Hanoi

Tour

Classic Vietnam

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we have a rest after a long flight or an orientation for the exploration. Tonight we dine at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants. Accommodation

Day 02 : Hanoi (B, L, D)

Our tour of this fascinating capital this morning offers us an insight into the life and times of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. We’ll start with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, then the house on stilts from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. We’ll also view the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, and the fascinating display of memorabilia in the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Next we visit Hanoi’s first University - the Temple of Literature - dating back to 1070. Also visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” - Hanoi’s former central prison made famous first for the incarceration of the leaders of Vietnam’s National Liberation movement and later US Airforce pilots shot down over North Vietnam. For lunch sample a traditional Vietnamese ‘pho’, the delicious noodle soup that is the unofficial national dish of Vietnam. This evening enjoy a performance of Hanoi’s famous Water Puppets. Also enjoy another aspect of Vietnamese cuisine – perhaps a meal at Hanoi’s most famous ‘cha ca’ (a distinctly spiced fried fish dish) restaurant.

Day 03 : Hanoi - Ha Long bay (B, L, D)

Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise.

Day 04 : Ha Long bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Drive back to Ha Noi with a stopover at Dong Trieu pottery village. Free afternoon at Ha Noi for own activities with guide at disposal. Hotel: Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi - Hoi an (B, L)

This morning fly to Danang and Central Vietnam. Our first stop is the Cham Museum then the Marble Mountains, with their cave and hillside temples and scenic views. Visit nearby China Beach before continuing on to enchanting Hoi An. The cuisine of Hoi An reflects a multicultural history, with Chinese and European influences evident in the town’s many charming restaurants. Tonight we enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration from which we learn some of the secrets of the town’s cuisine. Accommodation

Day 6: Hoian (B, L, D)

This morning we rise early and take a boat along the tranquil Thu Bon River to the town’s vibrant riverside market, then take a walking tour through the historic streets of Hoi An. Visit the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and a traditional trading house. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this beautiful town with its many clothing shops, cafes and river life. Perhaps relax on the beach or by the hotel pool, or try some of the town’s local specialties.

Day 7: Hoian - Hue (B, L, D)

This morning we cross spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s capital during the Nguyen Dynasty, andis also a centre of Buddhism with many active pagodas. This afternoon we walk among the impressive remnants of the Citadel and then visit the revered Thien Mu Pagoda returning to your hotel by boat along the Perfume Riiver. This evening join your tour leader to sample some of Hue’s traditional vegetarian cuisine at the Tinh Tam ‘Calm Soul’ restaurant. Accommodation

Day 08 : Hue (B, L, D)

This morning we drive to the tombs of the emperors, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. On return to Hue, you may wish to sample more of the city’s popular cuisine. The afternoon is free to relax or perhaps take a cyclo ride to the town market. This evening we will sample some of the famous Royal cuisine of Hue in a special Imperial banquet characterised by fine presentation and a diversity of cooking methods and textures.

Day 09 : Hue - Ho Chi Minh (B,L, D)

This morning fly to Ho Chi Minh City. We tour some of the city’s famous sites, beginning with Cholon – Saigon’s Chinatown. See the ornate interior of the Thien Hau temple, and walk the maze of alleyways through Binh Tay Market. We finish back in District 1 with a walk through the city centre, stopping at famous landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial Post Office, the Hotel de Ville, Municipal Theatre and Dong Khoi Street. Sample some of the city’s ice cream and iced coffee as we watch the city’s motorbike traffic stream by. Tonight we take a walk along one of the city’s liveliest food streets, then dine at a popular local restaurant. Accommodation

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh (B, L)

This morning we join a cooking class in tropical surroundings, under the guidance of a local chef who reveals some of the secrets of successful Vietnamese cooking. Dishes we prepare may include ‘cha gio’ (Vietnamese spring rolls), goi du du (green papaya salad), and thit ko tieu (stewed pork in caramel). Finish the morning by sampling our creations in a sumptuous lunch. This afternoon tour the historic former Presidential Palace, and the War Remnants Museum.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh - Can Tho (B, L)

We travel south into the heart of the Mekong Delta. For lunch, sample one of the Mekong’s specialities – elephant ear fish (ca tai tuong). We travel on by boat, taking in the verdant landscapes and river life that typify this region.On arrival at Can Tho check into your beautiful French colonial style hotel situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Accommodation

Day 12: Can Tho - Chau Doc (B, L, D)

This morning board your boat for a visit to the fascinating floating market at Cai Rang. See local farmers trading their produce on the water as they have done for centuries. Continue on to a fruit orchard where you can sample the tropical fruits grown in this region and try some local tea. In the afternoon drive deeper into the Mekong. On arrival in Chau Doc visit Sam Mountain for sunset, with its breathtaking views over rice paddies to the Cambodian border Accommodation .

Day 13: Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh (B, L, D)

This morning we drive back through the Mekong Delta farmlands to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon you have free time for last minute shopping or exploration before a final tour meal to remember, at one of the city’s finest Vietnamese restaurants – Mandarin. Accommodation: .

Day 14: Departure

Free untill transfer to TAN SON NHAT airport for flying to your next destionation.

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Related Places

Hanoi	Ha Long Bay	Hoi An
Hue	Ho Chi Minh City	Can Tho
Chau Doc