Highlights Of Vietnam - 9 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling colonial capital. Your guide will meet you when you touch down at Noi Bai International Airport and you’ll be taken to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of time at your leisure.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.
Today is a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city's museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square, where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display. Stop by the West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Later, disembark at the ancient city gate of O Quan Chuong, then continue walking to Thanh Ha local market and through bustling streets & alleys.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.
(The itinerary is a sample, depends on weather and it will be different between cruises. Our travel consultants will provide the exact schedule and program if you book other cruise such as Hera Cruise, Halong President Cruise, Emperor Cruise, Halong Violet, Halong Jasmine, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Ginger Cruise, Orchid Cruise, Indochina Sails, Au Co Cruise, Starlight Cruise, Sealife Cruise, Oriental Sails etc.)
Halong Bay is one of the most loved spots in Vietnam for a reason - it's gorgeous. On this Halong Bay tour, we take you away from the hectic pace of life in Hanoi and introduce you to the tranquil, beautiful Halong Bay... Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise on Halong Bay.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang – Hoian.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to the harbour. Savor a fresh seafood lunch, served on board before sailing back to Halong City, where your car will be waiting to take you to Hanoi's airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian, a peaceful riverside town in the centre of Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 5: Hoian Walking Tour.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. From the 16th to 18th centuries Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.
You are free in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian – Free at leisure.
Spend your day to kick back at the beach or exploring the city sights yourselves.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian – Danang – Fly to Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels.
Today you’ll fly to Saigon with a trip to the historical Cu Chi tunnels along the way. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground labyrinth of passageways, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through selections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Transfer to the hotel in the downtown to check in. Spend rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 8: Saigon – Mekong Delta day trip.
This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2-hour drive to My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. The first stop is to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang Province. The pagoda is an ancient Southern gem with the combination of Asian and European architecture including Renaissance period and Romanesque. Next, continue a drive to My Tho City to take a boat trip on Mekong River. View the fishing port, the traditional stilt houses and boat building workshops and islands including Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn and Tortoise. After lunch on one of the beautiful islands, ride a horse or take a carriage around villages to see the local life; taste tropical fruits and honey tea at bee-keeping farm; listen to traditional music and visit a local coconut candy manufacturer. Roam on village path with fruit orchards and bonsai garden. Meet the locals to get deeper understanding about their daily life in the watery area.
Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and your driver will drop you at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 9: Saigon Departure.
Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sightseeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.