TOUR NAME: VIETNAM EXPRESS NORTHBOUND
TOUR CODE: VIE-VEN12
The exciting trip is one of our signature journeys designed for travelers keen to experience the diversity of Vietnam, but with less time to spare. Contrast the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with an overnight cruise at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay and enjoy the historical and cultural depths of Hoi An and Hue in Central Vietnam. This is Indochina at its best.
- Style: Cultural tour through Asia
- Type: Sightseeing tour in Vietnam
- Duration: 12 days
- Destination: 7 destinations in Vietnam
- Starts in Saigon
- Ends in Hanoi
- Suitable: All ages
What’s included: Lands transfers, accommodation, guide, entrance fees, bottled water and some foods.
Cities: Saigon, Cu Chi, Da Nang, Hoian, Hue, Hanoi & Halong.
Highlights: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating relic of the Vietnam War, ancient streets of Hoian, cooking class, countryside Hue and ancient relicts, Colonial architecture & historic sites of Hanoi and cruise Vietnam’s majestic Halong Bay.
Day 1 – Saigon
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to hotel. Free time.
Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnel
We leave Saigon in the morning and transfer to Cu Chi to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels.
In the afternoon visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace, from there stroll o the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall.
Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City – Hoian
Transfer to airport for a midday flight to Hoian.
Hoi An, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour to ancient town.
Day 4: Hoian
Enjoy a traditional cooking class. First, walking through the village, meet and chat to the locals selling their fresh farm produce. Visit the gardens around the village to understand the traditional gardening methods as well as typical herbs in Vietnam. Cruise back to the floating restaurant for a private hands-on cooking class. Savor your own culinary creations at lunch. Boat back to Thuan Tinh pier for a drive back to your hotel.
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 5: Hoian- Hue
Drive to Hue via scenic Hai Van Pass & Lang Co Beach. Hue served as Vietnam’s political capital from 1802 to 1945 under the rule of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Afternoon visit to Imperial Citadel and Tu Duc Mausoleum. Guided walk to bustling Dong Ba market.
Day 7 Hue countryside
Beyond the ancient citadel and extravagant tombs of Hue, lie the town’s historic garden houses. This guided tour will teach you more about these hidden gems and their legacy, as nearly all of them have direct links with the old Imperial Court. Visit by cyclo the garden houses of Lac Tinh Vien built in 1889, the former residence of a Princess and the lovely Tha Om Garden house.
Day 9: Hue- Hanoi
Flight to Hanoi. In the afternoon, visit Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temple then enjoy a guided walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter and sprawling Dong Xuan Market.
Enjoy the Water Puppet Theatre for a performance that captures the traditional life of Vietnam in a medium inspired by the abundance of water and rice paddy.
Day 10: Hanoi- Halong Bay
Depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy the 2 days cruise by traditional boat in Halong Bay, Unesco’s World Natural Heritage. Enjoy lunch as you cruise at a leisurely pace amongst the towering rock formations of this breathtaking bay. In the afternoon visit one of the many caves found on the islands, swim in the clear waters or simply relax on the sun deck. Overnight on board.
Day 11: Halong Bay- Hanoi
Rise early and greet the day with another refreshing Tai Chi class on the upper deck. Cruise ends at lunch time. Drive to Hanoi.
Day 12: Departure
At leisure until transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Prices
Your dreams and our passion combine to create your perfect trip and a customized price. Please contact us for your personalized offer.
Travel starts daily. You will travel independently with your own personal tour guide. Joining a group is not possible.
