chi Minh City is surrounded by the poetic Saigon River. Saigon River winds around the city, creating many beautiful peninsulas such as Thu Thiem and Thanh Da. While some places as Bui Vien or Ben Thanh Market are getting more crowded and bored, why don't you try to discover the soul of this land - Saigon River. Maybe you will realize many miracles, a more accurate view of the land once called Paris of Indochina or the Pearl of the Far East.
At 17:00: You will take the waterbus at Bach Dang Wharf -a beautiful park located in the center of Saigon.
You can stop at Thanh Da peninsula, this peninsula is a beautiful place and still quite untouched. In this peninsula, there are many old apartment buildings, this is one of a few places still remain the original Saigon.
Here you can enjoy a glass of "Cafe Sua Da", then return to Ben Bach Dang and get transfer back to hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 9: HO CHI MINH – HISTORICAL TOUR & CU CHI TUNNEL
Start your day with a transfer to Cu Chi, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and the Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits, all airms for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlas prolonged sieges.
After lunch, enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, a former residence of Indochina Governor General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. It was constructed between 1863 to 1880 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. The French-influenced design of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still acts as a stop for people who seek for old beauties and calmness.
Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
Next will be Jade Emperor Pagoda, nestled in a quiet enclave in downtown, the Pagoda offers a calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets outside.
Our final stop will be at Ben Thanh market where is to stock up on souvenirs, T-shirts, bags, coffee and other local products. Discover local life and culture if shopping is not your mission. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city here.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 10: HO CHI MINH – BEN TRE – TRA VINH – CAN THO
Today, you'll check out of hotel and be transferred to the Mekong Delta, with our first stop being Ben Tre.
Start your exploration of the Delta along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for by taking a sampan along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for a stroll ride through dense coconut plantations. We then return to the quayside in Ben Tre, where the bustling market and streets full of commercial activity provides a vibrant tableau for street photography.
In the afternoon, heading to the Khmer cultural heartland of Tra Vinh, where we will visit some of the 141 Khmer temples practicing the Theravada branch of Buddhism – a wonderful opportunity to experience these serene, peaceful places and get some wonderful portraits of the young monks in their saffron-coloured robes.
Continue your journey to Can Tho - the capital of Mekong Delta. In the evening, take the short walk to the night market by your own way.
Overnight at hotel in Can Tho.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 11: CAN THO – FLOATING MARKET – RACH GIA – SPEEDBOAT TO PHU QUOC ISLAND
Rise early for a boat trip to Cai Rang market, the biggest floating wholesale market of the Mekong region. The market is filled with hundreds of small boats darting through the water as vendors sell their wares. Glide through the matrix of boats to see how the locals trade their fruits and vegetables and learn more about the floating marketing culture and the floating life on the boats.
Leaving the market, continue your boat ride along narrow canals to visit a traditional homemade rice noodle factory where you can see how the locals make rice noodles, and enjoy the homemade “rice noodle pizza”.
Get back to your hotel for breakfast, if time permits, you will visit Binh Thuy Old House where you will meet the present owner of this beautiful home and its furnishings.
After that, transfer to Rach Gia with 2 hours driving to take the speed boat to Phu Quoc island (13.30 – 15.30)
Upon arrival at Phu Quoc, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel. Check in & relax.
Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 12: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE & EASY
There are 3 days of leisure on the beach or explore destinations in Phu Quoc by your way.
Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 13: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE & EASY
There are 3 days of leisure on the beach or explore destinations in Phu Quoc in your way.
Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 14: PHU QUOC ISLAND - FREE & EASY
You are free at leisure on the beach.
Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 15: PHU QUOC ISLAND – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE
You are free until transfer to Phu Quoc airport to catch the flight back to Ho Chi Minh airport.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Domestic airport, you will move on to International airport to take your departure flight out of Vietnam.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Detailed services
Accommodation
Rated Excellent by past passengers
Note:
All the hotels/ cruise are subject to availability and can be changed. In case any of the listed hotels are fully booked, alternatives of equivalence will be taken.Guide
Rated Excellent by past passengersEnglish Speaking Tour Guide (other language on request)
Meals
Rated Excellent by past passengersAs mentioned in the itinerary
Transport
Rated Excellent by past passengersPrivate Car/Van with Air-Conditioning
Flights
Danang - Ho Chi Minh by Vietnam Airlines Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh by Vietnam Airlines
Note:
Please note that airfares are subject to availability and to change without notice
Price Includes
- All accommodation with daily breakfast
- All private transportation and transfers
- All domestic flights
- All sightseeing tickets/ entrance fees
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Cruise or boat trip as per program
- Mineral water on coach
Price Excludes
- International flights arrival to and departure
- Early check in or late check out at all hotels
- Personal expenditures such as beverage, laundry services, telephone calls
- Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
- Tipping/ Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam visa fee
- Other services not mentioned above