Vietnam’s history is rich with legend, tradition, determination and adaptation. An all encompassing trip visiting the highlights of this vibrant country. From the dynamic Saigon, Mekong Delta River, charming Hoi An town, historic Old Royal City in Hue to the architectural splendor of Hanoi, this is sometime called Land of Rising Dragon, the spectacular Halong Bay, this trip captures the best of Vietnam from South to North.

In brief

Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Day 2 : Mighty Mekong Delta
Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 4 : Hoi An - Hue
Day 5 : Hue - Hanoi
Day 6 : Hanoi - Halong
Day 7 : Hanoi - Departure 
 

Detailed Itinerary

 
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival ( D )

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be welcomed by Vietnam TripAdvisor's  guide and transferred to hotel in Ho Chi Minh city, still called Saigon by many locals, is crowded with motorbikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour takes us to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurant of Ho Chi Minh city. Stay overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

 
Day 2: 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 City, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An Ancient Town ( B, L)

After breakfast at hotel, we board a short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, we will pick you up and transfer to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport from 16th century but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang City, the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Upon arrival, check into hotel. Have lunch at one of the famous restaurants of Hoi An before having a walking tour. The ancient architecture of Hoi An 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 Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tan Ky 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. Dinner and accommodation at hotel.

 
Day 4: Hoi An - Hue (B, L)

The next destination is Hue, the Old Royal City in Vietnam in 17th century. Upon leaving Hoi An, we drive north to Hue. 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 Lang Co beach before reaching Hue city. 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. Overnight in Hue.
 
 
Day 5: Hue - Hanoi ( B, L, D )

Embark on boat on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, the beautiful riverside pagoda which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. 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 before we aboard a short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to hotel. Hanoi 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. Have lunch at restaurant in Hanoi (optional) before visiting Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century. If time permits then we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling 1000 Years Old Quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Then enjoy Water Puppet Unique show. Welcome dinner at Lotus restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Hanoi.Relax and stay overnight at hotel.

 
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong (B, L)

08: 00am: Transfer to Halong city for boat cruise on the Bay, stop on route to admire the landscape picture, you might take picture of buffalo boys. Embark on Junk, boat crew will greet you with special seafood lunch while boat cruise around the bay to visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach before finishes at harbor for transfer back to Hanoi.

 
Day 7: Hanoi - Departure ( B )

Free at leisure until time transfer to airport for flight back home. 

VietnamTripAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

• We are one of a small number of companies that are licensed by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
• Our prices are competitive while you are offerred services worth every money of yours.
• Our clients ever had wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Most of them have applauded and highly appreciated the services we provided.
• At our pleasure, we do a refund to you in any case the services does not satisfy you.
• Book shortly and then we will be able to make arrangements perfect.

Class	Tour cost per Person (in $US) from 1st Oct, 2010 to 31 Sept, 2011
	2	3 - 5	6 - 8	9 - 12
Superior 3*	850	790	740	690
Fist Class 4*	1080	1000	950	900
Deluxe 5*	1150	1100	1000	950

Accommodation	Superior (3+*)	First Class(4*)	Deluxe (5*)	Premium (5+*)
Ho Chi Minh city Hotels	Elios , Kingston , Lavender or similar	Continental hotel Rex hotel similar	Sofitel Plaza, Windsor Plaza, Caravell	Caravelle, Sofitel Plaza
Hoi An Hotels	Glory, Pho Hoi Riverside or similar	Hoi An Trail, Hoi An Beach resort or similar	Palm Garden, Victoria resort or similar	Victoria Hoi An
Hue Hotels	Hue Queen, Orchid  Hotel or similar	Villa Hue, Saigon Morin, Park View	Pilgrimage Village Hue, Celadon Palace	La Residence
Hanoi hotels	Medallion, Hanoi View hotel, Gia Bao Grand, Boss hotel	Sunway,Maison D’ Hanoi, Zephyr, Flower Garden	Inter-Continental, Melia Hotel, Sofitel plaza hotel	Sofitel Metropole,Hilton
Halong Bay Cruise	Phoenix Cruise , Amigo Cruise, Bai Tu Long Junk or similar	Paloma Cruise,Victory Cruise, Red dragon	Indochina Sails, Ginger Cruise, Jaminse	Violet Cruise, Prince Cruise,

Trip included:

• Pick up & drop off at hotels at the places
• Welcome dinner & fairy well dinner with Vietnamese demonstration cuisine
• Accommodation based on twin sharing in places as indicated in program
• Food as mentioned in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L- lunch, D- dinner)
• All transfers and transportation
• All guided sightseeing fees and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Local professional English speaking tour guide at places
• Boat cruise on Halong Bay (Shared boat)
• Private boat on Perfume River in Hue
• Internal air tickets (Economy class with Vietnam airline): SDa Nang and Hue – Hanoi

Trip excluded :

• International flights
• Airport tax and International departure tax (14 USD/ person, accept US dollar and Vietnam dong)
• Visas and visa fee to Vietnam
• Personal expenses such as shopping, telephone, laundry and bar bills etc.
• Other meals and drinks
• Late check out & early check in for all accommodation at the places
• Al other service is not made on the written form
• Travel Insurance
• Tips & gratuities

Additional Information:

• Prices are per person (US$), based on double occupancy
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays & Fridays from Mid-September to Mid-November.
• Price excludes Personal expenses, gratuities to guides and drivers
• Vietnam & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (subject to change).
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners apply between Dec. 23 - Jan. 02 and during period of Lunar New Year.
• Vietnam visa required. Not included in package and can be arranged in two days.
• Prices subject to change without notice