11 Days in Vietnam

Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International airport; your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi. We have left the day as free for you to relax, unwind, and become accustomed to your new surroundings. Overnight in Hanoi.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle & driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 2

Today with the help of your private guide and driver, you will get to explore the city’s top attractions, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes away from the tourist trails, hunkering down with the locals on the street at a variety of atmospheric food stalls.
Morning: Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (closes every Friday & Monday) where the Vietnamese people honor the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to
Day 1
Hanoi Arrival
Day 2
Hanoi – City’s Highlights Sightseeing (B/L)
become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.
Take a short drive to the outskirt of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closes every Monday) which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam. Some of them you will meet during your trip to Sapa.
Today you will have Pho for lunch, a Vietnamese Noodle soup. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world! At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese mealtimes and tell you which special ingredients are needed for you.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.
Embark on a fun cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quater, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel and the Opera House, name to a few.
We take a short walk to continue to Train Street to see the train drive through the cafe street, sip on Vietnamese Cappuccino or other beverages while taking in the surroundings before back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option.

Day 3

Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay Cruise By Shuttle Bus (B/L/D)
13.00: Welcome fresh drinks, wet towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn't get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay - A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.
Enjoy the delicious luncheon of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha bay with the breathtaking scenery.
15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area where has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands. Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.
17:30 - 18:30: Joining us for Cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.
19.30: Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
21:00 – 22.00: Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.
Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.
Overnight on cruise.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Sharing vehicle and driver. Sharing cruise
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Your selected cruise option

Day 4

6:00: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.
6:45 - 7:15 : Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time maybe adjust and follow the real itinerary)
Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An (B/Br)
7:30 - 9:00 : You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of talactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.
9:30 : Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin. Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)
10:30 - 11:00 Disembark the Peony Cruises and transferred back to Block #34, Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax and wait for the luggage.
11:30 - 12:00 The guests are ready at Tuan Chau Marina.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.
The shuttle bus will take you back to your hotel in Hanoi or other meeting point. From here, our private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to Noi Bai International airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport , a new private guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in in Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town. Rest of the day will be yours to explore at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Sharing/Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 5

Morning The whole morning is at your leisure. Enjoy a breakfast and the comforts of your hotel.
Afternoon Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, where you will embark on a walking tour visiting the major attractions such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge after your breakfast at hotel’s restaurant.
Hoi An Walking Tour (B)
Continue to visit the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. While transporting you to the furthest reaches of Vietnam, the collection will unveil the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic tribes.
The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated to delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.
Move on to the house of a lantern craftsman. There, you can observe the lantern craftsman’s technique before hands-on work through each stage of lantern-making under the guidance of the enthusiastic craftsmen: from bending it into the frame, cutting cloth, gluing, to completing lanterns. Before this trip concludes, you will have your own lantern created by your own hands.
Take you back to hotel and free at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 6

Today you are totally free at your leisure to discover the town in your own way. Hoi An has a pick of two beaches just 5kms (3 miles) away with so many beautiful beach resorts so please advise us if you prefer to stay on the beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Included for the day:
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 7

The morning will be free for strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy.
In the afternoon, you will depart from Hoi An for a 4-hour journey to Hue. Today you will enjoy one of the most scenic drives on our trip as we climb over the stunning Hai Van Pass (Ocean Clouds Pass), enjoying the spectacular scenery and views of the coastline below. Your journey to Da Nang will keep us entertained as you pass mile after mile of undeveloped beaches, travel past villages, and at times drive alongside the tracks of the famous Reunification Railway.
Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 8

Today you will explore the royal city of Hue once served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from 1802 to 1945. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the citadel, the city retains its royal charm.
Morning
After breakfast, you are picked up by your private guide and driver and begin your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
From the Imperial City, your guide will take you to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site with its origins dating back to 1601. Here you will explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens, the seven-tiered octagonal tower, and watch the monks chanting.
Leaving the city center you will drive to the outskirts heading to a local nunnery for lunch. Experience a fantastic traditional meal at this peaceful retreat and have the chance to interact with the nuns to learn more about Buddhism and gain a unique insight into their daily lives.
Afternoon
After lunch, you will explore the tomb of the longest-reigned Emperor Tu Duc, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place. You will also visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh, designed in the traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
Day 8
Hue – Ancient Citadel Sightseeing (B/L)
End your day at Dong Ba Market which runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 9

Morning After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to Hue Airport for a short flight heading south to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. It is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a new private driver and English-speaking guide who will drive you to the hotel in the city center for check-in.
Afternoon Spend the rest of the day visiting some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key highlights. We’ll tailor your tour to suit you, but we particularly recommend visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House, the historic Rex Hotel, the Central Post Office, renowned for its architecture, and Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Later stop at the Reunification Palace and the moving War Remnants Museum to for an insightful, yet somber, investigate Vietnam’s military history and turbulent past. Proceed to the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda before finishing the day in fine style with a sundowner at the top of the Bitexco Tower, the tallest building in Vietnam.
Overnight in HCM City.
Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Entrance Fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 10

Morning After breakfast, your private guHanide and driver will take you out of HCM City in a private vehicle and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, this region produces most of Vietnam’s fruit, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts. After the two-hour drive through the lush farming land, you will arrive in Ben Tre where you will set out on a motorized boat trip on narrow channels winding through the coconut forest. During the boat ride, you will stop at the local cottage industries to see how the local people make bricks and weave sleeping mats by hand. Learn about their craft handed down through generations. Take a leisure walk along the village lanes, visiting the local homes to try fresh fruits, taste delicious honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit another workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced, and a wide range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted. Next, take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of HCM City which seems far, far away. Enjoy sitting in the back of a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing local hamlets, rice fields, coconut groves, and lush orchard farms while meeting with local people.
Afternoon Enjoy sitting in the back of a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing rice and vegetable orchard farms while meeting with local people. Then we head to a local restaurant for a simple lunch, after which we will be driven two hours back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in HCM City.
Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Entrance Fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Your selected hotel option

Day 11

You are free at your leisure until checking out and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Meals: Breakfast
End of our service. Thank you for traveling with us!

• Conditions and validities apply.


• This offer is subject to availability


• Prices may change due to seasonal and exchange rate fluctuations


• Visas may be necessary and Insurance is essential


• Accommodation is per person sharing, unless otherwise specified


• Errors and omissions in this offer are excepted


• Subject to IGO Travel's general Conditions of Business

• Excludes high season/school holidays, block out dates may apply


• Any offers are already included in the price.


• Valid for new bookings only.


• High season, Christmas and single supplements may apply.


• This special cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.


• This special excludes single supplements and tour add ons.


• Full payment is required within 48 hrs of the booking being made.


• This special package is non-changeable and non-refundable.