Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Hanoi – City tour (L)

   • 7h30-8h:00 Our driver picks you up from the Airport station and transfers to the city center to join the group tour.
   • We will start our city day trip. Head to Uncle Ho’s final resting place standing in Ba Dinh Square where Vietnamese cultural and political events usually take place. 
   • Visit Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he used to live intermittently during the Vietnam War, and the One Pillar Pagoda – a Buddhist temple featuring unique architecture inside and a peaceful lotus lake outside. 
   • Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Bodhi tree, which was offered by Indian Prime Minister Rajendra Prasad as a gift during his visit to Vietnam in 1959.
   • 12h30: Have lunch in a restaurant in the Old Quarter.
   • Continue to the ancient Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake). Visit the first Vietnamese university - the Literature Temple (Quoc Tu Giam) founded in 1070 based on the teachings of Confucianism.
   • 16h15: Enjoy a water puppet show – a well-known traditional Vietnamese art that has been preserved through generations for over 800 years (excluded water puppet show).
   • Free time for dinner on your own.
     Stay overnight in Hanoi.

   Please note: - The program will be adjusted to suit the arrival flights.

   The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and all museums are closed on Mondays. Alternatives will be recommended accordingly.

2. Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave) [B/L]

   • 7h30 - 8:00 AM - Depart from Hanoi.
   • Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and begin the journey towards Ninh Binh province. It takes approximately two hours to reach the first destination of the day, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
   • 10:00 - 10:30 AM - Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
   • Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Here, you will visit the temples of the two kings, Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. The temples are located in a scenic area surrounded by limestone mountains and green rice fields.
   • 11:30 AM - Explore Mua Cave.
   • After visiting Hoa Lu, the tour continues to Mua Cave, located nearby. Mua Cave is a popular tourist spot due to its stunning panoramic view of the Tam Coc area. To reach the top of the mountain, you need to climb 500 steps, but the effort is worth it.
   • 1:00 PM - Lunch break.
   • You will have lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh, where you can try traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
   • 2:00 PM - Boat tour in Trang An.
   • After lunch, it's time for a boat tour in Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trang An is known for its scenic landscapes of karst mountains, caves, and rivers. During the boat tour, you will explore the caves and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
   • 4:30 PM - Return to Hanoi.
   • After the boat tour, you will be driven back to your hotel in Hanoi, where you will arrive around 6:30 PM, depending on traffic.

3. Day 3: Hanoi - Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall (B/L/D)

   • 6:00 – 6:30: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
   • 7:15: Depart for Ban Gioc Waterfall – a stunning natural wonder situated between Vietnam and China, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
   • 12:45 - 13:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to recharge for the rest of the day.
   • After lunch, continue your journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall and take in the breathtaking scenery. You'll have the option to take a boat ride near the waterfall (at your own expense) for an up-close experience.
   • Stop 2: Nguom Ngao Cave.
   • After visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, proceed to Nguom Ngao Cave, also known as Tiger Cave, where you can explore the fascinating cave formations.
   • 16:30: Head back to the bus and continue the journey to your hotel near Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province.
   • 18:30: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

   Overnight at the hotel.

4. Day 4: Ban Gioc Pagoda – Angle’s Eye Mountain (Meal: B, L)

   • 7:00: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
   • 8:00: The driver and guide will pick you up from the hotel to visit Ban Gioc Pagoda. From here, you'll have a magnificent view of Ban Gioc Waterfall, providing a perfect photo opportunity.
   • Next, proceed to Angle’s Eye Mountain, where you can witness the breathtaking through hole, known as Thung Mountain, located in Quang Uyen District.
   • 12:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Quang Uyen District, Cao Bang.
   • After lunch, board the bus to return to Hanoi.
   • 18:30: Arrive back in Hanoi, where the tour concludes.

5. Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight on cruise [B/L/D]

   • 07.45 – 08.30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Then we will head to Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta along the way.
   • 11.30: Upon arriving at our lobby in Tuan Chau Marina, you may take a short stretch while our staff arranges all registrations with the local government.
   • 12.00 – 12.30: The cruise captain and staff will welcome you onboard the CRUISE after a short tender transfer. While enjoying a refreshing welcome drink, a short cruise briefing and safety instructions will be given.
   • 12.30 – 13.00: CRUISE voyages to Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Lunch is served on board while the cruise passes via amazing limestone karst formations that rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.
   • 14.00 – 14.30: You will leave the cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise/Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.
   • 15.00: Returning to the CRUISE, the trip will continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can watch the magnificent view over either the Gulf of Tonkin or swim in the emerald green and cool water.
   • 17.00: After a long day, this is the ideal time to enjoy energizing drinks and snacks by joining ‘Happy Hour’ or Cooking Class on the sundeck.
   • 19.30: Sumptuous Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our wonderful onboard catering staff.
   • 20.30: After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

