BEST OF VIETNAM 8D7N 7 Nights / 8 Days

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. Hanoi, one of Asia’s most enchanting cities, full of culture, history and the engaging contradictions of a rapidly developing and deeply traditional society. You are greeted by your guide and driver at Noi Bai International Airport for your transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we will visit Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi. This is where all of the city's biggest cultural and political events take place. We will take some photos of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleumfrom the outside. Then we continue to the Temple of Literature,Vietnam's first university. The temple was built in 1070, and the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. After visiting the temple, we will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is home to a number of temples and pagodas, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. We will then take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses. The Old Quarter is also known as "The 36 Streets," as each street is named after the merchandise that was traditionally sold there.

Please note:

- Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included.

- Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-out is not included.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Departure in the morning from Hanoi. We drive across the Red River delta and reach the coast a little before noon. We then embark on a beautifully crafted junk for an overnight cruise in the legendary seascape of Ha Long Bay. Once on board, we are served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the surrounding limestone outcrops make for a truly magical setting. In the afternoon, we reach a less travelled area where we will devote ourselves to pure relaxation. The program is not fixed and depends on the time of the year and weather, but there will be an opportunity to visit a cave as well as explore a floating village or do a little bit of kayaking over the course of these 2 days. We end the day on the sundeck as the sun sets on this magical seascape. This evening, you can enjoy an aperitif or attend a cooking demonstration before dinner. Overnight in a comfortable private cabin with an en-suite bathroom.

Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather.

For those early birds, start the day with a proposed Tai Chi session,while tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. We then continue our exploration of the bay. Upon returning to the boat, check-out of your cabin and enjoy a light brunch while cruising back to the pier. We disembark and transfer back to Hanoi

You are met in the lobby of your hotel for a 30-minute drive without guide to the airport. Embark on your flight to Danang, where you are greeted upon arrival and driven to your hotel. Danang is a modern and dynamic coastal city, a regional hub at the doorstep of Hoi An ancient town.

After breakfast, we transfer to visit Cam Thanh village and Bay Mau coconut forest. Here you have chance to experience the traditional way of life. Take a bamboo basket boat tour through the coconut groves, learn how to paddle a traditional boat and try your hand at catching fish and shrimp using traditional techniques. Relax in the peaceful countryside by simply sit back and enjoy the views. Learn about traditional handicrafts by watching local artisans weave baskets and mats using coconut leaves and other natural materials. You can even try your hand at making your own.

In the afternoon, after our transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town, we will be immersed in a magical world of Oriental feel. We will walk over the Japanese Bridge, visit Chinese Assembly halls, and explore ancient houses. We can also listen to folk music at old club-houses or stroll into the market by Thu Bon River. Here, we may feel the same inspiration as artists who have found the rooftops of Hoi An to be a source of inspiration. The rest of the time is free for shopping. Hoi An is legendary for its affordable yet quality tailoring services. The streets of the ancient town are also lined with shop houses and makeshift stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, traditional apparel, and shoes. The central marketplace is filled with locals bargaining for fresh produce and foodstuffs. Hoi An town in the evening is a magical place, where is bathed in warm yellow light from the lanterns that hang from the shophouses, and the streets are filled with the sound of music and laughter.

Drive back to hotel in Danang for overnight.

In the morning, transfer to Ba Na hills area where your cable car transfer will be waiting to take you up to an altitude of 1487m above sea level. This is the second longest cable car in the world, with a difference of 1292m between the 2 stations. On a visit to Ba Na hills, you will be able to enjoy visits to an ecological park, a theme park, a pagoda, and a mock French village (not including Wax Museum). Accompanied by a tour guide, you can walk the “Golden Bridge”– the pedestrian walkway offering tourist’s uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape beneath. Next you will have some free time to explore the park some more, discover the games and other entertainment areas. Spend more time to relax at your preference then make your way back to the cable car to venture back down the mountain to meet up with your guide again and transfer back to your hotel in Danang.

You are met in the lobby of your hotel for a short transfer to Danang airport. Embark on your flight to Ho Chi Minh city, the big metropolis of the South. You are greeted upon arrival and driven to your hotel in the city center, historically called Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

·Pick up at your hotel and drive to Cu Chi (60km – 1,5 hours)

·Visit Lacquer workshop

·Upon arrival, watch a documentary film

·Discover special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basicneeds.

·Discover an underground town

·Discover many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels and learning more about the handmade weapon and traps

·Visit rice paper workshop

·Taste special tea and tapioca (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

·Having lunch with beef/chicken noodle

·Notre Dame Cathedral

·Saigon Post Office

·Reunification Palace

·War Remnants Museum

·Local Market (Flexible/ If have enough time)

OPTIONAL: Try shooting AK47, M16, M60, M30. Surcharge: 2,5usd/ bullets (1line has 10 bullets)

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!