Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
Welcome to Hanoi! You will be met at the airport and transferred to hotel in Hanoi. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Renowned as the “Paris of the East”, Hanoi is one of Asia’s most delightful cities. Rich in culture and history this diverse city draws its influences from both French and Chinese culture.
This evening, join your Tour Guide and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight in hotel
Day 2: Hanoi city tour and cooking demonstration at Old Hanoi (B, L)
In the morning, we commence our exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum. We continue to his humble “house on stilts”, see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. The we visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Afterwards, get to Old Hanoi to attend a cooking demonstration by a local family. After finish cooking, reward yourself by a delicious lunch at a Vietnamese’s house before exploring the bustling Old Quarter on a fantastic Cyclo tour. Free evening at leisure.
Overnight in hotel
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
We leave Hanoi for 3-hour scenic drive to the Halong Bay, a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water, creating an unique and beautiful landscape. On arrival we board our traditional junk for a journey through the 3000 limestone islands dotted with caves and grottoes.
There is time for exploring the Bay at a leisure pace: swimming, relaxing and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board in this beautiful part of the world.
Overnight aboard Bhaya Cruises
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi/ Fly to Hue (B)
Early risers can enjoy a morning swim in a quite firth. After breakfast, continue enjoy cruising and swimming before we disembark & drive to airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel and free evening at leisure.
Overnight in hotel
Day 5: Discover Hue Imperial City (B, L)
This morning we take a boat ride along the romantice Perfume River. We stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the 7-storey octagonal tower and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue drive to Minh Mang Tomb built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor’s tomb complex consists of 40 contructions (palaces, temples, pavilion ect) designed on a symmetric axis. Today we have a special vegetarian lunch with nuns at Dong Thuyen Pagoda.
In the afternoon, we see the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors under Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy your shopping at Dong Ba Market before transfer back to hotel.
Overnight in hotel
Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B)
After breakfast at hotel, we visit the king tombs of Tu Duc & Khai Dinh. On the way to Da Nang, we stop for refreshment at Lang Co, a beautiful white sand beach. Continue driving to Da Nang to visit Cham Museum. Afterwards, we head to Hoi An Ancient Town – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Free afternoon at leisure to enjoy by yourself by a walking tour through the narrow lanes of the town lined with century-old building and illuminated by hundreds of colorful lanterns.
Overnight in hotel
Day 7: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B, L)
This morning, we take a half day excursion to My Son sanctuary. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. In the late morning we travel southward to the enchanting port town of Hoi An. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. This evening is free at your leisure.
Overnight in hotel
Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Saigon (B, D)
In the morning we will have a short drive to Da Nang airport and take a flight to Saigon, the Metropolis of the South. In the afternoon, we discover the most attractive sites of the City, seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office before we end the day with a visit to the China Town. Enjoy Highlight Dinner at the finest restaurant in town.
Overnight in hotel
Day 9: Saigon – Can Tho – Mekong Delta (B, L)
Today we travel southwards by road through beautiful countryside of Mekong Delta to Vinh Long province. On arrival, we take a boat ride to visit a local orchard and the Cai Be floating market, a famous place in Mekong Delta. Everyday, approximately 400 - 500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other local products anchor along the banks of the River, waiting for traders and customers. Here we can see local people being selling, buying and exchanging goods from their boats. Leave Cai Be, we visit a local family producing coconut candy, a specialty of the region. After lunch with local delicacies, we transfer to Can Tho.
Overnight in hotel
Day 10: Can Tho – Saigon (B)
In the morning we cruise along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat. We will see the Cai Rang – Phong Dien floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals.
After lunch, we drive back to Saigon then take a short flight to Siem Reap. Arrival Siem Reap, transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel
Day 11: Angkor Temple (B)
We spend whole day exploring the awesome temples, beginning with an early morning visit for sunrise and an exploration of the masterpiece, Angkor Wat. Afterwards, visit the southern gate of Angkor Thom, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side – gods to the left and demons to the right. Continue to the incredible fortified city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon (12th century). This afternoon, we also visit the Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm temple. The 10th century Banteay Srei temple – also known as the “Citadel of Women” is considered by many to be the “jewel” in Angkor’s crown. Ta Prohm, shrouded in jungle, has been left untouched, ensuring a natural aura as banyan trees twist amongst stone pillars.
Overnight in hotel
Day 12: Temple of Angkor (B, D)
Today we continue to explore Angkor Wat, traveling south-west of Siem Reap to Roluos Group Temples (850-893). We take inside the Complex to visit the sacred Preah Ko, Bakong and Loi Le Temples. We then head on to the Ta Som, a Buddhism temple since 12th century and Preah Khan, a sister temple of Ta Prohm. The temple one sheltered 515 statues. This afternoon set out for a cruise on the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, passing a floating village and seeing the daily life of local people there. This evening, enjoy our Farewell Dinner with Apsara dance show.
Overnight in hotel
Day 13: Siem Reap Departure (B)
You are free at leisure until the time transfer to the airport for onwards flights or take holiday extension.
(B): Breakfast
(L): Lunch
(D): Dinner
Hotel to be used
Classic Category
Hanoi: Rosaliza Hotel
Halong: Bhaya Cruises
Hue: Huong Giang Hotel
Hoi An: Hoi An Trails Resort
Saigon: Lavender Hotel
Can Tho: Saigon Can Tho Hotel
Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel
Deluxe Category
Hanoi: Melia Hanoi Hotel
Halong: Bhaya Cruises
Hue: La Residence Resort & Spa
Hoi An: Palm Garden Resort
Saigon: Caravelle Hotel
Can Tho: Victoria Can Tho Hotel
Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa
Notes:
• This premium small group tour starts on Sunday and finishes on Friday
