Essential Vietnam vacation package

(12 days - 11 nights)

Essential Vietnam is a wonderful trip designed for those who want to experience the very best of Vietnam, but only have limited time. Brings you experience the charm of Hanoi, the scenic impressive sight of Halong Bay, the ancient capital of Hue, the charming Hoi An, Nha Trang, the hill station of Dalat, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the mighty Mekong Delta

itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi city (L, D)

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel in Hanoi. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits then we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century. Have lunch at restaurant in Hanoi (optional) before walking tour in 1000 Years Old Hanoi Old Quarter then enjoy Water Puppet Unique show at 4 PM. Welcome dinner Lotus restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Hanoi. Relax and stay over night at hotel

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)

8: 00 AM: Transfer to Halong city for boat cruise on the Bay, stop on route to admire the landscape picture, you might take picture of buffalo boy. Embark on Huong Hai Junk, check in registration. Boat screw will greetings you special seafood lunch with welcome drink during boat cruise around the bay to explore 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. Have dinner on board with Vietnamese wine and overnight on boat.

Day 3: Halong - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, you can relax on deck to enjoy the beauty atmosphere of the bay, boat passing the most beauty of karsts islets like Man’s head island, Tortoise island, visit Luon cave by small bamboo boat, Bai Tu Long bay. Have lunch on the boat return to Ha Long wharf for private car transfer back to Hanoi.
Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hue (B, L)

Free at leisure until time transfer to airport for flight to Hue. Our tour guide in Hue will greetings you at airport for transfer to hotel and learn historical of Old Royal City in Vietnam in 17th century. As Vietnam’s last feudal capital, the small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the massive citadel, which contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. After an impressive boat trip, we return to the town and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Hoian (B, L)

Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Accommodation at hotel in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian (B)

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence.
There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market.
Today, we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. A perfect way to round off the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, which also gives us a chance to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards.

Day 7: Hoian - Nhatrang (B)

An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of offshore islands, and white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape.
After checking into hotel we visit Nha Trang's some major sights, including the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of the day will be free for a well earned rest on a beach.

Day 8: Nhatrang- Dalat (B)

Upon leaving Nhatrang we head south towards Dalat, sometimes known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The journey will pass by the famous Cam Ranh Bay before arriving at the Po Klong Jarai Towers which represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people.
At an elevation of over 1, 000 meters, the hill station of Da Lat was founded in the early year of the last century for the colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon. On arrival in Dalat we start our tour taking us through plenty of the French colonial architectures to the summer residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. The following sights are the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Hang Nga Guesthouse, known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture.

Day 9: Dalat- Saigon (B)

The following destination of our trip is Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motobikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés.
After an enjoyable visit to the busy Hoa Binh Market, we make our way down hill to Ho Chi Minh, traveling through the many tea and coffee plantations. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Along the way we can make stops as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Saigon city tour - Cu Chi tunnels (B, L)

The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale!
We then transfer out to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200 km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.

Day 11: Mighty Mekong Delta (B, L)

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl.
On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music.
The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.

Trip includes:

• Accommodation based on twin/double sharing
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)
• Welcome drink for first meal on the boat on Halong bay
• All transfers and transportation
• All guided sightseeing fees and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Professional English speaking tour guide at places
• Boat cruise on Ha long Bay (share boat)
• Private boat on Perfume River in Hue and Mekong Delta river
• Air tickets (Economy class with Vietnam airline):  Saigon – Danang,  Hue – Hanoi

Trip excludes:

• Visa application fee to Vietnam
• Personal expenses
• Other meals and drinks
• Late check in & early check out for accommodation at the places
• Insurance
• Tip for tour guide & driver

• The Authentic Vietnam tour 16 days 15 nights
• Exciting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city package 7days 6nights
• Northern Vietnam highlights - Hanoi Halong Sapa - 6 days
• The Impression of Vietnam Central Highlands 10 day 9 nights
• Vietnam Highlights package 9 days 8 nights
• Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 days 5 nights
• North East adventures 6 days discovery of the hidden treasures Vietnam
• North West Vietnam 7 days Adventures