Vietnam Best Vacation: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Danang – Hoian – Hue – Hanoi – Halong

Upon arrival Tan Son Nhat airport, you are met and followed by our tour guide and transfer to hotel. Then you are free.

This evening, meet your leader and the rest your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals: Dinner at local restaurant

You spend a full day to enjoy city tour of Ho Chi Minh, followed by a guided tour of some of the most important attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, beginning with the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the Southern Vietnam President until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Afterwards, we’ll visit the History Museum where there is a special exhibition of Phu Nam country which dates back to the 2nd century ‘OcEo’ civilization. You’ll also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam. This afternoon, you call in the Museum of War Remnants which provides a very partial, but riveting perspective of the Vietnam war, and the BinhTay market in Chinatown area. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: Notre Dame Cathedral closed for renovation to 2020 so visit outside only.

Breakfast at hotel, this morning we head to Cu Chi Tunnels which are located in an area known during the American War in Vietnam as the ‘Iron Triangle’, on account of the strength of its Communist insurgency. Cu Chi was also the conclusion to many caravan paths that traced down from the Chinese border, across mountain borders with Laos and into the Mekong Delta, which later became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The network, which is several storeys deep in some parts, includes trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh where the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

There is some free time for your own exploration in Ho Chi Minh until we transfer to airport for your flight to Danang where you’ll be greeted and driven to Hoian, originally a Cham seaport but influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. You will stop to visit the Marble Mountains, the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang city before reach Hoian. Then you are free. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel

After an early breakfast you’ll avoid the city heat to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network 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 Viet Cong in the American war. Afterward we will return to city to visit some of the most important attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, beginning with the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the Southern Vietnam President until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral (visit outside only because it’s under renovated) and the Old Saigon Post Office. Afterwards, we’ll visit the History Museum where there is a special exhibition of Phu Nam country which dates back to the 2nd century ‘OcEo’ civilization. You’ll also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional buildings with Chinese and Japanese influence. There’s plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Pottery Museum, 200 years old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and 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. You’ll understand why many visitors come to Hoi An again and again. In spite of the beautiful setting, many visitors site the food as the highlight of their trip to Hoi An – ask your guide for a recommendation!

Overnight in Hoian

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional buildings with Chinese and Japanese influence. There’s plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Pottery Museum, 200 years old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and 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. You’ll understand why many visitors come to Hoi An again and again. In spite of the beautiful setting, many visitors site the food as the highlight of their trip to Hoi An – ask your guide for a recommendation!

Overnight in Hoian

Upon leaving Hoian you drive to Hue – Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. 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 of Lang co Beach.

In the afternoon, you will be met at hotel to take a short drive to explore the massive Hue citadel built in 1832 followed by Western architecture combining with Eastern citadel containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive but with renovating by a great work of local artist will hold you back to know more about Nguyen dynasty. Then we will have one hour cyclo around Hue city before visit Dong Ba market for your shopping. Overnight in Hue.

Trip continue to Minh Mang Mausoleum located on Cam Khe mountain by the tip top of Perfume River, the construction built within 3 years 1840 – 1843 by at 10.000 workers & artists. Minh Mang emperor was the 2nd King under Nguyen Dynasty who was tightening country relationships & change name to Dai Viet for more power and influence in the region and international. Continue the trip you will board for Dragon boat to cruise downstream river to visit charming of Thien Mu pagoda built in 1601 lying on the top of Ha Khe hill by side of the river, hidden behind 7 layers of PhuocDuyen tower then you are free.

Overnight in Hue.

There is some free time for your own exploration in Hue until we transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks, with a population of about four million. The city centre is like an architectural museum, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town from the 1930s. Then you are free.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at hotel, you are followed by a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origin dates back to the foundation of Hanoi a thousand years ago. Your tour of Hanoi continues with a trip to the remarkable Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university. After lunch, you’ll enjoy the always impressive Ethnology Museum dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. You’ll then continue to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous Water Puppet Theatre where you’ll see a fantastic performance.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel, around 08:00 we transfer to Halong City, the drive takes about 4 hours, stopping off for a refreshment break en route.
11.30 Check-in at Paradise Lounge – Tuan Chau Island
Your first stop on arrival at Tuan Chau Island is the Paradise check-in lounge. You will have time to refresh yourself after the long drive from Hanoi.

12:30 Embark on Paradise Luxury
After your transfer to Paradise Luxury, you will be checked-in, then taken to the restaurant, where you will be briefed about your cruise while enjoying your welcome drink.

13:00 Lunch in the restaurant
As the Paradise Luxury makes its way to Halong Bay, you will have time to savor your delicious lunch while enjoying the stunning views – your first introduction to this majestic landscape.

14:00 Cruise Halong Bay or enjoy a Spa Treatment
After lunch, you will have time to be enchanted by the stunning landscape of Halong Bay. If the first stop isn’t for you, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering and indulgence at Le Parfum Spa*.

14:30 Visit Tung Sau Pearl Farm or kayak*
Your first excursion is a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in Halong Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practicing a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. If this excursion doesn’t take your fancy, stay on board and treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea.

16:00 Visit Sung Sot Cave
Your next stop is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave. This is the largest cave in Halong Bay, and the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years have taken on fascinating shapes.

17:45 Pre-Dinner Sunset Cocktails* and Cooking Demonstration
Paradise Luxury will anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island. This is the perfect time for you to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets over the karst landscape. Foodies can partake in Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner, and guaranteed to whet the appetite.

19:30 Royal Bao Dai Dinner
Dress like kings and queens for the Royal Bao Dai dinner at the restaurant. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax with a drink* or two, go squid fishing, book in for a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa* or watch a movie in the restaurant.

06:30 Tai Chi on Sundeck
Welcome your second day on board Paradise Luxury with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises, followed by a light breakfast in the restaurant.

07:30 Visit to Titov Island
Hike to the top of Titov Island for stunning panoramic views of the Bay. After your hike, go for a refreshing swim in Halong Bay’s emerald waters, or sip from a coconut in the shade. If you choose to stay on board, book in for a pamper session in the Le Parfum Spa*.

08:30 Breakfast at the restaurant
Back on board, you can opt for your breakfast to be served in the restaurant or your cabin. Paradise Luxury will pass Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet before you settle your bill, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island.

10:30 Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
After disembarking from Paradise Luxury, and for guests booked on the Paradise shuttle bus, you will be served a light lunch at Paradise Lounge before the drive back to Hanoi.

12:00 Return to Hanoi.Then you are free for your own exploration in Hanoi until we transfer to airport for your flight departure. The trip ends.