6. Day 6: Halong Bay – Luon Cave – Kayaking - Hanoi – flight to Danang [B/L]

   • 06.15 – 07.00: Breakfast is served. It can be a great idea to enjoy the meal with the magnificent view of the sunrise in Ha Long Bay.
   • 8.00 - 9.30: The cruise gets closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join our guide on a short trip to Luon Cave. This magic work of nature shows you the formation of karst mountains. You can discover this masterpiece by kayaking on your own. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs.
   • 9.30: Cruise welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.
   • 10.00: Whilst cruising back, a delightful lunch will be served.
   • 11.35: We return to the quayside in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark in Tuan Chau Marina. And leave for Hanoi on our shuttle.
   • 15.30 – 16.00: You will get back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
   • In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

7. Day 7: Danang – Marble Mountain – Linh Ung Pagoda – Hoi An [B/D]

   • 14:30-14:45: Driver and guide pick you up from your hotel, visit Linh Ung Pagoda – the most important pagoda in Danang for the Buddhist people to come and pray.
   • On the way to Hoi An, we will visit Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain).
   • Marble Mountain is a complex consisting of Kim (Iron Mountain), Mộc (Wood Mountain), Thủy (Water Mountain), Hỏa (Fire Mountain), Thổ (Earth Mountain) symbolizing the 5 main elements of the universe in Asian culture. You will discover the mysterious beauty of caves combining the sacred atmosphere of Buddhism. Visiting Tam Thai Pagoda, Linh Ung Pagoda.
   • You will admire the masterpieces of exquisite stone sculptures created by the skillful hands of artisans in Non Nuoc village at the foot of the mountain.
   • 18:00 Depart to Hoi An Ancient Town. You will have dinner with a variety of unique local dishes like Cao Lau, Hoanh Thanh, Banh Bao, Banh Vac…
   • Visit Hoi An Ancient Town, with: Japanese Bridge: This only remains of Japanese culture is now considered a symbol of Hoi An. 
   • Taking a walk along the streets of the Hoai River, enjoy the nightlife of Hoi An Town. Colorful lanterns are hung in front of the houses, across the streets and paths all around the town, creating a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
   • 21:00 Drop off at your hotel.

8. Day 8: Danang – Ba Na Hill – Golden Bridge Flight to HCM [B/L]

   • Have breakfast and check out of your room.
   • At 7:00 – 7:30 a.m: Our car and guide will meet you at your hotel in Da Nang and start the trip to Ba Na Hills. If you start from Hoi An, please be ready at 7:30 am.
   • At 9:30 a.m: Upon arrival at Ba Na Hills, you will take the Cable Car, which holds 4 world records.
   • Visit Debay Wine Cellar built in 1923, Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden. Highlight in this tour is the Golden Bridge (Hands of God). You will have a chance to see and take photos of this beautiful bridge.
   • You continue to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, where the highest Buddhist statue in the country is located (27 m).
   • At 11:30 a.m: Have lunch at a restaurant and take a short rest.
   • At 12:30 p.m: Conquer the peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1487 m, the highest peak in Ba Na to visit Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple. Continue discovering the French Square, visit and play some games in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Vietnam.
   • At 15:30: Back to the cabin down the mountain.
   • Back to the hotel in Da Nang/Hoi An. Arrive in Da Nang at about 17:00. Our driver will drop you at the airport for your flight to HCM.

9. Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta full day (B/L)

   • START AT 7.00 AM
   • Visitors will be taken to My Tho wharf, where the motorboat will take you on the Tien River to see the floating fish farm villages, and the RACH MIEU bridge – a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tien River and linking the two provinces of Tien Giang (My Tho) and Ben Tre together, and four islands: Long, Lan, Qui, Phung.
   • Stop by Con Lan to visit the local honey bee farm and taste the unique honey tea.
   • Afterward, the electric cart will escort you to the fruit garden where you can try fresh tropical fruits (seasonal) and listen to traditional Southern music.
   • Next, experience the taste of the Mekong Delta while sitting on a rowing boat, weaving into the small canals, watching rows of water coconuts, and the simple landscape of the Mekong Delta.
   • Return to the big boat, and along the Tien River, the motorboat will take you to the province of Ben Tre, known as the "Vietnamese coconut island," to visit the specialty of Ben Tre's coconut candy oven.
   • Have lunch at a lunch local restaurent
   • Take a rowing boat to the restaurant for lunch with typical dishes of the Mekong Delta.
   • Return at 4.00 PM

10. Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City tour or Cu Chi Tunnel – Departure (B/L)

    • In the morning: City tour
    • 8.30 am: Depart from your hotel or our office to Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City tour for 1 day.
      War Remnants Museum: A war museum containing exhibits relating to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
      Dinh Độc Lập: A place classified as a remarkable national monument. This place has witnessed many historical events in the country, especially the event of the liberation of the South to reunify the country on April 30, 1975.
      Nhà thờ Đức Bà: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, officially Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is a cathedral located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established by French colonists who initially named it the Church of Saigon, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880.
      Saigon Central Post Office: The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, or the Saigon Central Post Office, is a post office in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s cathedral. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century.
    • In the afternoon: Cu Chi tunnel
    • Firstly, excursion Cu Chi Tunnels: an underground tunnels network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. It took about 25 years to build this underground city, which has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities, and a command center. The tunnel system was an excellent way for the Vietcong to move around the countryside undetected by the Americans and home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years.
      Before we go underground, we watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank, as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers.
    • Have lunch at the restaurant, then we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
      In the evening, our driver will transfer you to the airport.