You might fall in love with Vietnam after this tour! This tour is designed for the discerning travelers wishing to the natural beauty and hidden charms along the whole country, helps to introduce a country with intriguing traditions, spectacular landscape and friendly people to you. Touring from North to South, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), you will have sweeping views of Vietnam and collect a lot of interesting experiences and unforgettable memories. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Visit the Old Imperial City
  • Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Excursion by boat through Halong Bay
  • Day 1

    Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam

    Arrival in Hanoi Airport, your guide welcome you to his hometown. Take a private vehicle to Halong. Overnight at Halong.

  • Day 2

    Halong to Hanoi

     

    Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch, about 4 hours. Board your charming traditional wooden junk for cruising through the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). At the core of the islets, there are two wonderful caves and grottoes to visit as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto). Disembark at Halong pier. By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi, Overnight in Hanoi.

  • Day 3

    Hanoi to Hue

    Sightseeing in Hanoi. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it’s many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

    Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. After the pagoda visit, walk through the park to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days ( 1969). Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Finally, discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi by walk. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.

     

    Take a flight from Hanoi to Hue and overnight in Hue.

  • Day 4

    Hue

     

    Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.

     

    Visit the Old Imperial City. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites.

     

    Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life. Visit Dong Ba Market, a local market near the Imperial city. Overnight at Hue.

  • Day 5

    Hue to Hoi An

     

    Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Huong Giang river. Embark on a local boat and cruise down the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a center of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc.

     

    By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang. Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea. After arriving in Danang, tour the Chan Museum, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass Non Nuoc Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War.

     

    Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe. Overnight in Hoi An.

  • Day 6

    Hoi An, Danang to Saigon

     

    Sightseeing in Hoi An, the picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.

    Sa Huynh Museum: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Tran family Chapel: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.

     

    Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). Visit one of the traditional lantern workshops in Hoi An to understand more its heritage. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern.

    Take a private vehicle from Hoi An to Danang and fly to Saigon in the everning. Overnight in Saigon. 

  • Day 7

    Saigon

    Sightseeing in Saigon. A vibrant metropolis, Saigon, or we now call Ho Chi Minh City, teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorbikes, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense.

     

    Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

     

    Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit Eemperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. You guide and drive send you to the airport and safe back home. 

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